Latest Goa Breaking News & Headlines

Three members of YUVA excel in IGNOU examination
Times of India | 8 hours ago | 20-05-2022 | 05:12 pm
Times of India
8 hours ago | 20-05-2022 | 05:12 pm

YUVA is a voluntary association of enthusiastic youth based in Panaji and around with a common goal of serving the society and has worked towards it since inception in the year 2012. YUVA was awarded with prestigious National Award for Best Youth Organization by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Govt. of India. YUVA’s is the only organisation from Goa to have received this honour at the hands of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister Major Rajvardhan Singh Rathore in Noida. Members of YUVA, Raghuvir Mahale (Founder) and Akhil Prabhu Verlekar (Secretary) has recently excelled in completion of Master of Social Work (MSW) from School of Social Work through Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi. Likewise, Radiya Mahale completed Post Graduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Right as well as MA in Hindi. Raghuvir Mahale is a Computer Science Engineer from Goa College of Engineering and has completed PGDBA (Marketing) from Symbiosis. He is a National Award winner for his BE Engineering Project and has been involved in social work for last 10 years. He has won Goa State Youth Award in 2015, Best Social Worker Award in 2016 and has led YUVA to win many accolades over a decade. Radiya Mahale has completed her M.Pharm and successfully runs her own Pharmacy in Panaji whereas Akhil Prabhu Verlekar has completed his MCOM under Goa University. They received the convocation certificates at the hands of J.M. Noronha (Chairman Goa Public Service Commission) in Art and Culture Hall, Panaji on April 26, 2022.

Three members of YUVA excel in IGNOU examination
455 students were awarded PGDM certificates at GIM's Convocation Ceremon
Times of India | 8 hours ago | 20-05-2022 | 04:57 pm
Times of India
8 hours ago | 20-05-2022 | 04:57 pm

Goa Institute of Management (GIM) recently held its annual Convocation ceremony at its campus in Sanquelim where certificates were awarded to 455 students across 5 management programs for successfully completing their Post Graduate Diploma in Management. This year's ceremony was special as it was a first for the students of PGDM-BIFS (Banking Insurance and Financial Services), a program that commenced in 2020. The Chief Guest for the ceremony was Professor Anil D. Sahasrabuddhe, Chairman of the AICTE. Also in attendance were multiple dignitaries from the academic world, faculty and students. Ashank Desai, Chairman of the GIM Governing Board who delivered the presidential address on the occasion shed light on the vision of the Institute, saying, "Our vision at GIM is to be a preeminent technology teaching and research Institute at the forefront. We want to build transformative leaders and aid in building a sustainable future for the world. GIM is an Institute that everyone should be proud of having associated with." While presenting the Director's Report on the institute’s performance for the last academic year, Dr. Ajit Parulekar, Director of GIM emphasized on the various accomplishments by the Institute. Highlighting the institute's constant community-led initiatives, he said "An important thing I'd like to talk about is the contribution of the entire GIM community through the 'GIM Cares' effort. We have a large alumni support group in association with GIM faculty and staff. We launched ' gimcares.org', a portal that was able to handle support-related requests from all over the country. We are extremely proud of this initiative " GIM’s sustainability initiative, ‘GiveGoa’ was lauded by the Chief Guest, Mr. A. Sahasrabuddhe for its contribution to the society and environment of Goa. 'GiveGoa' was started by GIM as a way to increase social awareness and responsibility among the budding entrepreneurs of tomorrow. It is operationalized as a compulsory 4-credit course in the first year of the PGDM program. 455 students were conferred diplomas from Dean of Academics Dr. Neeraj Amarnani, which were thereafter handed to them by their respective programme chairs. Silver and gold medals were awarded to students who made a significant mark in academics as well as extracurricular activities. Over the years, GIM has earned its position as one of the top B-schools in the world. With roaring success in terms of a shining alumni list, GIM boasts of its state of the art infrastructure and dynamic curriculum. The driven faculty at the institution ensures that the courses are in sync with the transitional industry requirements. Striving to maintain a balance between academics and extracurricular activities, the GIM campus is not only a stunning visual but it's loaded with excellent learning tools and sports opportunities for its students.

455 students were awarded PGDM certificates at GIM's Convocation Ceremon
Unique clean up drive at Divar Island
Times of India | 8 hours ago | 20-05-2022 | 04:54 pm
Times of India
8 hours ago | 20-05-2022 | 04:54 pm

A plastic clean-up drive was held at Divar Island where over 50 kgs of garbage was collected. Members of the Rotary Club Panjim Midtown, students from Goa University (tourism department) and others rode for over 20 kilometres on BLive e-bikes from Old Goa Residency to Divar Island collecting plastic and waste material in an effort to amplify the message of Save Soil. Save Soil is a global movement launched by Sadhguru to save soil from extinction, and bring the necessary policies to address the catastrophic issue facing humanity. According to recent studies, soil extinction is an issue of growing concern in the state. The residents of Goa are concerned about the almost irreparable, unprecedented soil erosion seen on hills, river sides as well as other scenic locations in Goa. The quantity of plastic that makes its way into the rivers and also gets washed ashore makes for a shocking visual for the locals and tourists. Talking about the initiative, Sandeep Mukherjee, Co-founder and COO at BLive said, “BLive has been a key driver of sustainability in Goa. The 'Save Soil' effort saw participation from various volunteers and Rotary Club members who rode electric cycles across the island of Divar and collected plastic garbage amounting to over 50 kilos. We believe that consistent efforts need to be taken to spread awareness about sustainable mobility and saving the environment to make the planet cleaner and greener.” The clean up drive was also joined by John Corte, a resident of Divar Island and an environmental activist whose mission is to make the island a plastic-free zone. Said John, a resident of Divar, "However irreversible the problem may seem, there is always an opportunity for the people to do their part and contribute to aiding the planet. This clean-up initiative led by BLive has made a significant effort to spread awareness about the soil problem at hand."

Unique clean up drive at Divar Island
Brother-sister duos save lives on Goan beaches
Times of India | 11 hours ago | 20-05-2022 | 02:40 pm
Times of India
11 hours ago | 20-05-2022 | 02:40 pm

When 27-year-old Harsha Naik from Bicholim would wait for her brother to come home to ask him about his day as a lifeguard, she would enjoy the thrill, risk, respect and responsibility that her brother would get. This inspired her to be one of the first woman lifeguards in Goa. On the other side was 21-year-old Shriya Karekar from Margao, who was getting fascinated with jet skis and her brother’s heroics attempts to save lives that pulled her towards this profession. Both women are currently lifeguards and are a part of the new program - Swim with Lifesavers. ‘We were inspired by our brothers’“The respect that I see my brother getting when he is at the beach is just amazing. He would come home and tell us about how he saved the tourists from drowning, the different measures and precautions he takes. A few weeks after I joined as a lifeguard, I told my father and he was very unhappy about the step I took. My mother is a swimmer and encouraged me to go ahead,” says Harsha. The family is into the business of sweet making and Harsha used to handle this, and there was some initial opposition as she was leaving the family profession. For Shriya this was a cool job to take. “Though the job had its own risks, it had a cool element too. As a kid, I was always fascinated by jet skis and I would go to Colva beach and admire the water sports. Here I can use the jet ski and save someone too - it’s a perfect place for me.” Shriya recently joined the services run by Drishti Marine Lifesavers and is posted at Benaulim beach. ‘As brothers we protect and guide them’“I told Shriya about the responsibilities of the job, you have to be mentally and physically present. If you snooze, you can lose a person to the tide. And I know that my sister is much more responsible than I am and being a swimmer by profession, she was fit for this post. I try to teach her techniques and ideas which she can use on the beach,” says Damodar Karekar, 27, captain administrator, who overlooks Arossim-Baina Beaches. He adds, “I asked my superiors not to post her and me at the same place as there could be misunderstandings created among teammates.”As a lifeguard they have to use various strategies to ensure that people are safe. “Working for around four years, I’ve gained a lot of knowledge how and what to speak to guests. I tell my sister what has to be done even though they are trained. I’ve asked her to be acquainted with the water sports and shack staff. They all help when we are in need. This is what I keep telling Harsha,” says Gautam Gajanan Naik, lifesaver who is currently posted on Baga Beach. ‘Our bros warned us about the tan’ The job comes not with just responsibilities but with a lot of tan, face allergies and other health issues. “When I wanted to join, my brother had told me about the tan and the other skin ailments. Being a student of fashion designing in the past, when I look at myself now, I’ve tanned a lot. But where will I go with all that fairness? I’m happy about what I’m doing. This job has given me a great feeling,” says Shriya. For Harsha - it’s a different deal. “More than me, My sister is concerned about my skin. She takes me to the parlour. But the next day, I’m back on the beach and I tend to get tanned again. Before I used to get scared of rescues, but a year into this, people treat us with a lot of respect,” says Harsha.

Brother-sister duos save lives on Goan beaches
Man Held for Killing Woman on Goa Beach After Her Refusal to Continue Relationship with Him
News18 | 14 hours ago | 20-05-2022 | 11:29 am
News18
14 hours ago | 20-05-2022 | 11:29 am
Man Held for Killing Woman on Goa Beach After Her Refusal to Continue Relationship with Him
  • 6-day police custody for man held for wifes murder
  • Times of India

    Bicholim: Baliram Kumar Mhato, 30, who was arrested for the death of his 25-year-old wife Shobhadevi, has been remanded into six days police custody by the JMFC Bicholim. Police on Monday arrested the accused, a native of Bihar, for allegedly murdering Shobhadevi. The deceased was found dead on May 13 in the rented house at Vathadev Sarvan where she was living with her husband and a daughter. Police suspected Mhato killed his wife on May 12 and fled along with their minor daughter. Mhato was traced to Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, where he was arrested while about to board a Bihar-bound train. According to police sources, during the interrogation it was revealed that the accused used to be under the influence of alcohol and assault Shobhadevi daily. On the day of the murder, the duo got into a verbal spat over a newly purchased mobile phone. Later, in a fit of rage, the accused killed Shobhadevi by strangling her. Mhato has been arrested under Section 302 of the IPC. Bicholim PI Suraj Gawas is further investigating the case under the guidance of DySP Sagar Ekoskar.

  • Man murders wife in Goa, held in UP
  • Times of India

    Bicholim: Bicholim police on Monday arrested Baliram Kumar Mhato, 30, a native of Bihar for allegedly murdering his wife Shobhadevi, 25, on Thursday. Shobhadevi was found dead in the rented house at Vathadev Sarvan on Friday where she was staying with her husband and daughter. Police suspected Mhato had killed his wife on the previous day and fled along with their minor daughter. Goa police traced him to Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. He was arrested there while he was about to board a Bihar-bound train. Police are trying to find out the motive of the crime.

10,000 women screened for breast cancer in Goa, seven cases detected
Times of India | 21 hours ago | 20-05-2022 | 04:26 am
Times of India
21 hours ago | 20-05-2022 | 04:26 am

Panaji: Of the 10,000 women who were screened for breast cancer since October last year, seven were detected with the disease. The screening was done under ‘Swasth Mahila, Swasth Goa’ a joint initiative of cricketer Yuvraj Singh’s YouWeCan Foundation, the SBI Foundation and the Goa government. Incidentally, the state has the highest rate of breast cancer in women. The organisers’ aim is to screen one lakh women in Goa for breast cancer, ensuring that 50% of the age eligible target population is covered. They intend to complete screening the remaining 90,000 women over the next 18 months. “We plan to scale up our breast cancer screening initiative by taking it to other states. Our goal is to make it a pan-India initiative and help women across India have access to an early detection mechanism for breast cancer,” said Singh. As many as 142 outreach camps have been held in various parts of Goa as part of this project. The treatment of the seven women who were diagnosed with breast cancer has commenced. All suspected cases have been referred to the GMC or a district hospital for further investigations and treatment. Treatment is give free with the support of the government of Goa, Singh said. Director of health services Dr Geeta Kakodkar said early detection is key and screening eligible women is a big step forward towards this. “I am sure our sustained efforts will reach all eligible women and benefit them,” she said. A milestone of 10,000 screenings is a significant step in reaching the target of screening one lakh women across the state, said SBI Foundation’s president and chief operating officer, Lalit Mohan.

10,000 women screened for breast cancer in Goa, seven cases detected
Mutual respect is prime requisite for coexistence
Times of India | 21 hours ago | 20-05-2022 | 04:19 am
Times of India
21 hours ago | 20-05-2022 | 04:19 am

Margao: A sense of brotherhood and a spirit of peaceful co-existence among communities is vital for establishing global peace, Brahmeshanand Acharya Swami, head of Shree Datta Padmanabh Peeth, Tapobhoomi, Kundaim, said in his keynote address at the international seminar on ‘Promoting Common Values among the followers of Religions’ at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, recently. “Misunderstandings and clashes will be wiped out only by our collective efforts aimed at global peace through our sincere acts externally and internally. Treating each other with mutual respect is the prime requisite for coexistence (of communities),” Brahmeshanand Swami said. The event was organised by the Muslim World League. Brahmeshanand Swami attended the event on the invitation extended to him by Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary general of the Muslim World League and president of the Organisation of Muslim Scholars, a press note from Tapobhomi said. Brahmeshanand Swami is reportedly the first-ever Hindu spiritual leader to visit Saudi Arabia. Brahmidevi, president of Satguru Foundation, also attended the forum in Saudi Arabia. “Our dedication lies in surrendering to the will of the Almighty, Allah, Ishwar etc. The omnipotent Almighty may be called by different names, but he is one. This secular attitude is of profound significance. This oneness is supreme. We should spread this feeling of unity through our words and deeds,” Brahmeshanand Swami said. Speaking further, the seer drew the attention of the gathering to Prime Minister Narendra Mod’s “vision to promote value education for the furtherance of peace, human rights, democracy and sustainable development”.

Mutual respect is prime requisite for coexistence
No illegalities, leased Ajgaonkars premises: Calangute bar mgmt
Times of India | 21 hours ago | 20-05-2022 | 04:18 am
Times of India
21 hours ago | 20-05-2022 | 04:18 am

Calangute: A day after Calangute residents demanded that a bar and restaurant be shut down for operating as a dance bar, the management, on Thursday, denied any illegal activities and stated that the premises have been taken on lease from former tourism minister Manohar ‘Babu’ Ajgaonkar. Management representative Dinesh Yadav told reporters that the entire controversy is a fallout of an assault wherein three sons of a woman security supervisor were assaulted by some locals. One of the sons has received serious head injuries following which police registered an offence of attempt to murder under Section 307 IPC against the locals. “It’s because an offence under Section 307 IPC has been registered that the locals are upset,” Yadav said. The assault had nothing to do with the bar or its customers, but was because of some quarrel between them, he said. Asked about permissions to operate the bar, Yadav said the Calangute panchayat had revoked the licence last year, but they have a stay order from the director of panchayats, so they can continue to operate. “We have been here for a long time and nobody made any complaints. It’s only because of this assault that we’re being unnecessarily dragged into a controversy,” he said. Locals who had gathered in front of the nightspot on Wednesday alleged that the place only has a bar and restaurant licence but operates as a dance bar.

No illegalities, leased Ajgaonkars premises: Calangute bar mgmt
Two more get bail in Methar murder case
Times of India | 21 hours ago | 20-05-2022 | 04:14 am
Times of India
21 hours ago | 20-05-2022 | 04:14 am

Panaji: Two accused have been granted bail in the murder case of Vilas Methar who was burnt alive at Salvador do Mundo in 2020. All seven accused have now been granted bail. The last two accused, accused No. 2 and No. 6 Pawan Badigar and Santosh Pillai were granted bail on Thursday. The first accused Altaf Yargatti, after being denied bail by the lower courts and the high court, was granted bail by the Supreme Court. Accused 3, 4, 5, 7, Prashant alias Vishwajeet alias Bhaiya Dabolkar, Khayad alias Shafi Shaikh, Iqbal Nanpuri and Shailesh alias Shailu Shetty were released on bail by the high court. The court found that on perusal of the chargesheet, the roles attributed to Badigar and Pillai based on their voluntary statement before the police following the arrest, and statements of witnesses to police, that they were involved in making fake licence number plates for vehicles used in the offence. They are also alleged to have taken part in criminal conspiracy and were seen discussing the conspiracy in the CCTV footage of a restaurant at Panaji with the prime accused No. 1. Adv Ritesh Rawal and Adv Michael Nazareth appeared for the two accused. Methar had obtained information under the Right to Information Act of irregularities in the building of the first accused at Donwado. In October 2020, Methar, who was driving, was waylaid by two persons who poured fuel on him and set him on fire. He succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. The murder had also taken a political turn with BJP demanding indepth investigation and local MLA Rohan Khaunte demanding CBI inquiry.

Two more get bail in Methar murder case
Sawant meets GCCI, promises Telangana industry model in Goa
Times of India | 21 hours ago | 20-05-2022 | 04:12 am
Times of India
21 hours ago | 20-05-2022 | 04:12 am

Panaji: Chief minister Pramod Sawant held a meeting with Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on Thursday to discuss efforts to attract new private investments into the state along with steps that can improve the ease of doing business for existing local industries. GCCI president Ralph de Sousa said that administrative reforms need to be introduced in all government departments so that the private sector can operate efficiently. Pointing out that the government aims to remove the need for various licences, Sawant said that the government has introduced ease of doing business reforms in the town and country planning department with more reforms planned in other departments. GCCI also urged the state government to reduce power transmission and distribution losses, obtain more power from the Centre and form district-level committees to oversee the power situation. “Regarding labour issues, GCCI requested a dialogue with the industry and government in labour-related matters. We have also asked the government to promote mass plantation of Goan fruit bearing trees along national highways,” Sousa said. GCCI has assured full support to create awareness about various schemes announced both at the state and the national level. Chief secretary Puneet Kumar Goel along with other officials were present for the meeting. During his interaction, Sawant spoke about nurturing Goa into an agro industry state, while also facilitating growth of tourism, logistics, retail and manufacturing sectors. The chief minister also agreed to set up a Grievance Redressal Committee with GCCI members and industry stakeholders. The committee will directly connect with the chief minister’s office and discuss industry specific issues. Sawant said that the committee would aim to resolve all major concerns within six months. Sawant informed GCCI that the state government is working with the Telangana government to emulate their industrial model in Goa. He also said that a retail policy and logistics policy for Goa is on the anvil. The chief minister assured industry representatives that the Mormugao port connectivity will be completed within the next six to nine months. “This will be part of the multimodal linkage under the Gati Shakti programme and modernisation of infrastructure,” Sawant said.

Sawant meets GCCI, promises Telangana industry model in Goa
Drishti Lifesaving to take care of Aguada jail premises
Times of India | 21 hours ago | 20-05-2022 | 04:02 am
Times of India
21 hours ago | 20-05-2022 | 04:02 am

Panaji: The state cabinet has approved Drishti Lifesaving Pvt Ltd as the licensee for the management, operations and maintenance of Aguada lower fort (former Central jail) for a period of 15 years and extendable by another 15 years. Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) had undertaken the restoration of the lower fort to repurpose it as a monument for the freedom struggle of Goa. On completion of the restoration work last year, GTDC, after taking necessary approvals, had floated a tender for appointing an agency for its management, operations and maintenance. During its tenure, Drishti Lifesaving, under the supervision of GTDC, will ensure that the Aguada jail premises are open throughout the week, including public holidays. However, the timings for visitors will be from 8am to 11pm. It will be responsible for operations and maintenance of the ‘Information Zone’, including but not limited to managing the ticket counters, operation and maintenance of Tourist Information Centre, handicrafts shop including marketing outlet for products made by Colvale jail inmates and other jails in Goa and operations and maintenance of the cafe. The operator will also undertake operations and maintenance of the museum zone including but not limited to operations of administration block, maintenance of small visitor's area along with seating arrangement and photo booths, organising outdoor events in the area along the fortification wall. The fort, constructed in 1612 by the Portuguese to guard against European invaders, has not been notified as a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India or the state archives. It is classified into two broad areas - upper fort and lower fort. While the upper fort was built as a vantage point to serve as a fort and a watering station for ships, the lower fort was used to offer a safe berth to the Portuguese ships. Before Liberation, the lower fort was used as a prison, where freedom fighters including Dr Ram Manohar Lohia and T B Cunha, were jailed during Goa’s freedom struggle. After Liberation, the state converted the fort to Central Jail until 2016, when it was shifted to the new jail complex constructed at Colvale.

Drishti Lifesaving to take care of Aguada jail premises
Files going missing from Margao civic body office is new normal
Navhind Times | 23 hours ago | 20-05-2022 | 02:02 am
Navhind Times
23 hours ago | 20-05-2022 | 02:02 am

Chief officer lodged 6 complaints with the policeMargao: Chief officer of the Margao municipality Agnelo Fernandes on Thursday disclosed that he filed six complaints with the Margao town police during his tenure of 19 months on important files going missing from the office of the civic body.Speaking to ‘The Navhind Times’, Fernandes said that important files going missing from the MMC office has become a regular feature.“I was disturbed when the officers concerned passed the buck on the missing files, which forced me to file complaints with the police. I also ignored phone calls that were made after the police complaints were filed,” said Fernandes, who has now been transferred as the member secretary of the Goa State Commission for Backward Classes.The files that went missing pertained to the approach road to the Sonsoddo dumpsite, procurement of grass-cutting machines, purchase of fire extinguishers for the dumpsite, truck hiring for municipality works, purchase of three garbage compactor trucks, construction of a shed for the material recovery facility and well cleaning, reliable sources revealed. Interestingly, the MMC chairperson and councillors have been making light of the files going missing.It has been alleged that that the important files “disappeared in pursuance of protection of someone’s interests, bribery or harassment of some people”.After the complaints were registered, two files were traced within the MMC office. Interestingly, no new file has gone missing in the last four months, the chief officer clarified.He also said that there has been rise in the number of cases filed in the court of the MMC chief officer.Every month on an average 15 new cases are filed in the court of the chief officer, while at least 10 cases are disposed of. Most of these cases pertain to illegal constructions and illegal vending. Cases are also filed against encroachments and blocking of way.Fernandes admitted that there has also been rise in pendency of cases during his tenure as the chief officer.“There were 300 pending cases when I took over. Their number has risen to 550. Nevertheless I succeeded in settling 50 cases in these 19 months,” he disclosed.

Files going missing from Margao civic body office is new normal
OBC reservation data with SEC is not as per SC directions: AG
Navhind Times | 23 hours ago | 20-05-2022 | 02:02 am
Navhind Times
23 hours ago | 20-05-2022 | 02:02 am

‘VP poll date will be decided by SEC in consultation with govt’Panaji: The state Advocate General Devidas Pangam on Thursday said that the data presently existing with the State Election Commission (SEC) pertaining to the OBC reservations is not as per the Supreme Court directions.“The data, which the SEC currently possesses as regards the OBC reservations for the forthcoming panchayat polls is not as per the Supreme Court directions,” he observed, pointing out that he has given his opinion to this effect to the state government and has already sent the related file back to the government.The SEC had submitted reservation of wards for SC and ST communities to the state government and asked whether the information presently available with them as regards the OBC reservation was as per the directions of the Supreme Court or not.The government had sent the file to the Advocate General seeking his opinion in the matter.The Advocate General said that to conform to the triple test as mandated by the Supreme Court, the state OBC Commission, which is already constituted, will have to prepare a detailed report about the wards to be reserved for OBC for the panchayat elections.“As the state already possesses basic population data, the same can be used by the Commission while preparing the report,” he noted.“The report of the State OBC Commission will have to be sent to the SEC, which will do the final reservation of wards by analysing the data and applying it in the reservation process,” Pangam said.The triple test also mandates that the reserved wards should not exceed 50% of the total seats.The SEC will have to consider this factor while deciding on the final reservation of wards.Speaking further, the Advocate General said that SC/ ST reservation is mandatory as per the Constitution but the same does not apply to OBC reservation.However, as per the Panchayat Raj Act, the OBC reservation is mandatory and can be decided upon by the state government.Moreover, as per the Supreme Court directions, henceforth reservation for all the panchayat and municipality elections will have to conform to the triple test.“The final date for panchayat elections will be decided by the SEC in consultation with the state government after the process of reservation of wards is completed,” the AG noted.

OBC reservation data with SEC is not as per SC directions: AG
‘90 MW of power is lost in transmission and distribution’
Navhind Times | 23 hours ago | 20-05-2022 | 02:02 am
Navhind Times
23 hours ago | 20-05-2022 | 02:02 am

GCCI suggests improvement in power infrastructure in the statePanaji: With the state in the grip of frequent power cuts, the GCCI has suggested lowering the transmission and distribution (T&D) losses of Goa electricity department as the way out for improving power supply to consumers.The industry body pointed out that about 90 MW of power is lost in transmission and distribution which if controlled can help in addressing the 150 MW shortage of power presently in the state.The GCCI also recommended more power sanction for Goa from the Centre.Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the GCCI office on Thursday for his first interaction with members of local industry during his second term. Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goyal and secretaries of various government departments were also present at the meeting.During the interaction, the GCCI suggested improvement in power infrastructure in the state and also requested a dialogue with the government in labour-related matters. Promoting mass plantation of Goan fruit-bearing trees along the national highways was also one of the suggestions made by the GCCI.From the government side, the Chief Minister promised ease of doing business (EoDB) by removing multiplicity of various licences. He said that EoDB has already started in the Town and Country Planning (TCP) department and more reforms would be initiated in other departments.Sawant also assured of implementing the Public Service Delivery Act (2013) in principle. He said that the government would give accreditation to local hotels and venues having facilities to host marriages or public events under EoDB.He has also agreed to set up grievance redressal committee wherein GCCI members, industry stakeholders can directly connect with Chief Minister’s office and discuss on industry specific issues and ensure fast-track resolution of long-pending as well as current difficulties faced by trade and industry. With the setting up of the committee the government aims to sort out all major issues faced by industry in six months, said Sawant.The Chief Minister sought industry help in increasing agriculture yield. “Goa spends over Rs 10 crore per day towards procuring milk, vegetables, fruits, poultry etc., from other states. The agriculture sector needs rejuvenation,” he pointed out.The state will follow the industrial model of Telangana, disclosed Sawant.During the meeting, a skill gap study prepared by the GCCI with the Goa Institute of Management was submitted to the Chief Minister.GCCI president Ralph de Sousa, vice-president Shrinivas Dempo, vice-president Pratima Dhond, secretary Yatin Kakodkar, treasurer Chandrakant Gawas, director general Sanjay Amonkar along with the managing committee members were present at the meeting.

‘90 MW of power is lost in transmission and distribution’
Candolim woman seeks justice for injured son
Navhind Times | 23 hours ago | 20-05-2022 | 02:02 am
Navhind Times
23 hours ago | 20-05-2022 | 02:02 am

Calangute: Shainaz Saudagar, a resident of Orda-Candolim and mother of the teenage boy, who was assaulted in a fight that broke out in Calangute, told the mediapersons that on the fateful night she was in the club on duty while her sons who had come to see her were waiting outside.“My teenage son is grievously injured and is in GMC hospital, while the main accused is absconding; I want justice for my son,” she said.Vivek Sharma, owner of the Devil’s Dance Bar said that there are CCTVs installed on the premises and there is no illegal activity going on. “The fight took place outside the premises and it can be verified through the CCTV footage,” he said.Speaking further, he said the property owner is someone else who has rented out the premises.When asked about the licence, he admitted saying that “we do not have the panchayat licence but we had moved the directorate of panchayat but it did not grant the licence.”Sarpanch Shawn Martins said that the panchayat of Calangute has revoked licences of 13 dance bars. “However the owners are well connected and through influence they operate the dance bars. When the new PI Laxi Amonkar came to Calangute all dance bars were shut but such establishments started operating again,” he said.Calangute PI Amonkar said that “the police have written to the authorities requesting a rethink on issuing licences to operate dance bars till 4 a.m. This is the main reason for illegal activities happening in Calangute.”When asked how dance bars started operating again when he had cracked down on them, PI Laxi said that “he landed in trouble because of it. The dance bar owners took me to court and also the human rights court.”North Goa DySP Karpe said that the police do take action against illegal activities and FIRs are filed.Regarding the demand for dance bars to be shut down, he said there is no law banning women from dancing in clubs. “There is a Supreme Court order allowing the dance bars to operate. Dance bars owners have licences to run their business,” he said.

Candolim woman seeks justice for injured son
Mission Rabies adopting use of tracking collars on dogs
Navhind Times | 23 hours ago | 20-05-2022 | 02:01 am
Navhind Times
23 hours ago | 20-05-2022 | 02:01 am

The system is being tried out in the border village of Hankhane in PernemMargao: The Mission Rabies, appointed by the state government, having achieved a rabies-free status for the state of Goa, is changing its rabies control strategy with use of Bluetooth chip and sensor-based system to keep a watch on the movement of dogs along the state’s border.The government of Goa had initiated a state-wide mass dog vaccination drive in partnership with Mission Rabies from 2015 and had brought the number of human deaths due to rabies to zero from 2018 onwards.Recently, however, there have been cases of human and dog rabies detected in villages located in talukas along the state’s border. For this reason, the organisation has now changed its strategy.Speaking to this daily, director (education) of Mission Rabies Dr. Murugan Appupillai said, “The project strategy so far was to ensure vaccination of both stray and pet dogs year after year, covering 70% of the population in the state of Goa through awareness and surveillance. Although the project has been successful with zero rabies cases in humans and animals now, we may not be able to completely stop the vaccination as with any disease control effort there is a high risk of re-introduction.”Dr. Appupillai however said that it is not cost-effective to continue vaccinating the whole population indefinitely.“Therefore, we are adopting a strategy which balances the continued effort to maintain rabies freedom in the dog population, sustaining high levels of surveillance and awareness, while tapering dog vaccination in regions where the virus is not circulating.”This means that vaccination for stray dogs and pet dogs will continue in the state’s five border talukas- Pernem, Bicholim, Sattari, Dharbandora and Canacona with an aim to cover 40,000 dogs a year.In remaining talukas, static-point vaccination campaign will be held on World Rabies Day, September 28, every year.Work is also underway to set up a sensor- tracking device system to keep a check on migration cases along the border, a project that Mission Rabies has initiated with the technical support of Edinburgh University.Currently in the border village of Hankhane in Pernem, sensors have been fitted on trees and vaccinated dogs are being fitted with tracking chip collars.The tracking tag works like a GPS tracker using Bluetooth technology. The sensors record every time a collared dog passes it which serves as data for the organisation to keep a track on the dog’s movements.“Through the tracking system in Hankhane, we have noticed that many dogs cross the border and then return while some move from place to place. We are hoping to set up a similar system in other areas along the state’s border over the period of next six months. We are noticing an increase in the number of rabies cases along the border villages and we are still awaiting permission from the Maharashtra government to begin vaccination,” said Dr. Appupillai.Plans are also underway to reduce costs by introducing an oral rabies vaccine (ORV) where the vaccine is administered to dogs through a dog biscuit. This will be the first time such a vaccination system will be implemented in the state. Required permissions from the state and central government are currently awaited, informed Dr. Appupillai.

Mission Rabies adopting use of tracking collars on dogs