19 C The Navhind Times
Elections 2026National / The Navhind Times
With polls approaching, govt faces the task of resolving the reservation issue without delay With less than three months to go before the Model Code of Conduct comes into effect for the next Assembly election, uncertainty remains over the reservation of seats for the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community in the forthcoming Assembly polls. In a []
The real test lies in whether public services create equitable opportunities, address everyday concerns and improve lives and overall well-being of its people Good governance is not measured merely by the money a government spends, but by whether its policies and public services create equitable opportunities and improve the lives of its people. Governance is []
The launch of the MC Square Plus (MC+) incubation centre for deep tech energy startups was one of the highlights of the Energy Technology and Innovation Meet 2026, Betul, writes Joao Mergulao The MC square is sector-specific accelerator and has already empanelled 42 promising startups within its operational matrix in less than 6 months. The []
Industry body CII, has described the GST Councils decisions to decriminalise certain offences and rationalise enforcement powers as a significant institutional reform, saying the move marks a shift towards trust-based economic governance and offers a model for Indias next generation of economic reforms. On the decisions taken at the GST Councils October 8 meeting, CII []
Prof. DM Deshpande The approval by the cabinet for the sale of IDBI Bank marks the end of a long drawn saga of finding a suitable buyer. For seven long years, it was looking for a committed investor. There were false dawns in the journey with the latest being the news of Kotak Mahendras intention []
Sanjiv Nadkarni UPI- a digital payment system endeared whole population of our country beyond imagination. When it was introduced in 2020 by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), there were skeptics who doubted if digitally less literate sections like a kirana shop owner or a road side vegetable vendor would be part of such []
NT Reporter Panaji Highlighting Sardar Vallabhbhai Patels contribution to Indias integration and his support for Goas liberation from Portuguese rule, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday said that Goa could have attained liberation soon after Indias Independence. Sawant flagged off Run for Unity in the city in the presence of Union Minister Shripad Naik on []
NT Reporter Panaji Goa police department on Saturday placed under suspension police inspector (PI) Vikas Deykar of the Crime Branch police, Ribandar, against whom Old Goa police has registered a First Information Report (FIR) for allegedly sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl. Following his suspension, Deykar has been asked to report to Goa Reserve Police (GRP) []
NT Reporter Panaji Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday made a strong appeal to delegates at the valedictory session of the three-day Vibrant Goa Global Business Summit to do business in the state, disclosing that the mega event resulted in the Goa-Investment Promotion Board (IPB) inking nine Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 8,600 crore. []
NT Reporter Panaji A composite material developed using cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), extracted from cashew-processing waste, and natural bamboo fibre has shown promising potential in lightweight ballistic protection, with the material successfully arresting projectiles during experimental trials. Gaurish Samant, who recently completed his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Goa University under the guidance of []
NT Reporter Margao Surgical oncologist and President of BJPs Medical cell, Dr Shekhar Salkar has appealed to mandals and organisers which prepare Narkasur effigies to avoid using plastic and cling film, warning that burning these materials can release harmful fumes and pose health risks. Several groups acrossthe state are engaged in making Narkasur effigies, which []
Dr Nandkumar M. Kamat Who were the ancestors of todays Konkani-speaking people? Did they originate in the Konkan itself, migrate from northern India, or descend from populations that arrived along the western coast thousands of years ago? Can genetic science distinguish between the ancestry of Saraswat Brahmins, fishing communities, agricultural groups and Roman Catholics? These []
DR. LUIS DIAS I named my column On the Upbeat when I began writing it some 13-odd years ago, Ive lost count. It was a pun, on the upbeat (also called anacrusis) in music, but also the more general meaning of the term, of being optimistic despite so much doom and gloom. It has not []
Scientists doubling as art detectives have traced Vincent van Goghs The Starry Night to a celestial scene that suggests a new date for one of the worlds most famous paintings. Their findings indicate that rather than being a product of Van Goghs imagination, the painting may have been inspired by what he saw as he []
JOHN AGUIAR Squadron Leader (Retd.) Dr. Swapnil Salelkar is a man whose life has been shaped by a remarkable journeyfrom the rustic surroundings of Karapur to the demanding world of the Indian Air Force, and eventually back to his roots, where he continues to serve society in his own distinctive way. After completing Class 12, []
VENAN BONAVENTURE DIAS Rapid advances in digital technology have transformed how governments, businesses, and citizens interact with financial systems. Traditional cash-based transactions, while convenient in many situations, often create challenges related to transparency, accountability, and monitoring. As economies become increasingly digital, governments worldwide are exploring digital currency to improve financial governance and strengthen trust in []
NT reporter Ella Dempo SC head coach Samir Naik has called on supporters to turn up in large numbers at the PJN Stadium, Fatorda, as the club begins its Indian Football League 2026-27 campaign on Sunday, believing their backing could provide an added boost to his youthful squad. We always want to see our Dempo []
Tawadkar to lead delegation to meet Solicitor General Panaji: The Goa government has decided to approach the Supreme Court to safeguard the process of granting political reservation to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community in the Goa Legislative Assembly, following an interim order passed by the High Court of Bombay at Goa. The decision was taken []
Panaji: The Revenue Department has notified revised minimum land rates for the financial year 2026-27 across Pernem, Bardez, Tiswadi, Salcete and Mormugao talukas, with base values ranging from Rs 1,500 to Rs 25,000 per square metre. As per the notification, Panaji, Bambolim, Assagao, Anjuna, Candolim and Calangute have been assigned the highest base rate of []
Orders thorough investigation into cause of blaze Panaji: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has directed officials to expedite financial assistance to vendors affected by the recent fire in Vascos Sunday Market, identify a suitable location for their temporary rehabilitation and initiate reconstruction of the damaged market on priority. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an []
Panaji: The Goa government on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with energy trading group ANVI to develop a Rs 5,000-crore liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) import and storage terminal at the Mormugao port, aimed at strengthening states energy security and reducing dependence on supplies transported by road from the neighbouring states. The project is []
EDITORIAL Stray dog management needs sustained investment and scientific intervention Instead of sending confusing signals to animal welfare organisations and the animal-lover community by announcing fancy schemes to control the stray dog population on beaches, the state government must focus its attention on increasing dog sterilisation. A recent announcement of an adoption scheme for beach []
A Delhi special courts decision to allow seven foreign nationals under National Investigation Agency (NIA) investigation in a terrorism-related case to travel home for a month raises a constitutional question: how should criminal law balance national security, investigative deadlines and personal liberty? The accused, an American national, Matthew Aaron VanDyke and six Ukrainian citizens were []
NT Reporter Panaji The Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has recommended continued monitoring of industrial units operated by United Spirits Ltd and United Breweries Ltd, located at Bethoda, Ponda to prevent a recurrence of foul odour reported by nearby residents. The commission took suo motu cognisance of the issue after a report published in The []
NT Reporter Panaji The High Court of Bombay at Goa has directed the Mapusa Municipal Council to submit a detailed report on encroachments affecting footpaths in the town and provide a plan for clearing obstructions and completing the work. The division bench of Justice Valmiki Menezes and Justice Amit Jamsandekar issued the directions while hearing []
PTI New Delhi Population census will be conducted across India, except in poll-going and snow-bound regions, from January 25 to February 28, 2027, the Census Commissioner announced on Friday. According to an official notification, the reference date for the census shall be 00:00 hours of March 1, 2027. In all states and Union territories, except []
PTI Kolkata/Guwahati West Bengal shifted 12,000 people living along the Sankosh in Alipurduar district to safety, while Assam closely monitored the situation in vulnerable areas of Dhubri and Kokrajhar districts after the rivers water level rose following a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in adjoining Bhutan, officials said. Water level in the Sankosh, which forms []
Police register case against unknown person Vasco: A major fire that broke out at the New Modern Municipal Market, known as the Sunday Market, in Vasco around 11.40 pm on Wednesday, has destroyed approximately 150 shops and caused extensive damage to goods in one of the worst incidents witnessed in the port town. Chief Minister []
Panaji: In a major setback to the governments efforts to re-align Assembly seats before the 2027 state elections, the High Court of Bombay at Goa on Thursday restrained the Census Commissioner from notifying Scheduled Tribe (ST) population figures for the state. The High Court granted interim stay on the issuance of notification by the Census []
Panaji: Goa must focus on its social infrastructure while trying to attract investors, said industrialist Sunil Kant Munjal, chairman of Hero Group, on Thursday. Speaking as the keynote speaker at Vibrant Goa Global Business Summit that commenced at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium in Bambolim, Munjal said investors do not just look at the []
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday said it was not inclined to completely ban firecrackers, but there was no point in passing orders and directions every year unless the authorities implement them on the ground. It concerns every living being, a bench of Justices M M Sundresh and Prasanna B Varale observed while hearing []
New Zealand eye comeback after conceding 5-match series with three straight defeats Auckland: India will look to extend their dominance and hand opportunities to wrist-spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy when they take on New Zealand in the fourth T20 International here on Friday. Already 3-0 up in the five-match series, India could rotate their []
Jalandhar: Skipper Harmanpreet Singh and striker Sukhjeet Singh scored a brace each as India defeated China 5-2 to register their second consecutive win at the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament here on Thursday. Sukhjeet (12th, 34th) scored two field goals, while Harmanpreet (27th, 31st) converted two penalty corners. Jugraj Singh (47th) also scored from a []
They lose 5-4 on penalties after playing out 5-5 draw in regulation time Baku: Victor Lalawmpuia scored four goals, but Indias U-15 men lost 5-4 on penalties to Kazakhstan after a thrilling 5-5 draw in the Tier C semi-final for positions 85 to 88 at the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival Azerbaijan 2026 on []
Vidarbhas lead proves decisive as they fold for 195 Panaji: Goa suffered an innings and 27-run defeat against Vidarbha in their Elite Group A Ranji Trophy 2026-27 clash at the Vidarbha CA Stadium, Jamtha. Vidarbha took a 222-run first-innings lead after declaring at 442/8 in reply to Goas 220. Goa managed 195 in their second []
Vasco: The Congress has demanded an inquiry into the fire at Vascos Sunday Market, alleging lapses in firefighting preparedness. South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes urged the state government to declare it a state disaster to ensure relief for affected vendors. A Congress delegation visited the fire-ravaged market on Thursday to assess the situation and interact []
Panaji: The High Court has authorised the superintendent of Central Jail, Colvale, to administer oaths and affirmations for affidavits supporting bail applications. The affidavits must be processed within 24 hours of being presented to the superintendent. The direction came during the hearing of a bail application filed by Prasad Walke, who is lodged at Colvale []
Shoma Patnaik Panaji Goas two airports Dabolim International Airport in Vasco and Manohar International Airport at Mopa handled 47.97 lakh international and domestic passengers between April and September this year, down from 52.7 lakh during the same period in 2025. Combined passenger traffic across the states airports fell by 8.9% in the first []
NT Reporter Vasco A massive fire broke out at the Vasco Sunday Market, located behind the Mormugao Municipal Council building, around 11.10 pm on Wednesday, sending flames soaring into the sky and a huge plume of smoke billowing over the area. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, []
NT Reporter Panaji Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president Nitin Nabin on Wednesday said there is no need to categorise young people into generational labels like Gen Z or Gen Alpha, asserting that anyone driven to bring about a change through hard work and perseverance should be considered young. Speaking at the Yuva Samvad event []
NT Reporter Porvorim Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday announced that the state cabinet has approved Compressed Biogas (CBG) Policy, aimed at promoting large-scale establishment of compressed biogas plants across the state and converting waste into clean energy. Briefing the media on cabinet decisions at Mantralaya in Porvorim, Sawant said the policy seeks to address []
Through fieldwork, photography and conversations with local people, Heta Pandits translation of Pournima KerkarsVismrutichya Umbarthyavar captures the knowledge and experiences behind the objects documented in the book RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT BUZZ Many traditional household objects are no longer used as they once were, but their stories survive in the memories of those who grew []
Question announcement timing, warn against poll promise without firm guarantees Ponda: The proposed reopening of Goas only sugar factory, Sanjivani Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Ltd. in Dharbandora has renewed hopes among sugarcane growers and workers. However, questions have been raised over the timing of the announcement with some farmers warning that it could become an election []
Porvorim: The Cabinet has approved the renewal of contracts for all doctors and staff working in the cardiac department of Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC) for five years, from 2026 to 2031, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said. Briefing reporters on the Cabinet decisions, Sawant said the government had also approved filling 178 staff nurse []
Panaji: Water supply to several areas across Goa is likely to be partially affected on October 31 and in the following days due to a 24-hour shutdown of the 100 MLD water treatment plant at Xelpem, also known as the JICA water treatment plant. The shutdown is scheduled from 8 am on October 31 to []
Margao: Three public infrastructure proposals in Margaoredevelopment of the Portuguese-era municipal garden opposite the council building, a multipurpose sports arena on 5,789 sqm of land, and an automated above-ground parking facility on approximately 1,500 sqm of government landhave got in-principle approval. The orders, however, do not authorise immediate construction. The proposals were placed by PWD []
NT Reporter Porvorim Reiterating the state governments commitment to provide political reservation to the Schedule Tribe (ST) community, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday said that Quepem, Sanguem, Priol and Nuvem constituencies are likely to be notified as ST-reserved seats in the first or second week of December 2026. Speaking to reporters at Mantralaya in []
Margao: The United Tribals Associations Alliance (UTAA) will hold a meeting on Saturday to plan a state-wide campaign demanding political reservation for Goas Scheduled Tribe (ST) community. Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, UTAA president Prakash Velip, executive members advocate John Fernandes, Vishwas Gaude and Joseph Vaz, and other members said the organisation would visit []
Ind tie-ups to prepare students for emerging tech Panaji: The state government will modernise polytechnic institutions through partnerships with industries and corporate companies, with the aim of equipping students with practical skills and preparing them for emerging technologies, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated on Tuesday. Speaking at the inauguration of the Energy4Good Technology Centre at []