"BELIEVERS" FORCED TO LEAVE MANDREM: A group of 14 young people, who called themselves Believers and wanted to propagate their cult among the local folk of Mandrem, had to face the wrath of the local people, who asked for unconditional apology and then putting garlands of chappals (footwear) paraded them through the streets from Sawantwada to Korgao. (GT)

CRICKETERS TO ENDORSE GOA ON TV: Buoyed by the encouraging response to its promotional campaigns last year, the state government is now getting cricketers to endorse Goa as the best destination for 365 days holidays on Star Plus during the forthcoming World Cup tournament. (H)

NIC LAUNCHES WEBSITE: Directorate of Marketing & Inspection recently launched agricultural marketing information network (Agmarknet). Computers have been set up in around 800 markets all over India to collect daily information on commodities' arrival and prices under this project. The market yards at Margao, Mapusa, Ponda, Curchorem, Canacona and Sanquelim are covered under the project. (GT)

13 LAKH "DESI" TOURISTS: The year 2002 registered the highest ever inflow of domestic tourists to Goa crossing 13 lakh. In 2001, Goa played host to around 11.2 lakh tourists. The number of foreign travellers to Goa during the same period could not be known as the statistics have not been compiled yet. However, sources said that it will not be less than the previous year's…Goa played host to more than 4750 Russians so far this season. Most of the customers stay in starred hotels giving an indication that they are high spenders. Some have moved to quiet beaches like Morjim. (H)

COLOURFUL SKIES AT VAGATOR , KITE-FLIERS PROMISE A RETURN TO GOA: Two days of colourful skies ended at Vagator beach on Sunday evening, with organisers of the state's first Goa kite carnival promising to "come back" if they get the support from the state, sponsors and citizens.
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Spectacular kites in the sky	'Giant Wheel ' Kite