Author: Team Admin

Team Goemkarponn PANAJI: In a significant policy reversal, the Goa government has officially discontinued its free water supply scheme as of May 1. The decision was announced via a formal notification issued by U P Parsekar, Principal Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department and Ex Officio Additional Secretary to the Government of Goa. The scheme, launched in September 2021, was a key initiative of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who had declared Goa would become India’s first state to offer water free of charge to all households. The policy allowed households consuming less than 16 cubic meters of water per…

Team Goemkarponn Bicholim: Thousands of devotees thronged the temple premises to seek the darshan of Shri Devi Lairai, with the event passing largely peacefully under the watchful eye of the police and district authorities. According to Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Bicholim, Shri Jivba Dalvi, a total of 23 individuals were detained under Section 172 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) for moving suspiciously within the crowd with alleged intentions of committing snatching or theft. Special police deployment, including personnel in plain clothes led by Police Sub-Inspectors (PSIs), played a crucial role in identifying and detaining the suspects. Additionally, drone…

Team Goemkarponn Mormugao: BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus, has expressed deep sorrow over the untimely death of Krishna Kasera, a second-year undergraduate student, who passed away on May 1. The institute described the incident as a “heartbreaking loss” that has left the campus community “shattered and in deep sorrow.” In an official statement, the institute extended its condolences to Kasera’s family, friends, and peers. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all those who knew him,” the statement read. “We recognize how difficult and unsettling this time is for every member of our community, especially…

Team Goemkarponn Margao: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Velim, Cruz Silva, has issued an urgent appeal to the administration of BITS Pilani’s Goa campus following the tragic death of a second student within two months. In a press release on Thursday, Silva expressed deep concern over the incidents, offering condolences to the bereaved families and acknowledging the profound grief they are experiencing. He called for a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding both deaths, emphasizing the need to identify root causes to ensure the safety and well-being of students on campus. Silva also urged the institution to strengthen its…

Team Goemkarponn Panaji: Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant on Friday announced the launch of Deep Trace, a cutting-edge investigation application powered by Artificial Intelligence, developed by the AI/ML Lab of the Goa Police. Speaking at the launch event, Dr. Sawant described Deep Trace as a revolutionary tool set to transform police investigations across the country. He said the app leverages AI technology to enhance efficiency and accuracy in criminal probes. The Chief Minister confirmed that Deep Trace will be accessible to police departments across India and can be used by officers of the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP)…

SURAJ NANDREKAR The tragic death of 20-year-old Krishna Kasera, a second-year student at BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus, has once again brought the issue of student mental health into stark focus. Found dead by suicide within the campus premises, Krishna’s passing is not just a personal loss to his family and friends, but also a jarring reminder of the silent crisis unfolding in our academic institutions. Verna Police have registered a case of unnatural death. However, beyond the legal procedures and inquiries lies a deeper societal question: What pressures are our students facing that they are driven to…

As of May 1, 2025, the Goa government has officially ended the “zero bill scheme”—a policy introduced in August 2021 that exempted households using under 16,000 litres of water per month from paying any water bill. Nearly half of Goa’s households benefited from this initiative, which helped families manage their finances during a time of uncertainty and economic strain. While the end of this scheme was not unexpected, what remains troubling is the lack of improvement in the one thing citizens truly need: a regular and clean water supply. Freebies were never the goal. Goans, like all Indians, are pragmatic.…