| 3G launching will bring in a revolution in mobile service in Goa Posted: 23 Jun 2010 07:48 AM PDT The 3G Mobile Service which is going to be launched in Goa from 24th June 2010 will bring in a revolution in the mobile service as subscribers will now be able to see 11 TV Channels on their 3G service enabled mobile sets, said Mr. Shantaram Naik M.P. in a statement issued today. In a statement Mr. Naik says that he has been constantly raising the issue in Parliament for early commissioning of 3G service in Goa. Mr. Naik says that if BSNL proposes to popularize the service in Goa, then, they have to explain to the people each and every 3G scheme transparently without hiding any aspect of the scheme, and further, Mr. Naik says that BSNL has to see to it that the coverage in the entire Goa is available without any interruptions. Mr. Naik further says that on account of 3G service, the data downloading will be faster, and that, on account of availability of video phoning, subscribers will be see each others' faces, live. BSNL is a government company and hence they could get the 3G facility about a year back. They have expanded their network in many parts of the country, however, Mr. Naik says that other companies have now obtained rights under 3G auction, and that BSNL will have to face a number of competitors, and therefore it is advisable that BSNL captures the market before their competitors enter the field. Mr. Naik said that he will continue his efforts for a better 3G service in the state. |
| Setting up of NIT in Goa may not be to Goans advantage Posted: 22 Jun 2010 10:59 PM PDT If you thought the setting up of National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Goa would benefit local students in a big way, hold on. For, if the Goa Hitrakhan Manch is to be believed, Goa – though allotted an independent NIT – is mysteriously clubbed with Daman and Diu, Lakshwadeep and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. This implies that students from Daman and Diu, Lakshwadeep and Dadra and Nagar Haveli will also be in contention for the 50 per cent of NIT seats reserved for students of the home state. That's not all. While Goa was earlier reserved a quota of 55 seats in the NITs across the country, the number of seats in the Goa NIT for the home state has come down to 45. And, there is no guarantee that Goan students will get these seats since the state has been clubbed with Daman and Diu, Lakshwadeep and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Warned GHM leader Prashant Naik: "This is totally unacceptable and unjustified. How can the Union Human Resource Development, New Delhi mete out injustice to Goans. We will come on the streets and if required will knock the doors of the Judiciary to get justice". While welcoming the NIT to Goa, Naik, however, lamented that the HRD has done great injustice to Goans, because the state has been clubbed with other states and union territories. "This has not happened in the case of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Arunachal Pradesh, whose students will enjoy 50 per cent of the seats", he said. Naik said Goans may not even get a seat in the Goa NIT, apprehending that students from Gujarat may answer the entrance exam in Daman and Diu and get admissions in the Goa NIT. The Goa NIT has been allotted 90 seats, of which 50 per cent of the seats will be filled up on All India ranking, while 50 per cent seats goes for the home state ranking. Says Francis Braz: "The provision of 50 per cent of seats for the home state is made since the local government makes provision for the land to set up the institute. The Centre should immediately grant 50 per cent of allocation for the home state to Goa and if need be create additional seats for Lakshawadeep and Daman and Diu", he demanded. He said the Goa government would insist with the centre to allot all the 45 seats for the Goan students. Naik said the GHM has drawn attention of the Director of Technical Education to the injustice to the local students and has requested the Chief Minister, Education Minister as well as the three Goan MPs to intervene in the matter. "We will call on the Chif Mnister and others, including the MPs, besides CWC member Luizinho Faleiro to protect the interests of Goans. If everything fails, we will approach the courts to seek justice", Naik said. Saying that the GHM expects positive reply from the Union Human Resource Development, Naik, however, warned of a sustained agitation to get the quota reserved for the home state in NITs and also approach the court of law. Courtesy: Herald |
| Goa’s hall of shame! Posted: 22 Jun 2010 10:54 PM PDT  A small state with a long list of politicians involved in alleged crimes and controversies, Goa is currently waiting to see how the saga of Francisco Mickky Pacheco, named prime suspect in the Nadia Torrado death case, ends. Pacheco is "absconding" even as a judge hearing his bail plea has "recused" himself from the case. A rundown of the company he finds himself in.
FRANCISCO MICKKY PACHECO: Prime suspect in the Nadia Torrado death case, Pacheco is no newcomer to having criminal charges levelled against him. The political career of former tourism minister, known for his abrasive language and brash demeanour, has been dotted with repeated trysts with the law. First charged for criminal trespass in 2002, he has been accused in cases of extortion and for the assault of government servants. His now-estranged wife Sara has accused him of bigamy, and has also filed three cases of forgery of documents in property transactions against him. Courtesy: indianexpress |
| Goa Health Minister to join Congress Posted: 22 Jun 2010 08:26 AM PDT Goa Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane will soon be joining Congress. Congress sources said Vishwajeet, who had contested as an independent from Valpoi constituency, met Ahmed Patel, Political Secretary to party chief Sonia Gandhi, as also AICC General Secretary B K Hari Prasad yesterday. Vishwajeet is the son of senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister Pratapsinh Rane who is currently the Speaker of the 40-member Goa assembly. He is expected to seek reelection as a Congress candidate after resigning his seat. A United Goans Democratic Party (unattached) legislator Anatanasio ‘Babush’ Monserratte joined Congress. Monserratte is Education Minister in Kamat’s cabinet. With his joining the party, Congress’ strength in the state has jumped from 18 to 19 in the 40-member House. Courtesy: ptinews |
| Israeli national accused of drug peddling gets bail in Goa Posted: 22 Jun 2010 06:15 AM PDT A Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Court here today granted bail to alleged Israeli drug dealer Yaniv Benaim alias Atala for lack of evidence against him. Judge Bimba Thali passing the order also banned Atala from visiting the coastal belt of Goa. The accused was arrested in connection with a police-drug peddler nexus case, which saw the arrest of seven policemen recently. Atala’s girlfriend Lucky Farmhouse had exposed the nexus linkages by uploading a series of videos allegedly showing Atala confessing that he was being sold drugs by policemen from anti narcotic cell police station. All the seven cops, including Police Inspector Ashish Shirodkar, were released on bail by the High court after passing severe strictures against the police investigation. Following the court’s verdict, police said even though Atala has been set free on bail, there was no threat to Lucky’s life as he will not be allowed to leave the country. Lucky is currently in Sweden after spending almost a month in Mumbai shooting for a commercial. ”We have contacted Lucky and are waiting for her response, she has not yet responded,” deputy Superintendent of Police, Chandrakant Salgaonkar said. Crime Branch, which is investigating the police drug peddler nexus, had failed to get Lucky’s statement. In an interview, Lucky had said that son of a politician had often visited Atala’s place in Goa. Courtesy: TOI |
| Travel to Goa in the Monsoon Season Posted: 21 Jun 2010 10:37 AM PDT Goa is India’s smallest and most liberated state. It was actually a colony of Portugal up until 1961, and a strong Portuguese influence still remains. Goa’s coastline stretches for around 100 kilometers (62 miles) and its beaches have become extremely popular tourist destinations. However, Goa has much more to offer than just the beach! It's especially beautiful during monsoon time from June to September, when nature flourishes, the rain brings refreshment and romance, and Goa takes on a more traditional flavor. Travel to Goa during the monsoon and you’ll be able to experience it the local Goan way. Goa Monsoon Attractions: Goa’s picturesque wildlife sanctuaries are open all year round. The major ones are Mollem National Park and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary. They are harder to reach than Bondla, the smallest and most accessible sanctuary in Goa, though. As well as nature trails, Bondla has a mini zoo and deer safari park, which is great for kids. The imposing Dudhsagar Falls, located on the fringe of the Mollem National Park, is at its best during the monsoon as the water rages down from a huge height. Another great place to visit during the monsoon in Goa is the acclaimed spice plantation in Savoi, reached by an enchanting drive through dense jungles and hills from Ponda. An evening boat cruise up the Mandovi River from Panaji is enjoyable, and Goa's historic character-filled buildings provide much interest. Fishing in any of Goa's rivers is also fun! Goa Monsoon Festivals: One of the best reasons to visit Goa during the monsoon is the vibrant festivals that take place. The most popular festival, Sao-Joao (the fertility feast of Saint John the Baptist), is celebrated in late June and involves the interesting feat of men jumping into overflowing village wells to retrieve bottles of local feni alcohol. The feast of Saints Peter and Paul, at the end of June, sees people sailing up river on rafts performing plays and songs. In late August, the carnival-like Bonderam flag festival is held on tiny Divar Island, off the coast from Panaji. Ganesh Chaturthi is also observed in Goa. Goa Monsoon Hotels: The Wildernest Nature Resort offers enticing monsoon season specials, and it's an incredible place to stay right amongst nature. Cottages start from 3,800 rupees ($76) per night, including all meals, tax, and activities such as nature walks, eco tours and trekking. This is almost 50% less than peak season rates. You’ll also find very enticing monsoon rates at most luxury hotels in Goa. Check out some of these hot travel deals. Goa Monsoon Restaurants: Restaurants that aren't located on the beach usually stay open during the monsoon. Lloyd's in Calangute (after the chapel, on the Candolim Main Road) is the place to be on a stormy monsoon evening. It serves delicious Goan home cooking and is open through the night. The atmosphere is friendly and entertaining, with many people passing by and dropping in. You can also try Britto’s on Baga Beach for seafood. Goa Monsoon Nightlife: Goa’s renowned nightlife is minimal during the monsoon, however the infamous Mambo’s and Tito’s at Baga Beach both rock all year round. The Goa Marriott’s designer bar, called Ozone, is a good choice for those looking for somewhere more upmarket in Panaji, as is Tease at the Taj Vivanta, which also has DJs. If you don’t mind heading all the way to Vasco-da-Gama, check out Lava Lounge (near the Chicalim petrol pump). Live musicians can be heard at the more laid back Cavala, near Baga Beach. This place caters to an older crowd and there’s live rock & roll every Saturday night. Getting to Goa: Goa is well connected to the rest of India by air, bus, and train. However, the bus can be slow and uncomfortable so try to take the train where possible. Trains on the Konkan Railway can cover the distance from Mumbai to Goa in less than 10 hours, with the best train being the Konkankanya Express. Most trains will stop at Margao (Madgaon), which is Goa’s main train station. Some, such as the Konkankanya Express, will stop at other stations as well. Mumbai to Goa Trains. Goa to Mumbai trains. Courtesy: goindia |
Ending speculations, 
The 
who hanged herself at her Bandra residence on Friday, left a chilling message for Gautam on the last page of a diary found near her body - "U killed me, Gautam Vora."
Churchill Alemao stressed that the government is committed to ensuring that Goa remains a top tourism destination.
United Goans Democratic Party’s
The BJP will chalk out a roadmap for the 2012 