log on to thegoan.net @thegoaneveryday FRIDAY MARCH 10, 2023 GOA 13 pages PRICE ` 8 Parking woes: Margao meet deliberates on rent-a-bikes, cars occupying space IN SHORT >> Govt reconstitutes tourism committee PANAJI: The State government has re-constituted the Empowered Committee for Marketing & Public Relations under the chairmanship of Tourism Minister. Director, Department of Tourism, GTDC MD, CEO, Goa Tourism Board and others will be on the committee. In addition, 5 private & industry sector professionals have also been nominated as members. Woman falls off flyover in mishap MAPUSA: A rider fell off the flyover and landed on the service road, after her two-wheeler was struck from the rear by a car at the flyover at Bastora on Thursday. The mishap took place as the scooter rider, Freda Fernandes was riding her two-wheeler while the car, driven by Myra Rebeiro, was travelling behind her. Leopard found dead near Shirvoi-Quepem PANAJI: Yet another incident of a leopard dying allegedly after being ensnared in trap has surfaced. A leopard was found dead near Shirvoi, Quepem. Based on injury marks it is suspected that the animal must have died after getting ensnared in a trap. Finance firm duped of `  0.85 lakh 2 PANAJI: Nine persons from Candolim, Nerul, Aldona and Calangute have been booked for allegedly cheating a finance company to the tune of Rs 20.85 lakh by pledging fake gold as collateral. The accused allegedly took the loan from their branch at Porvorim. Facebook.com/thegoaneveryday 2 The Goan (Playstore) PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME VIII, NO. 261 3 GOA Goa SEAC sees red over hill cutting, quarrying at St Cruz WEATHER >> Max: 37 C Min: 22 C Humidity: 72% TIDES Low: High: 06:30 18:33 00:14 12:42 Home remedies to treat discolouration of nails THE GOAN I NETWORK VALPOI Forest fires continued to rage in parts of Sattari, with fresh fires breaking out in Satre, Derode, Surla in Sattari on Thursday morning. Navy helicopters were pressed into service in the firefighting operations, while firefighters and locals teamed up to battle the flames on the ground. A fresh fire broke out in Satre and Derode areas of Nagargao Panchayat. The Indian Navy has deployed helicopters, with ‘’Large Area Aerial Liquid Dispersion Equipment’’ mounted on them, to carry out sorties to douse the fires, a defence spokesperson said. “Special gear LAALDE used by helicopter for this operation was mobilized by Indian Navy from Mumbai and Kochi immediately on receipt of information on from State For- VALPOI POLICE REGISTER FIR VALPOI: The Valpoi police have registered an FIR against unknown persons for the forest fires in different parts of Sattari, following a complaint by the forest department. In a complaint, the Range Forest Officer (Keri) alleged that some unknown persons have created mischief by lighting a fire in the forest areas. Acting on the complaint, offences were registered under Sections 435 (mischief by fire or any explosive substance intending to cause, or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby cause, damage to any property or where the property is agricultural produce), Section 436 (Mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy house, etc) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 26 (1) Indian Forest Act. Valpoi Police is investigating the case. est Department. More than 26 runs were made over affected areas,” the Navy further tweeted. “The complex operation required picking up of water from nearby water body and releasing it over affected area in difficult terrain. Helicopters of Indian Navy have been undertaking these operations in coordination with State authorities,” it added. Indian Air Force also deployed Mi-17 helicopter for Bambi Bucket operations in Forest department personnel and locals take part in firefighting operation in the forest at Kariamol-Kalay. (Report on pg 3) WASHINGTON eople who have had Covid-19 are at increased risk of developing gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as liver problems, acute pancreatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, and ulcers, within a year after infection compared with people who haven’t been infected, according to a study. People infected with Covid can also see an increased likelihood of constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bloating, and vomiting. “Gastrointestinal problems were among the first that were reported by the patient community,” senior author Ziyad Al-Aly, a clinical epidemiologist at Washington University said. “It is increasingly clear that the GI tract serves as a P THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI/VALPOI As wildfires continue to wreak havoc amid soaring temperatures, Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane on Thursday claimed that strong winds are flaring up the fires. “We have about 50 people deployed right now in a remote area near Mollem. Strong winds have caused the fire to flare up,” Rane said after conducting a detailed meeting with Kumar to review the forest fires that have so far consumed various hills. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Rane have been suspecting foul play in the raging forest fires. A high-level inquiry at the department level is simultaneously underway to examine what is leading to a series of wildfires. The miscreants are even warned of arrest under the Wildlife Protection Act.   Until 2 pm on Thursday, seven forest fires were active, as per government figures. Owing to the recurrence of fire at various locations, the authorities have scheduled After heat wave alert, weatherman gives hope of rain respite Women ride bikes as they participate in a rally in Panaji on Thursday. The event was dedicated to celebrate the strength and achievements of women and to promote gender equality.  Narayan Pissurlenkar 55 get free cars to operate on GoaMiles in new scheme Sawant handed over 55 CNG taxis to the first beneficiaries hailing from Pernem under the new  Transport Entrepreneurs Scheme (TES) which he referred to as ‘Goencho Taxi Patrao’. The scheme, which is aimed at encouraging un- employed youth to operate app-based taxis under GoaMiles, will require zero investment. The margin money is to be paid by GoaMiles.  Sawant also asked the promoters to introduce 1,000 >Continued on P5 PANAJI In another notice that has been issued regarding restricted water, parts of North Goa will go dry on March 10 and 11 due to a proposed power shutdown at Opa Water Works. The notice said new transformer and a flow meter are being installed on the conveying main line of 750 mm dia (Green line) at Mangueshi, Priol. Panaji, Taleigao, St Cruz, St Andre, Ponda, Cumbharjua, Priol, Marcaim will be the areas that will be affected while some areas in Shiroda, Valpoi and Dharbndora will be partly affected. Water supply will also be restricted to all defense establishments, industrial establishments and the Goa Medical College and Hospital at Bambolim, the notice said. Meanwhile, the annual power shutdown that was planned in South Goa on March 11 from 7 am to 3 pm has been cancelled in view of the traditional Shigmo festival celebrations at various places in South Goa. The shutdown will be held at a later date after prior announcement. KEY OBSERVATIONS OF COVID STUDY „„People infected with Covid can also see an increased likelihood of constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bloating and vomiting „„People who had Covid were also at a 62% increased risk of developing ulcers in the lining of the stomach or small intestine „„35% were at heightened risk of suffering from acid reflux disease and 46% had increased risk of experiencing acute pancreatitis reservoir for the virus.” The gastrointestinal system includes the mouth, throat, oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, rectum, and anus, as well as organs, such as the liver and pancreas, that produce enzymes to aid in the digestion of food and liquids. For the study, published in the journal Nature Communications, the researchers analysed about 14 million medical records. They found that GI disorders were 36 per cent more likely in people with Covid-19 compared with those who had not been infected with the virus. This includes people who were and were not hospitalised. „„Covid patients were also 54% more likely to suffer from irritable bowel syndrome „„47% were more likely to experience inflammation of the stomach lining and 36% more likely to have an upset stomach without an obvious cause Further, people who had Covid were also at a 62 percent increased risk of developing ulcers in the lining of the stomach or small intestine; a 35 percent heightened risk of suffering from acid reflux disease; and a 46 percent increased risk of experiencing acute pancreatitis. Covid patients were also 54 percent more likely to suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, 47 percent more likely to experience inflammation of the stomach lining, and 36 percent more likely to have an upset stomach without an obvious cause. Similarly, those who had Covid-19 were 54 percent more likely to experience digestive symptoms such as constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, vomiting, and abdominal pain, the findings showed. The researchers estimate that, so far, infections caused by Covid have contributed to 42 mn new cases worldwide. In addition, an updated guidance from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has revealed that Covid can have lasting effects on nearly every organ of the body weeks, months, and potentially years after infection. >Continued on P5 THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Amid days of surly weather and soaring heat, Goans can hope to look forward to some respite in the  days to come with the weatherman predicting the possibility of some showers which  will help dip the mercury. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), there is a possibility of rainfall by next week.  The forecast issued by the IMD for the next two weeks states that there is possibility  of lower than normal temperatures with moisture incursion across Goa after March 15. Skymet Weather, meanwhile, has forecast a ‘season of thunderstorms’ which could extend to Goa in the next fortnight. The maximum temperature on Thursday was recorded at 35.8 degrees Celsius, higher than normal but the possibility of light rainfall in the next week could provide some relief from extreme heat. “Even though the maximum temperature is 3-4 degrees higher than normal, it may not cross the criteria of a heat wave… The extended range forecast indicates that there is likelihood of lower than normal max temperatures in coming weeks,” IMD scientist Rahul Mohan said.  SCHOOLS CURTAIL CLASSES S chools across Goa curtailed classes on Thursday due to a heat wave warning issued by the IMD Goa. The Education Department’s circular released at around 11am directed the schools to “dismiss classes before 12 pm on March 9 (Thursday) and March 10 (Friday).”   The circular by Education Director Shailesh Zingde was 13 Fires raging due to strong winds, claims Vishwajit at different places to monitor the situation and to take part in efforts to douse the flames. Although the forest fires have been extinguished at most places, there are THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday launched a new scheme by which unemployed youth will get free CNG vehicles to operate as taxis under the cab aggregator GoaMiles. Khawaja’s ton helps Australia take Day 1 honours in Motera Parts of north Goa to go dry on Mar 10, 11 IN TOP GEAR! THE GOAN I NETWORK SPORTS the fire affected areas flying multiple missions dispensing almost 22,000 litres of water. State firefighters and locals have also been involved in efforts to douse the flames. The forest department has deployed over 150 personnel Now, study links Covid to liver problems, ulcers AGENCIES 9 INFO 150 FOREST PERSONNEL DEPLOYED TO MONITOR SITUATION PANAJI: Crime Branch sleuths rescued two women while three persons were taken into custody for running a prostitution racket in a guest house in Colva. Police informed that the rescued victims are lodged at Protective Home in Merces.   NEW DELHI: Actor-filmmaker Satish Kaushik, whose comic timing in classics such as “Mr India” and “Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro” is still remembered, died after a heart attack while on his way to a Gurugram hospital. RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 Fresh forest fires in Sattari; Navy, IAF deploy choppers Prostitution racket busted, 2 rescued Actor-filmmaker Kaushik no more Instagram.com/thegoaneveryday issued following Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s instructions to suspend classes before 12 noon on Thursday and Friday in the wake of the possibility of a heat wave. Several schools called off classes by 11.30 am after parents were intimated about the development through WhatsApp group messages or calls. A 24-hour control room has been set up to monitor forests in real time. Illegal access is prohibited, and forest and wildlife rules are vigorously enforced to prevent entry — Vishwajit Rane ‘REOCCURRENCE OF FIRES AT SAME SPOT A CAUSE FOR CONCERN’ >> See pg 3 another aerial survey around Mhadei to further grasp the situation. The minister hailed the Indian Navy and the Air Force for their consistent support stating that “they have been working hard to handle the situation in coordination with the Forest Department.” “With the combined efforts of a team from forest, fire >Continued on P5 Day before his bail, Sisodia arrested by ED 1 In fresh trouble for Delhi’s former DyCM Manish Sisodia, the Enforcement Directorate on Thursday arrested the senior AAP leader on money laundering charges in connection with alleged irregularities in scrapped Delhi excise policy. 2 The arrest of the AAP leader comes a day before the expected hearing of his bail plea before CBI court. Sources said Sisodia was placed under arrest under the PMLA following his second round of questioning at the Tihar jail. 3 ED alleged Sisodia was “evasive” in his replies and was “not cooperating” in the probe and hence was arrested. Sisodia is already in Tihar jail after he was sent to 14-day judicial custody by a CBI court on March 6 in a related case. >> See pg 7 India-China ties to stay strained over next year, warns US report PTI WASHINGTON Declaring that China, a “near peer level competitor” of America, has the capability to alter the rules-based order in every sector and across multiple regions, a US intelligence report has concluded that ties between India and China will remain “strained” over the next year and the persistent low-level friction at their shared border has the potential to escalate swiftly. In its annual threat assessment report, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) -- the apex of America’s vast intelligence apparatus -- flagged two broad strategic challenges to US interests. The report claims relations will remain “strained” in the wake of the 2020 deadly clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley In a section on potential interstate conflicts, the report refers to India-China ties, suggesting that while the two countries have engaged in bilateral border talks and “resolved border points”, relations will remain “strained” in the wake of the 2020 deadly clash, a reference to the skirmish between Indian and Chinese soldiers in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley, along the Sino-Indian border, in June 2020. Twenty Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese troops were killed, the first fatalities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in 45 years. “The expanded military postures by both India and China along the disputed border elevate the risk of armed confrontation between two nuclear powers that might involve direct threats to US persons and interests, and calls for US intervention. Previous standoffs have demonstrated that persistent low-level friction on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has the potential to escalate swiftly.”