Goa 123 updates

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Goa Blog

Shantaram Naik, Goa MP addressed Forum on Population and Development in Tokiyo
CBI should probe illegal mining in Goa: BJP MP
Goa, Gujarat to jointly promote tourism

Shantaram Naik, Goa MP addressed Forum on Population and Development in Tokiyo

Posted: 19 Sep 2010 05:42 AM PDT

While global population increased three fold in 20th Century, India's population increased five fold and, if current trend increases India may overtake China in near future, said Mr Shantaram Naik ,Member of Parliament of India in Tokyo, last week.

In the first photograph Mr Shantaram Naik is seen addressing the
Conference on population and Development in Japan while in the other
Mr Naik is seen shaking hands with Former Prime Minister of Japan Shri
Yasuo Fakuda

Mr Naik who was addressing the delegates at a conference in Tokyo, Japan, inaugurated by former Prime Minister of Japan Shri Yasuo Fakuda, on population and development organized by Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development, further said that on 2.4% of world area , India supports 17.1% population, and said that despite our population programmes , we continue to 'produce' one Australia ,every year.

Mr Naik said that although India has not been able to effectively implement its population policy, which is due to social factors, India was the first country in 1952, to launch national programme emphasizing family planning.-, and added that , as early as in 1925 Dr.R.D.Karve opened the first family clinic in Bombay(now Mumbai).

Mr Naik said that India's programme is voluntary , and said that, through freezing of seats of the two Houses of Parliament till 2026, and through implementation Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929,Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, Pre-Natal Diagnostic Technics (Regulation of Prevention of Misuse) Act,1994, India has adopted a rational way of managing its population.

India has now stressed to carry message of family planning through village panchaysts and municipal bodies, he said.

Mr Naik also mentioned about the effective implementation of Prevention of Domestic Violence Act in India

Delegates from India, Japan, Zambia, Vietnam, Tanzania, Philipines, Pakistan, Lao PDR, Kenya,Indonasia,Cambodia participated in the delegation. There were laud applauds when Mr Naik thanked all the delegates in their respective language.

Three- member Indian delegation was led by Prof. P.J.Kurien M.P. with Shri Manmohar Sharma , Executive Secretary of Indian Association of Parliamentarians on Population and Development accompanying the delegation. Mr Naik had the privilege of addressing the delegates on behalf of Indian Delegation.

Mr Naik also presented the former Prime Minister of Japan Shri Yasuo Fakuda ,who hosted an breakfast exclusively to the three member Indian delegation, a mini bronze idol of Lord Ganesh.

CBI should probe illegal mining in Goa: BJP MP

Posted: 19 Sep 2010 03:18 AM PDT

Only a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the multi-crore illegal mining industry in Goa can help bring the culprits to book, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and former state BJP president Shripad Naik said Sunday. Addressing a press conference in Panaji, the former union minister of state for agriculture said that illegal mining in Goa had reached monumental proportions.

"We have been protesting time and again at various forums, right from agitations to legislative assembly debates, but the government is doing absolutely nothing to prevent it," Naik said. "We want a CBI probe into the illegal mining trade. We need to bust it," Naik said. More than Rs.4,000 crore worth of illegal ore was exported out of Goa, according to figures provided by the state mining department in the legislative assembly during the monsoon session.

According to Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar, nearly 18 percent of the 40 million tonnes of manganese and iron ore is illegally exported from Goa. He has also accused Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and several cabinet minister of sheltering illegal mining in the state.

Courtesy: thaindian

Goa, Gujarat to jointly promote tourism

Posted: 19 Sep 2010 01:25 AM PDT

The Goa government will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Gujarat government to jointly promote tourism, a tourism official said here Saturday. Speaking to reporters here, Goa Tourism Development Corporation chairman Nikhil Desai said the MoU would help tourists coming to Gujarat to easily facilitate a passage and a holiday to Goa and vice-versa.

‘We have already signed a similar MoU with five other states — Meghalaya, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Karnataka and Sikkim. Joint promotion of tourism will help boost tourism in both the states,’ he said. Desai was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a roadshow organised by the Gujarat Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC). ’The MoU will also ensure revenue sharing by both the signatory states on the basis of bookings clocked in a financial year. Sharing of resources between the two states is also key,’ he said.

Desai said that Gujarat and Goa were working at a proposal involving creation of boat cruise terminals on the western coast. Goa is one of the most popular tourism destinations in the country, which attracts 2.5 million tourists annually.

Courtesy: sify

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa to promote itself as film shooting destination during IFFI
Ganesh Chaturthi Festival Celebrated with Great Enthusiasm in Goa
Goa to have regional centre of ICCR

Goa to promote itself as film shooting destination during IFFI

Posted: 18 Sep 2010 08:14 AM PDT

Goa will promote itself as a destination for shooting films during the upcoming International Film Festival of India (IFFI), 2010, a senior state bureaucrat said today. “The Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) will have a stall during ensuing IFFI, which will showcase Goa as a destination for shooting films,” ESG’s Chief Executive Officer Manoj Srivastava said addressing the delegates of South Asian Film Festival (SAFF) here. “We are trying to attract people. How do you attract people? We have to give them benefits and make it easier for them to shoot,” he added. Srivastava said that initially when IFFI travelled to Goa, the state did not have a film culture but with the passage of time, the participation of locals has increased. “Goa has enough to shoot. Except snow, the state has everything. Even if you want to create a desert scene, it can be done having the beach as the background,” he told reporters later. IFFI 2009 had a special section ‘Goa: A Celluloid Destination’ which is likely to be discontinued from this year. ESG is a nodal agency created by the state government to promote film culture and film related activities in Goa. Goa has recorded 600 film shooting days in the last calendar year.

Courtesy:IBN Live

Ganesh Chaturthi Festival Celebrated with Great Enthusiasm in Goa

Posted: 18 Sep 2010 05:38 AM PDT

Shree Ganesha at Dr. Ulhas Parab’s ancestors residence at Amona.

Group of Women Bhajani Artists consisting of Shreja Parab, Sanjana Gauns, Yeshashri Parab, Surekha Shetkar, Rukmini Parab, Saliya Gauns, Anuradha Sinari, Pratibha Fadte, Reshma Govekar, Pramila Govekar accompanied with Pradeep Gayak on Tabla, Sanjay Parab on Harmonium performing bhajan at Dr. Ulhas Parab’s ancestors residence at Amona.

Bhajan programme was appreciated by the people of village performed by this group of Amravati Mahila Bhajani Mandal.

Goa to have regional centre of ICCR

Posted: 17 Sep 2010 09:57 PM PDT

The joint secretary of the ministry of external affairs and the deputy director-general of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Mr Ajit Gupte on Friday announced that Goa will have a regional centre of the ICCR within next few months, thus ensuring a vibrant interaction between Goa and the rest of India as well as other countries. Mr Gupte, who was delivering his address during the inaugural session of the 3rd edition of the South Asian Film Festival at Kala Academy complex, said that once the regional centre is opened, a number of foreign cultural troupes would arrive in Goa to present their performances. “There are 28 centres of the ICCR around the globe and they help in establishing cultural contacts between India and other nations,” he added.

The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat lights the traditional lamp to mark inauguration of 3rd edition of the SAFF at the Kala Academy complex, Panaji, on Friday. The Chief Secretary, Mr S K Srivastava, the deputy director-general of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Mr Ajit Gupte and others are also seen.

Earlier, the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat inaugurated the four-day film festival, in the presence of the Chief Secretary, Mr S K Srivastava, the director-general of South Asia Foundation, Mr Rahul Barua, Mr Gupte and delegations from Pakistan, Maldives, Bhutan, and India. The CEO of the Entertainment Society of Goa, Mr Manoj Srivastava and the director of the film festival, Ms Rameeza Akhtar were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said the Goa centre of the ICCR will be inaugurated by the ICCR Chairman, Dr Karan Singh. He also stated that Goa is an important international tourist destination and the government now desires to develop it as a destination for hosting various festivals. Observing poor turnout at the inaugural session of the film festival, the Chief Minister remarked that one day, the inaugural session of the SAFF will witness the auditorium overflowing with people, and SAFF becoming one of the important film festivals of the country.

Mr Rahul Barua, in his speech said that SAFF is aimed towards promoting peace and harmony in the South Asian region, and is a celebration of the spirit of countries in this region. Mr Manoj Srivastava maintained that SAFF presents socially and politically alive movies and reflects the aspirations of the people from the SAARC countries.

The Chief Minister also released a SAFF 2010 brochure on the occasion. A contemporary dance performance by noted Kathak dance exponent, Sharmishtha Mukherjee and her group followed the opening ceremony. The inaugural session ended with the screening of a film from Afghanistan, An Apple from Paradise.

Courtesy: Navhind Times

Friday, September 17, 2010

Goa Blog

Fresh tar balls sweep across Goa beaches

Posted: 17 Sep 2010 05:24 AM PDT

Fresh tar balls have swept across several beaches in South Goa, an official said Friday. According to an eyewitness, tea bags too floated in at one of the beaches. The sticky, acrid, semi-solid tar balls have littered and continue to deposit on the beaches of Colva and Betalbatim, about 35 km from here, since Thursday, causing disappointment for the local populace which banks on tourism for sustenance. "Some tar balls have deposited on the Colva beach. My team is there to clear the debris. It is not serious, as far as I can say," Tourism Director Swapnil Naik told reporters.

When asked if the tar balls — which are a result of a waste oil dumped by ships reacting with sea water — would be a consistent phenomenon, Naik said: "The flow of tar balls is very localised." "It all depends on the currents. Because the currents are strong, the tar balls are being washed onshore," he said.

Local activist Judith Almeida said: "Tar balls have washed ashore right up to the high tide line this time and the authorities are slow in lifting the debris." In several cases, the tar balls were in the heat, leaving behind ugly patches of oil, she added. Another eyewitness, James D'Souza from Cansaulim, said along with the tar balls, the waves incidentally also dragged along several score tea bags. These were washed ashore at the Cansaulim beach Thursday night.

The phenomenon of tar balls landing up in Goa's beaches by the ton triggered a scare in the tourism industry, which banks on the arrival of nearly two million tourists who visit the beaches annually from October to March.

Courtesy: thaindian

Missing hero stone worries Goa archaeologists

Posted: 17 Sep 2010 05:09 AM PDT

Goa archaeologists are baffled with the mysterious disappearance of a hero stone dating back to 13th Century from a remote village in Sattari taluka.The stone was last seen a fortnight ago by a group of trekkers at Nagve village, the state Archives and Archaeology department said.The hero stone, locally known as ‘Veergal’, had a battle scene inscribed on it and the lower portion had funeral pyre with Hero’s body shown along with his wife, who was about to jump in the pyre.Renowned history expert Rajendra Kerkar said that a researcher Sanket Naik had gone to the place in Nagve village this Wednesday and found the stone to be missing. The state archaeology department was immediately informed about it.

Assistant Superintendent Archaeologist M S Deshpande said that the department is probing into the incident. “It is possible that some museum authorities may have stolen it,” he said.Kerkar said that the hero stone belongs to later Kadamba period and is more than a metre long.The topmost portion of this memorial stone had the depiction of sun and moon on the either side, which signifies the belief that the memory of this hero will remain unless and until the sun and moos are there in the sky, he said.

Courtesy: IBN Live

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Goa Blog

SAFF: Towards cultural integration

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 12:45 PM PDT

Over 50 films from the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation) countries namely Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Maldives, Pakistan, Bhutan and India will be screened during the 3rd edition of the South Asian Film Festival, which is all set to be held in the city from September 17 to 20. The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat informing about the event told the media that the festival with the theme, 'Dissolving Boundaries' is an unique film festival that has been designed for a larger socio-cultural and political objective, and this is what sets it apart from the other festivals.

The Chief Minister will open the film festival at an impressive opening ceremony to be held at the Kala Academy complex on September 17 at 5 p.m., followed by the screening of a film from Afghanistan, 'An Apple from Paradise', which presents a distorted interpretation of religion in that country. The 86-minute film is a part of the country focus on Afghanistan at the film festival.

Wide categories of films will be screened at the festival including classic films, short films, documentaries and popular films. It will also include some of the internationally acclaimed and award winning films. All films will be subtitled in English. Speaking further, the Chief Minister said that the SAAF was previously held in New Delhi and has now been shifted to Goa, its permanent venue. "The Entertainment Society of Goa is linked to this festival and is contributing Rs 10 lakh towards it, besides providing logistical support like auditoriums, offices and staff," he added.

The secretary general of South Asia Foundation and the organiser of the SAAF, Mr Rahul Barua, told the pressmen that the film festival basically celebrates the spirit of South Asian countries. He also said that the Indian films have almost invaded the SAARC countries, and now there is a need to create audiences for films from these countries, in India.

Replying to a question, Mr Barua said that there is a preview committee, which recommends films to be screened at the SAAF. "A steering committee of the South Asian Foundation clears the recommendations of this preview committee," he added. It was also informed that a delegation from Pakistan led by the chairperson of Pakistan Film Censor Board, Ms Nilofer Bakhtiar will be attending the four-day film festival.

Courtesy: Navhind Times

Goa’s floating casinos can’t enter the sea

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 12:42 PM PDT

The Goa cabinet Wednesday reversed its decision taken last year ordering offshore casino vessels plying in the Mandovi river to move into the Arabian Sea. Instead, the cabinet decided to shuffle the positions of the seven offshore casino vessels along the course of the river. Speaking to reporters after the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said that the casinos would be directed to shift to designated places in the river itself.

‘The proposal was prepared by ports department officials. We have approved it,’ Kamat said. ’Three vessels will now have to be anchored towards Ribander village, just a kilometre away from Panaji (upstream of the capital), while four others would be located at either side of the Mandovi’s banks,’ Kamat said.

The decision to shift the casino vessels is significant because the government had come under severe criticism from the opposition and civil society groups which claimed that permitting casinos in Goa would result in an increase in the crime rate.

Following this, the cabinet had last year ordered the offshore casino vessels to move into the Arabian Sea, hoping it would pacify the public. However, the casino managements challenged the cabinet decision in the high court. There are seven offshore casinos in Goa, apart from more than a dozen casinos located in various five star hotels in the state.

Courtesy: sify

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Goa Blog

NSUI Goa chief meets state governor

Posted: 14 Sep 2010 11:22 AM PDT

A delegation of National Students Union of India (NSUI) today met Goa Governor seeking his intervention in the drug nexus probe. During the 30-minute meeting, the delegation, led by state NSUI chief Sunil Kawthankar, urged Governor S S Sidhu to hand over the drug nexus probe to CBI. ”The governor has assured to discuss the demand with chief minister and chief secretary,” Kawthankar said.

The NSUI has initiated a campaign against the drug nexus wherein an Israeli drug dealer Atala alias Yaniv Benaim was caught on camera bragging about his links with policemen. Seven policemen were arrested after drug nexus was exposed but crime branch investigating the case could not dig further, forcing the NSUI to ask for CBI probe.

NSUI took up a signature campaign against the drug nexus in the state and a memorandum was earlier submitted to AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi. ”The Governor patiently heard the demands of NSUI and sympathised with them. He told us that he is aware of the issue,” NSUI chief said. Kawthankar said they have full faith in the Governor and that he will ask the government to hand over the case to CBI, which is required for the fair and impartial enquiry.

Courtesy: msn

Monday, September 13, 2010

Goa Blog

Nobody is higher than party: Jose Phillip

Posted: 12 Sep 2010 09:33 PM PDT

Nobody is higher than the party, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) state president Jose Phillip D’Souza said Sunday, in context with the statements made by its Benaulim MLA Francisco ‘Mickky’ Pacheco. A week ago, Pacheco had made a statement that he does not need a party nor a symbol to win an election.

Speaking on the sidelines of the NCP state convention, Pacheco made the statement to mediapersons, replying to a question whether the NCP was supporting him through his troubled times. ”I don’t need a party nor symbol. What matters is that the people are with me and I am with the people,” Pacheco said.

When asked about his reaction to the statement, the NCP state president replied: “Nobody is higher than the party. If anyone wishes to leave they can leave. However, asking a person to leave is something I cannot do, and that is up to the party high command.” A few days ago, the NCP spokesperson, Trajano D’Mello, had told a press conference that Pacheco is free to leave the party.

Courtesy: TOI

2 flights suffer bird hits at Goa Dabolim airport

Posted: 12 Sep 2010 09:21 PM PDT

Sunday turned out to be an eventful day at the Dabolim airport where two bird hits were reported in which one of the aircraft had to be grounded after its propellor was broken as a result of bird hit. There were, however, no casualties. According to the information provided by airport sources, the first bird hit took place at around 4.30 a.m. in which the aircraft of Air Arabia coming from Sharjah suffered negligible hit of an owl while landing at the airport.

The aircraft flew back to Sharjah after a thorough inspection as nothing serious was noted by the engineering staff. In the second incident an aircraft belonging to Kingfisher airlines flying from Bangalore to Dabolim suffered serious damage after a big bird got sucked by its propellor after landing at the airport at 7.30 a.m. as a result of which propellor blade was badly damaged necessitating its grounding and replacement of the broken blade.

The aircraft was taxing towards the apron when the incident took place. The aircraft flew back at 6.45 a.m. after spares were flown from Bangalore and replaced by the engineering staff. In the second incident too none of the passenger was injured.

Meanwhile, the airport sources further said that a considerable number of birds was being noticed in and around airport especially in early morning and late evening, which could be dangerous to the aircraft. In view of large number of birds being seen, the authorities have issued permanent notice to pilots landing at the Dabolim airport to exercise caution in this regard. The sources further said that in view of the bird hits concrete steps would have to be taken immediately to reduce proliferation of birds around the airport.

Courtesy: Navhind Times

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Goa Blog

Goa: Filing of nominations for Cong polls from Sunday

Posted: 11 Sep 2010 10:39 AM PDT

Filing of nomination papers for the new Goa pradesh Congress committee (GPCC), including its president, begins on Sunday. As per the schedule announced by the chairman of pradesh election authority Prof I G Sanadi, nominations are to be filed on September 12 and 13 between 11am and 4pm. Nominations have been invited for several posts. Besides the most important post of president, the posts to be filled are six vice-presidents, a treasurer and 33 executive members.

Scrutiny of nominations will be held on September 14 while withdrawal of nominatinos will be allowed on September 15 between 11am to 4pm. Polling will take place on September 17 between 11am and 4pm and counting will begin from 5pm onwards.

On the same day, election will be held to elect six members to All India Congress committee. Expectedly, all eyes are on the top post. This is important as the new president will be on the pradesh election committee which will decide on the candidates for the next assembly elections. There is lot of enthusiasm but not many will be in the fray for the top post, said an office -bearer of the party.

The incumbent Subhash Shirodkar himself is waiting for a green signal from the high command. He said he would consult the high command before filing his nomination. Sources in the party said that Shirodkar would get the backing of the chief minister Digambar Kamat. They have worked together on various missions in the last two years especially towards thwarting moves at destabilising the government, an official said.

Courtesy: TOI