Month: June 2024

BJP’s Leader Mohan Charan Majhi to the New Chief Minister of Odisha

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BJP Senior leader Mohan Charan Majhi will be the new chief minister of Odisha The BJP legislature party unanimously decided to elect 52-year old Majhi as its leader in presence of two central observers, Union Ministers Rajnath Singh and Bhupender Yadav. Mr Majhi is a four-time MLA from Keonjhar in Odisha. He was elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly in 2000, 2004, 2019 and 2024. After being elected as the chief minister, Mr Majhi said “his government will do its best to meet the expectations of the people of the state for which they voted BJP to power for the first time”.  The BJP also decided to have two deputy chief ministers, senior BJP leaders Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida. Mr Singh Deo is a six-time MLA and former minister and represents Patnagarh Assembly constituency, while Mrs Parida is a first-time MLA representing Nimapara Assembly constituency.

Mohan Charan Majhi’s political career spans over two decades. His ability to connect with the masses, particularly in the tribal regions, has earned him popularity. As a four-time MLA, he has a deep understanding of the state’s governance system and has been instrumental in shaping the BJP’s policies for the region. Majhi will have big shoes to fill as he becomes the chief minister after Biju Janata Dal chief Naveen Patnaik, who occupied the position for a record 24 years. Chief Minister-elect Mohan Charan Majhi met Governor Raghubar Das at the Raj Bhawan along with the letter of support of 81 MLAs including three independents this evening and staked  claim to form the next government in the state. The swearing ceremony will be held today evening at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Ministers Jual Oram, Ashwini Vaishnaw and chief ministers of several BJP-ruled states will be attending the swearing-in ceremony.

Vijay Sardesai Criticizes State Government Over GMR Mopa Airport Deal

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Vijay Sardesai, Chief of the Goa Forward Party and MLA of Fatorda, has launched a scathing critique against the state government, accusing it of favoritism towards GMR Group, the company responsible for the construction of the Mopa Airport. Sardesai’s comments have sparked significant debate, highlighting concerns over financial and administrative decisions related to the airport project.

Sardesai alleged that GMR Group had initially committed to investing ₹3,500 crores for the construction of Mopa Airport. However, he claims that the company has only spent ₹1,900 crores, falling short by ₹1,600 crores. Despite this shortfall, the state government has reportedly allocated 5 lakh square meters of land to GMR for city site development around the airport.

Adding to his criticism, Sardesai pointed out that the government was supposed to collect revenue amounting to 37% from GMR Mopa Airport every month, which approximates to ₹18 crores. He expressed shock that the government has decided to forgo this revenue until December 2024, leading to a potential loss of ₹108 crores.

“I’m in shock why the government is denying this money, which is vital for the state’s exchequer, while the middle class and poor people are being harassed for not paying on time,” Sardesai stated. He also cited reports suggesting that Mopa Airport will handle 95% of international flight arrivals and departures from Goa, further questioning the rationale behind the government’s revenue holiday decision.

Sardesai strongly condemned the extension of GMR’s revenue holiday period, labeling it as “anti-Goan” and vowing to challenge the decision. He emphasized that the government had previously assured that revenue sharing with GMR Mopa would commence in May 2024. However, there are now moves at the cabinet level to extend this period until December 2024, which Sardesai argues is not only a violation of the Concession Agreement but also a significant financial setback for the state.

“I have also learned that a cabinet note is being prepared to extend the revenue holiday, not by the Department of Civil Aviation but by a third party,” Sardesai revealed. He warned that such actions could result in massive losses to the exchequer and constitute a breach of the House’s privilege.

Sardesai concluded by stating that Civil Aviation officers from the Government of Goa would be held accountable, and the issue would be escalated to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.

The allegations and subsequent fallout from Sardesai’s comments are likely to have significant political and administrative implications as the state government faces mounting scrutiny over its handling of the Mopa Airport project.

Plying Motor Vehicles Without Valid Third Party Insurance is a Punishable Offence

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Plying Motor Vehicles Without Valid Third Party Insurance is a Punishable Offence,   In a stern reminder to all motor vehicle owners and drivers in India need a critical legal requirement and societal responsibility of maintaining valid motor third party insurance. Section 146 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 mandates that all motor vehicles plying on Indian roads must have an insurance policy covering third party risks.

Motor third party insurance is not merely a legal formality but an essential aspect of responsible road use. This insurance provides crucial support to victims in the event of accidents or damages, ensuring that affected parties receive necessary compensation.

Driving or permitting an uninsured vehicle on the road without a valid motor third party insurance is a serious legal violation, punishable under Section 196 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The penalties for this offence are stringent:

First Offence:** Imprisonment for up to three months, or a fine of Rs. 2,000, or both.

Subsequent Offence:** Imprisonment for up to three months, or a fine of Rs. 4,000, or both.

Enforcement officials are authorized to impose these penalties on vehicles found to be operating without valid third party insurance. Vehicle owners are urged to verify the insurance status of their vehicles and ensure they obtain or renew their insurance policies promptly to avoid these severe penalties.

Maintaining valid motor third party insurance is not just about compliance with the law; it is a commitment to the safety and well-being of all road users. The enforcement of these regulations underscores the importance of insurance in mitigating the financial impact of road accidents and protecting the interests of third parties.

 

Goa Police Football Team Promoted to Professional League, Youth Selections Underway

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In an exciting development for local sports, the Goa Police Football team has been promoted to the professional league of the Goa Football Association (GFA) for 2024. This promotion marks a significant milestone for the team and paves the way for greater opportunities and competitive play.

As part of the requirements for competing at a professional level, the Goa Police Football team has initiated selections for its youth teams. Today, trials were conducted at the Police Headquarters (PHQ) grounds in Panaji for boys under 13 years of age. The young players showcased their football talents in the presence of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DYSP) Sports Shivram Vaigankar, Police Inspector (PI) Sports Raia Naik, and coaches Mohan Parab and Swanand Naik.

The selection process aims to identify and nurture young talent, ensuring a strong pipeline of skilled players for the future. The trials will continue until June 14, 2024, during which the selection for the under 15 years Goa Police Football team will also take place.

DYSP Sports Shivram Vaigankar expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of developing youth talent to sustain the team’s success at the professional level. Coach Mohan Parab highlighted the impressive skills displayed by the young players, indicating a promising future for the team.

The promotion to the GFA professional league and the establishment of youth teams represent a strategic effort by the Goa Police Football team to build a robust and competitive squad. These efforts are expected to contribute significantly to the growth of football in the region and inspire more young athletes to pursue the sport professionally.

As the selections proceed, the community eagerly anticipates the formation of the new under 13 and under 15 teams, who will carry forward the legacy and aspirations of the Goa Police Football team in the professional league.

FC Goa secure Jay Gupta with four years contract extension

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FC Goa secure Jay Gupta with four-year contract extension

June 11, 2024 – Goa, India: FC Goa are thrilled to announce that Jay Gupta has committed his future to the Club on a four-year deal. The dynamic defender will remain an integral part of the Gaurs for the upcoming 2024-25 season and beyond, solidifying his role in the team following a standout debut season.

Since joining FC Goa last summer, Jay Gupta has become a cornerstone of the team’s defence, showcasing exceptional performance and consistency.

Over the course of the season, the defender made 31 appearances, scoring two spectacular long-range goals in the Indian Super League (ISL) and providing three assists. His contributions were pivotal in FC Goa’s journey to the semi-finals of the Durand Cup and the ISL Cup playoffs, as well as securing a third-place finish in the ISL League Stage.

The 22-year-old’s impressive form also earned him a call-up to the Indian senior men’s national football team camp at the end of the season, and last week, he finally made his international debut in a FIFA World Cup Qualifier clash against Kuwait.

Lokesh Bherwani, Director of Football at FC Goa, expressed his excitement about the extension. “Jay’s impact on the team has been nothing short of phenomenal. The last season was his first ever at the senior level in Indian football, but he was able to prove himself with talent and commitment, in such a short span of time,” he said.

“His development and achievements over the past year are a testament to his hard work and dedication. We are delighted to secure his services for the foreseeable future, and it represents our ambition to build on the strong foundation laid last season. We believe he will continue to play a crucial role as we aim for greater heights in the upcoming seasons,” he added.

Jay Gupta himself shared his enthusiasm as well, about continuing his journey with the Men in Orange.

“FC Goa gave me a big opportunity at the beginning of last season and asked to prove my worth, and despite some testing phases throughout the season, their support and encouragement helped me do well. You get what you deserve, and that’s what my journey has been and what I admire about this Club. There is no better place to be, for an aspiring youngster who has been given the chance to prove his worth and play his heart out in front of a passionate fan base,” he said.

“The team showed a lot of positivity and consistency right at the beginning of last season, which replicated into a stream of positive results. With that, I think we laid a very strong base for what FC Goa are all about and what we see ourselves fighting for nothing less than the titles.

“We will continue to do this together, and I’m confident that we’ll have another really good season this time,” the defender signed off.
About FC Goa
FC Goa is a professional football club based out of Goa that competes in the Indian Super League (ISL). Nicknamed the Gaurs, FC Goa have been one of the most consistently successful teams in the ISL – reaching 5 semi-finals and 2 finals in 10 seasons.

FC Goa hold the record for the most goals, joint-most golden boots and most number of playoff appearances (7 in total) in the history of the league.

In 2020, FC Goa also became the first team from India to qualify for the league stages of the AFC Champions League, by virtue of winning the first-ever ISL League Winners Shield in the 2019-20 season.

The Gaurs’ trophy cabinet is further adorned by the 2019 Super Cup, the 2018-19 Goa Professional League, the 2020 Goa Police Cup and the 2021 Durand Cup.

Co-owned by Mr Jaydev Mody, Mr Akshay Tandon and Mr Virat Kohli, FC Goa are one of the few Indian clubs to have a complete youth development ecosystem. Its U13, U15, U17, U19 and Developmental Teams compete at the highest levels in Goa and India.

Renowned singer Francis Anthony of Geet Ramayana fame died in an accident in Belgaum

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Geet Ramayana (Story of Ramayana through Songs) Renowned singer Francis Anthony (age 69) of Geet Ramayana fame died in an accident in Belgaum. According to reports, he met with an accident in Belagavi. Francis had been performing Geetramayana for more than three decades at the Ram temple in Mestwada-Vasco. Devotees of Vasco city used to wait for Ramnavami for Geetramayana and devotional songs in Marathi language by Francis Anthony. On the occasion of Ramnavami he has performed Geetramayana for almost 35 years at Sri Ram Mandir in Mestwada Vasco. He was also a member of the Diamond Orchestra and a famous singer.
According to information received, Francis Anthony died on the spot after a speeding truck hit his bike from behind in Belgaum. He is a resident of Joshi Galli, Shahapur. He was also a retired railway officer. The accident took place near the third railway gate on Saturday afternoon. The incident took place while taking his grandchildren home from school his  granddaughter was also  injured in the accident and she  is out of danger.

The accident happened on Saturday around 12.40 pm. Francis was going home on his bike after taking his granddaughter Devna (age 14) from school on Saturday. He was seriously injured in an accident where a speeding truck hit him from behind near the third railway gate. He was shifted to a nearby private hospital. He died before that.


Francis Murgesh Anthony alias Anurag Verekar is originally from Savordem and settled in Belgaum for his job. He was known as a great singer. Along with Hindi songs, Geetramayana was also performed. He has also given music services on Panaji Akashvani for many years. He was better known as a famous singer of Geet Ramayana fame. On the occasion of Ramnavami, he has performed Geetramayana continuously for almost 35 years at Sri Ram Mandir in Mestwada Vasco. He was also a member of the Diamond Orchestra in Vasco and a famous singer. He has performed his singing programs in various places of Goa.

Therefore, he was more popular in Goa than in Belgaum. He has also served as a ticket checking officer in South Western Railway. After retirement, he continued his singing career. This year, Ram Navami Prityartha Vaskot Mestwada performed Geetramayana as per the annual tradition, and her singing performance left an impression on the hearts of the fans. Francis Anthony said while presenting the program this year that he will perform Geetramayana in Mestwara as long as he has breath. He is survived by a son, two married daughters and grandchildren. He added a large family with music and his singing performance. His death has been mourned by the artists of Diamond Orchestra of Vasco as well as instrumentalists of his song Ramayana and music lovers of Vasco, Bhajani and other artistes.

Finally the Garbage Pile up at Varnapuri Removed

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Prompt Action by Mormugao Municipal Council Clears Garbage from NH 566 Near Varnapuri Gate

In a swift response to the news published two days ago on our website, www.newsbabaonline.com, regarding the accumulation of garbage on National Highway NH 566 near Varnapuri Gate, the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) has taken immediate action to address the issue.

Residents had expressed concern over the unsightly and unhygienic conditions caused by the garbage that had been piling up for many days. The report drew significant attention and prompted MMC and ward councillor Amay Chopdekar to take prompt action.

Today, the accumulated garbage was cleared by a team deployed by the MMC, supported by the intervention of Vasco MLA  Krishna Salkar and Mormugao Municipal Council Chairperson Girish Borkar. Councillor Chopdekar expressed his gratitude to MLA  and Chairperson Borkar for their swift support in deploying the necessary manpower and machinery to resolve the problem.

In his statement, Councillor Chopdekar urged residents to refrain from disposing of garbage indiscriminately. He emphasized the importance of cooperation with the council’s waste management efforts, specifically urging people to segregate dry and wet waste and utilize the door-to-door garbage collection services provided by the council.

The prompt action by the MMC has been welcomed by the community, highlighting the effectiveness of timely reporting and responsive governance in addressing local issues. Residents are encouraged to maintain cleanliness and support the council’s efforts to keep the area clean and hygienic.

For further updates and detailed reports, visit www.newsbabaonline.com.

MLA Antonio Vaz Inspects Velsao Village Amid Environmental Concerns

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Cortalim MLA Antonio Vaz visited Velsao Village today to inspect a site where toxic and hazardous effluents are allegedly being released into the sea by Paradeep Phosphate. This issue, according to local residents, has persisted for years, affecting the coastal areas of Velsao, Issorcim, Cansaulim, and other neighboring villages.

For years, locals have raised alarms over the environmental damage caused by these pollutants, which have led to the deaths of various fish species found in the rivulets and along the shorelines. The Goa State Pollution Control Board has corroborated these claims, confirming the release of urea and fertilizers into the water bodies.

The continuous pollution has sparked numerous protests and demands from the Velsao, Issorcim, and Cansaulim communities, especially the fishermen, who are directly affected by the deteriorating marine life. Despite the persistent outcry, previous MLAs had not visited the affected sites, leaving residents feeling unheard and frustrated.

Today marked a significant turn as MLA Antonio Vaz personally visited the affected site, demonstrating a commitment to addressing the environmental crisis. His visit has been welcomed by the residents, who have long demanded immediate action to halt the hazardous effluent discharge into the sea.

In response to the ongoing issue, MLA Vaz has directed Paradeep Phosphate to cease the pollution immediately. The directive comes with a stern warning that any continued negligence will result in stringent actions against the firm.

Residents and environmental advocates hope that this intervention will bring a long-awaited resolution to the pollution problem, restoring the health of their local marine environment and safeguarding the livelihoods dependent on it.

The published news in the Herald on May 28, 2024, highlights the severity of the situation, underscoring the need for urgent action to prevent further environmental damage. The local community remains vigilant and expects prompt and decisive measures to ensure that such negligence does not recur.

Goa Congress President Urges Speaker to Expedite Disqualification Petition

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In a formal communication dated June 7, 2024, Amit S. Patkar, President of the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee, has issued a second reminder to the Honorable Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, urging swift action on a long-pending disqualification petition. This plea follows two previous letters dated November 21, 2023, and May 13, 2024, seeking resolution on a critical issue concerning the defection of eight Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from the Indian National Congress (INC) to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The disqualification petition, originally filed on December 6, 2022, targets eight MLAs: Michael Lobo, Digambar Kamat, Alexio Sequeira, Sankalp Amonkar, Delilah Lobo, Kedar Naik, Rajesh Faldessai, and Rodolfo Fernandes. These members are accused of violating the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India, which is designed to prevent political defections and ensure the stability of elected governments.

Despite the gravity of the allegations and the prolonged 17-month wait for a decision, there has been no conclusive action on this petition. Amit Patkar’s letter highlights the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the need for a timely verdict. Recently, the Speaker did issue a verdict on another petition involving Michael Lobo and Digambar Kamat, demonstrating the capacity for resolution within the legislative framework.

In his reminder, Patkar has requested the Speaker to expedite the hearing process and deliver a decision on the disqualification petition in a time-bound manner. He stresses that further delays are unacceptable and underscores the commitment of the Congress Party to seek judicial intervention if the legislative process fails to address their concerns promptly.

The resolution of this petition is not just a matter of procedural compliance but also holds significant political implications for the stability and integrity of the legislative process in Goa. The Congress Party’s insistence on addressing these defections underscores their commitment to upholding constitutional principles and the democratic mandate.

The timely resolution of such disqualification petitions is crucial for maintaining the credibility and functionality of the legislative assembly. The Congress Party, through its president Amit Patkar, has made it clear that they are prepared to take all necessary steps, including approaching the courts, to ensure that justice is served and democratic norms are upheld.

The ball is now in the court of the Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, who must balance procedural due diligence with the pressing need for a prompt and fair resolution.

Honorable MLA of Cortalim Visits Abandoned Stone Quarries

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Today, the Honorable MLA of Cortalim visited the abandoned stone quarry site in the Cortalim Constituency, accompanied by police, Mormugao Mamlatdar staff, PWD staff,  Dy Collector Staff and other officials. This visit comes in response to a tragic incident last year when a 16 Year-old boy drowned in one of these quarries who had gone for swimming as during monsoon  session most of the abondend stone quarries get filled with rain water. To prevent further any such incidents, the MLA has requested the property owner to fill the stone quarry. He assured that he and various government departments would provide the necessary assistance.

During the visit, the team also inspected a nearby culvert filled with mud and neglected for over 20 years. The MLA emphasized the importance of maintaining such areas to ensure public safety. The MLA was happy to see that most of the open  parts  stone quarry were  filled with mud and even the blocked culvert was cleaned after 20 years which will allow the water to freely flow as no water blocking or water stopage will not happen.

The MLA urged residents to report any such  hazardous spots in the constituency or nearby to report his office so appropriate action can be taken to protect the community.