Goas legal stalwart Justice Silva passes away in Margao

Cops act against illegal scrapyard at Margao

Investigation deepens in Margao labour trafficking case

Congress intensifies stir against Margao municipality tax hike

45% of traders in Margao have no valid licences: Council chairperson

Woman in Margao retracts rape plaint, lawyer sees red flag

Margao cracks down on helmetless riders

Congress cannot be trusted: Atishi says AAP wont enter alliance for 2027 Goa polls, party replies

PANAJI : Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi on Monday said that the party would contest the 2027 elections in Goa and Gujarat alone without opting for an alliance with Congress. The former Delhi chief minister was on a day-long visit to the coastal state to inaugurate the party's office in Margao. Talking to reporters, Atishi said, We are getting ready to contest the elections (Goa and Gujarat) on our own. Till now, there are no talks of an alliance. On reasons for ruling out an alliance with the Congress, Atishi said it was very clear that Congress cannot be trusted. She said that the people of Goa voted the BJP to power in 2022, but at the same time, the Congress won 11 seats, and 8 of its MLAs later joined the saffron party. The Congress is the main opposition party with only three MLAs, and AAP has two legislators, she said. Atishi said, When the two AAP candidates won the 2022 elections, there were rumours that they would not survive in the party even for two months. But they are still with the party because they have not come to make money from politics. Asked if the AAP is not interested in an alliance with like-minded parties, she said. When eight out of 11 MLAs join the BJP, what is like-minded? The AAP has shown that our two MLAs got elected and are still standing with the party. The BJP also tried to lure our MLAs. We are not interested in politics where winning elections and making money is the sole aim. Our interest in politics is to deliver for the people, she said. Speaking about the party's loss in the Delhi assembly polls, Atishi said that the question is not what will happen to the AAP but what will happen to the people of Delhi. BJP has already announced that they will close 250 Mohalla clinics. They have already announced that they will stop free medicine, she said. She said party leader Arvind Kejriwal had warned that if AAP loses, power cuts will start, the quality of education will again become bad in government schools, and this is already happening. Systematically, the works of the AAP government were stopped. If you look at the Delhi elections, from manipulation to misuse of machinery and intimidation of voters, they tried everything. Delhi has never seen this kind of election. But despite all this, there was only a 2 per cent difference between BJP and AAP, she said. Atishi alleged that the BJP has not fulfilled its elections promise of providing Rs 2,500 to the women of Delhi. The prime minister had assured that on March 8, on Women's Day, all women will get the first instalment in their bank account. Forget about getting the instalment, the registration for the scheme has even not started, she claimed. It goes to show that BJP has no intention of delivering on the promises they made, she said. Meanwhile, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president Amit Patkar said it is pre-mature to discuss about the alliance at this point of time. It is premature to discuss about the alliance, two years ahead of the elections. The prime focus of all the parties is to strength their base in each constituency. The Congress has started working in all 40 constituencies. We will expand our base, Patkar said, taking to PTI. AAP and Congress as well as other like-minded parties are already fighting as a united opposition in the assembly and raising issues of the people, he pointed out.

Usgao child murder: Police rule out black magic, cite enmity

Staff Reporter Margao Police have ruled out black magic as a motive in the murder of a four-year-old girl at Usgao, stating that the crime was driven by personal enmity between the accused and the victims mother. The accused couple, Pooja Alhat and Babasaheb Alhat, has been arrested and remanded to seven-daypolice custody. All forensic []

Opposition demands probe into ex-ministers corruption claims

Staff Reporter Panaji/Margao Opposition legislators called on law enforcement agencies, including the police, Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and Vigilance Department, to investigate corruption allegations made by former minister and ex-Cumbharjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar. Madkaikar, who is presently in BJP, claimed on Tuesday that corruption is rampant in the government, alleging he was asked to pay nearly []

Govt comes under fire overinaction in Bhembre case

Staff Reporter Margao The state government on Sunday came in for sharp criticism for its failure to book Bajrang Dal activists for the intimidating and provocative speeches in Cuncolim and holding a protest against Konkani stalwart and Opinion Poll hero Uday Bhembre at his residence in Margao late Friday evening. A large number of people []

Konkani groups denounce incident against Bhembre

Staff Reporter Margao Several Konkani groups gathered on Saturday to condemn the incident in which Bajrang Dal members confronted writer and former legislator Uday Bhembre at his residence on Friday evening over remarks he had made in a recent video aboutShivaji Maharaj. Calling for immediate government action, the groups have also scheduled a meeting on []

Intellectuals, writers, politicians come out in support

Staff Reporter Margao A day after a protest outside his residence, a large number of people came out in support of writer, legislator and intellectual Uday Bhembre on Saturday. Some members of the Bajrang Dal had on Friday night staged a protest at Bhembres residence over his video on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Several prominent persons []

Bhembre files police complaint over right-wing group protest

Staff Reporter Margao Writer and former legislator Uday Bhembre on Saturday filed a complaint at the Fatorda police station claiming that a group of people led by Viraj Dessai trespassed into my property, abused and threatened me at my residence. Bhembre was reluctant to file police complaint on Friday after the incident but changed his []

Govt working to tackle coastal erosion without compromising on tourism: Aleixo

Staff Reporter Margao Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira on Wednesday said the state government was aware of the increasing coastal erosion along Goas shoreline and was working on a solution that balances tourism interests. The state was also seeking assistance from the World Bank for the project, he said. We recently held a conference on the []

Economic offences cell files chargesheet against couple in Rs 41.54L investment fraud

Panaji: The Economic Offences Cell (EOC) of the Goa police on Tuesday filed chargesheet before the District and Session Court, Margao against Myron Rodrigues and his wife Deepali Parab in connection with one of the investment fraud cases of over Rs 41.54 lakh. Police said that a notice under Section 41 A CrPC was issued []

Integrate panchakarma with modern medicine, says Rane

SGDH launches dedicated unit with 30 procedures Margao: The South Goa District Hospital (SGDH) on Tuesday inaugurated a dedicated state-of-the-art panchakarma centre offering 30 procedures with trained personnel to promote awareness and provide access to the traditional Indian system of medicine. Panchakarma treatment is the vision of the Prime Minister. It is a system of []

Goa court holds man guilty for 2017 rape-murder of Irish-British woman

A court in Goa has convicted Vikat Bhagat for the 2017 rape and murder of Irish-British citizen Danielle McLaughlin. The judgment was delivered by Judge Kshama Joshi at the District and Sessions Court in Margao. Sentence announcement is scheduled for February 17, with the prosecution seeking the maximum penalty.

Court convicts Goa man for 2017 rape-murder of Irish-British woman; sentencing on Feb 17

PANAJI: Nearly eight years after an Irish-British woman was raped and murdered during her Goa visit, a court on Friday convicted the lone accused in the case, a 31-year-old local resident. Judge Kshama Joshi of the District and Sessions Court at Margao town found Vikat Bhagat, the lone accused, guilty of raping and murdering the woman, Danielle McLaughin (28), said Vikram Varma, the lawyer representing Andrea Brannigan, the mother of the deceased. The court will pronounce the quantum of sentence on Monday (February 17), he said. Varma informed that the public prosecutor has sought maximum sentence for the accused from the court. Though the lawyer did not elaborate, such heinous offences attract life imprisonment or death. McLaughin, who arrived in the coastal state as a backpacker tourist, was found dead in a forested area of Canacona village in South Goa district on March 14, 2017. Bhagat, a local resident, was later arrested by the police on rape and murder charges. The accused, lodged at the Central Jail, Colvale in North Goa, on Thursday attended the court proceeding through video conferencing. The verdict was slated to be pronounced on Thursday, but it was postponed for a day later by the trial court judge. Brannigan, the mother of the victim, is in Goa to witness the conclusion of the judicial process. The family friends are so thankful to the public prosecutor and the investigating officer for justice. They have treated her like their daughter and tirelessly fought for her. The accused has been found guilty of taking Danielle away from us, family members of the victim said in a statement after the verdict was pronounced. As per the chargesheet filed by the police, McLaughlin, who hailed from Donegal in Northwest Ireland, was on a visit to Goa in 2017 when Bhagat, a local she befriended during her stay, murdered her after spending an evening with her. The police investigation revealed the Irish-British woman was struck with a big stone multiple times, resulting in her death. The victim was found lying in a pool of blood with no clothes and injuries on her head and face, according to the chargesheet.

Goa court postpones verdict in Irish-British woman rape-murder case to Friday

PANAJI: A court in Goa on Thursday postponed the verdict in the 2017 rape and murder case of 28-year-old Irish-British national Danielle McLaughin to Friday. The case came up for hearing before judge Kshama Joshi of the District and Sessions Court, Margao. The verdict in the seven-year-old case will be announced at 2 pm on Friday, the court said. McLaughin was found dead in a forested area of Canacona village in South Goa district on March 14, 2017. Vikat Bhagat (31), a local resident, was arrested in the crime. He is currently lodged at the Central Jail, Colvale in North Goa. Bhagat attended the hearing on Thursday through video conference. Andrea Brannigan, the victim's mother, is in Goa to witness the conclusion of the judicial process. Vikram Varma, Brannigan's lawyer, said the family members are hopeful that justice would be done. The girl died a brutal death. We are hopeful that justice would be done, he said. The prosecution produced enough evidence against the accused, Varma said, adding that as the victim was dead, the case was mostly based on circumstantial evidence. The woman, who hailed from Donegal in Northwest Ireland, was visiting Goa as a backpacker tourist when Bhagat befriended her, and allegedly murdered her after spending an evening with her. She was hit with a stone which resulted in her death, as per the police charge sheet.

Garbage fee in Salcete: 10 panchayats charge, 20 dont

Staff Reporter Margao In Salcete taluka, only 10 of 30 panchayats have implemented waste disposal fees for households, with varying rates. Some panchayats, like Cavelossim, began charging the fees as early as 2019, while others started more recently. This initiative follows a government circular that authorised panchayats to collect such fees. According to Panchayat Minister []

Konoha is a no-frills ramen bar near Goas Margao bus stop that is winning locals

Fatima CHS triumph in basketball

Navelim: Fatima Convent HS, Margao triumphed in the South District Boys U-14 Basketball Tournament organised by DSYA at Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium, Navelim. In the finals, they defeated Vidya Vikas Academy 28-6 and are now qualified to play for the state championship. The team included Ace Moraes, Analee Cardozo, Riana DCosta, Kaya Coutinho, Sarah Albuquerque, [] The post Fatima CHS triumph in basketball appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Goa likely to face beef shortage amid traders' strike

Panaji: Goa could face beef shortage ahead of Christmas and New Year with meat traders in the state going on a strike to protest against `increased harassment' by cow vigilante groups. The shut-down started on Monday under the banner of Quraishi Meat Traders Association (QMTA). In a letter to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, the association claimed there was an increase in attacks from right-wing Hindu organisations on shops which sell beef legally. The recent attack happened in Margao. We want action against these groups. We need protection from the government, said Abdul Bepari, a QMTA member. Police have failed to take action despite receiving complaints, he said, adding that meat traders would continue the strike till they get an assurance from the government about their security. As per government statistics, 20-25 tonnes of beef is sold in the coastal state daily, and the sale increases during tourist and festive seasons. Congress MLA Carlos Alvares Ferreira told reporters on Monday that incidents of vigilantism were occurring across the state. Whether it is meat traders or any organisation, one must abide by the law, he said. There have been instances where mobs suddenly entered houses to check the fridge or cupboard for beef, he said. This is absolutely trespassing and they have no authority to go there, the MLA added. Cow vigilante groups also demand that they be allowed to inspect meat at shops though they do not have any authority, said Ferreira. These people do not belong to any recognised bodies, and even if they are recognised (organisations), they have no right to enter shops and do such activities, he said. Chief minister Sawant on Monday had said the state-run Goa Meat Complex Limited will cater to the beef requirement. The meat complex provides hygienic beef, he had said.

10 upcoming unique winter festivals in India that are too good to be missed!

The vibrant culture of India is full of celebrations and festivals. Even at the end of the year, during the winter season there are plenty of deep-rooted customs and traditions carried out across India. If you are planning an outing for Christmas and New year, then these winter festivals are a go to destination. After getting to know these, you will regret skipping any, so block your calendars from December end until March. Celebrate the culturally immersive festivals of the Indian landscape and experience the magic in winters: Rann Utsav, Gujarat The one of a kind festival held in the vast white barren land of Kutch, the Rann Mahotsav is an unforgettable treat. The festival has begun from 1 st November 2024 and will continue till 28 th February 2025. Over the years, it has now grown to a 100- day event. The Rann Mahotsav showcases music, dance and culture with some thrilling activities of sport. And if you want peace, there are yoga and meditation programs arranged. And nothing can beat the spectacular views of the White Rann and the full moon nights. Cochin carnival, Kerala The 41 st Cochin Carnival is continuing in full spree since December 8, 2024. It will end on the last day of the year on the night of 31 st December with the burning of the huge statue of the old man, Pappanji. The two-week festivities include a cultural blend of traditions with modernity. It is much awaited among the locals and visitors. There is music, dance, cultural performances showcasing art and various sports competitions. The new addition this year is the introduction of the robo-electric elephants that celebrates innovation and tradition together. It will definitely keep you hitched until the New year! Poush Mela, West Bengal The Poush Mela is all set to begin today and will continue till December 26, 2024 in Shantiniketan, West Bengal. The festival is celebrated to mark the harvest season in the region. It celebrates the Bengali culture and heritage with traditional folk music (the baul and kirtan), dance performances along with local delicacies and hand crafted art. Nearly 1500 stalls have been constructed for the fair. Poush Mela is a platform that encourages local performers and artisans and promotes their innate talents. Sunburn festival, Goa Why not end the year on a musical note with the Sunburn fest in Goa? It is the largest music festival held in Asia, ready to take place from 28 th December 2024 to 30 th December 2024. On the music of worlds top electronic artists and DJs, immerse yourself into dance, energy, food and drinks. And if you were there at the 2023 event, then do not miss a chance to be at Sunburn 2024. Its not only a big thing among the natives, but even visitors from abroad wait for it! Winter festival at Mount Abu, Rajasthan If you are planning to visit Rajasthan for the New year, then make sure you are a part of the Winter festival at Mount Abu from 29 th till the 31 st of December. On the height of Aravalli hills, you will experience the magical culture and heritage of Rajasthan. The activities to look out for include: Shobha Yatra, Rajasthani folk performances, adventure activities like Rappelling, boat race, trekking and a lot more. Do not miss it for anything! Manali Winter Carnival, Himachal Pradesh If you are planning to go to the mountains, then Manali it is. Why not ring in the New year amidst the festive fervor in Manali! For, the Winter carnival is approaching near. It is an annual event of the city that began in the year 1977. With the festival, the city welcomes the New year with the traditional joy and exquisite culture. It celebrates the winters, promotes tourism during the season and brings the tourists and locals together. The events you can be a part of: Skiing and paragliding, food festivals, Carnival parade, Bollywood dance, Live concert and much more. The five- day festival will begin from January 02, 2025. International Kite festival, Gujarat The event will take place for three days from January 11 to January 14, 2025 during the festival of Uttarayan when the blue sky is painted with thousands of colorful kites. It is organized at the Sabarmati riverfront in Ahemdabad. Major attractions at the International Kite festival are: A theme pavilion that tells the history of tourist destinations and the kites, the kite flying, handicraft market and refreshment stalls. You can celebrate the festival of kites anywhere, but nothing like in Ahemdabad. Jaipur Literature festival, Rajasthan The greatest literary event of the year is back again. The event will begin on 30 th January 2025 and conclude on 3 rd February 2025. The inaugural year of JLF was 2006. You can witness your favorite writers and poets right in front of you. And the best part is that the event is absolutely free, not ticketed. The JLF International is also conducted in different cities around the world. Celebrate books, ideasall of literature at the JLF! Jaisalmer Desert festival, Rajasthan In the heart of the Thar, 42 kms away from Jaisalmer the annual cultural event i.e. the Maru Mahotsav is held. The three- day extravaganza celebrates Rajasthani culture and the beauty of the golden sand. It is known for the Rajasthani folk music, and the mesmerizing dance forms like the Ghoomar and Kalbeliya dance. The star attraction is the camel parade. Apart from these, what draws attention is the turban tying contest, mustache competition and the camel race. Your February month can be a delight in Thar! Goa carnival, Goa This is gonna be a real worthy trip for you. Four days from March 1, 2024 to March 4, 2024the event is a blast. Also known as Carnaval, Intruz and Entrado, this is unlike anything you will ever see. Colorful parades with dramatic costumes, evening balls, theatre performances and all day fun on the streets makes it a vibrant multi-cultural event. The Goa carnival is around 450- year old, like a tradition embedded in the culture itself. the event starts from Panaji, travelling to Vasco de gama, Mapusa and Margao. The most unusual event you will come across is the Assoltes, you will know why when you will have to pay for a treat! With this, we are wrapped up with the section of the unique winter festivals in India. In case, you have missed the early December events, do not worry, there is so much more of Winters still left. And it will continue till March, its unmissable!

FC Goa aim to end Bagans unbeaten run

Margao, Dec 19: FC Goa will seek to snap a rampaging Mohun Bagan Super Giants eight-match unbeaten streak in the Indian Super League (ISL) when the two sides square off in a 12th round match here on Friday. FC Goa, under India head coach Manolo Marquez, will also aim to improve their record against the [] The post FC Goa aim to end Bagans unbeaten run appeared first on The Shillong Times .

Pratima held in hurting religious sentiments case

Margao: Activist and former Congress Mahila leader Pratima Coutinho was taken into custody by Margao police on Sunday afternoon over alleged comments made during a 2020 protest, which reportedly hurt religious sentiments. The arrest followed her failure to appear before the court in the matter. Coutinho will be produced before the court on Monday at [] The post Pratima held in hurting religious sentiments case appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Centre okays Rs 747 crore for four-laning of NH-66 stretch

Staff Reporter Panaji The Centre has approved a funding of Rs 747 crore for the four-laning of a 7.24 km stretch of national highway 66, extending from the end of the Margao bypass to Cuncolim. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, announced that the project will be carried out under the hybrid [] The post Centre okays Rs 747 crore for four-laning of NH-66 stretch appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Govt must enact lawto stop violence,against women

Staff Reporter Margao Womens organisations have called on the state government to enact a law to address widow discrimination, establish dedicated POCSO courts, and appoint protection officers under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act. Aimed at addressing violence and discrimination, among other long-standing issues affecting women, the demands were made at a recent meeting titled Organisations [] The post Govt must enact lawto stop violence,against women appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Margao residents urge crackdown on sale of substandard Christmas items

Staff Reporter Margao Residents of Margao have urged the Metrology Department, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and other authorities to crack down on vendors selling unregulated, overpriced and substandard Christmas items in the town. They have called on officials to conduct surprise raids to protect consumers during the peak Christmasshopping season. Sources said many shopkeepers [] The post Margao residents urge crackdown on sale of substandard Christmas items appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Access to quality education key to empowering tribal youth, says CM

Staff Reporter Margao Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said access to high-quality education was key to empowering tribal youth and helping them compete with the mainstream of society. Speaking at the Adivasi Sammelan, Sawant said that the government would provide all possible support to help tribal youth, including financial assistance to pursuequality education. He said that [] The post Access to quality education key to empowering tribal youth, says CM appeared first on The Navhind Times .

GSPCB to install air quality monitoring system at Cuncolim

Diana Fernandes Margao: The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) is taking steps to address long-standing air quality concerns at the Cuncolim Industrial Estate by installing a real-time ambient air quality monitoring system. This initiative aims to provide continuous, up-to-date data on air pollution in the area, which has been a source of worry for [] The post GSPCB to install air quality monitoring system at Cuncolim appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Deck the halls with faith and joy

Located in Margao, the Lighthouse, which celebrated its silver jubilee last year, is a cherished landmark, offering a wide variety of sacred treasures and Christmas decorations ALLEN A. MENDANHA Established by the Diocesan Society to serve as a spiritual and retail hub for the faithful, the Lighthouse gallery in Margao offers a wide variety of [] The post Deck the halls with faith and joy appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Kamat calls for better market access for Goas organic farmers

StaffReporter Margao Margao MLA Digambar Kamat on Saturday emphasised the importance of supporting small-scale farmers by offering better marketing opportunities to boost organic production in Goa. Speaking as the chief guest at a two-day event organised by the Director of Agriculture to promote the central governments Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Margao, [] The post Kamat calls for better market access for Goas organic farmers appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Will resolve Velsao rlys issue in 30 days

Staff Reporter Margao Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira on Friday said the issue of land demarcation by South Western Railways (SWR) for the double tracking at Velsao would be resolved within a month. Admitting to lapses in the procedure, Sequeira said the tentative date for the demarcation has been set for December 20, adding that a [] The post Will resolve Velsao rlys issue in 30 days appeared first on The Navhind Times .