log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline SUNDAY MAY 3, 2026 Facebook.com/thegoan The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 16 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME XI, NO. 315 Instagram.com/thegoanonline RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 MOVIES »PAGE 16 GOOD LIFE »PAGE 12 PLAY & PAUSE »PAGE 13 SPORTS »PAGE 8 Bollywood’s No 1 actress race heats up Are you ageing in your sleep? When ragas meet jazz CSK outclass Mumbai Indians to boost playoff hopes AI guidelines introduced, foreign film category expanded Summer drinks with a twist Birthdays & bonhomie >> SEE PG 2 SUMMER OF ’26: SCORCH AND STRAIN 9 MAGAZINE MAGAZ Battling blistering heat? Experts share cool ways to beat dehyderation On World Press Freedom Day: How rosy is the picture Laughter: The universal language of health, happiness and connection Indian law not foreign in Goa; Civil Code legacy 11 IN SHORT >> Goa won’t cede any islands to K’taka: CM PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has asserted that no island belonging to Goa will be handed over to Karnataka, amid reports of attempts by the neighbouring State to claim islands near Karwar for tourism. He said that he has directed the Revenue and Ports departments to verify the claims. Toxic waste cleanup begins at Cuncolim MARGAO: In an unprecedented exercise undertaken by the government in recent times, the Goa Waste Management Corporation has started the work of transportation and scientific disposal of the 50000 MT tons of hazardous waste left behind at the Cuncolim Industrial estate by Ms Sunrise Zinc to the common hazardous waste management facility at Pissurlem.  >> See pg 3 4 police personnel killed in IED blast NEW DELHI: Four police personnel, including an inspector of District Reserve Guard, were killed after an improvised explosive device went off while they were trying to neutralise it during a operation in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district, police said. Pianist Charu Suri is reimagining ragas for a contemporary jazz audience Sleep is often hailed as the ultimate beauty ritual, but does how you sleep matter? Badminton set for major scoring overhaul as BWF clears 315 system Khattar fit and fine after bail, raises query on media ethics Carcass of tiger found in forest at Dharbandora QUESTION ON HEALTH SPARKS HEATED EXCHANGE WITH JOURNOS; SEEKS CLARITY ON ‘RELIGIOUS SENTIMENT’ Claws, teeth missing; cause of death being examined THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The discovery of a decomposed tiger carcass deep inside the Sakorda forests of Dharbandora on Saturday has once again raised concerns over wildlife protection, with authorities examining the exact cause of death. Forest officials said the animal was found in an advanced state of decomposition, making it difficult to immediately determine how it died. Environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar raised an alarm over the incident, stating that this is the sixth tiger death reported in the State over the past 17 years. “Between 2009 and 2019, five tiger deaths were recorded in Goa. This is the sixth case, nearly seven years after the last such incident,” Kerkar said, as he personally visited the site after receiving information. He claimed that the tiger’s teeth and claws were miss- PANAJI A charged exchange unfolded at the Crime Branch office as hate speech accused Gautam Khattar -- who walked out on bail on Saturday evening -- launched into a combative verbal attack on journalists. The routine media interaction turned into a heated confrontation after Khattar was asked about his health. Khattar, who was admitted to District Hospital, Mapusa and later to Goa Medical College before obtaining bail, was initially asked whether he stood by his earlier controversial remarks on St Francis Xavier that hurt religious sentiments in Goa. He sidestepped a direct response, stating that the matter was now sub judice and would be decided by the court. The YouTuber maintained that the definitions of Khattar faces backlash after remarks against media, leaders seek apology THE GOAN I NETWORK ON PAGE 3 JMFC COURT GRANTS CONDITIONAL BAIL TO KHATTAR HINDU GROUPS STAGE PROTEST AT PANAJI POLICE STATION, SEEK ARREST OF THREE a “derogatory statement” and “religious sentiment” needed to be clarified first. As journalists persisted, Khattar’s tone sharpened. PANAJI Soon after Gautam Khattar lashed out at media persons after being questioned about his health, political leaders across party lines condemned his alleged remarks against the media fraternity, calling for restraint, an apology, and the protection of press freedom. Goa Forward Party MLA When asked about his health following his hospitalisation, he pivoted to criticising the media, claiming that “Goan journalists do not have the decorum of journalism” and Dining out may soon cost more after LPG price hike HOTELIERS SOUND ALARM, LIKELY TO PUSH UP MENU RATES, SAY PRICE HIKE UNAVOIDABLE THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI A sharp Rs 993 hike in commercial LPG prices has once again placed Goa’s hospitality sector under strain, with industry stakeholders warning that the burden, though not immediate, will inevitably be passed on to consumers. Establishments transitioning to piped natural gas may however be able to cushion or avoid the impact. Restaurant owners and tourism bodies said the timing of the increase, just ahead of the off-season dip in tourist arrivals in Goa, may delay price revisions, but not prevent them. President of the Goa Hotel and Restaurant Association, Gaurish Dhond, described the situation as “unavoidable,” while signalling that menu prices will eventually rise. “The restaurants and eateries are certain to raise prices fol- „„Small eateries plan losing customers slight increases to „„LPG shortages offset rising LPG and dependence `993 and operating on expensive JOLT: costs EATERIES private sup„„Some outlets pliers remain FEEL THE have raised major concerns HEAT prices of basic „„Some eateries snacks by about (especially those usRs 5 ing mixed energy sources „„Restaurants aim to keep like LPG + induction) are hikes minimal to avoid delaying decisions lowing the hike. However, the increase may not be immediate, as the sector is approaching the off-season. The impact is likely to be reflected from September onwards,” he said. Echoing similar concerns, Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) president Jack Sukhija said the industry has little room to absorb the cost escalation. “The price hike will inevi- tably have to be passed on to consumers, though the impact is unlikely to be immediate,” he said. At the ground level, several small eateries are contemplating initiating a marginal price increase, citing both the fresh hike and an ongoing rise in operational costs linked to LPG shortages and reliance on >Continued on P6 Vijai Sardesai cautioned against amplifying divisive narratives, stating that elements from outside attempting to spread communal tensions should not be given the publicity they seek. “Responsible journalism must avoid amplifying division. Goans must stay calm and uphold communal harmony; and not fall into the trap of provocation, especially in these heated alleging a lack of ethical standards. He asserted his own academic background in journalism, stating he held a master’s degree in the field. The remarks triggered im- times,” he said. Congress leaders also strongly criticised the alleged remarks, terming them an attack on the freedom of the press. Party spokesperson Sunil Kawthankar called the statements “disgraceful and unacceptable”, adding that they insult journalists and undermine democratic values. >Continued on P6 mediate pushback from reporters at the scene, who questioned his conduct and accused him of deflecting >Continued on P6 THE GOAN I NETWORK Iran blockade continues, US redirects 48 ships in Gulf PANAJI: Forest officials stated that, prima facie, no foul play is suspected and the death appears to be natural. However, veterinary report is awaited as the examination was conducted earlier in the day. Sources said that further formalities are also to be carried out as per the directions of the National Tiger Conservation Authority. ing, raising strong suspicion of poaching. “It is difficult to say at this stage whether the animal was killed by another predator or by humans,” he said. Kerkar also dismissed repeated claims that Goa has no tiger presence while pointing to such incidents, and also >Continued on P6 TIMELESS BEAUTIES: Vintage and classic cars lined up for a rally at Campal on Saturday. The event drew an enthusiastic crowd that thronged the streets to admire rare automobiles. (Report on pg 5) Narayan Pissurlenkar  PTI DUBAI The United States has redirected 48 vessels in the Persian Gulf, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, amid ongoing enforcement actions related to restrictions on Iranian maritime assets by the US Navy. The update was shared by US Central Command (CENTCOM) in a post on X on Saturday, which said that the USS New Orleans (LPD-18) was operating in the Arabian Sea as part of its deployment during what it described as a blockade of Iranian ports. "USS New Orleans (LPD 18) sails in the Arabian Sea during the US blockade of Iranian ports, April 28. Over the past 20 days, 48 vessels have been redirected to ensure compliance with the blockade," the post read. The development is part of the US increasing its maritime presence to monitor and restrict shipping movements linked to Iran, despite US President Donald Trump stating that his administration has "terminated" the hostilities with the Islamic Republic. Officials rule out foul play Disaster alert system sends cell phones ringing across country GOVT ROLLS OUT SERVICE TO DELIVER VITAL INFO PTI NEW DELHI Mobile phones across the country went abuzz after Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia launched the cell broadcast alert system on Saturday that will warn citizens about emergency and natural disasters in their area. The Department of Telecom had already alerted citizens about the trial run of the service on April 29 to avoid panic, with an appeal to ignore any alerts they receive. The test message read: “Extremely Severe Alert. India launched Cell Broadcast using indigenous technology, for instant disaster alerting service for its citizens. Alert citizens, safe nation. No action is required by the public upon receipt of this message. This is a test message- Government of India”. The alert system was sent across the network of all telecom operators across the country, except in poll-bound states. Madame Tussauds’ ‘Icons of India’ 100 years of Mario: Goa honours its ‘Master of Lines’ set to dazzle audience in London MARIO AT 100: GOA THE GOAN I NETWORK 13 WAX FIGURES OF CRICKETERS, ACTORS TO BE SPECIAL ATTRACTION PTI LONDON Madame Tussauds launched a new ‘Icons of India’ celebration at its London headquarters this week, uniting the wax models of celebrities from the world of cinema and cricket. The limited-time experience includes 13 figures of leading Indian actors and cricketers within the leading British tourist attraction's special Awards Party zone. For the month of May and June, the area has been transformed into a vibrant space inspired by Indian culture for visitors to get up close with some of the most its iconic wax figures including Amitabh Bachchan and Sachin Tendulkar. “Bollywood's global appeal is huge, and London's love for Indian cinema and cricket grows stronger every year,” said Steve Blackburn, General Manager at Tussauds London. “With ''Icons of India'', we are bringing fans closer than ever to the stars they love. We are thrilled to invite guests to step into this world of magic, capture moments, and celebrate the icons who have shaped global entertainment and sport,” he said. Describing it as a “truly global celebration”, some of the wax figures have made their journey to London on loan from other Madame Tussauds attractions, including Virat Kohli from Bangkok and Aishwarya Rai from New York. The ''Icons of India'' exhibit has been created to allow fans to strike a pose with their favourities, from Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh to Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Hrithik Roshan, Katrina Kaif and Madhuri Dixit. PANAJI oa marked the 100th birth anniversary of Mario Miranda on Saturday with events that celebrated the life and work of the cartoonist who gave Goa and India some of their most enduring visual memories. An exhibition of Miranda’s works presented by Aristides Alvares opened at the Cube Tennis de Gaspar Dias, Miramar, showing some classics of the cultural ambassador whose art continues to inspire generations. The exhibition, curated by the Directorate of Art & Culture, brought together original sketches, magazine illustra- CELEBRATES A LEGEND TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR ARTIST WHO TOOK GOAN STORIES GLOBAL See pg 3 G Fatima Miranda Figueiredo, sister of the late Padma Bhushan Mario de Miranda, inaugurates the exhibition as part of the artist’s centenary celebrations at Kala Academy on Saturday. tions, and archival material spanning Miranda’s career. From his early drawings in Eu- rope to his iconic contributions to The Illustrated Weekly of India, Femina, and Filmfare, the display offered visitors a vivid journey through his humorous depictions of Goan taverns, Bombay’s bustling streets, and everyday life rendered with wit and empathy. Later in the day, architect Gerard da Cunha delivered a lecture at the Kala Academy reflecting on Miranda’s unique style. Da Cunha, who has worked extensively on preserving Miranda’s legacy, described him as an artist who blurred the boundaries between popular and fine art. “He gave us characters we could laugh with, but also reflect upon,” he said, noting how Miranda’s work combined satire with empathy and a deep affection for the ordinary. Born in Daman in 1926 and raised in Loutolim, Miranda began his career in advertising before turning to cartooning full-time. His creations -- Miss Nimbupani, Miss Fonseca, and countless anonymous Goans -- became fixtures of Indian popular culture. Over decades, he exhibited in more than 20 countries, >Continued on P6