Three men from Gujarat held in Goa for accepting bets on India-Bangladesh CT match

Acting on reliable information, cops raided the rented bungalow in Pilerne village near Panaji on Thursday, a police spokesperson said

Bad news for dog lovers! These dog breeds have been banned as well

Panaji: The Goa government has decided to ban Rottweilers and Pitbulls in the state following multiple incidents involving aggressive behavior from these breeds, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced Wednesday. The decision was approved during a cabinet meeting. To implement the ban, the government will amend the Goa Animal Breeding and Domestic Regulation and Compensation Ordinance, []

Goa court sentences local man to rigorous life imprisonment for rape-murder of Irish-British woman

PANAJI: A court in Goa on Monday sentenced a 31-year-old local resident to rigorous life imprisonment for the rape and murder of Irish-British national Danielle McLaughin in 2017. The court had on Friday pronounced the accused, Vikat Bhagat, guilty of raping and murdering the 28-year-old tourist, whose body was found in a forested area in Canacona village of South Goa on March 14, 2017. District and sessions judge Kshama Joshi on Monday sentenced Bhagat to rigorous life imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 for the rape and murder and Rs 10,000 for the destruction of evidence. The convict will also undergo imprisonment of two years for destruction of evidence, with the court ruling that both sentences will run concurrently, said Vikram Varma, the lawyer representing the victim's mother, Andrea Brannigan. After the verdict on Friday, the victim's family members also issued a media statement, which was read out by their representative. We, as Danielle's family and friends, are so thankful to everyone involved in our fight for justice, they have treated her like their daughter and have tirelessly fought for her, it said. They were thankful that their hard work paid off, and Bhagat was found guilty of taking Danielle from them, the family said. Police Inspector Philomena Costa, who investigated the case, said it was the meticulous probe that resulted in the conviction. He said he was extremely happy with the verdict. As per the chargesheet filed by the Goa police, McLaughin, who hailed from Donegal in Northwest Ireland, was on a visit to Goa in March 2017 when Bhagat befriended her. He murdered her after spending an evening with her. McLaughin was struck with a stone, which resulted in her death, it said. Her body was found lying in a pool of blood, without clothes, with injuries to the head and face.

Ex-MLA dies in Belagavi hotel minutes after assault by auto driver

Congress leader Lavoo Mamlatdar, 68, was on a business trip to Belagavi, about 120 km from Panaji, where the incident took place

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.

With 99.95 %ile, Rohan Keni is Goa JEE Main topper

NTA has announced the JEE Main session 1 results for January 2025. Rohan Siddhesh Keni, a student of Dempo PACE in Panaji, emerged as the Goa state topper with a 99.96 percentile. Several other students from various institutes in Goa also scored above 99 percentile. The NTA scores are normalized, considering the relative performance of all examinees.

In HC, Smart City blames climate change for delays

Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited attributes delays in completing sewerage and road works to unfavourable weather, excessive rains, and a high water table in Panaji. The project, initially set for completion by May 2024, is now extended to March 2025, considering the adverse conditions.

South Goa SP shunted out via wireless message after seeking intel on Bajrang Dal leaders

PANAJI: The Goa government has transferred South Goa district Superintendent of Police (SP) Sunita Sawant by issuing a late night wireless message from the control room, officials said. SP Sawant was transferred on Monday night as part of a routine procedure, an official said on Wednesday. Opposition Congress alleged that the SP's sudden and politically motivated transfer came after she began collecting information about Bajrang Dal leaders in the state. It also said that the move exposed how the administration was being controlled by the RSS-BJP's communal agenda. SP Sawant was transferred via a wireless message on Monday night. IPS officer Tikam Singh Verma, who held the charge as the SP of Anti Narcotics Cell, was appointed in her place. It was a routine transfer and no motive should be attributed to it, the official said. The police sources, however, said Sawant was transferred after she sent a wireless message to all police stations, directing them to collect information about the members of the Bajrang Dal, a right-wing outfit. When contacted, Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Kumar said the transfer of an SP-rank official is executed by the state government. I don't want to comment anything on it as transfers of Superintendent of Police rank officials are done by the government, he said. SP Sawant was not available for comments. Bajrang Dal, a right-wing extremist organisation accused of several attacks against the minority communities has been active in Goa. It had organised a massive public meeting last month at Sanvordem village in South Goa that was addressed by BJP MLA from Telangana T Raja Singh. Goa Bajrang Dal convenor Viraj Desai said he did not have any information about the transfer of the SP or about the police seeking any details about his organisation's activists. Bajrang Dal is active in nation building. We have been holding several orientation programmes for the youngsters. We have no idea why the SP was transferred, he claimed. The Congress said the hasty transfer of Sawant by the BJP government was yet another glaring example of how the BJP-RSS ideology was interfering with the administration to protect its divisive agenda. In a media statement issued here, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Amit Patkar said, The moment SP Sunita Sawant began collecting information about Bajrang Dal leaders in Goa, the government panicked and immediately transferred her. This clearly shows that BJP is not interested in governance but in shielding its ideological allies and suppressing officers who perform their duty with integrity. The Goa police force was being manipulated to serve the BJP's political interests instead of upholding the law, he said. This is nothing but an act of intimidation against an honest officer who was merely doing her job. The BJP government has once again exposed itself as an enabler of lawlessness, ensuring that no action is taken against fringe elements that threaten Goa's communal harmony, he said. The Congress leader sought to know what the BJP government was trying to hide. Why is it afraid of a fair investigation into Bajrang Dal leaders? This transfer is proof that the law enforcement agencies in Goa are being used as mere puppets of the BJP to safeguard its false narrative. The people of Goa will not tolerate this blatant misuse of power, he said. The Congress strongly condemns this politically motivated transfer and demands immediate justification from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, he added. We stand in solidarity with officers who work fearlessly in the interest of justice, and we will continue to expose BJP's attempts to hijack the administration for its communal agenda, he said.

Four fraudsters held for duping tourists through online booking of non-existent villas in Goa

Panaji: Four persons were arrested on Monday for allegedly cheating hundreds of tourists by making fake bookings for them in non-existing villas in Goa through online platforms, police said. The accused operated out of a rented place in Hyderabad and had been duping tourists since 2022, ssuperintendent of police, Goa north, Akshat Kaushal said. The accused, Saurabh Duseja, a resident of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, and Hyderabad residents Sayed Ali Mukhtar, Mohammad Firoz and Mohammad Azharuddin Saif, were involved in the multi-crore scam. Kaushal said that the scam came to light following a complaint by a Chandigarh resident, who was cheated of `20,000 while attempting to book a villa online. Upon arriving at the location, he discovered the villa did not exist. Operating from a rented room in Hyderabad, the accused would field calls from potential victims and use female telephone operators to build trust, he said. Kaushal said that the gang dupes unsuspecting tourists by exploiting loopholes on online booking platforms. The accused cheated tourists by listing non-existent properties for rent and collected advance payments through multiple bank accounts, he said. The SP said the Goa police recently received several complaints about online fraudsters targeting tourists. The victims said they were duped by fake villa listings on online booking platforms, where they were asked to pay advance for non-existent properties. As per initial investigations, more than 500 people have fallen prey to this scam. Efforts are underway to contact the victims and formally record their complaints, he said.

Woman tourist, instructor killed in paragliding accident in North Goa

PANAJI: A 27-year-old woman tourist and her instructor were killed after they crashed into a ravine while they were paragliding in North Goa, police said on Sunday. The accident occurred at Keri village on Saturday evening, an official said. Shivani Dable, a resident of Pune, and her instructor, Sumal Nepali (26), a Nepalese national, crashed to death at Keri Plateau around 5 pm, he said. The official said Dable had opted to paraglide with an adventure sports company operating illegally. As per the complaint, the paraglider plunged into a ravine soon after it took off from a cliff, killing the duo on the spot, he said. A case has been registered at Mandrem police station against company owner Shekhar Raizada under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita for endangering human life.

High Court upholds Speakers decision not to disqualify 8 MLAs

Panaji: Upholding order of the Speaker of Goa legislative assembly Ramesh Tawadkar not to disqualify the eight Congress MLAs who joined the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in September 2022, the High Court of Bombay at Goa on Thursday disposed of the petition filed by former Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president Girish Chodankar. Chodankar had [] The post High Court upholds Speakers decision not to disqualify 8 MLAs appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Golden Eagles aim for glory

They take on Inter Kashi at Fatorda Stadium today at 3.30 p.m. Panaji: Dempo SC are ready to make their presence felt as they host Inter Kashi at the PJN Stadium, Fatorda, today. Its the same hallowed ground where they first began their home dominance in the I-League, a place where history has been written [] The post Golden Eagles aim for glory appeared first on The Navhind Times .

GCA to host International GM Chess at Taleigao

Panaji: The Goa Chess Association unveiled the much-anticipated Late Shri Manohar Parrikar Goa International Open Grandmaster Chess Tournament 2025 at a press conference today. Set to run from January 11 to 19 at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Taleigao, the tournament promises to be a marquee event on the Indian chess calendar. [] The post GCA to host International GM Chess at Taleigao appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Deploy cops 24/7 at beaches, demand shack operators

Staff Reporter Panaji Shack operators have sought round-the-clock patrolling by police personnel at beach stretches across the state to prevent untoward incidents and ensure safety. The demand comes against the backdrop of recent altercations between tourists and shack operators, including their staff, particularly over alcohol and food service beyond closing hours. Shack operators said that [] The post Deploy cops 24/7 at beaches, demand shack operators appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Sawaikar, Kavlekar among 6 names shortlisted for state BJPs top post

Special Correspondent Panaji The state BJP core committee has forwarded names of six probable candidates to the central leadership in Delhi for the post of partys presidentship in Goa. The leaders, who have made it to the list include Narendra Sawaikar, Damodar Damu Naik, Chandrakant Babu Kavlekar, Dilip Parulekar Dayanand Mandrekar and Dayanand Sopte. The [] The post Sawaikar, Kavlekar among 6 names shortlisted for state BJPs top post appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Functional computers in only 20% of govt schools

Special Correspondent Panaji A report released by the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education states that only 20% of the government schools in Goa have functional computer facility for pedagogical purpose, as also 9% schools in Goa have Child With Special Needs (CWSN)-friendly toilets. Furthermore, the dropout rate at secondary [] The post Functional computers in only 20% of govt schools appeared first on The Navhind Times .

CM: 24 depts have spent only 30% of allocated funds

Staff Reporter Panaji A total of 24 state government departments have spent only 30% fund of the allocation made in the state budget 2024-25. These figures came to the fore during the pre-budget meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday at the Mantralaya in Porvorim. The meeting discussed various aspects of the budget, [] The post CM: 24 depts have spent only 30% of allocated funds appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Now, entry fee at 11 protected sites

Special Correspondent Panaji The government has recently notified 11 protected monuments in the state under the Goa Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Rules, 1980, including Chapora, Alorna and Cabo daRama forts. The visitors to these monuments will be charged fees. The other notified monuments are fortress of Khorjuve, caves at Khandepar, site of [] The post Now, entry fee at 11 protected sites appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Sawaikar, Sopte front runners for Goa BJP presidents post

Special Correspondent Panaji Goa unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is all set to have a new president, who will replace the incumbent state party chief Sadanand Tanavade later this month. Narendra Sawaikar, Damodar Damu Naik, Dilip Parulekar, Dayanand Mandrekar and Dayanand Sopte are some of the aspirants for the post and also under [] The post Sawaikar, Sopte front runners for Goa BJP presidents post appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Goa annex 8th Junior National Dueball title

Staff Reporter Panaji The Goa triumphed in the 8th Junior National Dueball Championship after a 3-2 win over Tamil Nadu in the final at Jaipur, Rajasthan. The closely-contested final showcased the resilience and skill of both teams, but Goa emerged victorious, with Vice-Captain Shreyash Palkar netting two crucial goals to steer his side to glory. [] The post Goa annex 8th Junior National Dueball title appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Armando to be conferred with Dronacharya award

Staff Reporter Panaji Former Dempo coach Armando Colaco will be conferred with the Dronacharya Award in the Lifetime Category, the highest recognition for coaches in the country. A stalwart of Indian football, Colaco led Dempo SC to an unprecedented five I-League titles, cementing his legacy as one of the finest coaches in Indian football history. [] The post Armando to be conferred with Dronacharya award appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Amended factories rules notified, new licence fee structure comes into effect

Staff Reporter Panaji The government notifiedthe Goa Factories (Seventeenth Amendment) Rules, 2024, on Thursday, laying down the new scale of licence fees applicable to factories as well as the new fee structure for changes in the factory name, amongothers. The annual licence fees this year on an average are about 25 per cent higher than [] The post Amended factories rules notified, new licence fee structure comes into effect appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Goas The Awakening clinches regional award

NT KURIOCITY The Awakening, a short film by students from Don Bosco College, Panaji, has been named the South Asia Regional Category Winner at the Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival, recently held at the Loretto Theatre in the USA. Three films from Goa were officially selected for screening at the festival: The Awakening, directed [] The post Goas The Awakening clinches regional award appeared first on The Navhind Times .

AP tourist killed in drunken brawl in Goa

Panaji: A 30-year-old visitor from Andhra Pradesh was killed in a drunken brawl at a beach shack in Goa in the wee hours of Tuesday, police said. The police have arrested a 23-year-old shack worker in connection with the incident which took place in Calangute area of North Goa district, they said. A group of inebriated tourists demanded food at the shack, despite its owner informing them that the kitchen was closed, a senior police official said. One of the visitors then began using abusive language against a woman working at the shack and the argument escalated into a scuffle, he said. One of the shack workers allegedly struck on tourist Ravi Teja's head with a wooden stick. The man died on the spot, the official said. The Calangute police later arrested shack worker Kamal Sonar, hailing from Nepal. Search was on for two other persons, including the shack owner, the official said. The police registered a case of murder against the accused, he added. Goa has seen a huge influx of visitors ahead of the New Year celebrations.

Andhra Pradesh tourist killed in drunken brawl in Goa

Panaji: A 30-year-old visitor from Andhra Pradesh was killed in a drunken brawl at a beach shack in Goa in the wee hours of Tuesday, police said. The police have arrested a 23-year-old shack worker in connection with the incident which took place in the Calangute area of North Goa district, they said. A group Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Goa: Delhi youth collapses, dies on first day of Sunburn EDM festival

Panaji: A Delhi resident collapsed and died while attending the Sunburn electronic dance music festival in Dhargal village in north Goa, a police official said on Sunday. The Goa police spokesperson identified the deceased as Karan Kashyap (26), a resident of Rohini in west Delhi. The incident took place at 9:45pm on Saturday. Kashyap collapsed and lost consciousness and was immediately taken to a private hospital in Mapusa. He died while undergoing treatment, the official said. The post mortem will be carried out at Goa Medical College and Hospital and action will follow if any foul play is detected, the police spokesperson added.

Serendipity Arts Festival 2024 | Warming up to AI in Panjim

At the AI Minilab and other programming at Serendipity Arts Festival, visitors learned first-hand that artificial intelligence isnt the boogeyman

One dead, 20 rescued after tourist boat capsizes off Calangute beach in Goa

PANAJI: One person died and 20 others were rescued after a tourist boat capsized in the Arabian Sea off Calangute beach in North Goa on Wednesday, police said. The incident occurred around 1.30 pm, they said. A 54-year-old man died and 20 others were rescued and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment after the boat they were travelling in capsized, a senior police official said. Except for two passengers, all others were wearing life jackets, he said. The passengers included children as young as six year old and women, he said. Spokesman of Drishti Marine, a government-appointed lifesaving agency, said the boat capsized around 60 metres away from the coastline, resulting in all the passengers falling off into the sea water. A family comprising 13 members from Khed in Maharashtra were among the passengers on board, he said. On seeing the boat getting capsized, a personnel of Drishti Marine rushed to aid and called for backup, he said. In all, 18 on-duty lifesavers rushed to the aid of the struggling passengers and brought them to shore safely, he said. The injured passengers were administered first aid, while those who were found to be critical were rushed to a medical facility in an ambulance, the spokesman said. Of the 20 passengers, two children aged six and seven each, and two women aged 25 and 55 each, were revived and hospitalised, he said, adding that two passengers on the boat were not wearing life jackets. #WATCH | Calangute boat capsize incident | Panaji, Goa: Lifeguard Incharge, Sanjay Yadav says, ...A boat capsized at the Calangute beach...We rescued 13 people in the incident. We don't know the exact number of people but around 6 people from the same family who were stuck under pic.twitter.com/M7X7z4nnEG ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2024 Goa is a popular tourist destination, especially during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. The incident occurred a week after a speeding Navy craft undergoing engine trials lost control and crashed into passenger ferry 'Neel Kamal' off the Mumbai coast, killing 15 persons . The ferry, carrying more than 100 passengers, was on its way from Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, a popular tourist attraction famous for its cave temples.

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.

FC Goa aim to light up Christmas

They take on Mohun Bagan SG at Fatorda Panaji: Christmas cheer in Goa as FC Goa will look to light up Christmas with three points against Table-Topper Mohun Bagan at PJN Stadium, Fatorda today. As Christmas lights sparkle across Goa, with homes adorned with stars, shimmering lamps, and lush fir trees, FC Goa fans have [] The post FC Goa aim to light up Christmas appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Blending eras with innovation and art

As part of the Serendipity Arts Festival 2024, Past Forward: Remix and Collaborations in Ceramics and Glass is on display at the Directorate of Accounts Building, Panaji. The exhibition showcases artists who are pushing boundaries by creatively and sustainably reimagining the passage of time Danuska Da Gama Art connects us to our memories, history, and [] The post Blending eras with innovation and art appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Escape plan staged by cops: Land grab accused Suleiman

Ready to surrender if case handed over to CBI, he says Panaji: In a new twist to the escape story of land grab accused Siddhique alias Suleiman Khan (54), it appears that it was a staged escape plan with support of Goa police. In a video message, Khan has claimed that it was a 12-member [] The post Escape plan staged by cops: Land grab accused Suleiman appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Land grab accused will be nabbed soon: CM

Panaji: Assuring people that the land-grab accused Siddhiqui alias Suleiman Khan, who recently escaped from police custody with the help of an IRBn constable, will be apprehended soon, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said misconduct by police officials will not be tolerated by the government. Speaking to the media, Sawant said, A detailed investigation is under [] The post Land grab accused will be nabbed soon: CM appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Spate of robberies in Sao Tome, locals demand increased patrolling

Three cafes, one bar targeted, attempt to break into house Panaji: The Sao Tome area saw a series of robberies in the early hours of Sunday, with an unidentified thief making off with cash and valuables from three cafs and a bar. Locals said that an attempt was also made to rob a house, with [] The post Spate of robberies in Sao Tome, locals demand increased patrolling appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Goa suffer defeat

Panaji: Goa suffered a narrow 3-4 defeat in their opening match against Kerala in the 78th National Football Championship Santosh Trophy at Deccan Arena, Hyderabad on Sunday. Goa got off to a dream start, with Nigel Fernandes finding the net in just the second minute. However, Kerala quickly regrouped, equalizing through Muhammed Riyas in the [] The post Goa suffer defeat appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Suleiman used criminal network to escape: Police

Staff Reporter Panaji The fugitive accused Siddhique alias Suleiman Khan (54) is a seasoned criminal who used his nefarious network in Karnataka to prepare and execute the escape plan successfully, the police said. Khan allegedly brainwashed the now dismissed IRBn police constable Amit Naik by assuring him Rs 3 crore for helping the key land [] The post Suleiman used criminal network to escape: Police appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Tanawade says cabinet reshuffle on the cards

Special Correspondent Panaji State president of the Bharatiya Janata Party Sadanand Tanawade on Saturday said the cabinet reshuffle is on the cards. The cabinet reshuffle may not happen immediately, however it is definitely on the cards, he added. Speaking to The Navhind Times, Tanawade said the reshuffle issue has been simmering with the central BJP [] The post Tanawade says cabinet reshuffle on the cards appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Dharmendra Sharma takes charge as Goa RERA chief

Staff Reporter Panaji Ex-Goa chief secretary and retired IAS officer Dharmendra Sharma has been appointed as the chairperson of the Goa Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA). TCP Minister Vishwajit Rane administered the oath of office to Sharma in Panaji on Thursday. Sharma, who served as Goas chief secretary from December 2016 to December 2018 before [] The post Dharmendra Sharma takes charge as Goa RERA chief appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Marathi Sangh commemorates Borkars death anniversary

Staff Reporter Panaji The Goa Marathi Patrakar Sangh on December 7 held a felicitation ceremony at Gomantak Sahitya Sevak Mandal Hall to mark the 25th death anniversary of late Lakshmidas Borkar, former editor of Daily Navprabha and founder of Goa Patrakar Sangh. Adv Rajesh Narvekar, former president of the Goa Administrative Tribunal and ex-reporter of [] The post Marathi Sangh commemorates Borkars death anniversary appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Dempo SC seek redemption

Staff Reporter Panaji Dempo SC, fresh from their first setback of the 2024-25 I-League season, will aim to bounce back when they face Sreenidi Deccan at the Deccan Arena, Telangana, in their fifth fixture of the campaign today. The Golden Eagles, who started the season strongly, stumbled in their last outing against SC Bengaluru. Despite [] The post Dempo SC seek redemption appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Diwar SC seal narrow win

Staff Reporter Panaji Diwar SC pulled off a two-wicket victory over Rambhuvan SC in the Division B Tiswadi Zone at Panjim Gymkhana. Rambhuvan were bowled out for 142 in 32.3 overs. Dipraj top-scored with a 55, supported by Gurudas with 23 and Nikhil with 9. However, their innings was halted by some impressive bowling, with [] The post Diwar SC seal narrow win appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Government reserves 5,000 positions for apprentices

Soiru Velip Panaji Offering hope to the jobless youth in the state, director of skill development and entrepreneurship SS Gaonkar said on Wednesday that the government has reserved 5,000 positions in various departments for candidates who complete year-long training under the chief ministers apprenticeship scheme. A total of 13,300 youths have participated or still participating [] The post Government reserves 5,000 positions for apprentices appeared first on The Navhind Times .

71 Maharashtrians engaged as postmen in Goa, LS told

Staff Reporter Panaji A reply tabled in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday disclosed that in the last five years 71 people from Maharashtra have been engaged as postmen in the postal division of Goa. The reply came to a question asked by South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes during the ongoing session of the Parliament. [] The post 71 Maharashtrians engaged as postmen in Goa, LS told appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Over 600 trees to be felled to make way for Porvorim flyover

Staff Reporter Panaji Over 600 trees will be cut down to make way for the elevated six-lane corridor along the national highway-66 (Guirim-Porvorim stretch), and around 2,000 new trees will be planted as part of compensatory afforestation, it was informed at a presentation held on Wednesday. It is to be noted that 447 trees have [] The post Over 600 trees to be felled to make way for Porvorim flyover appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Over 8 weeks, WWF-India Miramar Dialogues to unite voices for protecting Goas biodiversity

Staff Reporter Panaji In an eight-week engagement starting December 13, citizens, experts, and thought leaders will come together to discuss critical environmental issues impacting Goas biodiversity, conservation efforts, and sustainable development. WWF-Indias Miramar Dialogues series is designed to foster environmental awareness and inspire action in Goa. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the [] The post Over 8 weeks, WWF-India Miramar Dialogues to unite voices for protecting Goas biodiversity appeared first on The Navhind Times .

No Adarsh Gram village in Goa: Union Minister tells Tanavade

Special Correspondent Panaji Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Wednesday informed the Rajya Sabha that since 2018-19, altogether 29,851 villages have been selected under the Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY), with 36,896 works undertaken covering 41,29,228 beneficiaries. However, no Goa village is amongst the beneficiaries. As per the scheme [] The post No Adarsh Gram village in Goa: Union Minister tells Tanavade appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Chowgules gets GSPCB nod to mine 5L tonne dump in Sirigao

Staff Reporter Panaji Mining activity from the working of mineral dumps, in line with the state governments Dump Handling Policy, is ready to take off with the Chowgule and Company, receiving the consent to operate (CTO) from the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB). Chowgule, which is the first company to receive permission from the [] The post Chowgules gets GSPCB nod to mine 5L tonne dump in Sirigao appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Ore exporters seek solution to transportation stalemate

Staff reporter Panaji Amidst auctioned mining leases in the state going into production, the Goa Mineral Ore Exporters Association (GMOEA) on Wednesday urged the government to arrive at a solution to the issue of ore transportation that is now reached a stalemate. The representative body for mining exporting companies said that Vedantas Bicholim mine, which [] The post Ore exporters seek solution to transportation stalemate appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Merces mangrove area mapping on, report by Jan

Staff Reporter Panaji In a case related to illegal landfilling of mangroves in Murda, Merces, the government has informed the High Court of Bombay at Goa that the task force is in the process of mapping the entire area, with the report expected to be ready by January 1, 2025. The task force, appointed by [] The post Merces mangrove area mapping on, report by Jan appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Goa cash-for-jobs scam: AAP seeks judicial probe, says ED inquiry will 'fetch no result'

PANAJI: The Aam Aadmi Party on Wednesday demanded a judicial probe into the cash-for-jobs scam in Goa, claiming that an inquiry by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) will not yield any result. Goa BJP spokesperson Giriraj Pai Vernekar, however, said the opposition itself had demanded an ED inquiry which was now underway and there was nothing to hide. The AAP leaders were targeting Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and his family over the scam for political reasons, he said, adding the first FIR in the matter was registered at the CM's behest. The Goa police have arrested several persons in connection with the fraud wherein many people have been duped under the pretext of being provided government jobs. Several complaints had been filed across Goa, with many government job aspirants alleging they were forced to pay lakhs of rupees to some persons under the pretext of facilitating employment. CM Sawant had said an unbiased investigation was underway into the scam, with police apprehending several accused, who were luring youth to pay for getting government jobs. Talking to reporters here, AAP Goa president Amit Palekar said media reports have claimed the ED has initiated an inquiry into the scam. I feel that the ED's inquiry will fetch no results as it is yet another agency of the BJP, he alleged. Palekar alleged some BJP functionaries were involved in the scam, hence his party has demanded a judicial inquiry into it. AAP MP Sanjay Singh also recently targeted the state BJP government over the scam. Reacting to AAP's allegations of Sawant and his wife being involved in the scam, Vernekar challenged the Arvind Kejriwal-led outfit and other opposition parties to come forward with a single document linking the CM or his family to the cash-for-jobs scam. It is laughable that they (AAP) are criticising others, Vernekar told PTI. Sanjay Singh has spent several months in jail. I was expecting him to be a little more responsible but he wasn't, he added. Vernekar said the AAP leaders have not been able to give a single proof of the involvement of CM or his family in the scam. It is unfortunate to see the level of discourse and attack on the CM's family only for political reasons, he said. I urge the opposition that if they have any proof of CM or his family's involvement, they should give it rather than making baseless allegations, he said. Vernekar said if these attacks do not stop, then they will have to explore all options. Now all lies being spoken about the involvement of BJP leaders would be exposed. The opposition has been demanding ED inquiry for a long time and it is now fulfilled, he said. Once the investigation into the scam is over, it will be clear that individual men and women were defrauding the people, he said, asserting there was no involvement of any senior BJP leader. The investigation is on. As far as the government's intent of government is concerned, we have asked people (victims of the fraud) to come forward and lodge a case, he said. After realising that some men and women were duping people, it was CM Sawant who asked police to start an investigation, Vernekar said. The first FIR was filed at the behest of the chief minister and not the opposition or any victim, he said. So far, 30 FIRs hve been registered and more than 25 persons arrested in connection with the case, Vernekar said. The accused have been arrested and it has only happened because the CM has been repeatedly appealing to the people of Goa that they should come forward and not let scamsters dupe them of their hard-earned money, he added.

Tillari irrigation project: Rs 264.86 crore scheme okayed for three talukas

Staff Reporter Panaji The Command Area Development Board for the Tillari irrigation project has approved a development scheme worth Rs 264.86 crore for the three talukas of Goa under the projects command area. The scheme will benefit the talukas of Bicholim, Bardez, and Pernem, covering a combined command area of 14,521 hectares5130 in Bicholim, 5137 [] The post Tillari irrigation project: Rs 264.86 crore scheme okayed for three talukas appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Goa section of Tamnar project ready, Ktaka portion under way

Staff Reporter Panaji PWD Minister Ramkrishna Sudin Dhavalikar said on Tuesday that while the Tamnar power project in Goa is ready, its full operational capacity of supplying 1200 MW to the state depends on the completion of the Karnataka portion of the project. Until Karnatakas segment is completed, Goa will not receive the full benefits [] The post Goa section of Tamnar project ready, Ktaka portion under way appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Plans afoot to solarise 38,000 farming pumps in Goa: Shripad

Staff Reporter Panaji Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shripad Naik, said that Goa plans to promote and implement the solarisation of agricultural pumps as part of its goal to become the state with the lowest energy footprint in India by 2050. The initiative aims to convert 38,000 agricultural pumps [] The post Plans afoot to solarise 38,000 farming pumps in Goa: Shripad appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Goa fined Ktaka trawlers Rs 14.8L for illegally fishing in its waters

Staff Reporter Panaji The Goa Government has filed 10 cases against fishing boats from other states illegally fishing in Goan waters and imposed a fine to the tune of over Rs 14.80 lakh during 2022-24, informed Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh. According to information provided by [] The post Goa fined Ktaka trawlers Rs 14.8L for illegally fishing in its waters appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Govts flawed policies blamed for decline in foreign tourists nos

Staff Reporter Panaji Leader of Opposition (LoP) Yuri Alemao on Tuesday said that despite tourism being a crucial part of Goas economy, the BJP government has failed to attract high-spending international tourists. Alemao was reacting to reports of a decline in foreign tourist footfall in Goa. The Congress party has always said that the BJP [] The post Govts flawed policies blamed for decline in foreign tourists nos appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Goa Police annex Bandodkar T20 title

Staff Reporter Panaji Goa Police clinched the Bandodkar T20 title with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Stamina CC at Campal Ground, Panaji. Opting to field first after winning the toss, Goa Police delivered an all-round performance to outclass their opponents. Stamina CC struggled to build momentum and were bowled out for 110 in 19.5 overs. [] The post Goa Police annex Bandodkar T20 title appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Mahalaxmi CC outclass Akbar SC

Staff Reporter Panaji Mahalaxmi Cricket Club delivered a dominant performance to secure a seven-wicket victory over Akbar SC in the Division B Tiswadi Zone clash at Panjim Gymkhana onTuesday. Winning the toss, Mahalaxmi CC opted to field first, a decision that paid off as Akbar SC struggled to build momentum, managing 162 runs in 27.2 [] The post Mahalaxmi CC outclass Akbar SC appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Oppn making baseless allegations against CM over cash-for-jobs scam: BJP

Special Correspondent Panaji The BJP, on Monday, appealed to the people to identify the reality behind the people in the opposition political parties, who are defaming the Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant and his family over the cash- for-jobs scam. The state unit of the BJP maintained that the opposition has no proof about the involvement [] The post Oppn making baseless allegations against CM over cash-for-jobs scam: BJP appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Activists slam use of polluted River Sal water for Republic Day programme in Delhi

Roque Dias Panaji The recent initiative to carry River Sals water to the National War Memorial in Delhi for the Republic Day event in Delhi has sparked criticism owing to the water bodys severe pollution levels. The Defence Ministry and the Directorate General of the National Cadet Corps had chosen Sal, which is Goas third-largest [] The post Activists slam use of polluted River Sal water for Republic Day programme in Delhi appeared first on The Navhind Times .

MLA sextortion: Police seek custodial interrogation of accused

Staff Reporter Panaji Crime branch have sought custodial interrogation of KukeshRauta, who was arrested for allegedly extorting money from a sitting MLA by threatening to share an explicit video. Police have filed their reply in connection with the bail application filed by Rauta before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Mapusa. The matter is likely [] The post MLA sextortion: Police seek custodial interrogation of accused appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Traffic-sharing pattern at Dabolim, Mopa airports depends on mkt dynamics

Special Correspondent Panaji Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol on Monday informed the Rajya Sabha that traffic-sharing pattern at Dabolim and Mopa airports depends on market dynamics, airlines, type of aircrafts and sectors operated. Replying to a question by MP Sadanand Tanawade, Mohol said that during 2023-24, Mopa airport handled 44.06 lakh passengers1.15 [] The post Traffic-sharing pattern at Dabolim, Mopa airports depends on mkt dynamics appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Goa recorded 295 forest fire incidents during past 5 years

Staff Reporter Panaji The state has recorded 36 forest fire incidents from November 2023 to June this year,while 295 such caseshave been reported during the pastfive years. In a written reply tabled by Union Minister of State for Environment Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh in the Rajya Sabha, the state witnessed 147 forest [] The post Goa recorded 295 forest fire incidents during past 5 years appeared first on The Navhind Times .

6 AI cams keep eye on chain snatchers at Exposition

Panaji: To monitor the movement of habitual chain snatchers and pickpockets, Goa police have installed six AI-based cameras with facial recognition at the ongoing Exposition of the relics of St Francis Xavier, Old Goa. The authorities are keeping tabs to identify these repeat offenders through a database maintained by the police. Police also said that [] The post 6 AI cams keep eye on chain snatchers at Exposition appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Ease rules to convert pvt co to LPP, GCCI in pre-Budget memorandum to govt

Panaji: The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) submitted its pre-Budget memorandum to the government with suggestions focused on tax simplification and improvement in ease of doing business (EoDB.) For salaried tax payers, the GCCI has asked for raising the income tax exemption limit to Rs five lakh and increasing the rebates under section [] The post Ease rules to convert pvt co to LPP, GCCI in pre-Budget memorandum to govt appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Treat in store for Panjimites as fests celebrate food, theatre and cinema

Festa do Povo returns for second edition on December 14-15 Panaji: The second edition of the popular community festival, Festa do Povo will be held on December 14 and 15.The festival is organised through civic participation, with the support of the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) and Imagine Panaji, along the mangrove lined [] The post Treat in store for Panjimites as fests celebrate food, theatre and cinema appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Telangana: Raja Singh urges Christians to unite against love jihad

Panaji: BJP MLA from Telangana, T Raja Singh, on Sunday appealed to Christians to join hands with Hindus for the united fight against love jihad which is affecting both religions. Addressing a Bajrang Dal rally at Curchorem in south Goa, Singh said India wont have a Hindu prime minister in the next 20 to 30 Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Melody and rhythm

The 13th Swarmangesh Master Dinanath Mangeshkar Memorial Classical Music and Dance Festival organised by Swastik Panaji will be held from December 6 to 8 at Dinanath Mangeshkar Auditorium, Kala Academy, Panaji Inaugurated by Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar 12 years ago, Swarmangesh has been a grand celebration of music, rhythm, dance, and tradition, offering [] The post Melody and rhythm appeared first on The Navhind Times .

CM advocates short, long-term courses in disaster management

Staff Reporter Panaji Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday said there is need to start short- and long-term courses in disaster management. Stating that Goa has the best fire headquarters in the country, he said, Fire personnel from other fire stations in the country are provided training at the Regional Training Centre, St Inez. Even [] The post CM advocates short, long-term courses in disaster management appeared first on The Navhind Times .

IDC to put up 29 plots for sale through e-auction

Staff Reporter Panaji The Goa Industrial Development Corporation on Saturday announced the sixth e-auction of 29 industrial plots, of which 20 plots are in the prime location of Verna industrial estate and nine are commercial plots in different industrial estates.The sale of plots will be open for around two months. Announcing the sixth e-auction, GIDC [] The post IDC to put up 29 plots for sale through e-auction appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Lucky escape for two at flyover project site

Staff Reporter Panaji Two people had a lucky escape after an iron rod from the under-construction flyover fell and pierced through the windshield of their car in Porvorim on Saturday. Both car occupants a male and a female escaped unhurt in the evening, the police said. According to the police, a case of [] The post Lucky escape for two at flyover project site appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Industry not enthusiasticon going online: GIDC

Staff Reporter Panaji Goa industry, which has been demanding the use of technology to improve services, is showing lukewarm response to the governments call to go online, rued Goa Industrial Development Corporation chairman Reginaldo Lourenco on Saturday. He said that of the 3,060 industrial units, just 1,964 units have provided information so as to be [] The post Industry not enthusiasticon going online: GIDC appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Wilred Leisure edge DBO Panjim

Staff Reporter Chandor Wilred Leisure SC, Curtorim defeated Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda 5-3 via tie-breaker to march to final of 18th All Goa Guirdolim Panchayat Cup organised by Guirdolim Club and played at Chandor Church Sports Complex on Saturday. The match started with DBO Fatorda dominating proceedings right from the word go. Edgar Noronha could [] The post Wilred Leisure edge DBO Panjim appeared first on The Navhind Times .

St Anthonys Club Colva win

Staff Reporter Navelim/Panaji The GFA U-13 Division II League witnessed thrilling encounters as DBO Fatorda, Vasco United FC, and Rising Star SCC registered impressive wins. DBO Fatorda secured a commanding 3-1 victory over St Anthonys Club Colva. Reuben Pereira opened the scoring in the 6th minute, followed by Joswalt Fernandes in the 18th minute. Despite [] The post St Anthonys Club Colva win appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Goa CM's personal email hacked, restored

Panaji: The personal email of Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant was briefly hacked, a senior official said on Saturday. The investigation showed no visible damage was caused to the Gmail account because of hacking on November 19 night, he said. The Cyber Crime cell of Goa Police immediately swung into action and the CM's personal Gmail ID was restored after four to five hours, the official said. An investigation is underway to track down the hacker. The CM's gmail ID is attached to YouTube and other social media, he added.

Goa-IDC launches industry governance online platform OPEN

PANAJI, Nov 30:Goa Industrial Development Corporation on Saturday launched Indias first Digital Public Good for Industry Governance framework, Open Platform for Enterprise Network (OPEN), to transform industry governance by simplifying, digitising and standardising government-to-business transactions. The formal launch of this platform marks a significant milestone in Goas journey toward enhancing the ease of doing business and fostering a vibrant industrial ecosystem, Goa Industrial Development Corporation (Goa-IDC) Chairman Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco said while addressing a press conference in Panaji. As [] The post Goa-IDC launches industry governance online platform OPEN appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

HC issues notices on plea challenging villa project

Staff Reporter Panaji The High Court of Bombay at Goa has issued notices to the state of Goa and others in a petition challenging the proposed construction of residential villas in Bardez. The petitioners counsel contended that the technical clearance granted for the construction of the residential villas and swimming pools is illegal. The clearance, [] The post HC issues notices on plea challenging villa project appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Assess requirement of sand for restoration of Candolim beach: HC

Staff Reporter Panaji The High Court of Bombay at Goa, reviewing a report of Goa Biodiversity Board (GBB) on the status of Candolim beach near survey number 146 and recommendations of National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) for increasing the beachs width, has directed the GBB to revisit the site and assess whether additional sand is [] The post Assess requirement of sand for restoration of Candolim beach: HC appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Fishing Vessel-Submarine Collision: Bodies of Two Crew Recovered

Panaji: The bodies of two crew members who went missing after a fishing vessel collided with a submarine have been recovered from the Arabian Sea off the Goa coast, a senior naval official said on Friday. The fishing vessel, Marthoma, sank after colliding with the submarine of the Indian Navy at about 70 nautical miles off the shore last week, triggering a massive operation to trace the two crew members. In a joint operation involving the Navy, Indian Coast Guard and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) on Thursday, the mortal remains of the missing crew members were recovered from the seabed near the shipwreck, an Indian Navy spokesperson said. The boat had sunk after colliding with an Indian Navy submarine on November 21. Eleven of the 13 crew were rescued on the same day by Indian Navy ships, while two persons had remained missing, he said. The official said that the Indian Navy and Coast Guard jointly undertook a week-long search, which helped localise the fishing boat's wreckage. The mortal remains of the two crew (members) were recovered from the vicinity of the wreckage with the assistance of ONGC and are now being handed over to the authorities, he added.

Staff selection panel seeks details of govt vacancies

Staff Reporter Panaji Setting the ball rolling for recruitments to stem the tide of public sector job frauds, the Goa Staff Selection Commission (GSSC) has instructed all government departments to submit details of vacant posts between January 1 and January 31, 2025. The departments are required to provide information about vacancies, excluding those reserved for [] The post Staff selection panel seeks details of govt vacancies appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Water scarcity in neighbouring states drives up veggie prices

Shahin Bepari Lambe Panaji The prices of several essential vegetables have surged across Goas markets, with vendors pointing to a regional shortage caused by a combination of factors, including water scarcity in neighbouring states, heavy rainfall, crop spoilage, and limitedlocal supply. Tomatoes and onions, in particular, have seen a sharp rise in price, impacting consumers [] The post Water scarcity in neighbouring states drives up veggie prices appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Over 50 wetlands identified for upkeep and ecological balance

Abdul Wahab Khan Panaji The Goa State Wetland Authority (GSWA) has said that over 50 wetlands have now been identified across the state, and 15 of them, including a Ramsar site, have already been notified under the Wetland (Conservation & Management) Rules 2017. This is a crucial step forward, as bringing these waterbodies under the [] The post Over 50 wetlands identified for upkeep and ecological balance appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Pope longing to come to India, says Archbishop

Staff Reporter Panaji Stating that Pope Francis is longing to come to India, Archbishop of Goa and Daman Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao on Wednesday said Governor PS Sreedharan Pillai can play a vital role in asking the Centre to invite him to the country. Speaking during a nine-member papal delegations visit to the Governor at [] The post Pope longing to come to India, says Archbishop appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Fast-tracking of disputed tax orders cuts backlog of appeals

Shoma Patnaik Panaji In a relief to income taxpayers in the state, disputed tax orders are being cleared on a fast-track mode this year reflected in a drastic drop in the number of pending appeals before the Income Tax Appellate Tribunals (ITAT) Goa bench, to 400 cases presently from over 1,000 at the start of [] The post Fast-tracking of disputed tax orders cuts backlog of appeals appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Guv hosts reception forVaticandelegates

Staff Reporter Panaji A nine-memberVaticandelegation visited Raj Bhavan on Wednesday. Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai welcomed Archbishop Edgar Pea Parra, Substitute for the Secretariat of State at theVaticanand the third highest-ranking official in the Catholic Church, Cardinal-designate Msgr Rolandas Makrickas, Archpriest of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferro, Archbishop of Goa [] The post Guv hosts reception forVaticandelegates appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Legal metrology cracks down on city exhibition, seizes papad packets

Staff Reporter Panaji The Legal Metrology Department seized 85 packets of papad from a stall at an exhibition at Bal Bhavan, Campal on Wednesday. The inspection was carried out based on a complaint filed by GOACAN.GOACAN coordinator Roland Martins said that the packets were seized due to non-compliance of Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities Rules of [] The post Legal metrology cracks down on city exhibition, seizes papad packets appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Maa Kaali to be premiered at IFFI

PANAJI: Maa Kaali The Erased History of Bengal is set for its world premiere at 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. The film is an attempt to bring to light an erased truth about India history. It is also socio-politically relevant given the current turmoil in Bangladesh, according to representatives of the production house, which had produced national award winning super hit Karthikeya 2 in 2022. Raima Sen and bureaucrat-turned-actor Abhishek Singh starrer and directed by Vijay Yelakanti, the film is based on the pivotal events around Direct Action Day in 1946. Maa Kaali aims to put forth the erased history of Bengal, revealing the bloody truth of the ruthless massacre in Calcutta and Noakhali in present-day India and Bangladesh respectively, said the producers. The movie will premiere on November 26. The premiere will be attended by director Yelakanti, Producers at People Media Factory, who are also currently involved in marketing their film Pushpa 2, actors Abhishek Singh, Raima Sen. Goa chief minister Pramod Swany is also expected to attend the screening. On Sunday, Sawant met the team of Maa Kaali. The director shared his enthusiasm of bringing the truth out of Indian erased history. Maa Kaali is not ideally a mass entertainer but a mass thinker, a cinema that aims to offer a lesson to not let history repeat itself. We are extremely glad and honoured that our vision aligns with the prestigious IFFI and they recognised the importance of the film, he said. Speaking about the project, Singh said, With the current scenario in Bangladesh we are taken back in time when the religious disturbances in Bengal began, a film like Maa Kaali is important today and IFFI is the right platform to showcase it. We are humbled and encouraged by the support of IFFI. Since the film involves disturbing scenes depicting violence and communal atrocities, it also faced issues for clearance at the censor board earlier. However, after a tenacious fight, the makers of Maa Kaali have received the certification, and are expected to announce the release date soon. Written and directed by Yelakanti, Maa Kaali is produced by TG Vishwa Prasad, co-produced by Vivek Kuchibhotla and presented by makers of Karthikeya 2. The pan-Indian film is shot in Hindi and will release in Bengali and Telugu as well next year. Sen essays the role of a woman affected during the 1946 Calcutta killings. The story is about the communal riots that gripped the city from August 16, 1946, dubbed as Direct Action Day, a year before Indias independence. Thousands of people lost their lives in communal violence over the next few days, and the riots spiraled into more disturbances across undivided India. The movie has got the go-ahead from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film depicts the misery faced by many families ripped apart during the Partition, their identities destroyed in the ensuing chaos through the story of a Bengali Ghosh family. On August 16, 1946, Muslim League called for a Direct Action Day under the leadership of Mohammad Ali Jinnah. The aim of Direct Action Day by the Muslim League was to get Pakistan through violent means if not by legal means. The story progresses over several decades, following the Ghosh family as they sail through the hardships and tragedies of history. Against the backdrop of communal violence and political turmoil, they represent tenacity in the face of hardship, reflecting the challenges of a generation caught in historys crossfire. The film not only sheds light on forgotten narratives surrounding Direct Action Day but also addresses themes of identity, resilience, and societal barriers. Based on Direct Action Day in 1946 According to the films producers, Maa Kaali aims to put forth the erased history of Bengal, revealing the bloody truth of the ruthless massacre in Calcutta and Noakhali in present-day India and Bangladesh respectively. The movie directed by Vijay Yelakanti and starring Raima Sen and bureaucrat-turned-actor Abhishek Singh, will premiere on November 26. The film depicts the misery faced by families ripped apart during the Partition, their identities destroyed in the ensuing chaos, through the story of a Bengali Ghosh family. Maa Kaali is not ideally a mass entertainer but a mass thinker, a cinema that aims to offer a lesson to not let history repeat itself. We are extremely glad and honoured that our vision aligns with the prestigious IFFI and they recognised the importance of the film, said director Yelakanti.

I don't take AI lightly, it has affected creative fields: CBFC chairman Prasoon Joshi

PANAJI: Considering the penetration of a new generative toolartificial intelligence (AI) in human life especially in the creative realm, renowned lyricist, writer and chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) Prasoon Joshi is ready to test its capability for film ratings. In the future, can AI be used in the rating system of films? Is it possible by using its algorithm and data system? I am not making this statement as an official, but as a thinker, I have started thinking about it. Can AI play a role in these things? Joshi said. Speaking on the sidelines of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, he believed that whatever can be done with the brain, can also be done with AI. I dont take Artificial Intelligence lightly. It was supposed to hit creative fields the last, however it has affected creative fields the first, said Joshi, a two-time national award winner. On the originality of content through AI, he added that creation is not limited to juggling and mathematics of words; it is also related to emotions and spiritualism. Safarnama: Dedication to four legendary film artists at IFFI Creativity is associated with the existence of life. If the question is related to juggling or words and creating verses, AI can do it. In Urdu, there is a word, Laffazai (rhetoric). AI can do better in Laffazi than us. However, whether AI is capable of responding to basic questions and has any motivation, it is yet to be seen, he said. While expressing concern over content on digital platforms being consumed by kids without parental control, the former advertising professional said that the biggest challenge before us is parenting our children and we cannot surrender them to the content. Content cannot be the parents of children. The danger is that the iPad is in the hands of a two-year-old child and he is spending time on it, said Joshi, who is also the steering committee member of IFFI. Joshi also shared that content mainly made for the grown-ups is being served to children, adding that he is aware of the absence of children films in IFFI and hopefully, in the next edition of the festival, this aspect would be taken care of. This is there in my mind. And next year when we come up, we will focus more on childrens content. We will recognize and honour the producer of children's content because society needs that kind of content, concluded Joshi. Human-centric AI is quickly emerging

Not possible to even reach Everest base camp without guidance of Sherpas: actor Manisha Koirala

PANAJI, Nov 24: Its impossible to even reach the Everest base camp, let alone summit the peak, without the guidance of the Sherpas, says actor Manisha Koirala, who is happy the community is getting its due on screen. Nepal-born Koirala said she often feels horrible about the sad livelihood of the Sherpas, who predominantly serve as guides for climbers hoping to scale the worlds tallest peaks at extreme altitudes in the Himalayan region. She was speaking at an in-conversation [] The post Not possible to even reach Everest base camp without guidance of Sherpas: actor Manisha Koirala appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Language should not be barrier: Tributes to ANR

PANAJI: Sharing memories of his father and noted filmmaker Akkineni Nageswara Rao, widely known as ANR, Telugu superstar Nagarjuna on Friday said that ANRs belief that language should not be a barrier was ahead of its time. My fathers goal was clear: to make Telugu cinema a force to be reckoned with. He established Annapurna Studios, which remains a cornerstone of the industry today. His belief that language should not be a barrier was ahead of its time, said the actor said. He was speaking at a special session titled Centenary Special ANR: Celebrating the Life and Works of Akkineni Nageswara Rao held in Panaji as part of the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). He was in conversation with actor Khushbu Sundar. The programme began with a tribute video showcasing ANRs legacy and his pivotal role in shaping Telugu cinema, after which Nagarjuna shared several anecdotes of his father and also spoke about his vision for the industry. Nagarjuna reminisced that ANR had started playing women characters at a time when women were not allowed to work in theatre. He recalled that his father would look cute in plaits, adding that may be this was one of the reason the late legend had turned to acting. The IFFI is celebrating the birth centenary of the Telugu cinema stalwart by showcasing a restored version of his 1953 movie Devadasu. Nagarjuna also revealed that at one point, ANR was dejected as he was mocked by a lot of people who made fun of him for his feminine mannerisms. People made fun of him and that really dejected him. He went to Marina Beach where he wanted to kill himself because there was so much laughter (mockery) and all of that. He told me he went waist deep into the sea water and then something in him stopped him, Nagarjuna said. Nagarjuna credited his family for preserving ANRs vision through initiatives like the Annapurna College of Film and, adding, It is about creating a platform for the next generation of filmmakers. When asked about a biopic on Nageswara Rao, Nagarjuna revealed that his plan was to make a documentary. A documentary would better capture the essence of his life and vision, the actor explained. The Mask director wants to work with SRK, Aamir Hollywood filmmaker Chuck Russell, best known for Hollywood hits such as The Mask and The Scorpion King, has already tried his hand at directing a Hindi film and he now aspires to collaborate with Bollywood superstars Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. Russell ventured into Indian cinema with the 2019 film Junglee, starring Vidyut Jammwal and Akshay Oberoi. Ive been wanting to work with Aamir Khan before. He knows it, Ive visited him. And Shah Rukh Khan. I got to work with Akshay (Oberoi) and my cast in Junglee was terrific. I like working with different cultures and talent that is new to me. All of India is new to me, Russell said.