CM Can’t Run Away: Chodankar Demands Inquiry into Cash-for-Job Scam by Retired High Court Judge

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Panaji: Girish Chodankar, former President of the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) and a Permanent Invitee to the Congress Working Committee (CWC), has raised serious concerns over a potential “Goa Vyapam-like scandal” in the state’s recruitment processes. Chodankar has been vocal about these concerns since 2020, warning about the risk of widespread corruption and irregularities.

Chodankar accused Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant of advocating amendments to the Goa Staff Selection Commission Bill, 2019, which allows various departments to bypass established recruitment protocols and hire directly. He argued that such changes open doors to manipulation, making it easier for cash-for-job scams to take place.

“The Chief Minister cannot claim ignorance about recruitment matters and try to run away from this scam. Every issue inevitably leads back to the CM’s office,” Chodankar stated, implying that Dr. Sawant’s office is complicit in the lapses or, at the very least, negligent.

To address these concerns, Chodankar has called for an inquiry led by a retired High Court judge. He stressed that this commission should conduct a thorough and unbiased investigation into the recruitment processes across departments to restore public trust. “CM failed to act against the PWD recruitment scam alleged by his own minister and Panaji MLA Atanasio Babush Monserrate; current job scam cases also highlight his failure,” he added.

Chodankar also cited previous instances of alleged malpractices, including manipulated answer papers, altered results, and compromised physical examination procedures, which he claims have disadvantaged Goa’s youth. According to him, these scams have become a pattern since 2020, with little action taken to curb the rot.

In urging for transparency and reform, Chodankar’s demands aim to ensure that recruitment processes in Goa are conducted with fairness, integrity, and accountability. The call for a judicial inquiry underscores the need for a significant overhaul in the state’s hiring practices to protect the interests of deserving candidates.

Swiggy’s ₹11,327 Crore IPO A Game-Changer for the Indian Stock Market

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November 5, 2024 — Investors are gearing up for one of the most anticipated IPOs of the year as Swiggy, India’s prominent food delivery and quick commerce platform, prepares to launch its initial public offering (IPO) on November 6. With a target to raise ₹11,327 crore, the IPO aims to mark a significant milestone in the Indian tech sector, potentially positioning Swiggy among the top valued Indian tech firms on the stock exchange.

The IPO comprises a fresh issue of ₹4,499 crore, with the remaining amount representing an offer for sale by existing shareholders. Post-IPO, Swiggy will be valued at an estimated market capitalization of ₹87,000 crore (approximately $10 billion) and an enterprise value (EV) of ₹78,000 crore, making it one of the largest IPOs in the Indian stock market.

Why Swiggy’s IPO Matters

This IPO arrives at a crucial time for India’s food delivery and e-commerce sectors, both of which have witnessed robust growth in recent years. Swiggy, which started as a food delivery service, has diversified into grocery and other quick commerce deliveries through its Instamart platform, aiming to establish itself as a comprehensive on-demand service provider. This diversification strategy has made Swiggy an attractive option for investors, who see potential in its multiple revenue streams and growing user base.

However, the path to profitability remains a question mark. Like many tech companies, Swiggy has been balancing aggressive growth with substantial investments, which has affected its bottom line. Investors will closely monitor Swiggy’s financial health and growth projections, hoping the company’s strong brand and expanding customer base will translate into sustainable profits.

Challenges and Opportunities

Swiggy’s biggest challenge will be navigating the intense competition from rivals like Zomato and Dunzo. Additionally, profitability concerns in India’s price-sensitive market, where high cash burn has often been necessary to maintain user engagement and loyalty, continue to pose challenges. However, if Swiggy manages to leverage its scale, streamline operations, and capitalize on its multi-service platform, it could generate long-term shareholder value.

The IPO also comes at a time when the Indian stock market is experiencing increased retail investor participation, and the government is actively supporting the growth of homegrown tech companies. Swiggy’s successful listing could boost investor sentiment and open doors for other high-growth tech startups eyeing the public markets.

What’s Next for Investors?

Swiggy’s IPO offers a unique opportunity to invest in one of India’s most recognized brands with a strong foothold in the growing food delivery and quick commerce sectors. However, with a hefty valuation, the decision ultimately rests on whether investors believe Swiggy can maintain its growth trajectory and turn its business into a profitable venture.

As Swiggy prepares to list, all eyes will be on November 6, as investors weigh the risks and rewards in what promises to be a defining moment for India’s tech ecosystem.

TATA IPL 2025 Player Retention List Announced

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November 1, 2024

The player retention window for the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season officially closed on October 31, 2024, with all 10 franchises finalizing their rosters for the upcoming season. In total, the teams retained 46 players, with investments reaching INR 558.5 crore.

With each team allowed a maximum salary cap of INR 120 crore at the upcoming mega auction to assemble squads of up to 25 players, the franchises were permitted to retain up to six players, which could include a maximum of five capped internationals and up to two uncapped Indian players.

Key Retention Highlights:

Full Retentions: Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders and inaugural IPL champions Rajasthan Royals chose to retain six players each.

Five Retentions: Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Titans, Lucknow Super Giants, Mumbai Indians, and Sunrisers Hyderabad each retained five players.

Partial Retentions: Delhi Capitals retained four players, Royal Challengers Bengaluru retained three, and Punjab Kings retained two players.

Largest Auction Purse: Punjab Kings will enter the mega auction with the largest purse, holding INR 110.5 crore.

This finalized list sets the stage for an action-packed auction, where teams will look to build formidable squads for the upcoming season.

Full List of Retained Players by Franchise:

Chennai Super Kings

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Matheesha Pathirana, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni

Delhi Capitals

Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Tristan Stubbs, Abhishek Porel

Gujarat Titans

Rashid Khan, Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan

Kolkata Knight Riders

Rinku Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Harshit Rana, Ramandeep Singh

Lucknow Super Giants

Nicholas Pooran, Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Ayush Badoni

Mumbai Indians

Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Tilak Varma

Punjab Kings

Shashank Singh, Prabhsimran Singh

Rajasthan Royals

Sanju Samson, Yashaswi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Sandeep Sharma

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Yash Dayal

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Pat Cummins, Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, Travis Head

With this list, the franchises have a foundation of core players that aligns with their strategic visions, ensuring that fans can expect thrilling performances in TATA IPL 2025.

Minister Aleixo Sequeira Reviews Preparations for Solemn Exposition of St. Francis Xavier’s Relics

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Old Goa, October 29, 2024 – The Minister for Law and Judiciary, Shri Aleixo Sequeira, conducted a review meeting to assess the progress of preparations for the upcoming Solemn Exposition of the Relics of St. Francis Xavier. The event, scheduled to begin on November 21, 2024, will draw thousands of pilgrims and tourists from across the globe.

During the meeting, the Minister urged the concerned authorities to ensure all arrangements are completed on time. He emphasized the need for seamless coordination across departments to manage the large influx of visitors and ensure smooth functioning throughout the event.

Present at the meeting were key stakeholders, including MLA of Cumbharjua, Shri Rajesh Faldessai; social worker from the Cumbharjua constituency, Smt. Medha Parvatkar; Chief Engineer of PWD, Shri Uttam Parsekar; Commissioner of Labour, Shri Levinson Martins; SP North, Shri Tikam Singh, IPS; Director of the Department of IT, Shri Pravin Volvotkar; Police Inspector, Smt. Filomena Costa; and officials from the Electricity Department and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History of the Feast and Solemn Exposition

The Feast of St. Francis Xavier is one of Goa’s most celebrated religious events, held annually on December 3 at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa. St. Francis Xavier, a Spanish missionary and one of the founding members of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), played a pivotal role in spreading Christianity across Asia during the 16th century. He passed away in 1552, and his remains were later brought to Goa, where they are preserved in a silver casket inside the basilica.

The annual feast attracts people of all faiths, seeking blessings and miraculous healings from the revered saint. In addition to the yearly celebration, the Solemn Exposition of the Relics is held once every ten years, allowing devotees to venerate the relics more closely. The last exposition was held in 2014, and this year’s event is expected to welcome thousands of visitors from both India and abroad.

The upcoming exposition is a significant cultural and spiritual event for Goa, requiring meticulous planning to ensure the safety and comfort of all attendees. The relics of the saint will be displayed for public veneration for several weeks, leading to the grand feast on December 3.

For more updates on the event preparations, stay tuned to News Baba TV Goa and visit our website www.newsbabaonline.com.

10th Annual GOMECON Highlights Medical Innovation and Assistive Technology in Goa

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October 27, 2024 – Goa: The 10th edition of GOMECON, a prestigious pan-India medical conference organized by the Goa Medical College Students Association, concluded successfully on October 27th. The three-day event, hosted at the Goa Medical College & Hospital (GMC) campus from October 25th to 27th, brought together undergraduate and postgraduate medical students from across India, celebrating new developments in medical practice and education.

This year’s theme, “Assistive Technology – Breaking Barriers, Building Solutions in Medical Practice,” highlighted the importance of inclusivity and innovative rehabilitation technologies in improving healthcare outcomes. The event emphasized empowering medical practitioners and trainees through the adoption of assistive solutions to enhance patient care.

The inaugural session was graced by Professor Suman Kundu, Director of BITS Pilani, Goa Campus, who commended GOMECON for its commitment to advancing scientific knowledge. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Gowri Nambiar Sengupta, Director of the Central Health Education Bureau, who underscored the transformative role of assistive technologies in modern healthcare.

Other prominent speakers included Prof. Dr. S M Bandekar, Dean of Goa Medical College & Hospital, along with several distinguished faculty members and advisors. Their insights and addresses fostered collaboration among participants, encouraging innovative approaches in healthcare.

GOMECON 10 featured a range of activities, including hands-on workshops, scientific sessions, and engaging lectures, offering students and medical professionals a unique platform for learning and networking.

The event reaffirmed GMC’s role as a hub for medical education and research, setting new standards for future conferences by promoting practical knowledge and solutions-driven approaches in medicine.

US Warns Iran of ‘Severe Consequences’ in Case of New Attacks at UN

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New York, October 29, 2024 – In a stern message to Iran, the United States has warned of “severe consequences” for any further attacks, emphasizing the need for de-escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.

“We will not hesitate to act in self-defense. Let there be no confusion. The United States does not want to see further escalation. We believe this should be the end of the direct exchange of fire between #Israel and #Iran,” said U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, at the UN Security Council session.

The U.S. ambassador’s comments come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, as exchanges of missile strikes between Israel and Iran have raised international concerns about a potential regional war. The U.S. position reflects a dual approach of deterrence and diplomacy, discouraging further aggression while signaling a willingness to respond militarily if required.

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A Complex History of U.S.-Iran Relations

The relationship between the United States and Iran has been turbulent for decades. Before 1979, Iran was one of the U.S.’s closest allies in the Middle East, with strong political and economic ties. However, the Islamic Revolution in 1979 resulted in the overthrow of the Shah’s regime, and relations deteriorated rapidly after the U.S. embassy in Tehran was seized, leading to the hostage crisis.

In the following years, mutual distrust deepened, especially after the U.S. imposed sanctions over Iran’s nuclear program and alleged sponsorship of terrorism. Despite a brief thaw with the 2015 nuclear deal (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), relations soured again when the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the agreement in 2018 under the Trump administration, reinstating economic sanctions.

The tensions between the two nations have since been exacerbated by military incidents, such as the 2020 killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani by a U.S. drone strike. Though the Biden administration has expressed interest in diplomacy, the two sides have struggled to find common ground, with the situation further complicated by Iran’s regional activities and support for militant groups.

The U.S.’s warning at the UN indicates that while Washington prefers de-escalation, it is prepared to act decisively to protect its interests and allies in the region. As regional powers and the international community monitor the situation closely, the coming days will reveal whether diplomacy can prevail over conflict.

ठाणे शहरातील कोपरी-पाचपाखाडी मतदारसंघातून मुख्यमंत्री एकनाथ शिंदे यांनी महायुतीच्या अधिकृत उमेदवारीसाठी अर्ज दाखल केला

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ठाणे, 28 ऑक्टोबर 2024: महाराष्ट्राचे मुख्यमंत्री एकनाथ शिंदे यांनी आज शिवसेना पक्षाच्या वतीने महायुतीचे अधिकृत उमेदवार म्हणून कोपरी-पाचपाखाडी विधानसभा मतदारसंघातून उमेदवारी अर्ज दाखल केला. आगामी विधानसभा निवडणुकांसाठी त्यांनी आपल्या बालेकिल्ल्यातून लढण्याचा निर्णय घेतला आहे.

या प्रसंगी अनेक मान्यवर उपस्थित होते. केंद्रीय मंत्री रामदास आठवले, खासदार डॉ. श्रीकांत शिंदे, खासदार नरेश म्हस्के, आमदार प्रताप सरनाईक, माजी आमदार रवींद्र फाटक आणि शिवसेना ठाणे जिल्हा महिला संघटक मीनाक्षी शिंदे यांनी शिंदे यांच्या उमेदवारीला पाठींबा दिला. शिंदे यांच्या कुटुंबीयांमध्ये वडील संभाजी शिंदे, पत्नी लता शिंदे, सून वृषाली शिंदे आणि नातू रुद्रांशही या क्षणी उपस्थित होते.

एकनाथ शिंदे यांचा राजकीय प्रवास

एकनाथ शिंदे यांचा राजकीय प्रवास हा ठाणे शहराशी घट्ट जोडलेला आहे. सुरुवातीला त्यांनी शिवसेना शाखा प्रमुख म्हणून कारकीर्द सुरू केली आणि ठाणे शहरात गृहनिर्माण तसेच विकासकामांवर भर दिला. 2004 साली पहिल्यांदा ते कोपरी-पाचपाखाडी मतदारसंघातून आमदार म्हणून निवडून आले. त्यानंतर सलग निवडणुका जिंकत त्यांनी हा मतदारसंघ आपला बालेकिल्ला बनवला आहे.

शिंदे यांनी राज्यमंत्री आणि कॅबिनेट मंत्री म्हणून सार्वजनिक बांधकाम आणि नगरविकास क्षेत्रात महत्त्वपूर्ण कामगिरी केली. 2022 मध्ये त्यांनी शिवसेनेत मोठा राजकीय उठाव करत महाविकास आघाडी सरकारमधून बाहेर पडण्याचा निर्णय घेतला आणि भारतीय जनता पक्षाच्या समर्थनाने महायुती सरकार स्थापन केले. त्यानंतर ते महाराष्ट्राचे मुख्यमंत्री बनले.

शिंदे हे त्यांच्या जमीनीवरच्या राजकारणासाठी आणि जनतेशी थेट संवाद साधण्याच्या शैलीसाठी प्रसिद्ध आहेत. ठाणे व इतर भागांत राबवलेल्या मोठ्या पायाभूत प्रकल्पांमुळे त्यांना लोकांमध्ये चांगला प्रतिसाद मिळाला आहे. आगामी निवडणुकीतही त्यांनी विकासाचे मुद्दे प्राधान्याने मांडण्याचा निर्धार केला आहे.

ACME Solar Holdings Limited Set to Launch Mainboard IPO in November 2024

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Mumbai, October 28, 2024: ACME Solar Holdings Limited, one of India’s leading renewable energy companies, has announced the launch of its Initial Public Offering (IPO), scheduled for November 2024. The IPO aims to raise approximately ₹3,000 crores, with a combination of a fresh issue and an Offer for Sale (OFS).

IPO Details

Issue Size: Approx ₹3,000 crores

Fresh Issue: ₹2,000 crores

Offer for Sale (OFS): ₹1,000 crores

Face Value: ₹2 per share

Retail Portion: 10%

Registrar: Kfintech

The proceeds from the fresh issue will be utilized for business expansion, debt repayment, and funding future solar projects. The OFS allows existing shareholders to offload part of their holdings.

Financial Overview (FY24)

Revenue: ₹1,319 crores

Profit After Tax (PAT): ₹698 crores

Earnings Per Share (EPS): ₹12.5

Net Asset Value (NAV): ₹49.6

ACME Solar’s robust financial performance highlights its growing presence in the renewable energy sector. The company’s focus on sustainable energy solutions and cost-efficient solar power generation has driven consistent growth over the years.

IPO Significance

The IPO comes at a time when the Indian government and industries are increasingly pushing for green energy adoption. With this public offering, ACME Solar aims to strengthen its balance sheet, expand operations, and tap into the rising demand for clean energy solutions in India.

About ACME Solar Holdings Limited

ACME Solar is known for its large-scale solar power plants across India, with a growing portfolio of utility-scale projects. The company’s commitment to sustainable practices positions it as a key player in India’s renewable energy transition.

Investors and market participants are keeping a close watch on this IPO, as it aligns with the increasing interest in ESG-focused investments. The registrar for the IPO is Kfintech, ensuring smooth management of the application process.

256 Km Railway Doubling Project in North Bihar to Boost Connectivity Between Mithilanchal, Nepal, and North-East India-Union Railway Minister

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New railway line between Errupalem and Namburu via Amaravati to boost connectivity and economic growth in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana- Shri Ashwani Vaishnaw

Indian Railways Deploys Over 7,000 Special Trains for Diwali and Chhath Festivals, to Serve More Than 1 Crore Passengers

Railway Projects to Reduce 168 Crore Kg of CO2 Emissions and Generate 106 Lakh Employment Days

Delhi: Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, today addressed the media at Rail Bhawan in New Delhi. He provided detailed insights into two major railway infrastructure projects approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) which will significantly boost connectivity in Bihar and Andhra Pradesh.

While discussing the details of the project and its benefits to the Mithilanchal region and connectivity to the North East and Nepal, the Minister highlighted that the first project, involving the doubling of the Narkatiaganj-Raxaul-Sitamarhi-Darbhanga and Sitamarhi-Muzaffarpur sections, will cover a total distance of 256 kilometers. This strategic project will strengthen connectivity to Nepal, North-East India, and border areas, facilitating the movement of both passenger and goods trains, thereby driving the socio-economic growth of the region.

He also said that the project will benefit 46 stations and involve the construction of 310 bridges, including 3 major bridges, 99 medium bridges, and 208 small bridges. A new Bagmati bridge is also part of the plan, which will significantly improve port connectivity to North Bihar and the Mithilanchal region. This will enable smoother transportation towards the North East and contribute to the development of a religious corridor. He also underlined the initiative will increase capacity by 2.25 times, aided by the installation of Kavach technology, which enhances operational efficiency and safety. The project is expected to be completed within five years, marking a major step towards improving connectivity and fostering regional development.

While addressing the Telugu media at Rail Bhawan, the Minister highlighted the importance of the 57-kilometer new railway line between Errupalem and Namburu via Amaravati, which has an estimated investment of ₹2245 crore. He noted that this project includes the construction of a 3.2-kilometer-long bridge over the Krishna River, which will significantly improve connectivity between major cities such as Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata.

The new rail line will traverse through NTR Vijayawada and Guntur districts of Andhra Pradesh and Khammam district of Telangana. The Minister emphasized that this project will provide direct rail connectivity to Amaravati, the proposed capital of Andhra Pradesh, improving mobility for both industries and the local population. This will enhance operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways, boosting economic growth and regional development.

Answering a question from media, the minister said that the Government’s focus on railway modernization is driven by the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. By utilizing historical and satellite data to enhance design accuracy, the Government is moving beyond traditional toposheet methods. This shift ensures better planning and execution, especially in flood-prone areas, where accurate data is crucial for resilient railway infrastructure. The new railway track will be developed as a semi-high-speed track (up to 160KMH) by removing unnecessary curvature and installing Kavach technology to enhance safety and operational efficiency.

In view of the upcoming Deepawali and Chhath festivals, the Minister commended the efforts of Indian Railways for operating more than 7,000 special trains to accommodate the significant surge in passenger traffic. Indian Railways is set to carry more than 1 crore passengers during the festive period from 1st October to 30th November 2024, deploying more than 7,000 Puja/Diwali/Chhath Special trains, a 60% increase from the 4,429 trains operated last year. These special trains are being run in addition to the election special trains for Maharashtra and Jharkhand.

He further said that for Diwali, 136 extra trains have been scheduled daily, with special arrangements at various stations including additional holding areas, extra ticket counters, catering units, drinking water facilities, and enhanced security. Similarly, for Chhath Puja, 145 extra special trains will operate on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th of November 2024, ensuring smooth travel during key ritual days like नहाए-खाए, खरना, शाम का अर्घ्य, and सुबह का अर्घ्य on the 5th to 8th of November 2024. Indian Railways will facilitate the movement of an additional 2 lakh passengers daily, ensuring seamless travel for millions of devotees during these festive occasions.

The Minister also outlined the environmental and economic benefits of the railway projects, emphasizing that the Railways, as an environment-friendly and energy-efficient mode of transportation, will play a crucial role in achieving the country’s climate goals while significantly reducing logistics costs. He highlighted that the projects will contribute to the reduction of 168 crore kilograms of CO2 emissions, which is equivalent to the plantation of 7 crore trees. Additionally, these projects will generate direct employment for approximately 106 lakh human-days, further boosting the economy and creating job opportunities. This underscores the Government’s commitment to sustainable development and economic growth through green and efficient infrastructure.

Olencio Simoes Urges Authorities to Act on Former Sarpanch’s Hunger Strike over Controversial Sancoale Project

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Cortalim, Goa – Cortalim constituency leader Olencio Simoes has urgently written to the Chief Minister, Deputy Collector, MLA, Chief Town Planner, and Chairman of the Mormugao Planning and Development Authority (MPDA) demanding immediate intervention regarding an ongoing hunger strike by Premanand P. Naik, the former Sarpanch of Sancoale village. Naik has been protesting against the permits issued for the Infra/Parmesh Construction project at Survey No. 257/1 in Sancoale, citing environmental and planning violations.

Simoes highlighted in his letter that Naik’s hunger strike has now entered its fifth day, raising serious concerns among local residents. The community fears the construction project could cause irreversible ecological damage, infringe on planning regulations, and threaten the livelihoods of local inhabitants.

Despite multiple appeals to the concerned authorities, the grievances of the community remain unaddressed, leading the former Sarpanch to undertake the hunger strike as a desperate measure. Simoes stressed that the health of the former Sarpanch is deteriorating rapidly, adding urgency to the situation.

Simoes appealed to the authorities to review the licenses issued by the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department, the Panchayat, and the MPDA for the project. “The unrest in the community is escalating, and prompt action is required to prevent further deterioration of the situation,” Simoes warned.

The people of Sancoale and the broader community are now looking to the government for swift action. Local residents are demanding a reassessment of the permits to ensure that both environmental and community concerns are adequately addressed before construction proceeds further.