log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline FRIDAY NOVEMBER 22, 2024 GOA Horrific Dehradun mishap sparks debate: Are Indian cars falling short on safety? REVIEW: Skoda Kylaq : A stylish, feature-packed subcompact SUV The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 15 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME X, NO. 155 Cunchelim land scam: Justice for victims or shielding the powerful? page 7 Facebook.com/thegoan 3 GOA MMC’s LDC hiring process again faces scrutiny over legal validity 5 Instagram.com/thegoanonline RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 INFO Sleeping on the floor: Benefits and who should avoid it 10 15 SPORTS India begins Down Under battle against Australia today Sea of humanity overwhelms Old Goa EMOTIONAL MOMENTS AS EXPOSITION OF SACRED RELICS OF ST FRANCIS XAVIER INAUGURATED IN SHORT >> PG course: Admission criteria tweaked PANAJI: The State government has revised the rules and criteria for admission to post-graduate courses, both degree and diploma, in medicine at the Goa Medical College to provide a quota for the various reserved categories, including a 12% quota of seats for the Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities. >> See pg 3 Parliamentary panel for better infra PANAJI: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs has insisted on comprehensive planning to improve infrastructure maintenance and expand sewerage and water supply coverage across Goa. The delegation also urged banks and financial institutions to devise innovative financing models to accelerate infrastructure development.  >> See pg 3 HC quashes charges against ex-ANC cops PANAJI: The High Court of Bombay at Goa has quashed the NDPS Court's order framing charges against former Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) officials accused of fabricating a drugs case against Israeli national David Driham alias Dudu. The Court directed the trial court to expedite the hearing, given that the case dates back to 2010.  >> See pg 5 50 killed in Pakistan terrorist attack PESHAWAR: At least 50 people were killed and 20 others injured when several vehicles carrying passengers were targeted by militants in northwest Pakistan on Thursday, officials said. The militants ambushed the vehicles in the Kurram district of restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan. ICC issues warrant against Israel PM THE HAGUE: The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defence minister and Hamas officials. WEATHER >> Max: 33.4 C Min: 21.6 C Humidity: 62% TIDES Low: 10:07 High: 03:57 21:15 14:47 PROCESSION OF FAITH: Thousands of devotees watch as the sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier is taken on an electric carriage from the Basilica of Bom Jesus to the Se Cathedral. (Right) A close up image of Relics of St Francis Xavier.  Narayan Pissurlenkar Time of grace, renewal: Delhi Archbishop Thousands throng to witness THE GOAN I NETWORK OLD GOA The decennial 18th Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier was officially inaugurated on Thursday with a Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Archbishop of Delhi Anil Couto, followed by the solemn procession of the Sacred Relics on an electric carriage from the Basilica of Bom Jesus to the Se Cathedral. Delivering his homily on the theme ‘Sent forth to proclaim the Kingdom of God’, Archbishop Couto said the Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier is a time of grace and renewal, not only for those who come to vener- ate the relics, but also for the Church in India. “It serves as a reminder and a call for all of us to renew our own lives, reflecting on the transformation that took place in St Francis Xavier's life after his encounter with Jesus,” said the Prelate. The archbishop recalled the spiritual journey of St Francis Xavier and said that, he dedicated himself tirelessly to spreading the Gospel of Jesus, planting seeds of faith wherever he went. “Today, the fruits of that faith are evident in nations around the world,” said Archbishop Couto. In an appeal to the faithful, Archbishop Couto said, ON PAGE 2: A ‘TOUCH’ OF FAITH Pray for spiritual, physical healing during Exposition: Cardinal Ferrao Have great faith in St Xavier, says devotee from Sri Lanka Guv, CM, leaders venerate Relics Devotees laud inaugural ceremony Youth express joy on being part of human chain “When we encounter Jesus in our lives, we become the salt that adds flavour to the world and the light that leads others.” Other Prelates concelebrat- US prosecutors accuse Adani of bribing Indian officials EXPECTED TO HAVE WIDESPREAD FALLOUT PTI NEW DELHI Billionaire Gautam Adani has been charged by US prosecutors for allegedly being part of an elaborate scheme to pay USD 265 million (about Rs 2,200 crore) bribe to Indian officials in exchange for favourable terms for solar power contracts. The bombshell allegations, which Adani group denied, may have a widespread fallout ranging from reputational risk to the conglomerate, inability to raise funds from the US market and the billionaire being forced to restrict his overseas travels to opening a political pandora's box that will give the Op- position another tool to target the government just as Parliament meets. Adani, India's second-richest man, and seven others, including his nephew SOLAR POWER CONTRACTS Sagar, have been charged by the US Department of Justice with paying bribes to unidentified officials of state governments in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha to buy expensive solar power, potentially earning more than USD 2 billion in profit over 20 years. Prosecutors said the US started an investigation in 2022. They alleged that the group raised USD 2 billion in loans and bonds, including from US firms, on the backs of false and misleading statements related to the firm's anti-bribery practices. According to the indictment, Adani Green Energy in 2021 won a tender to supply 8 gigawatts of solar power to the government-owned Solar Energy Corporation of India. New Delhi-based Azure Power, whose officials too have been named along with former executives of Canadian public pension fund manager CDPQ in the case, won a similar 4 GW tender. ing in the Mass included Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão (Archbishop of Goa and Daman), Bishop Theodore >Continued on P8 Tragic Mangalore accident claims lives of two bros from Porvorim THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Two brothers from Alto Porvorim, Ross and Darryl Vaze, lost their lives in a ghastly accident on the Mangalore-Bangalore highway late Wednesday night. The accident between the Fortuner SUV and a lorry also left two others with injuries. The four men, travelling from Goa to Coimbatore, were in the Fortuner when the mishap occurred. According to reports, the lorry struck the vehicle on its left side, where Ross and Darryl were seated, resulting in fatal injuries. The SUV's driver, Nathan >Continued on P8 the journey of sacred Relics THE GOAN I NETWOR OLD GOA The Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier were carried in a solemn procession from the Basilica of Bom Jesus to the See Cathedral Church in a specially designed electric carriage that transported the Saint's casket, with thousands lining up and participating in the procession. Specially chosen representatives carried the Sacred Relics from the Basilica to its door. It was then placed on the platform of the carriage and moved at a steady pace towards the Cathedral. About 1,500 Parish Youth from different parishes, led by Fr Blaise Lobo, Director of Diocesan Youth Centre, lined up along the route on both sides in a human chain during the procession. The altar servers and angels were in the forefront of the procession and were followed by representatives from various diocesan bodies, associations, movements, sections of Goan society, seminarians, priests, religious, and bishops, participated in the pro- cession. A brass band, consisting of 100 musicians and led by Fr Simon D'Cunha, President of the Diocesan Commission for Sacred Music, played a central role in the procession. Representatives then carried the Sacred Relics from the entrance of the See Cathedral to its interior. Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão led the prayer service once the relics were placed in the Se Cathedral. After the prayers, the Bishops, priests, nuns and >Continued on P8 SSC notifies 232 Group C clerical posts in depts APPLICATIONS IN ONLY ONLINE MODE THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI In a development that has a stamp of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's authority despite the controversy which ensued when some of his Cabinet members objected to recruitments through the Goa Staff Selection Commission, the latter has notified some 230-odd clerical positions in various departments. The GSSC has called for applications in online mode to 232 posts of LDCs, recovery clerks and stenographers, which are Group C' positions in departments like Archives, Education, Higher Education etc. Govt amends SSC Act, shuts door on anticipated posts PANAJI: The State government has amended the Goa Staff Selection Commission Act making it clear that no anticipated vacancies would be entertained by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). The government has notified the Goa Staff Selection Commission (Examinations, Selection of candidates to the sub-ordinate services/posts and Procedure for conduct of the business of the Commission) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2024, wherein the government has made skill >Continued on P8 It may be recalled that there was a cloud of uncertainity over vacancies being routed through SSC after some ministers voiced concerns. Calls for SSC grew loud- er after several jobs-for-cash cases cropped up with people registering complaints over being duped of money on promises of government jobs. Setback for sand mining, ECs AMID RISING DOG BITE CASES… Unique census to track canines begins across Goa delayed over errors in DSR FROM BARKS TO NUMBERS THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI In what could further delay the resumption of legal sand mining in Goa, the Goa State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) has deferred decision on grant of Environmental Clearances (ECs) for sand extraction in 12 zones across River Mandovi and Zuari, following errors in the District Survey Reports (DSR). In October, the Goa State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) had recommended the proposal for fresh ECs before SEIAA has decided to conduct a site inspection and has further decided to refer the DSR back to the District Collectors and DMG for proper determination of zones SEIAA. The ECs were recommended for sand mining in seven zones in River Mandovi and five in Zuari. Based on the recommendation, the Directorate of Mines and Geology (DMG) had invited online applications from the local community for grant of sand extraction permits. During its meeting held on October 30, the SEIAA decided to conduct a site inspection. The authority also decided to refer the DSR back to the District Collectors and DMG for proper determination of the zones. The Authority took cognizance of the fact that in the DSR prepared by the District Collectors, there is mention of various zones which are identified for the purpose of extraction of sand. “Apparently the Zone 1, >Continued on P8 THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI he Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AHVS) on Thursday launched a houseto-house census for owned dogs in Goa, prompted by the increasing number of dog bite cases involving aggressive breeds. This exercise is an extended part of the 21st National Livestock Census conducted across India. Addressing a press conference at the Secretariat, Minister for AHVS Nilkanth Halarnkar stated that the Goa government has taken a T „„Dog census to cover households, non-household enterprises, gaushalas, military areas, aviation zones, and other establishments across the State „„Enumerators to separately list number of dogs of various breeds owned by pet parents across the unique approach by including owned dogs in the census along with livestock data collection. State „„Data to help determine number of dogs of each breed in Goa „„Will provide crucial in“The census will cover households, non-household enterprises, gaushalas, military areas, aviation zones, and puts for strategic planning including possible restrictions on certain breeds „„FACT FILE: Livestock census was started in 1919-1920 and it is one of the oldest census in the country. So far 20 Livestock Censuses have been conducted in association with all State/UT Governments. other establishments across the State,” he said. Halarnkar highlighted the rising number of dog bite cas- es, particularly involving certain ferocious breeds, which prompted the government to declare collecting breed-wise data on dogs owned. “Enumerators will separately list the number of dogs of various breeds owned by pet parents across the State,” he added. The minister noted that this data would help determine the number of dogs of each breed in Goa, providing crucial inputs for strategic planning including possible restrictions on certain breeds. Meanwhile, the enumerators have simultaneously >Continued on P8