25/04/2015 … The state congress party on Thursday raised seriousness doubts over the state government failure on non executive of a warrant after ten days of its execution against a sitting mla from south goa …

Addressing media persons at the party head office in panjim gpcc spokesperson adv yatish naik said that the state government machinery was incompetent as it was unable to execute a warrant issued against a sitting mla which was also an embracement on the state government part …

Adv naik also stated that there was a need for goans to observe and see as what was going on in the state where in a warrant against an mla was not yet executed which was concerned to be a peculiar situation taking place in the state

24/04/2015 … Members of the north and south goa truck owners association on Wednesday held a meet with the transport director over the issue of rates on transportation of ore per ton in mining belts …

It may be noted that the North and South Goa Truck Owners Association had recently objected to the rate of Rs 9.6 per km per tonne, declared in the Directorate of Mines and Geology website, for transporting e-auctioned ore and had expressed shock and surprise over the move.

Presently the truckers were being paid Rs 11.48 per km per tonne, which is not enough in the present circumstances to sustain their livelihood, they said. Hence, the truck owners had decided to go on strike 15 days ago and stopped transporting ore as the association has been demanding for rs 22 per kilometer per tone …..

Addressing media persons after the meet president of north goa taxi owner’s association Mahesh gawas said that the meeting with the transport director was successful and hoped to get the required rate asked for the transportation of iron ore …

Mr gawas also stated that his association would try every possibility to see that the mining activities were started as early as possible …

Panaji, April 24: For the first time, Goa Tourism in association with the Department of Agriculture, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Goa Handicrafts Corporation is giving an opportunity to tourists to experience Goa in a nutshell. The Goa Coconut and Cashew Festival 2015 is the first of its kind to be held from April 29 to May 3, 2015 at D.B. Bandodkar Ground, Campal, Panaji, Goa.

The festival will showcase all characteristics of Goa’s agro-based products which form an important part in the lives of the local Goans. From food to handicrafts, games, beverages, desserts and cultural programmes, the entire event will revolve around Coconut and Cashew.

This festival will present the benefits of coconut and cashew in a creative and unique manner. There will be coconut tree climbing workshops, demos on Feni distillation, handicrafts made from coconut and cashew and even cooking workshops, exhibitions by Dept. of Agriculture and ICAR on cashew and coconut grafts and plants which will also be on sale, Interesting and innovative games will be on display using the nuts as an integral part of the fun quotient. A Trail to Cashew and Coconut plantations is being drawn up and activities such as master class on processing of Cashew and Coconut products is also being planned. The schedule will be announced later.

True to any Goan festival, this one too will have some foot-tapping entertainment; these programmes will be held against the backdrop of a mesmerizing stage design that will be based on a theme to present the heritage value of both coconut and the cashew nut. Various themed dances, songs and acts that go with the festival will be conceptualized and presented to make the evening an integrated edutainment capsule. At the beginning and final day, a performance titled ‘The Coconut and Cashew Musical’ will be staged.

April 29:::: • The Coconut and Cashew Musical – A thrilling 30 minute non-stop dance performance with 30 exemplary dancers on stage by DANCE-O-PHILIA, Mesmerisers and Viva Goa, combined with a LIVE mesmerizing digital mapped backdrop.
• The T Band by violinist Selwyn- Be witness to soothing performances by this extraordinary acoustic band.
• Goenchim Noketram- This internationally acclaimed Goan folk dance and singing troupe is all set to bring you to your feet, with unique medley of songs and colourful costumes with 15 performers on stage.
• LORNA LIVE – Goa’s very own nightingale that needs no introduction and is set to put the stage on fire!

April 30:::: • Latin Connection – What better way to connect with Goa’s Latin roots than with this sensational brand, which will feature Chrystal Farrell, Verphina Dias and Zezinho Fernandes, put together by Colin D’cruz.
• Dance illusion – Groove to exhilarating live performances with Dr. Martin and his troupe.
• Rodney LIVE – This world-renowned celebrity performer and musical genius, with explosive energy and magnetic stage presence, along with his 10 piece band and a LIVE DJ will definitely leave you shouting for more! Rodney’s set will consist of Bollywood, Punjabi, Marathi, English and Konkani music.

May 1st • Grace- Get your souls stirring with this entrancing group, as a blend of perfect harmony, unique instruments and four talented musicians come together.
• DANCE-O-PHILIA and Viva Goa- Witness a breathtaking Aerial and Fusion act by these incredible troupes.
• LYNX The Band- Their unique rendition and style of music are sure to keep the atmosphere pumping!
• RHYTHM AND BLUES The Band featuring LULU- Melodious tunes and foot tapping music coming your way with this 6 piece band.

May 2nd:::: • Ambot Tik- This 2 piece serenading duos with their unique combination of instruments are all set to welcome you with vibrant and soul touching folf music.
• Gavana- Goa’s well renowned 16- piece troupe performs to a harmonious blend of LIVE music songs and dance, born from the soil of Goa itself!
• 2Blue and band- This English and bollywood Rock Fusion vovalist has been the frontman of the iconic rock band Vayu and the multi-award winning band Zedde.2Blue has had the privilege of sharing stage-space with hard rock legends such as Paul DiAnno9ex-Iron Maiden),Matthias Eklundh, Jonas Hellborg, George Lynch and Bumblefoot.

May 3rd :::: • The coconut and Cashew Musical- A thrilling 30 minute non-stop dance performance with 30 exemplary dancers on stage by DANCE-O-PHILIA, Mesmerisers and Viva Goa, combined with a LIVE mesmerizing digital mapped backdrop.
• Shyam Edwankar- Travel to a new world of music with this world renowned percussionist as he creates breathtaking rhythms on 7 percussion instruments that add to his musical charm.
• BOMBAY BASSMENT- The Band-Out of the hustle and bustle of Bombay,a sonic force was forged bringing together a crew of artistes with diverse musical tastes. Branching out from a traditional sound system and taking it live with a robust Rhythm Section, a phenomena called Bombay Bassement was born. Since 2010,Bombay Bassment has made people groove to their unique blend of Hip-Hop, Rap, Reggae, Funk and Drum n Bass.

23/04/2015 … After the local villagers from Bambolim had opposed the setting up of a marina at nauxi Bambolim st andre mla Vishnu surya wagh has now also joined the movement of opposing the marina stating that the concerned activity would severely affect traditional fishing activities in Zuari bay leading to ecological problems and has even taught of launching a public movement along with minister for forest alina saldanha.

It may be noted that the local villagers had recently alleged that the marina project was like a declaration of war against indigenous people and a threat to food security due to which mr wagh has now decided to join the villagers and also create an awareness among st andre constituency in opposing the marina coming up in bamboilm village ….

Speaking to goanreporter st andre mla vishun surya wagh said that it was shocking to know that the mpt chairman had gone on record saying that mpt wants to develop marinas in coastal belts of Bambolim along with sancoale too when the land was belong to the state government and since all the land was eaten up by the five star hotels it was difficult to understand as what would the local fisherman community do if a marina was set up in Bambolim village which would also put a lot of effect on bio-diversity

Wagh said that he had raised the issue in his party meet and had raised his apprehensions and fears on which cm had informed him that the proposals were only cleared in principle but the agencies had been told to get clearances from the concerned government agencies

Wagh also stated that he would create public awareness over the marina issue in his constituency and would also meet social functionaries and non government organizations also and asked for their support against the agitation on this marinas and he along with the minister for forest alina saldanha could come together to launch a public movement on it …

Panaji: April 22, 2015 …. Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education has invited applications from the students desirous to enroll as Private candidate to appear for S.S.C./H.S.S.C. Examination of March 2016.

 Eligibility for SSC- Student must complete 17 years and above as on March 1, 2016 and for HSSC – Student must complete 19 years as on March 1, 2016.

 The last date to submit the application form is May 20, 2015 and June 1, 2015 with late fees.  The printed application forms may be procured from the Board’s Office during office hours on payment of s.25/- per form.

  Private candidates will be issued the enrollment certificate after registration.  Only enrolled candidates shall be eligible to fill Examination form.  The date of filling the Examination form will be declared at a later date.

 Students intending to enroll as private candidates may note that the Board does not appoint any private agent for such enrollment and therefore, they may contact Asstt. Secretary, SSC/HSSC of Goa Board Office or may contact on Phone number 2417593 directly for any other information in this regard.

April 22, 2015 …. It was decided by the Government to link the interest rates of State PFs (General Provident Fund and other similar funds) including Special Deposit Scheme, 1975 (SDS, 1975) for Non-Government Provident, Superannuation and Gratuity Funds for the FY 2015-16 to Public Provident Fund (PPF) rates. In pursuance of that decision, the Government has decided to fix the rates 8.7% per annum applicable to the following:-

·         The General Provident Fund (Central Services).

·         The Contributory Provident Fund (India).

·         The All India Service Provident Fund.

·         The State Railway Provident Fund.

·         The General Provident Fund (Defence Services).

·         The Indian Ordnance Provident Fund.

·         The Indian Ordnance Factories Workmen’s Provident Fund.

·         The Indian Naval Dockyard Workmen’s Provident Fund.

·         The Defence Services Officers Provident Fund.

·         The Armed Forces Personnel Provident Fund.

         The rate of interest is applicable to the above funds w.e.f. 1^st April, 2015 and until further orders.

Recently, the Government had kept the interest rates for PPF and other Small Savings Schemes intact.  However, interest rates for 5 year Senior citizen Saving Scheme and Sukanya Samriddhi Account Scheme have been increased from 9.2 to 9.3% and 9.1 to 9.2% respectively, keeping in view the commitment of the Government towards the welfare of the girl child and the senior citizens.

Panaji: April 22, 2015 ….  The Government of Goa has constituted the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights for a period of three years to exercise the powers conferred on and to perform the functions assigned to it under the protection of Child Right 2005 Act and Rules, consisting of Dr.(Mrs.) Sushma P. Kirtani, Lawande House, Corte De Oiteiro, Panaji as its Chairperson. 

 Smt. Sujata Damodar Bhatkar, Damodar Sadan, Verem Bardez; Dr. Mandava Rama Krishna Prasad, Bldg. No. 2, Flat No.S-4, Kamat Complex, Tonca, Panaji;           Ms. Prachi M. Kandeparkar, 10, Bharadwaj Bldg., Dr. Dada Vaidhya Road, Panaji; Mrs. Cyanna Mendes Hoogewerf, 403 Kyle Hill Park, Nagali Hills Colony, Main Street, Dona Paula; Ms. Audry Pinto, G-2, Peace Heaven, ‘A’ Cooperative Housing Society, Alto Porvorim, Bardez and Mrs. Carmelina A. Franco, H.No.35/5, Aradi, Guirim, Bardez are its Members.

Panaji: April 21, 2015 …. The general public are informed that during the closure of Zuari Bridge for traffic on April 26, 2015,  Six ferry boats will be deployed at Agassaim-Cortalim route from 6.00 a.m. to 9.00 a.m.

 Ferry services will be made available for passengers and two wheelers only No four wheelers and three wheelers/other light vehicles or heavy vehicles will be allowed.   

21/04/2015 ….  …. Following is the text of the External Affairs Minister and Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Smt. Sushma Swaraj’s Suo-Motu Statement in Lok Sabha on “Recent Developments in the Republic of Yemen and Efforts Made for Safe Evacuation of Indian Nationals from There”

Hon’ble Madam Speaker,

I rise to make a statement on the “recent developments in the Republic of Yemen and efforts made for the safe evacuation of Indian nationals from there”. 

I am glad to inform this August House that operation “Raahat” conducted for the evacuation of Indian nationals from war-torn Yemen has been a resounding success, well-acknowledged by the international community. We not only managed to safely evacuate 4,741 Indians but also 1,947 foreign nationals from 48 countries till 18 April under most difficult circumstances. Our approach in the evacuation process has been guided by the spirit of “वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्”.

Madam Speaker,

We are all aware of the internal turmoil Yemen has witnessed since post-Arab spring protests in 2011. Due to serious differences between Zaidi Shia group of Houthis from Northern Yemen and the federal government led by President Abdu Rabbo Mansour Hadi, the country has been witnessing political uncertainty and worsening security scenario since September 2014.

The Government of India has kept a regular and close watch on the internal developments in Yemen. The deteriorating internal situation in Yemen not only has a direct bearing on the regional security but also on the safety and well-being of our nationals living there. As per estimates from our Embassy in Sana’a, over 4,000 Indians were working in various sectors in Yemen.

In anticipation of a possible deterioration of the security environment in Yemen, the Ministry of External Affairs and our Embassy in Sana’a issued three advisories on 21 January, 19 March and 25 March this year urging our nationals there to leave Yemen voluntarily by available commercial means as it was possible to leave safely. At that time, no one paid attention to these advisories and left Yemen.

Thereafter, an inter-ministerial team led by a senior official from the Ministry of External Affairs visited Yemen from 9-13 March to assess the local security situation and to advise on additional security measures required for the protection of our Embassy officials and other Indian nationals living there.

Madam Speaker,

We took urgent and necessary steps to ensure security of our nationals and got in touch with the local Yemeni authorities and other governments in the region for their safe and timely evacuation. The no-fly zone imposed on the Yemeni airspace and blockade of sea route by the coalition forces made the evacuation exercise a complex and very difficult task.

I personally spoke to the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia on 27 and 29 March and requested for assistance in our evacuation efforts. On 30 March, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji, had a telephonic conversation with the King of Saudi Arabia, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, during which the King of Saudi Arabia assured him of all necessary assistance.

An inter-ministerial “Standing Group for Repatriation of Indian nationals from Abroad” under the chairmanship of Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs Shri Anil Wadhwa met on a daily basis since 26 March to plan, coordinate and implement the evacuation plans. I myself chaired several meetings of this Group from 30 March onwards to review and make effective the plans for evacuation by air and sea route.

We established a 24-hour control room and help-lines in the Ministry of External Affairs from 26 March to assist our nationals in Yemen and their concerned family members in India. Similar 24-hour help-lines were established in our Embassy in Sana’a and control room in Djibouti.

Keeping in view the complexity of the operations, we made Djibouti the hub for our evacuation efforts. My colleague Minister of State General V.K. Singh personally supervised these efforts from our camp office in Djibouti. He shuttled between Sana’a and Djibouti sparing no effort to accomplish this difficult task. He was duly assisted by our Ambassador in Ethiopia Shri Sanjay Verma operating from Djibouti. We also deputed 26 officials from the Ministry of External Affairs to Djibouti and Sana’a to strengthen and coordinate our evacuation efforts.

Necessary logistical arrangements were put in place in coordination with the Ministries of Home, Defence and Civil Aviation for the evacuation. We deployed adequate capacity for evacuation through 5 naval ships and 7 aircrafts. 

There were 3 Indian navy warships – INS Sumitra, INS Mumbai and INS Tarkash and 2 Indian passenger vessels – Kavaratti and Coral. Out of 7 aircrafts – 3 were Indian Air Force C-17 Globemasters and 4 Air India commercial aircrafts.

Three Air India aircrafts ferried evacuees, both Indian and foreign nationals, from Sana’a to Djibouti. One Air India 777 was used for onward journey of Indian nationals to Kochi and Mumbai. Our naval ships evacuated people safely from Aden, Al-Hudaydah and Al-Mukalla ports in Yemen, despite heavy shelling and fighting on the ports between the warring factions.

Under the close supervision of our Ambassador Shri Amrit Lugun, our Embassy officials / Staff in Yemen worked round-the-clock in most trying circumstances to carry out the evacuation plans. Our officers deployed in Djibouti also worked tirelessly and coordinated this massive effort. Our Honorary Consul in Djibouti Shri Nalin Kothari provided all possible local assistance.

We also ensured that our nationals not in possession of travel documents were provided emergency certificates by our Embassy in Sana’a. We left no stone unturned to assist all those Indians in Yemen desirous of returning home in a timely and safe evacuation.

We did not stop at taking care of the evacuation process only from Yemen but went a step further. Indian Railways provided all hospitality and confirmed tickets free of charge for onward journey to their homes. The state governments concerned, especially of Maharashtra and Kerala, provided assistance to all returnees on their arrival in India.

I would like to make a special mention of the efforts made by the Government of Maharashtra. Though majority of returnees reaching Mumbai belonged to other states, the Maharashtra Government extended all facilities to them at the airport and further provided a cash grant of Rs. 3,000 for onward journey.

Madam Speaker,

As Indian Embassy was among the handful of foreign missions operational in Sana’a after the airstrikes began, we received formal requests from 33 countries, including from neighbouring and Western countries, for assistance in evacuation of their nationals. We responded positively to these requests to the extent possible based on ground realities and helped nationals of 48 countries in evacuation.

We assisted nationals of Australia, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Canada, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, France, Greece, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Maldives, Morocco, Myanmar, Mexico, Moldova, Nepal, New Zealand, Philippines, Pakistan, Romania, Russia, Somalia, Sweden, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Spain, Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania, the UK, Uzbekistan, the US, the UAE, Uganda, Ukraine and Yemen. This received worldwide appreciation.

As for the evacuated Indians, they are from 27 States and Union Territories. The State-wise list of evacuees is as follows:-

· Assam – 3
· Andaman & Nicobar Islands – 1
· Bihar – 219
· Gujarat -115
· Goa -30
· Himachal Pradesh- 5
· Haryana – 5
· Jharkhand -20
· Jammu & Kashmir -1
· Karnataka -123
· Kerala – 2,527
· Maharashtra – 293
· Manipur – 3
· Madhya Pradesh – 47
· Nagaland – 2
· NCT Delhi -23
· Odisha – 31
· Pudducherry – 1
· Punjab – 31
· Rajasthan – 60
· Tamilnadu – 427
· Telengana/Andhra Pradesh -180
· Tripura – 1
· Uttar Pradesh – 368
· Uttarakhand -30 and
· West Bengal -195.

Till 18 April, a total of 6,688 persons including 4,741 Indians and 1,947 foreign nationals have been evacuated by air and sea routes in this operation. It was a joint effort of several Indian Ministries and agencies, supervised and coordinated by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Madam Speaker,

In view of the worsening security situation in Sana’a and after the successful conclusion of the evacuation process, we have relocated our Embassy to Djibouti on 15 April. Our Embassy would continue to operate from Djibouti till situation returns to normalcy in Yemen.

Thank you.

20/04/2015 …. The Goa Food and Cultural Festival 2015, Goa’s most prominent food festival recently got underway in the capital city of Panjim.

In keeping with the true spirit of Goa, the event got off to a flying start with music performances that set the tone for the days to come.

The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Shri. Laxmikant Parsekar inaugurated the five day event in the distinguished presence of Tourism Minister, Shri . Dilip Parulekar, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) Chairman, Shri. Nilesh Cabral, Panjim MLA Shri. Sidharth Kuncalienkar , Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) Mayor, Shri. Shubham Chodankar , Chief Secretary and Secretary Tourism , Govt. of Goa Shri. R. K. Shrivastava and Director of Tourism Shri. Ameya Abhyankar.

The Goa Food and Cultural Festival 2015 is conceptualized and designed to be the best ever in terms of attendance, operations, flow and offerings.

Over 1.5 to 2 lakh tourists will experience a blend of cuisine and entertainment over five days. The festival revived three years ago has come to be known as one of the biggest food festival in India.Apart from being the only festival of its kind in Goa, the Food and Cultural Festival is also touted to be one of the most popular gourmet festivals till date.

Organized from 17th to the 21st April 2015 at the D. B. Bandodkar Grounds, Campal, Panaji-Goa, the festival will bring together restaurateurs, hoteliers, food guilds, eateries serving Goan cuisine and more all under one roof.

More than 50 stalls will offer a range of gourmet food classics of Goa, including barbecues, pasta, oriental cuisine and other delicacies. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine options will also be available, as will a bevy of luscious sweet treats.

On the inaugural day (April 17) the program comprised of DJ music , classical dance performances, entertainment by Sonia Shirsat and Status 4.Indus Creed, India’s front running rock band also performed.

On April 18, the program comprises of DJ music, Bollywood dance performances and and music by Goan band Valentinho’s. Well-known Bollywood playback singer Sudesh Bhonsle will also perform.

On day 3 (April 19) the entertainment comprises of DJ music followed by musical performances by Goa’s well-known Siddhanath Buyao & troupe and Goan Band Crimson Tide. Prince Dance group, winner of the reality-talent show, ‘India’s Got Talent’ will perform for the first time in Goa.

On Monday, April 20, the entertainment comprises of D J music, African acrobats, dance performances by Gipa and music by Goan band RAAGAS2RICHES. . The highlight of the evening is the live performance by PARIKRAMA, India’s legendary rock band known for Classic Rock based music fused with Indian instruments.

The last day’s program includes DJ music, dance performances, and performance by Goan band Archies. A fashion show by Verma D’Mello will be the main highlight. Harshita Saxena, Femina Miss India International 2009 would be the show-stopper. Leading band from North East, Colours, will also perform.