Buy MCX Crude above Rs 5273; target Rs 5310: Dani Comm

Dani Commodities has come out with its report on bullion, metals and energy. According to the research firm, one can buy MCX Crude above Rs 5273 with a stop loss of Rs 5249 for a target price of Rs 5310.

Crude oil futures jumped above USD 96 a barrel in Asia electronic session today, buoyed by the positive data releases.

Light, sweet crude oil for May delivery are trading up 6 cents at USD  96.64 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It rose 24 cents, or 0.3%, to settle at USD 96.58 a barrel, after trading as low as USD 95.58. That was the highest settlement for a most-active contract since Feb. 19.

Oil prices had climbed by 1.6% on Tuesday to USD 96.34 after better-than-expected U.S. durable-goods orders, to tally a three-session gain of 4.2%. With Wednesday's gain, Nymex crude prices are up 6.5% so far in March, helped by expectations that a supply glut in the central U.S. had begun to ease and bring U.S. prices back in line with global benchmarks like Brent.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported a 3.3 million-barrel climb in crude inventories for the week ended March 22. Analysts polled by Platts expected a 1.6 million-barrel climb.

The EIA will report its weekly data on natural-gas supplies on Thursday. Analysts polled by Platts forecast a decline of between 83 billion cubic feet and 87 billion.

MCX CRUDE OILInternational: Major Support for WTI at USD89 Bullish above USD 91
Domestic: Buy above 5273, Stoploss 5249, Target 5310.

MCX NATURAL GASDomestic: Sell at 222.50, Target 224, Target 220.

MCX NICKELDomestic: Sell at 922, Stoploss 929, Target 914.

MCX GOLDInternational: Major Support at USD1580. Bearish below USD1580.
Domestic: Sell at 29580, Stoploss 29620, Target 29510.

MCX COPPERDomestic: Sell at 416.50, Stoploss 418.50, Target 414.
(http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/brokerage-recos-commodities/buy-mcx-crude-above-rs-5273-target-rs-5310-dani-comm_844066.html)

Market may trade lower with no strong global support

The BSE Sensex saw a volatile session on Tuesday and the market closed marginally higher at 18704.53. Domestic factors are still not supportive for the local market with no fresh triggers for a bull run.



On the global front, Asian shares eased and the euro remained under pressure on Thursday as investors fretted over the euro zone after a weak debt auction in Italy and the potential for a run on Cyprus's banks when they reopen later in the day. The global factors are still not supportive for the Indian market to have a decent rally ahead of closing week.

Cyprus imposed restrictions on cash withdrawals and may curb the use of credit cards abroad to keep a rein on money flows after the country agreed to a bailout deal that will wipe out some senior bank bondholders and impose losses on large depositors. Cypriots are expected to besiege lenders in the morning.

The Italian government's cost of borrowing over five years rose to its highest since October at an auction on Wednesday, reflecting investor wariness over a lack of progress in forming a new government and worries about Cyprus's bailout. Italy's interest cost on new 10-year debt fell, however.

The US, markets erase most of their early declines to close narrowly mixed, with the S&P 500 finishing slightly below its closing high, but ongoing economic and political concerns over Europe kept a lid on gains. Trading was thin ahead of the three-day Easter weekend. The CBOE volatility index closed slightly above 13.

The euro extended its losses below 1.28 against the dollar. its lowest level in four months weighed down by a weak Italian bond auction and concerns that Cyprus' recent rescue deal. The dollar strengthens above 83. The Brent crude rises to USD 109 levels. NYMEX rises to USD 96 a barrel

Udupi: MLA, Involved in Sex CD in Circulation, Alleges Political 'Conspiracy'

Udupi: Visual media was abuzz on Thursday morning with the beaming of visuals from a CD, allegedly involving BJP MLA K Raghupathi Bhat in sexual act. The visuals, caught on a secret camera, show two persons in a compromising position. The woman involved is said to be a college student from Bangalore, according to reports.
When the correspondent contacted Bhat for a live response, Bhat alleged that as the assembly elections were imminent, it was a conspiracy to defame him by his opponents. He said that he too was a human being and the media should not be part of this game. He wanted the media to treat him with justice.

Asked if he could or not confirm if the person in the footage was himself, Bhat gave an evasive answer that some technology might have been used to show it like him. He did not rule out the hand of persons within his party.
He told the news channel that it was gross injustice towards him that an attempt was made by unknown forces to denigrate him, and added that those persons could have killed him instead of character assassination.
He confirmed that he himself had received a copy of the said CD and was 'horrified'. He has also demanded a full inquiry into the whole episode.

Mangalore : Konkani Theatre Day observed, achievers feted

Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy observed  Konkani Theatre Day at the Academy office on March 27, Wednesday.

Speaking after inaugurating the event, S Malathi, National School of Drama Graduate and  Theatre director said that the  interest in professional theatre which waned in the 1930s, saw an upward trend during the  emergency period in the 1970s. Theatre was then thought of as an effective medium in creating awareness among the people, she said.

Deploring the fact that youngsters were more attracted towards films than theatre, she pointed out that the shortage of lady artistes was also haunting the theatrical field.

Elaborating on the advantages of theatre, she said participating in theatrical activities help in personality development and added  theatre breaks all barriers of caste, class and gender discrimination.

“Film is just meant for business, while theatre is a school for personality development,” she added. Unlike the past, theatre artistes are getting more recognition in  the recent times, she said.

The Academy also unveiled and paid floral tributes to the portraits of three eminent Konkani theatre artiste and directors  late Ramanand Choorya, Hosada Babbuttu Nayak and Charles Francis D’Costa.

Theatre artistes  John Permannur, Deepali Kambhadhakone, Vitobha Bhandarkar and Charan Kumar Mallya were honoured with shawl, memento and citation.

Kasargod Chinna, president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy delivered the introductory speech. Mahesh R Nayak, member of Academy welcomed the guests and gathering.

Sanjay Dutt breaks down, says will surrender in 1993 blasts case

Mumbai: Actor Sanjay Dutt on Thursday broke his silence on his sentencing in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case. An emotional Dutt broke down while speaking to the media and said he will surrender in the case and will not seek a pardon.
Dutt, who broke down several times during his statement to the media, said, "I am a law abiding citizen. I have the highest respect for the Supreme Court. I will abide to all terms and conditions. I will surrender at the time given. I have not applied for any pardon."
"I want to tell the country that when I am not going for a pardon, there is no debate about it," sanjay Dutt added. Thanking his supporters and fans, Dutt also said, "Right now, I am a shattered man. There have been very tough moments in my life. I have got a few days left, have to finish a lot of work, want to spend time with family."

 
The apex court found the actor guilty of acquiring illegal weapons from those blamed for the bombings in Mumbai that killed 257 people and was given four weeks to surrender.
Reacting to Sanjay Dutt's statement, Press council of India Chairman Justice Markandey Katju, who has been a supporter of the actor, said he will appeal for pardon for Dutt. "Sanjay Dutt may not appeal for pardon, but I am going to appeal. I feel he deserves pardon," Justice Katju said.
Sanjay Dutt's sentencing in the 1993 blasts case sparked a debate over whether he should be pardoned or not. While Bollywood has been unanimous in asking for a pardon, support has also been building for the actor in political circles.
Politicians and long time friends Amar Singh and Jaya Prada met the Maharashtra Governor to seek a pardon. 'Pardon Dutt' hoardings have also been put up in various parts of Mumbai. Other big politicians backing the actor are Congress leader Digvijaya Singh and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee.
"I feel that he has already suffered a lot for the blunder he committed earlier. From being a complete wreck, he has again picked up his career to unfold his potential," Mamata said.

Gold can dip to USD 1415; Silver to USD 26.80

Gold is forming a wave extension on the downside. In its previous fall, gold has formed a five-wave decline and has retraced the same till the 50% retracement mark. It has also reached a crucial resistance zone of the 40-daily exponential moving average (DEMA) and the daily upper Bollinger Band. Thus, from here, gold has a high probability to resume with the larger downtrend. The short-term and the medium-term trends for gold are down. The reversal can be placed above the medium-term falling trendline, ie $1,643. On the downside, the previous low of $1,527 will be the key level to watch out for. Once that is broken, gold can target $1,415.

Trend	Trend Reversal	Supports	Resistances	Target
Down	$1,643.00	$1,554/1,500	$1,620/1,634	$1,527/$1,415

Silver: A bearish triangle
Weekly close: $28.670

As can be seen from the chart, silver has retraced 61.8% of the previous fall and has fallen sharply from there. On the way down, it has broken the previous low of $29.23. The level is now acting as a strong resistance. Since the last couple of weeks, silver is trading below this crucial resistance and has taken a form of a bearish triangular pattern. The equality target on the downside is at $27.55, below that the white metal can test a falling trendline, ie $26.80. The reversal for this bearish view can be maintained above the 40-DEMA ($29.57).

Trend	Trend Reversal	Supports	Resistances	Target
Down	$29.57	$27.94/27.00	$29.17/29.45	$27.55/$26.30

( http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/brokerage-recos-commodities/gold-can-dip-to-usd-1415-silver-to-usd-2680-sharekhan_842786.html)

EU finance ministers approve Cyprus bailout deal, avoiding bankruptcy

Cyprus' Parliament president says a 10 billion euro ($13 billion) package of rescue loans secured by his country in tense, last-ditch negotiations is a "painful one," although the bailout saved the country from a banking system collapse and bankruptcy.
Yiannakis Omirou said Monday that Cyprus must work fast to reform its economy and leave the bailout as soon as possible.
The deal reached in Brussels early Monday prevented Cyprus' imminent financial meltdown by securing the bailout on the condition that the country cut back its banking sector and force large losses on big deposits to help pay much of the bill.
Without a bailout deal by Monday night, the tiny Mediterranean nation would have faced the prospect of bankruptcy, which could have forced it to become the first country to abandon the euro currency. That would have sent the region's markets spinning.
"It's not that we won a battle, but we really have avoided a disastrous exit from the eurozone," said Cyprus Finance Minister Michalis Sarris.
The eurozone finance ministers accepted the plan after hours of negotiations in Brussels between Cypriot officials and the so-called troika of creditors -- the International Monetary Fund, the European Commission and the ECB.
"We believe that this will form a lasting, durable and fully financed solution," said IMF chief Christine Lagarde.
To secure the rescue loan package, the Cypriot government had to find ways to raise 5.8 billion euros ($7.5 billion) on its own. The bulk of that money is now being raised by forcing losses on large bank deposit holders, with the remainder coming from tax increases and privatizations.
Cyprus must drastically shrink its banking sector, cut its budget, implement structural reforms and privatize state assets, said Jeroen Dijsselbloem, who chairs the meetings of the eurozone's finance ministers. The country's second-largest bank, Laiki, will be restructured, with all bond holders and people with more than 100,000 euros in their bank accounts there facing significant losses.
The measures are likely to deepen the recession in Cyprus.
The cash-strapped island nation has been shut out of international markets for almost two years. It first applied for a bailout to recapitalize its ailing lenders and keep the government afloat last June, but the political negotiations stalled. After a botched agreement last week, the ECB threatened to cut off emergency assistance to the country's banks.
"We've put an end to the uncertainty that has affected Cyprus and the euro area over the past week," Dijsselbloem said.
That uncertainty around the tiny nation of about 800,000 had shaken the entire eurozone of 300 million people, even though Cyprus only makes up less than 0.2 percent of the eurozone's economy.
Several national parliaments in eurozone countries such as Germany must also approve the bailout deal, which might take another few weeks. EU officials said they expect the whole program to be approved by mid-April.
The country's second-largest bank, Laiki, will be dissolved immediately into a bad bank containing its uninsured deposits and toxic assets, with the guaranteed deposits being transferred to the nation's biggest lender, Bank of Cyprus.
Dijsselbloem said it was not yet clear how severe the losses would be to Laiki's large bank deposit holders, but he noted that it is expected to yield 4.2 billion euros overall -- or much of the money that Cyprus needed to raise to secure the bailout. Analysts have estimated investors might lose up to 40 percent of their money.
Large deposits with Bank of Cyprus above the insured level will be frozen until it becomes clear whether or to what extent they will also be forced to take losses, the Eurogroup of finance ministers said in a statement.
Dijsselbloem defended the creditors' approach of making deposit holders take heavy losses, saying the measures "will be concentrated where the problems are, in the large banks."
The international creditors, led by the IMF, were seeking a fundamental restructuring of the country's outsized financial system, which is worth up to eight times the Cypriot gross domestic product of about 18 billion euros. They said the country's business model of attracting foreign investors, among them many Russians, with low taxes and lax financial regulation had backfired and needed to be upended.
The drastic shrinking of the financial sector, the wiping out of wealth through the losses on deposits, the loss of confidence with the recent turmoil and the upcoming austerity measures all mean that Cyprus is facing tough times.
"The near future will be very difficult for the country and its people," acknowledged the EU Commission's top economic official, Olli Rehn. "But (the measures) will be necessary for the Cypriot people to rebuild their economy on a new basis."
Cypriot banks have been closed this past week while officials worked on a rescue plan, and they are not due to reopen until Tuesday. Cash has been available through ATMs, but long lines formed and many machines have quickly run out of cash.
Amid fears of a banking collapse, Cyprus' central bank on Sunday imposed a daily withdrawal limit of 100 euros ($130) from ATMs of the country's two largest banks to prevent a bank run by depositors worried about their savings.
The Cypriot government also approved a set of laws over the past week to introduce capital controls, in order to avoid a huge depositor flight once banks reopen.
Creditors had insisted that Cyprus couldn't receive more loans because that would make its debt burden unsustainably high. The IMF's Lagarde said Cyprus would now reach a debt level of about 100 percent of GDP by 2020.
A plan agreed to in marathon negotiations earlier this month called for a one-time levy on all bank depositors in Cypriot banks. But the proposal ignited fierce anger because it also targeted small savers. It failed to win a single vote in the Cypriot Parliament.
Cyprus' bid to secure more financial aid from its long-time ally, Russia, then failed, forcing it to turn again to its European partners. Russia was expected, however, to extend a 2.5 billion euro emergency loan granted last year, also lowering the interest rate due and extending the repayment schedule.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/03/25/cypriot-leaders-creditors-secure-agreement-toward-bailout/#ixzz2OYOMuP00

Sell MCX Gold at Rs 29640; tgt Rs 29520

Dani Commodities has come out with its report on bullion, metals and energy. According to the research firm, one can sell MCX Gold at Rs 29640 with a stoploss of Rs 29700 for a target price of Rs 29520.
Cyprus and its institutional lenders have reached a bailout deal, according to reports citing European Union officials. As part of the agreement the country will impose a 40% haircut on Bank of Cyprus depositors holding more than 100,000 euros ($129,760) in their accounts. The deal will now be put to the Eurogroup in Brussels for approval. The weekend saw tense meetings between Cyprus and the Troika -- the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund -- to reach a deal before a Monday evening funding deadline.

MCX GOLDInternational: Major Support at USD1580. Bearish below USD1580.
Domestic: Sell at 29640, Stoploss 29700, Target 29520.

MCX SILVERInternational: Major Support at USD28. Bearish below USD28.
Domestic: Sell at 54220,stoploss 54480, Target 53900.

MCX COPPERDomestic: Buy at 417.50, Stoploss 415.50, Target 421.

MCX LEADDomestic: Buy at 118.20, Stoploss 117.70, Target 119.

MCX ZINCDomestic: Buy at 104.70, Stoploss 104.20, Target 105.30

MCX ALUMINIUMDomestic: Buy at 104.50, Stoploss 104, Target 105.10.

MCX NICKELDomestic: Buy at 925, Stoploss 920, Target 933.

MCX CRUDE OILInternational: Major Support for WTI at USD89 Bullish above USD 91
Domestic: Buy at 5120, Stoploss 5100, Target 5150.

MCX NATURAL GASDomestic: Sell (April) at 215.50, Stoploss 217, Target 213(http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/brokerage-recos-commodities/sell-mcx-gold-at-rs-29640-tgt-rs-29520-dani-commodities_842696.html)

India wants Walmart to reply on lobbying charges by April 9

the government appointed Wal-Mart probe committee expects the US-based retail giant Wal-Mart to submit replies of further queries on the alleged lobbying charges by April 9, reports Malvika Jain quoting government sources.

Walmart's Asia Chief Executive Officer Scott Price today deposed before the probe committee, which is looking into possible irregularities in Wal-Mart's US lobbying activities for entering the Indian market.

Scott Price made two-hour long presentation before the probe committee headed by Justice Mukul Mudgal. The committee has raised some additional questions on the presentation made by Price and expects the multinational retailer to submit written replies to these queries by April 9.

The government had announced probe in December into the lobbying activities by Wal-Mart in the US for gaining access to Indian market, after opposition uproar over media reports on disclosures of Wal-Mart. The retailer had disclosed that it had spent USD 25 million on lobbying US lawmakers over the past four years, including on issues related to 'enhanced market access for investment in India.'

Post the disclosure, Wal-Mart was allegedly accused of bribing Indian officials for making inroads into the country. However Wal-Mart has continued to deny any allegations of bribing Indian politicians for its smooth entry in the country.

"We are cooperating with the Indian government and the Justice Mukul Mudgal Committee," Wal-Mart told CNBC-TV18 in a statement.

"These disclosures have nothing to do with political or governmental contacts with India government officials.  It shows that our business interest in India was discussed with U.S. Government officials ---along with 50 or more other topics during a three-month period," Wal-Mart added in its defense.  

The retailer further said that it was committed to the Indian market and remained excited about the opportunity to grow its business in one of the world’s most vibrant economies. “We value the relationship we have with customers in India and are committed to doing things the right way, every day,” the retailer said in a statement.

Doing business in India is messy: US investors to Mayaram

"I do understand that many of you may have difficult time in doing business in India. Many of you yesterday told me and I quote, "doing business in India is messy" unquote," the Economic Affairs Secretary Arvind Mayaram said at a reception hosted for him by the US India Business Council (USIBC) yesterday.

At a two-hour long meeting held at the Treasury Department, convened by the Under Secretary of Treasury, Lael Brainard, a select group of American investors, corporate leaders and official gave a free and frank assessment of the current investment climate in India, where they said are eager to pump in their money.

At the end of the meeting, the Indian official pointed out that "we are partners in distress". Mayaram is here leading an Indian delegation for US-India Economic & Financial Partnership meetings, between the US Treasury Department and Ministry of Finance.

Officials from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Security and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA), and Forward Markets Commission (FMC) and well as their US counterpart organisations have attended the series of meetings held in Washington on Thursday and Friday.

During the meetings and also on the Friday reception, Mayaram assured the investors and US corporate sector that the Indian government is determined to take the necessary hard decision to improve upon the climate of investment and make it business friend as quickly as possible.

"I think, you need to stay the course. You need to be there. We are a work in progress, because we are a developing country. We still need to improve our systems and we will continue to move in that direction. I can assure you that as time goes by, doing business in India will not be as messy as you think it is today," he said.

MARKET UPDATES

Silver prices are likely to trade within the range from 55500 to 54600, one can buy for the target at 55500. Fresh buying expected above 55500.

Gold prices are expected to trade sideways from 29950 to 29550, however 29950 seems to be a stiff resistance. One can trade within the range.

Copper prices are expected to trade within the range from 412 to 420. One can sell on rise at 418 -419 with a stop loss above 421.

Nickel prices are expected to witness a range bound move from 927 to 903. One can buy around 915 -912 with a stop loss below 900.

Lead prices are expected to trade negative if sustains below 117 or one can sell on rise around 118.50 with a stop loss above 119.60. Prices are expected to test 115 -113 next week.

Crude price are expected to trade within the range from 5100 to 5000. One can sell on rise around 5075 with a stop loss above 5116.

Bishop Gerald aims to make Udupi a model diocese

Rev  Fr Baptist Menezes Vicar General, Diocese of Udupi Udupi, Mar 19, 2013 “All beginnings are hard but well begun is half done” is an eternal saying in the English language fits well with the new born Diocese of Udupi. We began well, rather very well with the historical and most memorable, solemn Establishment of the New Diocese of Udupi, Installation of the Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo as its first Bishop in a glittering but sacred ceremony on 15th October, 2012 at the Milagres Cathedral Grounds with an unprecedented participation of people over 14 thousand and the ‘Purapravesha’ accorded to Bishop Gerald by the Parishioners of the Mother of Sorrows Church at Udupi on 17th October, 2012, welcoming the new Bishop to take residence on the first floor of the former St Mary’s School in the Church campus. Dust has now settled on the much talked about, discussed and media covered inauguration of the Diocese of Udupi and after the initial euphoria of joy, celebration and reception, the reality has now struck us all of the magnitude of responsibility before us of building the new Diocese infrastructurally so that the spiritual mission of the Church: “Proclamation of the Good News of Jesus christ” as enunciated in the Gospel of Luke Chapter 4:18-19 may truly be translated in action in the days to come. That’s why I said, “All beginnings are hard but well begun is half done.” But the consoling side of the task or encouraging aspect of the responsibility before the new Diocese and the first Bishop is the vision of the People of God themselves and their different dreams for Udupi. Bishop Gerald took no time to rest and sit but opened his doors first to meet whoever knocked on it throughout the day and spoke freely and candidly to whosoever called him over phone enquiring about the Diocese and his plans for it; he visited all 48 parishes within a week in October 2012 itself, addressed all priests of five deaneries, deanery-wise and now is busy officially visiting every parish and addressing the Finance Committee members, the Parish Pastoral Council, Presidents and Secretaries of all official Parish organizations like the Catholic Sabha, Vincent de Paul Society, ICYM, YCS, Women Association, etc. spending half a day each time with them to know their mind and vision for the new Diocese of Udupi which, will be concluded by Palm Sunday, i.e. 24th March 2013. Bishop Gerald has convinced himself of the fact that unless the Catholic Faithful of his Diocese are taken into confidence regarding what their plans and projects are for the new Diocese of Udupi, no matter what is planned and implemented from above, it would be a futile exercise. He has lost no time in consulting all sections of people in the Diocese and the following is what People of Udupi Diocese have proposed that they would like to have for themselves and the future generation, thereby making Udupi Diocese not just one of the best but the best and model Diocese to respond to the needs, aspirations and vision of the People of God: Accordingly, following are therefore the immediate needs of the Diocese of Udupi as enumerated by the Catholic Laity themselves to Bishop Gerald during his visit to various Parishes:- 1. Pastoral Institute: This is an all round training Centre. While it will have to provide offices for various Commissions like: Family, Labour, Youth, Laity, Catechetics, Bible, Liturgy, Social Development, Education, Women, Social Communication, Ecumenism, Inter-Religious Dialogue, Health, Small Christian Communities (SCC)...it will have to provide facilities for Seminars, Conferences and to conduct Training Programmes. This Institute also must provide accommodation for all those who would attend residential Training Programmes (mostly lay people from all over the Diocese and even from outside) and in charge of various Commissions. Spacious Hall with a seating capacity of 250 to 300 and class rooms, seminar halls are other requirements to be made available in this Institute. This would be the only Centre where the Youth and the Laity of Udupi will have facilities for active participation through membership in various Commissions and get equipped/trained to contribute at the parish level from the training they would receive from here. This is the most urgent and immediate need of the Diocese. The place proposed is at Mount Rosary Church Campus at Santhekatte Kallianpur. 2. Diocese of Udupi Social Development Organization (DUSDO): No doubt the mission and ministry of any and every Diocese is one of spiritual animation, faith formation and Proclamation of the Good News of Jesus Christ. But, along with it goes hand in hand the social development of the people, irrespective of caste and creed. Hence, while a Pastoral Institute will take care of the spiritual side of the pastoral ministry in the Diocese, Social Development Organization is meant to cater to the basic needs of the people such as: Housing, Education (scholarships), Women empowerment, Integrated Child Development Programme, environment, Literacy programmes, Health awareness Programmes and other societal developmental works thereby aiming at the integral development of the human being. 3. Medical Relief Fund: The Bishop has already requests coming in for medical help and education and some for Housing. While educating young minds is our concern and aim, taking care of the health of the sick and suffering is very much biblical and also within our primary objective. Since the poor and the marginalized cannot afford to have access to even basic medical facilities, leave alone speciality and superspeciality ones in today’s hospitals, the Church has the mission to provide medical facility either free of cost or at a very affordable manner. Until we have a hospital of our own, it is required of us at the Diocesan level to come to the assistance of deserving people for medical relief. 4. Education Fund: While, it will take us quite some time, nay a few years to provide facility for Professional studies in this Diocese, educating the needy and deserving poor students of our Diocese should be our primary concern as well and it is the wish of the People that we build a Fund at the Diocesan Level straightaway 5. Hospital: It is the wish of the people from all parishes that we must have a full fledged hospital of our own, if not two – one in Shirva Varado and the other in-between Kallianpur and Kundapur Varado. While a hospital is a part of the Medical College and College of Nursing Training Institute, owning a Hospital before starting the others is a necessity. While a Medical College would need 25 acres of land and college of Nursing campus of 5 acres, the Hospital too would need a minimum of five acres of land to house staff quarters for nurses and employees. This is a major project of the Diocese. . 6. Minor Seminary: The total number of Diocesan Priests is 58 and religious 26. While the Religious priests have their own mission objectives to fulfill, Parish pastoral ministry is in the hands of the Diocesan clergy and for Udupi Diocese we are really in need of more priests and younger clergy at that. This year we will have one ordination and next year, God willing, two and total of Seminarians studying is 16. We need a Minor Seminary in this Diocese for candidates opting for priesthood to begin their studies. The Parish priest and the Parishioners of Belle Parish have come forward to set aside the old presbytery building to start the Minor Seminary by this June 2013; we would need an acre of land to put up a proper Minor Seminary building for our future priests of this Diocese. 7. Retired Priests’ Home: It’s a matter of obligation to any and every Bishop to look after his priests when they retire from the active Diocesan ministry by providing them with an adequate House for retirement. Out of the 58 Diocesan Priests on active ministry, retirement would start within a matter of two years and unless the Bishop starts constructing a house at the earliest, he will not be able to provide accommodation to them in time. The plan is to put up a Home with ten to twelve rooms. Neither the place, nor the plan is ready yet due to the other most important and urgent needs of the Diocese as explained above. But the need is genuine since, of the 24 senior priests at present in service, good many are above 65 years of age and the rest are above 60. So at one hand, we need to promote vocations to priesthood and at the other, to take care of those who retire having spent themselves in the service of Parish pastoral ministry in the Diocese. 8. Bishop’s House: The Bishop himself says that it is not his immediate need since he is in the temporary residence prepared for him even though other basic facilities for the Curia and offices still lack. Residing in a Parish does inconvenience the parish administration as it has to look after its own needs and also that of the Bishop’s House. Hence a Bishop’s House away from the Parish but easily accessible to People is a necessity and the place has been decided is the City of Udupi. At the moment we only have the decision to have the House some day without either having the land or the resources for it. On the basis of the requests made to us from several quarters, i. e. people within this Diocese and outside, especially abroad, to speak our mind out in writing as to the immediate need/requirements of the new Diocese of Udupi, I have placed before you in all frankness the infrastructural needs and two projects (funds for education and medical relief) both for information and financial assistance. The Diocese has registered itself as a Charitable Trust and as a Religious Trust. The Diocese of Mangalore will certainly play its role within its means available. It has already provided the Bishop with a temporary residence and will meet the office expenditure up to March 2013. However, building a new Diocese from ground zero is surely the responsibility of all of us, men and women of goodwill of this Diocese along with the Bishop, Clergy and the Religious. The total cost of nos. 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7 as above is beyond anyone’s guess as it would involve huge amount. Whereas projects nos. 3 and 4 being funds, would be ongoing.(http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=167696)

Lancy Musical Nite in Dubai on April 19

The fifth Lancy Musical Nite  by the renowned singer and music composer Lancy Noronha is slated to be held at the JSS English Speaking School  in Dubai on April 19.

The Lancy Nite will  feature Lancy Noronha and his team with  Joseph Mathais, Managing Director of Merit Freight Systems Company LLC, Dubai. Ramiro Mascarenhas, the well-known music director in the UAE  will also be part of this great show.

The Arun Feet Beat Group will enthrall the audience  with a scintillating dance show while Antony Mascarenhas  will captivate the audience with his wonders of magic. Hilarious skits by Pradeep Barboza  team is also expected to leave the gathering in splits.

Apart from Lancy, others who will showcase their singing talents at the programme are : Joseph Mathias, Roshan D’Silva, Jeevan Vas, Dainy D’Souza, Vincent Rodrigues Vinod Rodrigues, Mario Rego, Dony Correa, Preema Lobo, Sabita Mathias, Shyna Noronha, Lanita Noronha, Jerina Lewis, Asha Fernandes, Cresilla and Asha Correa. 

As a singer, Lancy Noronha has been a popular name since his childhood days in his native parish of Bellore and then in Valencia parish.  In 2007, Lancy formed a musical group, ‘Shylan’ to provide a platform for young and amateur singers. Lancy’s Konkani Hymnal CD, ‘Mori Mai’  was released in Dubai  in 2007 while  ‘Moga Sagor’ was released  in 2011.

Mangalorean talent showcases art, craft creations in Dubai

The Pure Magic Events Studio at Al Quoz, Dubai recently saw a Mangalorean talent display her artistic skills.

Mamatha Kotian, hailing from Kadri in Mangalore and an alumni of St Agnes College showcased her art and craft creations in the presence of a large number of gathering. Oil and Acrylic paintings, flowers and bouquets, frames made of paper quilling works, and many more handicraft works were on display and won the hearts of many.

Mamatha who loved art and craft works since her childhood, has also done a diploma in fine arts and home science. She has the credit of successfully teaching her skills to her dedicated students many of whom just love to learn from her.

Pepsi rolls out new shape for bottle

Pepsi is rolling out a new shape for its 567-gram bottle for the first time in about 17 years.

 

The new bottle has a contoured bottom half that appears easier for holding, and the wraparound label is shorter so that more of the drink is exposed. The change follows a number of splashy moves in the past year by PepsiCo to improve results for its namesake soda, including a multiyear deal to sponsor the Super Bowl halftime show and a wide-ranging deal with the pop star Beyonce. PepsiCo Inc., based in Purchase, New York, has been working to revitalize the brand after losing market share to Coca-Cola Co. in recent years.

Andrea Foote, a PepsiCo spokeswoman, said the new bottle is part of the company’s ongoing update of marketing and packaging materials for the cola. The single-serve bottles, which are widely sold in coolers at drugstores and other retailers, will begin rolling out in April. Foote said it will take a year or two before the new bottles entirely replace the current bottles, which the company says were introduced in 1996.

Coca-Cola, based in Atlanta, says its current 567 gram contour bottle made its US debut in 1993. Small changes were made over the years, such as making the surface easier to grip and shortening the neck of the bottle.

 

Despite PepsiCo’s stepped up efforts, its beverage volume in North America declined by 4 per cent last year. That included a 4 per cent declined in carbonated soft drinks and a 3 per cent decline in non-carbonated drinks, according to a regulatory filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

PepsiCo makes a wide range of products, including Frito-Lay chips, Gatorade, Quaker Oats and Minute Maid. But it has long been defined by its namesake soda and its rivalry with Coca-Cola.