FIDE World Cup 2025: Indias golden generation led by world champion Gukesh D poised for glory
PANAJI, Oct 30: A strong Indian contingent, led by World Champion Grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju, and the entire Olympiad-winning squad will once again look to assert the countrys supremacy on the world stage as they compete for the coveted FIDE World Cup 2025 crown here starting from Saturday. The FIDE World Cup, one of the most []
Rise in cyclonic activity in Arabian Sea after monsoon
Abdul Wahab Khan Panaji Once known for its relative calm, the Arabian Sea is now showing a rise in cyclonic activity during the post-monsoon season between October and December, even as the Bay of Bengal continues to dominate the subcontinents storm map, an analysis of long-term IMD records has shown. According to historical data from []
Over 10K vehicles checked in N Goa during special drive
NT Reporter Panaji North Goa police have checked more than 10,000 vehicles and verified over 19,000 persons between October 20 and 26 as part of an intensified nakabandi operation across the district. Police said the checks were being conducted every day and night to ensure crime prevention and public safety. During this period, officers verified []
Rs 28 crore revamp on anvil to turn Harvalem into cultural tourism hub
Padmavati Prabhu Panaji The Harvalem waterfall and the vicinity of Rudreshwar Temple at Harvalem are set to get a Rs 28.85 crore facelift under a central scheme. The Centre will fund Rs 19.33 crore while Rs 9.52 crore will be spent by the state government. The project is expected to be completed by November 2026. []
Veteran journalist and former Navprabha editor Suresh Walve no more, cremated
Special Correspondent Panaji Veteran journalist and former editor of Navprabha, Suresh Walve passed away on Monday at his Valshi residence in Bicholim taluka following prolonged illness. He was 76. The final rites were performed at the Pajwada-Bicholim crematorium, late Monday evening. Walve started his career in journalism in Margao with the Marathi newspaper Rashtramat under []
Goas coastal areas prone to ocean-induced hazards
NT Reporter Panaji The latest Coastal Multi-Hazard Vulnerability Atlas of India, released by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) under the ministry of earth sciences, has identified 240.75 square kilometres of Goas coastal region as vulnerable to multiple ocean-induced hazards such as cyclones, sea-level rise, storm surges, tsunamis and coastal flooding. According []
Homestays will have to showcase Goas unexplored side
Padmavati Prabhu Panaji The homestays operating in the state henceforth will have to offer a variety of activities and experiences to tourists depending on their geographic location and cultural ethos of the place that broadly include activities pertaining to ecotourism, pilgrim tourism, adventure tourism and agro tourism, among others. The Tourism Department has now come []
Study throws light on Bondlas squirrels
Abdul Wahab Khan Panaji A study has uncovered the critical ecological factors that influence how the Indian giant squirrel (Ratufa indica) selects its nesting trees in Goas Bondla Zoological Park. The squirrels show a strong preference for tall, mature trees with large girths, particularly deciduous species, according to the research. The study, published in Mammalian []
ED files chargesheet in intl drug trafficking, money laundering case
NT Reporter Panaji The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Panaji zonal office has filed a chargesheet under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in the ongoing money laundering investigation pertaining to international drug trafficking against seven accused persons. The accused are Vedasto Audax (Tanzanian national), Tariro Brightmore Mangwana (Zimbabwe national), Masoom Uikey, Chirag []
State govt allows comunidades to develop land through pvt developers
Special Correspondent Panaji The government has notified new rules allowing comunidades to develop their land by engaging private developers. As per the notification, 20 per cent of the developed area must be reserved for affordable housing for gaonkars (jonoeiros). The rules state that comunidades can invite bids from developers in proportions decided by their managing []
Congress slams Power Ministers 20% surcharge proposal as daylight robbery
NT Reporter Panaji The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) has condemned the statement made by the Power Minister Ramkrishna Sudin Dhavalikar that misuse and wastage of the power between 5 pm and 9 am would attract 20 per cent extra charge. This move will directly hit households, students, small shopkeepers, and business establishments who depend []
Goa mulls roadshows in three Russian cities to woo more tourists
NT Reporter Panaji With Russia being one of Goas most significant source markets contributing substantially to international tourist arrivals, the Tourism department is planning to organise roadshows in three cities Moscow, Yekaterinburg and Novosibirsk. The Department has proposed to organise international roadshows in Russia which will be complemented by a focused digital marketing campaign []
Exceptional skills of Armed forces in Op Sindoor brought Pak on knees: PM
Panaji, Oct 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that coordination among the armed forces during Operation Sindoor was the key factor behind Pakistans swift surrender. Addressing personnel during Diwali celebrations onboard INS Vikrant, the Prime Minister said the fear created by the Navy, the skill of the Air Force, and the bravery of [] The post Exceptional skills of Armed forces in Op Sindoor brought Pak on knees: PM appeared first on Northlines .
Exceptional Coordination Among Armed Forces Brought Pakistan To Its Knees: PM Modi
Panaji, Oct 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the exceptional coordination among the three armed forces -? fear instilled by the Navy, extraordinary skills of the Air Force and bravery of the Army -? forced Pakistan to its knees during Operation Sindoor in no time. Addressing the Navy personnel onboard INS Vikrant off the Goa coast, he said the indigenously built aircraft carrier was a powerful symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and its handover to the Navy led to [] The post Exceptional Coordination Among Armed Forces Brought Pakistan To Its Knees: PM Modi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
PANAJI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the extraordinary coordination among the three services together compelled Pakistan to surrender during Operation Sindoor. Modi also lauded the valour and determination of security forces and said it was due to that, the nation has achieved a significant milestone by eliminating Maoist terrorism. He made the remarks while addressing Navy personnel on board INS Vikrant. INS Vikrant is not just a warship but is a testimony to 21st-century India's hard work, talent, impact and commitment, Modi said. He said INS Vikrant reflects the capability of India's armed forces and is a towering symbol of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. The extraordinary coordination among the three services together compelled Pakistan to surrender during Operation Sindoor, the prime minister said. In his remarks, Modi also said India is on the threshold of freedom from Maoist violence and his freedom is knocking on our doors. Earlier, 125 districts were in the grip of Maoist terror but now that has reduced to just 11 districts. While 90 per cent success has been achieved, I'm confident that police forces will succeed in completely eliminating Maoist violence, he said. Asserting that his government aims to make India one of world's top defence exporters, Modi said more than 40 warships and submarines have been built by our shipyards since 2014. PM Modi added that the name Brahmos strikes fear in some minds and now many countries are keen to buy these missiles. The night spent yesterday on INS Vikrant is hard to put into words. I saw the immense energy and enthusiasm you all were filled with. When I saw you singing patriotic songs yesterday, and the way you described Operation Sindoor in your songs, no words can ever fully convey the experience that a jawan feels standing on a battlefield, Modi said. My Diwali has been special as it was spent amongst you, he said.
Your courage compelled Pakistan to surrender during Operation Sindoor: PM Modi
Panaji: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the extraordinary coordination among the three services together compelled Pakistan to surrender during Operation Sindoor. Modi also lauded the valour and determination of security forces and said it was due to that, the nation has achieved a significant milestone by eliminating Maoist terrorism. He made the remarks 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 .
Extraordinary Coordination Among 3 Services Compelled Pakistan To Surrender During Op Sindoor: PM
Panaji, Oct 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the extraordinary coordination among the three services together compelled Pakistan to surrender during Operation Sindoor. Modi also lauded the valour and determination of security forces and said it was due to that, the nation has achieved a significant milestone by eliminating Maoist terrorism. He made the remarks while addressing Navy personnel on board INS Vikrant. INS Vikrant is not just a warship but is a testimony to 21st-century Indias hard [] The post Extraordinary Coordination Among 3 Services Compelled Pakistan To Surrender During Op Sindoor: PM appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Konkani aptitude may soon be must for pvt jobs in state
Move to ensure Goan candidates get more opportunities Shoma Patnaik Panaji: Proficiency in Konkani language may soon be extended to the private sector vacancies in the state, with the draft Employment Policy of the government proposing to make Konkani aptitude compulsory for selection of Goan candidates by private companies. The department of labour and employments []
ED freezes 6 crypto wallets linked to land fraud
Panaji: Panaji zonal office of the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has frozen six decentralised crypto wallets containing crypto currencies worth around 1.5 lakh USDT during search operations conducted at six locations across Goa, New Delhi and Chandigarh under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The search operations were conducted in connection with []
In Space, Earth Becomes Your Identity; Humanity Matters There Not Nationality: Shubhanshu Shukla
Panaji, Oct 10: IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who became the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), said on Friday that when one leaves the planet to be in space, individual identities blur and the entire earth becomes ones identity. Shukla, who was in Goa, said that nationality does not matter in space as humanity takes precedence. Describing his experience at the ISS, he said that looking out from the station felt like being in an office [] The post In Space, Earth Becomes Your Identity; Humanity Matters There Not Nationality: Shubhanshu Shukla appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Govt to spend Rs 1 crore on traditional welcome of international tourists
NT Reporter Panaji The states tourism department will spend nearly Rs 1 crore to accord a traditional welcome to international tourists arriving in the first charter flights from each source market, either at the Goa International Airport located at Dabolim or the Manohar International Airport in Mopa. Similarly, a traditional welcome will also be accorded []
Two Ro-Ro ferryboats to connect Sao Pedro with Divar by next April
Padmavati Prabhu Panaji Following the successful introduction of roll-on roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferryboats on the Ribandar-Chorao route in July, the state government has now set the ball rolling for starting such a ferryboat service on the Divar-Sao Pedro route. The service is likely to start in April next year, and the two Ro-Ro ferryboats to be []
2nd waste facility planned for industries at Tuem cluster
NT Reporter Panaji Goa is set to get its second common waste management facility for industries, with the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) planning a Solid Waste Management Processing Facility (SWMPF) at the Tuem industrial estate cluster, which covers the Tuem, Colvale, Thivim, Mapusa, and Pilerne industrial estates. Earlier, GIDC had announced a similar facility []
Court extends police remand of Zenito, 7 others by 2 days
NT Reporter Panaji The Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Panaji on Wednesday extended the police remand of history-sheeter Zenito Cardozo (36) and seven others by two more days in connection with the brutal attack on social activist Rama Kankonkar. Police said Cardozo, the prime accused, was arrested on Sunday. While police sought seven days additional []
HC seeks status report from govt on delay in appointing Lokayukta
NT Reporter Panaji The High Court of Bombay at Goa on Wednesday directed the state government to submit a status report on steps taken to appoint a Lokayukta at the next hearing. The post has been vacant since December 2024. The petition, filed by Trinamool Congress national spokesperson Trajano DMello, challenges the non-appointment of a []
Garbage dumping in Old Goas heritage buffer zone sparks outcry from citizens
NT Reporter Panaji Citizens of Old Goa raised strong objections on Wednesday to the dumping of garbage in the Bhakia property area, which falls within the buffer zone of a protected heritage site. They demanded immediate action to identify the culprits, stop the dumping, and restore the site to its original condition. The dumping is []
Officials visit businesses to check GST compliance
NT Reporter Panaji Officials of the Commercial Tax Department on Tuesday visited around 117 shops across the state to check if the goods and services tax (GST) rate reductions are being passed on to customers. No violations were reported during the visits. The officials visited all types of shops such as grocery stores, pharmacies, cement []
Land scam: ED arrests Suhail under PMLA
NT Reporter Panaji The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Panaji, has arrested Mohammed Suhail alias Michael under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with the land grabbing scam. The ED said Suhail, an alleged mastermind in the large-scale land grabbing in the state, was taken into custody on September 22 from []
Centre eases process of selling iron ore dumps
NT Reporter Panaji Streamlining the process to sell iron ore dumps, the Union government on Tuesday specified that dumps which are in leased area up to August 31, 2025, are permitted for sale by mining companies. Earlier, the mines ministry had empowered states to allow the sale of dumps stacked in the leased area but []
Chemists seek 120-day period to transition into new GST rates
NT Reporter Panaji Chemists in the state have asked for a protection period of 90-120 days to transition into the new GST rates, seeking to ensure that those who do not stock lower MRP items are not subjected to punitive action by tax officials. With the revised GST rates coming into effect from September 22, []
Unity Mall, Prashasan Stambh projects planned on area declared as wetland
NT Reporter Panaji A day after Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that the proposed Unity Mall and the 17-storey administrative tower Prashasan Stambh, set to come up at Chimbel, have all required permissions, chairman of the Chimbel Biodiversity Committee Govind Shirodkar said the projects are planned on land officially classified as wetland by the government []
Goa Tourism wins Spiritual Tourism Award at Hyderabad Travel Fair
NT Reporter Panaji Goa Tourism was awarded for its spiritual tourism initiative at the Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF) Hyderabad 2025 held on September 19-20. The award was presented by Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary for Youth Advancement, Tourism and Culture, Government of Telangana. During the two-day event, the Goa Tourism delegation engaged extensively with []
Integrative oncology centre to be opened today in Dhargal
NT Reporter Panaji In a first-of-its-kind initiative, an integrative oncology research and care centre will be inaugurated at All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Dhargal on Tuesday. A tripartite agreement will be signed between the Goa government, AIIA and Tata Cancer Hospital to start the centre on the occasion of Ayurveda Day on Tuesday. This []
Scientists call for community-driven revival of freshwater ecosystems, warn against quick fixes
NT Reporter Panaji Scientists and academics from IIT and National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) have cautioned that Indias freshwater ecosystems face mounting threats that require systemic, behavioural, and community-driven responses rather than quick fixes that only worsen degradation. Speaking during a brainstorming session titled Mission Sarovar Punha Nirman: Reimagining Goas Lakes, on Thursday Dr []
Goa open to global universities: CM
Special Correspondent Panaji Stating that Parul University has become Goas first private university, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday said two more private universities have been approved by the government, thus taking the total number of such universities in the state to three. The government is also open to international universities setting up their campuses []
Activist Rama Kankonkar brutally attacked in broad daylight, police arrest 5 assailants
NT Reporter Panaji In a brazen act of daylight violence that has shocked Goa, social activist Rama Kankonkar was brutally attacked by a gang of six assailants near the Childrens Park at Caranzalem on Thursday afternoon. The assault, carried out with lethal weapons in full public view, has left Kankonkar grievously injured. Police have registered []
Top scientist flags deterioration of Goas lakes, calls for urgent revival
NT Reporter Panaji Sounding an alarm over the deteriorating condition of Goas lakes, Dr Sharad P Kale, former Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) scientist and chief advisor to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, on Thursday said 39 water bodies in the state have been placed under E category by the Central Pollution Control Board due to []
Filmmaker returns awards in protest against ESG grading
Special Correspondent Panaji Goan filmmaker Miransha Naik, whose Konkani film Juze won a record 14 awards at the recent Goa State Film Festival, organised by the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), returned his awards on Thursday. Naik said the decision came after the same Entertainment Society of Goacategorised his film in the lowest C grade []
Rooftop solar systems to cost Rs 25,000 less after GST cuts
NT Reporter Panaji Solar power installers in Goa on Thursday said that rooftop solar systems will become cheaper by about Rs 25,000 for consumers, following GST rate cuts announced by the Union government. From September 22, the average GST on rooftop solar systems will fall to 8.9 per cent, compared to the current 13.8 per []
Tashkent roadshow opened new avenues with Uzbek travel trade
NT Reporter Panaji Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said that the Tourism Departments roadshow in Tashkent has opened new avenues for collaboration and connectivity with the Uzbek travel trade. Goa continues to evolve as a destination that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and sustainability. We are excited to welcome more travelers from Uzbekistan to experience Goas heritage, festivals, []
Opposition to IIT project at Codar angers CM
Panaji: Voicing concern over the pervading trend of protests across the state, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday said the mentality to oppose everything, including the project like Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), in a literate state like Goa is not right. Speaking to mediapersons at Mantralaya, Porvorim, he said some people are opposing everything []
Traffic cops seize 21 motorbikes fitted with modified silencers
Panaji : As part of its enforcement against noise pollution, the traffic police have seized 21 motorcycles fitted with modified silencers. The drive was conducted on Monday, with traffic police across the state booking riders and owners under the relevant section of the Motor Vehicles Act. Lets join hands to keep our roads safe, quiet []
Conservationists call for protection of tiger habitat, Western Ghats ecology
Welcome Supreme Courts pause on Mhadei eco-tourism project Abdul Wahab Khan Panaji: Goas environmentalists said that the Supreme Courts decision to maintain the status quo on the proposed ecotourism project in the Mhadei-Cotigao tiger reserve area is a critical step for the protection of the states fragile ecology. Goa-based environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar described the verdict []
Schools under watch as health dept intensifies dengue prevention drive
NT Reporter Panaji As a proactive step to prevent the spread of dengue, the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) has instructed in-charges of all health centres to visit schools in their respective areas, check for mosquito breeding, and destroy it if found. The schools were closed for the Ganesh Chaturthi vacation, and during this period []
Higher NMET levy adds to costs for mining leaseholders
Shoma Patnaik Panaji The Centre has increased the contribution to the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) from two to three per cent of royalty, adding to the burden on mining leaseholders of newly auctioned iron ore blocks in Goa. The change took effect on September 1. The mines ministry amended the Mines and Minerals (Development []
Hospitality sector seeks flat 5% GST on tourism services
NT Reporter Panaji With a two-day GST Council meeting ongoing in Delhi, stakeholders in Goas hospitality trade said they are hoping for a flat 5 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate on tourism services. Currently, GST on hotel rooms is 12 per cent for tariffs up to Rs 7,500 per night, and 18 []
932 ST, SC, women entrepreneurs cash in on Standup India Scheme
Shoma Patnaik Panaji In an encouraging trend for entrepreneurship at grassroots level in the state, 932 scheduled caste, scheduled tribe as well as women entrepreneurs have benefitted from the Centres Standup India Scheme, under which loans running into Rs 210 crore have been sanctioned by banks as on March 31, this year. Among the smaller []
107 cops suspended in last 40 months
NT Reporter Panaji In the past 40 months, a total of 107 police personnel in Goa were suspended, according to official data. Of these, 12 cops were dismissed from service, while 80 were reinstated following departmental inquiries. Fifteen police personnel remain under suspension. The most recent suspensions occurred in July this year, when two constables []
Court acquits Godinho in 1998 power rebate scam
I even stopped going to Church Panaji : A special court in North Goa on Monday acquitted Transport and Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho in the 27-year-old power rebate scam. Pronouncing the verdict in open court, special judge Irshad Agha cleared Godinho of all charges. I had to wait for 27 years but I got justice. []
Brendens 44-yr-long quest for Indian citizenship ends
Panaji: Brenden Valentine Crasto, a Roman Catholic with Goan roots and technically a citizen of Pakistan, was on Monday officially granted Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Crasto, a long-time resident of Anjuna, has become the third person in Goa to receive Indian citizenship through the CAA route. The citizenship certificate was handed []
SC judgment on house demolitions of accused persons reaffirmed citizens' rights: CJI Gavai
PANAJI: Chief Justice of India B R Gavai has said he was glad that the Supreme Court's ruling against the demolition of houses of accused persons without following due procedure of law upheld the rights of citizens. He was part of the SC bench that last year slammed instant ulldozer justice' and laid down pan-India guidelines on demolition of properties, saying the executive could become a judge and declare an accused as guilty and demolish his house. Speaking at a felicitation function organised by the Goa High Court Bar Association in Panaji on Saturday, the CJI also explained the reasoning behind his landmark judgment on the creamy layer in the reserved category. Pointing out to the speeches by earlier speakers during the felicitation, which referred to his historic judgments, CJI Gavai said, I am really happy that we could do something as a custodian of the Constitution for protecting the rights of citizens whose houses were demolished without following the procedures of law. He said that the buildings or houses of the people who had not even been tried by the law and who had been accused of certain charges were being demolished without following the due procedure of law. The CJI said the SC bench held that the houses did not belong solely to an accused person, yet the other family members residing there were made to suffer despite no fault of their own. Even if a person is convicted, the CJI said, he is still entitled to the rule of law. The rule of law is paramount in the country. I am happy that we could lay down the guidelines. We could prohibit the Executive not to become a judge, he said. CJI Gavai said the Indian Constitution recognises the separation of powers of the executive, judiciary and legislature. And if the executive is permitted to be the judge, then we will be hitting at the very concept of separation of power, he said. Referring to the SC judgment on sub-classification of scheduled castes, CJI Gavai said that he had been widely criticised for the judgment by the people belonging to his own community. I always believed that I have to write my judgment not by demands or desires of the people, but as per the law that I understand and as per my own conscience, he said. CJI Gavai said he had observed that when a first-generation individual from a reserved category becomes an IAS officer, the benefit often extends to subsequent generations, with the second and even third generation also entering the IAS through the same category. The question which I had put to myself was that the son or daughter of a person who gets the best education in a school in Mumbai or in Delhi can he be equated with the son or daughter of mason or agricultural labourer in a village and taking education in a Zilla Parishad or gram panchayat school, he said. He said Article 14 of the Constitution does not mean equality among unequals. What is contemplated is that unequal treatment to unequals so that they become equals, he said. Therefore, by putting a child of a labourer residing in a village and a child of chief secretary residing in Mumbai and studying in the best of the school, my view is that it hits at the very best concept of equality, he added.
Level of success is decided by hard work and commitment to profession, not by exam score: CJI Gavai
Panaji, Aug 23: Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai on Saturday said the level of success in professional life was not determined by examination results but by determination, hard work, dedication and commitment to work, and recalled that he was a bright student but would skip classes. Speaking during the golden jubilee celebration of V M Salgaocar College of Law at Miramar near Panaji, he noted that the legal education system has taken a paradigm shift. Dont go [] The post Level of success is decided by hard work and commitment to profession, not by exam score: CJI Gavai appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Kejriwals arrest in 2024 strengthened AAPs resolve to take on BJP: Atishi
PANAJI, Aug 20: AAP leader Atishi has described former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals arrest by the ED last year as a very difficult phase for the party, but insisted it only strengthened their resolve to fight the BJP till their last breath. Talking to PTI in Goa on Tuesday, former Delhi CM Atishi said when Kejriwal was taken away by the Enforcement Directorate, sleuths in connection with a money laundering case in March 2024, she went home with a [] The post Kejriwals arrest in 2024 strengthened AAPs resolve to take on BJP: Atishi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
2 Bardez persons lose Rs 90L in trading, task-based scams
NT Reporter Panaji Two persons from Bardez have become the latest victims of cyber fraud, losing close to Rs 90 lakh in total to trading and task-based scams. In one case, police said a senior citizen, who is a retired employee, lost Rs 69.75 lakh in a trading scam that occurred between July 5 and []
Chorao locals clash with pyat over ferry fare and leadership changes
Panaji: A major dispute over the Rs 15 RoRo ferry fare and frequent changes in the sarpanch post dominated the Chorao gram sabha held on Sunday. Villagers strongly opposed the panchayats decision on the ferry fare, demanding accountability. When we had asked for the fare to be rolled back, why did the panchayat take a []
Animal lovers suggest Rs 100-cr plan to control stray dogs in Goa
NT Reporter Panaji The newly-formed Goa Animal Federation (GAF) has suggested a Rs 100-crore plan for controlling stray dogs in the state, and found fault with animal husbandry departments proposed Rs 10,000-crore solution which the organisation claims is both ineffective and financially unsustainable. Objecting to the governments shelter-centric approach, federation members argued that the government []
Over 14% kidnapping cases remained undetected in 2024
NT Reporter Panaji Exposing the low side of crime detection rate in Goa, government figures pointed out that over 14 per cent kidnapping and abduction cases remained undetected, and that 6 per cent rape cases also remained unsolved in 2024. As per the government data, 30 murders were reported last year in which the police []
Rane discusses mangrove upkeep with Union minister
NT Reporter Panaji Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane met Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav in New Delhi and held discussions on ways to use funds released under the PMs MISTHI scheme for mangrove conservation in Goa. They also deliberated on the forest management plan for the state. We discussed how Goa []
CM gives mantra of innovation, involvement and investment
Unauthorised security agencies to be closed down Panaji: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday said innovation, involvement, and investment form the foundation for the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Swayampurna Goa. Addressing the 79th Independence Day state-level function in Panaji, Sawant highlighted the ongoing efforts to empower local artisans, particularly in rural areas, through initiatives []
Over 12% drop in road fatalities in 7 months
161 people, mostly two-wheeler riders, lost their lives Amresh Parab Panaji: These figures will give some relief to road users: the police said that 161 people were killed in road accidents in the state in the last seven months, a decrease in fatalities by over 12 per cent as compared to the corresponding period of []
ST quota in 2027 if election panel considers 2011 Census: Tawadkar
Special Correspondent Panaji: Reacting to the recent passing of the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of Goa Bill, 2025 in the Parliament and the granting of the Presidential assent to it, Speaker of Goa legislative assembly Ramesh Tawadkar said if the Election Commission of India considers Census 2011 to effect delimitation []
Hiring centres run by SHGs to provide drone services for farmers
10 self-help groups from various talukas identified by agri dept Padmavati Prabhu Panaji: In a bid to improve agricultural productivity, reduce drudgery and ensure sustainable farming practices, the Directorate of Agriculture aims at expanding drone usage in the farming sector. Accordingly, the state government has initiated steps to create Drone Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) to []
HC quashes 3% MBBS quota for govt, pvt sector staffers children
NT Reporter Panaji The High Court of Bombay at Goa has quashed Clause 5.7 of the prospectus issued by the Director of Technical Education, Goa, which provided a 3% reservation in professional degree courses, including MBBS, in favour of children of Central/State government employees and persons in private occupations. A division bench of Justices Bharati []
Goa State Film Festival returns
The 10th, 11th, and 12th editions of the Goa State Film Festival will be held from August 14 to 17 at Maquinez Palace Theatre and Inox, Panaji, showcasing Konkani and Marathi films as well as workshops and masterclasses. This years line-up has 19 feature films and four non-feature films competing for 21 and seven awards []
119 plaints filed against cops over misbehaviour in 5 years
Police personnel are regularly sensitised: Govt data Amresh Parab Panaji: A total of 119 complaints were lodged against police personnel before the Goa police in over five years, alleging misconduct or unprofessional behaviour by the persons in uniform. Of the 119 complaints, the police have disposed of 51 complaints while inquiry has been in progress []
Matka gambling thrives near police stations
375 cases booked in over five years; conviction in just six incidents Panaji : In the last five and a half years, 375 cases were booked by the Goa police against matka gambling thriving within the close vicinity of police stations. However, in over 54 per cent of these cases, the accused were found not []
Hyderabad couple faces brutal attack while holidaying in Goa
Hyderabad: A couple from Hyderabad faced a brutal assault while holidaying in Goa. They were attacked at the Panaji bus stand. As per the details, the incident took place following a dispute over bike rental charges. Details of the incident During their holiday, the couple had rented a bike. After using the bike, they returned 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 .
CM assures Assembly of action over misuse of Goan surnames
Special Correspondent Panaji Admitting that the government has received multiple complaints of outsiders adopting Goan surnames, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday said that if required, the government will take necessary steps to further amend the Change of Name and Surname (Amendment) Act, 2022, so as to make it more stringent and prevent its misuse. []
Sancoale panchayat secretary suspended over procedural lapses
NT Reporter Panaji Director of Panchayats Siddhi Halarnkar has placed secretary/gram sevak of the village panchayat of Sancoale, Orville C Vales, under suspension with immediate effect following an inquiry report by the Directorate of Vigilance, Panaji. The suspension order was issued in response to a letter from the Additional Director-II of the Vigilance Directorate (dated []
Penalty upto `3 lakh for dumping waste; House clears bill
NT Reporter Panaji The state legislative assembly on Monday passed a bill amending the Goa Non-Biodegradable Garb-age (Control) Act, 1996, empowering the government to impose fines from Rs 200 to Rs 3 lakh for littering in public or private spaces. The bill also empowers the Goa State Pollution Control Board to monitor industrial waste via []
Public varsities bill set for detailed debate on Aug 8
NT Reporter Panaji The government on Monday agreed to defer the Goa Public Universities Bill, 2025, for a detailed discussion on August 8 following the Oppositions argument that the bill lacked clarity and that it cannot be cleared in a hurry. Seeking to implement the goals of the National Education Policy 2020, Chief Minister Pramod []
Oppn demands rollback of tariff hike, prepaid meters; Sudin defends plans
NT Reporter Panaji Power Minister Ramkrishna Sudin Dhavalikar, on Monday, strongly defended the Prepaid Smart Meter project, in the Goa Legislative Assembly, stating that while the implementation period is 27 months, the vendor will maintain and operate the system for an additional 93 months. Opposition MLAs, while tabling a calling attention motion, criticised the state []
Opposition storms well of House over illegal structure at Old Goa
Special Correspondent Panaji The state legislative assembly was adjourned for 10 minutes during Question Hour on Monday after Opposition legislators stormed the well of the House, demanding demolition of an allegedly illegal structure within 100 metres of the protected UNESCO World Heritage Site at Old Goa. Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao led the protest, []
Sawant denies recruitment freeze at Goa University
Special Correspondent Panaji Stating that there is no recruitment ban in Goa as far as filling vacancies at Goa University is concerned, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday said the government has adopted alternative measures to improve the universitys NAAC rating. The Goa government has been supporting Goa University with regards to infrastructure. For the []
Panaji : In a morale booster to the state, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted Goas women-led efforts in waste management, during his Mann ki Baat address to the nation. In the 124th broadcast of Mann ki Baat, Modi spoke about the Swachh Bharat Mission and appreciated the contribution of women in sorting waste []
Goas flower imports rose by over 200% in last three years
Panaji : Imports of flowers into Goa from neighbouring states increased by more than 200 per cent in the last three years due to the rising local demand, which emphasises that the government must give a strong push to floriculture in the state. Flower imports increased from Rs 3.2 crore in 2022-23 to Rs 8.4 []
GFA general body resolves cluster dispute
Panaji: The General Body of the Goa Football Association (GFA) has approved the Revised Private Football Tournament Rules, ending a prolonged dispute that had disrupted tournaments and delayed player license cards since January 2025. The deadlock centered around the cluster allocation in South Goaspecifically the Guirdolim/Chandor groupingwhich had remained unresolved even after the last Extraordinary []
Take India forward by working unitedly, urges new Governor
Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju takes oath of office Panaji: Former Union minister Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju was sworn in as the Governor of Goa on Saturday, succeeding P S Sreedharan Pillai. Raju was administered the oath of office at the Raj Bhavan by Chief Justice of Bombay High Court Alok Aradhe. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant []
Over 2.25 lakh traffic challans issued in 3 yrs
Panaji: In a drive aimed at tightening road safety, the Directorate of Transports enforcement wings based in Panaji and Margao have issued a staggering 2,25,503 challans over a three-year period ending March 31, 2025. The action has resulted in fines amounting to Rs 17.56 crore being collected from erring vehicle owners and drivers. However, an []
Portion of false ceiling of KAs classroom collapses
Special Correspondent Panaji: A portion of the false ceiling of the Western music classroom of the newly renovated Kala Academy complex collapsed on Saturday. The incident fortunately did not result in any injury. The Kala Academy officials have begun the structural assessment and safety inspection under the supervision of engineers and safety officials. The premier []
GCCI: India-UK FTA will benefit Goa in tourism, feni exports
Duty-free exports of marine products to benefit local fisheries sector Panaji: India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is likely to significantly enhance trade and investment opportunities between India and the UK and has benefits for Goa in tourism, feni exports, and sectors such as fisheries and IT services, said the Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry []
Tourism dept to appoint agency for digital influencer campaign
Panaji: The Tourism Department will soon appoint an agency to prepare a comprehensive annual key influencer programme for Goa Tourism. The move is aimed at building a strong audience community and to aggressively promote and market Brand Goa in both the international and national markets. Accordingly, the department has proposed to enhance its visibility and []
776 TB patients under treatment at govt hospitals, says Rane
Panaji: Goa currently has 776 tuberculosis (TB) patients on treatment at government hospitals, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane informed in a written reply to the Goa Legislative Assembly. The constituency of Cortalim has the highest number of TB patients on treatment, with 56, followed by Vasco, which has 55 patients. To control and eliminate TB in []
Goa Assembly passes bill to extend daily factory work hours to 10, cites 'Ease of Doing Business
PANAJI: The Goa legislative assembly has passed a bill to raise the daily work hour limit in factories from nine to ten to facilitate the 'Ease of Doing Business'. The assembly on Thursday night passed the bill seeking to amend provisions of the Factories Act, to extend daily working hours in factories and increase the permissible limit for overtime work. The Factories (Goa Amendment) Bill was tabled by the State Factories and Boilers Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar on Thursday during the ongoing monsoon session of the House. Through the bill, the government plans to amend section 54 of the Central Act, as applicable to Goa, and enhance the daily limit of working hours for adult workers from the existing nine to ten. It also seeks to amend Section 65 of the Act to raise the maximum overtime permitted in a quarter from 125 to 144 hours. The statement of objects and reasons attached to the bill said that the proposed amendments were aimed at facilitating the Ease of Doing Business by reforming and simplifying regulatory frameworks. The amendments will provide greater flexibility in factory operations and align with evolving industrial needs while ensuring compliance with statutory safeguards, according to the Bill. The government has clarified that the proposed changes do not entail any financial implications. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant told the House that the Bill would be referred to the President for assent before it takes effect as law.
Tonca vet hosp sees 80 pets daily, recovery rate at 90%
Shahin Bepari Lambe Panaji The Government Veterinary Hospital at Tonca is successfully handling between 60 and 80 pet cases daily, with an 80-90 per cent recovery rate achieved through consistent follow-up, said an official at the hospital. Most of the cases we receive respond well to treatment and show good recovery with regular check-ups, said []
Sudin: 50% state subsidies for residential rooftop solar panels
NT Reporter Panaji Minister for New and Renewable Energy Ramkrishna Sudin Dhavlikar said that the state government provides a 50% subsidy for installation of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) plants to residential consumers, group housing societies, residential welfare associations, and educational institutions. Commercial, industrial, and other consumers are eligible for a 20% subsidy. Any citizen with []
Will stop Ro-Ro services on Chorao route if pyat, MLA want: Phal Dessai
NT Reporter Panaji River Navigation Minister Subhash Phal Dessai, on Monday, said that the government will stop the roll-on roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferryboat services on the Chorao-Ribandar route, if the local panchayat representatives and the MLA give a representation to him that the earlier services of conventional ferryboats were better. Ro-Ro ferries are a new technology []
CM feels Goa needs anti-conversion law
NT Reporter Panaji Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday said there was a need to bring an anti-conversion law against forceful religious conversions. Sawants statement comes in the wake of Uttar Pradesh police recently busting a large-scale illegal religious conversion racket and arresting 10 individuals, including one from Goa. Speaking on the floor of the []
CM assures help to Goan youth detained in US
NT Reporter Panaji Stating that there are ample employment opportunities for youth in Goa as well as in other parts of India, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday assured to look into the issue of detention of Goan youth in US jails due to visa and documentation issues. Sawant was responding to the issue raised []
Govt hikes pay of daily wage workers with 7 yrs of service
NT Reporter Panaji In a major relief to 3,000 plus daily wage workers working in government departments, semi-government bodies, corporations as well as municipalities, the state government has decided to formulate a new scheme to grant temporary status to daily wage workers, who have completed seven years of service. With this new scheme, the government []
