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 .
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 .
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 .
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 .
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 .
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 .
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 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 .
7,000+ skilled under PMKVY in Goa since 2019-21: Govt in Lok Sabha
Staff Reporter Panaji Over 7,000 candidates in the State have been trained under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) since the financial year 2019-21. A robust stakeholder consultation and regulatory framework has been established for conducting necessary research/study/survey to provide training courses under PMKVY to youth for purposes of up-skilling and re-skilling, Union Minister [] The post 7,000+ skilled under PMKVY in Goa since 2019-21: Govt in Lok Sabha 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.
Egg prices skyrocket to Rs 90 per dozen ahead of Christmas in Goa
Egg prices in Panaji have soared to Rs 90 per dozen due to the holiday season, impacting consumers and businesses. Poultry farms are being accused of monopolizing sales, driving up costs. Bakeries and restaurants face higher ingredient expenses for holiday treats. The price surge extends to chicken, further straining household budgets during the festive period.
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 .
Rs 9.69 crore untied grants from Centre to benefit 191 panchayats
Staff Reporter Panaji The Union Government has released the Fifteenth Finance Commission Grants for rural local bodies for the Financial Year 2024-25 forthe state. In Goa, the second instalment of Untied Grants for the Financial Year 2022-23, totalling Rs 9.69 crores, will benefit the states191 panchayats. According to a press release from the Union government, [] The post Rs 9.69 crore untied grants from Centre to benefit 191 panchayats 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 .
Panaji murder: UP man arrested for killing labourer over food dispute
A 38-year-old Uttar Pradesh native, Arvind Tiwari, was arrested in Panaji, Goa, for the murder of a 48-year-old labourer, John. The incident occurred on Monday night at an under-construction building following a dispute over food sharing. Tiwari allegedly slashed John's neck with a sharp weapon and was apprehended within two hours of the crime.
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 .
4.52L foreign tourists visited Goa in 2023
Staff Reporter Panaji The Union Ministry of Tourism has reported an increase in foreign tourist arrivals in Goa since the Covid pandemic. In a response to a question raised by South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes in the Parliament on Monday, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that Goa recorded 22,128 foreign tourist visits in [] The post 4.52L foreign tourists visited Goa in 2023 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 .
Satyapal Maliks actions show he was never fit be Goa governor: BJP
Panaji: Former Goa governor Satyapal Malik started making unfounded statements against BJP leaders after realising that he wouldnt get any position, a state minister alleged on Monday. Maliks actions after he was transferred out of Goa showed that he was never fit for the post of governor in the first place, claimed BJP leader and []
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 .
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 .
Bangladeshi vlogger accused of sexually harassing Russian tourists in Goa; probe underway
Panaji: The Goa police are investigating allegations of sexual harassment against a vlogger accused of shooting videos of Russian women during his visit to the coastal state, an official said Sunday. The matter was brought to the polices notice when an X user pointed out videos posted by a vlogger of a Russian woman sunbathing []
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 .
Porvorim flyover work kicks up dust, safety concerns
Shahin Lambe Bepari Panaji An iron rod from the under- construction elevated corridor piercing through the windshield of a car in Porvorim on Saturday evening brought to the fore safety concerns as the work has picked up pace lately Commuters travelling between Mapusa and Panaji are grappling with hardship owing to the construction of the [] The post Porvorim flyover work kicks up dust, safety concerns 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 .
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 .
Pushpa 2 a mixture of emotional drama, action and swag: Rashmika Mandanna at IFFI
Panaji, Nov 28 (PTI) Actor Rashmika Mandanna on Thursday said the upcoming sequel of the 2021 Telugu blockbuster film Pushpa: The Rise is going to be an emotional drama besides being loaded with high-octane action and swag. The actor, who features in the sequel, Pushpa 2: The Rule along with Telugu cinema star Allu Arjun []
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 .
Mopa airport all set to handle 7.7 million fliers
Shoma Patnaik Panaji Ahead of peak tourist footfall in the state and even as demand for air connectivity is increasing, the Manohar International Airport (MIA) at Mopa is ready to handle 7.7 million passengers from the present 4.4 million fliers. The GMR Goa International Airport Limited (GGIAL), operator of the Mopa airport, said the phase-II [] The post Mopa airport all set to handle 7.7 million fliers 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 .
Every good indie film has to become stepping stone for next one: Shahana Goswami on Santosh
Panaji, Nov 26: Actor Shahana Goswami, who stars in the UKs official entry to Oscars 2025 Santosh, is excited about the films chances at the upcoming awards ceremony and hopes all the attention it is receiving globally boosts independent cinema at large. Santosh marks the feature directorial debut of British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri. Goswami, known []
Working with Pratik Gandhi is always a joy: Divyenndu on reuniting with Madgaon Express co-star
Panaji, Nov 24: Actor Divyenndu says his creative partnership with Pratik Gandhi, his co-star from Madgaon Express and the upcoming movie Agni, is one rooted in mutual respect and ease. The duo first starred together on actor Kunal Kemmus directorial debut Madgaon Express, which was released to universal praise in March this year. Their upcoming []
Ranbir Kapoor announces Raj Kapoor Film Festival at IFFI 2024
Panaji, Nov 24: Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor on Sunday announced that a film festival showcasing restored movies of his grandfather, veteran filmmaker Raj Kapoor, will be held across the country to celebrate his birth centenary in December. Ranbir was in conversation with filmmaker Rahul Rawail at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) here []
Mrs a beautiful blend of my two passions acting and dancing: Sanya Malhotra
Panaji, Nov 24: Dance is the common thread that binds together Sanya Malhotra and her character Richa in Arati Kadavs Mrs, and the actor says the film was the perfect project where she got an opportunity to pursue both her passions. The Delhi-born actor, who is a trained dancer in contemporary and ballet dance forms, []
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 .
Closer the gap between literature and films, better Indian cinema will be: Mani Ratnam
Panaji, Celebrated filmmaker Mani Ratnam, who adapted Kalki Krishnamurthys Tamil novel Ponniyin Selvan into a two-part film saga, says Indian cinema could benefit by translating great literary works for screen. Ratnam said it doesnt get better if a director is able to reinvent a work by a master writer like Kalki. The fantastic solution is []
I want to make a web series: Filmmaker Rahul Rawail
PANAJI: Veteran director Rahul Rawail, known for movies such as Love Story, Betaab, Arjun, and Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya, says he wants to venture into the streaming space with a web series.I want to be in the OTT space. I want to make a web series, he told PTI in an interview on the sidelines []
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.
Awards dont create value for independent films in India: Manoj Bajpayee
Panaji, Nov 22: Actor Manoj Bajpayee, known for starring in critically-acclaimed indies such as Gali Guleiyan, Bhosle, and Joram, on Friday said awards at international film festivals dont necessarily ensure that an independent film will be received warmly at home. The actor, said the glory of such award is short-lived unless it is Oscars. No []
Road safety council seeks to up accident victim aid to Rs 10L
Panaji: The Goa State Road Safety Council, during its meeting on Friday, proposed to increase the accident victim compensation from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 10 lakh under the Smart City initiatives to better support affected families. The meeting, chaired by Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho at the Secretariat in Porvorim, also discussed critical road safety [] The post Road safety council seeks to up accident victim aid to Rs 10L appeared first on The Navhind Times .
With forest cover dipping, NGT seeks report from states on conservation
Panaji: The National Green Tribunal has initiated a suo motu investigation into Indias dwindling forest cover, issuing notices to all states and union territories, including Goa, to provide comprehensive reports on their conservation efforts within a month. NGTs principal bench, led by Justice Sudhir Agarwal and Dr. Afroz Ahmad, took cognisance of the matter based [] The post With forest cover dipping, NGT seeks report from states on conservation appeared first on The Navhind Times .
Govt will replace dead trees in Panaji with same species, says CM
Panaji: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Friday that the state government would plant the same species of trees that had died after living for more than 200-300 years in Panaji. Be it D B Marg or any part of Panaji, there are many trees that are more than 200-300 years old. We also do [] The post Govt will replace dead trees in Panaji with same species, says CM appeared first on The Navhind Times .
Goa lost 921 hectares of tree cover in two decades: Global Forest Watch
Forest department finds faults with methodology used Abdul Wahab Khan Panaji: Goas image of being a green state has taken a beating with a study stating that the state has lost a considerable portion of its forest cover over the last two decades. According to a report by Global Forest Watch (GFW), an online platform [] The post Goa lost 921 hectares of tree cover in two decades: Global Forest Watch appeared first on The Navhind Times .
Prasar Bharati Launches 'Waves' OTT App with 40 Live Channels and Classic Content
NEW DELHI:Indias public broadcaster, Prasar Bharati, has launched its own OTT (Over-The-Top) platform, Waves. The app offers a diverse range of content, including live channels, classic shows, and archived programming from Doordarshan and Aakashvani, catering to a wide audience of all ages. Waves brings together nostalgic classics like Ramayan, Mahabharat, Shaktimaan, and Hum Log, as well as a variety of modern programming. The platform promises to connect audiences with Indias rich cultural heritage while keeping up with the demands of the digital age. It features a collection of news, documentaries, and regional content, all available for free. The app supports over 12 languages, including Hindi, English, Bengali, Marathi, Kannada, Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati, Punjabi, and Assamese. It spans more than 10 genres of infotainment, offering video-on-demand, free-to-play games, radio streaming, live TV, and 65 live channels. The platform also integrates online shopping through the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), allowing users to shop while enjoying their favorite content. Waves also provides a platform for content creators, including well-known figures like Kamiya Jani, RJ Raunac, and Shraddha Sharma, as well as student filmmakers from prestigious institutions such as FTII and Annapurna. In line with the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) focus on young filmmakers, Waves will showcase student films, including Roll No.52 by Nagarjuna and Amala Akkineni from Annapurna Film and Media Studio. The app will feature exclusive content such as the modern adaptation of the 1980s Shahrukh Khan show Fauji, titled Fauji 2.0, and other exciting series like Kicking Balls, Jackson Halt, and Jaiye Aap Kahan Jayenge. Currently, Waves offers around 40 live channels, including popular networks like B4U, ABZY, SAB Group, and 9X Media, alongside major news channels such as India Today, News Nation, Republic, ABP News, News24, and NDTV India. Navneet Kumar Sehgal, Chairman of Prasar Bharati, emphasized the platforms commitment to providing clean, family-friendly entertainment. We aim to offer a wide variety of services like news, shopping, games, and films, all while making our vast archive available for viewers to relive their favorite childhood shows, he said during the International Film Festival of India in Panaji, Goa. Massive Surge In US Google Searches For 'Scottish citizenship, abortion, and Scotland Trans Rights'
IFFI 2024: Bhumi Pednekar, Ishaan Khatter, Madhur Bhandarkar, Jaideep Ahlawat Talk Cinema | WATCH
The 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has kicked off in Goa, bringing the magic of cinema to life in the vibrant city of Panaji. This years festival promises a cinematic extravaganza, showcasing 19 world and international premieres, 43 Asian premieres, and an impressive 109 Indian premieres over its eight-day celebration.The opening day set the tone for a glamorous event, with stars like Bhumi Pednekar, Madhur Bhandarkar, Ishaan Khatter, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Shekhar Kapur gracing the red carpet. As they posed for the cameras, the stars shared heartfelt memories of IFFI and their enduring passion for cinema. Watch the video for more.
Spl postal cover with unique features on SFX unveiled
Panaji: A special postal commemorative cover with several features that mark it as unique not only in India but also worldwide has been released by the Diocesan Centre for Social Communications Media on the occasion of 18th Exposition of the relics of St Francis Xavier. These covers have been designed by philatelist Alok Goyal of [] The post Spl postal cover with unique features on SFX unveiled appeared first on The Navhind Times .
IFFI 2024 gets off to a glittering start
Fest has taken Goa on global platform: CM Special Correspondent Panaji: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday said that from 2004 to 2024, over the last 20 years, the International Film Festival of India has been celebrated in Goa, and both Goa and IFFI have become synonymous with each other. Former defence minister, late Manohar [] The post IFFI 2024 gets off to a glittering start appeared first on The Navhind Times .
Exposition at Old Goa to begin from today
Panaji: The 45-day-long decennial Exposition of the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier at the UNESCO world heritage site in Old Goa begins on Thursday (today). The relics were lowered from the mausoleum in the Basilica of Bom Jesus on Wednesday evening in the presence of Archbishop of Goa and Daman Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao. [] The post Exposition at Old Goa to begin from today appeared first on The Navhind Times .
Glam & glitz: 9-day-long celebration of cinematic heritage at IFFI begins
PANAJI: The nine-day celebration of Indias cultural and cinematic heritage International Film Festival of India (IFFI) kick-started with the Australian film Better Man directed by Michael Gracy, in Goa on Wednesday. Better Man, is a cinematic tribute to resilience, fame, and the extraordinary life of British pop legend Robbie Williams. The gala open ceremony was graced by noted filmmakers and actors, including festival director Shekhar Kapur, Subhash Ghai and Nagarjuna. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar were also present. In a video message played at the inauguration ceremony, Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw said that with the addition of technology and the development of the creator ecosystem, India can play a major role in the way the creator economy is shaping up. IFFI has become an important milestone in the development of the film industry in India. We in India, at this point of time, are very much focused on developing the content creators economy. We have a very vibrant creators economy where people come up with very innovative content showcasing some of the rich heritage, cuisines and the culture of India. Some of the gems of Indian language and literature are being presented by the content creators in very interesting ways, said Vaishnaw. The minister said that the event would facilitate young filmmakers to find new partnerships and develop new ideas. A significant segment of IFFI, Film Bazaar, which promises a dynamic platform for aspiring filmmakers and established industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and propel the future of cinema, also began on Wednesday.
Prasar Bharti's OTT 'WAVES' launched
PANAJI: 'WAVES, the OTT platform of the public broadcaster Prasar Bharti was launched on Wednesday during the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. Initially, 65 channels offering content in 10 languages including 40 live channels; news and entertainment networks, movies, TV shows, and games are available. We are planning to add programmes in in all Indian languages gradually, said chief executive officer (CEO), Prasar Bharti Gaurav Dwivedi. The platform will function on revenue-sharing model, as reported by this newspaper earlier this month. The application can be downloaded on Android and iOS. Besides fresh content and live streaming, services being offered by the Prasar Bharti including DD and All India Radio (AIR) and archival material of the publication and photo division have been integrated with the application. Besides consuming news and entertainment content, users will also be able shop for products like books through the application. The public technology initiative--Open Network for Digital Commerce-- (ONDC) launched by the Government to promote local business sectors has also been integrated with the WAVES. It will facilitate the consumers and sellers so that they can communicate for better experiences. When the viewers are consuming content digitally today, it was imperative for us to shift to this mode, Dwivedi to TNIE. In August, Prasar Bharti issued bids for Application-in-Application integration of OTT, gaming, educational or other applications on a revenue share model. As per the tender notice for on-boarding of linear satellite channels for streaming on broadcasters OTT service, only those channels which are permitted or licensed by the ministry for downlinking or distribution could apply. Preparations to introduce the digital service started last year as Prasar Bharti invited bids to design, develop, commission, operate and maintain its own OTT streaming platform.
Man held for sexually harassing co-passenger on Goa-bound Air India flight
PANAJI: Police have arrested a 23-year-old man on charges of sexually harassing a woman co-passenger on a flight from Delhi to Goa, officials said on Wednesday. The alleged incident took place between 11 am and 1.20 pm on Tuesday on board the Air India flight, as per the FIR. The 28-year-old woman, resident of Janakpuri in New Delhi, told the police that when the plane was airborne, the man, who was sitting on the seat next to her, pulled over a blanket and allegedly started indulging in objectionable acts. The man purposely kept the blanket open at the side of the victim during the act, as per the FIR. The woman filed a police complaint against the man after the flight landed at the Goa International Airport at Dabolim in South Goa on Tuesday. The Dabolim airport police later arrested the man, identified as Jitender Jangian, hailing from Panipat in Haryana, a senior police official said. A case was registered against the accused under sections 75 (sexual harassment) and 79 (actions intended to insult a woman's modesty, including verbal insults, inappropriate gestures or objects, and privacy invasion) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the police added.
Man held for sexually harassing co-passenger on Goa-bound flight
Panaji: Police have arrested a 23-year-old man on charges of sexually harassing a woman co-passenger on a flight from Delhi to Goa, officials said on Wednesday. The alleged incident took place between 11 am and 1.20 pm on Tuesday on board the Air India flight, as per the FIR. The 28-year-old woman, resident of Janakpuri in New Delhi, told the police that when the plane was airborne, the man, who was sitting on the seat next to her, pulled over a blanket and allegedly started indulging in objectionable acts. The man purposely kept the blanket open at the side of the victim during the act, as per the FIR. The woman filed a police complaint against the man after the flight landed at the Goa International Airport at Dabolim in South Goa on Tuesday. The Dabolim airport police later arrested the man, identified as Jitender Jangian, hailing from Panipat in Haryana, a senior police official said. A case was registered against the accused under sections 75 (sexual harassment) and 79 (actions intended to insult a woman's modesty, including verbal insults, inappropriate gestures or objects, and privacy invasion) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the police added.
25% increase in delegates as IFFI begins today
PANAJI: More than 6,500 delegates have registered themselves for this years International Film Festival of India (IFFI) marking an increase of 25 per cent over the last year, National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) managing director Prithul Kumar said on Tuesday, a day ahead of the inauguration of the festival in Goa. Six more screens have been made available for this edition of IFFI to make the festival more accessible to the film enthusiasts, Kumar said. NFDC, the host of the event, is making all-out efforts to ensure the festival reaches new heights this year in terms of peoples participation and quality of overall experience, he said. NFDC officials said the IFFI 2024 focuses on young filmmakers and has received a record 1,032 entries for the Creative Minds of Tomorrow section as compared to 550 last year. This initiative was launched to identify and showcase young Indian cinematic talent, recognise cinematic excellence across filmmaking disciplines, and encourage forward-thinking narratives, an official said. The Creative Minds of Tomorrow initiative has been expanded to support 100 young talents, up from 75 in previous edition, with young film students from across the country invited to participate, the official said. More than 24 masterclasses and panel discussions are planned for the upcoming filmmakers. Sessions will be led by industry luminaries such as AR Rahman, Prasoon Joshi, Shabana Azmi, Mani Ratnam, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, and international guests like Philip Noyce and John Seale. Attendees will gain insights into sound design, acting in the digital age, and the future of filmmaking, said officials. There will be a special segment on Goan Films, where 14 films will be screened, celebrating local talent and culture. The festival will be graced by film actors, directors and other personalities such as Vidhu Vinod Chopra, AE Rahman, Vikrant Massey, R. Madhavan, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Kirti Kulhari, Arjun Kapoor, Bhumi Pednekar, Rakul Preet Singh, Nushrratt Bharuccha, Sanya Malhotra, Ileana DCruz, Boman Irani, Pankaj Kapur, Aparshakti Khurana, Manasi Parekh, Pratik Gandhi, Sai Tamhankar, Vishnu Manchu, Prabhudeva, Kajal Aggarwal, and Saurabh Shukla. According to secretary of the ministry of information and broadcasting Sanjay Jaju, curated live performances, immersive exhibitions including the one on the journey of Indian cinema and carnival parade, being held for the first time, are the highlights of 55th edition of the festival. He said IFFIESTA, an entertainment extravaganza, will be held this year to bring communities together through the magic of films, food, art, and interactive experiences. At the week-long event, 11 traditional dance troupes will perform.
With approx Rs 40 crore expenditure, IFFI big on budget, but low on benefits
Only 368 international delegates attended the film extravaganza over a five-year span Panaji: Its that time of the year again when the streets of Panaji come alive with decorations, and the strategically adorned traffic circles across the state serve as reminders that the International Film Festival of India (commonly known as IFFI) is just around [] The post With approx Rs 40 crore expenditure, IFFI big on budget, but low on benefits appeared first on The Navhind Times .
Land grab accused used a/cs, SIMs of girlfriends
Panaji: Goa police on Tuesday said that Siddhique alias Suleiman Khan, who was arrested last week in the multi-croreland frauds, conducted transactions using multiple bank accounts of women whom he had befriended. Police have frozen one such account that has a balance of around Rs 1.36 crore. To stay under the radar of law enforcement [] The post Land grab accused used a/cs, SIMs of girlfriends appeared first on The Navhind Times .
Curtains to rise on IFFI today
Special Correspondent Panaji: Goa is all set to host the 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) from November 20, with a spectacular opening ceremony of the mega film festival to be held at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, Dona Paula. The curtains will go up on the IFFI 2024, with [] The post Curtains to rise on IFFI today appeared first on The Navhind Times .
IFFI: 270 films to be screened; action begins Nov 20
Special Correspondent Panaji Stating that all preparations for the 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) have been completed, IFFI 2024 organisers on Monday said that the grand festival has a grand budget. Earlier, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, addressing the IFFI 2024 Curtain Raiser press conference in the city, said that it [] The post IFFI: 270 films to be screened; action begins Nov 20 appeared first on The Navhind Times .
