log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline Facebook.com/thegoan The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) Instagram.com/thegoanonline Pg 14 Transforming India through Modern Infrastructure an ke Saal Vishwas ke, Vikas ke, Jan-Kalyan ke RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 Construction of Mega164 Vande Bharat Trains making railway Construction of Mega Infrastructure Projects Infrastructure Projects travel modern and high-speed like Atal Setu, Sudarshan Setu, Chenab Rail Bridge like Atal Setu, Sudarshan Setu, Chenab Rail Bridge Construction of Mega Infrastructure Projects and Bogibeel Bridgelike Atal Setu, Sudarshan Setu, Chenab Rail Bridge and Bogibeel Bridge and Bogibeel Bridge CBC 37101/13/0001/2627 re 15 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA CBC 37101/13/0001/2627 TUESDAY JUNE 16, 2026 164 Vande Bharat Trains making railway 164 Vande Bharat Trains making railway Super Over heartbreak VOLUME XI, NO. 359travel modern and high-speed for India A in Dambulla travel modern and high-speed 7 PLACES ON EARTH WHERE THE SUN HARDLY SETS JERC pushes incentives to KA repairs: ` 86 L fee for Madras cleared manage peak power strain FOCUSIIT EVALUATING EFFECTIVENESS, ON IN SHORT >> THE GOAN I NETWORK >PG 6 SUBMERGED BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: THE VILLAGES BENEATH ANJUNEM TCP Board to frame guidelines for FAR PANAJI: The Goa government on Monday informed the High Court of Bombay at Goa that the Town and Country Planning Board has resolved to frame criteria and guidelines governing the grant of additional Floor Area Ratio and building height relaxations that are permitted.   >> See pg 3 Russian detainee makes daring escape MAPUSA: In a daring escape that has exposed glaring security lapses at the Mapusa Detention Centre, a Russian national allegedly walked out of the facility in broad daylight on Monday, scaled a high perimeter wall lined with broken glass and disappeared despite being spotted by a police constable minutes later.  >> See pg 3 Wind supply chain portal launched PANAJI: In a significant step towards strengthening India’s renewable energy ecosystem and accelerating the nation’s clean energy transition, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi on Monday launched Wind Turbine Materials and Resources Utility Tracker), India’s first dedicated Wind Turbine Supply Chain Management Portal.   >> See pg 3 Mayem Lake gets tourism boost BICHOLIM: In a significant step towards restoring the glory of the famous Mayem Lake, the Goa Tourism Department Corporation has launched several development initiatives and tourism-oriented projects in the scenic lake area. As part of these efforts, a new Kayaking facility was inaugurated on Monday in the presence of dignitaries. >> See pg 3 WEATHER >> Max: 34.1 C Min: 26.7 C Humidity: 78% TIDES Low: High: 05:05 17:57 12:21 23:06 MOVE AIMED AT REDUCING STRESS ON POWER GRID PANAJI The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has recommended that Goa explore incentive-based programmes to encourage consumers to shift electricity consumption away from peak-demand periods, a move aimed at reducing stress on the power grid and lowering costly power purchases. It also advised the Goa Electricity department to explore demand-response programmes, battery energy storage systems and consumer-owned rooftop solar solutions to address rising peakhour electricity demand and reduce power procurement costs. The recommendation was made during the JERC State Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting, where members discussed measures to improve WHAT JERC RECOMMENDED „„Explore demand-response progs that reward consumers for reducing or rescheduling power consumption „„Implement battery energy storage systems to manage peak electricity demand „„Promote consumer-owned rooftop solar systems to reduce dependence on grid power during peak hours „„Target hotels, commercial establishments and other large consumers for demand-response initiatives „„Use measures to reduce stress on power grid, improve system efficiency power system efficiency amid rising electricity demand in the State. During the deliberations, India Smart Grid Forum President Reji Kumar Pillai highlighted the success of a demand-response pilot project in Lucknow, under which consumers were offered incentives to alter their electricity usage patterns and move consumption away from peak hours. The initiative resulted in savings for large consumers, including IT parks and hotels, while also helping utilities better manage peak demand. Pillai suggested that a similar programme could be undertaken in Goa, particularly targeting hotels, commercial establishments and other large consumers. Under such a mechanism, consumers could be rewarded for reducing or shifting electricity con- sumption during periods of high demand, thereby easing pressure on the grid. The SAC also discussed the need for battery energy storage systems and consumer-owned rooftop solar installations as additional tools to manage peak demand. Former Power System Operation Corporation chief S K Soonee noted that studies on Goa’s electricity profile showed that nearly 10 per cent of the capacity required to meet peak demand is needed for only about 2% of the year. He suggested promoting behind-the-meter resources such as battery storage and rooftop solar systems, which can supply power during peak hours and reduce dependence on expensive market purchases. The recommendations assume significance as Goa’s peak power demand has been rising steadily, touching 864 MW during 2025-26. EXPECTED LIFESPAN OF REPAIRS DONE THE GOAN I NETWORK MAPUSA The State government has approved a consultancy contract worth Rs 86 lakh for IIT Madras to undertake a fresh technical assessment of the repair works carried out at Kala Academy and recommend measures to enhance the longevity of the iconic structure. Principal Chief Engineer (PWD) Sandip Chodnekar said IIT Madras will begin the consultancy assignment from August 1, alongside corrective works to be undertaken under the project’s defect liability period. Unlike its earlier peer review, which involved non-destructive testing to assess whether the renovation works had been executed properly, the new consultan- Cong to hold fresh talks with GFP on merger proposal PANAJI The possibility of a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls gained traction on Monday after Congress announced that it will hold fresh discussions with the Goa Forward Party (GFP) to ascertain whether the regional outfit still intends to merge with the party or prefers to continue as an alliance partner in the fight against the BJP. “Goa Forward Party is our alliance partner. We have a relationship and understanding with them. GFP wanted to merge with Congress. We will hold talks with GFP on what they are looking for — whether they want a merger or an alliance with us and put up a joint fight against the BJP,” AICC Goa in-charge Manikrao Thakare told media persons. The statement comes amid confirmation from both the Congress high command and State leadership that GFP had submitted a proposal seeking merger with the Congress. Earlier on Sunday, GFP Chief Vijai Sardesai had also revealed his intentions to merge the party. Thakare said the GFP had first expressed its desire to merge with the Congress after the 2022 Assembly elections; >Continued on P9 cy will focus on evaluating the effectiveness and expected lifespan of the repairs already carried out. “IIT Madras will examine how long the repair works undertaken are likely to last and suggest advanced techniques or methods that can further enhance the life of the structure,” Chodnekar said. He added that experts from the institute would inspect the entire Kala Academy complex and submit a detailed report on remedial measures. Among the options likely to be examined is the use of cathodic protection systems and other modern THE GOAN I NETWORK THAKARE SPEAK „„GFP is a Congress ally… will discuss whether GFP wants a merger or an alliance „„Aim is to jointly fight BJP „„GFP had first proposed a merger after 2022 Assembly polls „„State leadership will submit proposal to Cong high command longevity of structure „„Suggest engineering techniques, methods to strengthen repairs „„Examine options such as cathodic protection systems „„Identify ways to prevent future deterioration >Continued on P9 Husband-wife duo killed in tragic Dhargal accident STATE LEADERS, HIGH COMMAND WILL TAKE A CALL, SAYS THAKARE THE GOAN I NETWORK IIT MADRAS: SCOPE OF WORK AT KA „„Conduct fresh technical assessment of repair works „„Assess how long repair works are likely to last „„Inspect entire KA complex „„Recommend measures to improve CAPE COUP: Spain was held to a goalless draw by Cape Verde at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, US on Monday. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha made three incredible saves. (Report on pg 12) Anjunem dam at just 10%; WRD eyes mining pit water for supply THE GOAN I NETWORK MAPUSA With water levels in the Anjunem dam falling to a critical 10 per cent amid delayed monsoon rains, the Water Resources Department (WRD) has activated contingency measures to ensure uninterrupted water supply, Minister for Water Resources Subhash Shirodkar said on Monday. Addressing reporters af- India records 64% rain deficit: IMD NEW DELHI: Early rains in the country have disappeared, raising agricultural jitters. Fresh data released by IMD on June 15, shows India has recorded an alarming 64% rainfall deficit for this monsoon season. ter the department’s weekly review meeting, Shirodkar sought to reassure the public that Goa has sufficient water reserves to meet drinking water requirements for at least the next month, even as authorities closely monitor the evolving situation. As part of the emergency plan, the WRD is prepared to begin pumping between 40 >Continued on P9 PERNEM A couple from Sal-Madhalawada in Bicholim taluka died on the spot after their scooter and a truck collided with each other on the NH66 in Mahakhajan-Dhargal on Monday morning. The deceased have been identified as Ramchandra Raut (63) and his wife, Reshma (53). The couple had visited the Pernem area for some work and met with the fatal accident while returning to their village. According to reports, the mishap took place at about 11 am as a truck and a two-wheeler were both heading towards Mapusa. On reaching Mahakhajan, the truck struck the two-wheeler travelling ahead of it. Following the impact, the two-wheeler was dragged under the truck. The couple sustained severe injuries and were admitted to the North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa. However, both passed away while undergoing treat- HOW IT HAPPENED „„Couple was returning to their village „„At Mahakhajan, truck hits scooter from behind „„Scooter dragged underneath the truck „„Both suffer severe injuries, die while undergoing treatment ment. The accident caused a major traffic jam on the National Highway for some time. Upon receiving news of the incident, the Pernem police rushed to the scene and conducted the panchnama. The police later restored traffic flow on the highway and arrested the truck driver, Lakshadeep Chalvadi (23), a native of Karnataka but residing at Pedem-Mapusa in this connection. Further investigation is underway under the guidance of Police Sub-Inspector >Continued on P9 Finally, US reaches peace deal NCERT clothes Mohenjo-Daro’s famous ‘Dancing Girl’ WHY THE BRONZE FIGURINE WAS COVERED with Iran, to be inked on Jun 19 PTI STRAIT OF HORMUZ SET TO RESUME OPERATIONS PTI WASHINGTON President Donald Trump has announced that the US and Iran have finalised a deal to end their 107-day war, which triggered a global energy crisis. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said that his country would host the signing ceremony of the deal between the US and Iran in Switzerland on June 19. However, the details of the peace deal were not immediately available. “The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Sunday evening, easing pressure on the global energy markets. He said the deal would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway used to ferry one-fifth of the global oil supplies, and end the US naval blockade on Iranian ports. “I hereby fully authorise the toll-free opening of the Strait of Hormuz and, simultaneously, authorise the imme- diate removal of the US Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” Trump said. However, in a subsequent post, Trump said the Strait of Hormuz will open on Friday after the official signing of the agreement. The finalisation of the deal, on a day when Trump turned 80, capped a week of war and diplomacy when US carried out strikes on Iran and the US president, at the last minute, backed off a threat to take control of the Kharg Island. NEW DELHI he iconic bronze figurine popularly known as the “Dancing Girl” of Mohenjo-Daro has its bare torso covered in the latest NCERT arts textbook for class 9, drawing attention to the way one of India’s most recognisable archaeological artefacts is being presented to students. The image appears in the opening chapter, “History of Arts”, of Madhurima, NCERT’s new class 9 arts education textbook. In the version carried in the textbook, the torso of the figurine appears visually altered compared to the photographs of the original artefact, with shading used across the upper T „„NCERT was reportedly told the “Dancing Girl” figurine was considered “not age-appropriate” for school students „„Concern appears to be related to figurine’s bare torso/nudity „„This was the reason given also earlier during body that obscures anatomical details visible in the sculpture. Unlike the altered image, the “Dancing Girl” in NCERT’s class 6 Social Science textbook appears in a form closer to the original bronze sculpture. Michel Danino, who headed discussions on the Class 6 textbook the textbook development committee for NCERT’s new class 6 Social Science books, said he had been told that the Dancing Girl figurine was considered “not age-appropriate.” “This refers to our Grade 6 Social Science textbook. The reason I was given was that „„NCERT used shading over the upper body in the Class 9 arts textbook, obscuring anatomical details visible in original artifact „„Critics argue the change reflects a view that nudity is inappropriate for students the image of the Dancing Girl was not age-appropriate,” Danino told PTI. “Our team disagreed; we even checked with teachers of class 6, and they told us there was never a problem with the Dancing Girl,” he said. Danino said, “The notion that nudity is inappropriate is, in my opinion, an obsolete Victorian view. Yet we speak of decolonising Indian education.” Reacting to the image used in the new class 9 arts textbook, Danino said his first response was disbelief. “If the Dancing Girl cannot figure as she is, and with proper dimensions, in a chapter on Indian art, then we have a serious problem,” he said. Danino said the modification “misrepresents the original artefact.” “The modification misrepresents the original artefact just as the Church’s addition of a fig leaf to Michelangelo’s statue of David in the Middle Ages misrepresented that beautiful work of art,” he said.