log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline THURSDAY MARCH 5, 2026 GOA No policy yet, no land finalised for relocation as illegal scrapyards continue to flourish CYBER TECH KALI LINUX MEETS CLAUDE AI: HACKING IN PLAIN ENGLISH >PG 8 IN SHORT >> Calls grow for speed breakers’ review MAPUSA: Even as concerns mount over the condition and placement of speed breakers across Goa, the Public Works Department (PWD) is yet to take a final call on a comprehensive review of the traffic calming measures installed on roads across the State.  >> See pg 2 Fire guts cottages at Calangute resort MAPUSA: A major fire broke out at Spring Beach Cottages Resort in Tivai Vaddo, Calangute, in the early hours of Wednesday, gutting two of the eight cottages and a store room on the premises.  >> See pg 3 Banyan branch falls, 2 students injured MAPUSA: A large branch of an age-old banyan tree came crashing down on the busy Siolim- Marna road on Wednesday, disrupting traffic for over an hour and leaving two college students with minor injuries.  >> See pg 5 Nitish to RS? Power shift buzz in Bihar PATNA: Bihar was abuzz with speculation on Wednesday that Janata Dal-United president and the state’s longest-serving Chief Minister Nitish Kumar may move to the Rajya Sabha, paving the way for the Bharatiya Janata Party to take the top post while accommodating his son Nishant as deputy CM. WEATHER >> Max: 29 C Min: 24 C Humidity: 83% TIDES Low: High: 06:02 17:56 12:20 ------- The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 15 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME XI, NO. 256 Housing Board move on disputed Panzorconne project raises questions >> See PG 3 Facebook.com/thegoan 2 3 GOA Legal advice guides changes to Tillari project command area Instagram.com/thegoanonline RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 LIFE Behind the camera: Women filmmakers in Goan cinema Govt rolls out draft Digital Taxi Policy for stakeholders today CM TO MEET 35 TAXI ASSOCIATIONS, SAYS BUSINESS WILL REMAIN IN THE HANDS OF OPERATORS THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI On the eve of the Budget Session, the State government is set to release the draft Digital Taxi Policy to taxi associations for consultation and finalisation, marking a fresh attempt to streamline and regulate app-based taxi operations in the State. The move comes almost seven months after scrapping the earlier Transport Aggregator Guidelines amid stiff opposition. Speaking to mediapersons, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said he will chair a crucial meeting of all taxi associations on Thursday, during which the draft policy will be presented to stakeholders for discussion and finalisation. “The policy was long overdue. We have finally drafted it and want taxi operators to study it before it is launched,” Sawant said. The Chief Minister asserted SAWANT SPEAKS „„Policy was long overdue; draft now ready, operators to study it before formal launch „„The proposed framework would be a win-win for the government, taxi operators and tourists alike „„As per the policy, the taxi business will continue to remain in the hands of our local operators „„The focus is on safety, security and transparency in the sector „„A total of 35 taxi associations have been called to attend the meeting, during which the draft policy will be presented for discussion and finalisation that the proposed framework would be a win-win for the government, taxi operators and tourists alike. “As per the policy, the taxi business will continue to remain in the hands of our local operators. The focus is on safety, security and transparency in the sector,” he said, expressing con- fidence that the policy would be finalised soon. Sawant said that there are a total of 35 taxi associations who have been called to attend the meeting. The budget session of the Goa Legislative Assembly is set to commence from March 6. The State Transport Depart- ment had, in July last year, introduced draft Transport Aggregator Guidelines aimed at regulating app-based taxi services. The guidelines focused on fair pricing, driver welfare, and the mandatory use of locally registered vehicles and licensed drivers. Notified in May for public inputs, the draft received over 4,000 suggestions and objections. Taxi operators had strongly opposed the guidelines, fearing that app-based services would adversely affect their livelihoods. They argued that the framework could allow outside players to enter the market, leading to increased competition and potential loss of business for local drivers. Facing mounting pressure, the government withdrew the guidelines in August. Following the rollback, the Chief Minister had announced that a new policy would be introduced by September. 6 SPORTS New Zealand storms into T20 WC final with nine-wicket win Govt plans doorstep collection to make DRS citizen-friendly HANDHELD SCANNERS, INSTANT UPI REFUNDS PLANNED; ‘RECYKAL’ TO INTEGRATE EXISTING WASTE NETWORK DOOR-TO-DOOR REFUNDS THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI In a move aimed at easing public participation in the proposed Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS), the State government is exploring a doorstep collection model that would allow households to return empty beverage containers without stepping out. The proposal involves deploying handheld scanning devices for door-to-door collection, enabling instant digital refunds through a dedicated DRS platform. Under the plan, the government-appointed agency, Recykal, will collaborate with local bodies currently managing doorstep garbage collection or informal waste collectors, integrating DRS returns into the existing waste collection network to make the system more accessible and user-friendly. A senior official said that in the first phase, as announced earlier, the agency has been asked to install 350 digital reverse vending machines-cum-collection centres „„Households may return empty beverage containers without stepping out „„Handheld scanning devices to enable instant digital refunds via DRS platform „„Recykal to collaborate with local bodies and informal waste collectors „„Refunds to be processed digitally via UPI, credited to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts „„Over 110 panchayats approached for consent „„Informal waste pickers can register as collection agents; potential earnings up to Rs 250 for 50 PET bottles across Goa. “In urban areas, automated reverse vending machines will be deployed at public locations for quick returns. In rural and semi-urban areas, manual collection points equipped with handheld scanners will operate through panchayat offices, retail stores and other local establishments,” the official said. The system is technology-agnostic, and refunds will be processed digitally through UPI, with assisted modes available via authorised collection part- US submarine sinks Iranian INDIA’S BIG SEMIS warship off Lankan coast CLASH vs ENGLAND 87 BODIES RECOVERED FROM SHIP AS STRIKES INTENSIFY; IRAN WARNS OF REGIONAL DESTRUCTION; OIL ROUTES HIT PTI DUBAI A US submarine sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, as Washington and Israel intensified their bombardment Wednesday of Iran’s security forces and other symbols of power. Iran launched more missiles and drones as it warned of the destruction of military and economic infrastructure across the Middle East. The tempo of the strikes on Iran was so intense that state television announced the mourning ceremony for Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed at the start of the conflict, would be postponed. Millions attended the funeral of his predecessor, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, in 1989. The US and Israel launched the war on Saturday, targeting Iran’s leadership, missile arsenal and nuclear program while suggesting that toppling the government is a goal. But the exact aims and timelines have repeatedly shifted, signalling Control room set up to assist Indians NEW DELHI: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has set up a control room to assist those affected by the escalating crisis in West Asia. “The Control Room can be contacted from 9 am to 9 pm at: 1800118797 (Toll Free) +91 11 2301 2113, +91 11 2301 4104, +91 11 2301 7905,” it added. Iran postpones Khamenei funeral TEHRAN: Authorities in Iran have postponed the funeral ceremony for the late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as US and Israeli forces continue intense strikes across the country. An official said there had been many requests from people wanting to attend the three-day event at a Tehran prayer complex and that infrastructure needed to be prepared. an open-ended conflict. Israel was also trading fire with the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon, while Iran fired on Bahrain, Kuwait and Israel. As the conflict spiralled, Turkey said NATO defences intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Iran before it entered Turkey’s airspace. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said a torpedo from a US submarine sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean Tuesday night. Sri Lankan authorities said 32 people were rescued from the ship, which they said had 180 people on board and sank outside Sri Lanka’s territorial waters. The country’s navy said it had recovered 87 bodies. >Continued on P9 STATS „„England have faced India on five previous occasions in T20 World Cups, including consecutive semi-finals „„Head-to-head: India lead 3-2 after their most recent win in 2024, although no side has won back-toback encounters in this tournament „„India have a stronger overall T20I head-to-head record, with 17 wins to England’s 12, including six of their last seven on home soil The two teams meet in the semi-finals for the third straight edition, on the back of less-than-perfect campaigns, as they chase a historic third title in the T20 World Cup 2026 clash at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on Thursday >> Report on pg 12 Mega casino vessel will not be permitted in Mandovi, says CM THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has assured a delegation of Panaji residents that a massive casino vessel, reportedly 112 metres long and capable 15 of accommodating 2,000 passengers, will not be permitted to enter the Mandovi River. The assurance was given on Wednesday at Sawant’s official Altinho residence to members of ‘Ponjekars Against Casinos’, a citizens’ group that has been vocal in opposing casino operations in the river. The group had recently organised a public meeting to highlight concerns about >Continued on P9 ners. To further improve convenience and ensure citizens receive their full refund, the government is considering roping in local bodies to collect empty packaging directly from households using handheld scanners. “This door-todoor collection and refund system will ease the situation. The refund will be processed digitally via the DRS platform, and the amount will be credited to the Aadhaar-linked bank >Continued on P9 Justice Shinde sworn-in as Goa Lokayukta THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Retired High Court Judge Sandeep S h i n d e was swornin as Goa Lokayukta on Wednesday, the post that had fallen vacant since December 2024. The swearing-in ceremony was held at Lok Bhavan, Dona Paula. Goa Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju administered the oath of office to the new Lokayukta in the presence of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and others. Justice Shinde, had earlier served at Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court. The Lokayukta post had remained vacant since December 2024 following the completion of Justice (retd) Ambadas Joshi’s tenure. The absence of a Lokayukta has stalled hearings in over 20 pending corruption cases. Born in Chiplun and hailing from Mumbai, Justice Shinde retired on January 16, 2023, after six years as a High Court judge. Prior to his elevation to the bench in 2017, he served as Chief Public Prosecutor representing Mumbai in 2015. Goa sets national benchmark GEC eyes mining course revival with DMF support MINING SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME in cyber fraud crackdown SHWETA KAMAT MAHATME THE GOAN I PANAJI `  CR FROZEN; TOP LIEN RATE IN FEBRUARY 3.61 THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Freezing Rs 3.61 crore defrauded funds so far this year, Goa has emerged as the top-performing state in the country in blocking cyber fraud money through the Union Home Ministry’s Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS). At a press conference on Wednesday, Superintendent of Police (Crime) Rahul Gupta said the state achieved a 43 per cent lien rate in February 2026 -- the highest in India -while the overall recovery rate for the year stands at 29 per cent. He stated the achievement follows swift action on complaints received through the 1930 Cyber Helpline and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. “Once a fraud is reported, the money trail is analysed through the CFCFRMS platform and immediately taken up with nodal officers of banks and financial intermediaries to freeze the funds before they are siphoned off,” he said. The total fraud amount reported during January-February this year has declined by 30 per cent compared to the same period in 2025, indicat- ing improved public awareness and faster reporting by victims. The detection, the SP added, has been 70 percent. The state’s cloud-based 1930 helpline centre, manned by dedicated staff, has ensured prompt response and uninterrupted service, even during peak call volumes. He explained that senior officers monitor calls to maintain response quality and ensure victims receive immediate assistance, which increases the probability of freezing the defrauded money. In addition, Goa police has >Continued on P9 W ith iron ore mining operations regaining momentum in the State, the Goa College of Engineering (GEC) is preparing to revive its Mining Engineering programme, nearly seven years after admissions were suspended in 2019 due to a prolonged slump in the sector and lack of student enrolment. Signalling renewed confidence in the industry’s revival, the State’s premier government-run technical institute has proposed a dedicated scholarship scheme to attract students back to the discipline – with special focus on candidates from mining-affected regions. The College has formally sought financial assistance of over Rs 3 crore under the Dis- „„GEC’s plans to revive its Mining Engineering programme linked to renewed iron ore mining activity in the State „„College seeks over Rs 3 crore under District Mineral Funds for scholarships „„Proposal submitted to North Goa District Mineral Foundation and South Goa District Mineral Foundation „„Rs 1.6 crore sought from each district over seven years „„Plan to sponsor 10 students annually from mining-affected areas (2026–27 to 2031–32) „„Scholarships to focus on Mining Engineering, though members suggest benefits extend to all professional courses based on merit and means trict Mineral Funds (DMF). According to official records, GEC has submitted a proposal to the North Goa District Mineral Foundation (NGDMF) and the South Goa District Mineral Foundation (SGDMF), seeking Rs 1.6 crore from each district over a period of seven years to fund scholarships for students enrolling in Mining Engineering. The proposal envisages sponsorship for 10 students annually from mining-affected areas, covering four batches from the academic year 2026- 27 to 2031-32. “The proposal was received from the GEC for provision of scholarships to students from mining-affected areas. The proposal amount is Rs 1.6 crore to be released over a period of seven years,” the records state. College representatives informed NGDMF and SGDMF authorities that the initiative aims to encourage students to opt for Mining Engineering, particularly in view of the anticipated expansion of mining operations in the coming years. During deliberations, members observed that while scholarships could be considered, the benefit should ideally extend to students pursuing professional courses across streams, with selection based on merit and means. However, the College requested that special weightage be accorded to students opting for Mining Engineering to ensure revival of the specialised discipline. It was also noted that the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) guidelines permit financial assistance to students from mining-affected areas pursuing higher education in government and government-aided institutions, though allocations under the education sector are reportedly nearing exhaustion. The Foundation chairpersons have directed authorities to draft a comprehensive scholarship scheme covering professional courses, with specific emphasis on Mining >Continued on P9