NEWS UPDATES

A complaint has sought registration of an FIR against Rohidas L. Naik, Shrikrishna Haldankar, Tarak Arolkar, Charudatt Panjikar, Avinash Shirodkar and others over alleged cheating, criminal breach of trust, criminal conspiracy, misrepresentation, misuse of the Gomantak Bhandari Samaj's name, and irregularities in the collection and utilisation of donations under the BNS, 2023. • Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said he has urged the Karnataka government to withdraw its pending Supreme Court cases related to the Mhadei river dispute to remove administrative hurdles and expedite project clearances. He said the Karnataka CM responded positively, adding that the move would help resolve the water dispute through Centre-state cooperation. • The body of Sumedh Talgavkar from Mapusa was recovered after he drowned at a waterfall in Karnataka's Belagavi district on Sunday evening. • Former Deputy CM Babu Kavlekar claimed the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Dhangar community has not been raised even once in the Goa Assembly over the past 4½ years. Speaking at a convention in Kasarpal, he said the community's struggle for ST status will continue until the demand is fulfilled and urged members to remain united. • CCP Mayor Rohit Monserrate has expressed interest in contesting from the Taleigao Assembly constituency, saying he wants to carry forward the legacy of his late mother, Jennifer Monserrate, and continue her strong connect with the people. • Advoi village in Goa's Sattari taluka has unanimously resolved not to sell village land to outsiders, adopting a historic Gram Sabha resolution to protect its cultural heritage, traditions and environment. Villagers say land should remain within the community to safeguard the interests of future generations. • The Goa government's decision to extend the three-year Goa Beach Shack Policy, which expired in May, for one more year (2026-27) has been challenged in the High Court. The HC will hear the matter on 12 August. A complaint has sought registration of an FIR against Rohidas L. Naik, Shrikrishna Haldankar, Tarak Arolkar, Charudatt Panjikar, Avinash Shirodkar and others over alleged cheating, criminal breach of trust, criminal conspiracy, misrepresentation, misuse of the Gomantak Bhandari Samaj's name, and irregularities in the collection and utilisation of donations under the BNS, 2023. • Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said he has urged the Karnataka government to withdraw its pending Supreme Court cases related to the Mhadei river dispute to remove administrative hurdles and expedite project clearances. He said the Karnataka CM responded positively, adding that the move would help resolve the water dispute through Centre-state cooperation. • The body of Sumedh Talgavkar from Mapusa was recovered after he drowned at a waterfall in Karnataka's Belagavi district on Sunday evening. • Former Deputy CM Babu Kavlekar claimed the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Dhangar community has not been raised even once in the Goa Assembly over the past 4½ years. Speaking at a convention in Kasarpal, he said the community's struggle for ST status will continue until the demand is fulfilled and urged members to remain united. • CCP Mayor Rohit Monserrate has expressed interest in contesting from the Taleigao Assembly constituency, saying he wants to carry forward the legacy of his late mother, Jennifer Monserrate, and continue her strong connect with the people. • Advoi village in Goa's Sattari taluka has unanimously resolved not to sell village land to outsiders, adopting a historic Gram Sabha resolution to protect its cultural heritage, traditions and environment. Villagers say land should remain within the community to safeguard the interests of future generations. • The Goa government's decision to extend the three-year Goa Beach Shack Policy, which expired in May, for one more year (2026-27) has been challenged in the High Court. The HC will hear the matter on 12 August.

GENERAL

Goa Government To Set Up Rs. 3.33 Crore Mineral Testing Lab at GEC

The Department of Mines and Geology has officially partnered with Goa College of Engineering (GEC) to establish a state-of-the-art Mineral T

04th Aug 2026 • 2 hours ago • 147 views

Goa Government To Set Up Rs. 3.33 Crore Mineral Testing Lab at GEC

In a major boost to Goa’s mining sector, the Department of Mines and Geology has officially partnered with Goa College of Engineering (GEC) to establish a state-of-the-art Mineral Testing Laboratory. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was exchanged in the presence of the Chief Secretary of Goa, marking a crucial step toward building advanced technical facilities within the state.

The new laboratory will feature high-tech X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) equipment, enabling fast and precise chemical analysis of rock and mineral samples. The project is funded through a ₹3.33 crore grant from the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET), New Delhi, following a proposal prepared by GEC's Department of Mining Engineering.

This initiative creates a direct bridge between academic research and local industry needs. Instead of relying on outside facilities, researchers and mining professionals in Goa will now have direct access to modern testing capabilities right on campus.

Beyond technical analysis, the lab will serve as a hub for student training, research, and skill development. By combining practical industry testing with higher education, the partnership aims to elevate mining education while supporting sustainable mineral management across the region.

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GENERAL

Four Years Later: Punarvasan-Sal Primary Students Still Waiting for New School

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No Assembly Discussion on Dhangar Issues in 4.5 Years, Says Kavlekar

GENERAL

No Assembly Discussion on Dhangar Issues in 4.5 Years, Says Kavlekar

Former Deputy Chief Minister Chandrakant Kavlekar expressed regret that the Dhangar community's issues were not raised even once in th