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India: Kasab appeals against death rap Pg 9

IN BRIEF IM declared as a terrorist outfit Indian Mujahideen (IM), a home-grown Islamic terrorist group allegedly involved in serial bombings in Delhi, Mumbai, was on Friday banned by declaring it as a

terrorist outfit under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Obama to visit India in Nov US President Barack Obama today announced he will visit India in November, acknowledging that country is a rising and responsible global power “indispensable” to a future American strategy.

The Voice of Goa — Since 1900 panjim, saturDaY, june 5, 2010

Business: Govt will not pause rate hikes -- FM Pg 13

priCe rs. 3.00 (air surcharge rs. 1.50) pages 18

Sports: Nadal to clash with Soderling in finals Pg 18

Grilling time for Mickky Nadia’s family questioned too

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 4

The Crime Branch on Friday recorded statements of Tourism Minister Mickky Pacheco and family members of Nadia Torrado, even as the minister, who was close to the deceased, was kept inside the Dona Paula office the whole day for interrogation.

Pacheco, who entered the CB office at 10.30 am, appeared at 7.15 pm after which he was surrounded by journalists. But the minister, who appeared unperturbed, refused to answer any queries from the media and maintained he would speak at a press conference. However, he didn’t specify the day or time of the conference.

Nadia’s estranged husband, her mother and two brothers were also present at the Crime Branch and remained there for the entire day. However, the husband’s statement was also recorded and at 4.40 pm he was taken away from the Crime Branch.

It is learnt he was taken to the police headquarters inside (Continued on page 10)

Tourism Minister Mickky Pacheco and Nadia’s estranged husband Winston Barretto (right) at the police headquarters in Panjim on Friday.

Photos by Rozario Estibeiro

Women’s Commission records mother’s say HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 4

The Goa State Women’s Commission (GSWC) on Friday recorded the statement of Nadia Torrado’s mother, Sonia, who has complained to the commis-

sion of harassment by the Goa Police.

Chairperson GSWC Ezilda Sapeco said the mother and her two sons had come to the commission in the afternoon after the GSWC summoned her for questioning as part of the in-

quiry into her complaint.” We will also summon the police as part of the inquiry,” she stated.

Sapeco said Sonia was asked some questions and the recording of statements went on for nearly an hour.

Pawar, daughter in IPL soup again PTI NEW DELHI/MUMBAI, JUNE 4

The IPL (Indian Premier League) controversy today returned to haunt Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar and his arliamentarian daughter Supriya Sule over a bid for the IPL Pune team by a company in which they had direct hareholding as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) targeted him and demanded his resignation.

The two, who are members of Lok Sabha from Madha and Baramati in Maharashtra, were back at the centre of a fresh storm over a newspaper report that they held over 16 per cent equity in City Corporation, a Pune-based construction company which bid Rs.1,176 crore for a franchise in March.

They dismissed suggestions that they were lacking in transparency by not disclosing details of their interest in the company six weeks ago when the IPL controversy raged. Both of them maintained that there was no necessity felt for doing so at that time.

“I have stated earlier also that neither I nor any of my (Continued on page 10)

Amin admits being part of franchise bid PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 4

Seeking to clear the air, interim IPL chairman Chirayu Amin today said he was approached by a group of businessmen to join them in a consortium to bid for the Pune franchise about (Continued on page 10)

If land records online system will facilitate, updation, acquisition, preparation, integration, administration, reformation...then why not only conversion!!

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GOA, SATURDAY, 5 JUNE, 2010

Centre should decide on Goa CSJP calls for efforts to save environment as tiger reserve: Filipe Neri Blames policies, abuse of resources for global warming SHWETA KAMAT PANJIM, JUNE 4

On the World Environment Day, the environmentalists continue to find it a distant dream to get state’s wildlife sanctuaries declared as a tiger habitat, thanks to the lack of a strong political will.

While environmentalists have been lobbying hard to get the state declared as tiger reserves, the State Forest Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues brushed aside his responsibility bluntly saying “it's for the Centre to declare state as tiger reserve”.

Rodrigues, who had earlier claimed that the Union forest ministry would give its verdict on tiger reserves only after the state forest department submits the proposal to declare Goa’s wildlife sanctuaries as tiger habitat, today, sung a different tune, expectedly.

“We are not the concern authority. The Union ministry has their own authorities who look after the tiger reserves across the country. The authorities have to come down here and survey and its upto them to call it a reserve or not,” minister told Herald over a phone.

Even a political master intend to keep the issue on backburner, the recent wildlife census has reinforced the belief that the tiger do exist in the state’s wild.

The week long census reported various indirect evidences of

tiger in sanctuaries like Mollem, Cotigao and Mhadei, where a tiger was allegedly poached by Majik community people in February, 2009.

Environmentalist, Rajendra Kerkar, just before the census in April, 2010 had rightly predicted that the animal census will give the clear picture of tiger presence in the state.

Kerkar said that the protection of sanctuaries like Mhadei, Netravali and Bhagwan Mahaveer will provide continuous corridor to this wild animal connecting neighbouring Maharashtra and Karnataka states.

He said that the demand to declare Mhadei wildlife sanctuary as tiger reserve exists since 1999 but the state government does not care about it.

Meanwhile, environmentalist Nirmal Kulkarni, known for his eco-columns in newspapers, offered no comments when this reporter contacted him.

“It’s useless to comment… .we are been fighting for long… no use,” he said in a disgust.

Along with environmentalists, NGO’s like Nisarga, Mission Green, Goa Foundation, and others are always pressing for declaration of these sanctuaries as tiger reserves so that the mining companies are kept at a distance from where even if they want, they can’t peep into it.

However, the Additional Prin-

cipal Chief Conservator of Forest (APCCF) Dr Shashi Kumar feels it’s irrelevant to link mining with tiger reserves.

“If the situation demands then we might put a proposal before the centre to declare our wildlife sanctuaries as tiger reserves for tiger protection,” he said.

“But, there need to be proper evidences to prove it. The recent census has shown some indirect evidences but has not given the clear picture. The tigers that we see here, is just the reason of overflowing population from neighbouring states,” Dr Kumar maintained.

In January, 2010, an e-petition seeking Goa’s Mhadei wildlife sanctuary to be declared as a tiger habitat was sent to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and to the union forest minister Jayram Ramesh by NGO called Mission Green.

Tallulha D’Silva, founder member of Mission Green in the petition had explained that the declaration of Mhadei wildlife sanctuary as a tiger habitat will attract better forest management and stringent jungle rules in the state.

T h e f o re s t d e p a r t m e n t records confirmed that the census held in 2002 had counted presence of four tigers in the state based on pugmarks and other related signs of the wild beast.

Fomento’s Sonsodo works to be assessed during monsoons: PCB

HERALD NEWS BUREAU PANJIM, JUNE 4

The Council for Social Justice and Peace (CSJP) has stated that irrational policies, unscrupulous urbanisation of villages, especially in the coastal belt, and blatant abuse of the natural resources have contributed significantly to global warming and climate change in the State.

In a message to mark World Environment Day on June 5, the CSJP has stated that efforts must be made to prevent pollution of air, water-bodies and soil as well as to protect all eco-sensitive zones in the State.

‘June 5 is dedicated to World

GCZMA ordered to appoint PIO HERALD RPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 4

The Goa State Information Commission, here, has ordered the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority to appoint a Public Information Officer within a period of 15 days staring from June 1, 2010.

The order is a result of a complaint filed by V A Kamat of St Inez seeking information from the GCZMA under the Right to Information Act on projects falling within 200 mts of the High Tide Line.

The judgement given by State Information Commissioner (SIC) Afonso Araujo states GCZMA failed to appoint a PIO to deal with matters pertaining to RTI. He said it appeared the appointment of PIO was on contract basis and after the resignation of the legal assistant, the one who was subsequently appointed also resigned.

He maintained right from the date of an order earlier order passed by the Commission on July 16, 2009 directing GCZMA to appoint a PIO till date there has been no action thus showing total disregard to provisions of RTI Act.

Environment Day and was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972, following the UN Conference on ‘Human Environment’.

The observation of this day is a clarion call to us all, as individuals or members of any Institution or Organisation to pay our debt to the Planet Earth which gives us life and its sustenance,’ stated CSJP executive Secretary Fr Maverick Fernandes.

‘Many of the natural resources of the Earth are limited and non renewable. Rampant cutting of hills, forests, mangroves, limitless excavation of mineral ores

Fomento CEO Shridhar Kamat explaining Pollution Control board officials the measures taken at Sonsodo garbage dumping site.

Photo by Santosh Mirajkar HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JUNE 4

The Goa Pollution Control Board on Friday said that Fomento has implemented certain measures at Sonsodo by covering the dump yard with tarpaulin and construction of tanks to collect lechate, but added that whether the measures would serve the purpose would be known only during the monsoons.

A team of Goa Pollution Control Board this evening inspected the Sonsodo site on three counts – whether Fomento has capped the site with tarpaulin, constructed tanks for leachate collection and the surface drains.

When newsmen asked

whether the Board is satisfied with the measures implemented at Sonsodo, Board Chairman Dr Simon D’Souza said “appears to be, but we must see how it remains during the monsoons. Tarpaulin cover should remain”.

The inspection was carried out as the matter concerning Sonsodo is pending in the court and the Board was called to prepare a report on the ground reality and ensure that there’s no seepage of leachate in the ground. He said Fomento has compacted the dumping site, adding there is less possibility of the tanks collapsing during the monsoons.

Fomento’s Chief Executive Officer Shridhar Kamat said the Pollution Control Board has in-

FATTOD flays hike in permit fees HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JUNE 4

The Executive meeting of the Federation of Association of Tourist Taxi Owners and Drivers (FATTOD) has strongly objected to the proposed hike in permits fees and the decision not to issue permits for vehicles less than 1000 cc.

A delegation of FATTOD led

by President Jorge Fernandes called on Chairman of State Transport Authority Narendra Kumar on June 4 and strongly objected the draconian decision by the STA as the assurance given by the Chief Minister on December 1, 2009 to implement the proposed Operational policy which would benefit the Tourist taxis has not yet seen light of the day.

The delegation pointed out that the tourist taxi operators are suffering till date at the hands of illegal Russian reps and tour operators who are stealing their livelihood. “The Tourist season in Goa is facing a draught because of different issues like drug mafia, increase crime rates and political trauma. Inspite of all these issues the selfish Aam Admi Government is least interested in protecting the livelihood of a common man and

more interested in filling up their own pockets at the cost of Aam Admi’s sweat”, Jeorge said.

He said the consequences on Government’s decision to discard vehicles less than 1000 cc will result in more than 500 taxi operators jobless and thereby forcing jobless people to get involved in anti-social and illegal activities in order earn their livelihood. “There are chances for these rejected less than 1000 cc vehicle to be privatized by which the government will not only lose the revenue but also will result in constant fight between private illegal operators and legal taxi operators. Instead of providing employment to the youth, the Aam Admi Government is out to loot the common person in unplanned decisions”, he added.

Saying that any government agency should always consult the respective stakeholders before jumping to conclusions which is merely planned only to fill their own coffers, Jeorge said FATTOD would soon come on the streets to fight for justice if the government fails to address the genuine problems faced by the self employed tourist taxi operators.

spected whether the company has covered the dump yard with tarpaulin and built tanks for collection of leachate waters.

“One thing is clear that we have covered the site with tarpaulin, the surface drains and the three leachate tanks are ready. We will use only two leachate tanks, each with a capacity of 50,000 litres, and will use the third tank if required”, Kamat said.

Kamat said the company is full geared up to meet any eventuality. “We have deployed a machinery for aeration. There are 30 labourers engaged at the site.

There would not be any problem of leachate this monsoons”, Kamat said.

Chain snatcher nabbed

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PONDA, JUNE 4

Alert villagers of PanchawadiShiroda nabbed a 33-year-old chain snatcher from KasavliMollem on Friday at about 3 pm.

According to Ponda police, the incident occurred when Santosh Pawaskar, who was traveling in his two-wheeler (GA-02-C-7232), went to a residence of one Carmelina D’Souza and called her out of the house on the pretext that he wanted some matter. As the aged woman came out of the house, Santosh snatched the gold chain from her neck and proceeded towards his motorcycle.

Hearing D’Souza shouting for help, few villagers rushed to the site and nabbed the culprit.

Later, the villagers called Ponda police and handed the accused over to the police.

PSI Tukaram Chavan arrested Santosh and recovered the gold chain, amounting to Rs 40,000.

Meanwhile, cleaning a well proved costly to a 45-year-old man from Kavlem-Ponda, after he died in the well due to suffocation. The incident occurred on Friday at about 9 am when one Gokuldas Gajanan Sawant had descended into the well to clean it. However, Sawant died due to suffocation. Ponda police later conducted the inquest.

Quepem SDM Agnelo Fernandes on Friday convened a meeting with officials of mining companies operating in Cavrem and Rivona, government officials and members of Quepem Taluka Mining Affected People Front (QTMAPF) to find a solution to overloading and over-speeding of mining trucks.

The meeting was convened after QTMAPF submitted a memorandum to SDM Fernandes to find a solution to the mining problem. The SDM brought to the notice of the officials of mining companies that overloading of trucks have been going on in violation of condition No 12 of the mining lease deed.

The mining lease deed states that the lessee shall take necessary steps not to overload the trucks carrying ore rejects from the leased area to any loading point or stockyard.

He also brought to their notice that the trucks are overspeeding, which endangers the

HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 4

Tall claims of pre-monsoon preparedness by the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) have fallen flat with corporators expressing their unhappiness over the work.

The pre-monsoon work that began in mid-April could not give enough satisfaction to the corproators as most of the work in the wards like Miramar, Ribander, Mala, areas of 18 June road and MG road are still under process.

“The monsoon is almost set to approach and the work is still pending. In my ward, the work is been undertaken at very slow pace. There has been no coordination from CCP,” corporator in the opposition Surendra Furtado said.

“I have been receiving several calls from the public for trimming of tree branches, but inspite of my repeated requests, CCP has failed to provide required machine,” he added.

Whereas, Corporator Rupesh Halankar is been complaining of not providing enough work-

lives of people in the area.

The deputy collector presented the inspection report of Goa Pollution Control Board, which states that mining trucks are over speeding and they have raised the body of the trucks with metallic plates, besides constant spillage on road and number of truck increased.

The SDM sought suggestions from the officials of mining companies, but instead of giving suggestions or their opinion, they preferred to remain silent.

However, they admitted to the overloading of trucks.

The QTMAPF members grilled Deputy Director of Transport Prakash Azavedo over non-implementation of the high Court order regarding removal of planks.

The SDM directed the officials of mining companies to clean the road, where ore has saturated before the onslaught of monsoon.

Some QTMAPF members demanded the withholding of salary of those officials who are not implementing the laws.

Nod given for disaster management centre in South Goa: DM HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JUNE 4

South Goa district Magistrate, G P Naik has said the government has in principle approved a proposal to have a disaster management training centre in South Goa, even as a team of the National Disaster Response Force will be stationed in south district to meet all emergency situations in the state.

“The government has suggested to acquire land for the disaster training centre in South Goa. Once it becomes a reality, this centre will take care of the needs of Goa”, Naik said, while addressing a program on capacity building in disaster management at the NUSI Maritime Academy at Chinchinim on Friday.

Naik said that the district authorities are managing the disaster management training at the NUSI Academy, adding that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been referred to the Law department for vetting. He said the National Disaster Management Authority has assured to station a Response team in Goa to meet the requirements.

Making an appeal to the officials to take active part in the

ing, intricate and fragile ecosystems cries for protection through prevention, preservation and promotion. In to-days context, especially in our tiny State, Creation needs to be urgently redeemed, to be restored and renewed.’

The CSJP stated that people should aspire to prevent pollution of air, all waterbodies and soil, protect all eco-sensitive zones - khazans, mangroves, forest, hill slopes, particularly those of the Western Ghats.

People have also been advised to avoid the use of plastic, to segregate garbage, learn com-

Corporators unhappy over CCP’s monsoon preparedness

Quepem SDM convenes meet to solve mining woes HERALD CORRESPONDENT QUEPEM, JUNE 4

on one hand, sand on the other and quarrying has already destroyed the natural balance and eco cycles.’

‘In Goa irrational policies, unscrupulous urbanisation of villages especially in the coastal belt, blatant abuse of the natural resources contribute significantly to Global warming and climate change. This devastation must be curbed at all costs,’ the CSJP message stated.

‘Planet Earth is God’s precious gift to us. It demands our respect, reverence and acknowledgement as a sacred trust. The rich diversity of our life sustain-

capacity building program, Naik requested the Executive engineers to instruct the subordinates properly onon disaster management. “We have noticed that while higher ups are responding to emergency situations within minutes, this is not true vis-à-vis subordinate officials”, he said, while stressing on the need to adequately training the bottom level staff.

He disclosed plans to impart training to officials and staff in areas vulnerable to disasters, including floods.

Later speaking to newsmen, the district Magistrate said the preparedness on the disaster front is far better compared to three years ago. “We the imparting the right training to officials and the community at large”, he said, adding that there’s still loose ends that needs to be tied up.

Asked to throw light on the centre to be set up in south Goa for disaster management , Naik said the government is keen to set up the training centre at the earliest, adding that the district authorities for the moment is concentrating on procuring equipments required for disaster management.

ers for his ward. “For a week, two-three workers were seen cleaning drains at Ribandar.

After that there has been no sign of any work been undertaken,” he said.

Meanwhile, corporator Menino D’Cruz is not happy with the way the pre-monsoon work is undertaken at Mala.

“Though the work is been completed, I am not happy with it. No special arrangements are been made to control flooding at Mala, which is a low laying area,” D’Cruz stated.

CCP had said that this flood prone low lying area will get much needed pre-monsoon clean up through a private contractor, who will be paid sum of Rs five lakh for the job.

Corporator Vaidhei Naik has criticised corporation for not taking enough measures and cleaning drains at 18 June road, which is yet another flood prone area.

“The work has been done in small patches. No drains are been cleaned near Don Bosco high school, at 18June road and

at MG road. I have been taking this issue to the mayor on regular basis but there is no response from other side,” she stated.

Mayor Carolina Po, however, claims that she has provided enough workers to each corporators to carry out works in their respective wards.

“Each wards are been taken care by CCP. We had provided sufficient workers to all and it was upto the corporators to stand with them and get the work completed within the limited time,” Po said. “I can’t run after the workers,” Mayor added.

Nearly 40-odd workers, who are divided into ten teams, were engaged in pre-monsoon work since one-half month.

Last month, the urban development minister Joaquim Alemao has fetched CCP Rs 3 lakh for the pre-monsoon works in the city. The CCP has also tied up with agencies like Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTCL) and Public Works Department (PWD) to ensure smooth monsoons for the city.

posting or organise community effort even in small plots in their area.

Farmers should also be encouraged to till fallow fields and to avoid pesticides and insecticides.

“We must be convinced that to save our children, we need to make concerted efforts here and now.

It is the responsibility of each and every citizen to seek small and big measures. Let us all fulfill our duty, willingly and with enthusiasm. This is the eco-spirituality we must accept and foster,” added the CSJP message.

One held guilty of murder HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JUNE 4

The South Goa Sessions Court on Friday held guilty a native of Jharkhand for the murder of one Pal alilas Paul at Cansaulim in the year 2007.

Additional sessions Judge P V Sawaikar held guilty accused Sudir Khanulano (26) under section 302 of the IPC for the murder of deceased Pal. The body of Pal alias Paul, who also hails from Jharkhand, was found lying on the railway tracks on December 25, 2007 at the Cansaulim railway station. Investigations by the police later revealed that the deceased was murdered after the accused slit his throat and caused a wound on his abdomen.

The prosecution examined around 15 witnesses in support of its case.

The accused will now be heard on the point of sentence on Saturday.

Tension at Ambaulim church over funds misappropriation HERALD CORRESPONDENT QUEPEM, JUNE 4

Tempers ran high at the Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ambaulim-Quepem on Thursday evening, over the alleged misappropriation of Rs 5.5 lakh.

According to sources, Arnaldo Rodrigues, treasurer of the outgoing Fabrica of Our Lady of Lourdes Church Ambaulim, had promised parishioners at a meeting in the church premises on May 16 to provide detailed accounts along with the bills within 48 hours.

“Accordingly on May 18, a meeting of the Fabrica along with the then parish priest and other parishioners was convened in the church hall, where Rodrigues was accused of misappropriating Fabrica fund of Rs 5.5 lakh,” informed sources.

“On the same day, Rodrigues in the presence of his family members reportedly assured that he would pay the amount

within 15 days to the new committee,” added sources.

“However even after 15 days, Rodrigues failed to pay the misappropriated amount of Rs 5.50 lakh,” said the sources.

The parishioners later gathered in the church premises on June 3 but Rodrigues failed to turn up at the church.

“On the contrary, when Rodrigues was contacted over the phone, he behaved rudely saying that he is liable to pay the amount and they can do whatever they want, which however angered the parishioners,” said sources.

The parishioners after discussing the issue with the parish council members, some parishioners went to the residence of Rodrigues to question him over the issue.

It is learnt that late Thursday evening, Rodrigues filed a criminal complaint against Anthonj o s e Fe r n a n d e s , W i l l i a m

Fernandes, Lourdes Oliveira and other 150 parishioners alleging that the parishioners formed unlawful assembly, trespassed into the corridor of his house by breaking the gate, damaged tiles, vehicles and abused him.

The complaint was filed Section 143, 147, 448, 504, 427, 506(II) r/w 149 IPC. Police teams from Curchorem and Quepem police stations were seen guarding Rodrigues’ residence on Thursday night, which continued till Friday morning.

Meanwhile, Anthonjose Fernandes and William Fernandes claimed that Rodrigues had targeted them by filing a false complaint, as they were in the forefront in exposing the misappropriation.

When contacted, Arnaldo Rodrigues claimed that the undertaking to repay the money was taken from him forcefully and under threat.

Jose Philip furious over being left out for Bhoomi-Puja HERALD REPORTER VASCO, JUNE 4

Peeved about being left out at the Bhoomi-Puja function of Consolidated Construction Consortium Limited (CCCL) to start expansion work at Dabolim airport, Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza has threatened to complain to Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel.

D’Souza was furious that the function was organized without the presence of a single NCP leader and moreover, he being a guardian minister of Mormugao taluka, was not even invited to the function.

He also hit out at Chief Minister Digambar Kamat for attending the function in his absence.

“If the chief minister knew that he would attend the function, it was his duty to inform his colleagues. Similarly, it was also the duty of Airport Authority of India (AAI) to follow the protocol,” said an agitated D’Souza, while speaking to reporters.

“If the contractor has organized the function, then there are possibilities that the contractor may have been new to the State, but the AAI should

have informed us of the event,” added D’Souza.

“Today’s attitude suggests that NCP has been sidelined on the issue, especially when NCP has been in the forefront to press for expansion plans of the airport,” said the revenue minister.

He further said he would complain to Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel about the attitude of AAI and the contractor.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said since it was function of the contractor, he along with Cortalim ML A and Deputy SpeakerMauvin Godinho has just graced the function by attending it.

Airport sources disclosed that Kamat was eager to see the site of airport expansion and coincidentally the Bhoomi-Puja and inspection clashed on the same day. Hence, he decided to attend the function.

Meanwhile, in a bid to add additional parking facilities and to decongest traffic at Dabolim airport, the State government on Friday issued a notification for land acquisition.

The notification has been issued by under secretary (Rev-

enue-I) for acquisition of area of 62,720 sq mtrs so as to create an additional facility for parking and decongest the area near the airport.

The land alongside the railway track and NH-17B opposite to Dabolim airport would be acquired.

Speaking to reported along the sidelines of a function at Dabolim airport, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat confirmed that notification has been issued to acquire the land to create parking facilities. “ The State government has proposed the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) for a flyover near the airport junction to decongest the traffic. National Highway Authority of India has agreed to it and a suitable design will be presented before the government shortly,” said Kamat.

However, the parking problem at airport is a regular phenomenon, as most of the tourist taxi vehicles and other vehicles that come to drop and receive passengers are often seen parked along the NH-17B or Chicalim road due to lack of parking infrastructure.

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NGO prefers CBI probe in Nadia’s death Unhappy with Crime Branch performance HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, JUNE 4

Demanding quick justice in the Nadia Torrado death case, Bailancho Ekvot has asked the Crime Branch to unearth the mystery behind the death of the Loutolim woman quickly.

In a letter to the Home Minister, Bailancho Ekvott President Auda Viegas said the infamous Casino extortion case involving To u r i s m M i n i s t e r M i c k k y Pacheco was handed over to the Crime Branch, but till date there is no chargesheet filed nor is there any accountability on the progress of the case. “I have no problem with the Crime Branch, but there is already a case against Mickky, which is yet to be chargesheeted. It would be better if the case is handed over to the CBI for an impartial probe

into the episode”, she asserted.

She said the organization has reasons to believe that the culprits are trying to scare the investigating authorities by threatening to approach the Human Rights Commission for being harassed by police.

She said if people holding high and responsible positions like Ministers are abusing the position to lure young women like Nadia, Viegas asked the Crime branch the possibility to probe into Nadia’s estranged husband Winston Barretto being forcibly made to stay at Nadia’s house after her death and prevented from conversing with anyone. “The husband should be given the freedom to come out and testify before the investigating authorities in this case”, she added.

She also demanded that the Crime Branch should probe into the possibility of the family being threatened and blackmailed to remain silent by the Minister.

She drew attention of the Home Minister that the explanation given by Nadia’s family about the toothpaste cannot be taken as Gospel truth, saying if Ratol poison is accidentally applied instead of the tooth paste, it is not enough to kill a person.

“There is enough evidence to show that she died of anti depressants and Ratol poisoning”, she said, and demanded that those involved in causing the death of a young life be immediately apprehended and justice be done to the young woman.

HSRP issue sent to Vigilance; bus operators want MLA probed HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 4

After failing to pass through the Srivastva committee, the High Security Registration Plates (HSRPs) issue is now referred to Directorate of Vigilance with bus operators demanding to investigate conduct of then transp o r t M i n i s t e r Pa n d u r a n g Madkaikar and officials of Shinmit Utsch.

In a complaint to the directorate of vigilance, it is been said that the complaint is with the regard to the illegalities and fraud played

by Madkaikar, who was also the chairman of tender evaluation committee (TEC) in granting of tender bid to Shinmit Utsch as regard implementation of HSRP in the state.

“The scheme of implementation of HSRP being a sensitive issue was required to be placed before the cabinet for its approval. It is seen that Madkaikar has by-passed all such conditions and without placing the

teachers suspend hunger strike HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 4

The Discriminated Teachers’ Forum has temporarily suspended its indefinite chain hunger strike on the seventh day after the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat gave a positive assurance of solving their grievances.

A press statement issued by the forum’s president Neves Rebello mentions Kamat has assured he would study the matter in an in-depth manner within a period of one month and come out with a solution.

Around 84 teachers were detained on the morning of May 28 at the Panjim Church Square, here, when they tried to make their way to the CM’s Altinho residence to start the hunger strike.

The senior teachers, who allege they were forced to retire at the age of 58, as result of change in rules, are demanding for their two years pay benefits along with six pay commission arrears.

Petition against Aires dismissed HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JUNE 4

The City Fast Track Court on Friday dismissed the petition filed by the State Government against Adv Aires Rodrigues in connection with the 2004 Ribandar Church case.

The petition was filed by the government against the order of Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) P M Shinde directing that further proceedings be stopped against Adv Rodrigues in the second charge sheet filed against him in connection with 2004 Ribandar Church incident.

Dismissing the petition the Additional Sessions Judge Vijaya D Pol stated that Adv Rodrigues was rightly discharged by the CJM, Panjim.

The CJM in its order on December 22 last year observed that he could not be tried twice for the same incident or on the same facts as it was barred by section 300 of the CrPc.

same before the cabinet decided to take up the issue in connivance with his other counterparts,” the complaint reads.

All Goa Private Bus Owners Association’s General Secretary Sudip Tamankar in his complaint has said that the TEC was formed with the approval of then chief minister Pratapsingh Rane and was headed by Madkaikar.

“It should be noted that where the final decision making powers vest with the ministerin-charge, the decision making authority should not have presided over the TEC. Hence this has violated the entire tendering process,” he said in the complaint.

Ta m a n k a r h a s a l s o d e manded the vigilance inquiry of Shinmit Utsch officials as its experience in five countries was not verified by the Srivastava Committee.

The committee in their report on HSRP had stated that the antecedent’s verification of the directors of Shinmit Utsch Manoj

Patel and Navin Shah could not be done as they did not attend the Mumbai Police station for inquiry.

“It is clear from this that the directors were interested in hiding something on their part.

This even raises yet another doubt about the background of the company directors,” the complaint reads.

Tamankar said that Madkaikar is solely responsible for all the illegalities putting general public and the state government to heavy losses.

“He should be punished as per appropriate sections of civil and criminal in accordance with law,” he demanded.

The Bhartiya Janata Party on Thursday has demanded that a new tender be floated in issuing HSRP in the state.

Earlier, the Srivastva committee had pointed out various illegalities in awarding tender to Shinmit Utsch and as such legal opinion was sought from Advocate General Subodh Kantak over the issue.

Padosem daily wage workers demand better pay, benefits Threaten to stop work

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, JUNE 4

The daily-wage workers at Padosem water treatment plant on Friday afternoon confronted Porvorim Executive Engineer K H Kamaladinni and threatened to suspend work from June 7, if they are not given the pay scale and facilities which are being offered to government employees.

Speaking to Herald, Executive Engineer Kamaladinni informed that PWD has tendered the work of supplying 35 workers at water treatment plant at Padosem to contractor M Dharwadker.

“The Padosem water treatment plant is supplying water to Bicholim and Bardez talukas.

These workers are being paid daily wages by the contractor as per the rules of Minimum Wages Act,” said Kamaladinni.

“However, these workers have now started demanding that they should be paid salaries and offered facilities as being given to government employees, faili-

n“These workers are not employed

by PWD and hence I am unable to offer comments in regard to their demands.”

-- Kamaladinni

ng which they will suspend the work from June 7,” he added.

“These workers are not employed by PWD and hence I am unable to offer comments in regard to their demands,” stated Kamaladinni.

“As per the tender, it is the duty of the contractor to supply 35 labourers at Padosem and attend to the problem of his workers. Since the matter does not come under my jurisdiction, I have advised the workers to approach the higher authorities or the PWD minister,” said Kamaladinni.

Two hurt near Karaswada junction HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, JUNE 4

A motorcycle rider and a pillion rider were injured when they were knocked down by a tanker near Karaswada junction on Friday afternoon.

According to Mapusa police, the accident occurred when Subhash Gadi (45) and pillion rider Balkrishna Gawas (48) were proceeding from Mapusa towards Dodamarg on their motorcycle.

On reaching near Karaswada junction, they were knocked down by a tanker, which was proceeding towards Colvale.

Both the injured persons sus-

tained grievous injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital.

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shoRT Takes Documentary CD released

The CD on freedom fighter Prof Carlos Da Cruz from Chandor released at a ceremony at the Ravindra bhavan.

MARGAO (HR): The documentary CD on freedom fighter, Prof Carlos Da Cruz from Chandor was released at the Ravindra Bhavan here recently.

Manfil Productions, which produced the CD said that Prof Carlos was imprisoned by the Portuguese on a dozen occasions, but remained unrecognized by the freedom fighters of Goa. Speaking on the occasion, eminent Margao-based Cardiologist Dr Francisco Colaco appealed to the Chief Minister to declare Prof Carols as the recognized freedom fighter.

Son of late Prof Carlos Da Cruz, Lenin alias Antonio Da Cruz gave a word to word account how the tribals had extolled the virtues of his father as Vakil Carlos.

Chandor Sarpanch Derick Braganza Pereira said he is proud that Prof Carlos hailed from his village Chandor.

Manfil Production manager Agnelo Fernandes, who was responsible for producing the film in the form of CD, was present at the CD release ceremony.

Dnyaneshwari tops

PANJIM (HND): Dnyaneshwari Paruchuru, a student of Vivekanand Bori has topped in Shiroda centre at the recently concluded SSC examinations, by scoring 87.33 % marks and has maintained the top list in Centre for 6th successive year as previously Gauravi Upadhye , Bhargav Khandepakar , Shruti Joshi, Pravin Naik, Chinmayee Prabhdesai (IV in Goa) all the students of Vivekanand Vidyalaya had excelled.

Patients screened

PANJIM (HND): A total of 32 patients were screened for surgery at the recently concluded camp at Dr Pai's hospital by Dr Sunil Richardson. Further patients with such facial deformities including cleft lip and palate will be given free consultation on June 7 at Dr Pai's hospital, Vasco da Gama from 10 am to 1 pm.

May Fancy Dress dance held

Goans enjoys during the May Fancy Dress dance.

PANJIM (HNB): Goans in South Australia came together for the annual May Fancy dress dance organised by Club India International at Burnside Town Hall in Adelaide.

The much-awaited event held during the autumn season annually draws not just Goans but also other Indians who have made Australia as their home, fellow Australians too joined in the event and dance.

South Australia popular Indian band The Garuda Band and Goan born DJ Nick Fernandes entertained the large crowd with selected music mixed which included popular Indian, Goan and western music.

The mood setters Basil D’Sylva and Mechele Clark earlier set the tone for the event welcoming the gathering and asking everyone to make the most of the music and get on the wooden dance floor, which reminded many of the dance floors at south Goa’s Harmonia wedding hall.

The highlight of the event was the fancy dress. In the gent’s category, Don Gamble, Cedric Myers and Clarence Rodrigues won the prize, while in the ladies category Susan Rodrigues, Mechele Clark and Amanda Myers picked up the prizes. In the children category, Callis Fernandes, Dion Gamble and Shania Gamble bagged the prizes.

The crowd was kept very entertained with music, song and dance sessions and some fantastic raffle prizes.

Disabled students excel

PANJIM (HND): St Xavier’s Academy, Old Goa, a special school for students with disabilities, achieved cent per cent results in the SSC examinations conducted by Goa Board of Secondary School.

In the recently declared results, the first batch of six students got five first class and one second class. Of the six students, one is a hearing and speech impaired, three with mental challenge and two with learning disability.

Caritas-Goa, who manages the project, congratulated the students, the headmistress, staff and parents for making the challenge a cent per cent success.

Pernem school excels

PANJIM (HND): St Joseph High School, Pernem secured 91% at the SSC Examination. Among 34 students who appeared for the examination, 31 students were successful. 4 secured distinction, 9 first classes, 14 second classes and 4 pass classes.

Prasad Desai secured a distinction and stood first in the school with a percentage of 81%. The school has achieved this height of success due to the sincere and hard efforts of the management and teachers of the school.

SENA forms sub-committee

PANJIM (HND): The State Ex-cadets NCC Association (SENA) has formed organising sub-committee comprising Pralhad Mayekar, Vijay Saxena, Kalpesh Naik, Kumari Sadika Buddashet, Bhanudas Dessai, Navin Acharya and Wilson D'Souza for effective coordination or programmes and projects of the Association.

Terrorism has no place in society: Rane

World Environment Day

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JUNE 4

Stating that terrorism has no place in our society, Speaker Pratapsingh Rane said that we should not allow violence in a democratic set up. “Everyone is affected by terrorism since terrorists target common people,” he informed and added that there is a need to go to the roots and basics of terrorism to understand why terrorism takes place.

Rane was speaking after inaugurating an international seminar on ‘Media and Terrorism in South Asia’ organized by International Centre, Goa, Foundation for Media Professionals and Fredrich Ebort Stifftung-India at International Centre Dona Paula.

Speaking on the media, Rane said that a free media is a must to have a healthy democracy. He further said that electronic media plays an important role when it comes to asking for help for the needy, flashing news about the

Speaker Pratapsingh Rane inaugurates international seminar on ‘Media and Terrorism in South Asia’ at International Centre, Dona Paula. Also present are Rajeshwar Dyal, Annirudh Bahal and Nandini Sahai.

status of the rescued people and such issues that can help improve the situation or help people in need.

“However, giving a minuteby-minute coverage about important activities of the

security services is surely not a wise move and can never be justified,” he added.

Rajeshwar Dyal of FES India said that media should not be allowed to be manipulated and exploited by the terrorist or-

Collector reviews monsoon preparedness in North HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JUNE 4

North Goa Collector R Mihir Vardhan held a meeting of the district level disaster management committee recently and reviewed the monsoon preparedness in North Goa. During the course of meeting, the Collector issued directions to various district authorities and other important departments connected to disaster management. These include setting up of emergency control rooms in the office of the Collector as well as the subordinate offices of deputy Collectors/Mamlatdars.

The telephone numbers of the control rooms are: Collectorate (North) – 2225383, toll free no 1077, Bardez Mamlatdar - 2262210, Pernem Mamlatdar - 2201411, Ponda Mamlatdar - 2312121, Bicholim Mamlatdar – 2362237 and Sattari Mamlatdar - 2374090.

These emergency control rooms will function round the clock and have been in operation from May 15.

The Director of Municipal Administration and Director of Panchayats were told to issue directions to all the Panchayats and Municipal authorities to undertake the work of cleaning, clearing of drainages and desilting of nallahs and particularly concentrate on those areas that get flooded and cause damage to property and persons. The local authorities have also been directed to un-

Forest officials transferred HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JUNE 4

The transfer and posting of the following range officers are hereby ordered with immediate effect.

Vishwas Chodankar has been transferred from his present place of posting at Valpoi Range to Range Forest at Pernem. His charge will be taken over by Pingulkar, deputy Range Forest Officer, Valpoi.

Shrikrishna R Prabhu currently posted at Range Forest Office, Pernem, is awaiting posting until further orders. He should report to deputy Conservator of Forests, North Goa Division, Ponda.

Lawrence Dias has been transferred from his present place of posting at Social Forestry Parks & Gardens, Panjim range to Mobile Squad under deputy Conservator of Forests, North Goa Division, Ponda.

Ponda man commits suicide HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, JUNE 4

A 31-year-old man from Nagzar-Curti, Ponda, committed suicide by hanging himself at his residence on Thursday at about 12.30 pm.

According to Ponda police, S Naik committed suicide with the help of a saree.

Meanwhile, Collem police on Thursday have recovered a male body in highly decomposed state at Sirkholi-Mollem.

Police suspect a foul play, as the decomposed body was covered with a green-coloured cloth.

upCoMInG eVenTs

dertake the work of drains and cutting of the dangerous trees with the help of deputy Collectors concerned.

The Public Works Department authorities have been directed to clear all debris and other material lying on the roads that cause inconvenience to the movement of traffic and congestion. Agricultural officers as well as Mamlatdars have been directed to maintain the bunds as well as sluice gates that invariably cause water logging and damages to the crops.

The Director of Health Services has been directed to press adequate number of doctors in each of the Primary Health Centres, Urban Health Centres, Community Health Centres and also the District Hospital and also keep in stock adequate life saving medicines. The Mamlatdars and deputy Collectors have been directed to submit cases of grant of payment of relief in case of natural calamities, expeditiously. In the case of crop damage, the Mamlatdars have been directed to undertake crop damage survey with the help of Zonal Agricultural Officer and also submit the report promptly.

As Bicholim and Sanquelim are major areas of concern, because of annual feature of flooding in these areas due to heavy rains, the district authorities, with the help of Water Resources Department, have undertaken major preventive

and preparedness measures.

Embankments have been constructed on the river Bicholim and river Valvonti and new pump sets have been installed in the Sanquelim market area to pump out flooding water.

Besides, desilting of the two rivers has been undertaken to a large extent. Sirens have been installed in all these places to warn people in case of need to evacuate the people. Besides, the Water Resources Department authorities have been directed to monitor closely the levels in the Anjunem Dam. They have been directed to maintain the water level below the danger mark and regularly drain out the water as and when necessary.

In Panjim, Mala area where flooding has become a regular feature, the Water Resources Department has installed adequate number of pumps to drain out the water. The Collector has issued necessary orders to this effect.

A training programme in disaster management preparedness with the help of National Disaster Response Force, Pune was held in North Goa wherein government officers, local authorities such as Sarpanchas, panchas and NGOs as well as doctors, engineers and architects participated. The participants were made aware about disaster and equipped them with basic skills about how each one can help in the event of a disaster.

ganizations.

Annirudh Bahal of FMP and Director of International Centre-Goa Nandini Sahai also spoke on the occasion. The function was compared by Arjan Halarnkar.

‘No letting premises without informing cops’ HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JUNE 4

North Goa District Magistrate has ordered that no landlord / owner of house/ property, which falls under the jurisdiction of all police stations of North Goa shall let / sublet / rent any accommodation to any person unless and until he has furnished the particulars of the said tenant(s) to the police inspector of the police station concerned.

All persons who intend to take accommodation on rent shall inform in writing in this regard to the police inspector concerned in whose jurisdiction the premises falls. Persons dealing in property business shall also inform in writing to the police inspector concerned in whose jurisdiction the premises falls about the particulars of the said tenant(s).

This order shall come into force with effect from June 4, and shall be effective for the period of 60 days upto August 2, unless withdrawn earlier.

This order is issued in view of situation prevailing in the country and intelligence inputs regarding terrorist threats to western coast of India.

Bal Rath Scheme will help reduce drop out rate: CM

PANJIM (HND): World Environment Day will be celebrated on June 5, with the theme ‘Biodiversity - Ecosystems Management and the Green Economy”. To commemorate the event, Goa Science Centre has organised various programmes and competitions for students and public from June 5 to 11, at its premises at Miramar.

A painting contest in the category of junior group for students of Std V to VII and poster contest in the senior group category for students of VIII to X will be organised at 10.30 am on June 10. The subject for the competition will be announced on the spot.

A quiz competition on environment will be conducted at 10 am for students of Std VIII to X on June 11, in the auditorium of the Centre. Interested students who desire to take part in both the said competitions have to enroll their names at this Centre before June 9.

A popular science lecture on the subject ‘Waste Management to Save Environment’ will be delivered by H R Prabhudesai, ICAR, Goa at 11.30 am on June 11. The event will be concluded by valedictory function and prize distribution at 12 noon on June 11. Science film shows on Environment will be screened at 4 pm in the auditorium of this Centre on June 5 to 9.

Counselling seminar

PANJIM (HND): Brindavan College – Group of Institutions, Bangalore, headed by Chairman, Principal and Heads of the Department will be visiting Panjim on June 5 at Hotel Mandovi at 10 am for organising counseling seminar, followed by admissions for various under-graduate, post-graduate and engineering course programs.

‘Pavlam’ to be released

MARGAO (HR): ‘Pavlam’, a Konkani audio album by Sanjay Borkar will be released at the hands of noted lyricist and viceChairperson of Ravindra Bhavan, Margao Shridhar Kamat on June 6 at 5 pm at Venkaeshleela hotel, Ponda.

Borkar who had produced his first Music Album for children titled “FULAAM FULAAM’ said the album had evoked encouraging response. He said that he is working on another such music album for Children.

Renowned musician Sidhanath Buyao will be present as the guest of honor and Vinod Shetye, former Manager of Sunaparant (Konkani Daily), will preside over the function.

PAVLAM audio album is conceptualized by Borkar, while Mathew Fernandes has made the music arrangement. The album consist eight songs, which are penned by Mr. Borkar and music also composed by him.

Internationally famed singer Sonia Shirsat, Bindiya Vast Naik, Shailesh Borkar and Sanjay Borkar have lent their voices for this album.

Borkar said he has introduced the postal order scheme for this album. Music lovers can buy this audio CD directly by sending address by SMS. After receiving the same, CD will be sent to their postal addresses at the cost of just Rs. 100, although the rate of album is Rs.150. The album has been recorded at Fernandes Studio, Ponda, by Mathew Fernandes. For more information, contact 9921343430.

Musical concert

PANJIM (HND): Linda's Ebony & Ivory Academy will hold its 4th annual musical concert and prize distribution on June 5 at Grace Church Hall, Margao at 4.30 pm.

Art outreach workshop

PANJIM (HND): Art Event 2010-11, supported by Directorate of Art and Culture, will be organized and conducted by Society for Promoting Arts, Culture and Education.

The event is for the residents of Chorao-Madel who are interested in learning to draw and paint from scratch. The programme is for adults aged 32 and above.

This art outreach workshop will begin on June 6 and end in May, 2011. Each session will be approximately of three hours duration. The full one year workshop is free of charge for residents of Chorao. All art material will be provided. Classes will be conducted by qualified artists, from Goa and outside Goa. The venue for the monsoons is St Bartholomeu’s School Hall or in Dayanand Bandodkar High School.

Interested candidates should give their names at any of the shops: Linda’s shop, Pandavaddo/Kursavaddo; Silveira’s super market, Boctavaddo; Raju/Anand’s shop at Saude; Milind Mahale’s shop at Saude; Lina’s shop at Madel or at Borkar’s shop at Kherem. One can also contact/SMS Josefina on 9922898694 or Lisa on 9850871608.

‘Environmental Day’

QUEPEM (HC): The Morpirla Bachav Samiti in coordination wit GOAMAP and other NGOs will organize ‘Environmental Day’ at Morpirla on Saturday.

A rally has been organized by the villagers at 10 am, which will commence from Morpirla main bus stop to the panchayat hall. The rally will be followed by a public meeting.

The organizers have appealed to environmentalists, academicians and various other NGOs to participate in the meeting and rally in large numbers.

Eduardo to address meet

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat hands over the key of mini bus to a school representative under the Indira Bal Rath scheme at a function held at Kala Academy, Campal on Friday. Also present are Social Welfare Minister Sudin Dhavlikar, Social Welfare Secretary Rajeev Verma, Social Welfare Director N B Narvekar and Asst Director Santan Fernandes.

HERALD NEWS DESK PANJIM, JUNE 4

Stating that the Indira Bal Rath Scheme has been widely acclaimed by the people and has proved to be a boon to the students, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said that the scheme will help to reduce drop out rate among the students.

Kamat further said that since the scheme is evoking tremendous response, the government is mulling plans to formulate Gomant Bal Ratna Yojana exclusively for OBC students.

The CM was speaking at a function organised by the Directorate of Social Welfare in collaboration with Department of Tribal Welfare at Kala Academy, to deliver mini buses under Indira Bal Rath to high schools and higher secondary schools and also to distribute 201 bicycles to Gouly (Dhangar) students who are enrolled in the 8th std onwards and who

are usually inhabited in remote areas as well as hilly areas mostly in the talukas of Sattari, Sanguem, Quepem and Canacona.

Kamat further highlighted the importance of education and said in this competitive world merit is the only criteria and students should aim to achieve the same to excel in life. He also divulged that necessary budget provision has been made to set up counseling centres in Goa for the benefits of the students.

Social Welfare Minister

Sudin Dhavalikar said that the scheme gives an opportunity to the Scheduled Tribes children to have better education.

He said efforts are being made to give better education facilities to the children of the tribal community of this State. He then asked the management of the educational institution to see that the mini buses allotted to them are not misused and make the scheme a great success.

Dr Pramod Salgaonkar, Ajit Kerkar, Bhaskar Khandeparkar also spoke.

poweR shuTdown JUNE 5 TALEIGAO: From 9 am to 5 pm. Areas affected are Cardozo wado, Vodlem Bhat, Ideal school, Essar Residency, Posrem Bhat, Taleigao market, Sailem Bhat, VP area, St Paul, Syndicate Bank, Afred T/C, Models Celebrity and surrounding areas.

MERCES: From 9 am to 2 pm. Areas affected are Bhuttem Bhatt, Esteves Apartments, Alua hotel, parts of Gaunchem Bhatt and Mesta Bhatt, and surrounding areas.

PANJIM (HND): Commissioner for NRI affairs Eduardo Faleiro will address the valedictory session of the international seminar on ‘Media and Terrorism in South Asia’ on June 6 at 11.30 am at the International Centre, Goa. The seminar has been organized jointly by International Centre, Goa, Foundation for Media professionals and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung. The participants at the seminar include eminent media personalities and researchers in the field of terrorism from India and Nepal.

‘Golden Glow’ release

PANJIM (HND): The achievements of the Digambar Kamat led government will be released in the form of booklet ‘Golden Glow’ at a function on June 7 at auditorium 1, Maquinez Palace, ESG Complex, Panjim at 11 am at the hands of Chief Minister Digambar Kamat.

Home Minister Ravi Naik, Revenue Minister Jose Philip D'Souza, Transport Minister Sudin Dhavlikar, Chief Secretary Sanjay Srivastava and Secretary for Information and Publicity Narendra Kumar will remain present at the function.

A film ‘Goa Marches On’ produced by Department of Information and Publicity will also be released at the function.

Dance classes

PANJIM (HND): Unbeatable Dance Academy, Vasco will conduct Bollywood and Western dance classes at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chicalim, Vasco from June 7.

The classes will be held for the age group above 4 years, on every Monday and Tuesday from 6 pm to 8 pm. The instructions will be conducted by Tushar Volvoikar.

Registration forms are available at Bombay Garments, Vasco.

For more details contact Tushar Volvoikar on 9923309275 / 9822227801.

Meanwhile, the Academy is also conducting Bollywood and Western Dance Classes for children above 4 years at CHLD Community Hall, Headland Sada on every Wednesday and Thursday from 6 pm to 8 pm and Cluny Nursery school Vaddem on every Wednesday and Thursday from 12 noon to 1 pm.

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CCCL’s Bhoomi-pooja signals expansion of Dabolim airport HERALD REPORTER VASCO, JUNE 4

Speculation about the expansion plan of Dabolim airport terminal building last year has been laid to rest with the Consolidated Construction Consortium Limited (CCCL) performing the Bhoomi-pooja at the airport on Friday, signalling the start of the expansion work.

Officials of CCCL, which has been awarded the contract, performed the rituals in the presence of Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, Cortalim MLA Mauvin Godinho, Water and River Navigation Minister Philip Neri Rodrigues, North Collector Mihar Vardhan, Airport Authority of India Director D Paul Manickam and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Deputy Commander K Singh.

“Since the contractor is going to commence the work, they have performed the Bhoomi-pooja and they have invited us to grace the function. The State government has conducted the foundation stone laying ceremony in a grand manner and hence, there was no need to organize similar function today,” said Kamat.

It may be recalled that on February 21, 2009, the foundation stone was laid for the expansion of the airport, but the expansion plan ran into trouble when AAI scrapped the en-

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat breaks the coconut to grace the ceremony of the expansion work at Dabolim airport.

tire tender process in November and was re-floated in December.

“I am happy that the work will commence now and will bury all the speculations about airport expansion work,” said Kamat.

Kamat further said there has been no compromise on specification of the expansion plan.

However, 11 aerobridges that have been proposed would be done in a phased manner, in the first phase four aerobridges will be completed, while the remaining seven aerobridges in the second phase.

“Considering the track record of CCCL, which is building the Chennai airport, I am confident that the expansion work of Dabolim airport will be

No water shortage in Marcaim: Ponda AE HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, JUNE 4

Ponda PWD Assistant Engineer Dilip Dhavlikar has denied claims of water shortage by residents from Marcaim.

Speaking to Herald, Dhavlikar said his office did not receive any complaints from the villagers with regard to water shortage in Marcaim.

It may be recalled that residents from Marcaim on Wednesday had gathered at the water tank near Madkaim Industrial Estate, claiming that there was no tap water supply for the last three days.

The residents had also alleged that maximum water was pumped to the industrial estate, thereby putting the villagers to a lot of hardship.

“I don’t understand why people in Marcaim have created unnecessary issue of water shortage, which in reality does not exist. If it was genuine case, then there would have been numerous com-

plaints, but none of the villagers thought to inform our office and instead harassed our staff at the water tank,” said Dhavlikar, assistant engineer, PWD, Sub-division 4, Works Division 3.

“There was a water problem only for a day due to a busted water pipeline at Priol. It has been repaired and water supply has been restored. The problem was for a day and not several days which people are claiming,” he added.

“In view of alleged misuse of water by industrial estate, we will lock the water valve located near the tank to stop outsiders from releasing water to the industrial estate,” stated Dhavlikar.

“We have been regularly releasing water to the industrial estate at the stipulated time and we will also lock the valve so that no one other then our staff should release water to the industrial estate,” said Dhavlikar.

CM urges parents to educate children

completed in stipulated time period,” he said.

Cortalim MLA Mauvin Godinho acknowledged the help of Defence Minister A K Antony and Flag Officer of Goa Naval Area Rear Admiral Sudhir Pillai for their assistance in the airport project.

“Public apprehension about Dabolim airport expansion plans has been cleared with the commencement of work. The government was keen about expansion of the airport since the beginning,” said Godinho.

The AAI official informed that CCCL has been awarded the civil work of integrated domestic and international terminal building in an area of 63,000 sq mtrs at an estimated cost of Rs 220 crore and stipu-

lated time period is 24 months.

“A separate tender will be floated for air-conditioners and other electronic system at an estimated cost of about Rs 115 crore. The total cost of the project will account to Rs 335 crore for the terminal building,” informed the official.

Besides, a separate tender would be floated for parallel taxi track to increase runway capacity and development of additional parking area, which will be shortly taken by AAI. The new integrated terminal building at Dabolim is an iconic building, a stature symbolizing a wave representing the proximity of sea and beaches of the State.

“The basement plus three storey terminal building will have modern passenger friendly system, integrated with the baggage conveyor system, centre air conditioner, inclined arrival baggage claim carousals, escalators, public address system, flight information display system, CCTV for surveillance, check in counters, car parking,” informed AAI sources.

“The integrated terminal building will have peak hour passengers handling capacity of around 2,750 passengers, domestic 1,000 arrivals plus 1,000 departures, while international 375 arrivals and 375 departures,” added sources.

Affirming that there is no alternative to education, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat has encouraged parents to get their children educated and make them competent enough to stand on their own feet.

Kamat was speaking after inaugurating the Government Primary School at Tittowado Nerul.

“If the dream of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi to make India superpower is to be realized, then each and every citizen of the country should become educated, due to which the State government is stressing on the improvement of infrastructure in schools,” said Kamat.

“The government has improved infrastructure of about 100 schools through the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation,” said Kamat.

“Students of rural areas used to face a lot of difficulties in attending their schools on time, as private bus operators were not halting the buses for them in view of 50% bus concession,” said Kamat.

“Therefore, the government

has introduced the scheme of Bal Rath. Government has so far provided 120 school buses to the schools under Bal Rath scheme. The government is paying the salaries of driver and the bus conductor and also pays an amount of Rs 50,000 every year to the schools towards bus maintenance,” he added.

“The school managements have been advised to use these buses for commuting their students only and not for any other purpose. Parents should educate their children at any cost and make them competent enough to stand on their own feet,” said Kamat.

Calangute MLA Agnelo Fernandes said completion of school building is one of the biggest achievements in his life.

“As a MLA, I have done lot of developmental works in Calangute constituency, but I rate this project as precious because it is going shape the future of the children of this village,” said Fernandes.

“Due to delimitation, this village is no longer a part of Calangute constituency, but I will still continue to serve the people whenever they approach me for assistance,” he added.

HERALD CORRESPONDENT CANACONA, JUNE 4

Ashok B Velip, whose controversial election as president of Shri Mallikarjun Devalaya, Gaondongrim, was set aside in a tribunal order, said the old managing committee of the devalaya has no right to run temple affairs even though their committee was declared null and void by the Administrative Tribunal.

It may be recalled that Velip, whose controversial election as president, besides election of other members on the managing committee of the devalaya was set aside in the tribunal order.

“Nowhere in Administrative Tribunal’s order is it stated that previous committee headed by then president Amarnath Dessai has a right to run temple affairs,” stated Velip while reacting to reports that appeared in a section of press (not Herald).

“Canacona Mamlatdar, who incidentally is also administrator of Devalayas, issued a notice on May 6 addressed to all concerned, asking that procedure should commence to hold fresh elections to appoint a new managing committee for 2010-12 of Shri Mallikarjun

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, JUNE 4

The ladies pay toilet near the earthen pots market in Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) market is in pathetic condition and needs urgent attention.

“Though this is a pay toilet, no attention is being paid by the municipal authorities about its cleanliness and hence it is stinking,” claimed some women.

“A lot of unwanted material is seen scattered in the toilet as there are no dust bins inside the toilet. The toilet doors are filthy and the interior of the toilet is nauseating. Further, the toilet is manned by a male, which is embarrassing to the females who use the toilet,” said women.

The shopkeepers alongside the toilet are complaining that customers hesitate to visit their shops because of the filthy and unhygienic surrounding of the toilet.

The soak pit and septic tank of the toilet is nearly open and once rains start, the filth contents will overflow on the internal roads of the market and it will be breeding ground for nocturnal pests and mosquitoes, thus causing health hazards.

Speaking to Herald, Shiv

HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, JUNE 4

HERALD CORRESPONDENT PORVORIM, JUNE 4

‘Old managing committee has no right to run temple affairs’

Mapusa ladies toilet in pathetic condition

A toilet in a bad shape in Mapusa.

Sena Bardez Pramukh Philip D’Souza said the Shiv Sena has already sent a letter to MMC chief officer/chairperson demanding necessary measurers be undertaken immediately to keep the toilet and its surroundings clean before the onset of the monsoon in the interest of the citizens to prevent spread of diseases like malaria and dengue.

“A poorly maintained toilet is a nuisance to the citizens and it can cause health hazards,” said D’Souza.

“Dust bins should be provided in the toilet to dispose

Mardol local accused of abusing Priol VP staff Chief Minister Digambar Kamat inaugurates the school building at Nerul.

Photo by Anil Shankhwalker

Mallikarjun Devalaya election row

Priol Veling Deputy Sarpanch Kanta Gaude has accused a resident from Mardol of abusing

One held for duping public HERALD CORRESPONDENT MARCEL, JUNE 4

Ponda police arrested one Mohandas Tari on charges of taking money from the public and promising them to publish their news and advertisements.

In his complaint, one Thomas Fernandes from Shiroda told Ponda police that the accused had taken Rs 900 from the public on the pretext of publishing a news item.

Ponda police informed that wife of the accused has filed a harassment complaint against the latter. Ponda police PI CL Patil is investigating the case.

Truck stolen

MARCEL (HC): A truck was reported to be stolen from Pratapnagar, Tisk-Usgao, on Wednesday night.

In his complaint, Vinay Naik stated that he had parked his truck (KA-22-B-2672) outside his house on Wednesday night.

“However, in the wee hours of Thursday, I foun stream Video of Nayanthara and Simbu www.http://yahoo.com/

the panchayat staff on duty.

In his compliant, Gaude told Ponda police that the resident barged into panchayat premises and abused the panchayat staff on duty on Wednesday.

The complainant further stated that the accused in a fit of anger broke the glass kept on the table. ASI Gokuldas Mallik is investigating the case.

Photo by Anil Shankhwalker

off unwanted material. It is unfortunate that neither MMC nor the Urban Health Centre is serious about the cleanliness of the toilets in the town,” added D’Souza.

Devasthan, Gaondongrim, which means, a fresh committee will be elected in due course of time,” said Velip.

Velip community members, who are reportedly in majority number as Mahajans of Shri Mallikarjun Devalaya over the years, are fighting a bitter battle with other mahajans, who are accused of always holding a sway in their temple affairs undermining their rights.

Amarnath Dessai, president of Shree Mallikarjun Devalaya, Gaondongrim, who successfully contested the controversial election of new managing committee for 2010-12 headed by Ashok Velip, said: “Everything is clearly outlined in Article 39 of Mahajans Act.” “The existing managing committee has the right to hold elections and in the event of not able to complete election process due to some trouble in the election process, the right again comes to the existing committee,” said Dessai.

Dessai further said Shree Mallikarjun Devalaya has already replied to the Administrator of Devalayas-cum-Canacona Mamlatdar’s letter, who advised to start election process

Tree crashes on house at Calangute HERALD CORRESPONDENT CALANGUTE, JUNE 4

Four persons had a narrow escape when a decades-old mango tree came crashing down on a house at Gaura Vaddo, Calangute, on Tuesday.

The two families were staying in a rented room. However, the main house belonging to one Llyod Fernandes, on which the tree came crashing down, was closed as it was being used as a godown.

The sound of the crash created panic among the neighbourhood families, who have been renting at the place for a long time.

After being informed of the incident, Fernandes rushed to the site and cut the branches that were hanging around the neighbouring house.

He put the estimated loss at about Rs 40,000.

to elect a new managing committee for 2010-12 in lieu of Administrative Tribunal pronouncing election held on February 21 as null and void, that

the election process initiated has already taken place on February 14, where trouble broke out during the election process and meeting ended abruptly.

OHERALDO

Edit Page Template:Layout 1 6/4/2010 11:23 PM Page 1

OPINION

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www.oheraldo.in

O HERALD O

Welcome the Pope and the Gays

Vol No CX No: 145 Goa, Saturday 5 June, 2010

I

It’s all about the money, honey!

t’s no longer a sport; it’s a business. The Board for Control of Cricket in India’s (BCCI’s) decision not to send a team to the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, later this year is in many ways a logical extension of the financial scandals that have engulfed the body that is supposed to be in charge of India’s most successful sport. Officially, the BCCI’s excuse is that the Asian Games clashes with the New Zealand tour of India. It says the tour is vital for India to retain its No: 1 rank among test-playing nations and that it therefore cannot afford to field a second-string side against the Kiwis.

According to the BCCI, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has already made it clear that it will not accept a second string side from India in the Asian Games. Therefore, it says, it has had to choose…

But note the choice. The Asian Games offers honour and a medal, but no money. The New Zealand tour, on the other hand, fits perfectly into the BCCI’s ongoing financial arrangements. In short, the BCCI has chosen cash over country. There are other cricket-playing countries in the sub-continent. There too, cricket is a moneyspinner. However, both Sri Lanka and Pakistan will send teams for the Asian Games. So will minnows Bangladesh. India, alone, will not.

If recent events are any indication, the BCCI is a giant moneyspinning machine, and nearly all its top officials seem to have their hands in the till. After the shenanigans of former IPL supremo Lalit Modi, yesterday’s newspapers reported that companies in which BCCI President Sharad Pawar has a significant stake had bid for the Pune IPL franchise; a clear conflict of interest. All professional sport bodies do operate like businesses, but most do not lose sight of the fact that basically, they are running a sport and not a business.

Here, the BCCI seems to have comprehensively lost its way. It appears as though there is no control over income, expenditure and receipts. No one is accountable. And everybody makes money.

Look at other sports. Football is played by around 150 countries, compared to the eight that play cricket. A Football World Cup is a real global event. In comparison, a Cricket World Cup is a small club of just over half a dozen countries pretending to be ‘the world’. But most countries still make sure to field a football team for the Olympics. Clubs release players that they pay lakhs of dollars a week to do national duty. That shows honour and patriotism. On the contrary, the BCCI wants to see the cash first…

Tennis is another huge moneyspinner. Top tennis players make millions of dollars a year. Yet, most take time off to play for their country in the Davis Cup and Federation Cup. They even play in the Olympics. Let us remember that the only Olympic singles medal India has won in tennis − a bronze − was by Leander Paes in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

He lost to the then top player in the world − Andre Agassi − in the semi-final.

Even those who make much more money than our cricketers have the pride and humility to represent their countries, even where only honour and a medal are forthcoming. What differentiates the BCCI is its greed!

One finds it hard to believe that the likes of Sachin Tendulkar would be averse to playing for an Asian Games medal. In fact, former India captain Anil Kumble has said he is disappointed with the BCCI’s decision not to send teams to the Asian Games in China. Obviously, a number of top players do not share the BCCI’s exclusive obsession with lucre. But does it care for players’ feelings?

Let us not forget here, that the Asian Games is a competition India participates in as a country. If the BCCI will not send teams, it is depriving the country of potential medals. Does it really have that right?

Caranzalem park Melwyn Pereira, by email With hardly a couple of days to go for schools to reopen, and with the rains in the back drop, I decided to complete some important work in Panjim. I had plans to spend the entire day out in Panjim with my family. After completing my work we left for Caranzalem to visit the park, about which I had heard a lot. As we entered my daughter went straight to the end where there are rides for the children to play. I must thank the authorities concerned for keeping the park in proper order, which otherwise is hardly seen in Goa. I would like to remind the concerned authorities that the park is also a place for relaxation for adults likewise who often come to such places. The park which has benches at the

100 Years Ago

PRIMEIRO DIARIO NAS COLONIAS PORTUGEZAS

5 June 1910 Smallpox epidemic Virulently spreading in the Village of Velim is the Smallpox ailment, which is daily claiming some unfortunates. The free inoculation service, which is being rendered promptly, is a boon for the public.

Qualifications check It is baffling to know that only now the authorities have remembered to demand competency certificates from school teachers and headmasters, irrespective of whether they are working or not.

Salary unpaid It is reported that a Cable Guard and his servant of the Telegraph Station of Quepem are yet to be paid for a period of four months.

portuguese temperament was at its ambivalent best during the recent visit of the pope, says Teotónio r De souza

T

he folksy Portuguese tend to voice their opinions loudly about everything under the sun, and the more ignorant amongst them are generally the loudest. By and large, it is a people that boil in very little water (ferve em pouca água) but bear no malice. As they call it, it is all “de boca para fora”. This is generally accepted by the Portuguese themselves as their national trait of má lingua (love of gossip), to which could be added the other trait, of mutual jealousy.

The Portuguese chronicler of Discoveries and author of the classic Decades of Asia João de Barros has recorded his characterisation of the Portuguese, who suffer more with the well-being of others than with their own misfortunes. It can be relished better in his original version: “Ao português mais dói o bem do outro do que o mal próprio.”

On 13 May, like on most of those monthly unlucky dates, sizeable crowds of Portuguese rushed to Our Lady of Fatima to seek solutions for the crises that their politicians generally contribute to aggravate the existing ones. So it has been ever since the birth of the first Portuguese Republic, which this year completes 100 years, half of these spent under Salazar’s dictatorial regime of doubtful republicanism.

But even the first Republic, like its ground model – the French Revolution and Jacobinism – proclaimed Liberty, Fraternity and Equality with a generous dose of high-handed legislative measures and use of a variety of pressures, without having to resort to the French expertise of the guillotine. It is just like saying that Goans were converted to Christianity with no use of force.

Admirers of the enlightened despot the Marquis de Pombal, the republican free-masons, erected for him an eye-filling statue in the middle of the capital city of Lisbon. They too resented the clerical influence upon the popular masses, which they preferred to see bullied by their own ‘enlightened’ ways.

Fatima was a Church response to the republican high-handedness that sought to delink the state from the church. The republican free-masons were not very coherent or consistent in their policies.

For instance, they did not renounce Portugal’s Padroado claims overseas, particularly in India.

The anti-clerical republicans did not want to lose the church links for their political influence overseas. They even confirmed the budget that was worked out under the monarchy to com-

Tongue in cheek

hisToricAl explorATions memorate 400 years of the conquest of Goa, with a solemn and extraordinary exposition of the relics St Francis Xavier in December 1910.

In the last month of May, the Portuguese put up yet another show of the volatility of their emotions and their compulsive desire to cut a figure of an advanced and modern people. The Portuguese masses are easily carried by their elite gentry in the mimicry of modernism. The Portuguese are not unaware of this national trait, for which they have coined the saying: “Para o ingles ver!” Which means: “to impress the English”.

Following the unfavourable publicity that Pope Benedict XVI received throughout Europe, including Portugal, alleging that he was responsible for leniency towards clerical paedophiles, the overall evaluation of the Pope’s visit to Portugal was unexpectedly very positive, without a shade of the virulence that was in air before the visit. Several factors may have contributed to this ‘miracle’ that transformed the public image of the Pope, who came as pilgrim to Fatima.

parents: Your best friends

M

ay God defend me from friends; I can defend myself from my enemies, wrote Voltaire. The other day, I happened to come across a poem written by an undertrial who is still behind bars. The poem, titled: ‘Parents Love – The Ultimate’ says: “Why do children sometimes decide Everything bad that they do, from parents they hide In all these things, they take extreme pride No rules or regulations they intend to abide Friends and girls sitting by their side Careless, high speeding, motorbikes they wish to ride Posing like heroes and dons, they wait by the roadside No parents but friends they want as guides Friends they will always be by their side Not often do they realise, when down popularity glides Fast friends disappear with the high tide Whether blunders like suicide or homicide Only parents always remain by their side.”

By the tone and tenor of the poem, it appears that the chap has

entrance and at the far end is covered by lawn to around 70% area of the park. It does make sense as any park would look incomplete without the lawn. What really doesn’t make sense is that in the park there reads a board ‘lawn, do not enter’. Of what use is this park if the public in general cannot make use of this lawn? Of what use is this park if our children cannot run around?

There is more pleasure in squatting on the ground rather than sit on those benches.

Will the concerned authorities take a deeper look?

Princess still floats Cedric da Costa, Margao

June 6, 2010 will mark the 10th anniversary since the River Princess got grounded at Sinquerim. It is indeed a sad day for Goa and Goans. It is also a day when Goans in Goa and the world over should sympathise with the residents of the CandolimCalangute beach stretch. However, one person who will be singing like the proverbial Fiddler will be the damager in chief…Anil Salgaonkar as he has managed to make a small fry of all the babus in Goa. After all the efforts in removing the Princess failing, the Government must now in fact celebrate this day. Digambar Kamat, Mickky Pacheco, Manohar Parrikar and Mathany Saldanha who have dragged their feet in tackling this, must be felicitated. The NGOs in Goa too also should be honoured. I am sure Remo will oblige by performing and Digambar Kamat will rush to be the chief guest.

He can also ensure steady participation from the crowd by getting bus loads of his supporters. This is the sorry state of Goa and the reality hurts…not just the present generation but also the coming ones. All for the aam aadmi of Goa!!

Saving Goa Rina Fernandes, Ponda Brilliant job done by Praxy Fernandes in the open letter addressed to the CM in the column Opinionated dated June 1. The message is loud and clear. Digambar Kamat, I hope you read newspapers. I strongly agree with every view mentioned in the letter. It is sad to see outsiders coming to Goa and overpowering us. What are we doing seeing our beautiful Goa getting destroyed in the

On his arrival, the Pope praised the historic and glorious role Portugal played in the missionary expansion worldwide since the 16th century. St John de Britto’s link with India was not forgotten!

The Pope expressed his desire to see Portugal continuing its mission in Europe and the world today, where he saw God being replaced with alternatives that led people nowhere. Such an encomium won over the Portuguese soul during the rest of the visit.

The pious demeanour of President Cavaco and his wife, who assiduously accompanied the Pope in all his major engagements, certainly meant much as a sign of national welcome, even though a few days later the same President signed into law a bill that legalised gay marriages. The constitutional procedures left no alternative to his approval, but his subdued comments were dictated by a political strategy that could guarantee his re-election as President for a second term.

The Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon was quick to react, and voiced his disappointment. He did not

go to the length of describing the move in terms of 30 silver pieces that proved sufficient to sell Jesus to his killers, but implied it in many words that questioned the incongruity between personal convictions and political gains, usually presented by politicians as national needs.

What Portugal is also expectantly looking forward to is the winding up of the 10 year-long paedophilia scandal that opened the millennium.

The public feeling is that the guilty with high political connections will get away lightly, perhaps with tough-sounding admonitions not very different from those one hears these days from Monsignor Scicluna, threatening the paedophile priests with fires of hell. Much depends on who believes in the existence of Hell. Even if all believed, it would not justify sending the judges on permanent holidays.

The Vatican has already come under fire from gay groups for linking homosexuality with paedophilia. But in Portugal at least, the legalisation of gay weddings and soft-pedalling on the paedophilia scandal have coincided in time. But Portugal has a long history of sodomites and ‘fanchonos’ that fills heaps of documentation of the Portuguese Inquisition archives. Luiz Mott, a renowned anthropologist of Brazil, has published extensively on this aspect of Portuguese history.

But long before, it was the subject of two novels of Abel Botelho, one of those who designed the republican flag of Portugal. In his two novels, O Barão de Lavos and O Livro de Alda, he pointed to the intensity of male and female homosexuality in Portugal as a national pathology.

The evil consequences of the separation of males and females in a small population of Portugal at the time of the Voyages of Discoveries appear described in the Autos, the celebrated dramatic performances of Gil Vicente. But it is in the Autos da Fé and death penalties of the Iberian inquisitions that we see the scale and the tragic fate of those involved in ‘pecado nefando’ (monstrous sin, sodomy).

The secret prisons of the Inquisition were specially reserved for these. The Inquisition records of the sodomites cover all sections of Portuguese society, not excluding the religious and clerics of all ages and hierarchical levels.

By way of conclusion, it would be too facile to attribute the scandal of priestly paedophilia solely to the clerical celibacy. The cultural ambiance certainly has its responsibilities.

been ditched by his friends. Indeed, with friends like these who needs enemies? True friends are a joy to behold, more precious than diamonds and pearls. The Bible says: “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend.” (John 15:13) But true friends are hard to come by. If you happen to have one, see that you do not lose him/her at any cost.

We seldom give much thought to friendship. “A true friend is the most precious of all possessions and the one we take the least thought about acquiring,” wrote La Rochefoucauld. But there is also a dark side to friendship. This is the type of friends one should guard against. They are a blot to the fair name of friendship. They are your side when everything is rosy and fine, but when trouble arrives they desert you like rats on a sinking ship.

Some so-called friends are even worse than deserters. They are the cause of the trouble you are in. They take sadistic pleasure in putting you into deep trouble. These are the types of people one should not touch even with a bargepole.

It is very difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff – to tell

By Adelmo Fernandes

true friends from trouble makers, because the latter are like wolves in sheep’s clothing. One way to test true friendship is in money matters. “The holy passion of friendship is so sweet and steady and loyal and enduring in nature that it will last through a lifetime if not asked to lend money,” wrote Mark Twain.

How important friendship is over money will determine how true a friend really is. Happy are those who have found a true friend. Cherish a loyal friend. See that the friendship is not lost.

Stick to it with for dear life. You may not find another in your lifetime.

Indeed, your parents are your first friends; your best friends.

They are the type of friends who will be by your side in good times, as well as hold your hand when you are in trouble. A true and loyal friend is the only one who compares with parents. Even if the whole world puts you down, or snubs you, it is your parents who will always be your true friends. So, the next time your best friend ditches you, go give your parents a big hug. They will never let you down, come what may.

Letters to the Editor

Letter of the Day

Contribution of Catholics

Dr Francisco Colaco, Margao

I sorely miss Valmiki Faleiro’s column ‘All and Sundry’ in Herald Mirror. This doyen of writers with a deft touch would every week pen a brilliant piece to make my Sunday complete. No topic was too small or too big for him to broach.

However, I must confess, I felt amply compensated by Valmiki’s recent series ‘Flying High’ in Sunday Mirror. Through a painstaking study, Valmiki details the unparalleled contribution of Goans in India’s armed forces. As I read, the real tales of virtue and valour by our own Goans, I shed tears of joy and pride. To further learn that among those who laid down their lives for our country there is an overwhelming number of Catholics, made me feel even more fulfilled.

Recently, at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, a large crowd gathered to pay homage to the late Carlos da Cruz, a great freedom fighter (who also fought against social oppression of poor adivasis). There I met the evergreen septuagenarian Dr Damodar Bhonsle, who graduated from Escola Médica de Goa. He preserves documentary evidence that covers many historical issues. My heart was filled with admiration when he showed me lists of freedom fighters – one prepared by the Portuguese before liberation and another by the powers-that-be thereafter. In both lists, the truth was glaring: Catholic names figured prominently (including a number of Catholic priests).

It has become a fashion nowadays to denigrate Catholics by calling them ‘pro-Portuguese’ and ‘anti-national’. The art of Catholic-bashing by vested interests is being cultivated with militant zeal. This is abhorrent! Those who, like me, followed the freedom struggle from close are too aware of the historical facts and of ‘turncoats’ (vira-casacas).

It must be re-emphasised, for the knowledge of all, that the contribution by Goan Catholics for the strength and growth of Mother India, in every field, has been exemplary. Their sacrifices will always remain carved in letters of gold, no matter the concerted attempts by vested interests to the contrary. evil hands of our politicians?. These corrupt ministers should be kicked out of our land and this can happen only when we Goans unite and raise our voices. How much freedom are we enjoying in our own land? Can we really call ourselves free? I wonder if the CM and his gang of looters and cheaters have a heart. For what are they amassing so much wealth and that too, by cheating common and innocent people? What should happen to all the wealth when not one of us is certain about life tomorrow? You may cheat as long as you like, but mind you, there is an all powerful God watching over all our actions. It is time for us, Goans, to unite as one big family and save our Goa from outsiders and evil politicians. Or a time will come when we will be outsiders in our own land. Let’s raise our voices. Let’s take a step towards making Goa, the Goa of our dreams – beautiful, bright, green

and safe. This is the time to start… This is the time to make our presence felt…

This is the time to write and shout aloud – Together, we can and will make a difference…

Time to act Soter D'Souza, Socorro The views expressed in the letter 'Goa: Banana Republic' (Herald, June 4) is a demonstration that though Goans have been liberated politically they continue to remain mentally and emotionally enslaved with a colonial mindset. By claiming that Goa was better under Portuguese occupation, we are indirectly admitting that as a society we Goans are unable to manage our own affairs responsibly and independently. We need someone with a stick and a carrot to make us function responsibly and effectively.

That explains why national political parties, IAS officials and migrants boss over us. This would also imply that since our democracy is a failure, 'We the People' are absolutely unfit to act independently. What a shame after all the education, culture and economic progress we Goans boast of.

One cannot expect 70 years plus senior freedom fighters to relaunch a movement to rid Goa of the present rot. It should not be the case that someone should initiate the struggle and we will cheer from the side lines. Thereafter, one fine day we will also do the disappearing act, leaving the initiators of the movement with the sole responsibility of nursing their own creation.

This reminds me of the popular Goan phrase, Tum fuddem voch re, ami tuje fattlean asach.

Filling the slot Elvis Sequeira, St. Cruz The Mahindra United Football team has been disbanded and will not be seen in action in the I-League from the coming football season. There are different sets of views and opinions as to who should occupy the vacant slot caused due to Mahindra’s withdrawal. Some opine that second last team on the league table should be retained in place of Mahindra whilst others opine that the number of teams in the I-League should be increased by retaining both the relegated teams. On the other hand, the AIFF fancies having an under 19 team tentatively called AIFF-XI which will directly step into the boots of Mahindra United without going into the actual procedure of qualification.

It is simple logic that the last two teams are relegated to the second division, irrespective of their past laurels or the clout they enjoy within the corridors of power. A team that performs below par does not deserve to be retained.

So also, a team cannot be directly given entry onto the elite competitions without going into any qualifications procedure, thereby blocking the entry of a deserving team from the second division that meets the required criteria. In all fairness, the team occupying the third slot on the second division of the I-League should be promoted in the place of Mahindra.

Paths of Wisdom Trust in God

Then Jesus said to the disciples, “And so, I tell you not to worry about the food you need to stay alive or the clothes you need for your body. Life is much more important than food, and the body much more important than clothes. Look at the crows: they don’t sow seeds or gather a harvest; they don’t have store rooms or barns; God feeds them. You are worth so much more than birds! Can any of you live a bit longer by worrying about it? If you can’t manage even such a small thing, why worry about the other things?

“Look how the wild flowers grow; they don’t work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that not even King Solomon with all his wealth had clothes as beautiful as one of these flowers. It is God who clothes the wild grass – grass that is here today and gone tomorrow, burnt up in the oven.

Won’t he be all the more sure to clothe you? How little faith you have!

“So, don’t be all upset, always concerned about what you will eat and drink (for the pagans of this world are always concerned about all these things). Your Father knows that you need these things. Instead, be concerned with his kingdom, and he will provide you with these things.

(Matt 6, 25-34)

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.

HE RA LD

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INDIA GOA, SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2010

BJP, Congress jostle for Haj flight credit PTI BHOPAL, JUNE 4

The decision to introduce a direct flight for Haj pilgrims from Bhopal to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia has become a bone of contention between the ruling BJP and the Opposition Congress in Madhya Pradesh.

While the ruling BJP claims that the decision is the result of efforts made by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Congress wants to bag the credit through state party president Suresh Pachouri.

Government spokesman and State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narottam Mishra said that with this decision, the Chief Minister had fulfilled a promise made to the minorities.

Bhopal MP and former Chief Minister Kailash Joshi said that sometime back Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel had come to Bhopal to take part in a programme for the extension of Raja Bhoj airport.

Kasab moves HC on death rap Seeks lawyer from legal aid panel PTI MUMBAI, JUNE 4

A month after being sentenced to death for the Mumbai terror attacks, Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab has filed an appeal in the Bombay High Court challenging the verdict and sought a lawyer from the legal aid panel to argue his case.

Kasab filed the appeal through the jail authorities and his plea for a lawyer has been forwarded to the Court Legal Services Committee (HCLSC), jail sources said today.

The HCLSC would now forward Kasab's request for a lawyer before Acting Chief Justice J N Patel, who is patron in chief of Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority and senior Judge and Chairperson of HCLSC, Justice Ranjana Desai.

Kasab has a right to remain present before the High Court bench which would hear his appeal and in such an event the state would have to ensure that he is brought amidst tight security from the Arthur Road Jail where he is currently lodged.

Although Kasab had 60 days to decide on filing an appeal, he exercised his choice within a month and his petition along with the 1500-page judgement has been for-

warded to the High Court, they said.

The trial court had on May 3 convicted Kasab and soon thereafter sentenced him to death for the massacre of 166 persons in the worst-ever terror attack in the country at the behest of Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Kasab was also held guilty of waging war against India, guilty of being a member of LeT and attempt to murder, kidnap and robbery.

The state government is also contemplating to file an appeal against the acquittal of two co-accused Faheem Ansari and Sabauddin Ahmed, who were charged with

Govt awaiting ULFA reply on talks: Pillai PTI SHILLONG, JUNE 4

The Government is awaiting a response from the banned ULFA after which the dialogue process with it may evolve, Union Home Secretary G K Pillai has said.

"I understand that the governing council of the ULFA was held inside jail a few days back.

They are discussing. We are awaiting a response and as the response comes the dialogue process will evolve," Pillai told PTI here.

After a meeting of the top jailed ULFA leaders in Guwahati Central Jail, the group had issued a press statement demanding release of six jailed leaders to take the talks process forward.

The development had come after Home Minister P Chidambaram authorized Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi to initiate the dialogue.

"The process has been initiated by the Government of

Xavier's now autonomous college PTI MUMBAI, JUNE 4

St Xavier's, one of the most prestigious institutes in the metropolis has become the first autonomous college under Mumbai University.

The South Mumbai degree college was granted academic autonomy from the University Grants Commission (UGC) on May 31 out of the 600 colleges affiliated to the Mumbai varsity.

According to University sources, the autonomy will be implemented in phases starting from this academic year and the college will have freedom to have its own curriculum and hold exams in a semester-based system.

The College will offer a curriculum prepared by its faculty and it will adopt a credit-based semester system, St Xavier's Principal Fr Frazer Mascarenhas said.

Assam. Let them (ULFA) say. The process cannot be rushed," Pillai said.

Asked how the talks could be fruitful when its elusive ‘cin-c’ and some leaders of the military wing were still at large, the Home Secretary said, "A majority of members of the ULFA’s governing council are there. A couple of them are not there ...

We will welcome them for the talks."

"The people of Assam want a dialogue to resolve the issue. If leaders outside indulging in vi-

olence listen to the voice of Assam, they will come forward for talks," Pillai said in an apparent indication that the government was not averse to dialogue without the group’s ‘cin-c’ Paresh Barua.

"Leaders outside will realize the futility of violence which is causing suffering to the people of Assam. If they are for the people of Assam, which they pretend to be, they will come forward for talks, if not today, then tomorrow," Pillai said.

On the first talks in 1992, when some of the outfit’s leaders led by general secretary Anup Chetia held a round of discussion with the Centre, but fled on the pretext of convincing other members, Pillai said, "The question is not about trusting the ULFA. You can resolve an issue through dialogue and not through violence.

That’s the message we want to send."

Sukna land scam

Lt Gen Prakash's plea turned down PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 4

The Armed Forces Tribunal today turned down former Military Secretary Lt Gen Avdesh Prakash's plea to allow his realtor friend as a witness in the reconvened Court of Inquiry (CoI) in the Sukna land scam case.

"Calling prosecution witness as defence witness is uncalled for.

Prosecution witness cannot be juxtaposed as defence witness," the Tribunal bench headed by Justice S S Kulshreshtha said here.

Lt Gen Prakash, who has been indicted by a CoI in the Sukna land scam, had approached the Tribunal on Wednesday to allow him to produce the witnesses before the reconvened CoI in the case.

Prakash had filed a plea seeking permission to produce as witness his realtor friend Dilip Agarwal, who is alleged to have benefited by the

'No Objection Certificate' issued by the Army for construction of an educational institute on a piece of land adjacent to the Sukna Base.

The Army counsel had opposed the petition, saying that Agarwal had already appeared before the CoI and could not be produced as a defence witness again.

Army's COI had blamed Prakash for influencing the former 33 Corps Commander Lt Gen P K Rath for issuing the NoC. After hearing both sides, the Tribunal Bench had reserved its order.

After his retirement on January 31, Prakash had approached the Tribunal against Army's decision to initiate disciplinary proceedings against him and contended that Army Rule 180, which allows Army personnel to be present if somebody is raising questions over their military character, was not applied.

Trinamool eyeing Cong tie-up for WB elections PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 4

After fighting the Left front and the Congress in the West Bengal civic polls, Trinamool Congress has expressed the hope that a tie up with the Congress for the state Assembly polls works out while making it clear that it was "very much" part of the UPA. "....I am sure in the Assembly, things are quite open and we are very much part of the UPA government and I am sure things will work out," senior Trinamool Congress leader and Minister of State for Health Dinesh Trivedi said.

"I think that the sense will prevail upon everyone. Congress is a national party and will see reasons," he told Karan Thapar during CNBC TV 18's 'India Tonight' programme when asked whether his party would still need Congress support in the Assembly

I am sure in the Assembly, things are quite open and we are very much part of the UPA government and I am sure things will work out -- Dinesh Trivedi elections.

Trivedi said the "writing was already on the wall" and people want a "massive change".

"People out on the streets and we are on the ground. They are just waiting for a massive change and to throw out the CPI(M) and bring in a new government," he said referring to the results of the civic elections.

However, CPI(M) politburo member Sitaram Yechury said

that civil polls only constitute 17 per cent of the voters and "all the elections we are talking about are different ball games".

Though trends "definitely indicate erosion of our support base but this is just 17 per cent of the electorate," he said.

"Bulk of the feeling was certainly against elements within the Left Front," he said.

He also accepted that there was "very" high degree of antiincumbency and there were issues in terms of governance but said the Left Front government is aware of that and taking steps to correct them.

On the Trinamool chief's demand for early elections in the state, Trivedi said the ruling alliance has lost the confidence of the people of the state, underlining that "15 per cent of the electorate was a huge sample cutting across the board."

providing maps of terror targets to LeT, official sources said.

The trial court has also forwarded the judgement to the High Court for confirmation of death penalty awarded to Kasab.

The High Court would simultaneously hear Kasab's appeal against his conviction, state's appeal against acquittal of two coaccused and confirmation of death penalty awarded to the 22-year-old LeT footsoldier who had held the city to a 60-hour siege along with companions and indulged in mayhem.

In the trial court, Kasab was provided with free legal aid after he pleaded that he could not afford to engage a lawyer of his choice.

Judge M L Tahaliyani appointed Abbas Kazmi and K P Pawar to defend him. Later, Kazmi was removed by the Judge on the ground of non-cooperation while Pawar continued to represent him.

The Constitution gives a right to a person to engage a lawyer to defend him in a court of law and if he cannot afford a lawyer of his choice then he can use the services of one from the state's legal aid panel at Government expense, legal experts said.

No relief for Rathore, review plea on June 29 PTI CHANDIGARH, JUNE 4

Disgraced former Haryana DGP SPS Rathore, undergoing 18 months' imprisonment for molesting Ruchika Girhotra, will have to remain behind bars as the Punjab and Haryana High Court today denied him relief saying that he had been found guilty of an "odious offence".

Vacation judge Justice Ajay Tewari fixed June 29 for hearing, before an "appropriate" bench, the revision petition filed by 68-yearold Rathore for suspension of the sentence and his bail plea.

The judge noted that normally where the sentence is upto three years, bail should be granted liberally since long pendency of the appeal/revision may result in the convict having completed the jail term.

"In a case like the present, where the accused has been found guilty of a particularly odious offence, this rule can be departed from," the judge observed.

He, however, held that in order to safeguard the right of the accused, hearing on the main petition must be expedited.

With the judge fixing June 29 for hearing arguments on the revision petition filed on Rathore's behalf by his lawyerwife Abha, the former top cop will have to remain behind bars as his bail plea is also pending.

The judge admitted the revision petition of Rathore for sus-

pension of sentence but held that "even though a detailed analysis of the merits is not nece s s a r y y e t a b ro a d b r u s h overview of the facts would be required for the purpose of deciding an application under section 389/397 CrPC (for suspension of sentence in a revision petition, release of appellant on bail)."

Hours after the 15-page court order, Abha, in a last ditch effort to secure the release of her husband on bail, submitted that he was unwell but the court categorically told her that the matter has been fixed for June 29.

A p a r t f ro m Abha, her sister Neerja, CBI counsel Ajay Kaushik, Anand Parkash and Madhu Parkash, parents of Ruchika's friend Aradhana- the complainant in the case, S C Girhotra, father of Ruchika, and a battery of media persons were among those present in the courtroom.

Hailing the order, Anand Parkash and his wife Madhu, who fought the two-decadelong legal battle, told reporters outside the court premises that "the verdict has proved that a man may be at any high position, but he can not influence the judgement."

Girhotra, father of Ruchika who had committed suicide three years after her molestation on August 12, 1990, said that he was satisfied with what the court had observed.

APPOINTMENTS

Rickshaw pullers wade through a flooded road after heavy rains in Guwahati on Friday.

Ambika, Kidwai renominated PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 4

Union Minister Ambika Soni was renominated today by Congress from Punjab and AICC general secretary Mohsina Kidwai from Chhattisgarh for the biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha.

Four other candidates renominated included Vijay Darda from Maharashtra, Dheeraj Prasad Sahu from Jharkhand and EMS Natchiappan from Tamil Nadu, an AICC statement said.

AICC secretar y Avinash Pandey, who had unsuccessfully fought the RS polls from Maharashtra about two years back is the second candidate from Maharashtra.

APPOINTMENTS

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PLA soldier keeps at bay armed police posse for 10 hours PTI BEIJING, JUNE 4

Angry over attempts to evict him from his rented house, a retired Chinese Red Army soldier armed only with a homemade pistol, kept scores of heavily armed policemen at bay for over 10 hours, before being

killed.

In scenes resembling a Hollywood action thriller, Chen Guosheng, 40, suddenly pulled out a pistol and fired at a police team that was on a routine inspection of his housing complex to check any suspicious activity.

Maoists accuse govt of betrayal; NC asks them to show sincerity PTI KATHMANDU, JUNE 4

Amid a row over Premier Madhav Kumar Nepal's resignation, Maoists have accused the government of betrayal, claiming it had breached a pledge to remove him, even as a top party in the ruling coalition asked the former rebels to fulfill their commitment towards the peace process.

In a statement issued at the end of a key meeting of its Standing Committee, the UCPNMaoist alleged that the Nepali Congress-CPN-UML alliance had breached the verbal commitment made to the former rebels to remove the Prime Minister so as to pave the way for a national consensus government.

Though Nepal had agreed to

step down to secure the support of Maoists –who have nearly 40 per cent seats in the Parliament – to extend by one year the Constituent Assembly's term that was to expire on May 28, the ruling alliance said there was no timeframe for the Prime Minister to quit.

The ruling coalition had "betrayed" the country and the people by "misinterpreting" the three-point agreement reached with Maoists on May 28, the statement by the former rebels said last night.

The Maoists also threatened to launch a new anti-government agitation, claiming that the ruling alliance had assured them that Nepal would resign

by Wednesday last.

In response to the Maoists'

UK says can’t return Kohinoor to India PTI LONDON, JUNE 4

The UK has rejected India's fresh demand to return its priceless artifacts like Kohinoor diamond and Sultanganj Buddha "stolen" during the British colonial rule, citing a law that prevents it from giving back the items.

"The British Museum Act 1963 prevents our national museums from removing items...the government has no plan to change the law," the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said.

It made the statement in response to an appeal by Gautam Sengupta, Director-General of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The ASI is planning to join a campaign with the support of UNESCO and other countries to regain the artifacts.

In an interview to The Independent, Sengupta had said, "As efforts so far to reclaim stolen treasures have proved futile, UNESCO support is required for launching an international campaign to achieve this end" as India's treasures held abroad are "too long to handle" and require

"diplomatic and legal campaign".

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokeswoman said that there is a strong public feeling on the restitution debate and decisions are taken by museum trustees in which politicians do not interfere.

"It's a long-established principle in the UK, supported by successive governments." The British law only permits return of human remains and objects lost during the "Nazi era".

Mughal era's Kohinoor diamond, Sultanganj Buddha, rechristened as the Birmingham Buddha, Amravati railings, a series of limestone carvings dating back to 100 AD, Saraswati idol, a sculpture of the deity from the Bhoj temple, are among the items on the ASI's list.

There is a mounting pressure on the erstwhile colonial countries to restitute heritage items as "not only India, various countries like Mexico, Peru, China, Bolivia, Cyprus and Guatemala also voiced similar concern" and are planning to join the UNESCO campaign, the ASI chief said.

Late night fire kills 109 in Bangladesh PTI DHAKA, JUNE 4

At least 109 people were burnt alive and 50 others were critically injured as a deadly fire engulfed a cluster of multi-storey buildings in densely populated old Dhaka late Thursday night.

"We have so far counted 109 burnt bodies at the morgue," an official of the state-run Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) told reporters as most of the dead and injured were rushed there.

At least 50 others were struggling for life at the state-run Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) with critical burn injuries.

The chief doctor of the burn unit of the facility Samanta Lal Sen, however, said the total count could not yet be done as several other injured were taken to other facilities.

He said 41 people were still being treated at the hospital's unit alone, mostly with "very critical burn injuries".

The private ATN Bangla and other TV channels covering the disaster said the fire brigade rescuers halted their drive this morning after a night-long search for bodies and people trapped inside the wrecks.

But local residents said more

bodies could still be trapped inside the several multi-storey buildings and shanties at Kayetuli area of the crowded old Dhaka.

"It appears the hell has come down here... we see the rescuers are retrieving burnt bodies one after another from the ruptured structures using search lights for want of electricity," a journalist at the spot said.

The blaze was apparently sparked by an explosion of an electric transformer at around 10 pm last night and the fire quickly engulfed a small plastic factory and four other multistorey buildings and adjacent shops sending the flames some 300 feet height in the sky, a fire brigade official said.

"In my 40 years of career, I never saw such a disaster ... so many people came simultaneously with burn injuries," head of DMCH's burn unit said, as many people rushed from one ward to another looking for their relatives and friends.

Television footage showed hundreds of people awaiting news on their loved ones and many wailing at the wreck.

The footages showed people, including women and children, running around looking for relatives.

Pak court issues arrest warrant for Fazlullah PTI PESHAWAR, JUNE 4

A Pakistani court on Friday issued an arrest warrant for Maulana Fazlullah, the chief of the Taliban in the Sway valley, and directed police to produce him before it by June 7 in connection with a host of cases including those related to attacks on security personnel.

The arrest warrant was issued by an anti-terrorism court in Swat headed by Judge Iqbal Khan, which was looking into 25 cases against Fazlullah sent to it by the government of Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa province.

The court asked police to produce the militant commander before it by June 7.

The cases against Fazlullah included those related to attacks on security forces and police, killing of innocent people and inflicting damage to state prop-

erty in the Malakand division.

Fazlullah, also known as Mullah Radio for his fiery sermons broadcast on illegal FM channels, escaped to Afghanistan after the Pakistan Army launched an operation to flush the Taliban out of Swat last year.

Police in Afghanistan's Nuristan province recently claimed Fazlullah was killed in clashes with security forces but this was later denied by the Taliban.

In a separate development, Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa province shifted 33 militants from the central prison in Peshawar to Swat, officials said.

They were apprehended by security forces during search operations and raids in the Malakand division.

Maulana Sufi Muhammad, the chief of the banned Tehrik-eNifaz-e-Shariah Muhammadi, will remain in the central prison in Peshawar.

statement, Nepali Congress (NC) General Secretary Bimalendra Nidhi said today that the Maoists should show sincerity by fulfilling their commitments relating to peace process and Constitution-drafting before seeking the Premier's resignation.

"It is the Maoists who have betrayed us and not the other way round," Nidhi said, dismissing the former rebels' claim that the ruling alliance had assured them that Premier Madhav Kumar Nepal would resign soon after the extension of the Constituent Assembly's term.

Maoists have breached past agreements and understandings a number of times and have not shown sincerity to the Constitution-making and peace

processes, he told PTI after a high-level meeting between Nepali Congress and CPN-UML at the Prime Minister's residence.

The former rebels should first agree to a timetable and modalities to complete the peace process, including rehabilitation of their combatants and their integration with army, and drafting of the Constitution before asking the Prime Minister to resign, he said.

Nidhi said the Prime Minister is ready to tender his resignation provided the Maoists agree on a time-bound plan to return properties seized by them during insurgency, dissolve their paramilitary structure called Young Communist League and manage their combatants.

From Page 1 Grilling time for Mickky

the Director General’s chamber. But it is not known why he was taken there.

The Crime Branch initially refused to talk to media persons after the minister had left in the evening, but after they refused to budge, Police Inspector Sunita Sawant called them inside her cabin where she answered the queries.

Not wanting to disclose much, Sawant said the investigation was open and Nadia’s mother and the minister were called again tomorrow for further recording of their statements.

When questioned how long the minister was interrogated, the PI said she had questioned him for a long time but didn’t give further details. Whatever was asked was part and parcel of the investigation and nothing can be disclosed at this juncture, she said.

On a question whether the Crime Branch had received the post-mortem report of Nadia from Chennai, the PI said “no”.

Nadia’s mother continued to maintain the family was being harassed for no reason. We have no complaints against anyone, the mother and brothers complained.

Amin admits being part...

which he had written a letter to BCCI President Shashank Manohar.

Reacting to ousted IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi’s claim that Amin was part of the consortium that made an unsuccessful bid for the Pune franchise in March this year, he said in a statement, “I was approached by a group of businessmen to join them in the consortium to bid for the Pune franchise. I agreed to invest upto 10 per cent from one of our associate companies.”

He said, “Before participating in the bid I wrote a letter to President, BCCI Shashank Manohar in this regard and also stated in my letter that further clearance would be taken from BCCI before investing in case the bid was successful.” “There was therefore total transparency at every step,” Amin added.

Earlier in the day, Modi had claimed that Amin was a member of the consortium headed by Aniruddha Deshpande, Managing Director of City Corporation in which Sharad Pawar and his family had 16 per cent shares, which unsuccessfully bid for the Pune franchise.

“There were three members in the consortium that was part of the bid. They were Aniruddha, Akruti and Chirayu Amin,” said Modi, whose suspension saw Amin being appointed as the interim IPL chairman.

“It’s a fact of life and I cannot change or distort facts. They were the bidders, one can’t change that,” Modi said.

Amin, a Vadodara-based industrialist who heads the Baroda Cricket Association, was named the interim chairman in April after Modi was suspended on charges of financial irregularities, including bid-rigging.

Pawar, daughter in IPL...

family members were involved in any IPL team or the bidding rocess and I reiterate that statement,” Pawar said reacting to reports that he, his wife and daughter held 16 per cent hares in the City Corporation.

The former BCCI president insisted that the company’s Managing Director Aniruddha Deshpande made the bid in his ndividual capacity though the bid was made in the name of the company. “The board took a unanimous decision not to get involved. But the managing director was eager to get associated with the bidding process, so he was allowed in his individual capacity.”

“In (the board’s) resolution, it was made absolutely clear that there is no direct or indirect involvement of any hareholder other then Deshpande personally,” Pawar said.

Sule also took a similar line saying they had nothing to do with Deshpande’s bid for the Pune IPL team, which eventually lost out to the Sahara Group.

She released a letter purportedly written by City Corporation Director Arun Mehta’s letter to its MD Aniruddha Deshpande which said that if any associates or directors wished to bid for the IPL team they should do so in their personal capacity.

Deshpande made a statement that neither Pawar nor his family members were involved in the failed bid and that he had acted in his individual capacity. Former IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi also sprang to Pawar’s defence and said there was no truth in reports that he had any role in the bid. However, the BJP was not prepared to buy any of these explanations. Its spokesman Ravi Shankar Prasad accused Pawar of “misleading” the nation by “misrepresenting facts” on the issue and demanded his immediate resignation.

“If he does not do so we will demand that the prime minister should take stern action against Pawar,” Prasad told a press conference at his party office. He also demanded a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe into the IPL affairs.

The BJP leader said Singh should not merely speak about “good governance, probity and fairness” but actually implement these benchmarks. Pawar’s ally, Congress, however, refused to comment on the controversy. On BJP’s demand, Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said “Do you expect opposition to demand anything else.”

Sule told reporters in Mumbai that “We are a minority shareholder in the company and we don’t sit on the board. Now if people (Deshpande) have gone in without the permission of the board, how am I involved?

“The board had passed a resolution not to bid and if Mr Deshpande still wants to go ahead, he should do it in his individual capacity. We have nothing to do with that,” she said.

“We have the documents to prove that the board did not approve of any bid,” she added. Asked why no one from the Pawar family revealed anything about the bid earlier, Sule said, “See, we were just not interested in the bid and the company itself was against it. We have documents to prove it.”

“What an individual does is none of our business. We have so much to worry about our constituencies, how much time we really have for these things?” she asked.

Sule said if Pawar wanted, he could have bought an IPL franchise when the Twenty20 league started in 2008.

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India, US vow to remain ‘sensitive’ India presses US to grant access to Headley to each other’s interests PTI WASHINGTON, JUNE 4

United States President Barack Obama shakes hands with Foreign Minister S M Krishna of India at a reception in the Minister's honour at the State Department in Washington, DC, USA on Friday.

PTI WASHINGTON, JUNE 4

Ending their first Cabinet-level Strategic Dialogue, India and the US on Friday vowed to consult each other closely on issues like Afghanistan and terrorism, remaining "sensitive" to each other's interests as President Barack Obama announced that he will visit India in November.

"Minister Krishna and Secre-

tary Clinton reiterated their shared goal of advancing security and stability across Asia, in particular, through the emergence of an open, balanced and inclusive architecture of cooperation in the region," said a joint statement issued at the end of their Strategic Dialogue.

Obama, who ignored protocol to attend a reception for External Affairs Minister S M Krishna by

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department, said US' relations with India were at the highest of priorities for his administration and for "me personally" as President.

He announced that he will visit India in November, saying the country is a rising and responsible global power indispensable to a future American strategy.

"So I look forward to advancing our partnership, to experiencing all that India and its people and its incredible ancient culture have to offer," Obama said.

As of now his travel dates to India have been tentatively scheduled from November 7 to November 10, a senior administration official told PTI. At the start of the dialogue, Clinton called India a "rising global power" and that her country was "definitely committed" to considering it for a permanent membership in an expanded UN Security Council and pitched for its greater role in meeting challenges in the region like securing Afghanistan.

The joint statement pledged that as strategic partners, India and US would "continue to consult each other closely on regional and global developments

Pak, India have to return to sustained engagement PTI ISLAMABAD, JUNE 4

Pakistan and India have to return to a sustained and result-oriented engagement as they have "no option" but to peacefully resolve all outstanding issues, including the Kashmir dispute, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Friday.

Addressing the North Atlantic Council, the principal decisionmaking body of NATO, in Brussels, Gilani said Pakistan desires "good neighbourly and cooperative relations" with India.

He said Pakistan has suggested to India that the Joint Anti-Terrorism Mechanism be reactivated.

"Our two countries have no option but to resolve peacefully all outstanding disputes including Kashmir, Siachen and water," he said.

"Dialogue, I believe, offers the only way forward. We need to get back to a serious, sustained and result-oriented engagement," he remarked.

The two countries "must also work closely" on eliminating terrorism and forging closer economic and trade relations, he said.

Gilani noted that he had a "good meeting" with his Indian

Naoto Kan becomes Japan’s new PM PTI TOKYO, JUNE 4

Naoto Kan, a co-founder of Japan's Democratic Party on Friday became the new prime minister of the world's second largest economy and vowed to rid the country's political environment of "money scandals".

Kan, 63, who was deputy prime minister and finance minister, was picked up to head the ruling party to succeed Yukio Hatoyama who bowed out of office over his bungled handling of a dispute over a major US base in the country.

Kan was formally endorsed as new prime minister by the country's Parliament, after he emerged as a new head of the ruling party defeating his little known rival Shinji Tarutoko, by a vote of 291-129, Kyodo news agency reported.

The new prime minister in his first utterance after election as new party head said he would aim to create a political environment free from money scandals, an indication that he would distance himself from the ruling party's scandal-tainted kingpin Ichiro Ozawa.

In a blistering attack on Ozawa, Kan told the party strongman that he should "stay quiet for at least a while, for the sake of the nation".

Advising Ozawa to come clean, the prime minister said the party kingpin should take responsibility for causing public distrust due to fundraising scandal.

counterpart Manmohan Singh on the sidelines of a SAARC summit in Bhutan in April and that they had "agreed to resume our dialogue process".

However, Gilani also said that his country continues to have concerns about "Pakistan-specific Indian military doctrines such as the Cold Start envisaging a limited conventional war under the nuclear over-hang" and a "huge increase in the In-

dian military budget and massive weapon acquisitions".

"These together with discriminatory policies, especially in the nuclear and technological arena, have accentuated the regional imbalance in South Asia," he said.

Pakistan believes that "all these and other issues between Pakistan and India must be resolved peacefully through dialogue", he added.

and remain sensitive to each other's interests."

India on Friday pressed the US to grant access to Mumbai attacks plotter David Coleman

Headley hoping that it will understand the "sensitivities" involved, as a team of Indian investigators arrived in Chicago.

External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said the US has assured India that it would be given ac-

cess to Headley, who is currently lodged in a Chicago prison, and it would be "accommodated" and "arranged" within the legal framework of the US. "We have been assured that we will have access to Headley.

It is going to be accommodated

and arranged within the legal framework of the US," Krishna told a press conference, wrapping up his four-day visit to the US. He said Headley is an American citizen and he is fully covered by the American laws.

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Cos asked to raise public stake to 25% PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 4

The government today made it a must for listed companies to raise public holding in them to 25%, a move that may give investors a chance to buy stocks of big firms like IOC, DLF and Wipro at lower prices.

The mandatory offloading of at least 5% stake a year by promoters to reach the threshold limit is likely to flood the market with many offers, and the public could stand to gain both at price front as well as choice of companies for investment.

According to market analysts, about 180 companies including 35 PSUs would have to offload stake to meet the new norms of 25% public holding notified by the Finance Ministry. There are over 4,500 listed companies in India.

The entire exercise of raising public holding, also aimed at checking share price manipulation, could necessitate fresh investment of up to Rs two lakh crore, going by the present share prices of the firms that need to dilute promoter stake.

From PSUs alone, the stipulated dilution could require investment up to Rs 1.25 lakh crore, as per the current share prices, but market analysts pointed out that disinvestment in stages could see offers made at lower level.

Compliance with the new rule would entail, in the first year of dilution, sale of shares priced at Rs 60,000 crore now by all listed companies. As per the share prices today, two thirds of it would be accounted

for by PSUs. As such the govt had set a target of raising Rs 40,000 crore from disinvestment of PSUs this fiscal, including IPOs by giants like Coal India.

However, the decision would not lead to a flood of public issues, as it has been staggered by allowing only five per cent dilution each year, a top Finance Ministry official said.

On the contrary, HDFC chairman Deepak Parekh, a key financial adviser to the govt, had asked for a time-bound dilution to 25% level as a way to tackle over-pricing of public issues, both by corporate and govt. The companies will get time of up to five years to meet the threshold limit. While most companies would need to do it in up to three years, some PSUs such as MMTC will get up to five years because of their very low public holding.

While the move would provide enough liquidity in the stock markets for trading and guard against price manipulation, analysts said the investment could also put pressure on available liquidity at a time when RBI is already grappling with high inflation.

"A dispersed shareholding structure is essential for sustenance of continuous market for listed securities to provide liquidity to investors and to discover fair prices. Further, the larger the number of shareholders, the less is the scope for price manipulation", the Finance Ministry said while issuing the notification.

Companies seeking fresh

Jaiprakash looks to add capacity PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 4

Cement-maker Jaiprakash Associates today said it will invest around Rs 10,000 crore in the next three years to increase its annual production capacity to 50 million tonnes from a little over 20 million tonnes at present. "We will invest around 10,000 crore in the next three years, including Rs 3,000 crore in the current fiscal, to jack up our annual production capacity to 50 million tonnes," Jaiprakash Associates CFO Rahul Kumar said.

The company has 19 million tonnes of installed capacity at its 12 plants across the northern, central and western parts of the country and a 2.2-million tonne facility within the Bhilai Steel Plant in a joint venture with Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). Kumar said the proposed investment will be funded through a mix of debt and equity in the ratio of 70:30, but Jaiprakash does not have "any immediate plans" to

raise equity to finance the debt part.

"We have new plants coming up in almost all parts of the country. This will take our installed capacity to 34 million tonnes by the end of the current fiscal," he said.

Jaiprakash Associates produced 11 million tonnes of cement in 2009-10 and hopes this will go up to 20 million tonnes in the current fiscal by enhancing capacity utilisation to almost 100%. Asked whether the company plans any acquisition, either in India or abroad, Kumar said," We will be open to evaluating any opportunities that may come our way. " India''s total installed cement capacity, as of March, 2010, stood at around 250 million tonnes, though actual production last year was around 200 million tonnes. According to Crisil Research, about 35 million tonnes of capacity is likely to be commissioned in 2011-12, as against 50 million tonnes in 2010-11.

Mkts rise for 3rd day, Sensex gains 95 pts PTI MUMBAI, JUNE 4

Recovering from early losses, the BSE benchmark Sensex today closed up by 95 points to complete 3 days of winning streak, amid firming European markets.

On the back of buying support in banking and FMCG and IT counters, the Bombay Stock Exchange’s 30-share barometer ended the session at 17,117.69, up 95.36 points, or 0.56 per cent.

The broader-based Nifty 50 of the National Stock Exchange gained 0.49 per cent to settle at 5,135.50.

During the week, the Sensex recorded a net rise of 1.5 per cent and this the second week in a row it is gaining.

listing would, however, have to dilute 25% in one go in case the issue size is just up to Rs 4,000 crore.

However, those already in the process of going public and have filed draft prospectus could disinvest stipulated 10% and later meet the condition notified today.

Besides IOC, DLF and Wipro, other top companies that are expected to offload promoter stake are state-owned NMDC, NTPC, SAIL, NALCO, Neyveli Lignite, OIL and private sector RPower.

The decision on mandatory increase in public exposure of a company had been hanging fire for more than a year due to differences market regulator SEBI had with Finance Ministry.

The move is in line with practice followed in developed economies globally. While the London Stock Exchange requires 25% minimum public holding, the Singapore and Hong Kong Stock Exchanges also stipulate public share holding between 12 and 25%.

The requirement to offload equity by large number of listed companies may have implications for the disinvestment programme of the government, which has raised only Rs 1,079 crore (through SJVNL IPO) so far this fiscal as against the target of Rs 40,000 crore.

Several initial and follow-on public issues of PSUs like SAIL, Coal India, Power Grid, Engineers India Limited, MMTC and Hindustan Copper are in the pipeline.

Philips to push retail presence PTI HYDERABAD, JUNE 4

Philips India, plans to increase its exclusive touch points, a combination of shop-in-shops and light lounges to 450 from the present 185 by the year end, said Nirupam Sahay, senior director, Philips Lighting.

He said there will be a mix of 400 shop-in-shops and 50 Light Lounges and it will be a combination of both company-owned and franchisee model.

Light lounges are experience zones which give customers a 'see, touch and feel' experience of a diverse range of worldclass home decorative lighting concepts from Philips, like Living Colors, Ecomoods, Kidsplace, Ledino and Aquafit.

"The size of our light lounges ranges from 800 sqft – 2000 sqft In line with the continued company-wide focus on consumer lighting, Philips has rapidly increased and will increase its retail presence across important cities in India in the last one year," Sahay said.

Aban Offshor, 697, 709.5, 690, 699.95 Abb Ltd., 852.7, 861.4, 852.7, 858.55 Abg Shipyard, 251.5, 254, 249.15, 250.35 Acc Limited, 838.25, 854.95, 838.25, 841.9 Adani Enterp, 551, 557, 544.1, 551.05 Aditya Birla, 717, 753.9, 717, 749.4 Allahabad Ba, 163.5, 165.35, 161.5, 163.95 Alstom Proje, 606.1, 614, 602.15, 607.95 Ambuja Cemen, 114.2, 114.7, 112.05, 112.5 Andhra Bank, 139.8, 140.7, 136.85, 137.65 Ashok Leylan, 65.15, 65.15, 63.5, 64.1 Asian Paints, 2114.9, 2156, 2095.5, 2146.75 Axis Bank Li, 1240, 1258, 1240, 1245.45 Bajaj Hindus, 108.1, 112.8, 108, 111.7 Bank Of Baro, 739.5, 749.8, 735.25, 741.8 Bank Of Indi, 334, 338.9, 330.25, 334.3 Beml Limited, 999, 1009.8, 995, 1000.55 Bharat Elect, 1688.6, 1719.85, 1688.6, 1715.95 Bharat Forge, 272.8, 272.8, 265.05, 268.85 Bharat Petro, 583, 589.75, 567.35, 579.8 Bharti Airte, 272, 278.4, 267.5, 276.3 Bhel, 2330, 2343.3, 2314, 2331.8

Toyota mulls engine plant in India PTI BANGALORE, JUNE 4

Toyota is exploring the possibility of setting up a research and development facility and engine plant in India, the head of its joint venture said today.

MD of Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) Hiroshi Nakagawa said Toyota currently undertakes R&D in Japan and Thailand, among other places.

He said one of the options being considered now is to set up a R&D facility in India. The proposal is at the discussion stage and it is his "wish and hope" that it would be established in future.

Nakagawa also said "If we have a chance, we should establish engine facility here in India also.”

HUL to buy back shares PTI MUMBAI, JUNE 4

FMCG major Hindustan Unilever Ltd is considering buying back its shares from the market to utilise its surplus cash. The company''s board is meeting on June 11 to consider the proposal for buy back of shares, HUL said in its filing to the stock exchanges yesterday.

"The company is rich in cash and it has surplus money for investment. If its board approves the buy back plan, it will be a rewarding thing for its shareholders," Bonanza Portfolio AVP(Research-Equity) Avinash Gupta said.

Bouyed by the news, HUL shares that had surged over 4 per cent yesterday, gained another 4 per cent in value before falling to 2.35 per cent by the afternoon today. "Over a longperiod, the stock had been

under-performing with the key benchmark indices", Gupta said adding the buy back offer would boost the liquidity of the scrip.

"The buy back offer would help the promoters of the firm to increase their stake in the company", he said. According to March quarter shareholding pattern data available in National Stock Exchange promoters at present hold a 52 per cent stake in HUL. Last time, the company did the buy back of shares was in July 2007.

The FMCG major is driven by a good show in the personal products segment and has reported a 47 per cent climb in its profit at Rs 581.20 crore for the quarter ended March 31, 2010. Net sales of the firm for the quarter stood at Rs 4,315.7 crore, compared to Rs 3,988.33 crore of a year ago.

MTN denies R-Com talks AGENCY JOHANNESBURG, JUNE 4

South Africa's MTN Group said it was not in talks with India's Reliance Communications, following a newspaper report on Thursday that Reliance was mulling a merger with MTN. Shares in Reliance Comm, India's No. 2 mobile operator, rose for a second straight day on investors' hopes that it may sell a stake or consider a merger with a foreign telecoms firm that would provide it with much needed funds. Etisalat of Abu Dhabi and MTN are seen as potential partners.

Asked whether MTN was in talks with Reliance, MTN spokeswoman Nozipho January-Bardill said:"That's not true.

"If we were talking to Reliance we would have told the market," she said.

India's Economic Times newspaper on Thursday reported Reliance Comm, controlled by billionaire Anil Ambani, was considering a merger with MTN, with which the Indian firm had initiated tie-up talks in 2008 in an ulti-

Bhushan Stee, 1312.25, 1345.9, 1294, 1344.4 Biocon Limit, 295, 295.05, 289.5, 291.9 Bombay Dyein, 508, 517.9, 505, 508.55 Bosch Limite, 5018, 5038, 4922, 5018.45 Brigade Ente, 138.15, 140.25, 135.4, 136.9 Cairn India, 293, 301.8, 293, 300.2 Canara Bank, 417, 423.9, 411.55, 420.05 Central Bank, 146.1, 151.2, 146.1, 149.55 Century Text, 448.25, 450.85, 442.2, 445.45 Cesc Ltd, 378.95, 379.95, 374.1, 376.35 Chambal Fert, 62.45, 62.45, 61.05, 61.75 Chennai Petr, 252, 259.9, 250.2, 258.45 Cipla Ltd, 323.9, 326.7, 323.9, 325.1 Colgate Palm, 803.7, 825, 793.3, 813.05 Container Co, 1324.8, 1324.8, 1291.05, 1299.55 Crompton Gre, 250.45, 250.9, 245.1, 247.05 Cummins Indi, 553, 560, 548, 556.75 Dabur India, 188.2, 193.35, 186.9, 192.4 Deccan Chron, 127.55, 129.4, 125.05, 127.3 Dish Tv Indi, 38.65, 41.85, 38.35, 41.15 Divi’s Labor, 751, 755, 742.85, 749.1 Dlf Limited, 276.4, 285.6, 274, 281.75

mately thwarted deal.

India's 600 million-user cellular market is the world's fastest growing, but ferocious competition and the need to spend billions of dollars on licences and network gear are squeezing operators, with consolidation expected.

Reliance Communications said on Wednesday it had received proposals from international telecoms firms to buy a strategic equity stake, after a newspaper report said Etisalat was eyeing a 25 percent stake for 180 billion rupees ($3.9 billion), implying a sharp premium.

"Both look fairly reasonable, but the one which is from Abu Dhabi looks a little bit more advanced," a person with knowledge of the matter said earlier on Thursday, declining to be identified as the information is sensitive.

However, another person familiar with the situation who also declined to be identified, said that with regard to Etisalat, it was "early days. No deal imminent."

Etisalat, which already has a

Dr. reddy’s, 1395, 1417.5, 1395, 1405.6 Edelweiss Ca, 419.9, 419.9, 405.05, 408 Educomp Solu, 542.2, 554.5, 523.1, 551.95 Eih Limited, 117, 117.4, 115.1, 115.9 Engineers In, 329, 336, 322, 329.3 Essar Oil Lt, 123.9, 130.5, 123.6, 129.05 Essar Shippi, 83.2, 83.9, 82.1, 82.45 Exide Indust, 120.2, 124.4, 120, 123.75 Federal Bank, 337, 346, 335.6, 341.7 Financial Te, 1374.5, 1374.5, 1321.2, 1345.55 Gail (india), 465, 470.95, 458.05, 460.75 Gammon India, 203.95, 203.95, 198.65, 201 Glaxosmithkl, 2164.4, 2339, 2032, 2035.2 Glenmark Pha, 265.75, 265.75, 256.4, 257.7 Gmr Infrastr, 57.6, 57.95, 57.05, 57.25 Godrej Indus, 151, 153, 149, 149.6 Grasim Indus, 1785, 1791, 1768.25, 1772.5 Great Offsho, 454, 462.2, 451, 452 Gtl Infra.Lt, 37.5, 39.6, 37.05, 38.8 Gujarat Mine, 124.6, 124.6, 122.05, 122.4 Gujarat N R, 60.6, 61.25, 58.6, 59 Gujarat Stat, 99.3, 100.65, 98.05, 98.6

Gvk Pow. & I, 43.45, 43.5, 42.75, 43.1 Hcl Technolo, 375, 388.5, 375, 386.9 Hdfc Bank Lt, 1906, 1909.8, 1880.1, 1885.7 Hdfc Ltd, 2720, 2754.4, 2720, 2748.9 Hero Honda M, 1979, 2012.45, 1974, 1996.25 Hindalco in, 146, 148.8, 143.6, 147.6 Hindustan Co, 118, 118.35, 115, 115.45 Hindustan Ma, 72.5, 72.5, 70.4, 70.75 Hindustan Pe, 365, 372, 359.25, 367.25 Hindustan Un, 252.75, 257.2, 249.1, 251.7 Hindustan Zi, 973.7, 973.7, 950.05, 965.9 Housing Dev, 231, 235.7, 226.5, 232.15 Icici Bank L, 854.1, 868.6, 854.1, 865.85 Idea Cellula, 55.05, 56.5, 54.25, 55.95 Ifci Ltd, 54.4, 54.75, 53.8, 54.3 India Cement, 110.85, 114.1, 109.5, 113.45 India Infoli, 96.6, 96.6, 94, 94.4 Indiabulls F, 143.75, 143.75, 139.5, 140.15 Indiabulls R, 158.6, 159.45, 155, 156.85 Indian Bank, 228, 233.9, 228, 230.95 Indian Hotel, 101.15, 102.4, 100.15, 100.8 Indian Oil C, 350, 358.9, 348.6, 354.85 Indian Overs, 89.8, 93.7, 89.55, 91.8

startup joint venture in India, also said on Wednesday it was looking to buy a stake in an Indian operator and was in talks with several firms but declined to be specific.

Emirates Telecommunications Corp, or Etisalat, is being advised by Standard Chartered, sources said.

Shares in Reliance Comm, India's No 2 mobile carrier, ended 6.4 percent higher on Thursday after gaining 11 percent on Wednesday, cutting its losses for the year, after being one of the worst performers in the 30-share main BSE index.

"Nobody knows whether any of the deals would happen or not, but certainly windows of opportunity are open for Anil Ambani," said Jagannadham Thunuguntla, equity head at SMC Capitals in New Delhi, referring to Reliance Comm's billionaire chairman.

"If it is actually a stake sale, that's a good move. If the incoming party pays a good premium, it would help them reduce some debt," Thunuguntla said.

Indus Dev Ba, 114, 115.25, 112.1, 114.9 Indusind Ban, 188.5, 190.95, 186.1, 190.35 Infosys Tech, 2698, 2738, 2682.45, 2728.95 Infra. dev., 162.5, 163.8, 160.8, 163.4 Ispat Indust, 17.6, 17.65, 17.3, 17.55 Itc Ltd, 288.85, 291.8, 277, 290.85 Ivrcl Infras, 178.15, 178.3, 172.3, 177.65 Jai Corp Lim, 230.1, 230.75, 225.5, 227.15 Jaiprakash A, 124, 124, 120.8, 122.55 Jet Airways, 506, 506, 485.25, 491 Jindal Saw L, 191.5, 193.4, 188.9, 191.45 Jindal Steel, 632, 635, 625.6, 629.65 Jsw Steel Li, 1075, 1083, 1050.1, 1075.85 Kotak Mahind, 759.55, 762.8, 749, 752.15 Lakshmi Mach, 1820, 1820, 1795.1, 1804.55 Lanco Infrat, 64.5, 64.9, 62.6, 63.4 Larsen & Tou, 1676, 1676, 1644.2, 1672 Lic Housing, 969, 980.9, 958.6, 974 Lupin Limite, 1857, 1868, 1841.25, 1851.2 Mahanagar Te, 55.95, 56.95, 55.4, 56.45 Mahindra & M, 587, 587.5, 572.15, 585.2 Maruti Suzuk, 1304, 1335, 1290, 1330.05 Max India Lt, 162.05, 164.25, 160.05, 161.8

It has also declared a final dividend of Rs 3.50 per share for the fiscal March, 2010.

Pg12 BOARD MEETINGS Jalgaon Rerol Neo Corp Rich Capital Jindalcotex Source: Indiainfoline.com

MF FUNDA AXIS MUTUAL FUND has unveiled seven fixed maturity plans with 3 months and 1 year duration. The following are the plans under Axis Fixed Term Plan - Series 1 - 10, a close ended debt scheme.

Axis Fixed Term Plan - Series 4 (3 months) opens for subscription from June 8 and closes on July 14, 2010 Axis Fixed Term Plan - Series 5 (3 months) open for subscription from June 8 and closes on July 16, 2010 Axis Fixed Term Plan - Series 6 (3 months) open for subscription from June 8 and closes on July 19, 2010 Axis Fixed Term Plan - Series 7 (3 months) opens for subscription from June 8 and closes on July 22, 2010 Axis Fixed Term Plan - Series 8 (1 year) opens for subscription from June 8 and closes on July 16, 2010 Axis Fixed Term Plan - Series 9 (1 year) opens for subscription from June 8 and closes on July 19, 2010 Axis Fixed Term Plan - Series 10 (1 year) opens for subscription from June 8 and closes on July 22, 2010 The NFO price for the plans is Rs 10 per unit. The plan(s) offer two options namely retail and institutional option. Each option offers sub-option of growth, dividend and quarterly dividend option. Both dividend and quarterly dividend option offers payout facility.

The minimum application amount is Rs 5,000 for retail option and Rs 10 million for institutional option. The fund seeks to collect a minimum subscription (minimum target) amount of Rs 10 million under the plan during the NFO period.

Entry and exit load charge will be nil for the plans. Units of plans will be listed on the National Stock Exchange of India.

Benchmark Index for the plans is CRISIL Short Term Bond Fund Index. The fund manager of the plans will be Sriraj Bhattacharjee.

DSP BLACKROCK MUTUAL FUND has floated two new schemes named as DSP BlackRock FMP - 3M - Series 17 and DSP BlackRock FMP - 12M - Series 5, close-ended income schemes. The NFO price for the schemes is Rs 10 per unit.

DSP BlackRock FMP - 3M - Series 17 (Duration 3 months) opens for subscription from June 4 and closes on June 9, 2010.

DSP BlackRock FMP - 12M - Series 5 (Duration 12 monhs) opens for subscription from June 4 and closes on June 14, 2010.

The schemes offer a choice of two options, growth option and dividend payout option. The minimum application amount is Rs 10,000 and in multiples of Rs 10 thereafter.

The fund seeks to collect a minimum subscription (minimum target) amount of Rs 100 million in the schemes during the NFO period. Entry and exit load charge will be nil for the schemes.

Units of schemes are proposed to be listed on the National Stock Exchange of India.

Benchmark Index is CRISIL Liquid Fund Index for DSP BlackRock FMP - 3M - Series 17 and CRISIL Short Term Bond Fund Index for DSP BlackRock FMP - 12M - Series 5. The fund manager of the schemes will be Dhawal Dalal.

ICICI PRUDENTIAL MUTUAL FUND has launched a new fund named as ICICI Prudential Fixed Maturity Plan - Series 52 - 1 Year Plan B, a close ended debt scheme.

The tenure of Plan B under scheme is 371 days. The NFO price for the scheme is Rs 10 per unit. The new issue is open for subscription from June 4 and closes on June 8, 2010.

Presently, two options are available under the plan of the scheme viz. cumulative and dividend option. Dividend Payout is the only facility available under dividend option. The cumulative option shall be default option under the scheme.

Entry load and exit load charge are not applicable for the scheme. The scheme is proposed to be listed on NSE. The minimum application amount is Rs 5000 and in multiples of Re 1 thereafter.

The fund seeks to collect a minimum subscription amount of Rs 50 million under 1 Year Plan B during the NFO period.

The scheme`s performance will be benchmarked against Crisil Composite Bond Fund Index. The scheme will be managed by Chaitanya Pande.

FRANKLIN TEMPLETON MUTUAL FUND (MF) has approved June14, 2010 as the record date for declaration of dividend under Franklin Templeton Capital Protection Oriented-3 Years-DY. The quantum of the declaration will be 100% of the distributable surplus as available under the plan(s) on the record date.

BHARTI AXA MF has introduced weekly frequency of dividend payout in Short Term Income Fund Bharti AXA Short Term Income Fund - Institutional Plan currently offers monthly and quarterly frequencies of dividend payout under the dividend pay-out option.

With effect from June 4, 2010, a weekly frequency of dividend pay-out is also being introduced. The record date for the weekly dividends will be every Friday.

Maytas Infr., 199.4, 199.4, 194.1, 195.5 Moser-baer (, 62.5, 63.75, 61.15, 62.5 Mrpl, 69, 70.75, 68.7, 69.95 Nagarjuna Co, 186, 189.95, 183, 185.2 Nagarjuna Fe, 30.1, 30.2, 29.6, 29.85 National Alu, 420.05, 422.95, 420, 420.55 Neyveli Lign, 150, 150, 147.9, 148.05 Ntpc Ltd, 202.1, 204.3, 201.6, 202.2 Oil And Natu, 1222, 1230, 1185, 1189.7 Omaxe Limite, 94.1, 95.3, 92.55, 94.3 Oriental Ban, 332.85, 338.7, 328.15, 333 Pantaloon Re, 417.2, 423, 413.5, 416.35 Parsvnath De, 124.3, 128.9, 122.6, 128.35 Petronet Lng, 84.4, 85.8, 83.55, 83.85 Power Fin Co, 290, 295.5, 290, 293.15 Power Grid C, 106, 106.15, 104.8, 105.75 Praj Industr, 78.7, 80.9, 78.25, 79.85 Punj Lloyd L, 118, 121, 118, 118.7 Punjab Natio, 1006, 1018.8, 1002, 1015.85 Rajesh Expor, 90.6, 90.9, 87.75, 88.05 Ranbaxy Labs, 432.15, 435.35, 429.25, 430.5 Rashtriya Ch, 81.25, 81.85, 79.6, 79.85

Rel. nat. re, 54.4, 54.9, 53.8, 54.25 Reliance Cap, 674.9, 689.9, 667, 678.95 Reliance Com, 165, 169.7, 159.1, 168.55 Reliance Ene, 878.31, 897.95, 877.5, 891.64 Reliance Ind, 772, 774, 762.5, 765.45 Reliance Ind, 1031, 1036, 1022.45, 1031.2 Reliance Pow, 163.8, 164.5, 159.05, 160.15 Rolta India, 166.8, 167.95, 164.35, 166.15 Satyam Compu, 90.5, 90.85, 88.6, 89.05 Sesa Goa Ltd, 382, 382, 368, 369.2 Shipping Cor, 161, 163.5, 160.6, 162.15 Siemens Ltd, 693, 699.4, 687.1, 695.8 Sintex Indus, 288.2, 293.25, 281.05, 283.9 Sobha Develo, 286.9, 293, 283.65, 288.2 State Bank O, 2290, 2348, 2279, 2340.75 Steel Author, 203, 203.45, 198, 201.35 Sterlite Ind, 654.8, 654.8, 634.5, 648.45 Sun Pharmace, 1693.05, 1717.5, 1693.05, 1704.8 Sun Tv Netwo, 404.1, 410.7, 395.15, 397.6 Suzlon Energ, 55.4, 56.4, 54.4, 55.8 Tata Communi, 248.9, 250.7, 243.05, 247.4 Tata Consult, 765.45, 769.7, 755.2, 765.35 Tata Motors, 767.7, 775.85, 755.6, 771.6

Tata Power C, 1244.65, 1244.65, 1211.3, 1238.75 Tata Steel L, 484.5, 490, 478.55, 485.25 Tata Tea Ltd, 1070.6, 1098.1, 1070.6, 1088.45 Tata Teleser, 20.5, 20.85, 20.2, 20.7 Tech Mahindr, 718, 721.05, 701.55, 705.3 The Ge Shpg., 305.3, 305.3, 297.65, 303.4 The Phoenix, 198.9, 204.35, 195.15, 200.85 Thermax Ltd, 690, 698.6, 683.05, 687.75 Titan Indust, 2241, 2268, 2216.1, 2248.85 Torrent Powe, 327, 332, 325.05, 330.4 Triveni Engg, 95, 97.8, 93.75, 95.05 Tv18 India L, 83, 87.25, 82.5, 85.85 Uco Bank, 80.2, 81.9, 79.9, 80.95 Ultratech Ce, 937, 964.7, 937, 952.7 Union Bank O, 314, 319.8, 309.6, 315.1 Unitech Ltd, 71.65, 72.4, 70.7, 71.25 United Phosp, 183.4, 189.5, 181.2, 187.25 Videocon Ind, 203.5, 203.75, 200, 200.35 Vijaya Bank, 61.5, 62.1, 60.85, 61.15 Voltas Ltd, 184, 186, 181.25, 184.95 Wipro Ltd, 655.1, 658.9, 651.2, 655.45 Yes Bank Lim, 298.35, 299.4, 290.55, 292.2 Zee Entertai, 292.5, 298.8, 286.75, 297.3

OHERALDO

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Pg13

BIZ

GOA, SATURDAY, 5 JUNE, 2010

Govt will not pause rate hikes: FM ReuTeRs BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA, JUNE 4

The government will keep unwinding economic stimulus deployed during the financial crisis and continue raising interest rates despite uncertainty linked to euro zone's debt woes, its finance minister said on Friday.

Pranab Mukherjee said a deepening debt crisis in Europe could hit India's and other emerging economies' exports and growth, but such a risk was not stopping India from gradually reversing loose fiscal and monetary policies.

Asked whether uncertainty about the impact of Europe's debt crisis on the global economy was a reason to hold off with further interest rate increases despite last quarter's buoyant growth, Mukherjee said: "No, we won't pause them."

The finance minister was speaking on the sidelines of a meeting of Group of 20 finance ministers and central bankers in the South Korean port city of Busan.

India's central bank raised rates in March and April by 25 basis points and signalled more

HDFC’s loan against property PTI MUMBAI, JUNE 4

Mortgage lender, HDFC, said it has relaunched its productLoan against Property-that enables the clients to meet their immediate cash requirements by pledging their property.

HDFC will offer interest rates of 11.25 per cent per annum for loans upto Rs 1-crore and at 11 per cent for loans above Rs 1-crore, a press release said.

Loans will have a maturity upto 15 years, for both residential properties and non-residential properties, a release said.

Existing home-loan customers of HDFC are eligible for 60 per cent of the market value including the present loan outstanding, while all other customers are entitled to 50 per cent of the market value of the property, it said.

"This enables a person to take a larger loan as compared to a personal loan where the period is very short which has a huge impact on the cash flow and thus the repaying capacity," HDFC managing director, Renu Sud Karnad, said.

The facility is available for all resident Indians who have a property of their own. The customer can make the best use of the present market value of his property by taking a loan against it and thereby get immediate financial assistance to meet a variety of needs, the company said.

R-BIG TV free with LG TVs PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 4

Reliance BIG TV said that it has entered into an agreement with Korean major LG Electronics for bundling DTH connections with LG colour televisions. RBTV said that upon purchasing an LG colour TV set, the customer can now avail of a Reliance BIG TV connection -- coupled with a onemonth silver pack.

The customer will have to pay Rs 399 as installation charges, it added. Reliance BIG TV is the direct-to-home (DTH) arm of R-Com. The offer, valid till June 30, 2010, would be available across Karnataka, Rajasthan, Punjab, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Haryana.

Ceat buys 100% stake in SL arm NEW DELHI: Tyre major Ceat today said its Sri Lankan investment arm Associated Ceat Holdings Company has become a wholly-owned subsidiary of itself after acquiring the remaining stake in the Colombobased firm. Ceat, which had a 54.84 per cent shareholding in the investment company, has acquired the remaining stake, amounting to 45.16 lakh shares, the company said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange.

hikes would follow, when it last met for a regular quarterly policy review in April.

However, recent market volatility and worries that Europe's efforts to rein in debt will sap global growth, cast doubt on the scope of monetary tightening by major central banks.

Such worries also gave rise to suggestions that major emerging markets economies, such as China, India, Brazil and Russia, should help sustain global recovery by delaying the exit from loose policies put in place during the global downturn.

Mukherjee, however, said that Asia's third-largest economy would continue to consolidate its finances and underscored the contrast between the relative fiscal health

of emerging economies and debt-laden euro zone members.

"You need fiscal prudence and in the developing countries, we are doing so."

Mukherjee said that India, which has pumped an equivalent of 3 percent of gross domestic product into its economy to shield it from the global crisis, planned to withdraw that stimulus next year.

"I hope to have next year a total exit policy."

The Indian economy grew by 8.6 percent in the March quarter from a year earlier in yet an-

other sign that the world's major emerging economies have been little affected by Europe's troubles.

However, Mukherjee said a deeper, protracted crisis would not leave those economies unscathed.

"If the larger Europe and the entire euro zone is affected by this crisis and the recovery process is slowed down, naturally it will affect both exports from the developing countries ... and the flow of FDI (foreign direct investment)," he said.

"We do hope the crisis will be resolved sooner rather than later."

Videocon’s GSM now in Kerala PTI KOCHI, JUNE 4

Videocon, which launched its GSM mobile services in Kerala, will be investing Rs 400 crore in the state. About Rs 200 crore to Rs 250 crore has already been invested, Aravind Santhanam, COO, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, said. The services have been started with a network of 1500 BTS at the time of launch, which was expected to touch 2500 by the year end to deliver superior services to subscribers across all major towns, national and state highways and important railway stations, he said.

Miners may have to give 26% profit to local area PTI NEW DELHI, JUNE 4

The government will make it mandatory for mining companies to earmark 26 per cent of their profit for local and tribal welfare, a move that has found support of the Tatas, Mines Minister B K Hindque said today. The proposal would be part of the new mines legislation, the draft for which would be sent to the Cabinet later this month, Handique said, adding that the issue of profit sharing for local area development to quell social unrest has been supported by the

Tatas.

"We are introducing the annuity of 26 per cent of profit (earned by mining companies) towards CSR. 26 per cent is a convenient one for us and will bring justice to these people," he said, adding that other mining companies have not yet responded to the idea. "Yes, the Tata Group has backed it. The Tatas came to me the other day. They did appreciate the annuity," Handique said while pointing out that he knew the task was not easy as miners'' bodies were opposed to it.

Handique said the draft had been sent some time back to the Law Ministry for approval after extensive consultations with the states and other stake holders. "We are awaiting vetting of the draft by the Law Ministry.

This will come to us next week and then we will go to the Cabinet," he said, hoping that it would be introduced in the Winter Session of Parliament, which normally commences in December. "After we introduce the bill, it will be immediately referred to the Standing Committee.

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GOA’S HEARTBEAT Saturday, 5 June, 2010

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goddi assa “ Thoddeant- Anonymous

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‘Goa is Rich in Biodiversity; Children nurturing... ...Mother Nature ‘Feni’ is exclusive’ Exclaims Dr N P Singh, the newly appointed director of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Goa. In an exclusive with Herald, he talks about his newly chalked out agenda; the route forward for agriculture and ‘Feni’

Blossom Lobo

Lester D'Souza

Delstan Mascarenhas

Cristalin Menezes

Ana Maria Conceicao

Aldrich D'Souza

RESEARCH AND STUDY ON ‘FENI’, FINALLY!

Photo by Herald Features

BY CHRISTINA VIEGAS HERALD FEATURES oads of experience, intelligence, sincerity, dedication, a clear vision with focus, are just some of the words that can describe Professor N P Singh who has joined as the new director at Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Goa. Not surprising, as the gentleman is from the North East of India and has served for 24 years in the area. We all know that there is a certain steely dedication that is inborn in these people.

Has he got the feel of Goa in the last one month? Dr Singh replies, “When I first came in, I wondered whether I made the wrong decision. We are in old Goa which is a World Heritage Site and yet we are surrounded with plastic. Similarly, when I went around I noticed that people don’t have that social responsibility.” But soon he comforts us, “Now, I think I have a good challenge on my hands, as I can see there is huge potential in Goa as Goa is rich in biodiversity.”

So, what is his plan in making Goa take a new step forward in agriculture?

“I want people to go in for the farming system approach and homestead farming,” he says adding, “For homestead farming, we will teach the farmers how they can utilise their individual small holdings for fish rearing, a small shed for poultry and dairy, vermin compost and mushroom unit etc. All this can be accomplished with labour procured from just the family members and everything is naturally taken care of as it is a cycle. As a pilot project, we have chosen five villages: Adcona, Pilar, priol, Chorao, bhironda where we are going to teach three-four farmers, especially the women (they have shown more interest and participation) from each village how to go about homestead farming; that is, what is required for one household, which is the multi discipline approach.”

Farmers need to see returns first. Won’t they be wary of adopting a new approach? Dr Singh says, “That is why they should first start off with crops such as bananas, papayas, drumsticks etc, where they will start getting quick harvests and the money starts coming in daily. From then on they will only progress further.”

As for the farming system approach, Dr Singh elucidates, “According to each area, take the major crop like say cashew or rice or coconut and include animal farming with this in the form of dairy, piggery, poultry or goatery. That is what will make the farming economically viable, as you always have something to fall back on and the returns keep coming in each single day.”

We are just out of the cashew season. What has the director observed on this front, especially considering this rich produce of Goa is decreasing over the years? The reply is, “Over the last month, I have travelled around and spoken to the cashew farmers and listened to their problems. I learned that due to ignorance they are only harvesting and not giving back anything to the soil. The soil sample we collected revealed high acidity. This happens in areas where there is heavy rainfall and the soil washes down. So, you need to enrich it with lime (dolomite).”

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­H­O­R­O­S­C­O­P­E When things are unclear, it's best to stop and ask questions. Don't be rushed. Try not to involve (21 Mar – 19 Apr) yourself in anything too serious today -- especially if it's legally binding! You need to keep yourself free of obligation, as much as possible, until you feel more sure of the situation.

Do you think that if you keep your head down, no one will notice you today? Sorry. Try a little (23 Sep – 22 Oct) harder to stick with the jobs you've already got, instead of going out and looking for more. You can start on new things soon, but you've got too many loose ends right now.

A futuristic location inspires you to consider streamlining your material goods. You've got to (20 Apr – 20 May) team up with others today -- there's no excuse for going it alone! If you can find a way to get your friends or coworkers to all rally under one flag, you should have a blast.

Use your hidden talents to save the day. Everyone will be impressed by your skills. There's no (23 Oct – 21 Nov) use keeping your secret powers in reserve today -- if you can't use them now, when can you use them? If you surprise anyone, you might just spontaneously convert them to your side.

Remember: Dreaming about a change is a waste of time. Making a change is progress.

(21 May – 21 Jun) You're used to seeing things pretty clearly, but on a day like today, you should find that it's harder than usual to figure out what is really going on. Try to get a grip, but expect better info tomorrow.

A surprise travel opportunity sounds too overwhelming, but it bears thinking about. It's one (22 Nov – 21 Dec) of those days when you can tell that you really need to push yourself harder. It could be that your energy is stagnating in your current location, so it's time for a short-term move.

Your intuition is strong, but it isn't perfect. Don't beat yourself up about it. Your brain power is (22 Jun – 22 Jul) quite potent right now, and you should be able to get to the bottom of any big philosophical issue that's been on your mind. Indulge your friends who are going through spiritual crises.

Don't fly off the handle when conflict strikes today. Show strength by keeping cool. People are (23 Jul – 22 Aug) full of surprises today -not all of them welcome! You need to make sure that you're ready for little explosions that keep bursting when friends and coworkers lose their temper.

Humor will get your ideas accepted and your profile raised. Creativity gets noticed. You (22 Dec – 19 Jan) may not see yourself as an artistic type, but you've got depths that others rarely get to see.

Now is a good time to show them off and see who's the most intrigued.

Things can really change, if you want.

You've been given a generous amount of friendship capital, but don't overspend it. It may feel (20 Jan – 18 Feb) selfish, but you've got to do what's best for you today. That could mean anything from taking the day off of work to getting away by yourself and letting your responsibilities go for a bit.

Everything may be changing soon -- be flexible and you'll survive any aftershocks. You (23 Aug – 22 Sep) need to be a little more tolerant of oddball ideas today -- especially those coming from your friends and family. If you at least hear them out, you should earn some serious cred with them.

Today is a highly productive, high-energy day.

Tackle your tasks with gusto! Use all that good (19 Feb – 20 Mar) energy that's been building up for so long -- you know you've got to make the most of it while it lasts! You're used to the ebb and flow of life, so it's easy to get motivated.

An important move on the part of Mr Gurudatta Bhakta, general secretary of the Cashew Feni Distillers and Bottlers Association The highly esteemed Dr N P Singh was invited to Mr Bhakta’s distillery. After some important deliberations on the dire need to do a comprehensive research and study on ‘Feni’ (as one whole year has been wasted since procuring of the GI for the same), the good news is that finally, there is a scientist involved in the study.

Dr Singh states, “And this report will be put forth for enlightenment of each and everyone, so that ‘Feni’ can take giant steps forward; only then does the study have any significance.”

And according to Mr Bhakta, additional news is that the newly appointed Commissioner, Central Excise has been very forthcoming into looking into the reclassifying of the liquor and has asked for a formal proposal.

Inform Dr Singh that most of these people are financially very weak. He replies, “For the start, as dolomite is expensive, they can go in for natural organic manures which are available. This will help the soil reach neutral position and the yield will improve. This is a cycle that strictly has to be followed. Besides, these people need to be enlightened about the farming system and all the subsidies and schemes available. Look at the way Tripura has benefited from the NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development).”

And what about Goa’s prize produce, ‘Feni’? Is it going to be stuck in the furrow forever? The great news from the director is, “I was invited to Mr Gurudatta Bhakta’s distillery and I was mighty impressed that he has all three forms of distillation: traditional, semi traditional and modern column distillation. We are planning a workshop in August where we will get the involvement of big government departments, experts from Cochin, Karnataka etc and all the ‘Feni’ stakeholders from the small time distiller to the big time bottler. We will first listen to their problems and take their suggestions and then decide on the route to progress. ‘Feni’ is unique!”

The director asserts, “I have brought many seeds from out which I will introduce in Goa such as Tapioca, Yam, etc which hardly need labour but give good returns. My aim is to get the farmers to go in for the farming system approach; ICAR has given the project for this. As for my scientists, I tell them not to think of their professions as a 9 to 6 job,” and it is humbling and rewarding when he states, “They should think like you’ll.

Driving all the way here for an exclusive story and then driving back again to pen that story for the very next day; what energy it takes. That is passion.

That is what I look for.”

His final message is impacting, “We will use our energy and technology in assisting the farmers and show the government that this is the route for agriculture to succeed.”

Only hope this dedicated and committed bureaucrat is given the necessary government support and no dirty politics are played by the land sharks!

Music for the Masses … a Goan Analogy Club music in Goa has gone through a myriad of changes, morphing to become what we hear today.

The music makers of Goa have their own take to what sells

World Environment Day, observed on June 5, is a day that stimulates awareness about the deteriorating state our world will soon be in if we do not do our part to protect the environment. With an eye on the future, Herald speaks to children from the small village of Pirna who are striving to live their young lives in an environment friendly way

BY DOLCY D’CRUZ HERALD FEATURES n a bid to get proactive about environment awareness and conservation, the United Nations began observing World Environment Day (WED) in 1973. The theme for this year’s WED is ‘Many Species. One Planet.

One Future,’ – a theme that aptly emphasises the incredible diversity of life on Earth. The world is going to celebrate the day with activities like beach clean-ups, cleanliness drives exhibits and much more. But rather than doing all this for just one day, real change will only be visible if such activities are adopted into our lifestyles.

Speaking to the children of Pirna, a small village in Bardez taluka, brings forth simple and interesting ways of going green. One simple act is the tree planting initiative which was taken up a few years back by neighbouring schools.

Today the road from Cansa-Tivim down to the valley of Pirna is a lush green stretch, providing coolness in the scorching heat and heavenly showers in the monsoon. Getting down to the grass root level, the children are saving electricity, water and in turn, the forests.

Blossom Lobo, a Class VIII student of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule High School, Colvale says, “It is very important to save electricity and water. I put off the fans when they are not required and lights are very rarely turned on in the day. Even tap water is used sparingly instead of wasting water. The waste water from the house is used to water plants. I love gardening too, so I keep growing plants.”

Lester D’Souza, a Class VII student of St Ann High School, Tivim, has participated in the essay writing competition for two consecutive years winning the first place. Last year, he wrote about environment and the effect of increase of pollution on the environment. “We should value the Earth on which we live. It is certainly showing the diverse effect through global warming. We are increasing different types of pollutions which is more than the planet can take at this very time. If we continue like this, the planet will no

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BY CLARON MAZARELLO emember songs like ‘Coco Jambo’, ‘Macarena’, ‘Tic Tic Tac’, and ‘Sweet’? They were even called Goan anthems at one point in time, due to the constant repetition at every beach show, party or club.

Not that the music was not nice, but for those who wanted something newer, their wait was an ordeal of the same sounds only being repeated again and again till they even became repulsive. If one were to examine our current regular club favorites in Goa, one might find another ‘musically stuck’ situation even in the present times.

“Now-a-days, club music in Goa can be of three types – commercial hits that everyone identifies and sings along with, this new found trend of remixes of older music tracks, and then this genre of minimal tech, progressive and trance that is all about newer beat patterns, dance loops and newer sounds,” surmises DJ Naveen. “Music from the nineties just rocked,” opines DJ Aneesh Gera who is now headed for the console at Tease this Saturday. “I too stuck to retro given the mood everyone seemed to be in,” fills in DJ Usman who was also in the line-up. Here’s an observation - what’s retro music for one may not be the same for someone from another generation.

A similar kind of situation plagues certain

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longer be green. I try to save energy by turning off unwanted lights, removing the plugs of different appliances from the switch as that too uses electricity. I go cycling around instead of asking my parents to drive me,” says Lester.

Delstan Mascarenhas says, “I try to recycle my stationery. I keep the good pages from my old books and bind them together to use as a rough book. I also keep the old pens and pencils which I reuse with new refills. I am trying to save paper, which in turn save trees. I prefer sleeping with the windows open when it is not too hot instead of turning on the fan, as very breezy winds blow from the window.” Delstan is a Class X student of Shanta Durga High School, Pirna.

Cristalin Menezes, a Class VI student of St Clara High School, Assnora says, “I love gardening with my mother. I help my parents by collecting leaves which is later used as manure.

We still use water with great respect as there are places where people are actually dying of thirst. It is important to be thankful for all that we have instead of wasting it.”

Ana Maria Conceicao, a Class V student of St Ann High School, Tivim gives her take on saving nature, “I help my uncle in watering the plants and growing greenery. During monsoons it is more fun to see green plants. We don’t use much electricity during the day and at night we keep only the lights on of only the rooms in which we are.”

Alrich Abel D’Souza, a Class VI student of St Ann High School says, “While going out for shopping along with my elders, we carry cloth bags or reusable plastic bags, instead of buying more plastic bags and spoiling the environment.

We also save water by watering the plants in the evening when the water doesn’t get dried up but goes down to the roots of the plants.”

Though their doings might seem small to the world, they are surely contributing in a large way. When we all put in the same efforts, Mother Earth will surely smile upon us with fresh clean greenery.

modern day jazz and other musicians as well. “How long will the same numbers get played at a jazz night – ‘Quando’, ‘Fly me to the Moon’ or ‘Hotel California’ aren’t everyone ever tired of these?” quips classical new-gen guitarist Savio and is also the opinion of Chris from ‘Jazz Inn’ at Mobor, besides many more.

As for now, Pitbul’s ‘I Know u Want Me’, ‘I Gotta Feeling’ from the Black Eyed Peas, David Guetta’s ‘Everytime We Touch’ and the ever-sopopular ‘Rise Up’ by Yves Larock are recommendations by DJ Frankie.

Is Kung Fu Panda Stolen Property?

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elf-described ‘writer-producerteacher-philosopher’ Terence Dunn is suing DreamWorks Animation for allegedly stealing his idea for Kung Fu Panda, and is now seeking over $1 million in damages. In the lawsuit, Dunn claims that he originally pitched the idea of a “spiritual kung-fu fighting panda bear” to DreamWorks studio execs back in November 2001. Dunn’s kungfu bear was “adopted by five animal friends in the forest (a tiger, a leopard, a dragon, a snake and a crane), whose destiny is foretold by an old and wise sage, Turquoise Tortoise, and who

comes of age and fulfills his destiny as a martial arts hero and spiritual avatar.”

Despite a series of alleged telephone conversations between Dunn and two DreamWorks execs, the studio ultimately decided to forego pursuing the concept in February 2002. However, within the span of a few months, according to the lawsuit, DreamWorks was in fact developing the Kung Fu Panda movie which went on to gross over $630 million dollars worldwide. Unfortunately, Terence Dunn, writer-producer-teacher-philosopher and alleged creator of the ‘Kung Fu Panda’ concept, was left with nothing for his efforts.

Dunn graduated Yale University in 1976 with a BS in Biology, where he also studied Philosophy and Chinese Studies, before going on to get his MBA from Harvard Business School in 1980.

He has been studying Chinese, yogic, and healing arts for over 36 years in the Los Angeles area, and has produced several instructional DVDs, including Tai Chi For Health. None of that makes him sound particularly kooky, as one might first assume.

He is also the founder and CEO of Zen-Bear, Inc. (sound familiar?) - a company whose trademark was registered back in January 1997. The martial arts panda bear concept goes back further - a YouTube video on his website featuring his Zen-Bear is dated from 2004, four years before the release of DreamWorks’ Kung-Fu Panda.

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GOA’S HEARTBEAT

CURR

Saturday, 5 June, 2010

WHAT’S UP IN GOA??

‘Paltadcho Munis’ or ‘The Man Beyond the Bridge’ is being screened till June 7 at 6pm and 8pm at the Maquinez Palace, Panjim and on June 5 and 6 at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao. Call 2428111, 2428113, 2428115 and 2653083.

‘Climate Change and Biodiversity – Citizens Responsibilities in mitigating the Adverse Impacts’, a panel discussion, one of the events as part of the day-long event schedule organised by the Centre for Environment Education (CEE) will take place on June 5, World Environment Day, from 10am to 6pm at the NIO, Dona Paula. Call 2450281, 2450235, 2450228 and 2456700.

‘Management of Incurable Cases’, a talk by Dr Shreepad Khedekar will take place on June 6 at Hotel Woodlands, Margao. E-mail imperialclinics@gmail.com. Call 9881067812, 9822380116, 98810 67 81 2 o r 2733388.

Live musical concert, organised by Father Peter Cardozo and the Sonata Music School, Margao and the All Goa Youth Fusion Concert Committee will take place on June 6 at 10:30am.

Tickets are available at Furtados, Pedro Fernandes Musical Instruments and Vibes, all in Margao.

Football trials for selection of players for the 3rd Division Team, U-20’s Team and U-16’s Team of the Chicalim Youth Club will be held on June 5 at 4.30pm at the Chicalim Panchayat Ground, Chicalim. Call 9822120807.

The 4th Annual Musical Concert and prize distribution ceremony, held by Linda’s Ebony and Ivory Academy, Margao will take place on June 5 at 4:30pm at the Grace Church Hall, Margao.

‘Children’s Film Festival’, organised by the Entertainment Society of Goa will take place on June 5 and 6 from 3pm onwards at the Maquinez Palace, Panjim. It is free and open to all. Call

frowsy Function Adjective Meaning 1 : musty, stale 2 : having a slovenly or uncared-for appearance Example Sentence Joe was a hostile man who lived in a frowsy cabin deep in the woods.

“Some national parks have long waiting lists for camping reservations. When you have to wait a year to sleep next to a tree, something is wrong.

– George Carlin DAILY GROOK ITCH GLITCH

by Francis Rodrigues docs who take skin diseases, often do make rash promises!

09:00 Jhansi Ki Rani 12:30 Dance India Dance L'il Masters 14:00 Pavitra Rishta 16:30 Main Khiladi Tu Anari 20:30 Keshav Pandit 21:30 Dance India Dance L'il Masters 23:30 Kahani Ab Tak

10:30 Laagi Tujhse Lagan 13:00 Chak Dhoom Dhoom 14:30 Golmaal Returns 17:00 Baghban 20:00 Na Aana Iss Des Laado 21:00 Chak Dhoom Dhoom

13:30 The Zoom Review Show

09:00 Laughter Dons 10:00 Star One Horror Nights 11:00 Laughter Dons 12:00 Laughter Special 16:00 Star One Horror Nights 18:00 Kidnap 21:00 Laughter Ke Phatke 21:30 Star One Horror Nights 22:30 Geet 23:30 Laughter Ke Phatke

11:00 Csi 12:00 Drop Dead Diva 13:00 Top Chef : New Orleans Finale, Part 2

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International Seminar on ‘Media and Terrorism in South Asia’ opens at the ICG HERALD FEATURES n international seminar on ‘Media and Terrorism in South Asia’ was inaugurated by Pratapsingh Rane, Speaker, Goa Legislative Assembly and president, The International Centre Goa at a special function last Thursday at The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula.

The seminar is being organised by The International Centre Goa, Foundation for Media Professionals and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung. While delivering the inaugural address, Rane stressed on the need to understand the reasons which lead to terrorism. He also spoke about the constructive role the media could play in controlling the overcoverage to issues related to terrorism.

Prior to that, while delivering the welcome address, Nandini Sahai, director, The International Centre Goa welcomed the participants, who were from different part of India and Nepal. She also expressed her disappointment over the fact that many participants from Sri Lanka and Pakistan couldn’t make it as they didn’t manage to acquire visas.

This was the fallout of the recent regulation of the Government of India asking organisers of international conferences to seek proper permission prior to organising conferences. Rajeshwar Dyal, senior media advisor, FES and Aniruddha Bahal, founder member, FMP and editor in chief, cobrapost.com also spoke on the occasion. Arjun Halarnkar, programme manager, ICG compeered and proposed the vote of thanks.

The inaugural function was followed by a ‘Bharatnatyam’ recital by students of the Nritya Sankul Academy, Margao. The group was led by the Academy’s director, Sachika Almeida.

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Rane officially opening the seminar (above) Bharatnatyam dancers providing entertainment (right)

SOUTH POLE

12:00 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

14:00 Khoon Bhari Maang 17:30 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 19:30 Gutar Gu 20:00 Maniben.com 20:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

21:00 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 21:30 Mrs. and Mr. Sharma Allahabadwale 22:00 Lapataganj 22:30 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta…

Fashion

HERALD FEATURES he art of photography works on the principle of creating an image from what a person sees, but the ‘Blind with Camera’ project showed us how one can create visual images depending upon the non visual senses. The workshop which was conducted from May 28 to May 30, by the Beyond the Sight Foundation, in collaboration with Heritage Jazz and the Goa Centre for Alternative Photography, witnessed the visually impaired clicking away.

The project which was started by Partho Bhowmick, who conducted a research on blindness and visual art, has conducted workshops with the visually impaired and has exhibited the works in shows across the country.

Bhowmick conducted a small session at the ‘National Association for the Blind’ in Santacruz, demonstrating the techniques on Blind Photography. He enlightened the crowd as to how images can be inspired by touch and sound; how certain audio clues, visual memories and cognitive skills can help the visually impaired to delve into the visual world and gain a deeper insight.

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GARFIELD

09:00 Maan Rahe Tera Pitaah 11:00 Baat Hamari Pakki Hai 13:30 Dhoom 17:00 C.I.D 18:00 C.I.D Classics 21:00 Comedy Circus Ke Superstars 22:00 C.I.D 23:00 Aahat

Entertainment

‘Blind With Camera’ comes to Goa

HERALD FEATURES ith the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2010 around the corner, football frenzy is gripping Goa in a big way. Keeping up with the fervor is Aviation Services Management with the ASM Football Fiesta 2010, a month-long festival for all football lovers in Goa. Vito Gomes, Founder and Managing Director of Aviation Services Management, is an ardent football fan and is organising the month long event at Club Gasper Dias, Miramar.

The event is set out to be a thrilling experience for football lovers as the venue which will be transformed into a football arena complete with a stadium-like set up including elevated stands for seating, football branding, large screens, refreshment counters and sports related games and contests.

FIFA memorabilia including country specific jerseys and footballs are up for grabs. Live matches will be screened daily from June 11 to July 11, 2010.

Instructions for Sudoku SUDOKU SOL 570 9 x 9 letter: To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in each of the nine vertical columns, in each of the nine horizontal rows and in each of the nine boxes

14:00 Making of : Rajneeti 14:30 Clozer 15:30 Guthy Renker 16:00 Bheja Fry 19:00 Planet Bollywood 19:30 Page 3 20:00 Best of Encounter 20:30 Bollywood Revealed : Substance Abuse 21:00 Planet Bollywood 21:30 The Zoom Hot'list 22:00 Discography 23:00 Clozer

PEN T HAP

A Treat for Football Fans

Funny Quote

Pronunciation FROW-zee

09:00 Sasural Genda Phool 10:30 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 13:00 Behenein 15:30 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 18:00 Sasural Genda Phool 21:00 Zara Nachke Dikha 23:00 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya

EN

LAFFS

WORD OF THE DAY

SUDOKU 571

2428111, 2428113 or 2428115.

The World Quizzing Championships, organised by the International Quizzing Association and the Sunday Evening Quiz Club will be held on June 5 at 3.30pm at the CCP Hall, CCP Building, Panjim. Registration closes on June 4. E-mail rajivdsilva@gmail.com.

A free 2-hour workshop on the meditation on twin hearts for stress relief and inner peace will beheld on June 5 at 6:30pm at Shaila Clinic, Ponda.

It is organised by the All India Pranic Healing Association. Call 9326727825 or 9545527609.

‘Many Species. The Planet. One Future’, an event will be held on June 5, World Environment Day, from 10am to 6pm at the National Institution of Oceanography, Dona Paula. It is organised by the Centre fro Environment Education. Call 2450281, 2450235, 2450228 and 2456700 A blood donation camp, organised by the Lions Club of Chinchinim and the Parish Youth Association of Chinchinim will be held on June 6 from 6am to 12pm at Dr Nagzarkar Hospital, Chinchinim. Call 2863526 A workshop for adults who want to write for children will take place on June 26 from 10am to 4:30pm at the Bookworm Library, Panjim. Call 2420146 or 9823222665.

‘Anaesthesia and Critical Care’, ‘Intensive Care Unit Admission: When, Why and What Next’ and ‘ICU Clinical Pearls’, 3 lectures as part of the annual state level MIMA MME will be held on June 5 at the Nanu Beach Resort, Betalbatim. It is organised by the Indian Medical Association, Margao branch and the Goa State Indian Medical Association.

8 short films, by short film club, Shamiana will be screened on June 5 from 6:30 to 8:30pm at the ESG, Panjim.

This is the club’s premier screenings in Goa. Call 9822112392.

Information Technology

10:25 Sweet Home Alabama 12:40 Penelope 14:45 Remember the Titans 16:55 Street Kings 19:05 Flubber 21:00 Quantum of Solace 23:10 Max Payne

08:00 Batman 10:45 The Pacific : Part One 12:00 Kung Fu Panda 14:00 Eagle Eye 16:30 Black Dawn 18:30 TMZ 19:00 Kung Fu Panda 21:00 Superman IV: The Quest for Peace 23:00 Eagle Eye

12:30 Salaam - E - Comedy 13:30 Luck 17:00 Anaconda Returns 20:00 Biwi No. 1 23:45 Jeena Marna Tere Sang

09:30 Ladies Tailor 12:30 Bhoot Unkle 16:00 Pratigyabadh 20:00 Khela

10:15 Where the Money is 12:05 Before the Devil Knows You're Dead

MOVIE REVIEW

BY KESHAV NADKARNI

nadkarniassociates@gmail.com

Rajneeti

Director : Prakash Jha Cast : Ajay Devgan, Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif RATING : hether it is a common man, industrialist, film star, or common man, at least 90 per cent of the people have a strong passion for politics and the political world. In the past we have seen many a Bollywood film centering around the political world; even in today’s masala film there is at least one villain who represents the political horizon.

Rajneeti’s title itself is politically motivated and I’m sure the film will do well at the Box Office. Prakash Jha has quite aptly demonstrated the tussle of human values and the political interests vested in politicians of the present. The film exposes the current trend of the politics and how the bad politicians make life so very uneasy for the common man. It also exposes the current corrupt practices amongst the politicians.

Prakash jha’s ‘Rajneeti’ has been hyped right from the start and the world of media is quite excited about it, specially the casting of Katrina Kaif as a ‘Sonia Gandhi’ type character. Though the most interesting part of this film is the role of Brij Gopal portrayed by Nana Patekar and he has done it superbly.

‘Rajneeti’ is inspired by the mythological text and takes out from epic 'Mahabharata'. The film is mainly about the story of 2 cousins - Prithviraj Pratap (Arjun Rampal) and Veerendra Pratap (Manoj Bajpai). Veerendra believes that it is his birth right to become the leader of the party for which he joined hands with Sooraj Kumar (Ajay Devgan), a powerful Dalit leader as he wants to achieve his right at any cost.

Samar Pratap (Ranbir Kapoor) never thought of becoming a politician. He went abroad for higher education and dreamed of becoming a lecturer but fate had different plans for him. He ended up into politics and becomes one of the top players. With Brij Gopal (Nana Patekar) on his side, Samar learns the inner workings of politics and becomes a master strategist.

W

14:20 How to go out on a date in Queens 16:15 Me Without You 18:15 The Phantom of the Opera 21:00 Balls of Fury 23:00 A Few Good Men

12:00 Namastey London 16:00 Aaina 20:00 Karan Arjun 23:35 Tathastu

08:00 Hijack 16:00 Journey Bombay to Goa 20:00 Deewaar

E N T E R TA I N M E N T 14:00 Wipeout 15:00 So You Think You Can Dance 16:00 Sports Crash 17:00 Top Chef 18:00 Chuck 19:00 Tears of the Sun 21:30 Video Zonkers 22:30 Sony Style TV Magazine 23:00 Fear Itself : Chance

13:00 V.I.P 14:00 Whose Line Is It Anyway?

15:00 Monk 17:00 V.I.P 18:00 90210 19:00 Castle 21:00 America's Got Talent 22:00 90210 23:00 V.I.P

09:00 The Bold and The Beautiful 11:00 90210 12:00 Rendezvous with Simi Garewal : Hrithik Roshan 12:30 Scrubs

09:00 Roland Garros 2010 11:00 TNA Sikander 12:00 Inside Racing 2010 12:30 Mobil 1 The Grid

13:00 Roger Federer - Spirit of a Champion : The Champion 13:30 Roland Garros 2010 H/ls 14:30 Best of Roland Garros 2009 H/ls: Mens Dlouhy/ Paes vs. Moodie/Norman 15:30 Best of Roland Garros 2009 16:30 Best of Roland Garros 2009 H/ls : Ladies Singles Final: Dinara Safina vs.

Svetlana Kuznetsova 17:30 Roland Garros 2010 H/ls 18:30 Roland Garros 2010 : Women's Singles & Men's Doubles Finals 22:00 FIA Wtcc 2010 : Inside Wtcc 22:30 World Match Racing Tour 23:30 TNA Impact

10:30 FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 South Africa : South Africa vs. Iraq 12:30 FIFA In Africa - The 2010 Legacy 13:30 FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 South Africa : (Spain vs. South Africa) 14:30 World Sport 2010 15:00 Sportscenter Week In Review 15:30 2010 FIFA World Cup Magazine Show 16:00 NBA Fastbreak 2009/10 16:30 Sportscenter Weekend 17:32 2010 Scripps National Spelling Bee : Semifinal 19:28 Sportscenter Weekend 19:30 Planet Speed 2009/10 19:50 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup 2010 : Races 21:00 2010 Scripps National Spelling Bee : Final 23:00 FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 South Africa : Semifinal 2: Brazil vs.

South Africa 09:30 WWE: Smackdown

11:30 Zimbabwe Triangular ODI 2010 : Preview: 5th ODI 12:30 Zimbabwe Triangular ODI 20:15 Zimbabwe Triangular ODI 2010 : Review: 5th ODI 21:00 Homes of Cricket 21:30 ICC Cricket Show 22:00 Winning Post 22:30 WWE: Super Star 23:30 Zimbabwe Triangular ODI 2010 H/ls : 5th ODI: India vs. Sri Lanka

09:00 Nat Geo Specials : Inside Mecca

10:00 Caught in the Act : Part 2 11:00 Nat Geo Specials : Secrets of the Taj Mahal 12:00 Nat Geo Women's Hour : Fashion Memoir 13:00 Nat Geo Weekends : Mega Factories - Super Subway 14:00 Environment Day Special 16:00 HDFC STD Life Spell Bee 2010 - Semi Finals 17:00 Environment Day Special : World Without Oil 18:00 Environment Day Special : Betrayed by the Sun 19:00 Environment Day Special : Oceans Dirty Secrets 20:00 Nat Geo Weekends 21:00 Focussed Frame : War Zone 22:00 Environment Day Special 23:30 Seconds from Disaster

07:00 Kids Club 07:30 Flavors 08:00 English News 09:00 Konkani News 10:00 Marathi News 11:00 Konkani Palkachim Noketram 11:30 HCN Smash Hits 12:00 Melody Queen: Lata Mangeshkar 12:30 Flavors 13:00 English News 14:00 Konkani Movie 15:00 Sobit Amchem Goem 15:30 HCN Smash Hits 15:30 Melody Queen: Lata Mangeshkar 16:00 Health Watch 16:30 Flavors 17:00 Kids Club 17:30 Konkani Palkachim Noketram 18:00 Konkani News 19:00 Marathi News 20:00 English News 21:00 Summer T10 21:30 Talking Talkies 22:00 English News 23:00 Summer Festival 23:30 Talking Talkies Note: Subject to change

Arjun’s character is related to Bhim while Samar’s is Arjun, Veerendra is Duryodhona and Brij Gopal is Lord Krishna. Like Michael Corleone, Samar takes over his father’s empire and becomes the top guy.

The film has a very good script which has many stories unfolding, one after another. You would get acquainted with the characters and the inner workings of the system of good film making. The most interesting part for me of the final package is that there are no songs and dance sequences in the film.

The photography and the editing of the film has been good but the frame composing could have been better and more crisper. Katrina has tried to do justice to her character but she fell short to come up to certain expectations.

With politics always heating up at the state and central level with so many frauds, the film is bound to find a large audience.Overall, it is a sensible film where the potential of all actors has been used, including Arjun Rampal. So, we'll advice you to go for the flick this weekend.

HERALD CROSSWORD - 571 Across 1- Pierce with a knife; 5- Foolish; 9- Influential person; 14- Alleviate; 15- Fashion mag; 16Concert venue; 17- Short trip; 19- Orchestra section; 20- Ice ax; 21- Seemingly forever; 23Balderdash; 24- Lacking movement; 26- Tidy, without fault; 28- Capital of Vietnam; 30Everett of "Citizen Kane"; 34Besides; 37- Science of rotating bodies; 39- Cut of meat; 41As a female, you could be queen or worker; 42- Hit with an open hand; 43- Imaginary; 48- Express; 49- Young woman, Down Under; 50Queeg's command; 52- Nobleman; 54- Parti-colored; 57- Gal of song; 60- Designer Cassini; 62- Departs; 64- Get the better of; 66- Modern character; 68Edict of the czar; 69- Son of Judah; 70- Hamlet, e.g.; 71"M*A*S*H*" name; 72- Of the highest quality; 73- Reason to cancel school; Down 1- Ooze; 2- Hire cars; 3- Cravat; 4The land of Israel; 5- Fate; 6Boxer Laila; 7- Floating ice; 8- Join securely; 9- Sweet fortified wine of Sicily; 10- Metal-bearing mineral; 11- Will of "The Waltons"; 12- Go back, in a way; 13- Endure; 18- Put a new price on; 22- Hotbed; 25Marine growth; 27- Small children; 29- Grecian architectural style; 31Has a bug; 32- Final Four org.; 33Catch a view of; 34- Donations to

the poor; 35- Ark builder; 36- SOLUTION - 570 Embankment; 38- Water vapor; 40- Singer Sedaka; 44- Embarrassing mistake; 45- British nobleman; 46- Immoderately vehement; 47Computer key; 51- African antelopes; 53- Brit's discharge; 55- Perrier rival; 56- Kind of question; 57- Tart; 58- "Diana" singer; 59- Be in front; 61Departed; 63- Diving duck; 65- Country bordered by Canada and Mexico; 67- ___ Kapital;

SPORTS

GOA, Saturday, 5 June, 2010

Pg16 Advani survives, Joshi falters HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JUNE 4

Pankaj Advani survived a scare from Ashok Shandilya to remain as the only player with one match loss in the 2nd Billiards Selection Tournament for Asian Games at Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias, Mira Mar, on Friday.

Ashok fired on all cylinders to stretch Pankaj to limits but could not succeed in his endeavour as Pankaj characteristically raised his game to the optimum when needed most in the deciding game and won 3-2.

Geet Sethi had a mixed fortune as he won against Alok Kumar 3-1 but lost to Devendra Geet Sethi, former world billiards champion, being greeted by Deepak Srivastava at The Crown Goa, a 5-star business destination in Panjim.

Joshi 1-3. Sethi won the opening game with an unfinished 100 break, an unforced error while at 95 eluded Sethi the second game as Kumar came out with a brilliantly constructed 101 unfinished break to level the score.

With the help of small runs Sethi won the third game and led 21. The fourth game saw Sethi at his best as he cued mellifluously and playing at the top of the table constructed another century break to win t3-1.

Sourav Kothari, who initially lost two matches, brought some parity in his performance by wining two consecutive games against Alok Kumar and Devendra Joshi by an identical margin 3-2.

Other results: Alok Kumar bt Devendra Joshi 3-2. 0-102 (102); 18-100 (58); 100 (89)-05;100-

29;100-90. Pankaj Advani bt.

Dhruv Sitwala 3-2. 100-97; 60100; 73-100; 100-09; 100-00.

Sourav Kothari bt Devendra Joshi 3-2. 46-100; 100-06; 00100; 100-43; 100-13. Sourav Kothari bt Alok Kumar 3-2. 48100 (73); 101-37; 100 (70)-28; 39-101; 101-92. Ashok Shandilya bt. Devendra Joshi 3-2. 98-102; 100-76; 87-101 (67); 101-16; 101-13. Devendra Joshi bt.Geet Sethi 3-1. 100-83; 100 (72)-20; 73-100 (78); 100-62.

Geet Sethi bt Alok Kumar 31. 100 (100)-04; 95-101 (101); 100-50; 100 (100)-40.

Dhruv Sitwala bt. B Bhaskar 3-2. 48-102; 100 (70)-68; 00-100 (100); 100 (100)-95; 100 (50)-51.

Pa n k a j A d v a n i b t A s h o k Shandilya 3-2. 76-100; 100-11; 100-45; 02-100; 100-43.

PANJIM (HSD) -- United Club, Benaulim beat Wilred Leisure, Curtotim 1-0 to move into the finals of Varca Panchayat Cup

football organise by Varca SC at Varca ground on Friday. Steven Fernandes scored the matchwinner. Carlos Fernandes of UC Benaulim was awarded man-ofthe match prize.

UC Benaulim up

Varca Panchayat Cup soccer semis: DBO, Fatorda v. Gloria SC, Varca ground, 4.45 p.m.

Fr Chico Cup soccer quarters: Candolim SC v. Anjuna Gym, Dr. Monteiro stadium, Candolim, 4.30 p.m.

Silco Miranda soccer : Mix Friends, Cortalim v. James 7788, Bogmalo, PAP ground, Goa Velha, 5.30 p.m.

All-Goa volleyball semis: Odxel v. Goa Police, 8 p.m; Beta Boys v. Da Cruz, Odxel court, 9 p.m.

Mardol soccer: Curtorim Gym v. Ambelim, Mardol, 4.45 p.m.

Romeo memorial soccer: Bondir v. St. Sebastian Bandh, St. Cruz ground, 5 p.m.

SPORTS

Pg17

GOA, Saturday, 5 June, 2010

Fabregas back for Spain, Italy lose

Four Asian players who could make their names in SA

l Drogba injured, doubtful as Ivorians see off Japan REUTERS LONDON, JUNE 4

Messi wins the trofeo Alfredo Di Stefano AGENCIES BARCELONA, JUNE 4

As reported by Marca, Barcelona magic man Lionel Messi was awarded the trofeo Alfredo Di Stefano in Madrid today and was thus crowned La Liga's best player of the 2009-10 season.

The Argentine, who finished the year with the Pichichi and the European Golden Boot, was awarded his second consecutive Di Stefano trophy with 34 votes and finished ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo who received 26.

In third place, Xavi Hernandez finished with 15 votes while Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain finished in fourth place with four votes.

Cesc Fabregas returned to action after two months out injured and played for an hour in Spain's 1-0 World Cup warm-up win over South Korea.

World Cup holders Italy did not fare as well, losing 2-1 to Mexico, and Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger converted two penalties to give his side a 3-1 win over Bosnia in their last warm-up before the tournament in South Africa.

Arsenal midfielder Fabregas had a good chance to open the scoring for Spain when he hit the crossbar after 35 minutes but Jesus Navas's stunning late goal secured victory for the European champions who fielded mainly second-choice players.

Striker Fernando Torres, recovering from knee surgery, remained the only Spanish player not to have featured in the warm-up matches.

Italy went down to goals from Mexico's Carlos Vela and Cuauhtemoc Blanco before substitute Leonardo Bonucci pulled one back in a goalmouth scramble three minutes from time.

Ivory Coast saw off Japan 2-0 in a pre-World Cup friendly on Friday but captain Didier Drogba picked up a serious right arm injury which forced him to go off after just 18 minutes and is doublful for the World Cup. Defender Kolo Toure said Drogba had told his team mates that his World Cup was over although coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said he was still

hopeful he could play.

Drogba, 32, a talismanic figure for the Elephants with 42 goals in 67 appearances, limped off after a crunching challenge from Tulio sent him falling awkwardly to the ground after 15 minutes.

Drogba had helped open the scoring in favour of the Africans three minutes earlier, taking a free kick which was deflected in off Tanaka.

Kolo Toure of Manchester City added a second goal ten minutes from time to complete the win and give the Elephants a fillip, the injury to Drogba notwithstanding.

The veteran forward, who grimaced with pain as he left the pitch, had a scan afterwards to determine the extent of the injury.

The Ivorians ought to have seen off weak opponents by a larger margin and Doumbia wasted several opportunities, firing over after Toure set him up on the half hour and then firing off target seconds before the break.

Aruna Dindane also went close as Japan struggled to hold their lines.

Toure finally claimed his goal when he turned in following a Saka Tiene free kick.

Shunsuke Nakamura might have given the Japanese something to cheer but his free kick five minutes after the interval was taken smartly

by Ivorian keeper Boubacar Barry.

Japan must now try to find some form ahead of their Group E meetings with further African opposition in the shape of Cameroon as well as Denmark and Holland while Ivory Coast will go up against Brazil, Portugal and North Korea in Group G.

AP PRETORIA, JUNE 4

Ferdinand ruled out of World Cup REUTERS RUSTENBURG, JUNE 4

Spain's Sergio Ramos (left) heads the ball as he vies with South Korea's Park Chu Young in Innsbruck on Thursday.

Ivory Coast's forward Didier Drogba in pain at the Stade de Tourbillon in Sion on Friday.

England captain Rio Ferdinand has been ruled out of the World Cup after suffering a knee injury in training today, the English Football Association said.

The 31-year-old defender sustained the injury in the final minutes of England's first major training session in South Africa. He later hobbled out of hospital on crutches. He will be out of action for four to six weeks, the FA said in a statement on their website (www.thefa.com).

England play their first game against the US on June 12.

Ferdinand took over as England captain after fellow defender John Terry was stripped of the job in February because of an off-pitch scandal involving his private life but he has not played regularly for Manchester United this season due to a succession of injuries.

You will see the real Argentina build confidence Italy on June 14: Fabio through togetherness

AP PRETORIA, JUNE 4

Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro has tried to reassure fans ahead of the World Cup after receiving a hornets storm of criticism following the 2-1 friendly defeat to Mexico.

While post match excuses stayed the same with players shifting the blame to altitude training, Cannavaro promised the real Italy will emerge from the tunnel on June 14 against Paraguay, telling the tifosi and press to embrace the maxim to forgive and forget.

"It's no excuse, but the gap in physical condition transformed the night into a poor result, but a good training session for us," he told the press.

"We have to improve, and we will, so that we are ready for Paraguay on June 14.”

"As for the critics, they will always surround us at the World Cup, but they are a good thing

for us. We will be ok this time too..."

Alberto Gilardino was quiet against the Mexicans, but he was eager to echo Cannavaro's belief.

"It's not a problem if I didn't receive any service. It's a problem in relation to our physical condition. You will see the real Italy against Paraguay," concluded the striker.

Spain are universally considered to be favourites to lift the FIFA World Cup in South Africa on July 11.

Their triumph at Euro 2008 has loosened the medallion of ‘nearly-men’ from around their neck, a hindrance which proved to be too heavy for Raul's generation to overcome, and for the first time ever, La Furia Roja enter a major tournament with little to prove.

REUTERS PRETORIA, JUNE 4

Young ace Lionel Messi and old head Juan Sebastian Veron, who share a room at Argentina's World Cup base, are players their country hopes will inspire the team to their third crown.

Messi, in his first contact with media in South Africa on Thursday five days after their arrival, said that in terms of individual talent Diego Maradona's squad were the strongest at the finals starting on June 11.

"If we look at it player by player, it's hard (to find) another National team better than ours," Messi told reporters after a practice at the University of Pretoria where Argentina are bunkered.

Veron said: "The team is in the making... We're working on tactical questions... and with

the passing of the days the coach will go looking for options."

The shaven-headed senior citizen of the squad, who has taken Messi under his wing, said the only thing that threatened the peace at the camp was the 22-year-old's snoring.

"He's a good room mate, a small problem is that he snores a lot, but that can be resolved with a pillow," said a grinning Veron, at his third World Cup since 1998.

Veron, 35, said he hoped Messi would maintain the brilliant club form that made him the world's top player.

"Let's hope he is in form because he's an important component of the national team.

He's looking good generally."

Messi said Argentina's period of concentration at their base

in South Africa's capital was essential to strengthen the team after a disappointing qualifying campaign.

"I'm calm, keen for the Word Cup to start, but this National team doesn't just have me but a great group of players," he said.

However Messi, who saw little action in his first World Cup in Germany in 2006, is the man Argentina fans are looking to for inspiration as they seek the country's third title.

"I've arrived at the World Cup in great form, I'm relaxed and I have the support of my teammates," he said.

"We were lacking this, to be together, have time to get to know each other. Now we have that, we're making the most of it and it's been good for all of us."

Artificial grass woven into real turf at World Cup AP DENDERMONDE, Belgium, JUNE 4

Artificial grass is teaming up with the natural stuff and taking root at the World Cup, blade by blade.

A generation after fully artificial surfaces outraged football fans and players around the world, this year's World Cup in South Africa will debut a surface with 20 million threads of synthetic grass fibers woven in between and beneath the natural grass.

The first World Cup test of the surface, which is already being used at some major stadiums in Europe, will be on June 13 in Polokwane when Algeria play Slovenia. The stadium in Nelspruit will also use the same type of turf.

"It will be a World Cup premiere," said Marc Vercammen, the general manager of Desso Sports Systems, which produces the surface.

Natural grass still predominates. The artificial

threads are driven 20 centimeters (8 inches) into the surface and intertwine with the roots of the real grass to give the surface a smooth robustness that tackles -- or even pop concerts -- find hard to undo.

Desso, a company headquartered about 35 kilometers (22 miles) outside Brussels, has already graced the fields of Arsenal and Liverpool and the training grounds of Real Madrid, among others. Its GrassMaster system is also used by the Denver Broncos and the Philadelphia Eagles.

No competition, however, compares to the World Cup."Our image will go into territory where we haven't gone before," Vercammen said.

As with any fundamental development, the early days of artifical surfaces were often ugly.

Queens Park Rangers in England set the tone in 1981 with a fully artificial surface, and soon

a few others followed. Fans and players didn't.

The surface was still so elementary then that balls skidded and bounced all over the place, players were unable to keep their footing, causing injury, and a long tackle left burn marks on defenders. The experiments were soon shelved, awaiting better technology.

But realizing the need to play in all climates and weather conditions across the globe, FIFA came on board. Artificial turf was tested at the 2003 Under-17 World Cup in Finland, and with each success came more acceptance.

At the top level, though, the system of the Desso GrassMaster seems to be emerging as the preferred way.

Anyone watching the Champions League quarter-final match between Arsenal and Barcelona at the Emirates Stadium with its GrassMaster field on March 31 would agree it promotes beautiful football.

"A pure beautiful pitch always puts a skillful player at an advantage," Vercammen said. "But if you want to play, kick and rush, nothing stops you."

When field hockey changed to artificial grass, it fundamentally changed the game, pushing it to a fast, physical game where delicate skills were smothered by stamina and power.

It is something that needs to be avoided in football, where the touch and feel of natural grass remain essential.

So at the World Cup, Vercammen does not want Desso to be an issue. But a breakthrough at the World Cup is always something special, even though one quirky injury could change everything.

"There can always be an incident and then they quickly point to a novelty," Vercammen said.

"Everything will be fine if the whole process appears invisible."

The `Diski Dance’ craze of the World Cup

AP SANDTON, South Africa, JUNE 4

Tucked beneath a baseball cap, eyes buried behind giant sunglasses, the man who has made his country dance laughs in the Thursday morning chill.

"This Diski Dance has taken over my life," Wendy Ramokgadi said. He sits outside a coffee shop in a suburban plaza not far from Johannesburg, unnoticed by shoppers racing by, all of them oblivious to the fact that the 43-year-old father of three girls huddled in a chair is the inventor of the line dance that is the craze of this World Cup and is impossible to ignore on television and radio and in nightclubs.

And in the days before the great soccer tournament begins, a push has been made to get all South Africans to learn the dance named after the slang word children use in the country's poor townships for soccer ball. Entire schools have Diski Dance assemblies. Offices are asking for DVDs to teach their employees the moves. Even the management at Johannesburg's airport brought Ramokgadi in to instruct everybody from executives to janitors and flight

attendants how to do a dance that is a combination of dancing and soccer.

Ramokgadi knows the rest of the world will see his creation and they will be doing the Diski Dance in nightclubs and at weddings all over the planet.

"I've been able to come up with something that's got the world on their toes," he said.

"I'm positive that this is the first country to come up with a dance to bring the world together."

He is an enthusiastic man, tiny and slim, bundled beneath jerseys and warmups of various European soccer teams. In a sense he has been waiting for this day, calling himself "a visionary" who was certain that someday the planet would see the brilliance of one of his inventions and everybody, regardless of race or religion and oblivious of each other's differences, would be living out his – Wendy's – dream.

Once, as a boy, he loved soccer, racing down the sides of the field faster than the other children in the township of Soweto, his feet skipping across the grass, the diski flashing beneath his shoes. But that was

before Michael Jackson, before he saw Jackson's Billie Jean video in the early 1980s on a friend's colour television and was mesmerized. Never had he seen a dancer do such things, twirling on air, seeming to float.

He knew immediately what he wanted to be.

And so Wendy became obsessed with all things Michael Jackson. He was a teenager and he wore his clothes like Jackson, had his hair styled like Jackson's

with the one curl dangling down his forehead and soon he could even duplicate some of Jackson's moves. When the "Thriller" video came to Soweto, he watched it endlessly, perfecting the gait, the slides across the ground, capturing perfectly everything that happened after the zombies appeared.

Then one day there was a Michael Jackson contest at a festival in Soweto. By day's end,

Wendy's Jackson impersonation was so precise the judges said there was no difference between the two and crowned him "The Soweto Michael Jackson."

"I hate to fail," he said. "I always look up to MJ. I always look up to Wacko Jacko."

Last year, long after Wendy had become a successful choreographer in the Johannesburg area, the South African tourism board called and wanted Wendy to create a dance that the country could use at the World Cup. They had already hired a band to do the music and hoped Wendy could find a way to make something that could look like the Macarena of the late 1990s, a line dance that would be easy to learn and could excite the country.

He spent two days auditioning dancers and then on the third began to put the dance together incorporating moves using more Soweto slang like "mkhari," which is when you kick back your heel to knock the ball to a teammate or the "tsamaya," a quick move sliding the ball forward out of an opponent's range.

The dance then is simple, he

says. Just imagine you are playing with a soccer ball.

First you do the "teka," which means juggling the diski in place. Then you pretend to kick it up in the air and look upward and tip it with the side of your head, shaking your head two times to the left and two times to the right and repeating the action four times. After that, you bend down and let the ball rest on your neck, sliding back four times while keeping the ball in place. Then slowly pull yourself up but leave your head down, creating the sense that the ball is dropping forward off the front of your skull. When it falls, plant your foot on top of it. Cross your leg over the imaginary ball four times, then lean back and "shayi" or pretend to kick it.

As the ball is heading toward its invisible goal, scream "Halakashi!" – or "Goal!" – in the street dialect he and his friends shouted as kids.

"You have to yell to be able to feel it," he said.

So far South Africa has. And he is sure it is only a matter of time before the rest of the world will feel it too, bringing alive his Diski Dance.

The World Cup is the biggest stage of all and performing well can lead to fame and fortune for any player.

Goal.com takes a look at a player from each of the Asian quartet that are far from key men for their teams at the moment but are in with a chance of changing all that in June.

Australia - Luke Wilkshire

One of the problems of being efficient, versatile and quiet is that your reputation doesn’t perhaps reach the heights that it should. But a good coach knows the value of such players and Australian coaches are still putting their faith in Luke Wilkshire.

Despite Champions League experience with FC Twente and Dynamo Moscow, it would be a struggle to find anyone outside of Australia, the Netherlands, Russia or England, where he played for Bristol City and Middlesbrough, to have heard of him.

He can play in the middle or at the back on either side and is rarely wasteful with the ball when he has it and works hard to get it when he doesn't, Wilkshire is a Mr Dependable who may find in South Africa that he starts to get some of the credit he is due.

S Korea - Lee Sung-ryeol

The 21 year-old only made his debut for the National team in January in a South African training camp. In six appearances since then, the FC Seoul striker has found the net three times.

The first game against Hong Kong, the second in a 3-1 win over Japan in Tokyo and the third a fine strike against Ecuador in Seoul in May. That goal showed his qualities, his balance, ball control and eye for goal. Lee is a silky fox in the box who has looked more impressive in recent times for South Korean than FC Seoul.

Coach Huh Jung-moo won’t care about that. The baby-faced striker is unlikely to start against Greece but is the kind of forward who could make a serious im-

SA squad meet Mandela AP PRETORIA, JUNE 4

Bafana Bafana are set to go into the World Cup inspired by 'Madiba Magic' after they met former president, Nelson Mandela at his home in Johannesburg yesterday.

Mandela, clad in Bafana Bafana jersey complete with a number 4, arrived to cheers from the team, family members and Foundation staff, who all sang: "Nelson Mandela, there is no one like you."

pact from the bench.

N Korea - Kim Yong Jun

Not an automatic starter which is sometimes something of a puzzle. Kim was one of the stars of the team in the middle part of the previous decade and looked to have a very bright future. A rumoured move overseas didn’t happen, a shame as Kim has what it takes to be one of Asia’s stars.

The 26 year-old is vocal and just as effective with the ball as he is without it. Possessing a fierce and accurate shot and a good eye for the pass, Kim has the skills to go along with his energy in the middle of the park and he never lets up for a second. A real pleasure to play with and a pain to play against, Kim deserves some playing time in South Africa where he can test himself against some of the best in the world.

Japan - Takayuki Morimoto

When a player is playing in one of the world’s top leagues and scoring goals on a relatively regular basis, when he is selected anyway, then it could be called strange to list him in such an article.

Despite the lack of goals scored by the likes of Keiji Tamada and Yoshito Okubo and, increasingly when faced with top opposition, Shinji Okazaki, Morimoto is likely to start on the bench in South Africa.

The 22 year-old finished the season before last well and then started 2009-10 for Catania even better but soon found himself in the sub’s role after Christmas.

Even when he was scoring, Morimoto wasn’t getting the call-ups he deserved and the feeling persists that coach Takeshi Okada just doesn’t really rate him. He is champing at the bit however and the Sicilian-based hitman is big, strong and quick with a fierce shot. He offers Japan a more direct threat and there will come a time when that is what is needed.

SPORTS

Advani survives, Joshi falters Pg 16

Ferdinand ruled out of World Cup Pg 17

GOA, SATURDAY, 5 JUNE, 2010 www.oheraldo.in

In BrIef

Flintoff could return to action in July England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff is expected to return to action for his county club Lancashire at the end of July or the start of August, a club official said on Thursday.

Flintoff, 32, popularly known as Fred, retired from Test cricket last year after helping England regain the Ashes from Australia.

He has been recuperating since undergoing reconstructive knee surgery after the final Test at the Oval and is still ambitious to represent England in Oneday cricket.

‘English county could go bankrupt’ Lancashire chief executive Jim Cumbes has warned an English county club could go bankrupt after he announced a post-tax loss of £546,000 ($804,900) for 2009.

The annual report of the Old Trafford-based club, which is hosting England's second Test against Bangladesh starting on Friday, noted it was almost £8 million in debt. The club is also undergoing a £32 million ground renovation.

Asked if a county club could soon become bankrupt, Cumbes told reporters on Thursday: "Without a doubt, and it won't be a small one, it will be a big one. It's always possible. Yorkshire have a lot of debt at Headingley, Durham are in a lot of debt, we are in debt."

Fletcher joins Wolves for record fee Wolverhampton Wanderers have signed Scotland striker Steven Fletcher from Burnley for a record fee, the Premier League club said on their website.

The 23-year-old Fletcher, who scored eight Premier League goals last season, agreed a four-year deal after just 12 months at Burnley who were relegated from the Premier League last season.

India desperate for big win today PTI HARARE, JUNE 4

With their chances of making the final hanging by a thread, a beleaguered India will have to win and win it big when they take on Sri Lanka in a do-or-die match in the cricket tri-series here tomorrow.

Smarting from the ignominy of being beaten twice by Zimbabwe in the tournament -- their first back-to -back defeats against the traditional minnows -- Suresh Raina and his teammates have their back against the wall with the prospect of an early exit looming large.

Given the scenario, India, who currently have just four points from just one win, have to beat the Lankans tomorrow with a bonus point and hope that the outcome of Monday's Zimbabwe-Sri Lanka match also goes their way.

A win and a bonus point tomorrow will take India's tally to nine points, level with Zimbabwe. Raina and his men would then hope that Zimbabwe spring

No Indian umpires in ICC Elite panel UNI DUBAI, JUNE 4

Indian umpires yet again failed to find a place in the International Cricket Council's (ICC) rejigged Elite Panel of Umpires, from which South African veteran Rudy Koertzen would retire this July.

India has had no representation in the elite panel ever since S Venkataraghavan retired from the 2002 original panel in 2004.

There are two new additions to the panel. Another South African Marais Erasmus and Australian Rodney Tucker will replace Koertzen and England's Mark Benson, who stepped down from the panel in February, an ICC statement said today.

Erasmus has umpired in two Tests, 16 ODIs and 11 T20Is. The 46-year-old was an allrounder during his playing days.

another surprise and upstage the Lankans, who have five points, in the final league encounter.

But all mathematical calculations hinge on an Indian win tomorrow and they can take heart from the fact that they beat Tillakaratne Dilshan's men the first time around.

That win came on the back of some fantastic batting by

Mohun Bagan on Friday made it official that former Shillong Lajong coach Stanley Rosario will be at helm of affairs for the Ko l ka t a c l u b next season Rosario, who has also coached Salgaocar and East Bengal, replaces Biswajit Bhattachar ya, who guided the green-and-maroon brigade to their 29th Kolkata League title last season.

Rosario has also managed the Services team and led them to Durand Cup and Santosh Trophy success. Moreover he is one of

Football frenzy in South Africa AGENCIES PRETORIA, JUNE 4

South Africa has erupted into football frenzy on the last "football Friday" - the day when everyone has been encouraged to wear the green-and-gold colours of the National team in the countdown to Africa's first World Cup. With a week to go till kick-off, Johannesburg's city centre ground to a halt as hundreds of people celebrated at a street party in honour of Bafana Bafana (The Boys).

South African flags could be seen for miles, adding a splash of colour to Johannesburg's streets, while vuvuzelas and car hooters testified to the excitement of the day.

Speaking to the crowds, African National Congress stalwart, Winnie Mandela - the former wife of Nelson Mandela - said all South Africa should rally behind the team as they prepared for the "battle".

"We are here to say to our boys, you are our hope," she said. "Tata Madiba says whatever happens - keep this Cup in Africa," she said passing on a message from her ex-husband.

"This is what we fought for; we have made it so far. Let’s us give our boys the last farewell to the battleground to say we have all the confidence in them."

the few coaches in the country who holds the prestigious AFC A Level licence which is now mandatory for all I-League clubs as per AFC norms.

The Kolkata giants also announced their 35-member squad for next season. Some of the notable signings include Nigerian striker Muritala Ali, India Under-23 international midfielder Jewel Raja and the former Chirag United trio of Jayanta Sen, R Dhanarajan and Kingshuk Debnath.

Kashmiri midfielder Ishfaq Ahmed has been named as skip-

Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia today urged BCCI to reconsider its decision of not sending teams in the Asian Games to be held at Guangzhou in China from November 12-27.

"India will have medal chances along with Sri Lanka and Pakistan. I request BCCI to reconsider its decision," Bhutia said on the sidelines of a promotional programme here.

Sri L anka, Pakistan and Bangladesh will send their cricket teams to Asian Games.

BCCI had said it will not send either its men's or women's team for the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, which drew widespread criticism.

Meanwhile, Bhutia said the national footballers were happy with their contracts with the AIFF. On the eight-month training of the Indian players for their Asian Cup preparation, he said, "It's a one-step ahead, it can help improve our preparation. We have been going through the same style in football, what's wrong in trying something different."

S Africa whitewash hapless Windies

England 275-5 on Day 1

but then struggled to build any substantial partnerships.

However a measured 51 from JP Duminy helped them inch closer to the target, and after he was dismissed in the 44th over, the allrounders and bowlers completed the win.

West Indies skipper Chris Gayle was the pick of the bowlers on a slow wicket, taking two for 38 off 10 overs.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul anchored the West Indies innings with 67, while Narsingh Deonarine, who initially struggled, ensured the innings ended with some impetus as his run-a-ball 53 not out pushed the hosts past 250.

The teams now meet in a three-test series, starting on June 10.

Player of the match: JH Kallis Player of the series: HM Amla

England reached 275-5 against Bangladesh at the close of play on day one of the second test at Old Trafford on Friday.

Ian Bell made 87 not out from 171 balls, including nine fours a n d o n e s i x , w h i l e Ke v i n Pietersen hit 64 from 81 balls, including seven fours and one six.

Shafiul Islam marked his return to the Bangladesh side with two wickets for 37 runs.

Resuming on 215-4 after tea, England lost Eoin Morgan for 37, caught by Jaharul Islam off Shahadat Hossain.

Bell and Matt Prior, 21 not out, survived until the players went off for bad light with seven overs remaining.

Bangladesh's players wore black armbands in memory of the victims of the fatal fire in Dhaka on Thursday.

12.30 pm Live on Ten Sports Rohit Sharma, who struck a hundred, and Virat Kohli. The two rescued India from a wobbly start and guided them home.

But except for the two and to some extent Raina, India's batting has not been too impressive.

The Zimbabweans thoroughly exposed batting frailties and though the Lankans also have a relatively inexperienced squad, they would look to exploit the known chink in India's armour.

AGENCIES TRINIDAD, JUNE 4

South Africa completed a 5-0 whitewash of their limited overs series against West Indies with a thrilling one-wicket victory in the final over in the fifth game at Queen's Park Oval on Thursday.

The South Africans, who also won both Twenty20 internationals, needed seven runs off the final over chasing the home team's 252 for six.

After Roelof van der Merwe smashed Kieron Pollard for a boundary and then ran a single, fast bowler Lonswabo Tsotsobe stroked a cover drive to the rope to guide his side to 255 for nine with two balls to spare.

South Africa had been coasting at 163 for three in the 31st over when Jacques Kallis was dismissed for 57, his 78th Oneday International half century,

per for the mariners.

The Mohun Bagan squad for the 2010 – 11 season: Goalkeepers: Sangram Mukherjee, Shilton Paul, Proloy Dutta, Sudipta Banerjee.

Defenders: SK Azim, Sagram Mandi, Karan Atwal, Kinkgshuk Debnath, Rahul Kumar, Surkumar Singh, Habibur Mondal, Biswajit Saha, Parminder Singh, R Dhanarajan, Nagimuddin Mollick, Suman Dutta.

Midfielders: Ishfaq Ahmed, Rakesh Masih, Snehashish Chakrabarty, Manish Mathani, Souvik Chakrabarty Dipendu Dowary, Jayanta Sen, Jewel Raja, Gouranga Dutta, Satish Kumar, Santosh Oraon.

Strikers: Jose Barreto, Edeh Chidi, Muritala Ali, Ashim Biswas, Jagatar Singh, Jacken Sebastian.

HERALD SPORTS REPORTER MAPUSA, JUNE 4

represented Salgaocar academy teams over the last few seasons is expected to don the Goa

AGENCIES KOLKATA, JUNE 4

The 64th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy 2009-10 will be held in Kolkata from July 15 to August 8 without some of the country's top players in action.

Thirty National team players will not take part in the tournament as they will start training next month for the Asian Cup to be held in Doha, Qatar from January 7-29 next year.

Thirty-two teams will participate with defending champions Goa, runners-up Bengal and semi-finalists Tamil Nadu and Services being directly seeded into the quarter-final league.

The quarter-final league will be held from July 30 to August

colours in the U-19 junior Nationals, before jetting off to join the academy in South Africa.

Fabian speaking to Herald said: "We are hoping that two other footballers will join Brandon in South Africa. We have just finished conducting the trials on Tuesday and are in the process of shortlisting players."

With the World Cup just one week away, Goans will be able to boast of at least one player in South Africa.

Mitsam Cricketers triumph HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JUNE 4

Mitsam Cricketers, Guirim claimed the season ball title defeating Bardez Palyem Cricketers, Bastora organized by Guirim Cricketers at Guirim.

Mitsam Cricketers were awarded the glittering trophy alongwith Rs.12, 000, while Bardez Palyem Cricketers had to be content with Rs. 8,000 and a trophy.

Dilip Parulekar, MLAwas the chief guest and gave away the prizes in the presence of Micheal Lobo, ZP; Fondu Naik, ex- sarpanch and panch members Milind Naik and Uday Pilenkar of Guirim.

Nadal, Soderling to clash in French final l

Williams sisters take 12th doubles title

AGENCIES MANCHESTER, JUNE 4

AGENCIES PARIS, JUNE 4

All that stands between Rafael Nadal and a fif th French Open title is the only player ever to beat him at Roland Garros.

Nadal and Robin Soderling won semifinals Friday to set up a tantalizing rematch. Soderling pulled off a stunner when they met in the fourth round last year, and the upset remains Nadal’s lone loss in 38 French Open matches.

Soderling, runner-up to Roger Federer in 2009, returned to the final by sweeping the last four games to overtake No. 15seeded Tomas Berdych 6-3, 36, 5-7, 6-3, 6-3. Nadal then beat No. 22 Jurgen Melzer 6-2, 6-3,

7-6 (6). nalists Samantha Stosur and The No. 2-seeded Nadal has Francesca Schiavone play for won all 18 sets in this year’s the title in women’s singles Sattournament, and he’s 21-0 on urday. clay in 2010. He seeks to become the second man to win at least five French Open titles. Bjorn Borg won six.

Nadal is bidding for his seventh Grand Slam title.

If he wins, he’ll reclaim the No. 1 ranking from Federer next week.

Ven u s a n d Seren a Williams won their fourth consecutive Grand Slam doubles title and 12th overall by beating Katarina Srebotnik andUSA's Venus Williams, right, and Serena Kveta Peschke 6-2, 6-3.Williams hold the cup at the Roland GarFirst-time Grand Slam fi-ros stadium in Paris on Friday.

Santosh Trophy Book on Eduardo’s sports from July 15 feat to be released soon

Brandon for Cape Town Academy Young upcoming footballer Brandon Fernandes will be signing a two-year contract with Cape Town Football Academy on Saturday, at Tito's Health Retreat, Candolim, at 4.30 p.m.

The academy director, Keith Fordingham will be present for the signing alongwith his partner Steve White, coordinator Mario Fernandes and Goa United coach Fabian D’Souza.

Brandon, who has successfully

PTI KOLKATA, JUNE 4

The openers have been a letdown and Raina had no hesitation admitting that the failure of Murali Vijay and Dinesh Karthik has hurt the side.

Rohit Sharma hit back-to-back centuries but it is unfair to expect him to bail out the side.

Lot would depend on Kohli and Raina as well, while Yusuf Pathan will also have to contribute, more so when the chips are down.

India's bowling has been largely toothless and none from the attack has made much of an impact. Umesh Yadav and Ashok Dinda have been inconsistent and though they have wickets to show, their economy rates are nothing to talk about.

The Lankan have played just two matches so far and while they were clinical against Zimbabwe, they just couldn't accelerate at the right time against India.

But the team which comprises some new faces and some comeback men can still prove to be a quite a handful for India.

Mohun Bagan unveil Rosario as their coach for 2010-11 AGENCIES KOLKATA, JUNE 4

Bhutia urges BCCI to send cricket team to Asiad

Pg 18

Dilip Parulekar, MLA giving away the winners cheque and trophy to Mitsam players in the presence of Micheal Lobo, ZP; Fondu Naik, exsarpanch and panch members Milind Naik and Uday Pilenkar of Guirim.

4, while the semi-finals will be played on August 6. The grand finale of the tournament will be played on July 8.

In the last edition held in Tamil Nadu, Goa lifted the trophy after defeating Bengal in the penalty shoot-out.

Police, Da Cruz in semis HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JUNE 4

Goa Police beat Shantadurga 2518, 25-18 and Da Cruz, Mala beat Hauxi Sports Club 25-22, 25-23 to enter the semi-finals of All-Goa Volleyball tournament organised by Odxel Sports Club, Taleigao, at Odxel court, on Friday.

Sabastiao wins Verna badminton HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JUNE 4

Sabastiao Ferrao of Margao beat Ehrlick Ataide of Margao in the singles of the 1st all- Goa Verna badminton tournament organised by Friends Circle in association with Gavin's Restaurant and Bar at Philip Valadares outdoor badminton court, Verna.

Sabastiao played a confident swift game with the tall, stiff smasher Ehrlick, who could not stay on and lost in two straight sets 21-19, 21-16.

In the semi-finals, Ankush Patil from Nuvem who demonstrated a highly skilled game, lost to Sabastiao while the fast moving shuttler, Deepak Dotlikar from Canacona lost to Ehrlick.

Vinayak Kamat, State badminton coach for South was the guest of honour and gave away the prizes. Philip Valadares presided over the function. Dr Felix Dias proposed the vote of thanks. The prizes were sponsored by Churchill Alemao, Raikar Jewellers, Maxscan Fitness Club (Margao), Quatro Bar and Restaurant (Verna), M D Costa (Margao), Margao Electronics, Mavisha Mahesth Naik (Majorda), Philip Valadares and Gavin Restaurant and Bar, Verna.

HERALD SPORTS DESK PANJIM, JUNE 4

“Eduardo Faleiro –An inspiration to Millions”, a book on real life of 54-year old ex-MP and exUnion Minister, penned by Roque Dias, director, Sports Authority of India (Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India) will be released in Delhi shortly.

The book deals on how Faleiro tried swimming in 1994 and could not even complete a lap in the pool, despite all the expertise at the Talkatora, Delhi.

It was only after he was introduced to yoga by expert Meena Bhandhari, presently based in Canada, that he did not only progress rapidly in swimming but also undertook a stunning feat, crossing the Mandovi River, in strong pre-monsoon condition, which evoked huge interest in swimming and inspiring millions into yoga.

Over 5000 young and old have crossed the river Mandovi taking inspiration from Eduardo.

Today, yoga has become the integral part of National team training in many disciplines.

Faleiro’s feat is just a case

Abhiniv Bhindra, Olympics gold medalist, former Union Minster and NRI Commisioner Eduardo Faleiro, Vijendar Singh, Olympics bronze medalist in boxing.

study, featured in the book. The objective of the book is to inspire the younger generation, which is obsessed with the digital world, turning them into couch potatoes, thereby contributing to the new age diseases of child diabetes, etc. to take to sports and derive health benefits The book is under printing at Herald Publications, Verna.

Tw e n t y - s e v e n world renowned athletes, sports medicine experts, coaches and administrators have commented on the feat which includes world renowned gold medalist in Beijing Olympics, shooter Abhinav Bhindra, world number one boxer and bronze medalist in Beijing Olympics Vijender Singh , All-England badminton cham-

pion P Gopichand. The book is dedicated to young promising sportsperson to groom them into international sportsperson.

The foreword is by Suresh Kalmadi, Chairman Commonwealth Games’ 2010 and Secretary General, Olympic Council of Asia, Indian Olympic Association, Raja Randhir Singh and Goa’s Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat.

The book consists a section of demonstrative yoga asanas

by World Yoga champion N. Acharya. Apart from sports it offers benefits for various ailments such as asthma, constipation, digestive problem etc. specially for young and the old alike who seek to live a diseasefree lifestyle.

Raveena to lead U-16 cricket team PANJIM (HSD) -- Raveena Korgaonkar will lead the Goa State girls U-16 cricket team at the South Zone, KSCA inter-state tournament in Mysore from June

Sonia Gandhi invited to watch WC IANS NEW DELHI, JUNE 4

South African President, Jacob Zuma on Friday invited Congress President, Sonia Gandhi to watch the FIFA World Cup that begins there June 11.

According to a Ministry of External Affairs official, Zuma conveyed the invitation to the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson when she called on him on Friday evening.

However, it was not immediately known if Sonia accepted the invitation.

14 to 19. Other members of the team - Roopam Sancoalkar (vicecaptain), Nishigandha Manjrekar, Tanvi Salgaonkar, Divya Naik, Vinavi Gurav, Pranita Kor -

gaonkar, Sanjula Naik, Yashica Sancoalkar, Chimaie Swar, Siddita Naik, Diksha Gawas, Panchakshari Gaonkar, Selvi Pradhan and Pooja Usapkar.