Goa’s vibrant Carnival celebrations have begun, bringing the streets to life with dazzling parades, lively music, and delicious food. Rooted in Portuguese traditions, this festival is a grand spectacle of culture, dance, and entertainment. Tourists and locals alike are soaking in the festive spirit as Goa transforms into a carnival wonderland.

Goa’s carnival kicks off with parades, music, and festivities

Goa has unveiled its first-ever comprehensive agricultural policy, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and boosting farmer welfare. The landmark initiative aims to modernize farming practices, enhance productivity, and promote eco-friendly solutions.

Goa launches landmark agricultural policy for sustainable farming & innovation

Goa has introduced its first-ever landmark agricultural policy, focusing on sustainability and innovation. The initiative aims to revolutionize farming with modern techniques, ensuring environmental protection and economic growth for farmers.

Goa unveils first landmark agricultural policy for sustainable farming revolution

<p><br>Popular YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, aka BeerBiceps, had a near-life-threatening experience. On Thursday (Dec 26), Ranveer revealed that he almost drowned while swimming in the sea in Goa.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Taking to his Instagram handle, Ranveer shared the details of the incident, revealing that he was saved by an IPS officer and his IRS wife.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Calling it an eventful Christmas, the YouTuber shared that he and his girlfriend were swimming and everything was fine until they started drowning and they both struggled to stay afloat.</p>
<p><strong>Also read: </strong><a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/entertainment/stampede-row-tollywood-film-industry-to-meet-cm-revanth-reddy-8566653" aria-label="Pushpa 2 stampede row: Tollywood industry to meet CM Revanth Reddy">Pushpa 2 stampede row: Tollywood industry to meet CM Revanth Reddy</a></p>
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<p>Along with the bunch of photos from his GOA trip, Ranveer wrote in the caption of his post, "Merry Christmas to you all, from Goa. It's been the most eventful Christmas of my life.''</p>
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<p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DEAQVzaquFI/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Ranveer Allahbadia (@beerbiceps)</a></p>
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<p>Explaining his near-death experience, he wrote, ''Gonna be very vulnerable in this write-up. We're perfectly fine &amp; well now. But yesterday at 6:00 pm or so, my girlfriend and I had to be rescued from a bit of a situation. We both love swimming in the open ocean. I've been doing this since I was a kid. But yesterday we got swept away by an underwater current. This has happened to me before but I've never been alongside a companion. It's easy to swim out of one alone. It's very hard to pull someone out with you. After a 5-10 minute struggle, we called for help and were promptly rescued by a family of 5 swimming nearby.''</p>
<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/beyonce-blue-ivy-bring-glam-to-nfl-halftime-show-on-christmas-8566695" aria-label="Beyonce, Blue Ivy bring glam to NFL Halftime Show on Christmas">Beyonce, Blue Ivy bring glam to NFL Halftime Show on Christmas</a></p>
<p>In the post, he expressed gratitude to the family of the IPS officer husband and his IRS office wife, who saved them.</p>
<p>Adding that this ordeal experience has changed his perspective towards living, he wrote, ''As we moved into today's Christmas, we're simply full of gratitude for being alive. Almost feel like this one life experience has changed my perspective towards living. Writing this because I've always shared these moments with you all. Full of emotion and gratitude today. A deep thank you and big hugs to each one of you reading this!''</p>
<p>Allahbadia also shared photos of his girlfriend. However, he refrained from revealing her face. If reports are to be believed, he's dating television actress Nikki Sharma.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Soon after Ranveer shared the post, his fans and followers shared wishes for the content creator.&nbsp;</p>
<p>One user wrote, ''really feel great to know that you both are safe😍god is great.''</p>
<p>Another wrote, ''You were gifted a second chance at life ✨ A kind soul, now with an even deeper purpose. Much love brother.''</p>
<p>For the unversed, Ranveer is a well-known Indian YouTuber,<span> entrepreneur, and podcaster. He runs multiple YouTube channels, such as</span><span> BeerBiceps, which has over 8 million subscribers.</span></p>

Calling it an eventful Christmas, Ranveer Allahbadia shared that he and his girlfriend were swimming and everything was fine until they started drowning.

Popular YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, aka BeerBiceps, had a near-life-threatening experience. On Thursday (Dec 26), Ranveer revealed that he almost drowned while swimming in the sea in Goa. Taking to his Instagram handle, Ranveer shared the details of the incident, revealing that he was saved by an IPS officer and his IRS wife. Calling it an eventful Christmas, the YouTuber shared that he and his girlfriend were swimming and everything was fine until they started drowning and they both struggled to stay afloat. Also read: Pushpa 2 stampede row: Tollywood industry to meet CM Revanth Reddy Along with the bunch of photos from his GOA trip, Ranveer wrote in the caption of his post, "Merry Christmas to you all, from Goa. It's been the most eventful Christmas of my life.'' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ranveer Allahbadia (@beerbiceps) Explaining his near-death experience, he wrote, ''Gonna be very vulnerable in this write-up. We're perfectly fine & well now. But yesterday at 6:00 pm or so, my girlfriend and I had to be rescued from a bit of a situation. We both love swimming in the open ocean. I've been doing this since I was a kid. But yesterday we got swept away by an underwater current. This has happened to me before but I've never been alongside a companion. It's easy to swim out of one alone. It's very hard to pull someone out with you. After a 5-10 minute struggle, we called for help and were promptly rescued by a family of 5 swimming nearby.'' Also read: Beyonce, Blue Ivy bring glam to NFL Halftime Show on Christmas In the post, he expressed gratitude to the family of the IPS officer husband and his IRS office wife, who saved them. Adding that this ordeal experience has changed his perspective towards living, he wrote, ''As we moved into today's Christmas, we're simply full of gratitude for being alive. Almost feel like this one life experience has changed my perspective towards living. Writing this because I've always shared these moments with you all. Full of emotion and gratitude today. A deep thank you and big hugs to each one of you reading this!'' Allahbadia also shared photos of his girlfriend. However, he refrained from revealing her face. If reports are to be believed, he's dating television actress Nikki Sharma. Soon after Ranveer shared the post, his fans and followers shared wishes for the content creator. One user wrote, ''really feel great to know that you both are safe😍god is great.'' Another wrote, ''You were gifted a second chance at life ✨ A kind soul, now with an even deeper purpose. Much love brother.'' For the unversed, Ranveer is a well-known Indian YouTuber, entrepreneur, and podcaster. He runs multiple YouTube channels, such as BeerBiceps, which has over 8 million subscribers.

YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia shares near-death drowning experience in Goa

<p>A family, who belonged to the Indian state of Bihar, was following the directions given on Google Maps while travelling to Goa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the app, instead of taking them to their destination, guided them towards a thick forest zone in Khanapur taluk, Belagavi district.</p>

<p>The situation turned scarier for the family as they had to spend a harrowing night inside their car until the local police rescued them with the help of the villagers, said the police.</p>

<p>Khanapur police inspector Manjunath Nayak said that a family, comprising six to seven members, including children, remained stranded nearly eight kilometres inside the forest.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/car-cruising-down-bridge-to-nowhere-plunges-into-river-in-up-three-dead-778869">Car cruising down ‘bridge to nowhere’ plunges into&nbsp;river&nbsp;in&nbsp;UP, three dead</a></p>

<p>“The family, led by Rajdas Ranjitdas from Bihar, had been following Google Maps for their journey to Goa. After passing through Khanapur town, the map directed them to a path between Shirodaga and Hemmadaga villages, leading them 7 kilometres into the Bhimghad wildlife zone on Thursday. With no mobile network in the area, the family spent the night in the car, isolated and unable to contact anyone for help," said Nayak.</p>

<p>“The family, unaware of how to get out of the forest, spent the entire night in their locked car, surrounded by wildlife. The next morning, the family retraced their route for about 3 kilometres, where they regained mobile network coverage. They immediately called the police helpline to report their situation,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Explaining how the family was rescued, Nayak said, “The Belagavi police control room passed the information to the Khanapur police, who used GPS coordinates to locate the family and reach them with the help of villagers."</p>

<p>According to the police official, the family was fortunate to get stranded in a location where they had access to a mobile signal.</p>

<h2><strong>Here's how netizens reacted</strong></h2>

<p>The incident sparked a discussion on social media as many people shared their thoughts on the strange incident.</p>

<p>"Not that Google Maps is always accurate, but while travelling long distance to another state, apart from Google Maps, u need Map reading skills, eyes to read markers and directions on highway and most importantly, common sense (sic)," said a user.</p>

<p>"No one should travel by looking at Google Maps," wrote another user.</p>

<p>"It’s time Google prioritises safety over convenience. These tragedies demand accountability and immediate action to prevent more lives from being lost," commented a user.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A family, who belonged to the Indian state of Bihar, was following the directions given on Google Maps while travelling to Goa. However, the app, instead of taking them to their destination, guided them towards a thick forest zone in Khanapur taluk, Belagavi district.

A family, who belonged to the Indian state of Bihar, was following the directions given on Google Maps while travelling to Goa. However, the app, instead of taking them to their destination, guided them towards a thick forest zone in Khanapur taluk, Belagavi district. The situation turned scarier for the family as they had to spend a harrowing night inside their car until the local police rescued them with the help of the villagers, said the police. Khanapur police inspector Manjunath Nayak said that a family, comprising six to seven members, including children, remained stranded nearly eight kilometres inside the forest. Also Read: Car cruising down ‘bridge to nowhere’ plunges into river in UP, three dead “The family, led by Rajdas Ranjitdas from Bihar, had been following Google Maps for their journey to Goa. After passing through Khanapur town, the map directed them to a path between Shirodaga and Hemmadaga villages, leading them 7 kilometres into the Bhimghad wildlife zone on Thursday. With no mobile network in the area, the family spent the night in the car, isolated and unable to contact anyone for help," said Nayak. “The family, unaware of how to get out of the forest, spent the entire night in their locked car, surrounded by wildlife. The next morning, the family retraced their route for about 3 kilometres, where they regained mobile network coverage. They immediately called the police helpline to report their situation,” he added. Explaining how the family was rescued, Nayak said, “The Belagavi police control room passed the information to the Khanapur police, who used GPS coordinates to locate the family and reach them with the help of villagers." According to the police official, the family was fortunate to get stranded in a location where they had access to a mobile signal. Here's how netizens reacted The incident sparked a discussion on social media as many people shared their thoughts on the strange incident. "Not that Google Maps is always accurate, but while travelling long distance to another state, apart from Google Maps, u need Map reading skills, eyes to read markers and directions on highway and most importantly, common sense (sic)," said a user. "No one should travel by looking at Google Maps," wrote another user. "It’s time Google prioritises safety over convenience. These tragedies demand accountability and immediate action to prevent more lives from being lost," commented a user. (With inputs from agencies)

Family tries to reach Goa using Google Maps, reaches forest in Karnataka. Here's how netizens reacted

<p>One of India’s top global tourist hotspots is dying a slow death, prompting netizens to share shocking stories of their own experience visiting the now ill-fated region. The Indian state here in question is Goa, also known as "the pearl of the east”, known for its Gothic churches, age-old ruins, palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, ferry rides, and bubbly folk music. But the state is getting attention on Indian internet for all the wrong reasons for quite some time now.</p>

<p>According to data shared by Goa’s tourism department, only 450,000 foreign tourists visited Goa in 2023, a whopping drop from 937,000 annually in 2019 or the pre-Covid era. The report, however, mentioned that domestic tourism in&nbsp;the state was picking up. Over 7 million domestic tourists visited Goa in 2022, almost equalling the pre-Covid figure of 7.08 million in 2018.</p>

<p>Reacting to the shocking figures, several X users highlighted on social media how ‘Goa taxi mafia’ was responsible for the decline of the tourism industry in the state.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj_7JCVlsqJAxVTUGwGHeJbB18QxfQBKAB6BAgaEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fact-check-did-ratan-tatas-pet-dog-goa-die-three-days-after-his-death-767791" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fact-check-did-ratan-tatas-pet-dog-goa-die-three-days-after-his-death-767791&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj_7JCVlsqJAxVTUGwGHeJbB18QxfQBKAB6BAgaEAE">Fact check: Did Ratan Tata`s pet dog `Goa` die three days after his death?</a></strong></p>

<p>“Goa is doomed all thanks to the alliance of local taxi mafia and administration,” wrote one X user.</p>

<p>It must be noted that ride-hailing services like Uber and Ola are banned in the state in the face of vehement opposition from local taxi unions. Ola, India’s own version of Uber, was launched in 2014, but was banned in Goa following massive strikes by the local taxi unions.</p>

<p>Another X user recounted his experience when ‘more than 10 taxi drivers ganged up against him’. “Goa’s taxi mafia is responsible for it,” he wrote, claiming that a German woman was forced to pay ₹1,800 ($21) to a taxi driver for a 37 km ride.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj_7JCVlsqJAxVTUGwGHeJbB18QxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-planning-a-trip-to-goa-why-sindhudurg-is-a-better-option-instead-767788" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-planning-a-trip-to-goa-why-sindhudurg-is-a-better-option-instead-767788&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj_7JCVlsqJAxVTUGwGHeJbB18QxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">Planning a trip to Goa? Why Sindhudurg is a better option instead</a></strong></p>

<p>“I went to pick up a friend (from Germany) from Benaulim Beach and I was accompanied by another friend (a local Goan). A taxi guy (in Benaulim) saw us, he stopped us and in no time there were 10+ taxi drivers ready to beat us up,” he recalled.</p>

<p>“I paid INR 2000 for a flight ticket from Mumbai to Goa in 2018 &amp; paid INR 2500 for a freaking TAXI from Goa Airport to Arambol! Their Taxi Mafia is next level,” a second user said.</p>

<p>Other users on internet revealed how more and more Indian tourists were now preferring visiting Thailand over Goa because of the Southeast Asian nation’s “higher standards of living and better preserved natural environment.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


One of India’s top global tourist hotspots is dying a slow death, prompting netizens to share shocking stories of their own experience visiting the now ill-fated region.

One of India’s top global tourist hotspots is dying a slow death, prompting netizens to share shocking stories of their own experience visiting the now ill-fated region. The Indian state here in question is Goa, also known as "the pearl of the east”, known for its Gothic churches, age-old ruins, palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, ferry rides, and bubbly folk music. But the state is getting attention on Indian internet for all the wrong reasons for quite some time now. According to data shared by Goa’s tourism department, only 450,000 foreign tourists visited Goa in 2023, a whopping drop from 937,000 annually in 2019 or the pre-Covid era. The report, however, mentioned that domestic tourism in the state was picking up. Over 7 million domestic tourists visited Goa in 2022, almost equalling the pre-Covid figure of 7.08 million in 2018. Reacting to the shocking figures, several X users highlighted on social media how ‘Goa taxi mafia’ was responsible for the decline of the tourism industry in the state. Also read: Fact check: Did Ratan Tata`s pet dog `Goa` die three days after his death? “Goa is doomed all thanks to the alliance of local taxi mafia and administration,” wrote one X user. It must be noted that ride-hailing services like Uber and Ola are banned in the state in the face of vehement opposition from local taxi unions. Ola, India’s own version of Uber, was launched in 2014, but was banned in Goa following massive strikes by the local taxi unions. Another X user recounted his experience when ‘more than 10 taxi drivers ganged up against him’. “Goa’s taxi mafia is responsible for it,” he wrote, claiming that a German woman was forced to pay ₹1,800 ($21) to a taxi driver for a 37 km ride. Also read:Planning a trip to Goa? Why Sindhudurg is a better option instead “I went to pick up a friend (from Germany) from Benaulim Beach and I was accompanied by another friend (a local Goan). A taxi guy (in Benaulim) saw us, he stopped us and in no time there were 10+ taxi drivers ready to beat us up,” he recalled. “I paid INR 2000 for a flight ticket from Mumbai to Goa in 2018 & paid INR 2500 for a freaking TAXI from Goa Airport to Arambol! Their Taxi Mafia is next level,” a second user said. Other users on internet revealed how more and more Indian tourists were now preferring visiting Thailand over Goa because of the Southeast Asian nation’s “higher standards of living and better preserved natural environment.” (With inputs from agencies)

Internet decries ‘taxi mafia’ as Goa’s foreign tourism sees massive decline

<p>Driving through the winding roads of Sindhudurg, I found myself surrounded by lush green hills, towering trees, and open skies. This was a far cry from the frenetic energy of nearby Goa. Nestled on the Maharashtra-Goa border, Sindhudurg offers a quieter, untouched alternative to its more commercialized neighbour. It was here, at Amaresha, a villa in Coco Shambhala, that I experienced a retreat unlike any other, with uninterrupted views of the Arabian Sea and a sense of peace I hadn’t known in years.</p>

<p>From my villa, I could gaze out at the infinity pool, where the sight of paragliders soaring and boats drifting on the sea added to the allure of the location. The first meal was a surprise—a rice-flour taco with paneer and salad, an unexpectedly healthy and satisfying preparation that set the tone for a day of exploration. The solitude was palpable: a villa made of sustainable wood, no Netflix, weak Wi-Fi, and just enough space for thoughts to wander. The feeling of being unplugged was starkly different from any Goan experience, where even the quietest beaches now echo with the sounds of crowds and bars.</p>

<p>After a short 30-minute drive, filled with tunes from Elvis, Whitney, and Pink Floyd, I arrived at a secluded river flanked by coconut trees. The peaceful setting was punctuated by the calls of kingfishers, barbets, hornbills, and other rare birds. As I wandered along the riverbank, abandoned boats added a sense of mystery to the serene landscape. For someone from Mumbai, steeped in urban life, this was an immersion into local Maharashtrian culture I hadn’t experienced before. The sound of traditional music played softly in the background, and a cooking class at the villa introduced me to local Malvani dishes like Kothimbir Vada and amaranth vegetable—a meal that felt deeply connected to the land.</p>

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<p>A short walk from the villa brought me to the beach, where I watched a sunset filled with hues of red and yellow mist. This quiet moment, as the sun dipped below the horizon, was a reminder of how some places are best shared with the people who matter most. I felt a pang of longing for my family, and as if to soothe that melancholy, I headed to the spa for a massage with local juniper oil. The spa was lit by nine candles, their soft glow enhancing the calming ambience.</p>

<p>Later, I returned to the pool for an evening dip, accompanied by a refreshing glass of kokum sherbet. My dinner—gyozas, Thai curry, rice, and vegan coconut pancakes—was a fitting end to the day, light and nourishing. With no temptation to stay up late, no bustling nightlife or clubs to lure me out, I found myself in bed early, lulled by the gentle sounds of nature. It was the most peaceful sleep I’d had in a long time.</p>

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<p>The next morning, I embarked on a trek to Nivti Fort, a 3.5 km hike that rewarded me with breathtaking views of a secluded beach and the Arabian Sea stretching out into the distance. Along the way, I was lucky enough to spot a hornbill and a white eagle—rare birds that would thrill any avid birdwatcher. From the top of the fort, the view of the broken boat on the deserted beach below felt almost cinematic.</p>

<p>Later, I set up by the beach for another sunset, this time watching a pair of lovers quietly take in the view. It was a scene I’d never witnessed in Goa, where most beaches are overrun with tourists. Here, in Sindhudurg, I felt the luxury of time, space, and solitude—a place that allowed me to reconnect with myself.</p>

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<p>This wasn’t a trip defined by alcohol or parties, but by moments of quiet reflection. My detox drink of choice? A refreshing curry leaf lemonade and some sol kadi. No loud music, no pressure to party—just a true slice of Indian coastal beauty, experienced as it should be.</p>

<p>Sindhudurg is a destination that offers something different, a place where nature and tranquility take center stage, reminding you what it means to truly disconnect.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Driving through the winding roads of Sindhudurg, I found myself surrounded by lush green hills, towering trees, and open skies. This was a far cry from the frenetic energy of nearby Goa.

Driving through the winding roads of Sindhudurg, I found myself surrounded by lush green hills, towering trees, and open skies. This was a far cry from the frenetic energy of nearby Goa. Nestled on the Maharashtra-Goa border, Sindhudurg offers a quieter, untouched alternative to its more commercialized neighbour. It was here, at Amaresha, a villa in Coco Shambhala, that I experienced a retreat unlike any other, with uninterrupted views of the Arabian Sea and a sense of peace I hadn’t known in years. From my villa, I could gaze out at the infinity pool, where the sight of paragliders soaring and boats drifting on the sea added to the allure of the location. The first meal was a surprise—a rice-flour taco with paneer and salad, an unexpectedly healthy and satisfying preparation that set the tone for a day of exploration. The solitude was palpable: a villa made of sustainable wood, no Netflix, weak Wi-Fi, and just enough space for thoughts to wander. The feeling of being unplugged was starkly different from any Goan experience, where even the quietest beaches now echo with the sounds of crowds and bars. After a short 30-minute drive, filled with tunes from Elvis, Whitney, and Pink Floyd, I arrived at a secluded river flanked by coconut trees. The peaceful setting was punctuated by the calls of kingfishers, barbets, hornbills, and other rare birds. As I wandered along the riverbank, abandoned boats added a sense of mystery to the serene landscape. For someone from Mumbai, steeped in urban life, this was an immersion into local Maharashtrian culture I hadn’t experienced before. The sound of traditional music played softly in the background, and a cooking class at the villa introduced me to local Malvani dishes like Kothimbir Vada and amaranth vegetable—a meal that felt deeply connected to the land. A short walk from the villa brought me to the beach, where I watched a sunset filled with hues of red and yellow mist. This quiet moment, as the sun dipped below the horizon, was a reminder of how some places are best shared with the people who matter most. I felt a pang of longing for my family, and as if to soothe that melancholy, I headed to the spa for a massage with local juniper oil. The spa was lit by nine candles, their soft glow enhancing the calming ambience. Later, I returned to the pool for an evening dip, accompanied by a refreshing glass of kokum sherbet. My dinner—gyozas, Thai curry, rice, and vegan coconut pancakes—was a fitting end to the day, light and nourishing. With no temptation to stay up late, no bustling nightlife or clubs to lure me out, I found myself in bed early, lulled by the gentle sounds of nature. It was the most peaceful sleep I’d had in a long time. The next morning, I embarked on a trek to Nivti Fort, a 3.5 km hike that rewarded me with breathtaking views of a secluded beach and the Arabian Sea stretching out into the distance. Along the way, I was lucky enough to spot a hornbill and a white eagle—rare birds that would thrill any avid birdwatcher. From the top of the fort, the view of the broken boat on the deserted beach below felt almost cinematic. Later, I set up by the beach for another sunset, this time watching a pair of lovers quietly take in the view. It was a scene I’d never witnessed in Goa, where most beaches are overrun with tourists. Here, in Sindhudurg, I felt the luxury of time, space, and solitude—a place that allowed me to reconnect with myself. This wasn’t a trip defined by alcohol or parties, but by moments of quiet reflection. My detox drink of choice? A refreshing curry leaf lemonade and some sol kadi. No loud music, no pressure to party—just a true slice of Indian coastal beauty, experienced as it should be. Sindhudurg is a destination that offers something different, a place where nature and tranquility take center stage, reminding you what it means to truly disconnect.

Planning a trip to Goa? Why Sindhudurg is a better option instead

<p>Cars slow down, feet falter and eyes swivel to the many murals on the walls of schools, hospitals, and homes in Delhi’s Lodhi Colony, the quiet neighborhood that has come to be known as Lodhi Art District over the last 10 years.</p>

<p>On Sunday (September 22, 2024), Hanif Kureshi, the creative lead behind India’s first public art district and the visionary artist and designer remembered for "making art democratic", died from cancer in Goa. He was 41.</p>

<p>The gigantic murals, some freshly painted and others at different stages of their fully-lived vibrant lives, stand as quiet witnesses to the passing of the man who started the street art movement across the country, beginning with the government staff residential colony in 2015.</p>

<p>Mr. Kureshi co-founded the St+art Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation, with four others - Arjun Bahl, Akshat Nauriyal, Giulia Ambrogi and Thanish Thomas - in 2013. The aim was to paint the streets of India.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmirs-women-artisans-get-long-overdue-recognition-through-mural-621682"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Kashmir's women artisans get long-overdue recognition through murals</strong></a></p>

<p>Talking about Mr. Kureshi’s inspiration behind the St+art Foundation and Lodhi Art District, Mr. Bahl said he always wanted to “make art truly democratic for all”.</p>

<p>“That was one of the reasons he started the project across the country. He was very passionate about Indian streets, he found them very colourful,” Mr. Bahl told PTI.</p>

<p>He remembered Mr. Kureshi as a “very generous” person always ready to teach others about his art and technique.</p>

<p>The group started seven art districts across the country in the last 10 years, four of which are active - Lodhi Art District, Ukkadam Art District in Coimbatore, Mahim Art District in Mumbai and Nochi Art District in Chennai.</p>

<p>The pilot project in Delhi that started with two murals today has over 60 by national and international artists.</p>

<p>Mr. Kureshi, who was known for his style of creating a curious mix of typography and street culture in his art, had written in one of his Instagram posts that he wanted to take “art out of conventional galleries and museums and make it accessible for the public”.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;French-Lebanese artist blends architecture and heritage</strong></p>

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<p>Despite being diagnosed with cancer about 15 months ago, Mr. Kureshi remained “upbeat and positive”, Mr. Bahl said.</p>

<p>“He was hoping to beat this unfortunate disease he got. He never showed anyone that he was suffering or not, he always had a smile and he was very positive,” he added.</p>

<p>Condolence messages poured in as art lovers and artists remembered the “pioneer of graffiti” in India who left a legacy that will “continue to inspire generations”.</p>

<p>One X user, Angad B. Sodhi posted that Mr. Kureshi was “a student of the dying tradition of Indian street sign typography”.</p>

<p>“…a practice he brought from the streets into the world of high art through his ‘HandpaintedType’ collections. I have long admired his work on bringing art out of the daunting walls of galleries to the people in the streets,” Mr. Sodhi wrote on X.</p>

<p>Another person, Edward Anderson, remembered Mr. Kureshi for making an “enormous impact on the visual landscape of urban India”.</p>

<p>“Really sad to hear about Hanif Kureshi, who has died far too soon. Hanif was an amazing guy... and did wonderful work to celebrate and preserve the art of hand-painted signs in India,” Mr. Anderson wrote.</p>

<p>“When I look up and see the beautiful wall art in Delhi, I always smile. It gladdens my heart and makes my day a lot brighter. It's terrible to hear that the man responsible for most of them, Hanif Kureshi has passed away at only 41,” Ms. Kaveri posted on X.</p>

<p>St+art Foundation took to Instagram to share the news of Mr. Kureshi’s demise. The post remembered Mr. Kureshi as “a gifted mentor, collaborator, friend, father, and husband”.</p>

<p>“His vision and charisma helped shape the landscape of public art in India with the countless projects he has contributed to. He was dedicated to nurturing a community of artists, designers, and creatives who trusted him with loyal guidance. He was a pioneering figure for graffiti and street art with his tags spread across cities he travelled to,” the organisation said.</p>

<p>Be it the tall Mahatma Gandhi portrait on the side of Delhi Police Headquarters at ITO, the colourful caricatures of people on the walls of different metro stations in Bengaluru, or the black-and-white portraits of Nochikuppam residents in Chennai, the art inspired by Kureshi’s movement belongs to one and all.</p>

<p>Just as he had wanted.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


Cars slow down, feet falter and eyes swivel to the many murals on the walls of schools, hospitals, and homes in Delhi’s Lodhi Colony, the quiet neighborhood that has come to be known as Lodhi Art District over the last 10 years.

Cars slow down, feet falter and eyes swivel to the many murals on the walls of schools, hospitals, and homes in Delhi’s Lodhi Colony, the quiet neighborhood that has come to be known as Lodhi Art District over the last 10 years. On Sunday (September 22, 2024), Hanif Kureshi, the creative lead behind India’s first public art district and the visionary artist and designer remembered for "making art democratic", died from cancer in Goa. He was 41. The gigantic murals, some freshly painted and others at different stages of their fully-lived vibrant lives, stand as quiet witnesses to the passing of the man who started the street art movement across the country, beginning with the government staff residential colony in 2015. Mr. Kureshi co-founded the St+art Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation, with four others - Arjun Bahl, Akshat Nauriyal, Giulia Ambrogi and Thanish Thomas - in 2013. The aim was to paint the streets of India. Also read: Kashmir's women artisans get long-overdue recognition through murals Talking about Mr. Kureshi’s inspiration behind the St+art Foundation and Lodhi Art District, Mr. Bahl said he always wanted to “make art truly democratic for all”. “That was one of the reasons he started the project across the country. He was very passionate about Indian streets, he found them very colourful,” Mr. Bahl told PTI. He remembered Mr. Kureshi as a “very generous” person always ready to teach others about his art and technique. The group started seven art districts across the country in the last 10 years, four of which are active - Lodhi Art District, Ukkadam Art District in Coimbatore, Mahim Art District in Mumbai and Nochi Art District in Chennai. The pilot project in Delhi that started with two murals today has over 60 by national and international artists. Mr. Kureshi, who was known for his style of creating a curious mix of typography and street culture in his art, had written in one of his Instagram posts that he wanted to take “art out of conventional galleries and museums and make it accessible for the public”. Watch | French-Lebanese artist blends architecture and heritage × Despite being diagnosed with cancer about 15 months ago, Mr. Kureshi remained “upbeat and positive”, Mr. Bahl said. “He was hoping to beat this unfortunate disease he got. He never showed anyone that he was suffering or not, he always had a smile and he was very positive,” he added. Condolence messages poured in as art lovers and artists remembered the “pioneer of graffiti” in India who left a legacy that will “continue to inspire generations”. One X user, Angad B. Sodhi posted that Mr. Kureshi was “a student of the dying tradition of Indian street sign typography”. “…a practice he brought from the streets into the world of high art through his ‘HandpaintedType’ collections. I have long admired his work on bringing art out of the daunting walls of galleries to the people in the streets,” Mr. Sodhi wrote on X. Another person, Edward Anderson, remembered Mr. Kureshi for making an “enormous impact on the visual landscape of urban India”. “Really sad to hear about Hanif Kureshi, who has died far too soon. Hanif was an amazing guy... and did wonderful work to celebrate and preserve the art of hand-painted signs in India,” Mr. Anderson wrote. “When I look up and see the beautiful wall art in Delhi, I always smile. It gladdens my heart and makes my day a lot brighter. It's terrible to hear that the man responsible for most of them, Hanif Kureshi has passed away at only 41,” Ms. Kaveri posted on X. St+art Foundation took to Instagram to share the news of Mr. Kureshi’s demise. The post remembered Mr. Kureshi as “a gifted mentor, collaborator, friend, father, and husband”. “His vision and charisma helped shape the landscape of public art in India with the countless projects he has contributed to. He was dedicated to nurturing a community of artists, designers, and creatives who trusted him with loyal guidance. He was a pioneering figure for graffiti and street art with his tags spread across cities he travelled to,” the organisation said. Be it the tall Mahatma Gandhi portrait on the side of Delhi Police Headquarters at ITO, the colourful caricatures of people on the walls of different metro stations in Bengaluru, or the black-and-white portraits of Nochikuppam residents in Chennai, the art inspired by Kureshi’s movement belongs to one and all. Just as he had wanted. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Street artist Hanif Kureshi remembered for 'making art democratic' passes away

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<p>For more than 24 hours, Indian Coast Guard (ICG)&nbsp;assets have been attempting to put out the fire that has engulfed the cargo ship MV Maersk Frankfurt, which had been sailing along India's southwestern coast. The commercial vessel carrying International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG), was sailing from Mundra, Gujarat to Colombo, Sri Lanka, when a major fire broke out around 5:00 pm Indian Standard Time (IST) on Friday (Jul 19). At the time of writing, the vessel is approximately 140 kilometres south of the western Indian state of Goa, and at a safe distance from the coast.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">An ALH-Mk3 chopper of the <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaCoastGuard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaCoastGuard</a> hovers right above the flaming frontal portion of <a href="https://twitter.com/Maersk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@maersk</a> Frankfurt and drops bags/packs of a firefighting chemicals- Dry Chemical powder..<br />
<br />
Ships are using water cannons, Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) to control the fire... <a href="https://t.co/BA71nv8HNn">https://t.co/BA71nv8HNn</a> <a href="https://t.co/wjgRwM0hjE">pic.twitter.com/wjgRwM0hjE</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1814650666650116148?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>At present, three Indian Coast Guard ships- Sujeet, Sachet and Samrat are carrying out the firefighting operation. The efforts of the ships are being assisted by an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH Mk3) that is dropping packets of Dry Chemical Powder (DCP), a specialised fire-fighting chemical. Furthermore, a Dornier short-range Maritime patrol plane is monitoring the situation, keeping a close watch for any signs of an oil spill from the flaming cargo vessel.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cargo-ship-fire-off-goa-indian-coast-guard-deploys-3-ships-for-firefighting-742541"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Cargo ship catches fire: Indian Coast Guard deploys 3 ships for firefighting</strong></a></p>

<p>Upon receiving information regarding the fire, the Indian Coast Guard on Friday deployed one ship and a Dornier short-range maritime patrol aircraft towards the distressed merchant vessel. On assessing the fire situation and understanding that explosions have been occurring in the frontal portion of the merchant ship,&nbsp;the ICG deployed two additional ships to augment the firefighting efforts. The firefighting is being carried out amid harsh weather conditions, and rough seas caused by the active southwest monsoon.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">For more than 24hrs, 3 ships of the <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaCoastGuard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaCoastGuard</a> are fighting the blaze on board <a href="https://twitter.com/Maersk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Maersk</a> Frankfurt, a cargo ship that is off <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> coast..<br />
The cargo ship is ferrying dangerous goods from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Colombo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Colombo</a><br />
Fire cause unknown.. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/defence?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#defence</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/maritime?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#maritime</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/shipping?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#shipping</a> <a href="https://t.co/BA71nv8HNn">https://t.co/BA71nv8HNn</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y7j8AC8xX5">pic.twitter.com/Y7j8AC8xX5</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1814649653461459166?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>WION</em> has learnt that MV Maersk Frankfurt is manned by a 21-man crew&nbsp;comprising 17 Filipinos, two Ukrainians, one Russian and one member from Montenegro. One Filipino crew member is missing and a search operation is underway.</p>

<p>As it stands, the cause of the fire remains unknown. While the ICG assets continue to fight the fire, there is also a danger posed by the 1,400 metric tonnes of diesel that the vessel is carrying. ICG assets have been dousing the flames with water and specialised firefighting chemicals such as Aqueous Film Forming Form (AFFF) and Dry Chemical Powder (DCP).</p>

<p>An Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV) Water Lily departed from Mumbai on Friday evening and is expected to reach the flaming cargo vessel by the evening of Sunday (Jul 21).</p>


For more than 24 hours, Indian Coast Guard (ICG) assets have been attempting to put out the fire that has engulfed the cargo ship MV Maersk Frankfurt, which had been sailing along India's southwestern coast.

For more than 24 hours, Indian Coast Guard (ICG) assets have been attempting to put out the fire that has engulfed the cargo ship MV Maersk Frankfurt, which had been sailing along India's southwestern coast. The commercial vessel carrying International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG), was sailing from Mundra, Gujarat to Colombo, Sri Lanka, when a major fire broke out around 5:00 pm Indian Standard Time (IST) on Friday (Jul 19). At the time of writing, the vessel is approximately 140 kilometres south of the western Indian state of Goa, and at a safe distance from the coast. An ALH-Mk3 chopper of the @IndiaCoastGuard hovers right above the flaming frontal portion of @maersk Frankfurt and drops bags/packs of a firefighting chemicals- Dry Chemical powder.. Ships are using water cannons, Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) to control the fire... https://t.co/BA71nv8HNn pic.twitter.com/wjgRwM0hjE — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) July 20, 2024 × At present, three Indian Coast Guard ships- Sujeet, Sachet and Samrat are carrying out the firefighting operation. The efforts of the ships are being assisted by an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH Mk3) that is dropping packets of Dry Chemical Powder (DCP), a specialised fire-fighting chemical. Furthermore, a Dornier short-range Maritime patrol plane is monitoring the situation, keeping a close watch for any signs of an oil spill from the flaming cargo vessel. Also read | Cargo ship catches fire: Indian Coast Guard deploys 3 ships for firefighting Upon receiving information regarding the fire, the Indian Coast Guard on Friday deployed one ship and a Dornier short-range maritime patrol aircraft towards the distressed merchant vessel. On assessing the fire situation and understanding that explosions have been occurring in the frontal portion of the merchant ship, the ICG deployed two additional ships to augment the firefighting efforts. The firefighting is being carried out amid harsh weather conditions, and rough seas caused by the active southwest monsoon. For more than 24hrs, 3 ships of the @IndiaCoastGuard are fighting the blaze on board @Maersk Frankfurt, a cargo ship that is off #Karnataka coast.. The cargo ship is ferrying dangerous goods from #Gujarat to #Colombo Fire cause unknown.. #India #defence #maritime #shipping https://t.co/BA71nv8HNn pic.twitter.com/Y7j8AC8xX5 — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) July 20, 2024 × WION has learnt that MV Maersk Frankfurt is manned by a 21-man crew comprising 17 Filipinos, two Ukrainians, one Russian and one member from Montenegro. One Filipino crew member is missing and a search operation is underway. As it stands, the cause of the fire remains unknown. While the ICG assets continue to fight the fire, there is also a danger posed by the 1,400 metric tonnes of diesel that the vessel is carrying. ICG assets have been dousing the flames with water and specialised firefighting chemicals such as Aqueous Film Forming Form (AFFF) and Dry Chemical Powder (DCP). An Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV) Water Lily departed from Mumbai on Friday evening and is expected to reach the flaming cargo vessel by the evening of Sunday (Jul 21).

'Maersk Frankfurt' cargo ship fire rages for more than 24 hours, Indian Coast Guard in action

<p>A major fire incident was reported on a container cargo merchant vessel 102 nautical miles off the coast of the Western Indian state of Goa on Friday (Jul 19). Two&nbsp;ships of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) were responding to the distressing calls of the vessel, which was on its way to the Sri Lankan capital Colombo from Gujarat's Mundra port. A Dornier aircraft was also rushed to take an aerial assessment of the situation.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | A major fire broke out on a container cargo merchant vessel about 102 nautical miles southwest of Goa. ICG is doing the fire fighting operation on the ship which carries international maritime dangerous goods amid bad weather and heavy rains.<br />
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(Source: Indian coast… <a href="https://t.co/viDy564oze">pic.twitter.com/viDy564oze</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1814342199276085700?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The ICG said the vessel was carrying Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG), as a result of which explosions were occurring on the front side of the vessel.</p>

<p>The ICG ship was carrying out fire-fighting and rescue operations, despite rough sea and weather conditions, the statement by the coast guard&nbsp;added.</p>

<p>According to the ICG, two ships were rushed from Goa to augment firefighting efforts.</p>

<p>Earlier on Wednesday (Jul 17), the ICG rescued an Indian fishing boat with 11 crew on board off the coast of Kerala, the country's southernmost state.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiunf3e27OHAxUcT2wGHb5IDp0QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-naval-cadets-complete-training-in-india-for-2nd-year-in-a-row-742391" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-naval-cadets-complete-training-in-india-for-2nd-year-in-a-row-742391&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiunf3e27OHAxUcT2wGHb5IDp0QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Saudi Naval cadets complete training in India for second year in a row</a></strong></p>

<p>The boat was first spotted by a&nbsp;Dornier aircraft on the night of July&nbsp;16, as per a statement from the Defence Ministry.</p>

<p>"The vessel was in a critical condition due to flooding from a hull rupture near the keel and loss of propulsion, which posed a threat to the safety of the crew," the ministry said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;8 Indians, 1 Sri Lankan rescued by Indian navy ship INS Teg</strong></p>

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<p>“To bolster the efforts, another ICG ship 'Abhinav' was deployed, along with an advanced light helicopter to rescue the crew. A technical ICG team embarked onto the distressed boat, carried out de-flooding operations, and provided necessary assistance. The operation culminated with the rescue of all crew members, and the vessel,” the ministry added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A major fire incident was reported on a container cargo merchant vessel 102 nautical miles off the coast of the Western Indian state of Goa on Friday (Jul 19). Two ships of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) were responding to the distressing calls of the vessel, which was on its way to the Sri Lankan capital Colombo from Gujarat's Mundra port.

A major fire incident was reported on a container cargo merchant vessel 102 nautical miles off the coast of the Western Indian state of Goa on Friday (Jul 19). Two ships of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) were responding to the distressing calls of the vessel, which was on its way to the Sri Lankan capital Colombo from Gujarat's Mundra port. A Dornier aircraft was also rushed to take an aerial assessment of the situation. #WATCH | A major fire broke out on a container cargo merchant vessel about 102 nautical miles southwest of Goa. ICG is doing the fire fighting operation on the ship which carries international maritime dangerous goods amid bad weather and heavy rains. (Source: Indian coast… pic.twitter.com/viDy564oze — ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2024 × The ICG said the vessel was carrying Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG), as a result of which explosions were occurring on the front side of the vessel. The ICG ship was carrying out fire-fighting and rescue operations, despite rough sea and weather conditions, the statement by the coast guard added. According to the ICG, two ships were rushed from Goa to augment firefighting efforts. Earlier on Wednesday (Jul 17), the ICG rescued an Indian fishing boat with 11 crew on board off the coast of Kerala, the country's southernmost state. Also read: Saudi Naval cadets complete training in India for second year in a row The boat was first spotted by a Dornier aircraft on the night of July 16, as per a statement from the Defence Ministry. "The vessel was in a critical condition due to flooding from a hull rupture near the keel and loss of propulsion, which posed a threat to the safety of the crew," the ministry said. Watch: 8 Indians, 1 Sri Lankan rescued by Indian navy ship INS Teg × “To bolster the efforts, another ICG ship 'Abhinav' was deployed, along with an advanced light helicopter to rescue the crew. A technical ICG team embarked onto the distressed boat, carried out de-flooding operations, and provided necessary assistance. The operation culminated with the rescue of all crew members, and the vessel,” the ministry added. (With inputs from agencies)

Video: Vessel carrying 'dangerous' goods catches fire off Goa coast, Indian Coast Guard responds

Monsoon started shifting downwards and is set to hit coastal Kerala, Karnataka and Konkan Goa this week. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are predicted in these states in the coming days, as per IMD. The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for various parts of Goa, Kerala and Karnataka.

IMD issues red alert for three states as heavy rainfall continues to disrupt life across India

<p><strong>Goa Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: </strong>The&nbsp;Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won North Goa seat&nbsp;and the opposition&nbsp;Indian National Congress (INC) has emerged victorious in&nbsp;South Goa.</p>

<p>The Indian state of Goa headed to polls during the third phase (May 7) of the world’s largest election which concluded on Saturday (Jun 1) after the seventh phase.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Goa has two Lok Sabha seats – North Goa and South Goa – and given the small number of seats, elections were held in a single phase in the state.</p>

<p>Over the years, the state has seen competition between the two prominent national parties – the BJP&nbsp;and the INC.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, this time around, the state has also witnessed a rise in the popularity of regional parties like the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), the Goa Forward Party (GFP), and the Revolutionary Goans Party (RPG).&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Goa Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: List of Candidates and Constituencies</strong></h2>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<thead>
		<tr>
			<th scope="col">No.&nbsp;</th>
			<th scope="col" style="width: 97px;">Constituency</th>
			<th scope="col" style="width: 173px;">Candidate Name</th>
			<th scope="col">Party</th>
		</tr>
	</thead>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 97px;"><strong>North Goa</strong></td>
			<td style="width: 173px;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1</td>
			<td style="width: 97px;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 173px;">Shripad Yesso Naik</td>
			<td>Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2</td>
			<td style="width: 97px;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 173px;">Ramakant Khalap</td>
			<td>Indian National Congress (INC)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3</td>
			<td style="width: 97px;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 173px;">Tukaram Bharat Parab</td>
			<td>Goans Party</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4</td>
			<td style="width: 97px;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 173px;">Milan R. Vaingankar</td>
			<td>Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5</td>
			<td style="width: 97px;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 173px;">Sakharam Naik&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Akhil Bhartiya Parivar Party</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>6</td>
			<td style="width: 97px;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 173px;">Adv. Vishal Naik</td>
			<td>Independent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>7</td>
			<td style="width: 97px;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 173px;">Shakeel Jamal Shaikh</td>
			<td>Independent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>8</td>
			<td style="width: 97px;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 173px;">Thomas Augustine Fernandes</td>
			<td>Independent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 97px;"><strong>South Goa&nbsp;</strong> &nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 173px;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1</td>
			<td style="width: 97px;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 173px;">Pallavi Shrinivas Dempo</td>
			<td>Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2</td>
			<td style="width: 97px;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 173px;">Captain Viriato Fernandes</td>
			<td>Indian National<br />
			Congress (INC)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3</td>
			<td style="width: 97px;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 173px;">Dr. Sweta Gaonkar</td>
			<td>Bahujan Samaj<br />
			Party (BSP)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4</td>
			<td style="width: 97px;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 173px;">Rubert Pereira</td>
			<td>Revolutionary Goans Party</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5</td>
			<td style="width: 97px;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 173px;">Harishchandra Sudhakar Naik</td>
			<td>Corruption Abolition Party</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>6</td>
			<td style="width: 97px;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 173px;">Alexy Fernandes</td>
			<td>Independent&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>7</td>
			<td style="width: 97px;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 173px;">Dr. Kalidas Vaingankar</td>
			<td>Independent&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>8</td>
			<td style="width: 97px;">&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 173px;">Deepkumar D. Mapari</td>
			<td>Independent&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<h2><strong>Goa Lok Sabha Election Result 2024:&nbsp;Constituency Wise Party-wise Winners List&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<thead>
		<tr>
			<th scope="col">No.</th>
			<th scope="col">Constituency</th>
			<th scope="col">Winner</th>
			<th scope="col">Party</th>
		</tr>
	</thead>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>North Goa</td>
			<td>Shripad Yesso Naik</td>
			<td>BJP</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2</td>
			<td>South Goa</td>
			<td>Captain Viriato Fernandes</td>
			<td>Congress</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Goa Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won North Goa seat and the opposition Indian National Congress (INC) has emerged victorious in South Goa.

Goa Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won North Goa seat and the opposition Indian National Congress (INC) has emerged victorious in South Goa. The Indian state of Goa headed to polls during the third phase (May 7) of the world’s largest election which concluded on Saturday (Jun 1) after the seventh phase. Goa has two Lok Sabha seats – North Goa and South Goa – and given the small number of seats, elections were held in a single phase in the state. Over the years, the state has seen competition between the two prominent national parties – the BJP and the INC. However, this time around, the state has also witnessed a rise in the popularity of regional parties like the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), the Goa Forward Party (GFP), and the Revolutionary Goans Party (RPG). Goa Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: List of Candidates and Constituencies No. Constituency Candidate Name Party North Goa 1 Shripad Yesso Naik Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) 2 Ramakant Khalap Indian National Congress (INC) 3 Tukaram Bharat Parab Goans Party 4 Milan R. Vaingankar Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) 5 Sakharam Naik Akhil Bhartiya Parivar Party 6 Adv. Vishal Naik Independent 7 Shakeel Jamal Shaikh Independent 8 Thomas Augustine Fernandes Independent South Goa 1 Pallavi Shrinivas Dempo Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) 2 Captain Viriato Fernandes Indian National Congress (INC) 3 Dr. Sweta Gaonkar Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) 4 Rubert Pereira Revolutionary Goans Party 5 Harishchandra Sudhakar Naik Corruption Abolition Party 6 Alexy Fernandes Independent 7 Dr. Kalidas Vaingankar Independent 8 Deepkumar D. Mapari Independent Goa Lok Sabha Election Result 2024: Constituency Wise Party-wise Winners List No. Constituency Winner Party 1 North Goa Shripad Yesso Naik BJP 2 South Goa Captain Viriato Fernandes Congress (With inputs from agencies)

Goa Lok Sabha Election Results 2024 Winner List: BJP wins North Goa, Congress wins South Goa

<p><strong>Goa Lok Sabha Elections 2024:</strong> The Lok Sabha (lower house of the Indian parliament) elections in the Indian state of Goa are taking&nbsp;place during the third phase,&nbsp;which is on May 7.</p>

<p>Goa has two Lok Sabha seats – North Goa and South Goa – and given the small number of seats, elections will be held in a single phase in the state. The results, like the rest of the country, will be announced on June 4.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-lok-sabha-elections-2024-schedule-phase-seats-candidates-and-all-you-need-to-know-704721">Delhi Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Schedule, phase, seats, candidates and all you need to know</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>When is the Goa Lok Sabha Election 2024?</strong></h2>

<p>The Lok Sabha elections in Goa will take place on May 7, during Phase 3 of the general elections.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Lok Sabha constituencies in Goa</strong></h2>

<p>Goa holds two Lok Sabha seats for North Goa and South Goa. Over the years, the state has seen competition between the two prominent national parties – the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC).&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2014, the ruling BJP won both the seats in the state. However, in 2019, it won only one, while the other was taken over by the INC candidate.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arunachal-pradesh-lok-sabha-elections-2024-schedule-phase-seats-candidates-all-you-need-to-know-704464">Arunachal Pradesh Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Schedule, phase, seats, candidates | All you need to know</a></strong></p>

<p>North Goa is currently being led by BJP’s Shripad Naik and South Goa by Francisco Sardinha (INC). In 2019, BJP’s Pramod Sawant became the chief minister of the state.</p>

<p>Notably, the state has also witnessed a rise in the popularity of regional parties like the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), the Goa Forward Party (GFP), and the Revolutionary Goans Party (RPG).&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Goa Lok Sabha Elections 2024: List of Candidates and Constituencies</strong></h2>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td><strong>No.&nbsp;</strong></td>
			<td><strong>Constituency</strong></td>
			<td><strong>Candidate Name</strong></td>
			<td><strong>Party</strong></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>North Goa</strong></td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Tukaram Bharat Parab</td>
			<td>Goans Party</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Milan R. Vaingankar</td>
			<td>Bahujan Samaj Party</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Ramakant Khalap</td>
			<td>Indian National Congress</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Shripad Yesso Naik</td>
			<td>Bharatiya Janata Party</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Sakharam Naik&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Akhil Bhartiya Parivar Party</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>6</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Adv. Vishal Naik</td>
			<td>Independent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>7</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Shakeel Jamal Shaikh</td>
			<td>Independent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>8</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Thomas Augustine Fernandes</td>
			<td>Independent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td><strong>South Goa</strong></td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Pallavi Shrinivas Dempo</td>
			<td>Bharatiya Janata Party</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Rubert Pereira</td>
			<td>Revolutionary Goans Party</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Captain Viriato Fernandes</td>
			<td>Indian National<br />
			Congress</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Dr. Sweta Gaonkar</td>
			<td>Bahujan Samaj<br />
			Party</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Harishchandra Sudhakar&nbsp;Naik</td>
			<td>Corruption&nbsp;Abolition Party</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>6</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Alexy Fernandes</td>
			<td>Independent&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>7</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Dr. Kalidas Vaingankar</td>
			<td>Independent&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>8</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>Deepkumar D. Mapari</td>
			<td>Independent&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Goa Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The Lok Sabha (lower house of the Indian parliament) elections in the Indian state of Goa are taking place during the third phase, which is on May 7.

Goa Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The Lok Sabha (lower house of the Indian parliament) elections in the Indian state of Goa are taking place during the third phase, which is on May 7. Goa has two Lok Sabha seats – North Goa and South Goa – and given the small number of seats, elections will be held in a single phase in the state. The results, like the rest of the country, will be announced on June 4. Also Read | Delhi Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Schedule, phase, seats, candidates and all you need to know When is the Goa Lok Sabha Election 2024? The Lok Sabha elections in Goa will take place on May 7, during Phase 3 of the general elections. Lok Sabha constituencies in Goa Goa holds two Lok Sabha seats for North Goa and South Goa. Over the years, the state has seen competition between the two prominent national parties – the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC). In 2014, the ruling BJP won both the seats in the state. However, in 2019, it won only one, while the other was taken over by the INC candidate. Also Read | Arunachal Pradesh Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Schedule, phase, seats, candidates | All you need to know North Goa is currently being led by BJP’s Shripad Naik and South Goa by Francisco Sardinha (INC). In 2019, BJP’s Pramod Sawant became the chief minister of the state. Notably, the state has also witnessed a rise in the popularity of regional parties like the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), the Goa Forward Party (GFP), and the Revolutionary Goans Party (RPG). Goa Lok Sabha Elections 2024: List of Candidates and Constituencies No. Constituency Candidate Name Party North Goa 1 Tukaram Bharat Parab Goans Party 2 Milan R. Vaingankar Bahujan Samaj Party 3 Ramakant Khalap Indian National Congress 4 Shripad Yesso Naik Bharatiya Janata Party 5 Sakharam Naik Akhil Bhartiya Parivar Party 6 Adv. Vishal Naik Independent 7 Shakeel Jamal Shaikh Independent 8 Thomas Augustine Fernandes Independent South Goa 1 Pallavi Shrinivas Dempo Bharatiya Janata Party 2 Rubert Pereira Revolutionary Goans Party 3 Captain Viriato Fernandes Indian National Congress 4 Dr. Sweta Gaonkar Bahujan Samaj Party 5 Harishchandra Sudhakar Naik Corruption Abolition Party 6 Alexy Fernandes Independent 7 Dr. Kalidas Vaingankar Independent 8 Deepkumar D. Mapari Independent (With inputs from agencies)

Goa Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Schedule, phase, seats. All you need to know

<p>The Indian state of Goa votes on Tuesday (May 7). The state has two parliamentary seats - North Goa and South Goa. In the 2019 general elections, the BJP and the Congress won one seat each.</p>

<p>With 1.5 million people living in just 3,702 square kilometres, Goa is the fourth-smallest state by population size and the smallest in terms of land area.</p>

<p>While its geography and demography may seem insignificant compared to India's larger states, Goa presents an unparalleled socio-economic profile.</p>

<p><b>Here are seven key socio-economic facts on Goa:</b></p>

<p>1) It is the richest state in India, in terms of per capita income. The state enjoys a per capita income of about Rs 6.75 lakh (over $8,000). This is nearly three times higher than India's estimated per capita income of $2731. Meanwhile, Goa's total Gross State Domestic Product is a little over Rs 1 lakh crore or over $12 billion.</p>

<p>2) The state government's advance estimate puts the growth rate for 2023-24 at 13.73 per cent. In the ongoing fiscal year, which ends on March 31 next year, Goa's economy is projected to grow by 13.87 per cent. This is higher than India's estimated 7.6 per cent growth rate in 2023-24.</p>

<p>3) Goa is among the best-performing states in India's Social Progress Index. With a score of 65.53, the state is the third-best after Puducherry and Lakshadweep. In fact, the coastal state has the highest score in the 'Water and Sanitation' component of the index, which measures social progress through the dimensions of 'Basic Human Needs', 'Foundations of Wellbeing', and 'Opportunity'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>4) Goa has performed remarkably well in reducing poverty in the last decade. As per NITI Aayog's National Multi-dimensional Poverty Index report, the multi-dimensional poverty rate has fallen from 3.76 per cent in 2015-16 to 0.84 per cent in 2019-21. The state has the second-lowest poverty rate, behind the southern state of Kerala.&nbsp;</p>

<p>5) Tourism is the backbone of Goa's economy, contributing over 16 per cent to the state GDP and employing at least one-third of the population. The state welcomed over eight million visitors last year. Over 4,00,000 of them were foreign tourists - a 130 per cent increase compared to 2022.</p>

<p>6) Apart from tourism, mining was the mainstay of Goa's economy until 2018, when India's Supreme Court quashed 88 mining licenses due to irregularities and illegal mining. At one point, mining contributed about 20 per cent to the state's GDP. However, by 2022, its share in GDP fell to about four per cent. The sector also employed - directly or indirectly - about a quarter of the population.</p>

<p>7) The state ranks 16th in the latest edition of the Export Preparedness Index. With 51.68 points, Goa has the highest rank among the nine smaller states and Union Territories. Moreover, it has a perfect score in the sub-categories of 'Export Promotion Policy' and 'Institutional Framework', indicating a strong possibility of future export growth.&nbsp;</p>


The Indian state of Goa votes on Tuesday (May 7). The state has two parliamentary seats - North Goa and South Goa. In the 2019 general elections, the BJP and the Congress won one seat each.

The Indian state of Goa votes on Tuesday (May 7). The state has two parliamentary seats - North Goa and South Goa. In the 2019 general elections, the BJP and the Congress won one seat each. With 1.5 million people living in just 3,702 square kilometres, Goa is the fourth-smallest state by population size and the smallest in terms of land area. While its geography and demography may seem insignificant compared to India's larger states, Goa presents an unparalleled socio-economic profile. Here are seven key socio-economic facts on Goa: 1) It is the richest state in India, in terms of per capita income. The state enjoys a per capita income of about Rs 6.75 lakh (over $8,000). This is nearly three times higher than India's estimated per capita income of $2731. Meanwhile, Goa's total Gross State Domestic Product is a little over Rs 1 lakh crore or over $12 billion. 2) The state government's advance estimate puts the growth rate for 2023-24 at 13.73 per cent. In the ongoing fiscal year, which ends on March 31 next year, Goa's economy is projected to grow by 13.87 per cent. This is higher than India's estimated 7.6 per cent growth rate in 2023-24. 3) Goa is among the best-performing states in India's Social Progress Index. With a score of 65.53, the state is the third-best after Puducherry and Lakshadweep. In fact, the coastal state has the highest score in the 'Water and Sanitation' component of the index, which measures social progress through the dimensions of 'Basic Human Needs', 'Foundations of Wellbeing', and 'Opportunity'. 4) Goa has performed remarkably well in reducing poverty in the last decade. As per NITI Aayog's National Multi-dimensional Poverty Index report, the multi-dimensional poverty rate has fallen from 3.76 per cent in 2015-16 to 0.84 per cent in 2019-21. The state has the second-lowest poverty rate, behind the southern state of Kerala. 5) Tourism is the backbone of Goa's economy, contributing over 16 per cent to the state GDP and employing at least one-third of the population. The state welcomed over eight million visitors last year. Over 4,00,000 of them were foreign tourists - a 130 per cent increase compared to 2022. 6) Apart from tourism, mining was the mainstay of Goa's economy until 2018, when India's Supreme Court quashed 88 mining licenses due to irregularities and illegal mining. At one point, mining contributed about 20 per cent to the state's GDP. However, by 2022, its share in GDP fell to about four per cent. The sector also employed - directly or indirectly - about a quarter of the population. 7) The state ranks 16th in the latest edition of the Export Preparedness Index. With 51.68 points, Goa has the highest rank among the nine smaller states and Union Territories. Moreover, it has a perfect score in the sub-categories of 'Export Promotion Policy' and 'Institutional Framework', indicating a strong possibility of future export growth.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Understanding Goa's economy beyond the beaches

Goa is known for its exotic beaches and pristine natural beauty. The state is among the top tourist destinations globally. But Goa is much more than a tourism hub. On Pollnomics, we bring you the little known aspects of the state's economy.

India Elections 2024 | Goa: Looking beyond tourism

Goa is known for its exotic beaches and pristine natural beauty. The state is among the top tourist destinations globally. But Goa is much more than a tourism hub. On pollnomics, we bring you the little known aspects of the state's economy.

Goa enjoys highest per capita income, high standard of living

<p>The Congress filed a complaint against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, along with other BJP leaders on Friday (Apr 26) alleging that the saffron party spread "misinformation" about its South Goa candidate Viriato Fernandes.</p>

<p>Goa Congress President Amit Patkar filed a three-page complaint before Chief Electoral Officer Ramesh Verma.</p>

<p>"By the present complaint, we wish to bring to your kind notice a serious violation of the Model Code of Conduct by the members of the Bharatiya Janta Party and request immediate action in respect of the same. As you are aware Capt. Viriato Fernandes is our candidate for the General Election to the Lok Sabha 02 - South Goa parliamentary constituency," the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee stated.</p>

<p>Certain persons belonging to the Bharatiya Janta Party are deliberately spreading mis- misinformation in the context of the speech made by our candidate. The said persons are attempting to twist and misinterpret the speech of our candidate to suggest that our candidate has disrespected the Constitution and/or to suggest that our candidate does not have respect for our Constitution," the complaint added.</p>

<p>The letter further stated that Fernandes served in the armed forces during the Kargil war and has the highest respect for the Constitution.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-tripura-leads-voter-turnout-with-7753-per-cent-till-5pm-up-records-lowest-715436">Lok Sabha polls 2nd phase: Tripura leads voter turnout, UP numbers lowest</a></p>

<p>"The speech of our candidate is sought to be twisted and read out of context, without even attempting to understand the context in which it was made i.e. in the context of demand for dual citizenship. The video of the speech which is sought to be misinterpreted and used for spreading of misinformation is in the public domain and if required we will furnish a copy of the same," it stated.</p>

<p>Patkar further accused PM Modi of tossing Fernandes' speech as discourteous towards the Constitution while he was addressing a rally in Chhattisgarh.</p>

<p>"It is pertinent to note that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also the party to the spread of such misinformation. The Prime Minister in a public speech in Chhattisgarh in the context of the speech of the candidate Capt. Viriato Fernandes, also very maliciously projected as if the speech of our candidate was to disrespect the Constitution of India," it stated.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Congress filed a complaint against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, along with other BJP leaders on Friday (Apr 26) alleging that the saffron party spread "misinformation" about its South Goa candidate Viriato Fernandes.

The Congress filed a complaint against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, along with other BJP leaders on Friday (Apr 26) alleging that the saffron party spread "misinformation" about its South Goa candidate Viriato Fernandes. Goa Congress President Amit Patkar filed a three-page complaint before Chief Electoral Officer Ramesh Verma. "By the present complaint, we wish to bring to your kind notice a serious violation of the Model Code of Conduct by the members of the Bharatiya Janta Party and request immediate action in respect of the same. As you are aware Capt. Viriato Fernandes is our candidate for the General Election to the Lok Sabha 02 - South Goa parliamentary constituency," the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee stated. Certain persons belonging to the Bharatiya Janta Party are deliberately spreading mis- misinformation in the context of the speech made by our candidate. The said persons are attempting to twist and misinterpret the speech of our candidate to suggest that our candidate has disrespected the Constitution and/or to suggest that our candidate does not have respect for our Constitution," the complaint added. The letter further stated that Fernandes served in the armed forces during the Kargil war and has the highest respect for the Constitution. Also read: Lok Sabha polls 2nd phase: Tripura leads voter turnout, UP numbers lowest "The speech of our candidate is sought to be twisted and read out of context, without even attempting to understand the context in which it was made i.e. in the context of demand for dual citizenship. The video of the speech which is sought to be misinterpreted and used for spreading of misinformation is in the public domain and if required we will furnish a copy of the same," it stated. Patkar further accused PM Modi of tossing Fernandes' speech as discourteous towards the Constitution while he was addressing a rally in Chhattisgarh. "It is pertinent to note that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also the party to the spread of such misinformation. The Prime Minister in a public speech in Chhattisgarh in the context of the speech of the candidate Capt. Viriato Fernandes, also very maliciously projected as if the speech of our candidate was to disrespect the Constitution of India," it stated. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress files complaint against PM Modi over spreading 'misinformation' about South Goa candidate Fernandes

<p>A day two brothers, aged 29 and 27, were mysteriously found dead&nbsp;at their residence in Goa, police officials stated that&nbsp;initial investigations indicate that they died&nbsp;due to extreme starvation. Their mother was also found unconscious in the same residence premises.</p>

<p>As per law enforcement officials, the family had been subsisting on just one date per day for several days. The father of the brothers, a garment salesman, had been residing separately from his wife and sons for some time due to disagreements regarding their "fasting" practices, as per police reports.</p>

<p>The two deceased individuals were named Mohammad Zuber Khan, aged 29, who worked as an engineer, and his younger brother Aafan Khan, aged 27. Their mother, Rukhsana Khan, is currently receiving medical care at a government hospital and will be transferred to the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB) at Goa Medical College for a mental health evaluation.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/love-triangle-triggered-killing-of-ice-cream-vendor-in-new-delhi-say-police-715217">Also read |&nbsp;'Love triangle' triggered killing of ice cream vendor&nbsp;in New Delhi, say police</a></p>

<p>On Wednesday, their father, Nazir Khan, went to their home in Aquem, Margao, but received no response when he knocked on the door. He then contacted the police.</p>

<p>“The house was locked from inside. In one room, the younger son was found dead. The elder son was found dead on the floor in an adjacent room and his mother was found unconscious on a bed,” an officer said, as cited by the Indian Express.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police mentioned that earlier in the week, Nazir had tried to visit the house, but his wife and sons didn't let him inside.</p>

<p>Akbar Khan, the paternal uncle of the brothers, mentioned that his nephews and their mother had been confined to their house for several months and had become isolated from everyone.</p>

<p>Akbar explained that Nazir had relocated to another residence in Margao due to frequent conflicts with his wife and sons, particularly concerning their "fasting" and irregular eating habits.</p>

<p>The brothers had spent most of their childhood at their maternal home in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district, according to family members.</p>

<p>Akbar stated that Zuber had been employed as an engineer in Sawantwadi, Sindhudurg, while Aafan had completed his B.Com degree. Zuber was married and had two children, but later, both brothers and their parents moved to Margao, where they remained unemployed, as per their uncle.</p>

<p>Relatives mentioned that Zuber's wife and children did not accompany him to Margao.</p>

<p>The police mentioned that family members informed them that Zuber, Aafan, and Rukhsana were only consuming one date per day.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Indian Supreme Court's verdict on pleas seeking 100% EVM-VVPAT verification</strong></p>

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<p>“Nazir used to drop some money for groceries through a small keyhole into the house, but in the past few weeks, the family had shut that keyhole. They had also placed some furniture next to the main door of the house to restrain people from entering,” an officer said, as reported by the Indian Express.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


A day two brothers, aged 29 and 27, were mysteriously found dead at their residence in Goa, police officials stated that initial investigations indicate that they died due to extreme starvation.

A day two brothers, aged 29 and 27, were mysteriously found dead at their residence in Goa, police officials stated that initial investigations indicate that they died due to extreme starvation. Their mother was also found unconscious in the same residence premises. As per law enforcement officials, the family had been subsisting on just one date per day for several days. The father of the brothers, a garment salesman, had been residing separately from his wife and sons for some time due to disagreements regarding their "fasting" practices, as per police reports. The two deceased individuals were named Mohammad Zuber Khan, aged 29, who worked as an engineer, and his younger brother Aafan Khan, aged 27. Their mother, Rukhsana Khan, is currently receiving medical care at a government hospital and will be transferred to the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB) at Goa Medical College for a mental health evaluation. Also read | 'Love triangle' triggered killing of ice cream vendor in New Delhi, say police On Wednesday, their father, Nazir Khan, went to their home in Aquem, Margao, but received no response when he knocked on the door. He then contacted the police. “The house was locked from inside. In one room, the younger son was found dead. The elder son was found dead on the floor in an adjacent room and his mother was found unconscious on a bed,” an officer said, as cited by the Indian Express. The police mentioned that earlier in the week, Nazir had tried to visit the house, but his wife and sons didn't let him inside. Akbar Khan, the paternal uncle of the brothers, mentioned that his nephews and their mother had been confined to their house for several months and had become isolated from everyone. Akbar explained that Nazir had relocated to another residence in Margao due to frequent conflicts with his wife and sons, particularly concerning their "fasting" and irregular eating habits. The brothers had spent most of their childhood at their maternal home in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district, according to family members. Akbar stated that Zuber had been employed as an engineer in Sawantwadi, Sindhudurg, while Aafan had completed his B.Com degree. Zuber was married and had two children, but later, both brothers and their parents moved to Margao, where they remained unemployed, as per their uncle. Relatives mentioned that Zuber's wife and children did not accompany him to Margao. The police mentioned that family members informed them that Zuber, Aafan, and Rukhsana were only consuming one date per day. Also watch | Indian Supreme Court's verdict on pleas seeking 100% EVM-VVPAT verification “Nazir used to drop some money for groceries through a small keyhole into the house, but in the past few weeks, the family had shut that keyhole. They had also placed some furniture next to the main door of the house to restrain people from entering,” an officer said, as reported by the Indian Express. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Ate just one date a day’: Goa brothers’ mysterious deaths linked to extreme ‘fasting’

<p>In a move that could pave the way for people from Goa with Portuguese citizenship to apply for OCI [Overseas Citizen of India] card, the Ministry of External Affairs reportedly instructed passport authorities across India to mandatorily issue a "revocation order".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"According to the latest office memorandum issued by the MEA to all the passport issuing authorities, they have been instructed to issue ‘revocation certificates’ in all surrender applications where Indian passports were issued by suppression of material information," said Nijo Varghese, Regional Passport Officer, Goa, according to the Indian Express.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>After a November 2022 memorandum by the Ministry of External Affairs, the authorities started revoking the Indian passports of individuals from Goa who had acquired Portuguese citizenship, for "suppressing material information" about acquiring foreign nationality.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/goa-liberation-day-2023-date-history-and-significance-671220">PM Modi hails his government's foreign policy record</a></strong></p>

<p>The Constitution of India does not allow holding Indian citizenship and citizenship of a foreign country simultaneously. The Government of India, however, grants Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) under certain conditions and restrictions which gives OCI cardholder certain rights. For example, OCI cardholders can purchase residential and commercial properties in India. But they are not permitted to purchase agricultural land, including farmland or any kind of plantation property.</p>

<p>OCI is not a citizenship but an immigration status. It authorises a foreign citizen of Indian origin to live and work in India for an indefinite period.</p>

<h2><strong>What is the row?</strong></h2>

<p>Portugal offers individuals born in Goa before December 19, 1961 – the day Goa was liberated from Portuguese rule – and two future generations the option of registering as Portuguese citizens.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Many people in Goa in the last few decades have been transcribing their births in the Central Registry in Lisbon and acquiring Portuguese citizenship to avail employment and educational opportunities available in the European Union.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;World Tourism Day: How these colorful homes tell the story of India's little Portugal</strong></p>

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<p>Earlier this month, two people from Goa filed petitions in Bombay High Court&nbsp;after their Indian passports were revoked by the regional passport office, Panaji.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The petitioners denied suppressing any material information and said that they had renewed their Indian passports after transcribing their births in Portugal as it was a prerequisite to apply for a Portuguese citizenship card and Portuguese passport.</p>

<p>The MEA has now&nbsp;issued instructions to the passport authorities across India to mandatorily issue a "revocation order".</p>


In a move that could pave the way for people from Goa with Portuguese citizenship to apply for OCI [Overseas Citizen of India] card, the Ministry of External Affairs reportedly instructed passport authorities across India to mandatorily issue a "revocation order".

In a move that could pave the way for people from Goa with Portuguese citizenship to apply for OCI [Overseas Citizen of India] card, the Ministry of External Affairs reportedly instructed passport authorities across India to mandatorily issue a "revocation order". "According to the latest office memorandum issued by the MEA to all the passport issuing authorities, they have been instructed to issue ‘revocation certificates’ in all surrender applications where Indian passports were issued by suppression of material information," said Nijo Varghese, Regional Passport Officer, Goa, according to the Indian Express. What does it mean? After a November 2022 memorandum by the Ministry of External Affairs, the authorities started revoking the Indian passports of individuals from Goa who had acquired Portuguese citizenship, for "suppressing material information" about acquiring foreign nationality. Also read | PM Modi hails his government's foreign policy record The Constitution of India does not allow holding Indian citizenship and citizenship of a foreign country simultaneously. The Government of India, however, grants Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) under certain conditions and restrictions which gives OCI cardholder certain rights. For example, OCI cardholders can purchase residential and commercial properties in India. But they are not permitted to purchase agricultural land, including farmland or any kind of plantation property. OCI is not a citizenship but an immigration status. It authorises a foreign citizen of Indian origin to live and work in India for an indefinite period. What is the row? Portugal offers individuals born in Goa before December 19, 1961 – the day Goa was liberated from Portuguese rule – and two future generations the option of registering as Portuguese citizens. Many people in Goa in the last few decades have been transcribing their births in the Central Registry in Lisbon and acquiring Portuguese citizenship to avail employment and educational opportunities available in the European Union. Also watch | World Tourism Day: How these colorful homes tell the story of India's little Portugal × Earlier this month, two people from Goa filed petitions in Bombay High Court after their Indian passports were revoked by the regional passport office, Panaji. The petitioners denied suppressing any material information and said that they had renewed their Indian passports after transcribing their births in Portugal as it was a prerequisite to apply for a Portuguese citizenship card and Portuguese passport. The MEA has now issued instructions to the passport authorities across India to mandatorily issue a "revocation order".

Goa-born people with Portuguese citizenship can apply for OCI card

ED on Wednesday summoned AAP Goa chief Amit Palekar, alleging “illegal funds” used in Goa's polling campaign. Watch to know more.

After Kejriwal's arrest, ED summons AAP's Goa chief

<p>The daughter of a mayor in Nepal who had disappeared on Monday (Mar 25) in India's western state of Goa has been located, according to police.</p>

<p>Aarti Hamal, 36,&nbsp;was found at a hotel in Mandrem, North Goa.</p>

<p>Earlier, she was reported missing by her father, Gopal Hamal, the mayor of Dhangadhi sub-metropolitan city.</p>

<p>Aarti had been staying at an Osho meditation centre&nbsp;in Goa for the past few months.</p>

<p>Gopal Hamal had stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that she was last seen near Ashwem Beach.</p>

<p>Her family received a message from Aarti's friend stating that they had lost contact with her.</p>

<p>Despite attempts to reach her, there was no response, prompting the family to alert the police, who then launched a search operation.</p>

<p>According to Gopal Hamal, they were informed by a friend of Aarti that contact with her had been lost.</p>

<p>Despite the family's attempts to communicate with her, they received no response, prompting them to notify the police.</p>

<p>"My elder daughter Aarti is an Osho meditator and has been living in Goa for the past few months. However, I received a message from her friend stating that she lost contact with Aarti near Zorba Beach, Ashwem yesterday. I request those living in Goa to assist in the search for my daughter, Aarti," Hamal had said.</p>

<p>"Also, my younger daughter Arzoo and son-in-law are flying to Goa tonight to look for our elder daughter Aarti," he added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-do-nepal-quakes-shake-north-india-delhi-ncr-buildings-under-threat-656773">Also read |&nbsp;Why do Nepal quakes shake north India? Delhi NCR buildings under threat?</a></p>

<p>Arzoo Hamal, her sister, shared an update on Facebook stating that certain callers had reported seeing Aarti near a bridge close to Siolim.</p>

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<p>"Some of the people have been very helpful and we are eternally grateful to them. According to some callers she was last spotted at a bridge near Siolim. Few of them believe that she was taken to a hospital from there in an ambulance as she was found unconscious while the others have been saying that she was taken to the police station," Arzoo said in a Facebook post.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Nepal wants to boost its LGBTQ traveller base</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The daughter of a mayor in Nepal who had disappeared on Monday (Mar 25) in India's western state of Goa has been located, according to police. Aarti Hamal, 36, was found at a hotel in Mandrem, North Goa.

The daughter of a mayor in Nepal who had disappeared on Monday (Mar 25) in India's western state of Goa has been located, according to police. Aarti Hamal, 36, was found at a hotel in Mandrem, North Goa. Earlier, she was reported missing by her father, Gopal Hamal, the mayor of Dhangadhi sub-metropolitan city. Aarti had been staying at an Osho meditation centre in Goa for the past few months. Gopal Hamal had stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that she was last seen near Ashwem Beach. Her family received a message from Aarti's friend stating that they had lost contact with her. Despite attempts to reach her, there was no response, prompting the family to alert the police, who then launched a search operation. According to Gopal Hamal, they were informed by a friend of Aarti that contact with her had been lost. Despite the family's attempts to communicate with her, they received no response, prompting them to notify the police. "My elder daughter Aarti is an Osho meditator and has been living in Goa for the past few months. However, I received a message from her friend stating that she lost contact with Aarti near Zorba Beach, Ashwem yesterday. I request those living in Goa to assist in the search for my daughter, Aarti," Hamal had said. "Also, my younger daughter Arzoo and son-in-law are flying to Goa tonight to look for our elder daughter Aarti," he added. Also read | Why do Nepal quakes shake north India? Delhi NCR buildings under threat? Arzoo Hamal, her sister, shared an update on Facebook stating that certain callers had reported seeing Aarti near a bridge close to Siolim. × "Some of the people have been very helpful and we are eternally grateful to them. According to some callers she was last spotted at a bridge near Siolim. Few of them believe that she was taken to a hospital from there in an ambulance as she was found unconscious while the others have been saying that she was taken to the police station," Arzoo said in a Facebook post. Also watch | Nepal wants to boost its LGBTQ traveller base (With inputs from agencies)

Nepal mayor's daughter goes missing during Goa retreat, found after 2 days

In a show of women power, Narishakti, in maritime domain, two Indian Navy personnel embarked on a historic journey from Mandovi in Goa to Port Louis in Mauritius.

INS Tarini with women personnel embarks on historic expedition on first-ever transoceanic journey

Iron ore mining is all set to restart in the Indian state of goa. The state government has approved a deal signed with Vedanta, allowing the company to start mining at a local mineral block.

Goa cabinet approves mining deal

<p>The Government of Goa has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the World Bank to establish a pioneering Blended Finance facility aimed at bolstering climate resilience. According to a press release, this unprecedented initiative marks a significant step towards accessing and mobilising concessional finance to implement low-carbon and climate-resilient investments in Goa, setting an example for other coastal states in India.</p>

<p>The announcement of the Blended Finance facility was made during the 2024 edition of the World Bank's India Climate and Development Partners' Meet, a prestigious annual conference held in Panaji from February 19 to 21.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/researchers-decode-years-of-research-to-find-the-optimal-temperature-for-life-heres-all-you-need-to-know-692028">Researchers decode years of research to find the optimal temperature for life. Here's all you need to know</a></strong></p>

<p>This conference serves as a platform for thought leaders and changemakers in the climate sector to convene and collaborate on pressing climate challenges.</p>

<p>Under the framework of the Blended Finance facility, the Department of Environment, Government of Goa, signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with key financial institutions, including the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), and the Power Finance Corporation (PFC).</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Experts worried about rising anxiety due to climate change</strong></p>

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<p>These partnerships underscore the collaborative effort to drive sustainable climate action and resilience-building initiatives in the region.</p>

<p>The facility is designed to play a dual role: firstly, assisting projects with existing funding or established commercial viability to access financing, and secondly, channeling financing to projects and sectors with no existing funding or unattractive risk/return profiles. By bridging green financing mechanisms with domestic capital markets, the facility aims to attract private capital investments for climate action, thus facilitating the transition towards a sustainable and resilient future.</p>

<p>In his address at the India Climate and Development Partners Meet, Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa, emphasized the significance of resilience in achieving Goa's vision of balance and prosperity. He underscored the role of the Blended Finance Facility in embedding resilience in planning, investments, and infrastructure, thereby empowering communities and fostering sustainable development.</p>

<p>Chief Minister Sawant, said, "Resilience is a crucial aspect of our vision for a Santulit (balanced) Goa that bridges economy and ecology and balances our aspirations for the health of our ecosystems and the development and wellbeing of our people. This Blended Finance Facility will enable us to embed and operationalize greater resilience in our planning, investments, and infrastructure. We look forward to empowering our communities with the new technologies and business models that will be crucial in our response to climate change."</p>

<p>Aligned with the state's vision of "Samruddhi, Santulan, and Suramyata" as outlined in Viksit Goa 2047, the facility will support the operationalization of Goa's State Action Plan on Climate Change (2023-2033).</p>

<p>Key sectors earmarked to benefit from blended finance investments include e-mobility, renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, coastal protection, and green tourism, among others.</p>

<p>Commenting on the initiative, Jennifer Sara, Global Director, Climate Change Global Practice, World Bank, emphasized the transformative potential of blended finance innovations in mobilizing resources for climate-resilient projects.</p>

<p>Sara said, "Blended finance innovations can help mobilise high-risk projects that generate positive, measurable social and environmental results - including better and more sustainable products and services for consumers. We look forward to working with Goa to implement climate-resilient investments towards the well-being of its people and the environment".</p>

<p>She reiterated the World Bank's commitment to collaborating with Goa to implement sustainable investments for the well-being of its people and the environment.</p>

<p>Abhas K. Jha, Practice Manager, South Asia Region Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management at the World Bank, highlighted the scalability of the facility, emphasizing its potential to be replicated and expanded at the sub-national level in India.</p>

<p>He underscored the opportunity presented by blended finance to unlock green growth, create new jobs, and drive sustainable development.</p>

<p>Jha said, "This facility has the potential to be replicated and scaled in India at the sub-national level. Done right, it helps private gains to reinforce public good and unlock a multi-trillion-dollar opportunity to fund green growth and create new jobs".</p>

<p>The India Climate and Development Partners Meet serves as a platform for policymakers, financial institutions, businesses, and community representatives to explore opportunities for leveraging finance for adaptation and mainstreaming climate considerations in government investments and budgets.</p>

<p>Deliberations at the conference include topics such as innovation in climate financing, sustainable cooling, community-led resilience, and coastal resilience, among others.</p>

<p>The collaboration between the Government of Goa and the World Bank through the Blended Finance facility marks a significant milestone in advancing climate resilience and sustainable development in the region, setting a precedent for transformative climate action on a global scale.&nbsp;</p>


The Government of Goa has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the World Bank to establish a pioneering Blended Finance facility aimed at bolstering climate resilience.

The Government of Goa has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the World Bank to establish a pioneering Blended Finance facility aimed at bolstering climate resilience. According to a press release, this unprecedented initiative marks a significant step towards accessing and mobilising concessional finance to implement low-carbon and climate-resilient investments in Goa, setting an example for other coastal states in India. The announcement of the Blended Finance facility was made during the 2024 edition of the World Bank's India Climate and Development Partners' Meet, a prestigious annual conference held in Panaji from February 19 to 21. Also read | Researchers decode years of research to find the optimal temperature for life. Here's all you need to know This conference serves as a platform for thought leaders and changemakers in the climate sector to convene and collaborate on pressing climate challenges. Under the framework of the Blended Finance facility, the Department of Environment, Government of Goa, signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with key financial institutions, including the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), and the Power Finance Corporation (PFC). Also watch | Experts worried about rising anxiety due to climate change × These partnerships underscore the collaborative effort to drive sustainable climate action and resilience-building initiatives in the region. The facility is designed to play a dual role: firstly, assisting projects with existing funding or established commercial viability to access financing, and secondly, channeling financing to projects and sectors with no existing funding or unattractive risk/return profiles. By bridging green financing mechanisms with domestic capital markets, the facility aims to attract private capital investments for climate action, thus facilitating the transition towards a sustainable and resilient future. In his address at the India Climate and Development Partners Meet, Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa, emphasized the significance of resilience in achieving Goa's vision of balance and prosperity. He underscored the role of the Blended Finance Facility in embedding resilience in planning, investments, and infrastructure, thereby empowering communities and fostering sustainable development. Chief Minister Sawant, said, "Resilience is a crucial aspect of our vision for a Santulit (balanced) Goa that bridges economy and ecology and balances our aspirations for the health of our ecosystems and the development and wellbeing of our people. This Blended Finance Facility will enable us to embed and operationalize greater resilience in our planning, investments, and infrastructure. We look forward to empowering our communities with the new technologies and business models that will be crucial in our response to climate change." Aligned with the state's vision of "Samruddhi, Santulan, and Suramyata" as outlined in Viksit Goa 2047, the facility will support the operationalization of Goa's State Action Plan on Climate Change (2023-2033). Key sectors earmarked to benefit from blended finance investments include e-mobility, renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, coastal protection, and green tourism, among others. Commenting on the initiative, Jennifer Sara, Global Director, Climate Change Global Practice, World Bank, emphasized the transformative potential of blended finance innovations in mobilizing resources for climate-resilient projects. Sara said, "Blended finance innovations can help mobilise high-risk projects that generate positive, measurable social and environmental results - including better and more sustainable products and services for consumers. We look forward to working with Goa to implement climate-resilient investments towards the well-being of its people and the environment". She reiterated the World Bank's commitment to collaborating with Goa to implement sustainable investments for the well-being of its people and the environment. Abhas K. Jha, Practice Manager, South Asia Region Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management at the World Bank, highlighted the scalability of the facility, emphasizing its potential to be replicated and expanded at the sub-national level in India. He underscored the opportunity presented by blended finance to unlock green growth, create new jobs, and drive sustainable development. Jha said, "This facility has the potential to be replicated and scaled in India at the sub-national level. Done right, it helps private gains to reinforce public good and unlock a multi-trillion-dollar opportunity to fund green growth and create new jobs". The India Climate and Development Partners Meet serves as a platform for policymakers, financial institutions, businesses, and community representatives to explore opportunities for leveraging finance for adaptation and mainstreaming climate considerations in government investments and budgets. Deliberations at the conference include topics such as innovation in climate financing, sustainable cooling, community-led resilience, and coastal resilience, among others. The collaboration between the Government of Goa and the World Bank through the Blended Finance facility marks a significant milestone in advancing climate resilience and sustainable development in the region, setting a precedent for transformative climate action on a global scale.

World Bank to collaborate with Goa government for finance facility to combat climate change

Goa has become India's first state to get World Bank's climate funds. The government of Goa has announced a partnership with the World Bank to establish a blended finance facility. The arrangement is aimed at bolstering the climate resilience of the coastal state.

Goa takes the lead among Indian states in climate financing

<p>The coastal state of Goa, known for its rich diverse culture and vibrant beaches, is currently fighting a war — a food war, to be precise. The battle is apparently between the Goan towns and simple yet delicious gobi (cauliflower) manchurian. The stardom of the culinary dish is quite new in Goa after already topping the charts in parts of North India, and that might be one of the reasons why the humble gobi manchurian has now become a culprit.</p>

<p>The gobi manchurian gained widespread popularity in the coastal state of Goa in the past few years, leading to its availability at several stalls in the state. For the third consecutive year, the dish, where deep-fried cauliflower florets are cooked in a spicy sauce, has found itself at the centre of controversy in Goa.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-uttarakhand-mandates-live-in-registrations-requires-parental-approval-for-under-21s-687501">India: Uttarakhand mandates live-in registrations, requires parental approval for under-21s</a></p>

<h2><strong>What’s all the fuss around Gobi Manchurian?</strong></h2>

<p>This food war began in 2022, but it caught attention on social media when stalls along roads and at fairs were barred from selling gobi manchurian in the Goan town of Mapusa by&nbsp;its municipal council.</p>

<p>The first ban was ordered&nbsp;by Mapusa councillor Tarak Arolkar during a ‘zatra’ or feast in January. 'Zatra' is a Konkani term and refers to pilgrimage festivals celebrated at temples in Goa.</p>

<p>Days later, the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) members ratified the ban, relegating the dish to culinary oblivion.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The reasons cited for the ban said that gobi manchurian is being made in&nbsp;bad hygienic conditions with the use of synthetic colours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-chhattisgarh-man-claims-wife-held-captive-in-oman-seeks-help-from-centre-687513">India: Chhattisgarh man claims wife held captive in Oman, seeks help from centre</a></p>

<p>The MMC chairperson Priya Mishal told Times of India, “The councillors opined that such vendors operate in unhygienic conditions and use synthetic colours for making gobi manchurian and that is what has prompted us to ban the sale of this dish.”</p>

<p>A senior food safety officer (FSO) at the FDA said that sellers had been fined by the authorities for using inferior sauce that was unsafe for consumption. According to the officer, this powder is 'reetha', usually used in washing clothes.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/let-terrorist-arrested-in-new-delhi-is-ex-pakistan-army-person-police-687520">LeT terrorist arrested in New Delhi is ex-Pakistan Army person: Police</a></p>

<p>For the same reasons, six stalls selling gobi manchurian were shut in Ponda's Kapileshwari and Sateri Devi after complaints from locals over unhygienic practices in 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some also said that gobi manchurian is taking over the local foods of Goa, which is a problem for the coastal state.</p>

<p>However, the recent crackdown on people’s beloved gobi manchurian stirred a debate, with netizens asking why they can’t simply enjoy the spicy, oily, but yummy dish.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The coastal state of Goa, known for its rich diverse culture and vibrant beaches, is currently fighting a war — a food war, to be precise. The battle is apparently between the Goan towns and simple yet delicious gobi (cauliflower) manchurian.

The coastal state of Goa, known for its rich diverse culture and vibrant beaches, is currently fighting a war — a food war, to be precise. The battle is apparently between the Goan towns and simple yet delicious gobi (cauliflower) manchurian. The stardom of the culinary dish is quite new in Goa after already topping the charts in parts of North India, and that might be one of the reasons why the humble gobi manchurian has now become a culprit. The gobi manchurian gained widespread popularity in the coastal state of Goa in the past few years, leading to its availability at several stalls in the state. For the third consecutive year, the dish, where deep-fried cauliflower florets are cooked in a spicy sauce, has found itself at the centre of controversy in Goa. Also Read | India: Uttarakhand mandates live-in registrations, requires parental approval for under-21s What’s all the fuss around Gobi Manchurian? This food war began in 2022, but it caught attention on social media when stalls along roads and at fairs were barred from selling gobi manchurian in the Goan town of Mapusa by its municipal council. The first ban was ordered by Mapusa councillor Tarak Arolkar during a ‘zatra’ or feast in January. 'Zatra' is a Konkani term and refers to pilgrimage festivals celebrated at temples in Goa. Days later, the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) members ratified the ban, relegating the dish to culinary oblivion. The reasons cited for the ban said that gobi manchurian is being made in bad hygienic conditions with the use of synthetic colours. Also Read | India: Chhattisgarh man claims wife held captive in Oman, seeks help from centre The MMC chairperson Priya Mishal told Times of India, “The councillors opined that such vendors operate in unhygienic conditions and use synthetic colours for making gobi manchurian and that is what has prompted us to ban the sale of this dish.” A senior food safety officer (FSO) at the FDA said that sellers had been fined by the authorities for using inferior sauce that was unsafe for consumption. According to the officer, this powder is 'reetha', usually used in washing clothes. Also Read | LeT terrorist arrested in New Delhi is ex-Pakistan Army person: Police For the same reasons, six stalls selling gobi manchurian were shut in Ponda's Kapileshwari and Sateri Devi after complaints from locals over unhygienic practices in 2023. Some also said that gobi manchurian is taking over the local foods of Goa, which is a problem for the coastal state. However, the recent crackdown on people’s beloved gobi manchurian stirred a debate, with netizens asking why they can’t simply enjoy the spicy, oily, but yummy dish. (With inputs from agencies)

Food war: Why are Goa towns banning Indo-Chinese ‘gobi’ manchurian?

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<p>The Mancurad, the most popular mango in the Indian state of Goa, is being sold at a whopping price of $84 (Rs 7,000) a dozen in the capital city of Panaji. According to a report by The Times of India (TOI)&nbsp; on Monday (Feb 5), the spike in price has been attributed to the unusual timing of the fruit's entry into markets.</p>

<p>In India, the mango season is typically in the summer.&nbsp;The early arrival of the Mancurad mangoes has caught vendors as well as customers off guard, the report said. Speaking to TOI, a vendor said that these mangoes arrived in winter and are available only in limited quantities, hence the spike in price.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report added that as per vendors in Goa, the prices will gradually decline from mid-February, as the market adjusts to the unusual circumstances. The vendors have pointed out that the prices will stabilise by April.</p>

<p>Last year, the peak cost of these mangoes was around $72.</p>

<h2><strong>Mancurad more juicy &amp; pulpy than other Alphonso mangoes</strong></h2>

<p>According to online vendor Mango Basket, a Goa Mancurad mango weighs around 200-250 grams. "It is rich in taste and It has a really small and flat mango stone or seed so this results in more pulp content," the vendor's website states.</p>

<p>"This mango variety is more juicy and pulpy than other Alphonso mango varieties. It is an exclusive mango basket-certified fruit," it adds. This mango has a longer shelf life, and its colour is somewhere between red, yellow, and green.</p>

<p>This mango has a unique taste with Mango Basket saying, "It completely lacks fibres and has a good aroma. It has a delicious, but complex taste. It tastes like a combination of honey and caramel, which is tempered with allspice and cinnamon. "</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Mancurad, the most popular mango in the Indian state of Goa, is being sold at a whopping price of $84 (Rs 7,000) a dozen in the capital city of Panaji. According to a report by The Times of India (TOI) on Monday (Feb 5), the spike in price has been attributed to the unusual timing of the fruit's entry into markets.

The Mancurad, the most popular mango in the Indian state of Goa, is being sold at a whopping price of $84 (Rs 7,000) a dozen in the capital city of Panaji. According to a report by The Times of India (TOI) on Monday (Feb 5), the spike in price has been attributed to the unusual timing of the fruit's entry into markets. In India, the mango season is typically in the summer. The early arrival of the Mancurad mangoes has caught vendors as well as customers off guard, the report said. Speaking to TOI, a vendor said that these mangoes arrived in winter and are available only in limited quantities, hence the spike in price. The report added that as per vendors in Goa, the prices will gradually decline from mid-February, as the market adjusts to the unusual circumstances. The vendors have pointed out that the prices will stabilise by April. Last year, the peak cost of these mangoes was around $72. Mancurad more juicy & pulpy than other Alphonso mangoes According to online vendor Mango Basket, a Goa Mancurad mango weighs around 200-250 grams. "It is rich in taste and It has a really small and flat mango stone or seed so this results in more pulp content," the vendor's website states. "This mango variety is more juicy and pulpy than other Alphonso mango varieties. It is an exclusive mango basket-certified fruit," it adds. This mango has a longer shelf life, and its colour is somewhere between red, yellow, and green. This mango has a unique taste with Mango Basket saying, "It completely lacks fibres and has a good aroma. It has a delicious, but complex taste. It tastes like a combination of honey and caramel, which is tempered with allspice and cinnamon. " (With inputs from agencies)

'Mangoflation' in India's Goa: Mancurads being sold for whopping $84 a dozen, says report

<p>In the Indian city of Bhopal,&nbsp;a woman is pursuing a divorce from her husband, alleging that he failed to keep his promise of taking her to Goa for their honeymoon. The decision to end the marriage was made just ten days after the couple returned from their trip, during which the husband diverted the destination to Ayodhya and Varanasi.</p>

<p>The woman in her divorce petition claimed that both were employed and drawing good salaries, and were financially capable of affording an overseas honeymoon, reported the Free Press Journal. However, her husband insisted on an Indian destination, citing the need to care for his parents as the primary reason.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/5-year-old-cancer-patient-from-delhi-submerged-in-ganga-in-search-of-miracle-cure-dies-683470">Also read |&nbsp;India: 5-year-old cancer patient from Delhi submerged in Ganga in search of 'miracle cure,' dies</a></p>

<h2><strong>Mismatched expectations&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Married for five months, the couple initially agreed on a honeymoon to Goa and South India. However, a day before the decided&nbsp;trip, the husband informed his wife of the change in plan and took her to&nbsp;Ayodhya and Varanasi. The reason provided by the the husband&nbsp;was his mother's desire to visit the holy cities before the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony on January 22.</p>

<p>Upon returning from the Ayodhya and Varanasi trip, the woman promptly filed for divorce, claiming that her husband prioritised his family over her. The swift legal action underscores the intensity of her dissatisfaction with the unmet expectations surrounding their honeymoon.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Ram Mandir Ayodhya: Moment Ram Lalla's face unveiled</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ram-mandir-ayodhya-moment-ram-lallas-face-unveiled-682387/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>During the family court hearing, the husband downplayed the issue, stating that his wife was making an unnecessary&nbsp;fuss. The couple is currently undergoing counseling sessions.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In the Indian city of Bhopal, a woman is pursuing a divorce from her husband, alleging that he failed to keep his promise of taking her to Goa for their honeymoon.

In the Indian city of Bhopal, a woman is pursuing a divorce from her husband, alleging that he failed to keep his promise of taking her to Goa for their honeymoon. The decision to end the marriage was made just ten days after the couple returned from their trip, during which the husband diverted the destination to Ayodhya and Varanasi. The woman in her divorce petition claimed that both were employed and drawing good salaries, and were financially capable of affording an overseas honeymoon, reported the Free Press Journal. However, her husband insisted on an Indian destination, citing the need to care for his parents as the primary reason. Also read | India: 5-year-old cancer patient from Delhi submerged in Ganga in search of 'miracle cure,' dies Mismatched expectations Married for five months, the couple initially agreed on a honeymoon to Goa and South India. However, a day before the decided trip, the husband informed his wife of the change in plan and took her to Ayodhya and Varanasi. The reason provided by the the husband was his mother's desire to visit the holy cities before the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony on January 22. Upon returning from the Ayodhya and Varanasi trip, the woman promptly filed for divorce, claiming that her husband prioritised his family over her. The swift legal action underscores the intensity of her dissatisfaction with the unmet expectations surrounding their honeymoon. Also watch | Ram Mandir Ayodhya: Moment Ram Lalla's face unveiled During the family court hearing, the husband downplayed the issue, stating that his wife was making an unnecessary fuss. The couple is currently undergoing counseling sessions. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Woman seeks divorce as husband changes honeymoon destination from Goa to Ayodhya

<p>A hotel manager in the Indian state of Goa was arrested on Saturday (Jan 20) for allegedly drowning his wife at the Cabo de Rama beach in Goa. According to a report by&nbsp;news agency PTI, Gaurav Katiyar, 29 tried to project the death of his wife Diksha Gangwar, 27, as an accident after committing the crime on Friday. However, a video shot by a resident exposed his claim.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The couple hailed from Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow. Police told PTI that they found the woman's body near Cabo de Rama on Friday afternoon. Katiyar killed Gangwar, whom he married a year ago, over his extramarital affair, a police official said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bengaluru-ceo-suchana-seth-allegedly-overdosed-4-year-old-son-with-cough-syrup-before-pre-mediated-murder-678523">Bengaluru CEO Suchana Seth allegedly overdosed 4-year-old son with cough syrup before 'pre-meditated murder'</a></strong></p>

<p>“The incident occurred at around 3.45 pm on Friday after Katiyar took his wife for a stroll on the beach, located not far from his workplace,” he added.</p>

<p>The official said that Katiyar took his wife to a rocky area of the beach and drowned her in the sea.</p>

<p>Injury marks were found on the victim's body. The video clip shot showed the man coming out of the beach and returning apparently to ensure whether his wife had died, before raising alarm to create the entire drama, the official further said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A hotel manager in the Indian state of Goa was arrested on Saturday (Jan 20) for allegedly drowning his wife at the Cabo de Rama beach in Goa. According to a report by news agency PTI, Gaurav Katiyar, 29 tried to project the death of his wife Diksha Gangwar, 27, as an accident after committing the crime on Friday.

A hotel manager in the Indian state of Goa was arrested on Saturday (Jan 20) for allegedly drowning his wife at the Cabo de Rama beach in Goa. According to a report by news agency PTI, Gaurav Katiyar, 29 tried to project the death of his wife Diksha Gangwar, 27, as an accident after committing the crime on Friday. However, a video shot by a resident exposed his claim. The couple hailed from Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow. Police told PTI that they found the woman's body near Cabo de Rama on Friday afternoon. Katiyar killed Gangwar, whom he married a year ago, over his extramarital affair, a police official said. Also read: Bengaluru CEO Suchana Seth allegedly overdosed 4-year-old son with cough syrup before 'pre-meditated murder' “The incident occurred at around 3.45 pm on Friday after Katiyar took his wife for a stroll on the beach, located not far from his workplace,” he added. The official said that Katiyar took his wife to a rocky area of the beach and drowned her in the sea. Injury marks were found on the victim's body. The video clip shot showed the man coming out of the beach and returning apparently to ensure whether his wife had died, before raising alarm to create the entire drama, the official further said. (With inputs from agencies)

Hotel manager in India's Goa held for allegedly drowning his wife, trying to portray it as accident

<p>The CEO of an artificial intelligence company based in the Indian city of Bengaluru, Suchana Seth who has been accused of the gruesome murder of her four-year-old in the state of Goa sent a message to her estranged husband asking if he could meet their son before allegedly killing him.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Details about the message</strong></h2>

<p>Amid the ongoing investigation into the case, it was found that the 39-year-old asked her estranged husband Venkatraman PR on January 6 if he could meet their son the next day, in Bengaluru, according to media reports citing police sources.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, it is believed that Suchana did not actually have any plans for the meeting to happen since her booking in the Indian state of Goa was from January 6 to January 10, while Venkatraman was still in Bengaluru, reported the Indian Express.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Bengaluru CEO Suchana Seth charged with the murder of 4-year-old son in Goa</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bengaluru-ceo-suchana-seth-charged-with-the-murder-of-4-year-old-son-in-goa-678358/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>He reportedly replied to Suchana’s message and showed up at the place where she had asked him to come to meet their son and waited for two hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/suchana-seth-bengaluru-based-ceo-killed-her-four-year-old-son-in-goa-took-a-cab-to-bengaluru-678235">Suchana Seth son murder case: This is how alert hotel staff, a clever cab driver led to her arrest</a></strong></p>

<p>While waiting, Venkatraman reportedly called and messaged Suchana, but received no response so he left for the Indonesian capital Jakarta, on the same day where he was supposed to go for a business trip.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Suchana has been accused of murdering her son in a hotel room in Goa, reportedly over a bitter custody battle with her husband. It has been previously reported that the 39-year-old told her friends and family members that the son reminded her of her estranged husband’s face.</p>

<h2><strong>About the case</strong></h2>

<p>The 39-year-old CEO of an AI startup Mindful AI Lab, Suchana was arrested for allegedly murdering her four-year-old son in Goa by suffocating her son after giving him a high dose of cough syrup, according to reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-suchana-seth-bengaluru-ceo-arrested-for-murdering-her-four-year-old-son-in-goa-678223">Who is Suchana Seth? Bengaluru CEO arrested for ‘murdering’ her four-year-old son in Goa</a></strong></p>

<p>A police official told the PTI that the finding of empty cough syrup bottles indicates that Suchana might have given a heavy dose of the medicine to her son and that it was a pre-planned murder.</p>

<p>Suchana Seth allegedly smothered her child to death either with a cloth or a pillow, according to officials cited by the PTI.</p>

<p>The Bengaluru-based techie allegedly killed her son in an apartment at Candolim in Goa and stuffed the body in a bag before taking it to neighbouring Karnataka in a taxi, police said.</p>

<p>She was arrested on January 8 by Goa Police at Chitradurga in Karnataka. The motive behind the killing of her son is not known yet.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The CEO of an artificial intelligence company based in the Indian city of Bengaluru, Suchana Seth who has been accused of the gruesome murder of her four-year-old in the state of Goa sent a message to her estranged husband asking if he could meet their son before allegedly killing him.

The CEO of an artificial intelligence company based in the Indian city of Bengaluru, Suchana Seth who has been accused of the gruesome murder of her four-year-old in the state of Goa sent a message to her estranged husband asking if he could meet their son before allegedly killing him. Details about the message Amid the ongoing investigation into the case, it was found that the 39-year-old asked her estranged husband Venkatraman PR on January 6 if he could meet their son the next day, in Bengaluru, according to media reports citing police sources. However, it is believed that Suchana did not actually have any plans for the meeting to happen since her booking in the Indian state of Goa was from January 6 to January 10, while Venkatraman was still in Bengaluru, reported the Indian Express. ALSO WATCH | Bengaluru CEO Suchana Seth charged with the murder of 4-year-old son in Goa He reportedly replied to Suchana’s message and showed up at the place where she had asked him to come to meet their son and waited for two hours. ALSO READ | Suchana Seth son murder case: This is how alert hotel staff, a clever cab driver led to her arrest While waiting, Venkatraman reportedly called and messaged Suchana, but received no response so he left for the Indonesian capital Jakarta, on the same day where he was supposed to go for a business trip. Suchana has been accused of murdering her son in a hotel room in Goa, reportedly over a bitter custody battle with her husband. It has been previously reported that the 39-year-old told her friends and family members that the son reminded her of her estranged husband’s face. About the case The 39-year-old CEO of an AI startup Mindful AI Lab, Suchana was arrested for allegedly murdering her four-year-old son in Goa by suffocating her son after giving him a high dose of cough syrup, according to reports. ALSO READ | Who is Suchana Seth? Bengaluru CEO arrested for ‘murdering’ her four-year-old son in Goa A police official told the PTI that the finding of empty cough syrup bottles indicates that Suchana might have given a heavy dose of the medicine to her son and that it was a pre-planned murder. Suchana Seth allegedly smothered her child to death either with a cloth or a pillow, according to officials cited by the PTI. The Bengaluru-based techie allegedly killed her son in an apartment at Candolim in Goa and stuffed the body in a bag before taking it to neighbouring Karnataka in a taxi, police said. She was arrested on January 8 by Goa Police at Chitradurga in Karnataka. The motive behind the killing of her son is not known yet. (With inputs from agencies)

Bengaluru CEO Suchana Seth messaged husband before allegedly killing four-year-old son: Report

Bengaluru AI Start-Up CEO Suchana Seth kills 4-year-old son in Goa, tries to flee with body in bag. Preliminary investigations revealed that Suchana Seth's estranged relationship with her husband Venkat Raman led to the gory killing. Watch to know more!

Bengaluru based CEO mother charged with murder of 4-year-old son in Goa

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