The Navhind Times News

South Goa collector to continue holding charge of four talukas Special Correspondent Panaji: Giving a New Year gift to the people of four talukas in the state, the revenue department reconstituted the state into three districts on Wednesday and notified the third district to be known as Kushavati district. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced that [] The post New Year gift: Govt notifies Goas third district Kushavati appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Govt orders inquiry into CZMP alterations Special Correspondent Panaji: Stating that the magisterial inquiry report on the devastating fire that engulfed the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub at Arpora has been submitted to the government, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday said two officers from the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) have been suspended [] The post Birch fire tragedy: Two GSPCB officials suspended over lapses appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Panaji : People in Goa continue to fall prey to online frauds as cybercriminals have duped four people in different cases, which led to the loss of a total amount of over Rs 2.98 crore. Two cases of digital arrests were reported in which a woman from Bicholim lost Rs 1.42 crore to the scam, [] The post Over Rs 2.98 cr swindled in 4 cyber fraud cases appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Move aims at reining in expenditure and reducing fiscal deficit Panaji : New Year 2026 started on a note of austerity for the state with the government implementing 25 per cent revenue expenditure cuts for every department for the remaining three months of 2025-26. The revenue cuts are aimed at curbing expenditure and reducing the [] The post State goes for 25% revenue expense cuts appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Resolutions offer a fresh page but must be built on in slow, steady steps Its that time of the year when we look forward and wonder how to make the best of the time ahead.The quiet gap between late December and early January offers us time to reset our lives, giving us the chance to [] The post New Year musings appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Government must take appropriate measures to spur private sector investment. This is Indias moment to capitalise on the demography and build a prosperous nation We head into the New Year with India continuing to be the fastest growing large economy in a world marked by challenges. The latest World Economic Outlook of the International Monetary [] The post Growth in age of reforms in pieces appeared first on The Navhind Times .

At South Goas iconic Colva Beach, tourists and locals come together to watch the last sunset of 2025 melt into the horizon. |Amati Konduri The post Final glow appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Panaji: The rollout of Goas Artificial Intelligence-based border surveillance system, Goa Vehicle Authentication (GoVA) system, to digitally verify vehicle documents at state borders has come under criticism over incorrect challans, traffic congestion and data integration gaps. The glitches in the system have led to protests and temporary suspension at some locations and are currently operational [] The post AI vehicle checking system faces flak over challan errors appeared first on The Navhind

Panaji: The Directorate of Panchayats on Wednesday dismissed the suspended Arpora-Nagoa panchayat secretary Raghuvir Bagkar from service after the magisterial inquiry committee identified several lapses by Bagkar at the time of issuing trade licence to Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub at Arpora. The order was issued by Mahadev Araundekar, Director of Panchayats. Raghuvir Bagkar, while [] The post Birch fire: Suspended Arpora pyat secy dismissed over licence lapses appeared first on The Navhind Time

Name to be announced today; Oppn wants clarity on financial implications Special Correspondent Panaji: A third district will be soon carved out in the state with Quepem as its headquarters, which will mark a key change in the administrative composition of Goa. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday said the new district will comprise the [] The post Quepem to be HQ of Goas third district appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Interacts with top economists ahead of Budget New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called for mission-mode reforms across diverse sectors to sustain long-term growth to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Interacting with a group of eminent economists and experts at NITI Aayog ahead of Union Budget for 2026-27, Modi also [] The post PM for mission-mode reforms to sustain long-term growth appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Cross voting in South Goa befuddles everybody Special Correspondent Panaji: The Bharatiya Janata Party-Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party alliance has established its rule on both zilla panchayats in Goa, with BJPs ZP members namely Reshma Bandodkar and Namdev Chari having been elected unopposed on Tuesday as the chairperson and vice-chairperson of the North Goa ZP, respectively. Furthermore, [] The post BJP members elected to top posts of both ZPs appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Panaji : The state is on its toes to welcome New Year 2026 with Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Kumar on Tuesday saying that strong security arrangements have been made for trouble-free festivities held to usher in the New Year in the world-famous tourist destination. Apart from the district police, police personnel from the [] The post Goa on its toes to welcome New Year appeared first on The Navhind Times .

RND directed to appear before GCZMA to make presentation Panaji: The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has directed the River Navigation Department to submit a Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment before granting approval for the reconstruction and extension of the existing jetty at the Old Secretariat in Panaji. A site inspection was carried out on [] The post Coastal authority sets rapid EIA condition for Panaji jetty project appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Pernem: The Additional Sessions Court at Mapusa on Tuesday rejected the anticipatory bail applications filed by the Arpora sarpanch Roshan Redkar and the suspended secretary Raghuvir Bagkar in connection with the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub fire incident of December 6 in which 25 people lost their lives. The court also refused to grant a [] The post Arpora nightclub fire: Pre-arrest bail denied to sarpanch, ex-secy appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Lifesavers will remain on duty until 1 am on New Years Eve Panaji: Anticipating increased tourist arrivals in Goa during the upcoming New Year festive week, Drishti Marine has bolstered its life-saving efforts along the coast, including implementation of shifts till 1 am for comprehensive beach safety support. Drishti Marine has taken significant pre-emptive safety [] The post Addtl staff to be deployed on beaches during NY festivities appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Panaji: With Goas roads crowded with traffic and tourists for year-end celebrations, the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has urged the government to defer the closure of the Porvorim-Mapusa stretch until January 5, 2026. In a letter to North Goa Collector Ankit Yaday, the industry body highlighted that the Porvorim-Mapusa stretch is a [] The post Defer road closure for Porvorim work until Jan 5, GCCI urges govt appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Bengaluru: Marking a milestone in the countrys indigenous aerospace manufacturing, the next generation, multi-role civil helicopter Dhruv NG, billed as an alternative to imported light twin-engine helicopters, made its maiden flight on Tuesday here. Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu flagged off the HAL-made helicopter and called it a symbol of the countrys capability. The minister [] The post HAL-made helicopter Dhruv takes flight appeared first on The Navhind Times .

New Delhi: The Defence Ministry on Tuesday signed contracts worth Rs 4,666 crore to procure over 4.25 lakh close quarter battle carbines and 48 heavy torpedoes. The contract for the battle carbines along with accessories worth Rs 2,770 crore for the Indian Army and the Indian Navy were signed with Bharat Forge Ltd and PLR [] The post Defence Ministry inks Rs 4,666-cr contracts for battle carbines appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Vaibhav Patil , Vijay Gawde shine for their respective teams Panaji: Super Sports Club, Siolim Sports Club registered convincing wins in their respective GCA B Division clashs, on Tuesday. In the first match, Mahalaxmi Cricket Club were bowled all out for 204 in 39.3 overs, their batting charge was led by Israel Nayak scoring a [] The post Super SC, Siolim SC register wins appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Margao: La-Paz Garden clinched a thrilling one-wicket victory over Iqbal XI in the GCA A Division South Zone final at ODM, MCC, Margao on Tuesday. Batting first, Iqbal XI were restricted to 122 all out in 31.3 overs, with Sanjay Naik top-scoring with 45 and Saif Ali Karajgi contributing 20. Achit Shigwan lead the bowling [] The post La-Paz Garden take south zonal honours appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Raipur: Goas campaign in the Vijay Merchant Trophy Elite came to a disappointing end after they suffered an innings and 147-run defeat against Karnataka on the second day of their Group D match at the RDCA Ground in Raipur on Tuesday. After being dismissed for 160 in their first innings, Goa were completely outplayed by [] The post Goas campaign ends with innings and 147-run defeat appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Russia-Ukraine tensions spike with exchange of bitter accusations Kyiv: European leaders were due to hold talks Tuesday on US-led peace efforts to end the nearly four-year war between Russia and Ukraine, amid a flare-up in tensions between Moscow and Kyiv over Russian claims, denied by Ukraine, of a mass drone attack on a lakeside residence [] The post European leaders to discuss US-led peace efforts to end war appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Dhaka: Khaleda Zia, Bangladeshs first woman prime minister who restored democracy after a span of military rule and dominated the countrys politics for decades, died on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. She was 80. Zias demise came less than six weeks before Bangladesh will vote in the parliamentary elections for the first time after a [] The post Bangladeshs first woman PM Khaleda Zia passes away appeared first on The Navhind Times .

London: Well-known British Indian artist Meera Syal has been awarded a Damehood among some of the highest awards in King Charles IIIs New Year Honours list released in London on Tuesday. The London-based comedian, writer, actor and filmmaker has been made Dame Meera for services to literature, drama and charity. Downing Street said 1,157 recipients [] The post Actor-writer Meera Syal on King Charles IIIs New Year Honours list appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Filmmaker Anand Gandhi and game designer Zain Memon, co-creators of the Goa-based project MAYA, were speaking at a recent MOG Sunday Session at the Museum of Goa (MOG) in Pilerne. Storytelling in India is increasingly shifting from single films or books to multi-format narrative universes spanning film, games, and immersive media, said the co-creators, who [] The post Introducing multi-format storytelling appeared first on The Navhind Times .

As 2025 comes to a close, NT BUZZ speaks to people about the first-time experiences that made their year memorable I travelled alone for the first time to attend a week-long summer school in Cape Town. It was also my first time abroad and a chance to present my poster and learn new things about [] The post Firsts to remember appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Graphic designer Poonam Bind from Vasco is the only Indian nominee in the Poster Design category at Torontos Alternative Film Festival for her work on the environmental film Act To Achieve. AltFF is an IMDb-qualifying quarterly festival, with the awards ceremony scheduled for December 31 at the House of Culture Naturlandia, Toronto, Canada. Bind, [] The post Poonam Bind only Indian nominee at Torontos AltFF appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Says further probe needed to resolve critical ambiguities New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday stayed its own order that accepted a new definition for the Aravalli hills and ranges, and said a high-powered expert panel will be set up to resolve critical ambiguities and prevent any regulatory gaps that might undermine the ecological integrity [] The post SC stays its own order on Aravalli definition row appeared first on The Navhind Times .

DoE issues circular as per child safety norms Panaji : The Directorate of Education (DoE) has directed all educational institutions to compulsorily obtain police verification for all drivers, helpers and attendants engaged in ferrying schoolchildren including those deployed on Balrath buses and other school transport vehicles. In a circular issued to the heads of government, [] The post Police check must for drivers, helpers ferrying schoolchildren appeared first on The Navhind Times .

State fared better with 2.2% share of foreign visitors, says central govt report Shoma Patnaik Panaji : Goa, which gets domestic tourists over six times its population annually and is seen to be overflowing with vacationers during public holidays and weekends, received only 0.3 per cent of the countrys total domestic travellers in 2024. In [] The post Goa saw 0.3% of countrys total domestic tourists in 2024 appeared first on The Navhind Times .

I will not rest until he is hanged, says survivor New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the Delhi High Court order suspending the life sentence of expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape case and said he shall not be released from custody. A vacation bench comprising Chief Justice [] The post Unnao rape: SC stays HC order suspending Sengars life sentence appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Access for emergency services vehicles severely restricted Margao: Following the incident that claimed 25 lives at Arpora, Margaos new market has come under scrutiny, with fears that a fire incident could lead to a major loss of life due to the long-standing neglect. The market has returned to focus after the government initiated fire safety [] The post Fire risk looms over Margao new market as lapses persist appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Special Correspondent Panaji: Former Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court Justice (retd) Ferdino Rebello has called for the launch of a statewide peoples movement to protect Goas ecology, urging citizens to unite against hill cutting, forest diversion and unchecked real estate development. Warning of an impending ecological collapse amid growing water scarcity, he said urgent [] The post Ex-Chief Justice of Allahabad HC calls for united fight to save Goas ecology appeared first on The Navhind T

Panaji: The state government is planning to introduce two Roll-on Roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferryboats on the BetimPanaji route. We have had preliminary discussions on introducing Ro-Ro ferryboats on the BetimPanaji route and budgetary provisions will soon be made for the same, said River Navigation Director Vikramsinh Raje Bhosale. Before the introduction of Ro-Ro services, the River [] The post Govt plans to introduce 2 Ro-Ro ferries on Betim-Panaji route appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Anjuna: Fishermen operating from the Chapora jetty received major relief on Monday as dredging work at the mouth of the Chapora river commenced; it is estimated to cost Rs 6.35 crore. The work was formally launched with the release of an anchor in the river by Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo in the presence of Anjuna [] The post Major relief for Chapora fishermen as Rs 6cr dredging work commences appeared first on The Navhind Times .

According to officials, fire originated from linen storage area Visakhapatnam: One person was killed after two compartments of the Tatanagar-Ernakulam Express caught fire at Yalamanchili, about 66 km from here, police said on Monday. The police received information about the fire at 12:45 am. A police official told reporters that there were 82 passengers in [] The post One dead as train catches fire in Andhra Pradesh appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Jamshedpur: President Droupadi Murmu on Monday urged people to never forget their respective mother tongues, and called for collective efforts towards the betterment of society. She was addressing the 22nd Santali Parsi Maha (language day) and centenary celebrations of the Ol Chiki script of the Santali language at Dishom Jaherthan courtyard in Karandih on the [] The post President urges people not to forget mother tongue appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Sabarimala: The famed Lord Ayyappa Temple here will open on December 30 evening for the annual makaravilakku festival, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) said on Monday. The auspicious makaravilakku ritual, which marks the culmination of the over two-month-long pilgrimage season, falls on January 14, 2026. The temple will open at 5 pm on December 30, [] The post Sabarimala to open for makaravilakku today appeared first on The Navhind Times .

New Delhi: The maiden flight test of Pinaka long-range guided rocket was conducted successfully on Monday, and it impacted the target with textbook precision, the Defence Ministry said. The test was conducted at Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha. The rocket was tested for its maximum range of 120 km demonstrating all in-flight [] The post India conducts maiden flight test of Pinaka long-range rocket appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Bright Beginnings Goa by Anisha Andrade creates handcrafted babywear and baptism essentials KALYANI JHA | NT BUZZ Every new parent knows the joy and challenges of welcoming a baby. Founded in 2020, Bright Beginnings Goa by Anisha Andrade, makes that journey easier with handcrafted newborn and toddler clothing and baptism essentials. A former educator from [] The post Stitching smiles appeared first on The Navhind Times .

The I-Run Goa Marathon is set to be held on January 4, celebrating nine years of helping underprivileged communities in Goa. This year, the marathon will include a 32 km race for experienced runners. Each year, we try to offer something new for runners. The 32 km race is for those ready to push their [] The post Run for a cause appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Award-winning Konkani tale Babu returns in an abridged, translated and beautifully re-imagined form Vinika Viswambharan Some stories refuse to be bound by the time or language in which they were written. More than two decades after its original release in Konkani, Babu is reaching a new generation through an abridged and illustrated English edition. First [] The post A story retold appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Miguel Braganza Large-sized strawberries, similar to Japans Beni-hoppe or Red Cheeks varieties, have begun to make their appearance in Goa over the last two years. They are not as common as standard-sized strawberries and therefore fetch a premium price. The appealing red colour of the fruit is seductive, but one is also conscious of the [] The post Strawberries in Goa appeared first on The Navhind Times .

It is ironic that a government and a system that seeks to reclaim the Indian ethos and the ancient Indian way of life is today working with models that are precisely the opposite The debate on the ever-alive topic Does God exist? between the well-known poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar, an atheist, and the graduate [] The post God, Gaia and plunder of Aravallis appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Urges India to refrain from undermining spirit of good-neighbourly ties Dhaka: Dhaka on Sunday rejected concerns raised by India over the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh, calling it an inaccurate, exaggerated, or motivated narrative that does not reflect the facts. Indias Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said the unremitting hostilities against minorities in Bangladesh [] The post Dhaka rejects Delhis remarks on hostilities against minorities appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Working towards actionable programmes Panaji : The Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA) has started pushing for the implementation of the Clean Energy Roadmap for the State of Goa 2050, a long-term strategy to help the state switch over to 100 per cent clean and renewable energy and achieve economy-wide decarbonisation by 2050. GEDA is working [] The post Push for implementation of clean energy roadmap appeared first on The Navhind Times .

One-year mortality rates after bone injuries range from 14% to 36% New Delhi: Hip fracture among the elderly is a significant health crisis. Frequently resulting from a simple fall in individuals with weakened bones due to osteoporosis, the mortality rate after such a fracture is striking, according to experts. This serious injury, a break in [] The post Hip fracture health crisis among elderly: Experts appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Angry locals torch excavator Ponda : Varkhand in Ponda witnessed tense situation after a woman from the Nagamasjid area, Ponda, died on the spot after a tipper-truck rammed into a two-wheeler at Varkhand on Sunday. The police gave the name of the deceased as Swati Rathod. The incident occurred when she, her husband and their [] The post Woman killed as truck rams into bike in Ponda appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Lahore: Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has revealed that he was advised to hide in a bunker when India launched Operation Sindoor in May this year. Zardari made the revelation while speaking at an event in Larkana, Sindh province, to mark the 18th death anniversary of his wife and former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, who [] The post Was advised to hide in bunker during Operation Sindoor, says Pak President appeared first on The Navhind Times .