Author: Team Admin

New York: The United States has announced a major overhaul of its H-1B work visa programme, ending the long-standing lottery system and replacing it with a weighted selection process that favours higher-paid and more highly skilled foreign workers. The move, notified by the Donald Trump administration, is expected to significantly alter how work visas are awarded and could make it harder for entry-level professionals, including many from India, to qualify. Under the new framework, H-1B visas will no longer be distributed through a random draw. Instead, applications will be ranked based on wage levels and skill criteria, increasing the chances…

Team Goemkarponn PANAJI: The Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has issued a notice to the State Labour Commissioner over allegations that mandatory compensation has not been disbursed to the families of workers who lost their lives in the December 6 fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub. The action was taken following a complaint submitted by the Hotel Employees Federation of India (HEFI), Panaji, on December 22, which alleged non-compliance with provisions of the Employees’ Compensation Act. According to the complaint, the legal heirs of the deceased workers have yet to receive the compensation they are entitled to under…

Team Goemkarponn Panaji: Human Touch Foundation has submitted detailed representations to the Department of Tribal Welfare, Government of Goa, and the Goa State Commission for Scheduled Tribes, seeking the inclusion of Katkari (Wanarmare or Vanarmare) families residing in the state under Central Government welfare schemes meant for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). In its representations, the organisation has highlighted the continued exclusion of Katkari families in Goa from key Central initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) and the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan. These schemes are designed to ensure that PVTG habitations…

Team Goemkarponn PANAJI: Calangute MLA Michael Lobo has said that justice for the 25 people who lost their lives in the Arpora fire tragedy must be ensured, stressing that responsibility must be fixed and that the case is being closely observed across the country. Commenting on the incident, Lobo said he is awaiting the outcome of the magisterial inquiry, calling it a key step in identifying those accountable and preventing similar disasters in the future. He warned that any delays or shortcomings in the process would only weaken public trust in the system. Raising concerns about public safety, the MLA…

Team Goemkarponn Panaji: The Konkani documentary Bhaangar Kalakusar Karigiri, directed by Prachi Shirodkar, has won the Best Student Documentary Award at the Goa International Film Competition (GIFC) 2025. The award recognises emerging talent in art and cinema, a key objective of GIFC, which was established to provide a platform for young artists and filmmakers to showcase contemporary storytelling and creative expression. Bhaangar Kalakusar Karigiri was produced as a college project under the guidance of Agnelo Raymond D’Souza at Don Bosco College, Panaji. Prachi Shirodkar took on multiple roles in the project, serving as director, narrator and cinematographer. The documentary focuses…

Team Goemkarponn Margao: MCC Tigers sealed a spot in the final of the MCL 11 T20 cricket tournament after registering a gritty 10-run win over MCC Thunder in Qualifier 1. The victory ensured direct qualification for the final, while MCC Thunder will get another opportunity to book their place when they face the winner of the second qualifier between MCC Knights and MCC Masters on December 26. Batting first, MCC Tigers posted a strong total of 190 for 7 in their 20 overs, built on solid contributions across the order. Chaitanya Kamat and Vaibhav Naik both scored 34, while Nikit…

Team Goemkarponn Panaji: Nail-biting finishes highlighted Tuesday’s matches in the Advocates Cricket League (ACL) 2025–26, with United Brothers maintaining their unbeaten run after edging past Lotlikar Lions by one ball, while 18 Juners clinched their third straight victory with a dramatic one-run win over Risers. Both matches were played at the Chicalim ground in Vasco. In the first match, Lotlikar Lions put up a competitive 172 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. Venkatesh Rathod anchored the innings with a fluent 42, while Aditya Naik contributed 32 and Pankaj Naik remained unbeaten on 31. Ashish Dessai was the most successful…