Author: Team Admin

Team Goemkarponn PANAJI: The mysterious death of 21-year-old Kushagra Jain, a BITS Pilani Goa student found in his hostel room on August 17, has taken a new turn after forensic screening ruled out narcotics use but detected traces of a commonly prescribed blood pressure drug. Police confirmed that the Randox Multistat test showed no presence of illegal substances. Instead, it indicated the use of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, a drug class typically prescribed for hypertension and diabetes patients. “Nothing narcotic has been detected. The only substance found is a prescribed drug, possibly consumed in excess. We are still awaiting the…

Team Goemkarponn PANAJI: The festive mood of Ganesh Chaturthi in Goa has been dampened as heavy downpours lashed the state for the third consecutive day, causing widespread disruption to celebrations and routine life. Several parts of Margao, Salcete and other low-lying belts were inundated, restricting people indoors and leading to sparse crowds in usually bustling festival markets. Traders reported a sharp dip in business, with some saying their earnings had dropped to nearly half of what they expected. The persistent rain also left roads battered, worsening potholes and flooding key routes, making commuting hazardous. Residents complained of long delays and…

Team Goemkarponn MARGAO: The Margao Congress Block has alleged serious lapses in the recent recruitment process of the Margao Municipal Council, claiming that hundreds of job aspirants were deprived of the opportunity to appear for the written test as they did not receive their admit cards. Addressing a press conference, Congress Block Convener Savio Coutinho said that the low turnout of less than 50 per cent for the written examination clearly showed that many candidates were deliberately left out. He alleged that instead of sending admit cards by email at negligible cost, the Council chose ordinary post, which enabled vested…

Team Goemkarponn PANAJI: A partially decomposed whale carcass was washed ashore at Talpona beach in South Goa, creating a stir among locals. The incident was first reported around 3:30 pm, when a Drishti Marine lifesaver on duty was alerted about the carcass. As per established protocol for dealing with stranded or deceased marine animals, the Forest Department authorities were immediately informed. Drishti Marine, the state-appointed lifesaving agency, is also the designated first responder for emergencies involving marine life on Goa’s beaches. Once Forest Department officials reached the site and conducted the necessary examination and identification, the carcass was buried following…

Team Goemkarponn PANAJI: To ensure the safety of devotees during the annual Ganesh visarjan rituals, the state-appointed lifesaving agency Drishti Marine will deploy trained lifesavers at 47 immersion points across Goa. The initiative is aimed at supplementing safety and law-and-order measures undertaken by the state administration and security agencies during the festival. The deployment will cover 35 beaches and 12 inland water bodies on all designated immersion days — August 28, 31 and September 2, 4, 6 and 17, which marks the 21st day visarjan. Teams of lifesavers will remain stationed at these sites until late in the night to…

Team Goemkarponn PANAJI: In a significant step towards ensuring dignity, equality and protection for people living with HIV, the Goa State AIDS Control Society (Goa SACS) has organised a training programme for Complaints Officers under the HIV/AIDS (Prevention & Control) Act, 2017. The programme, held at the Secretariat in Porvorim, was inaugurated by Dr. Vandana Dhume, Project Director, Goa SACS. The appointment and training of Complaints Officers is a vital part of the legal framework that addresses stigma, discrimination and violation of rights faced by people living with HIV. The initiative aims to empower officers with the knowledge and capacity…

Team Goemkarponn PANAJI: Amid Ganesh Chaturthi fervour, Goa’s political stage witnessed a reshuffle on Tuesday as the state government announced portfolios for two newly inducted ministers and introduced minor changes for sitting ministers. Former Chief Minister Digambar Kamat has been entrusted with the crucial Public Works Department (PWD), besides Captain of Ports and Legal Metrology. Ramesh Tawadkar, who resigned as Speaker to join the cabinet, has been given charge of Art & Culture, Tribal Welfare, and Sports in the Pramod Sawant-led cabinet. Among existing ministers, Subhash Phaldessai has been allotted the additional responsibility of Drinking Water Supply, though he has…