The Navhind Times

Efforts on to secure passage of vessels, says Centre New Delhi: Indias 1.67 million tonnes of crude oil, 3.2 lakh tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and about 2 lakh tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) are stuck on 22 Indian-flagged ships stranded in the Persian Gulf, waiting to transit through the Strait of Hormuz, []

First CM post statehood to complete period continuously Panaji: In a first, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant today completes seven continuous years in office, marking a significant political milestone in the states post-statehood history. An Ayurvedic doctor, Sawant was sworn in as Chief Minister of Goa at the age of 45, on March 19, 2019,following the []

New Delhi/Indore: Devastating fires in Delhi and Indore on Wednesday killed 17 people, many of them children, and gutted several shops in busy markets in Ahmedabad and Chandigarh, triggering panic and large-scale firefighting operations. Authorities rushed teams to contain the flames and rescue those trapped, ordered probes into the incidents and announced financial compensation for []

Abdul Wahab Khan Panaji: Exposing a huge lag in rural waste management infrastructure, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has found that a mere six out of the 191 village panchayats in the state possess a permanent, operational Material Recovery Facility (MRF) with its valid permissions. The revelation is a result of statewide inspections []

The third edition of Gandhi Shilp Baazar 2026 at International Centre Goa, Dona Paula, showcases tribal handicrafts and artefacts from across India KALYANI JHA | NT BUZZ If youve been to the Gandhi Shilp Bazaar before, this edition feels different from the start. The usual mix of commercial handicrafts is missing and at the International []

The Mahalo Ukulele Festival is back, where playing along matters as much as the performance VINIKA VISWAMBHARAN A promise made at home, sparked by a childs curiosity about a festival abroad, has become one of Goas well-known cultural events. On March 21, the Mahalo Ukulele Festival returns to Mandrem, with a full day of music, []

In an age dominated by texts and video calls, the art of handwriting is rare but not forgotten. To celebrate it, Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias, Miramar, will host a Handwriting Competition for senior citizens across Goa on March 21, from 10a.m. to 12noon. Participants will write their letters during this time, with no word []

Samrudhdi Kerkar Summer brings with it the sweetness of childhood memories. As sweet as ripened mangoes, kokum, cashew apples and wild berries that we eagerly awaited each year. It is the season when the air turns humid and heavy, yet moments spent with cousins, grandparents and family feel like a soothing breeze on a weary []

Dubai: Israel kept up its campaign of targeting Irans leaders on Wednesday, killing the countrys intelligence minister, and an Iranian offshore natural gas field was struck in a sign of the wars mounting pressure from both sides on the regions economic lifeblood: energy. Iran has been taking aim at its Gulf Arab neighbours []

London: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Russia and Iran brothers in hatred on Tuesday as he sought support from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at a time when the Iran war has robbed US-brokered talks to end Russias invasion of Ukraine of momentum. Zelenskyy urged Ukraines allies not to forget about his country during a []

Panaji: Goa police have verified over 4.33 lakh tenants in the last three years through the tenant verification process. Police said tenant verification is important as it helps establish the antecedents of individuals. It is also necessary as strangers may commit crimes and flee, leaving no trace or trail. Stating that tenant verification drives have []

No loss caused to state or petitioner; proceedings an abuse of law Panaji: The High Court of Bombay at Goa on Wednesday quashed and set aside an FIR registered against a petitioner accused of swearing a false affidavit claiming to be an Indian national while holding a Portuguese passport, allegedly to mislead the mamlatdar. Even []

Panaji: In a move aimed at ensuring greater voter participation, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has widened the list of acceptable identity documents for electors during the upcoming Ponda bypoll. Officials said that health insurance smart cards, such as those issued under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, and the Unique Disability ID (UDID) card will []

Panaji: The state administration has identified 261 abandoned vehicles since 2022, of which 179 have been removed, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said. Police officials said vehicles are often left parked in lots or on roads for days or months, denying space to other users and causing inconvenience to motorists and pedestrians. Referring to the steps []

Arsenal, Sporting clinch stunning wins; City, Chelsea shown the door London: Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain comfortably saw off English opponents Manchester City and Chelsea, Arsenal battled past Leverkusen and Sporting CP mounted a memorable comeback against Bodo/Glimt as the first four teams through to the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals are confirmed. Real Madrid knocked []

Herambs fifer, Abhisheks 57* guide them to 4-wicket win over Karimabad CC Porvorim: Sunny Sports Club lifted the A Division North Zone 2025-26 title, defeating Karimabad Cricket Club by four wickets in the final at the GCA ground, Porvorim on Wednesday. Batting first, Karimabad were restricted to 154 all out in 40.2 overs. Aaditya Kota []

Anil Gaonkar bags four-goal haul in their 7-0 victory Poriat: Churchill Brothers thrashed Bidesh XI Sports Club 7-0 in the GPL Relegation League at Duler Stadium, Mapusa on Wednesday. Churchills Anil Gaonkar was the star of the match netting four goals while Harichandra Haramb, Clive Miranda and Anuj Kuttikar found the back of the net []

Ghansoli: Dempo Sports Club played out a 1-1 draw with NorthEast United FC in a Reliance Foundation Development League match at the Reliance Corporate Park, Ghansoli on Wednesday. NorthEast United FC took the lead in the 42nd minute through Tanbir Dey, who finished clinically to give his side the advantage at the break. The Golden []

The state needs to adopt a multi-pronged approach to tackle rising unemployment In India, graduate employment has not kept pace with the surge in degree holders, leading to rising unemployment and slower income growth, according to a report by Azim Premji University. Nearly 40% of young graduates are unable to secure employment, according to the []

From comedians to technocrats and social-media disruptors, voters across continents are increasingly entrusting power to leaders who stand outside traditional pathways In March 2026, political developments in Nepal, with figures such as rapper-engineer Balendra Shah capturing public imagination amid deep frustration with the political establishment, added another chapter to a striking global trend. Across democracies, []

PTI New Delhi Observing that adoption is part of the right to reproductive autonomy, the Supreme Court on Tuesday struck down a law which said a woman would be eligible for maternity leave if she legally adopts a child below the age of three months, holding it is discriminatory. Ruling that age-based classification under Section []

Soiru Velip Panaji Efforts to introduce seaplane services in Goa under the Centres regional connectivity initiative have failed to take off, with the proposed routes in the state now cancelled due to lack of preparedness on the part of the operator and infrastructure gaps. Union Ministry of Civil Aviation had earlier rolled out seaplane operations []

NT Reporter Bicholim In a disturbing incident that occurred in Bicholim, a 58-year-old man allegedly killed his 14-year-old son over unruly behaviour before committing suicide at their residence at Bordem, Bicholim on Tuesday. The man left a detailed 12-page suicide note, said police. The deceased have been identified as Sanjay Mhapsekar and his son Sanchit []

NT Reporter Panaji Light rain and thundershowers are likely over Goa in the next couple of days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert for the state. The weather office has warned of thunderstorm and lightning accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 kmph at isolated locations on March []

NT Reporter Panaji/Ponda Congress has finalised Dr Ketan Bhatikar as its candidate for the by-election to the Ponda legislative assembly constituency seat, which is scheduled to be held on April 9. Dr Bhatikar, who joined Congress last month, was earlier a Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) leader. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has approved the name of []

NT Reporter Panaji Healthcare facilities in Goa will now have to comply with stricter conditions for bio-medical waste authorisation, with the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) adding four new mandatory conditions and requiring additional statutory documents from applicants. The Board said healthcare units must ensure that all bio-medical waste is disposed of only at []

Issues raised in House forced early end to session NT Reporter Panaji Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) vice-president Sunil Kawthankar on Tuesday claimed that the government illegally curtailed the Assembly session as the Opposition would have exposed its wrongdoings and failures. Congress MLAs raised various issues of public interest and public welfare, and many other []

NT Reporter Mapusa A fire broke out at a scrapyard in Mapusa on Tuesday gutting scrap material stored at the site. The exact cause of the fire is not known, though it is suspected to be due to a short circuit. Two gas cylinders were removed from the premises and nearly 70-80 per cent of []

NT Reporter Curchorem Deputy Collector and SDM of Quepem Manohar Karekar has passed an order under Section 163 of the BNS 2023 directing M/S Indian Oil Adani Gas Pvt Ltd to remove and clear the entire CNG storage and distribution facility installed at Cacora within seven days from the date of receipt of the order. []

NT Reporter Mapusa In what is considered the first conviction in the state after a full-fledged trial under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) at Mapusa convicted an Arpora resident for stalking, house trespass and criminal intimidation, sentencing him to simple imprisonment. The court also imposed fines totalling Rs []

PTI New Delhi The Lok Sabha on Tuesday revoked with immediate effect the suspension of eight Opposition members who were barred from the House on February 3 for unruly behaviour, with Speaker Om Birla stressing that there should be no display of placards, posters, photos or AI-generated images inside the House or in the Parliament []

PTI New Delhi Allegations of horse trading of MLAs erupted as Rajya Sabha elections saw cross-voting in Bihar, Odisha and Haryana, with the opposition Congress suspending three of its legislators in Odisha and warning some of its MLAs of strict action in Haryana. The ruling NDA won all five Rajya Sabha seats in Bihar, three []

AB de Villiers urges MSD to bat at No 6 or higher in the upcoming IPL New Delhi: In a blunt assessment, former South Africa great AB de Villiers on Tuesday said MS Dhoni must bat no lower than number six in the upcoming IPL, asserting that turning up at eight or nine does not []

PTI New Delhi In his first public remarks after being released from jail, activist Sonam Wangchuk on Tuesday said he wanted to see the development in a positive light and hoped it would lead to a meaningful dialogue on the demands of agitating bodies in Ladakh. Addressing a press conference here along with his wife []

Shario, Airen and Anish shoot a goal each in their 3-0 win Mapusa: Cortalim Villagers Social Welfare Sports Club delivered a commanding performance to defeat Goa Police 3-0 in the Goa Professional League Relegation League at the Duler Stadium, Mapusa on Tuesday. Shario Gomes set the tone as early as the second minute, while Airen []

AP Dubai, UAE Israel said Tuesday it killed two senior Iranian security officials in overnight strikes in a major blow to the countrys leadership. Iran, which did not immediately confirm either death, fired new salvos of missiles and drones at its Gulf Arab neighbours and Israel in a war that showed no signs of abating. []

Vasco: Dempo SC looked set for full points after a dominant first-half display but had to settle for a 2-2 draw against Salgaocar FC in the AIFF Sub-Junior League at the Tilak Maidan, Vasco on Tuesday. Vignesh Gaonker led the charge for Dempo, netting twice in the 17th and 33rd minutes to hand his side []

PTI Doha Around 1,600 Indian nationals travelled to India on five Qatar Airways flights on Tuesday, even as the airline continues to operate limited services due to restrictions on Qatars airspace, the Indian Embassy here said. The flights included two services to Delhi and one each to Mumbai, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, the embassy said in []

Agencies Dubai Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has rejected proposals for a ceasefire with the United States. This comes as hostilities escalate in the ongoing conflict. Irans stance on retaliation against the US and Israel is described as very tough and serious. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has rejected proposals to reduce tensions []

With Better Butter, Muskaan Katyal Parekh has been whipping up chunky cookies and brownies in a variety of flavours. She shares her sweet journey with NT BUZZ CHRISTINE MACHADO | NT BUZZ Muskaan Katyal Parekhs baking journey began as an act of love. I started making brownies back in 2016 because my then boyfriend, now []

NT BUZZ D Although Konkani literature has been witnessing several literary experiments, there is a dearth of knowledge-based books, Konkani writer and poet Uday Bhembre said recently after the releasing Ulhas Pai Raikars authored book Sawaramandal. He also said the Konkani book Swaramandal has begun the trend of writing such books. This is a []

Miguel Braganza The word Goa conjures an image of golden beaches with the slender coconut trees swaying in the gentle summer breeze from the Arabian Sea. The coconut tree promotes tourism industry in Goa by just being there. The tender coconut water is a major item of sale to the tourists on the beachfront and []

Peter F. Borges World Social Work Day (March 21) recognises the role of social workers in creating positive change. The 2026 theme, Co-Building Hope and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society, draws from the African idea of Harambee (pulling together). It calls on communities to collaborate and showcases how social workers connect []

NT BUZZ The 20th edition of the Sharngadeva Samaroha, a two-day festival of classical music and dance, will be held on March 25 and 26 at the Institute Menezes Braganza, Panaji. The event is organised by the Mahagami Arts Research Foundation under the Nana Shirgaonkar Chair for Indian Music, Visiting Research Programme, Goa University, in []

Beirut: Fears of a global energy crisis rose on Monday as the war in the Middle East raged on, with more US-Israeli strikes on the Iranian capital and Israels bombardment of Lebanon. An Iranian drone strike temporarily shut Dubais airport, a crucial global travel hub, underscoring the threats to the world economy. Since the United []

Brussels: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday said the EU and India are now focused on efficiently implementing their recently concluded free trade deal and security partnership. Her remarks came after a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to Brussels for talks with his counterparts []

New Delhi: Seeking to implement the Women Reservation Act before the delimitation exercise is completed, the government is likely to bring a bill to amend the law, most probably in the ongoing Budget session of Parliament. Government sources said feelers have been sent to the opposition to bring them on board to ensure a smooth []

Gir Somnath: A special court in Veraval in Gujarats Gir Somnath district on Monday convicted five persons and acquitted 35 others in the 2016 Una flogging case, in which four Dalit men were thrashed when they were trying to skin the carcass of a cow, triggering massive protests across the country at the time. The []

Manohar Parrikar is a name etched in the history for his visionary leadership, simplicity, compassion and impeccable integrity. He became an MLA at a young age of 39 from Panaji Assembly constituency. Being a metallurgical engineer from IIT Bombay, he quickly studied the functioning of various government departments to learn the ropes of administration. His []

Action triggers sharp reaction from Mamata Banerjee Kolkata/New Delhi: The Election Commission has removed the West Bengal Chief Secretary, home secretary, Director General of Police, and Kolkata police commissioner, among others, in an unprecedented administrative shake-up in the state ahead of the high-stakes Assembly polls. The ECs action, which came hours after it announced the []