TUESDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2025 GOA IFFI to host first AI film festival in Goa PANAJI: The International Film Festival of India has announced the launch of the country’s first Artificial Intelligence Film Festival and Hackathon, to be held in Goa from November 20 to 28, alongside the 56th edition of IFFI. The event will feature a diverse array of experiences, including an AI Film Showcase presenting AI-generated films across fiction, documentary, animation, and experimental genres. Centre releases `400 crore to Goa PANAJI: The Central government has released Rs 400 crore to Goa for meeting the target of operationalization of two iron ore mineral blocks in the current financial year. The money has been released under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2025–26 (Reforms) initiative.  >> See pg 3 Bainguinim project bid date extended MAPUSA: The Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC) has extended the deadline for submission of bids under its Request for Qualification (RFQ) to set up the long-awaited solid waste management project at Bainguinim to November 10.   >> See pg 3 Parl panel on SCs, STs to visit Goa The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 12 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME XI, NO. 137 GOA PIL alleges safety lapses along Porvorim flyover work stretch THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Goa is set to kick off with a monthlong house-to-house enumeration phase from Tuesday. The coastal State has got around 11.85 lakh eligible voters as on date. The SIR, will also commence in eight other States and three Union territories. The last intensive revision for Goa was conducted by the Commission in the year 2002, when the total voters were around 9.27 lakhs. Dubbed ‘SIR 2.0’, this sweeping exercise will culminate with the publication of final electoral rolls on February 7, 2026, before which on December 9, the draft roll will be published for necessary corrections. Unlike routine voter list updates, SIR 2.0 is a ground-level operation designed to weed out duplication and errors from India’s massive voter database. It involves door-todoor verification to ensure SIR 2.0 AT A GLANCE „„A ground-level voter list verification drive „„Conducted to remove duplicate, deceased, and migrated voters „„Ensures only eligible citizens are on the electoral rolls „„Involves door-to-door verification by officials „„Aims for accuracy, transparency, and inclusiveness in the voter database only eligible voters remain on the rolls while deceased, migrated, or duplicate entries are struck off. In essence, it’s a democratic spring-cleaning exercise. “The objective of an intensive revision is to ensure that the names of all eligible citizens are included in the Electoral Roll (ER) so as to enable „„Different from routine updates — more detailed and field-based „„Last intensive revision carried out in Goa in 2002 „„Described as a “democratic spring-cleaning” of voter list them to exercise their franchise, no ineligible voter is included in the electoral rolls and also to introduce complete transparency in the process of addition or deletion of electors in the electoral rolls,” the Chief Electoral Office said in the statement. “The last intensive revision for Goa was conducted by the >> See pg 3 WEATHER >> Max: Min: Humidity: 31.5 C 24.3 C 90% INFO Homemade green gram flour face pack for anti-ageing Commission in the year 2002. Various reasons such as rapid urbanization, frequent migration, young citizens becoming eligible to vote, non-reporting of deaths and inclusion of the names of foreign illegal immigrants have necessitated the conduct of an intensive revision so as to ensure integrity and preparation of error-free electoral rolls,” CEO said. As per the schedule, the applicants can file their claims and objections from December 9 to January 8, 2026 while the notice phase including issuance, hearing and verification, will be done till January 31. Chief Electoral Officer Sanjay Goel, chaired the special review meeting with regards to preparation and guided all concerned officials to cooperate and act accordingly to complete the process of SIR effectively. The State Level Help Desk at the helpline 1950 will be operational 24x7 during Special Intensive Revision, 2026, on >Continued on P5 9 SPORTS Gayle, players stranded in Srinagar hotel after IHPL scam State drops floating solar power project on 4 dams Cites possible contamination of raw water THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI After initially keeping Rs 1,300 crore floating solar energy project on hold for more than one and half year, the State government has finally decided not to go ahead with generation of around 197 megawatt (MW) of green power across four dams. The floating solar project -- which has been successfully implemented across various States including Gujarat and Maharashtra -- in Goa was rejected by the Water Resources Department (WRD) citing concern with regards to possible contamination of raw water used for drinking. The Central government owned SJVN Green Energy Ltd (SGEL) in January, last year, had submitted a proposal to the State government to invest over Rs 1,300 crore to generate solar power by setting up four floating solar projects across dams -- Selaulim, Amthanem, Anjunem and Chapoli. SGEL along with Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA) worked out the pro- on NO FERRY TALE THIS: The car that plunged into the river near Sarmanas ferry wharf on Monday. A ferry crew member promptly dived in and managed to rescue the driver. (Report on pg 3) Apex court to pass order on stray dogs case on Nov 7 PTI NEW DELHI The Supreme Court on Monday said it will issue directions on November 7 with respect to the stray dogs menace being faced in institutions, including government and public sector ones, where employees are supporting, feeding and encouraging the canines. A three-judge bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N V Anjaria was hearing the matter. “Apart from recording the appearance and affidavits, we will also be issuing directions with respect to institutional menace which is being faced in government institutions, public sector institutions and other institutions where the employees are supporting, feeding and encouraging dogs in that area. For that, we will definitely be issuing some directions,” Justice Nath said. One of the advocates urged the bench that they be heard prior to passing of directions on the issue. MAPUSA What initially appeared to be a case of unprovoked assault on a group of tourists by nightclub bouncers at Vagator has now taken a twist. Multiple local sources have revealed that the tourists were allegedly the ones who triggered the confrontation by indulging in unruly and disruptive behaviour inside the club. According to staff on duty at Romeo Lane, where the incident occurred around 2 am on Sunday (November 2), a group of 10-12 tourists – both men and women – created a “major disturbance” after consuming alcohol. “The tourists started dancing on tables and chairs and even began taking food and drinks from other customers’ tables,” said a local employee who was present at the time. “We tried to reason with them but they refused to listen and continued creating chaos,” he added. „„Can impact surface of the water „„Solar panel array can block sunlight penetration into water bodies „„Thermal gradient can be disrupted „„As a result of the posal and for the same, it also conducted preliminary hydrological investigation of the four reservoirs to determine detailed parameters for ascertaining suitable floating solar power potential. Speaking to The Goan, WRD Minister Subhash Shi- A FIRST HAND ACCOUNT „„According to a local employee a group of 10-12 tourists – both men and women – created a “major disturbance” after consuming alcohol „„The tourists started dancing on tables and chairs and even began taking food and drinks from As the situation escalated, the management reportedly asked the group to leave, leading to an altercation that later spiralled into a physical confrontation. Police registered an FIR against the club’s bouncers and staff after the tourists from Varanasi, lodged a complaint. However, residents and workers in the Vagator-Anjuna belt allege that such incidents are becoming increasingly common. A P R IL 3 , GREEN POWER SETBACK: WRD’S CONCERNS TOURISTS DANCED ON TABLES, TOOK DRINKS & FOOD FROM OTHER TABLES, SAYS CLUB STAFFER THE GOAN I NETWORK 12 AFTER DELAY OF OVER 18 MONTHS… Beyond bouncers: The other side of Vagator club brawl IMD issues cyclone alert for Andaman Unfazed by learning disability and ADHD, this youth commands life with resilience RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729  HOUSE-TO-HOUSE ENUMERATION TO BE UNDERTAKEN  FINAL ROLL TO BE PUBLISHED ON FEBRUARY 7, 2026 PANAJI: The Parliamentary Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes will undertake a study visit to Goa from November 6 to 7, 2025. During the visit, the Committee will review the representation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in various government ministries, departments, public sector undertakings, organizations, and autonomous bodies in the State. NEW DELHI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued a 'Cyclone Alert' for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands following the formation of a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal, which is likely to intensify from November 4, officials said. Instagram.com/thegoanonline 3 2 Poll rolls revision drive kicks off in Goa today Margao faces garbage crisis as daily wage workers go on strike IN SHORT >> Facebook.com/thegoan 25 @thegoanonline 20 log on to thegoan.net other customers’ tables „„We tried to reason with them but they refused to listen and continued creating chaos „„The management asked the group to leave, but it led to an altercation and later spiralled into a physical confrontation “Every weekend, we see fights or complaints involving tourists. Many cases get compromised at the police station itself,” said local resident and guest house owner Jawish Moniz. “Most tourists don’t want to get into legal trouble and prefer to settle matters quietly,” he added. A local taxi driver who frequently operates in the area claimed that even some >Continued on P5 reduced sunlight, floating solar plants can also cause large areas of uneven surface heating, lowering reservoir turnover efficiencies, etc   „„Possible contamination of raw water used for drinking purpose rodkar said that the WRD has rejected the proposal as it could lead to contamination of dam water. “We cannot take the risk. We use dam water for drinking purpose and it would not be >Continued on P5 TRAGIC MONDAY Telangana road mishap claims 19 HYDERABAD: Nineteen people, including 13 women and a girl child, were killed and 22 others suffered injuries when a tipper lorry carrying gravel collided head-on with a public transport bus in Ranga Reddy district of Telangana. The tipper collided with the Telangana Road Transport Corporation (RTC) vehicle near Chevella, about 50 kms from Hyderabad, on Monday morning, resulting in the gravel falling on the bus. 12 dead in Jaipur dumper accident JAIPUR: At least 12 people were killed and as many injured when a speeding dumper truck rammed into several vehicles in Jaipur's Harmada area on Monday, officials said. "The dumper hit several vehicles in a chain collision near Loha Mandi. Twelve people died in the accident and as many have been injured," Jaipur District collector Jitendra Soni told PTI. Some of the injured are in critical condition and have been referred to the SMS Hospital's trauma centre.  >> Reports on pg 7 Varsity rolls out choice based credit system for PG students Police eyeing criminals in disguise of tourists ARREST OF DAWOOD’S AIDE IN GOA GRANTS ONE-TIME RELAXATION FOR SEMESTER I THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Goa University (GU) has formally introduced Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) for its postgraduate programmes in line with the national education policy (NEP) 2020. At the same time to avoid hardship during the transition period, the Varsity has announced one-time relaxation for semester I for the ongoing academic year 2025-26. Goa University has issued a new ordinance governing postgraduate programmes such as MA, MSc, MCom, MSW, MTTM, MPEd, MLI Sc, MBA, MBA (Financial Services), MCA, Postgraduate Diplomas, and other master’s level courses conducted by the University’s on-campus schools and affiliated colleges. The ordinance, which introduces CBCS will come into effect from the academic year 2025–26. A Master’s degree will typically require a minimum of 80 credits; for PG Diplomas and one-year degrees (post 4-year UG) the requirement is 40 credits. The programme differentiates credits for core, electives, research/dissertation, internship etc. By implementing OA-35A, Goa University aims to modernise its postgraduate education emphasis on flexibility, multidisciplinary exposure, credit transfer, exit-options and employability-oriented features. The University reiterated >Continued on P5 THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI he Goa Police on Monday said it is working on a mechanism to identify and track criminal elements entering the State under the guise of tourists, following the arrest of fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim’s associate Danish Merchant, from a resort by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Mumbai. The force admitted they had no prior information on Merchant’s presence in Goa, indicating the challenges of individuals blending into Goa’s tourist population to evade law enforcement. T „„Bouncers are meant Gupta to coordinate for crowd control, with shack owners, not to take the clubs, and hotels DGP’S law into their „„All establishTAKE ON own hands ments must LAW „„Police must have clear AND be called if a protocols for ORDER situation goes handling unruly beyond staff patrons without control resorting to violence or illegal actions „„Directs SP North Rahul “We are working on how to track the criminal elements. Some people come down as tourists,” Director General of Police Alok Kumar said. Merchant, also known as Danish Chikna, was picked up from a luxury resort on October 25 while the NCB tracked him down during an investigation Punishment must be proportionate: DGP on action against police in Navelim assault case >> See pg 3 into drug operations. As per the NCB, he is a close aide of Dawood Ibrahim and allegedly handled operations of a drug syndicate linked to the fugitive gangster. Merchant, a habitual offender, already faces three NDPS cases registered by the NCB and the Rajasthan police, while the Mumbai police have booked him in seven criminal cases and externed him from the city. DGP Kumar also flagged two recent incidents as reflective of broader challenges ahead of peak tourist season. The first incident involved the assault on a group of tourists by bouncers at the Romeo Lane club. Kumar said that while bouncers are required as part of crowd management, they cannot take the law into their own hands. “If a situation escalates beyond control, the police must be called in. If intervention is required, staff must know how to handle it. Beyond a point, police must be involved,” he said, adding >Continued on P5