log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline THURSDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2024 GOA Defensive strategies and the future of Cyber Warfare >> See PG 6 The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 15 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME X, NO. 161 GOA GSPCB targets dust pollution at elevated Porvorim corridor sites Margao’s gadda traders left in lurch as MMC rehab plan hits a dead end IN SHORT >> Calls for stricter laws to curb vulgar content on social media New Delhi: Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday called for stricter laws to curb vulgar content on social media, saying absence of editorial oversight has led to “uncontrolled expression” on such platforms.  >> See pg 9 Vasco woman held in jobs-for-cash scam MAPUSA: The Colvale police arrested Uma Patil of Baina-Vasco on Wednesday, in connection with a jobs-forcash scam following a complaint filed by a woman from Nadora.  >> See pg 3 ESI doc booked for death of patient MARGAO: SP South Sunita Sawant said on Wednesday that the Margao police have registered a case of alleged negligence resulting in the death of a patient undergoing minor surgery against Dr Vishwajeet Desai, the then in-charge of ESI Hospital.  >> See pg 2 Serial killer challenges order denying release PANAJI: Convicted serial killer Mahanand Naik has moved the High Court challenging the Sentence Review Board order denying his premature release on the ground of falling short of 14 years of actual imprisonment.  >> See pg 5 WEATHER >> Max: 30 C Min: 23C Humidity: 54% TIDES Low: High: 03:16 15:39 09:02 22:41 RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 INFO A month of precautions after a bypass surgery PANAJI Venezuelan Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, Substitute of the Secretariat of State (Vatican), shared that Pope Francis has a deep love for India while raising the possibility of the latter’s visit to India. Archbishop Parra also stated that Pope Francis sent his blessings to the nation including Goa, which is hosting the decennial Exposition of the Relics of St Francis Xavier. “During the last interaction between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pope Francis, I know they spoke about India. I think this (visit) is always possible. He (Pope Francis) has a great love for India, and there is the possibility that when things are all ready, such a visit could happen. That would be really nice,” he said during a brief interaction with the media on GOVERNOR HOSTS RECEPTION FOR VATICAN DELEGATES >> See pg 8 Venezuelan Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, Substitute of the Secretariat of State (Vatican), addressed the gathering during the Vatican delegates’ visit to the Raj Bhavan, hosted by Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai on Wednesday, in the presence of Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão and Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira. Wednesday. His comments came after a nine-member high-ranking Vatican delegation visited the Exposition at Old Goa. The delegation included several bishops from the Vatican, led by Cardinal-Elect Coordinator of Apostolic Journeys (Pope’s Journeys) Bishop George Koovakad. They were later invited to Raj Bhavan, where Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai hosted a reception. Archbishop of Goa and Daman Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão expressed confidence that Governor Pillai will ensure an official invitation is sent to the Pope through the Central government. “I wish and pray that our Governor can play a significant role in ensuring that there is an official written invitation from our Union government to the Holy Father to visit India. “I know that Pope Francis is longing to visit India,” he said. Archbishop Parra reiterated Pope Francis’ affection for India and Asia, recognising the region as key to the future of the Church and the world. “His Holiness has sent Shinde falls in line, Govt allays fears on decks clear for BJP declaration of ESAs CM in Maharashtra Minister says no eviction, but certain restrictions Fadnavis frontrunner; Meet in Delhi today PTI THANE Maharashtra’s caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday said he has assured PM Narendra Modi that he will abide by whatever decision the BJP takes on naming his successor. Shinde’s announcement followed vociferous demands by his Shiv Sena party leaders that he continue as CM as the ruling Mahayuti alliance scored a landslide victory under his leadership. Political observers said that with Shinde falling in line, the stage is set for a new government, likely headed by BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis, to be sworn in. Addressing a packed press conference at his home in Thane, Shinde (60) said he will fully support BJP leadership’s decision to name the next CM, and won’t be a hurdle in the process. “I called PM Modi and Amit Shah yesterday and told them to decide (on who will be the CM), and assured them that I will abide by whatever decision they take,” Shinde said. “Our Shiv Sena will fully support the BJP’s decision to name the next Maharashtra CM. There is no speed breaker from our side,” Shinde said, showing no trace on his face of having to swallow the bitter pill. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar told reporters that the new CM is likely to be sworn in either on November 30 or December 1. There will be two deputy chief ministers in the new government, he added. There is a meeting in Delhi tomorrow with Amit bhai (Shah) and all related decisions will be taken there, Shinde said, adding the modalities of forming the new government will be finalised in meeting at Delhi. THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The State government has allayed the growing apprehensions among the local residents that the declaration of villages as Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESA) will result in their eviction. The Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira said that declaration of ESA does not mean eviction but yes there would be certain restrictions that would be imposed on various activities within the ESA villages. Speaking to media persons, Sequeira said there is anxiety among the local residents that declaration of villages as ESA will result in their eviction. Their apprehension stems from the fact that there are many who are unaware about the issue. “Let me make it very clear that declaration of eco-sensitive areas does not mean even a single person would be made to vacate the area. An assurance has been given in this regard to the villagers Let me make it very clear that declaration of ESAs does not mean even a single person would be made to vacate the area. There are certain restrictions that would be imposed on the villages, other than that there is no issue,” — Aleixo Sequeira, Environment Minister and we reassure this again,” he said. “If you ask me, there are certain restrictions that would be imposed on the villages, other than that there is no issue,” he added referring to the draft notification which speaks about things that are allowed and not once the village is declared as ESA. Giving an example, he said if mining is going on in these >Continued on P9 Religious conversion for job quota benefits a fraud on Constitution, rules Supreme Court PTI NEW DELHI n a significant verdict, the Supreme Court has said religious conversions undertaken solely to avail reservation benefits without genuine belief amounted to a “fraud on the Constitution”. Justices Pankaj Mithal and R Mahadevan passed the verdict on November 26 in a case filed by one C Selvarani and upheld a Madras High Court decision of January 24 denying a scheduled caste certificate to a woman who converted to Christianity but later claimed to be a Hindu to secure employment benefits. Justice Mahadevan, who I SPORTS Bumrah regains top spot in ICC Test bowling rankings 15 Lukewarm response to sand mining permits DMG receives just 50 applications ARCHBISHOP PARRA SAYS POPE HAS DEEP LOVE FOR COUNTRY; CARDINAL FERRÃO PINS HOPES ON GOVERNOR FOR OFFICIAL INVITATION VIA CENTRE THE GOAN I NETWORK >> See PG 2 Instagram.com/thegoanonline 3 2 10 Vatican delegation in Goa hints at possible papal visit to India Uncertainty over Comunidade polls in S Goa as administrator goes on leave CYBER TECH Facebook.com/thegoan KEY COURT OBSERVATIONS „„If the purpose of conversion is largely to derive the benefits of reservation but not with any actual belief in the other religion, the same cannot be permitted, as the extension of benefits of reservation to people with such ulterior motives will only defeat the social ethos of the policy of reservation „„Despite the evidence that the appellant professed Christianity and actively practiced the faith by attending church regularly, claims to be a Hindu and seeks for a SC community certificate for the purpose of employment was untenable and she cannot continue to identify herself as a Hindu after baptism wrote the 21-page verdict for the bench, further underscored that one converted to a different religion, when they were genuinely inspired by its principles, tenets and spiritual thoughts. “However, if the purpose of conversion is largely to derive the benefits of reservation but not with any actual belief in the other religion, the same cannot be permitted, as the extension of benefits of reservation to people with such ulterior motives will only defeat the social ethos of the policy of reservation,” he noted. The evidence presented before the bench was found to have clearly demonstrated that the appellant professed Christianity and actively practiced the faith by attending church regularly. “Despite the same, she claims to be a Hindu and seeks for a SC community certificate for the purpose of employment,” it noted. “Such a dual claim made by her,” said the bench “was untenable and she cannot continue to identify herself as a Hindu after baptism”. The top court, therefore, held the conferment of scheduled caste communal status to the woman, who was a Christian by faith, but claimed to be still embracing Hinduism only for the purpose of availing reservation in employment, “would go against the very object of reservation and would amount to fraud on the Constitution”. The top court underlined a religious conversion solely to access reservation benefits, without genuine belief in the adopted religion, undermined the fundamental social objectives of the quota policy and >Continued on P9 his blessings and greetings to the people of India and Goa. Pope Francis recognises the significance of this region for the future of the Church and humanity,” he said. He hailed the joint efforts of the Goa government and the Church in managing the large influx of pilgrims attending the event, calling it “an exemplary model of cooperation.” He further expressed hope for strengthened relations between India and the Vatican citing that the ongoing dialogue fosters mutual respect and unity among people of different faiths. “This unity is essential in today’s world,” he added. Cardinal Ferrão expressed gratitude for the Vatican’s involvement. “The visit of the Holy See delegation to Goa is a matter of great joy for us. Their presence during the >Continued on P9 Curchorem bank fraud: 17 cases registered, ` 1.29 cr siphoned MARGAO: With 17 applications filed in connection with the Curchorem scam of siphoning money from account holders, the Superintendent of Police, South, Sunita Sawant on Wednesday said the total amount of money siphoned off by the fraudsters is now pegged at around Rs 1.29 crore.   >> See pg 2 THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The Directorate of Mines and Geology (DMG) has received a lukewarm response from the local community for sand mining. As the month-long deadline ended earlier this month, the department received hardly 50 applications from the local community seeking sand extraction permits in River Mandovi and Zuari. The Goa State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) had accorded approval for fresh Environmental Clearances (ECs) for sand extraction in 12 zones across the Mandovi and Zuari rivers. The ECs were recommended for sand mining in seven zones in River Mandovi and five in Zuari. However, the Goa State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) has deferred its decision on EC pending site verification. DMG had in October invited applications from the persons from the local community for sand mining, within a period of 30 days. Sources informed that only 50 applications were received. The department had said that almost 70 per cent of the licences would be issued to traditional extractors with a cap on individual to carry out 1000 cubic metres of sand mining per year as per the Goa Mineral Concession REVIVAL WITH RESTRICTIONS „„The activity would be restricted through manual method and use of mechanical equipment, excavator, shovel, heavy-machinery, pump, dredgers, etc are banned „„The activities will be undertaken between 06.00 am to 06.00 pm only with no sand extraction and allied activities being allowed during monsoon season (Amendment) Rules 2022. The activity would be restricted through manual method and use of mechanical equipment, excavator, shovel, heavy-machinery, pump, dredgers, etc are banned. Also, the activities will be undertaken between 06.00 am to 06.00 pm only with no sand extraction and allied activities being allowed during monsoon season. Legal sand mining activities were banned in the State since 2018 after Goa River Sand Protector’s Network (GRSPN) approached the High Court seeking restrictions on the number of sand mining permits. Later in 2021, it even challenged the ECs granted for sand mining along the stretches of River Chapora.