NEWS UPDATES

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. • Heavy rainfall has flooded the Haltar stream on the Khanapur–Hemadga route, forcing the closure of a key road connecting Goa since Sunday night. Traffic between Goa and Khanapur–Belagavi has been diverted via Ramnagar, with authorities advising motorists to use alternative routes • Goa Police launched a massive multi-state operation targeting cyber financial fraud networks, deploying around 40 teams across 11 states. The crackdown covered nearly 40 cases involving fraud worth Rs 2.5 crore, leading to 7 arrests, notices to 24 accused, seizure of 21 electronic devices and verification of 313 mule bank accounts. • US President Donald Trump said a military strike he had considered against Iran would have been the biggest since World War II, as fresh talks between Washington and Tehran are set to begin. The remarks come amid renewed diplomatic efforts over Iran's nuclear programme. • At least 5 people were killed and 41 remain missing after passenger ferry KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2 caught fire off Indonesia's Madura Island. The ferry was carrying 271 passengers and crew, with 225 rescued as search operations continue. 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. • Heavy rainfall has flooded the Haltar stream on the Khanapur–Hemadga route, forcing the closure of a key road connecting Goa since Sunday night. Traffic between Goa and Khanapur–Belagavi has been diverted via Ramnagar, with authorities advising motorists to use alternative routes • Goa Police launched a massive multi-state operation targeting cyber financial fraud networks, deploying around 40 teams across 11 states. The crackdown covered nearly 40 cases involving fraud worth Rs 2.5 crore, leading to 7 arrests, notices to 24 accused, seizure of 21 electronic devices and verification of 313 mule bank accounts. • US President Donald Trump said a military strike he had considered against Iran would have been the biggest since World War II, as fresh talks between Washington and Tehran are set to begin. The remarks come amid renewed diplomatic efforts over Iran's nuclear programme. • At least 5 people were killed and 41 remain missing after passenger ferry KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2 caught fire off Indonesia's Madura Island. The ferry was carrying 271 passengers and crew, with 225 rescued as search operations continue.

LEGAL

High Court Orders Immediate Suspension Of Water Sports On Goa's Inland Waterways

Court Restrains Fisheries Department From Issuing NOCs; Says Operations Cannot Continue Without Designated Zones

03rd Aug 2026 • 11 hours ago • 151 views

The High Court has directed the Captain of Ports and the Director of Tourism to ensure the immediate and complete suspension of all water‑sports activities carried out by riverine crafts across Goa’s inland waterways. It has also restrained the Director of Fisheries from issuing No‑Objection Certificates under the Water Sports Activities Rules until further orders.

The order came in a petition challenging the Captain of Ports’ July 7, 2023 notification permitting water‑sports operations in inland waterways. The court directed a total halt to such activities in the state and ordered authorities to ensure that no riverine craft operates on inland waterways, regardless of weather conditions. In its interim order, the High Court noted that the Tourism Department has not designated or demarcated specific operational zones for water‑sports vessels in inland waterways, rendering the operations unlawful even during the fair‑weather season.

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LEGAL

Court Rejects Discharge Application In POCSO Case, Finds Prima Facia Grounds For Charge

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