Page 9 - Goa

Garuda to tie up with Goa agri dept for promoting use of drone in farming

Drone maker Garuda Aerospace will collaborate with Goa's Department of Agriculture to conduct a drone yatra, an initiative boosting the usage of drones in this sector. The company in a statement said that the Goa Agriculture Department has invited them to collaborate in conducting the initiative of the Drone Yatra aiming to create awareness and promote the adoption of drone technology in agriculture. "This collaboration signifies a joint commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technology for the betterment of agricultural practices in the state. Through their innovative technology, farmers can now utilize Nano Urea spraying, maximizing efficiency, and productivity," the company said. The official said that the Drone Yatra in Goa is specially tailored to empower farmers with knowledge about the latest advancements in precision agriculture. "By utilising Nano Urea spraying through Kisan Drones, farmers can optimise the use of resources, minimise environmental impact, and ultimately ...

REC, Avaada Group sign pact for energy projects worth Rs 20,000 crore

Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Avaada Group to fund its energy transition projects worth Rs 20,000 crore. The MoU was signed between REC officials and Avaada Group Chairman Vineet Mittal at the sidelines of the ongoing G20 Clean Energy Ministerial meeting in Goa. Avaada is a leading company in India's renewable energy sector. Mittal said projects, spanning across various states, will be implemented over the next two years. The total projects are worth Rs 20,000 crore. This landmark collaboration with REC symbolises a monumental stride towards India's energy self-sufficiency, he noted. "It exemplifies our staunch commitment to nurturing a sustainable future and propelling India's green energy transition," he added. Mittal said there is a project in Bihar, another in Rajasthan, and also there are projects in Maharashtra, which would be implemented over the next two years. He said that in the coming five years, Avaada is primed

Heavy rains continue in Goa, low-lying areas face flood-like situation

Goa continued to receive heavy rainfall on Friday with several of its low-lying areas facing flood-like situation and the weather department issuing an orange alert till July 24, officials said on Friday. The control rooms of both districts - North Goa and South Goa - are working round-the-clock to monitor the situation, a senior state administration official said. The Panaji centre of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in North Goa has recorded 1,780.7 mm of rainfall since June 1 this year, while the Mormugao centre in South Goa has recorded 1,656.0 mm of rainfall. "Due to heavy rains over the past few days, low-lying areas in the state are facing flood-like situation. All necessary precautionary measures are being taken," he said. The IMD on Thursday night issued an orange alert for the state till July 24. An orange alert implies that disaster management authorities should be prepared to avert any rain-related disasters or flooding. The IMD predicted that squally weather

G20 Energy Transitions Group takes note of Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre

The G20 Energy Transitions Working Group meeting in Goa took note of the Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre and Global Biofuel Alliance proposed by India, a senior government official said here on Thursday. Union power secretary Pankaj Agarwal, who chaired the meeting, told reporters that there has been significant convergence on hydrogen-related issues. The working group has taken note of the Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre proposed by India and the Global Biofuel Alliance proposed to be launched by India, he said. The meeting will conclude later in the day. There has been substantive meeting of minds on low-cost financing for energy transition. The Working Group has taken note of the voluntary action plan proposed by India for doubling of pace of energy efficiency by the year 2030, he said. The ETWG meeting witnessed proactive engagement from more than 115 delegates representing G20 member countries and nine invitee countries, Agarwal said. The discussions centered around critic

All new tourist vehicles in Goa to be EVs from January 2024: CM Sawant

All new tourist vehicles, as well as cabs and motorbikes provided on rent in Goa will have to be electric vehicles from January 2024, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Wednesday. The Goa government proposes major reforms to promote EVs in the coastal state, Sawant said addressing a side-event organised by the NITI Aayog during the ongoing fourth Energy Transitions Working Group meeting under India's G20 Presidency in Panaji. India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant was also present at the side event. Goa ranks fourth in India in terms of percentage of electric vehicles (EVs) purchased in any state, Sawant said. He said all new tourist vehicles, cabs and motorbikes provided on rent will mandatorily have to be electric vehicles from January next year. He also said new vehicles purchased by the government from January 2024 will mandatorily be EVs. It will also be mandatory for permit holders having multiple tourist taxis, rent-a-bike and rent-a-cab (service) operators to retrofit 30 per c

USS Stethem conducts cooperative deployment with Indian Navy in Goa

The USA's Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) conducted a Cooperative Deployment (CODEP) with the Indian Navy following the ship's port visit to Goa, officials said on Wednesday. The US Navy destroyer worked with the Indian Navy frigate INS Tarkash (F-50), and the operations focused on building interoperability and strengthening relationships through manoeuvering and communication exercises on Tuesday, a media statement released here said. US Consul General in Mumbai Mike Hankey said the port visit reinforces President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to an Indo-Pacific region built on shared values and principles "as we strengthen the relationship between our two countries." He said the US recognises and values India's role and leadership in the Indo-Pacific region at large. "Working in concert with India, we will advance the rules-based order and maintain peace and stability in the region, he added. Stethem Sailors greatly enj

NEP 2020 being implemented in foundation stage of school education: Goa CM

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is being implemented in the foundation stage (one) of school education in Goa from the academic year 2023-24, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has said. The NEP for higher education is being implemented in a phased manner as per directives of the Ministry of Education, UGC, NITI Aayog and recommendations of the Chief Secretaries' Conference held in Dharamshala, Sawant said in a written reply in the Goa assembly on Tuesday. He was responding to a question tabled by the opposition members on the implementation of NEP 2020. In a written reply tabled in the assembly, Sawant, who also holds education portfolio, said the new NEP 2020 academic structure has been implemented starting from the first year (2023 onwards) at the under graduate (UG) level in all non-technical colleges in Goa. The monsoon session of Goa legislative assembly began on Tuesday.

G20 Energy Transitions Working Group's fourth meeting begins in Goa

Nearly 100 delegates from G20 member countries, special invitees and several international organisations are participating in the fourth Energy Transitions Working Group (ETWG) meeting which began in Goa on Wednesday. There are six priority areas outlined under India's G20 Presidency, reflecting India's focus on various aspects of energy transition and building global cooperation toward sustainable and clean energy development, an official said. The two-day meeting, chaired by Pankaj Agarwal, the ETWG chair and secretary of the Union Ministry of Power, is being held at a hotel near Goa's capital Panaji. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy secretary Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, Ministry of Mines secretary Vivek Bharadwaj, Ministry of Coal secretary Amrit Lal Meena are also participating in the deliberations, the official said. The priority areas for discussions include energy transitions through addressing technology gaps, low-cost financing for energy transitions, energy security and .

Goa govt extends 'Covid-19 amnesty scheme' for industries by 30 days

The Goa Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has decided to extend the validity of the "COVID-19 amnesty scheme" for industries by 30 days till September 22, a senior official said on Tuesday. "In light of hardships faced by businesses, the validity of this scheme, now running until August 22, has been extended for additional 30 days," said Pravimal Abhishek, Managing Director, Goa-IDC. The amnesty scheme was introduced on June 23 this year for a period of two months. This scheme aims to alleviate the financial burden and offer support to industries grappling with the consequences of the ongoing pandemic, including the disruption of supply chains, decreased demand, and operational challenges, Abhishek said. He said IDC understands the difficulties and uncertainties faced by industrial partners due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors. That is why we have decided to extend the validity of the scheme by another 30 days, giving them more time and opportunity to avail of the

G20 Energy Transitions Working Group meet to begin in Goa on Wednesday

Over 100 delegates from G20 countries will participate in the two-day Energy Transitions Working Group (ETWG) meeting beginning on Wednesday in Goa to deliberate on building global cooperation toward sustainable and clean energy development. The 4th ETWG meeting under India's G20 presidency will be chaired by Union Power Secretary Pawan Agarwal, a power ministry statement said. Union New & Renewable Energy Secretary Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, Union Mines Secretary Vivek Bharadwaj and Union Coal Secretary Amrit Lal Meena, will also be part of the meeting. There are six priority areas outlined under India's G20 presidency. These are -- energy transitions through addressing technology gaps; low-cost financing for energy transitions; energy security and diversified supply chains; energy efficiency, industrial low carbon transitions, and responsible consumption; fuels for Future (3F); and universal access to clean energy and just, affordable, and inclusive energy transition pathways. The

Have sent project reports for proposals worth Rs 930 cr to Centre: Goa CM

The Goa government has sent detailed project reports for proposals worth Rs 930 crore to the Centre for funding, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said. Talking to reporters after chairing a review meeting, Sawant on Tuesday said that Goa's financial situation was good amid various reforms. He said that Goa has submitted to the Centre detailed project reports for various proposals worth Rs 930 crore to be undertaken in the state. The CM said that the state has already submitted 90 per cent of the utilisation certificates for the projects that were approved in the past by the Centre. There are no bills pending (of any contractor by the state government). The State government is also reviewing the loans taken from the agencies like NABARD and SIDBI, he said.

Credsquare Technologies to set up R&D hub in Goa; eyes Rs 600 cr funding

Credsquare Technologies Private Limited, a Bengaluru-based artificial intelligence company, on Tuesday said it plans to set up a Research and Development hub in Goa. The move marks the company's commitment towards advancing Make in India artificial intelligence (AI) technology and fostering innovation in the state under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the company said. The centre will serve as a hub for AI research, development, and experimentation, focusing on creating groundbreaking AI solutions that cater to the unique needs of the region, it added. Further, the company is looking to raise over Rs 600 crore, which will help fund the project, it said. Gaurav Sharma, founder and chief executive officer, Credsquare Technologies, said, "We are excited to bring our R&D hub to Goa, a vibrant and progressive state." "We are raising over Rs 600 crore and are in advanced stages of due diligence with numerous investors globally. The fundraising will help Credsquare Technologies expand

North Goa's Manohar International Airport revolutionises check-in process

The Manohar International Airport (MIA) in North Goa has observed around 40 per cent utilisation of self-service bag drops (SBD) and 47 per cent utilization of common use self service (CUSS) kiosks by passengers, revolutionizing the check-in process, an airport official said. The spokesman of the airport said that Manohar International Airport has implemented modern check-in facilities to enhance the passenger experience. "The airport has observed an impressive average of around 40 per cent passenger utilization of Self-service Bag Drops (SBD) and 47 per cent utilization of Common Use Self Service (CUSS) kiosks, he said. He stated that the highest utilization of 50 per cent for SBD and 52 per cent for CUSS was achieved during the peak hours for all the airlines who have enrolled for CUSS and SBD platform at Manohar International Airport. "With SBD, passengers can enjoy a seamless drop-off procedure without the hassle of long lines or complicated processes, he said. Manohar ...

Several houses inundated as heavy rains lash Goa; IMD issues 'red' alert

A 56-year-old woman was swept away in flood waters while several houses in low-lying areas of Goa were inundated as the coastal state witnessed heavy to very heavy rains in the last 24 hours, officials said on Thursday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'red' alert for Goa, forecasting heavy rains in parts of both North Goa and South Goa districts on Thursday. The weather department also predicted inundation of houses in low-lying areas, fall of weak trees and structures, localised and short-term disruption of essential services, and low visibility during intense rain spells. The Fire and Emergency Services received several calls of tree fall on roads in parts of Goa while the State Disaster Management Authority has asked all its staff members to cancel their leaves and weekend offs and report on duty until the alert is withdrawn. On Wednesday evening, a 56-year-old woman, Florina D'Souza was swept away in a strong water current when she went to a paddy field w

GoM on online gaming, casinos broadly agrees on 28% GST, Goa differs

The GoM on online gaming, horse racing and casinos had a broad agreement that a 28 per cent GST should be levied on all the three supplies, but a consensus eluded on taxability of online games, as Goa suggested an 18 per cent tax on platform fees, sources said. A final view on taxation rate as well as whether tax is to be levied on gross gaming revenue (GGR) or fees charged by the platform; or on the full face value of bets put in by players of online gaming, horse racing and casinos would be taken by the GST Council on July 11. Also, the Council, chaired by the Union Finance Minister and comprising state counterparts, has to decide on whether these three activities fall under the category of actionable claim of betting and gambling, sources added. The Group of Ministers, convened by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, has members from eight states-- West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Of the eight states, West Bengal and Uttar Prade

NCP's Goa unit pledges support to Sharad Pawar after mutiny in party

In the wake of the political developments in Maharashtra that led to a vertical split in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), its Goa unit on Monday pledged support for party chief Sharad Pawar. Talking to PTI, the party's state unit president Jose Philip D'Souza said the entire unit of Goa is strongly behind Sharad Pawar and will not break away from the NCP. NCP leader Ajit Pawar on Sunday led a vertical split in the party to become the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, shocking his uncle Sharad Pawar, who founded the party 24 years ago. Eight NCP leaders were also sworn in as ministers in the Eknath Shinde-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government. The entire unit has faith in Sharad Pawar's capabilities to rebuild the party even after such moves by some leaders, D'Souza said. We have seen him do it some 15 years ago when a similar incident had happened, he said. D'Souza further said he will hold a meeting of his unit later in the day to discuss the political developments in

Goa govt to rope in satellite imagery firm to map out CRZ violations

The Goa government will engage a company with expertise in satellite imagery to map structures that existed on the state's shoreline before 1991 to understand the extent of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) violations, a senior official said on Monday. During a public redressal meeting in North Goa on Monday, State Environment Minister Nilesh Cabral said the state government will file an affidavit before the Bombay High Court listing out the structures that existed before 1991, a cut-off date as per the CRZ regulations. The Goa State Coastal Zone Management Authority (GSCZMA) had issued show cause notices to 275 structures, giving them time to respond with documentation to prove that they existed before 1991. The notices were issued after the October 2022 order of the High Court against the gross violations in CRZ areas, the senior GSCZMA official said. Speaking at the meeting, Cabral said the state government will engage a company with expertise in satellite imaginary to map the a

Gallery by Mario Miranda's kin threatens to sue Goa govt, G20 organisers

The kin of celebrated painter late Mario Miranda have threatened to sue the Goa government and the organisers of the G20 meetings in the coastal state for allegedly using his art works without taking permission, a senior official said on Sunday. The family of Miranda in 2011 set up Mario Gallery, which looks after his legacy in various ways like publishing books, organizing exhibitions, selling original paintings, authenticating pictures, giving permission for usage, taking legal action against violators, said its curator Gerard D'Cunha. "Mario Miranda's artwork was used during the G20 event without permission from the gallery. The organisers have used a Miranda painting on a tile, which is used inside a miniature window and it is being given as a gift to VIPs," he said. "In another violation, 16 life-size fibre glass statues were displayed in Old Goa and Dona Paula. These statues are copied from figurines developed by the late Miranda. Mario Gallery will issue a legal notice to sta

Youth registered for apprentice scheme can join depts by July 15: Goa CM

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has said that 5,000 youths who register for the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) will be able to join the state government departments directly by July 15. Addressing a virtual event on Saturday, the chief minister said the central government has been focusing on skilling, reskilling and upskilling youths. Five thousand youngsters who register on the NAPS portal will directly join various departments of the state government as apprentices by July 15, he said. As of now, only 1,200 applicants have registered on the portal, Sawant said, appealing to youngsters to take advantage of the opportunity. There are openings for jobs in data entry, accounting and for drivers, cleaners among other sections, he said. The chief minister further said that panchayat members and municipal councillors should take over the work of registering youths for NAPS.

Moderate to heavy rainfall likely in Goa in next 4-5 days, says IMD

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday informed that several districts in Goa are very likely to receive moderate to heavy rainfall in the next 4-5 days."In continuation of the previous forecasts with active monsoon conditions persisting over Goa, moderate to heavy rainfall is very likely at most places over North Goa & South Goa districts of the state on June 29, 30 and July 1, 2 and 3, 2023", said an IMD statement.The release further stated, "Heavy to very heavy rainfall is very likely at a few places over North Goa and South Goa districts of the state on June 30, 2023 to July 3, 2023."The monsoon, which is now in its advanced stage is active in the country according to the weather department in India and several states are expected to receive heavy rainfall in the coming few days.Naresh Kumar, senior scientist at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday said, "Monsoon is in its advanced stage and is active. We can see clouds over Kokan, Goa, ...