Thursday, September 30, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Blog

Goa: IFFI 2010 registration simplified

Posted: 30 Sep 2010 07:47 AM PDT

Simplifying the procedure of registration for the International Film Festival of India (Iffi) 2010, the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) has announced that those who registered as delegates last year need not register again.

Goa IFFI 2010 Logo

“If you have registered as a delegate during Iffi 2009, you need not register as a fresh delegate. Entertainment Society of Goa has sent an email with an ID No. and PIN No. through which delegates can view their data and submit the same application again,” states an ESG press note. Fresh applicants can be registered on www.iffigoa.org. Last date for registration is November 16.

Courtesy: TOI

From Cow dung to ITM, Goa has changed for chartered tourists

Posted: 29 Sep 2010 11:53 PM PDT

In 80’s, when first chartered flight touched Goa airport carrying German passengers, they were greeted with cow dung and sloganeering asking them to go back. Anti-tourism sentiments ran high with activists fearing that Goa will get all evils once the foreigners begin arriving on the beaches. Two decades down the line, Goa government’s tourism projections are dependent on how many chartered flights will arrive in the state this season. And any jump in the number is considered as a matter to cheer about. All attempts are made to woo travel agents operating chartered flights, the latest being in the form of International Tourism Mart (ITM), inviting people to see the fascinating destination, which has become a brand name in the tourism industry.

Tourism department director Swapnil Naik said that this season, there will be 15 per cent additional arrivals of Chartered flight with enormous interest shown by Russians and other European countries like Poland. Goa receives around 500-odd chartered flights and with airport being thrown open 24 hours, this time, the charters are expected to land mostly in the night. Heralding the official tourist season, the first chartered flight will touch Goan soil on October 1 bringing in 100-150 passengers. Superintendent of Police (Immigration) Tony Fernandes said that the flight ‘Arke Fly’ is the first chartered plane expected to come to Goa. .

Courtesy:IBN
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Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Blog

Who’s that guyin Goa, Mona!

Posted: 29 Sep 2010 08:44 AM PDT

Last we heard of Mona Singh dating Karan Oberoi and that was a good two years ago.

Thereafter there have only been a few whispers about our Jassi seeing somebody, but she never confirmed any of that. Mona’s always been careful and prefers to keep her private life under wraps. But when you are a celebrity, it’s not that easy. If the media doesn’t chase you, then it just might be your fans!

And that’s exactly what happened recently. A fan took a picture of Mona, while she was chilling out in Goa with a few friends. “Even though there were others, Mona was extremely cosy with this one guy, who looked like a model,” says our source. Over to Mona…

Courtesy:TOI

Goa NRI commissionerate awaits ”My Village” scheme response

Posted: 29 Sep 2010 02:59 AM PDT

Goa’s NRI commissioner Eduardo Faleiro today said that there is lackluster response for the scheme allowing non residents to take up developmental work back home.”We had launched a scheme called `My Village’ but there is no response coming from the non residents goans (NRGs) for it,” Faleiro told a news conference this morning.

He said that the state government was willing to pitch in with half of the financial cost of the project, if rest portion was shouldered by NRGs.”Government could invest upto Rs 10 lakh in these developmental projects,” Faleiro said.The state had designed this scheme in order to allow the NRGs invest in the developmental project in their village.The scheme was launched last year.Faleiro said that NRGs are not willing to invest “maybe because state government was not providing them with the land required for the project.” “We are still hoping to get NRGs invest in their native villages,” he said adding that the scheme was based on Punjab model where similar format is adopted to attract NRIs contribute for their village.

Courtesy:IBN

‘Will return to Goa State politics only if High Command demands :Sardihna

Posted: 28 Sep 2010 09:06 PM PDT

Asserting that neither he nor CWC member Luizinho Faleiro are interested in contesting the next Assembly polls from Benaulim, South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha said he will return to State politics only if the Congress high command asks him to do so.

Reacting to PWD Minister, Churchill Alemao's statement asking him and Faleiro to contest from Benaulim, Sardinha said he is presently the South Goa MP and there's still three years and half for his term to expire. "Why should I or Faleiro contest from Benaulim. Moreover, the Congress high command would decide on the candidates and on the question of giving tickets, whether to give the ticket to the politician's sons and daughters. "I was defeated in the last hustings in Curtorim and Luizinho Faleiro in Navelim. Why should we contest from Benaulim", he asked, adding "I am a loyal soldier of the party and would return to State politics if asked by the high command".

Sardinha recalled that he polled good number of votes in Benaulim constituency in the Lok Sabha polls despite attempts to sabotage from many quarters. "I polled the votes because Benaulim MLA Mickky Pacheco has worked for me, besides the people of Benaulim constituency", he added.

Saying that the question of ticket business will be addressed by the high command at the right time, Sardinha said what is the use of the party selection committee if the tickets are to be decided here and there. "There is a process which has to be followed by the party before finalising a candidate. That stage has not come as yet", he added.

Courtesy:Herald

Conduct of Goa University elections unfair: BJP

Posted: 28 Sep 2010 08:45 PM PDT

The Bharatiya Janata Party Students’ Cell, in a press conference held on Tuesday evening, alleged that the elections are being carried out in a manner which is unfair to its representatives.

The Cell’s president, Atmaram Bharve, said, “On September 23, a list of candidates was displayed only to be revoked later. Two days later, it was put up again with a few new names added. Moreover, our candidate for the chairman’s post was declared invalid by the university without providing any reason. We will not allow the elections to happen unless the anomalies are corrected.”

BJP Yuva Morcha president, Pramod Sawant, added that they will meet the vice-chancellor and the governor with their demand. “We also want that the Goa university registrar be kept away from the elections,”said Sawant.

As per the election protocol of the university, class representatives were first elected by various colleges who in turn elected the university faculty representatives. These representatives are set to elect the executive committee of the university’s students’ council on September 30.

It maybe recalled that a similar problem during the 2008 elections had led to the polls being called off by the university and not being held for two years. It is being held this year following an agitation by BJP members.

Courtesy:TOI

Delhi facilities on par with Melbourne: Canada flag bearer

Posted: 28 Sep 2010 10:24 AM PDT

Given the controversies surrounding the Commonwealth Games over the past 10 days, the big question on everyone's mind was whether all the 71 contingent's will ensure their participation at the Games.

Countries like England, Scotland, Wales and Canada were very critical of the Games Village, but major fire fighting by the hosts in the last minute made sure that all the squads were on board.

Many athletes that the Mumbai Mirror spoke to at the Games Village yesterday hoped they would return after a memorable experience, now that the troubles with their accommodation has been almost sorted out.

And none was more pleased than Kenneth Pereira, the captain of Canada's hockey squad.

What's more Pereira will be drawing enormous pride from the fact that he will be the flag bearer of the large Canadian contingent, that's been one of the key Commonwealth nations over the years. "I am extremely pleased to be here in Delhi," said an excited Pereira yesterday.

"All the controversy has finally been put to rest and we can now get back to what we are best at, competing in our respective disciplines," added Pereira whose parents hail from Goa.

Pereira was born in Ontario and the honour of leading the Canadian contingent at the Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium on October 3 is the culmination of a dream that began 16 years ago when he was first picked for the national hockey team.

Since then the 37-year-old has earned more than 300 caps for his country. "I was extremely surprised when I got the news that I would be the flag bearer. That's about the best honour that an athlete can get," he exclaimed. He also hopes some of his relatives from Goa will be around once the Games begin on Sunday. "I don't know about all, but my mom would surely be there."

Having represented Canada in four C'Games, he felt that the facilities in Delhi were on par with those available at Melbourne. "I can't remember much about Melbourne as it was a long time ago, but Delhi sure matches Melbourne in terms of facilities."

And what about India's tall claims that they were trying to match Beijing? "I would not like to compare the two. Either city has its own strengths and weakness," said Pereira.

Courtesy:BM
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Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Blog

Ayodhya verdict: Security upped in Goa

Posted: 27 Sep 2010 09:54 AM PDT

Goa police have beefed up security around state’s sensitive towns ahead of Ayodhya verdict. Director General of Police (DGP) Bhimsen Bassi said that special attention is paid to those parts where there is a mix population and has a history of communal disharmony. “The towns of Margao, Mapusa, Vasco, Ponda and Curchorem have been provided additional force,” he said adding that these towns have mix population which has the potential of triggering the crisis. Bassi said that section 144 has been imposed in both the districts. “Already there is section 144 in north district because of the Valpoi by-poll and September 23 onwards, the section is imposed in the south district,” he added. He said that both the district superintends of police have been provided additional personnels at their disposal to mend over the situation. “Police have taken all the precautions including appealing the communities not to fall prey to the anti-social elements,” DGP said. “District administration has held peace committee meetings in which there was encouraging participation of community leaders,” said Bassi.

Courtesy:IBN
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Monday, September 27, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Blog

Indian navy wants Goa islands ban

Posted: 27 Sep 2010 08:35 AM PDT

Two scenic tourist islands in Goa are at the centre of a security row after the Indian navy demanded they be made no-go zones. The move is being opposed by the tourism industry and the state government, which is planning to set up an amusement park on the islands. The navy says the islands, Grande and Pequeno, were important for the safety of the only international airport in the state, which is used by tourists.

They are close to the landing approach to Dabolim airport and there have been alerts in the past about possible terror attacks on the airport from the sea. The navy’s proposal would end tourism on the islands, a popular retreat 20 miles off Goa in the Arabian Sea. Goa, on India’s west coast, is known for its sandy beaches and attracts about 2.5 million tourists annually, including half a million foreigners, mostly from Britain, Israel and Russia.

State Revenue Minister Jose Phillip D’Souza said the navy proposal had come at a time when the government was planning to set up an amusement park there. ”We will see what the navy is trying to do, but we will oppose it,” Mr D’Souza said. A final decision rests with the federal government and it could be months away.

Shantaram Naik, from the governing Congress party, said if the navy took over the islands it would badly hit tourism and fishing in the region.

Courtesy: google

Shahid, Priyanka’s Short Holiday In Goa!

Posted: 27 Sep 2010 08:29 AM PDT

Lots of speculations have been made and said about the alleged Priyanka Chopra and Shahid Kapoor relationship but it seems that there is no end to it. Now, there is a report that the two Bollywood stars had recently gone for a short holiday in Goa!

It seems that they want to come out of the "good friends' tag to a publicly declared couple. Last month, when Priyanka left for Brazil to shoot for the reality show "Khatron Ke Khiladi', she was reportedly dropped by Shahid. The actress left for Brazil on 16th August and came back to Mumbai on 8th September, which was a gap of almost one month.

A source was quoted saying that soon after returning from Brazil, the unofficial couple made a plan to spend some time together and had a very short one-day trip to Goa. They had reportedly left on September 9 and spent just one day there. Priyanka was scheduled to leave for Delhi on the next day and the promotions of her Anjaana Anjaani followed after that.

An eyewitness was quoted saying that the stars took a 12 pm flight from Mumbai and they were seated in the business class section of the flight with number 9W-475. They were dressed in casuals and wore dark glasses, probably to avoid eye contact with anyone else. Well, how will they keep denying their relations because paparazzi are always behind them and will find out every close moment they spend together!

Courtesy: thaindian

Wanted drug dealer Atala hiding in Israel: website

Posted: 26 Sep 2010 10:24 AM PDT

sraeli drug dealer Yaniv Benaim, who was missing after being out on bail in the drug peddler-police nexus case here, has been sighted in Israel, an Israeli website has claimed. As per the report in Israeli website www.Ynet.com, Atala was in Rishon in Israel and has told the reporter that he managed to cross Indian boundaries and return back home at Rishon-Letzion, a fourth biggest town in Israel. The drug dealer, an important link in the nexus case, was out on the bail since June this year. He went missing since first week of July.

The story headlined as “Goa drug king hides in Rishon - Letzion” has claimed that the 36-year-old drug dealer is back in his town “after escaping from house arrest by the Indian authorities.” The piece of news claims that when Indian authorities were claiming that Atala was missing, the accused was on his way to Israel. “Indian authorities reported in the last few weeks that

is missing, but now it seems that the Israeli drug dealer, is in his country and is hiding in Rishon Letzion,” the report reads. Atala, arrested six months ago in Goa for suspected drug trafficking, ran away three weeks ago from house arrest which he was sentenced by the court in India and since then his trails were lost, the Ynet.c

Courtesy:IBN
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Sunday, September 26, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Blog

Illegal mining in Sattari to top BJP agendas in Goa bypolls

Posted: 26 Sep 2010 06:30 AM PDT

Goa BJP today said rampant illegal mining in state’’s Sattari taluka will be amongst party’’s prime issues in Valpoi by-elections scheduled next month. State President Laxmikant Parsenkar blamed the sitting legislator and Congress candidate Vishwajit Rane for illegal mining activity in this taluka, which is robbing the constituency of its greenery. “We will expose the illegal mining in Sattari and seek votes to save the region from being deforested,” Parsenkar said. BJP today announced Santosh Haldankar as its candidate for Valpoi by-elections, to be held on October 16. The constituency located in Sattari taluka in the North East of Goa has 17,500 voters, most of them farmers.

The by-elections were necessitated after sitting legislator Rane, elected as an independent candidate, resigned and joined Congress to evade anti-defection law. Talking to media for the first time after being nominated as the candidate, Haldankar held illegal mining and renewing of old mining leases as the reasons that ruined constituency. “Rane is actively involved in this activity along with some other state ministers,” Haldankar, a businessman by profession, said here. He said Rane’’s plans would devastate constituency, which has Mhadei wildlife sanctuary as a part of it. Rane, son of Goa Legislative Assembly Speaker Pratapsingh Rane, had won 2007 Assembly elections defeating BJP’’s sitting legislator Narahari Haldankar. Rane, who became health minister in Digamber Kamat cabinet, switched to Congress last month.

Courtesy: ibnlive

Mashelkar, Bhatkar, Gadgil to help Goa put together Vision-2035

Posted: 26 Sep 2010 04:14 AM PDT

Prominent Puneites have been given the responsibility to formulate a road map for Goa for the next 25 years by state Chief Minister Digambar Kamat.

In July this year, Kamat constituted the state's Golden Jubilee Development Council (GJDC) headed by prominent scientist Dr Raghunath Mashelkar that will be responsible for putting together Vision-2035 — a document to tackle development issues of the state and give clear directions on the path to be taken. Dr Vijay Bhatkar will spear head the e-governance cell of the initiative and environmentalist Madhav Gadgil will look into ecological issues.

"The committee is expected to interact with people of Goa, find out the issues that concern them the most and give clear indication to the state on how to tackle them over the next 25 years," Kamat told The Indian Express. He added that issues like tourism, mining, housing projects and migrants would probably top the list.

Courtesy: indianexpress

GCA gearing up for India-Aus ODI

Posted: 25 Sep 2010 10:03 AM PDT

Goa Cricket Association has sold the instadia advertising rights for the ODI between India and Australia on October 24 here to Prerna International, Delhi for Rs 1.26 crore, the GCA secretary Prasad Fatarpekar said on Saturday.

The overall revenue the association would generate is put at around Rs 2.25 crore with the sale of tickets earning around Rs 95 lakh.

Giving a break-up of tickets for the match, GCA said only 9,180 will be sold in denominations of Rs 2500, Rs 1500 and Rs 500, while 14,320 will be given as complimentary passes. 1,915 are for officials and 200 for the media thus making a total of 25,815.

“The tickets for Rs 2500 and Rs 1500 denominations would be sold on-line through Federal Bank from October 1 to 15.

The remaining tickets would be sold over the counter at the bank’s branches at Panjim, Mapusa, Margao and Ponda.

Tickets of Rs 500 denominations will be on sale from October 15 at these counters.

Keeping in mind the interest of the handicapped cricket lovers, the association has allotted 180 tickets of Rs 500 denominations.

GCA treasurer Vinod Phadke who provided the ticketing details informed that various steps have been taken to avoid duplication of tickets and a scanner will be used that will grant access to the stadium.

He said that the managing committee has decided that to avoid the volunteers occupying the chairs of ticket holders, tickets will be issued to volunteers as well.

Of the 14320 complimentary passes, each of the 110 affiliates of the GCA will be given 50 passes.

The insurance cover for the match is Rs 3 crore out of which Rs 1 crore is for liability to spectators, Rs 1 crore towards expenditure and Rs 1 crore for stadium damages.

As for the playing surface, Fatarpekar said that the pitch is nearing completion and would be tested with a match on October 5.

Courtesy:CN
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Saturday, September 25, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Blog

Navy’s Land Grabbing exercise in Goa :MP,Goa

Posted: 25 Sep 2010 06:33 AM PDT

Mr. Shantaram Naik M.P. in a statement issued today has said that Indian Navy's attitude of grabbing land in Goa needs to be opposed tooth and nail and therefore he will take up the matter with the Union Defence Minister Shri A.K.Antony, very soon.

Mr. Naik said that Indian Navy is taking a cover of security needs for the purpose of acquiring land in Goa, which examined from all angles is nothing less than grabbing of land , for which there is no provision in the Land Acquisition Act.

Mr. Naik said that the issue of Navy demanding two St.George islands and Bimbvel Beach needs to be rejected by the Goa Government, and that he has already spoken to the Chief Secretary of Government of Goa Shri Sanjay K. Srivastava to take a tough line in the matter.

Mr Naik said that Shri Srivastava has assured me that he would protect the interest of the State and said that he (Srivastava) have already questioned the Naval authorities for their past attitude.

Mr. Naik said that the islands are a part and the parcel of the State, and that, tourism activity, fishing activities and religious ceremonies will be trampled upon by the Indian Navy in the name of security,  if these islands are allowed to be acquired or grabbed.

Mr. Naik said he will be strongly with the villagers in and around the island opposing the move of the Indian Navy. Mr. Naik said that he feels  deeply pained to remark  that if Indian Navy gives any assurances of protecting rights and fisher community or of not disturbing any tourism or religious activity, it is difficult to trust them.

When Anjediv Island was handed over to Navy by  the Goa Government, Goans, specially Christian Community was assured that they will be allowed to visit the island during the annual feast of the chapel standing there.

However, after allowing the same for some years, the Indian Navy, some years back, has abruptly forbidden the community from caryring out their religious activities, despite the suggestion given to them that the worshipers can be taken by the Navy under security and be brought back after religious ceremony,  again,  under Navy's security.

Indian Navy, it is well known, have illegally recorded Goa Governments land in their name in survey records and when time came for the expansion of Dabolim Airport, Indian Navy have refused to part with required land except a few acres which they have acceded to grant after the intervention of higher ups in New Delhi.

Mr. Naik said that Indian Navy made Goa Government look like a beggar in the matter of Dabolim Land.

Mr. Naik said that Indian Navy have,  although,  put forth security reasons to part away with the Dabolim land for the expansion of Dabolim Airport, it has made , clandestinely,  commercial use of the land to establish Naval personnel working outside Goa in the buildings constructed specially for them.

Mr. Naik said that Naval authorities in Dabolim who have been refusing to part away with land for the expansion of Dabolim airport,  have constructed in 17.4 acres of land,  reserved by them for residential purposes, 245 residential units and,  323 more units are under construction, a number of which are allotted or/are proposed to be allotted,  to families of those who are not working in Dabolim.

Waves 2010: A Celebration of Life

Posted: 24 Sep 2010 10:02 AM PDT

Goa. Calm, serene, lazy.The sun, the sand, the sea. For 362 days of the year, that is. From October 14-16, though, all bets are off, as BITS Pilani, Goa Campus organizes Waves, its annual cultural extravaganza. With the theme “Viva la Vida,” this year’s edition is a celebration of life itself.

Goa: Waves 2010 logo


“Life is wasted on the living,” said Douglas Adams. We go through life, bound by rules we set ourselves, always living for tomorrow. As engineering students, we’re even more conscious of the fact, as would be poets and painters spend night and day burying their creativity under mountains of computer code; all for a better life in the future. We compete to get in, then compete to get out. We reduce life to a series of rooms, with our only thought being to get to the next one.

For three days, however, we at BITS plan to step back from this existence, and appreciate life for what it is - an adventure, a roller coaster of emotion and opportunity - in a massive carnival. We invite you to join us.

And what a carnival we’ve put together! Every year, we make it a point to knock the socks off everybody who comes. Performing this year will be renowned singer Shafqat Amanat Ali, all the way from Pakistan. Also, we have one of the most creative and talented bands on the Indian music circuit: Thermal and a Quarter. Waves also provides the perfect platform for college students from all over the country to showcase and sharpen their talents with a barrage of innovative events and workshops Not to mention a host of other surprise performances that’ll make sure you couldn’t find a dull moment, even if you went around looking for one.
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Friday, September 24, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Blog

Brandon leaves for United Soccer Academy

Posted: 24 Sep 2010 09:10 AM PDT

Goa’’s promising footballerhas left for South Africa for a two-year training stint with the Cape United Soccer Academy after being selected by the scouts of the famous coaching school. Brandon, thus, became the first Asian footballer to have earned a contract with the South African football coaching academy.

Brandon was with the Indian under-19 football team for over a year and had improved under Technical Director Colin Toal. The 16-year-old was so engrossed with the India under-19 team that it was difficult for him to leave Goa. His father Jaju Fernandes said that he was grateful to AIFF and the coaching team, especially Toal. “This is a big moment for us, we”re thrilled with the his success and we pray he realises his dream,” said Jaju.

Courtesy:IBN

GSIC orders tracing of RBI report on Goa urban coop bank

Posted: 24 Sep 2010 08:48 AM PDT

The Goa State Information Commission (GSIC) has ordered that Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) XVII inspection report pertaining to the Goa Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd (GUCBL) be traced. The order was passed following an application filed by one Rui Ferreira against the office of the registrar of co-operative societies for not furnishing the copy of the report.

In its order, GSIC’s chief information commissioner M S Keny observed thus: “In the instant case, it is strange as well as surprising that that XVI inspection report is available and XVII inspection report is missing. Even otherwise if such a contention is accepted that document is untraceable, then it would be rather impossible to implement the RTI Act.”

The commission noted that as on March 29, 2010, the report was available but after June 14, the same was not traceable. Earlier on June 14 the commission had directed the public information officer (PIO) of the registrar of co-operative societies to furnish both the reports within 15 days to the applicant, who is a shareholder of the bank.

Subsequently, on July 9, the applicant received a letter from the PIO asking him to collect the copy of the XVI inspection report. However, RBI’s XVII report was not given to the applicant. Hence, the applicant again approached the commission and sought penal action.

After hearing the parties, the commission also directed that responsibility for the missing/misplaced documents be fixed and to initiate action against the ‘delinquent officials’, in case the report is not found.

The commission has also issued a notice to the PIO as to why penal action should not be taken against him for causing the delay in furnishing the information.

Courtesy:TOI
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Thursday, September 23, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Blog

Wockhardt ties up with NUSI for hospital property in Goa

Posted: 23 Sep 2010 09:02 AM PDT

Khorakiwala said that the 30-year-old agreement has been worked out with NUSI. “The sailors and their families will now get 20 per cent rebate on treatment in any of the Wockhardt hospitals across the country,” Capt N A Hiranandani, representing NUSI and the ship owners, said. He said that NUSI has been originally reimbursing 50 per cent of medical expenditure of sailors and their families. Capt Hiranandani said that NUSI had tried to set up hospital property at this place earlier but plans could not sustain. “We realised that we are not professionals to handle hospital that’s why we joined hands with experienced people like Wockhardt,” he said.

The hospital group currently has seven properties each at Nagpur, Nashik, Surat, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Vashi and Goa with over 1200 beds and potential to expand by another 350 beds, Wockhardt spokesman said. The group also plans to add 300 beds by 2011 through its new hospital which will be commissioned at South Mumbai.

Courtesy: ibnlive

Goa: IFFI opening, closing shows to be outsourced

Posted: 22 Sep 2010 12:58 PM PDT

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat Wednesday said both the opening and closing ceremonies of this year's International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will be outsourced to an event management agency (EMA).

Goa: IFFI 2010

Addressing reporters a day after a meeting with union Minister for Information and Broadcasting (IB) Ambika Soni, Kamat said that the decision to outsource the organisation of these events to an EMA was necessary to create hype about the festival. "The opening and closing ceremonies need more hype and we felt that an EMA may be asked to manage the ceremonies of the festival. Both the ceremonies were earlier organised by the ministry of Information and Broadcasting," Kamat said.

"The ministry has decided that they will form a committee to decide how best to hold the opening and closing ceremonies," Kamat said. The committee will be headed by the IB Secretary, joint secretary (films-IB), director general of Directorate of Film Festival and chief executive officer, Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), Kamat said, adding that expenditure for both the events would either be funded by the IB or raised through sponsors.

Courtesy: thaindian

Security cover for Goa home minister’’s sons

Posted: 22 Sep 2010 12:54 PM PDT

Goa Home Minister Ravi Naik’s sons would be provided with personal security officers (PSOs) after an accused in a robbery case confessed during his interrogation to have got the contract of killing one of minister’s sons. Superintendent of Police (Security) Tony Fernandes said the decision to provide security to Roy and Ritesh was taken following instructions from the department. Naik’s security was upgraded from Z to Z plus category May this year after a security review meeting, Fernandes said.

Roy had been in news after Israeli drug peddler Atala alias Yaniv Benaim’s girlfriend Lucky Farmhouse had alleged his links with drug mafia in the state. The ploy to kill Roy was exposed following arrest of notorious criminal Micheal Fernandes along with six others in a robbery case, sources said. During the police interrogation, Micheal reportedly confessed that he was given supari (contract) to kill Roy. Police have kept the details of the interrogation under wraps. Spokesman of Goa police, Atmaram Deshpande refused to comment on the issue saying he was not aware about it. Micheal, who has 35 different cases registered against him, also confessed to have killed two people in Gujarat and Hyderbad, sources said. Police said they will be able to give details of these cases only after his statement is recorded. Four pistols were recovered from Michael’s possession, which he reportedly procured from the money he had looted from Belgaum, police said.

Courtesy: ibnlive
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Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Blog

Goa chief minister impressed with CWG facilities

Posted: 22 Sep 2010 07:26 AM PDT

A portion of a false ceiling at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the main venue of the Commonwealth Games (CWG), collapsed in New Delhi Wednesday, a day after a foot overbridge near the stadium came crashing down. But Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat says he is ‘impressed’ by the facilities built for the Games. Kamat said he was ‘impressed’ by the work by the CWG officials, according to a government release here on his visit to the Games sites.

‘Goa Chief Minister Mr. Digambar Kamat visited Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee swimming complex, Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi today and was impressed by the world class facilities,’ said the state information and publicity department in its release. Kamat, who is also the president of the Swimming Federation of India (SFI), was in New Delhi Tuesday ‘to inspect all areas of the complex and its facilities along with a team of officials and assess the facilities status’.

Kamat was accompanied by SFI secretary Virender Nanavati, Venue Commander and Asian Games silver medalist Khajan Singh Tokas and deputy director general (sports) of Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Roque Dias. ’After visit and inspection, the chief minister commented that he was happy with all the facilities to make the aquatics event a grand success,’ the statement added.

Some 7,000 participants and officials from 71 countries and territories are expected to attend the Oct 3-14 Commonwealth Games, India’s biggest sporting event since the 1982 Asian Games.

Courtesy: sify

Sesa Goa To Seek Shareholder Approval To Raise Investment Limit

Posted: 22 Sep 2010 03:23 AM PDT

Sesa Goa wants to raise its investment and borrowing limits to acquire a 20% stake in Cairn India Ltd. (532792.BY) through an open offer. Its parent, Vedanta Resources, has proposed buying up to 60% in Cairn India, including the 20% stake that Sesa Goa hopes to acquire.

Sesa Goa said it wants to lift its investment limit to INR160 billion from the current INR71.25 billion, while the borrowing limit should be raised to INR150 billion. It didn’t disclose its current borrowing limit.

In addition to the Cairn India open offer, Sesa Goa–India’s second-largest iron ore producer–said it is also “exploring opportunities” to invest in iron ore, steel, coal and other mineral assets. It said such investments would be pursued through a mix of internal funds and borrowings.

Goa casino owners mull withdrawing petition against govt

Posted: 21 Sep 2010 09:44 AM PDT

Goa off shore casino operators today said they were reconsidering their petitions filed against the state government after the recent cabinet decision not to shift casino vessels away away from Mandovi river. The lawyers, representing casino operators, made the submission before Goa bench of Bombay High Court this morning that they intend to withdraw the petitions contesting state government’s order.

They said that they are yet to receive the formal cabinet decision which has reversed its own resolution to shift off shore casino vessels to Aguada bay. The cabinet in February 2009 had decided to shift all seven casino vessels away from Mandovi River after protests from civil groups and opposition party, BJP. The state cabinet, last week, decided to relocate the casinos within the Mandovi river basin deviating from its earlier stand to shift them to Aguada Bay. The division bench comprising Justice D G Karnik and Justice F M Reis told the lawyers that whoever wants to continue with the case can do it. The bench gave time till tomorrow to the casino operators to decide on the petition or else the hearing would continue from Monday.

Courtesy: IBN Live
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Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Blog

Movies and Electronic Media play vital role in propogating Hindi Language :Goa MP

Posted: 21 Sep 2010 05:53 AM PDT

Hindi Movies and, in recent times TV Serials have played an important role in the spread of Hindi language in the country, said Mr.Shantaram Naik M.P. in Margao on Tuesday.

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SHri Shantaram Naik M.P. inaugurating Hindi Diwas celebrations in
Margao. Others seen in the photograph are: Shri Umashaker Upadhyay,
Shri Mohandas Surlakar, Shri Sridhar Kamat Bambolkar, Shri Damodat
Joshi, Shri Vinay Narvenkar and Shri Anil Pai.

Mr. Naik, who was the Chief Guest at the Hindi Diwas Celebrations organized by Gomantak Rashtrabhasha Vidyapith, Margao, and Institute Menezes Braganza, Panaji, at Ravindra Bhawan Hall, Margao, that it is on on 14th September 1949, the Constituent Assembly, which was doing the exercise of drafting the Constitution, took the decision  that Hindi should be the Official Language of the country, and that,  since that time , 14th September is  being celebrated as Hindi Diwas throughout the country.

Mr. Naik said the opposition to the use of Hindi which existed some southern states like Tamil Nadu does not exist today, and that more and more people in Tamil Nadu show interest for learning Hindi.

Members of Christian Community in Goa, who initially found difficulty in grasping the language, are now seen speaking practical Hindi, without any problem.

Mr. Naik further said that although he has been writing through newspapers in English, Konkani and Marathi, yet, his first write-up was in Hindi language in a school magazine in 1959.

Mr. Naik said that he normally speaks in English Language in the RajyaSabha but, whenever he has to take a dig at the opposition, he prefers to use Hindi language.

Mr. Umashankar Upadhya, a noted figure in Hindi Literature, said that despite 60 years of independence, it is unfortunate that English is become de-facto official language, while Hindi remaining only a dejure official language.

He said that research shows that Hindi stands as number one as a language of communication and that, English stands nowhere near to even other  Indian Languages.

At the outset, Mr. Mohandas Surlekar, welcoming the gathering said that on account of Ganesh Chathurti Festival the Hindi Diwas celebrations had to be postponed by a few days.

Mr. Damodar Joshi, was felicitated at the hands of Mr. Naik for his contribution to the spread of Hindi in Goa.

Mr. Vinay Narvekar proposed a vote of thanks, while Mr. Anil Pail compered the proceedings of the meeting. Shri Mhableshwar Sail and Shri Damodar Joshi also spoke on the occasion.

Curtains for four-day-long SAFF in Goa

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 11:51 AM PDT

Delegations from Bhutan, Afghanistan and Pakistan were prime attraction for the festival who highlighted the need for dissolving boundaries between South Asian countries. “Indian cinema is seen almost every where in South Asia.But we do not show their cinema in our theatres. Festivals like this will help the cinema to get a platform, Barua said.

South Asian Film Festival in Goa

South Asian Film Festival in Goa

Bhutanese delegation comprising country’’s first ever woman director Karma Deki, was unhappy with the response to the festival. “I am little unhappy with the response. The auditoriums are empty despite the movies being shown free of cost,” Gyaltsen, Bhutanese director, said at one of the seminars during the festival. Except for a minor mishap in which 75-year-old Sri Lankan legendary director Sumithra Pereis slipped on a beach getting minor hurt, the festival went off smooth. SAFF has travelled to Goa three years ago and has declared the state as its permanent destination.

Courtesy: IBN Live
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Monday, September 20, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa Blog

Google giants come to Goa

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 07:42 AM PDT

For the first time, delegates of the biggest search engine - Google Inc will be coming down to Goa to share their experiences and knowledge with students of the BITS-Pilani Goa campus. The event will be held on September 23 at 5.30 p.m. at the 2400-seating BITS-Pilani, campus auditorium.

Google giants come to Goa

Mr Rajdeep Dua (Developer Advocate and Country Lead, Developer Relations, Google India at Google) and Mr Anirudh Dewani (Developer Programs Engineer at Google), will be conducting this Google Goa State Event. The guest lectures will speak on Google App Engine and HTML5.

"This event will be a big opportunity for the State as this will set a strong association between Goa and Google Technology User Group and Google Inc in the future," says Mr Shashank Todwal, Head, Goa State Google Technology User Group. He opines that this event will bring Goa within the purview of technology giants like Google, which will mean opportunities in terms of better jobs, placements and internships for the state.

The participants will be updated with latest Google technologies so that they can start contributing to Google developer technologies and in general to the wonderful world of open source. This is a state level event which will see participation of faculty and students from colleges across Goa. Also expected to attend are important delegates like ex-MD of Red Hat, Mr Ravi Aranke.

Colleges that will participate are BITS-Pilani Goa, NIT Goa, Goa Engineering College Computer Engineering Department, GEC IT Department, Don Bosco College, RIT and PCCE, Verna. The event is organised by Goa State Google Technology User Group (http://goa.gtugs/org) and is sponsored by Google Inc. The event is open to all. There is no registration fee. For details contact Shashank Todwal, head, Goa State Google Technology User Group at shashank@gtugs.org.

Courtesy: Navhind Times

Assembly by-poll in Valpoi seat in Goa on Oct 18

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 07:19 AM PDT

Bye-election to Valpoi Assembly constituency in Goa will be held on October 18, the Election Commission announced today. The by-poll has been necessitated after independent MLA Vishwajit Rane resigned his seat and joined Congress.

According to the schedule, notification would be issued on September 22 and the last date for filing nominations would be September 29. Scrutiny would take place on October one and the last date for withdrawal of nominations would be October four. Counting of votes would be taken up on October 21.

The polling would be conducted through Electronic Voting Machines and the Model Code of Conduct would come into force with immediate effect in the district in which the assembly constituency falls, the EC said in a press note.

Courtesy: msn

Indian test squad against Australia announced:last ODI in Goa on 24th of October

Posted: 20 Sep 2010 04:59 AM PDT

A 15 member Indian cricket team for the home test series against Australia has been announced. The selection committee of the BCCI chaired by K.Srikanth met in Chennai this afternoon and decided on the composition of the team for the two tests.

The team: MS Dhoni, Captain and Wicket Keeper, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Suresh Raina, , M Vijay, Harbhajan Singh, Amit Mishra, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, Pragyan Ojha, Sreeshanth, Chiteshwar Pujara

The first test is to be played in Mohali from October 1st to 5th and the second test in Bangalore from 9th to 13th of next month. This will be followed by 3 one day matches to be played in Kochi on October 17, second in Vizaghapatinam on October 20 and the last ODI in Goa on 24th of next month.

Courtesy:Newsonair
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