Page 2 - Goa

BJP govt suppressing voice of people in Goa by 'transfers': Congress

GPCC President Amit Patkar said that there were incidents where government employees have been transferred for raising voice against the government by their family members

Goa Tourism Accelerator lets start ups rethink sector with innovations

Solutions for queue management for museums and other sites to an Artificial Intelligence-based one-stop initiative that provides the best travel experience are among the various ways start ups are rethinking tourism as part of the Goa Tourism Accelerator programme that started in the coastal state on Friday. It has been jointly initiated by Goa Tourism and Start Up incubator Forum for Incubation Innovation Research and Entrepreneurship (FiiRE) at Don Bosco Campus in Fatorda in South Goa. A total of 13 start ups working in areas waste management, customer experience, new payment solutions, mobility and sustainability are taking part, one of the organisers said. Goa Public Service Commission chairperson Jose Manual Noronha, who inaugurated the programme, said technology-based solutions must be found out for the environment and waste if tourism is to get a boost. While young entrepreneur Harshvardhan Ample introduced predicting analytics and process automation for global hospitality

Goa govt to conduct safety audit of roads amidst rising accidents

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday issued directions to the state Public Works Department (PWD) to carry out an audit of state highways, village pathways and major district roads from safety point of view. The directions were given in the view of series of road accidents in the coastal state. Sawant chaired a meeting of various departments to discuss the cause of rising number of road accidents in the state. In a statement issued after the meeting, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said Sawant has issued directions to the PWD to carry out the cause and analysis of accidents and implement short-term and long-term measures to prevent them. A senior PWD official informed that 10 per cent of the estimate of road work is assigned to safety aspects like erection of signboards and barricades. A direction was issued to expedite work and carry out an audit of state highways, village roads, and MDR (major district roads)," said the statement. At the meeting, the CM expressed ...

'Goa ki Baat' programme on 3rd Saturday of every month: CM Sawant

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday said that his government will start 'Goa Ki Baat' on the lines of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat'

Three departments taking measures to reduce road accidents: Goa CM

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday said that three departments of his government are taking measures to reduce road accidents, which are on the rise since last one month

'Smart City' project in Panaji a Rs 1000 cr scam, says Goa Congress

Following the fourth accident in the city where a truck laden with pipes plunged into a dug-up road, on Thursday night, Congress leaders led by Elvis Gomes surrounded the 'Smart City' office

PM Modi, HM Shah say renovation of 350-yr-old Goa temple to boost tourism

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have congratulated the Goa government on the renovation of the historic Shree Saptakoteshwar Temple and said it will deepen the youth's connect with spiritual traditions and boost tourism in the state. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday inaugurated the refurbished temple, which was constructed by warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj more than three centuries ago at Narve village in North Goa district, 35 km from capital Panaji. The Goa state Archives and Archaeology Department has refurbished the temple. Prime Minister Modi in a tweet on on Saturday said, The renovated Shree Saptakoteshwar Devasthan, Narve, Bicholim will deepen the connect of our youth with our spiritual traditions. It will also further boost tourism in Goa. Union minister Shah also congratulated the Goa government on the reopening of the historic temple after renovation. "After being attacked by multiple invaders, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Lumpy skin disease: North Goa extends ban on cattle transportation

The North Goa district administration has extended the ban on the transportation of milch animals, except buffaloes, from other states by another two months to check the spread of lumpy skin disease in cattle, as per an official order. The order issued by the North Goa district magistrate on January 21 and published in the government gazette on Monday said the ban on the transportation of cattle from other states has been extended for a period of 60 days. The ban imposed earlier expired on January 21, 2023, necessitating the administration to extend it. The order said the ban has been extended following information from the Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services that the lumpy skin disease condition is still prevalent in cattle in the neighbouring states. Hence, in an effort to keep the disease from spreading, it has been requested to extend the ban on the transportation of milch animals, except buffaloes, from other states to Goa, the order said. The relaxation i

Goa Oppn parties seek CM Sawant's resignation over Amit Shah's statement

Opposition parties in Goa on Saturday sought the resignation of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant over the statement of Union Home Minister Amit Shah that the Mahadayi river water dispute between Karnataka and the coastal state had been resolved. The two states have been engaged in a tussle over the sharing of water of the river for several years now and Goa has often accused Karnataka of proceeding unilaterally by ignoring pacts. Addressing the Bharatiya Janata Party's 'Jana Sankalp Yatre' in Belagavi in the neighbouring state earlier in the day, Shah said, "I want to tell you (people) that BJP, by resolving the long-standing dispute between both states, has given Mahadayi water to Karnataka and, thereby, ensured farmers in several districts here are benefited." Yuri Alemao, leader of opposition in the Goa Assembly, said Sawant must resign immediately for the "murder of Mahadayi". "Truth always Prevails, God is Great! Home Minister's statement in Belgavi makes it clear that Chief ...

Cong in Goa to distribute Rahul's letters promising LPG cylinders at Rs 500

The Congress in Goa will distribute letters written by its leader Rahul Gandhi which mention that the party will provide LPG cylinders at Rs 500 if it comes back to power in the coastal state in 2024.

GFP, AAP slam Goa collector's circular seeking funds for event on Jan 26

A circular issued by the South Goa district collector asking for a contribution of Rs 1,000 each from the staff for an event to be held on January 26 has been criticised by the opposition Goa Forward Party and the Aam Aadmi Party. While Collector Jyoti Kumari has said it is not a Republic Day programme, GFP chief Vijai Sardesai hit out at the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and his cabinet, claiming they have drained the treasury and now government functions have to be funded by "contributions". The circular dated January 19 said "an event is being organised by the Collectorate of South Goa on January 26, 2023 at Matanhy Saldanha Administrative Complex ground followed by Republic Day Function." "All the permanent staff and officers who are willing shall contribute Rs 1,000 each for making this event a grand success," it said. The collector also mentioned names of two officials who were directed to collect the amount from all the willing staff and officers including subordinate offices

Goa govt to auction 5 more iron ore mining blocks located in North Goa

The Goa government has started the process of auctioning five more iron ore mining blocks, all located in North Goa district, a senior official said. The state Directorate of Mines and Geology (DMG) had last month conducted the e-auctioning of four iron ore blocks, with an aim to pave way for the resumption of the state's iron ore mining industry in the state. The industry, which used to be one of the major revenue earners for the state, had come to a standstill in 2018 after the Supreme Court quashed 88 mining leases. "In the second phase, bids have been invited for the auctioning of Advalpale-Tivim Mineral Block, Cudnem-Cormolem Mineral Block, Cudem Mineral Block, Tivim-Pirna Mineral Block and Surla-Sonshi Mineral Block, the official from the DMG said on Tuesday. The last date for the submission of bids is March 27, 2023, he said. The e-auctioning of the leases would be held through the Metal Scrap Trading Corporation (MSTC).

Goa bound flight from Moscow diverted to Uzbekistan after bomb threat

A Goa-bound chartered flight from Russian capital Moscow with 240 passengers on board was diverted to Uzbekistan in the wee hours of Saturday following a bomb threat, police said

Goa govt unanimously resolves asking Centre to withdraw Mhadei DPR

'We will urge the Central government for an immediate constitution of the Mhadei Water Management Authority as given in the award and also urged for the withdrawal of the DPR sanctioned by CWC'

Goa lawmakers, oppn leaders want to name new airport on Manohar Parrikar

The Goa Assembly on Wednesday evening passed a resolution naming the new greenfield airport at Mopa in North Goa district as 'Manohar International Airport'

Regional aviation looks to fly higher as operators chart plans in Goa

Regional airlines have also struggled due to under investment, rising costs and flight of trained manpower to established larger carriers

Mahadayi water issue: Oppn members ousted after disrupting Goa Guv's speech

Opposition members tried to disrupt Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai's address to the Goa Assembly on the first day of its winter session, demanding a statement from him on the Mahadayi river

Goa CM Sawant-led delegation to meet Shah over Mhadei river issue

"Interstate dispute is always resolved by the Home Minister. Hence we are meeting him," Sawant said

Goa CM Sawant to meet stakeholders to review functioning of new airport

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant will hold a meeting with stakeholders to review the functioning of the newly inaugurated Manohar International Airport (MIA), state Minister Rohan Khaunte said on Sunday. The first flight landed at MIA on Thursday, after which the airport commenced domestic operations. It's been three days since the airport started functioning. There are bound to be some teething problems. We are gathering all the information about these problems and will meet chief minister on Tuesday, Khaunte told reporters in Mapusa town. State Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho will also be present for the meeting, which will also be attended by the stakeholders of the new facility, he said. When asked about a viral photograph showing taxis charging passengers whopping fares at the airport, Khaunte said he has taken a note of the photo showing a taxi charging Rs 4,000 for journey between the airport and Benaulim. We have asked for the details about the bill. We must also find ou

BSE signs MoU with Goa govt to promote development of SMEs

Leading stock exchange BSE on Friday said it has joined hands with the government of Goa for the development of SMEs (Small Medium Enterprises) in the state. With the association of Goa government, the exchange will look at creating awareness amongst SMEs in the state on the benefits of listing on the exchange. BSE will also guide them on the efficient ways of raising capital through equity infusion. In this regard, BSE has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government of Goa, the exchange said in a statement. Besides, the exchange will also provide training and capacity-building support to District Industries Centre officials and facilitates SMEs with respect to registration/listing on the platform. "This association with the government of Goa will play a significant role in opening a plethora of opportunities for small-medium enterprises," Sundararaman Ramamurthy, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BSE, said. BSE is the largest SME Exchange in Indi