Archbishop Condemns Orissa Incidents
1 Jan 2008, 0506 hrs IST,TNN

PATNA: The attacks on Christians and churches in Orissa have shocked the community here which alleged that attack on them on Christmas was a well planned effort to disturb the communal peace. Archbishop of Patna Archdiocese William D'Souza, in a message on Monday, expressed pain over burning of 20 churches, four convents and eight hostels besides attacks on villages and houses.

The Archbishop, whose statement was issued by Chancellor Devasia Mattathilani, said the traumatised Christians have abandoned their villages and have fled to the jungles. He said even after one week of the incidents, the Orissa government has failed to provide the necessary minimum protection to the helpless affected people nor enabled them to return to their villages to resume normal life, free from fear.

He appealed to the Union government and the Orissa government to urgently intervene and restore justice, peace and harmony in the troubled parts of Orissa.

Fireworks, Dances Mark Dawn Of 2008
PANJIM, Dec 31: Spectacular fireworks, religious services, musical programmes and dances were held across the state to mark the beginning of the New Year. This year too, Goa was flooded with tourists - domestic as well as foreign and so popular beaches resembled big fairs. [H]

NEW YEAR GIFT: SEZS SCRAPPED
Government to write to Centre to denotify three SEZs

PANJIM: In a New Year gift to the people of Goa, the state government yesterday (December 31) announced scrapping of the Special Economic Zones in the "existing form" with immediate effect and will write to the Central government to denotify the three already notified SEZs in the State. Speaking to reporters at his official residence at Altinho, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said since the state government had no powers to denotify the notified SEZs, it is taking up the matter with the Centre to denotify them. He said that after various political parties and organisations strongly objected to the setting up of SEZs in the state, the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure held consultations yesterday and came to the conclusion that the SEZs were not in the interests of the state and keeping in mind the recommendations of the GPCC, coalition partners - NCP and the Save Goa Front. [GT]

Notified SEZ can't be scrapped: Centre
NEW DELHI: The Centre yesterday said state governments do not have the power to scrap notified special economic zones although they can seek cancellation of those that are in the pipeline. "There is no provision under law (for states) to recommend de-notification They have no locus standi to withdraw the notifications to the SEZs," Commerce Secretary Gopal Pillai told reporters when asked about Goa government's decision to scrap all the upcoming SEZs in the state. He, however, said except the three notified zones, there should be no problem about other projects as the Centre would like to honour the sentiments of the state. The three SEZs - Cipla's Meditab Specialties, Peninsula Pharma Research Centre and K Raheja Corpn - have acquired land. [GT]

We will urge the Govt: CM
PANJIM: Chief Minister Digambar Kamat yesterday said the state government would soon write to the Centre to denotify three SEZs, which were earlier notified by it. "We will write to the centre to de-notify three SEZs while 12 SEZ proposals stand scrapped," Kamat told PIT yesterday evening. [GT]

Rao deplores India's declining contribution to world science
PANAJI, Jan 2: Prof CNP Rao, the chairman of the Science Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, said that IT sector had destroyed the Indian talent though IT was contributing to wealth at the cost of developing scientific talent and performance which remained stagnant and on decline as of now, compared to other countries including China. Prof Rao also deplored that India's contribution to world science was as low as 2.7 per cent and it was likely to go down to one per cent in due course. [NT]

Hordes of domestic tourists force foreigners to 'flee' Palolem beach
CANACONA, Jan 2: The popular Palolem beach became the hub of activity for thousands of domestic tourists from all over the country, pushing foreign tourists towards nearby beaches like Colomb, Patnem and Agonda, to escape the rampaging domestic revelers during the festive season. Many of the revelers at Palolem on the eve of the New Year were domestic tourists from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, who outnumbered foreign tourists. [H]

Mater Dei students top in international assessment
PANAJI, Dec 31: For a third year in succession, Mater Dei Institution, Saligao, has topped the Educational Assessment Australia of the University of New South Wales. Seventeen students of the school have been awarded gold medals for securing the highest grade in 2007 IAIS/IAS in the respective categories and subjects viz English, Mathematics, Science and Computer skills. [NT]