log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline WEDNESDAY JANUARY 24, 2024 GOA Degree course in fisheries soon: CM PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday announced that the government will soon launch a Bachelor’s programme in Fisheries Science at Goa University while citing this sector’s potential amidst the growing ‘Blue Economy.’ Speaking at the Flag Off ceremony of the Aqua Goa Mega Fish Festival 2023-24 scheduled next month, the CM further stated the need to encourage students to consider fisheries as a viable career option.  >> See pg 3 SDM sends notices to 22 Bhoma locals OLD GOA: Anticipating that the Bhomkars would indulge in violence thereby committing breach of peace and disturbing public tranquility, Ponda Sub Divisional Magistrate has sent notices to 22 Bhomkars over the road-widening agitation.  >> See pg 3 CEO concerned over low turnout at polls PANAJI: The Chief Electoral officer raised concern over urban apathy towards voting ahead of the upcoming Parliamentary elections 2024 saying despite awareness, there was a notable reluctance to actively engage in the voting process >> See pg 3 Urban forest park mooted at Valpoi PANAJI: Four capital projects including urban forest park at Valpoi and riverfront development for Ponda and Valpoi are slated to be taken up under the scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment for 2022-23. Mobiles found with convicts in jail MAPUSA: A sudden check at the Central Jail in Colvale revealed induction plates and mobile phones with prisoners, while another under trial was found in possession of ganja and tobacco. In a third incident on Tuesday, a Nigerian female prisoner allegedly pelted stones at a security guard. Dog squad deployed at Majali border CANACONA: Ahead of the Republic Day, Karnataka has tightened its borders and has deployed a dog squad to assist police and excise sleuths at its Majali check post.   >> See pg 5 WEATHER >> Max: 32 C Min: 20 C Humidity: 85% TIDES Low: High: 04:24 16:06 09:15 23:27 2 GOA Goencho Ekvott, locals stage protest in Velsao against double-track work RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 INFO The best time to drink milk according to Ayurveda 8 150 MW SANCTIONED, BUT GOA HAS ZERO SOLAR-INSTALLED CAPACITY SO FAR UNDER THE CENTRAL SCHEME THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI As the State government eyes 100 per cent solar energy usage by decreasing its dependence on fossil fuels in the coming years, the agriculture sector is yet to make its mark in the sector. Goa has zero solar-installed capacity so far, under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha  Uthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) as against the sanctioned 150 MW. PM KUSUM scheme, launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in July 2019 has three components and unfortunately, Goa’s achievement is only 6.3% in solarisation farm sector. The Union Ministry data, released last month, itself reveals that as against the sanctioned capacity of 200 stand-alone solar pumps, not THE SOLAR WAY: FACTS & FIGURES „„Under PM KUSUM scheme Goa’s achievement is only 6.3% in solarisation of the farm sector „„Data reveals that as against sanctioned capacity of 200 standalone solar pumps, not a single pump has been installed till date „„Under Individual Pump Solarisation and Feeder Level Solarisation, State managed to install just 700 out of 11,000 sanctioned „„State had given 100% subsidy for purchasing solar pumps after farmers stayed away from adopting solar powered irrigation pumps „„Goa had also notified setting up off-grid, standalone solar photovoltaic water pumping systems FLASHBACK: Centre and State government offered subsidy of 30% each while the remaining 40% had to be taken care of by famers, who found it nonaffordable a single pump has been installed till date. However, under the Individual Pump Solarisation and Feeder Level Solarisation, the State managed to install a total 700 out of 11,000 sanctioned, however the generation remains zero. Three components of the scheme are -- to install grid-connected, ground-mounted, solar-power plants on barren, fallow, marshy or cultivable lands by farmers or solar power developers or local bodies.   The second component is installation of standalone solar pumps in off-grid areas and the third, solarisation of grid-connected agri pumps. Sources informed that with farmers staying away from adopting solar powered irrigation pumps, the State government, through the recent Banastarim mishap: 6 months on, no sign of chargesheet Police still awaiting forensic reports THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Even after six-months, the Crime Branch is still to file a chargesheet against businessman Shripad Sinai Sawardekar alias Paresh in the horrific accident in Banastarim. The August 6, 2023 mishap claimed three lives and left three others critically injured, all of whom are yet to recover fully. Sources said that while the investigation is complete, the chargesheet has been delayed owing to pending reports from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) in Pune and the State FSL at Verna. “There is no urgency since the accused is already on bail and moreover, the forensic reports are pending. We will send these laboratories a reminder to expedite the process of examining the samples and submit us the report,” police sources said. The CFSL Pune had already communicated to the Crime Branch that analysis of bloodstain and DNA samples, call details, and other evidence might take three months. THE WAIT PROLONGS „„Analysis of bloodstain and DNA samples, call details and other evidence to take about three months from CFSL Pune „„Once these reports are got, the chargesheet will be submitted to the prosecution for an opinion before filing it in the Court „„There is no urgency since the accused is already on bail and moreover, the forensic reports are pending „„Laboratories are to be sent a reminder to expedite process of examining samples and submit report -- According to police sources “Once we get these reports, the chargesheet will be submitted to the prosecution for an opinion before filing it in the Court,” the source said. It has so far been confirmed that Paresh was the one driving the ill-fated Mercedes Benz at the time of the accident and not his wife Meghana. Despite some serious lapses in the initial probe by Mardol police, the CB had submitted both old and fresh evidence, including blood stains from the Mercedes airbags to compare with the DNA of Paresh Sea of humanity at Ayodhya as temple opens doors to public AYODHYA A massive crowd that swelled by the hour and became unmanageable in the afternoon thronged the main gateway to the Ram temple here as it opened its doors to the public on Tuesday, a day after the consecration ceremony. Ram Path -- the main thoroughfare -- was choked as devotees flooded the streets of the temple town, which has been gripped by religious fervour over the inauguration of the grand mandir. The entry of devotees to the temple complex began at 6 am and about 2.5 lakh people are likely to have visited the 3 Instagram.com/thegoanonline Sun yet to shine on State’s solar plan for agri sector DAY AFTER CONSECRATION CEREMONY… PTI The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 13 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME IX, NO. 217 Refund: Fate of MUCB depositors exceeding `5 lakh hangs in balance IN SHORT >> Facebook.com/thegoan 5 LAKH DEVOTEES ON FIRST DAY „„The entry of devotees to the temple complex began at 6 am and about 2.5 lakh people visited the temple by 2 pm. It is estimated that about five lakh devotees will have visited by the end of the day temple by 2 pm, Ayodhya Divisional Commissioner Gaurav Dayal told PTI. It is estimated that about five lakh devotees will have visited by the end of the day, another official said. Waiting in serpentine queues outside the temple were people who had been camping in Ayodhya since before the consecration ceremony, having made long and difficult journeys to reach the temple town. An idol of the new Ram Lalla was consecrated at the Ayodhya temple on Monday, a landmark event led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On Tuesday, ‘’Ram dhun’’ played in the streets as security personnel kept guard and sought to control the crowd even as many chanted “Jai Shri Ram” and attempted to enter through the gateway. For a couple hours in the afternoon, the crowd became >Continued on P5 and Meghana, and the call/ message/ WhatsApp details for forensic examination. Paresh was arrested for driving recklessly under the influence of alcohol, nearly eight hours after the accident. The same Mardol police team faced allegations of a cover-up given that the couple belonged to influential families. This was followed by the arrest of President of the Aam Aadmi Party Goa Amit Palekar on charges of allegedly attempting to mislead the police Cabinet, decided to give 100 per cent subsidy for purchasing solar pumps. “The scheme is basically aimed for de-dieselising the farming sector,” sources said. The State notified the implementation of component B of the scheme for setting up off-grid, standalone solar photovoltaic water pumping systems by farmers (inherited/self-owned/caretaker cultivator) for the year 2021-2022. Earlier, the Centre and State used to offer subsidy of 30% each while the remaining 40 per cent had to be taken care of by the famers, who also find it non-affordable, sources said. “The farmers would have been in position to use the generated solar power to meet their agriculture needs while the excess would be sold out at a tariff fixed by the government,” sources said.  SPORTS AFC Asian Cup: India crashes out after 0-1 loss to Syria 13 BOOST FOR MINING RESTART, CENTRE GRANTS FIRST EC Vedanta’s Bicholim block gets nod THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI In a major boost to fresh iron ore extraction activities in the State that were shut since March 2018, the Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has granted Environmental Clearance to M/s Vedanta Limited for its mineral block at Bicholim. This is the first EC granted to mining lease post suspension of the activities. In a communication to Vedanta Limited on Tuesday, the Ministry has granted EC for Bicholim block I having iron ore production capacity of three million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The mineral block with an area of 478.5206 ha is located in Bicholim and comprises of Bordem, Lamgao, Mulgao, Mayem and Sirigao villages of Bicholim taluka. The public hearing for grant of EC was held on August 11. Based on the hearing, Vedanta Ltd had approached MoEF&CC for EC. BICHOLIM LEADS THE WAY „„Ministry has granted EC for Vedanta’s Bicholim block I having iron ore production capacity of three million tonnes per annum „„The mineral block with an area of 478.5206 ha is located in Bicholim and comprises of Bordem, Lamgao, Mulgao, Mayem and Sirigao villages “The matter was examined in the EAC in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006 and further amendments thereto and the undersigned is directed to say that the Ministry of Environment Forest & Climate Change after accepting the recommendation of EAC in its meeting held during 26th December, 2023 hereby accords the Environmental Clearance (EC) to M/s Vedanta >Continued on P5 Modi to arrive in State on Feb 6, to address public meet in Margao THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Goa to inaugurate the India Energy Week 2024, at Betul on February 6. The announcement was made during the BJP Core Committee meeting held at party headquarters, to discuss arrangements including security checks for PM’s visit. Union Minister of State for Tourism, and North Goa MP Shripad Naik said the PM will also address a public meeting on the same day in Margao. “PM will be arriving for the India Energy Week on February 6 followed by a public meeting,” he told reporters, as he along with other BJP ministers and leaders emerged from the closed-door meeting. PM’s visit comes ahead of the Lok Sabha polls and after the grand participation of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at Ayodhya on January 22. The event at Betul also coincides with the Budget session of the Goa Legislative Assembly. More than 35,000 attendees, 350 exhibitors, 400 speakers and over 4,000 delegates, from over 100 countries will participate. ART WORK: Artists work on a prop ahead of the opening of Lokutsav at Darya Sangam, Kala Academy on Tuesday.  Narayan Pissurlenkar Lok Sabha polls on April 16? Internal note creates flutter PTI NEW DELHI An internal note circulated by the office of Delhi’s Chief Electoral Officer having April 16 as the tentative “poll date” to help officials schedule various activities “in the build up” to the Lok Sabha elections created a flutter among journalists about the possible schedule of the upcoming polls. Responding to queries, the Chief Electoral Officer’s office clarified that date was mentioned only for “reference” for officials to plan activities. “Some media queries are coming referring to a circular by @CeodelhiOffice to clarify whether April 16 is tentative poll day for Lok Sabha elections. It is clarified that this date was mentioned only for ‘’reference’’ for officials to plan activities as per Election Planner of ECI,” the CEO office posted on X. In a communication, the CEO’’s office had referred to the Election Planner issued by ECI in which various activities in the build up to the election has been given along with the timelines. Canada puts cap on student visas, may hit Indians PTI OTTAWA anada has announced that it is imposing an immediate two-year cap on new international student visas to tackle a housing crisis and target institutional “bad actors”, a move that is likely to impact Indians planning to study in the country. Immigration Minister Marc Miller said as part of the cap there will be a 35 per cent reduction in new study visas in 2024. The cap is expected to result in 364,000 new approved permits in 2024. Nearly 560,000 such visas were issued last year. The cap will be in place for two years; the number of permits to be issued in 2025 will be reassessed at the end of this year, he said. To maintain a sustainable C HOUSING CRISIS: CAUSE & EFFECT „„35% reduction in new study visas in 2024 „„Cap expected to result in 364,000 new approved permits in 2024 „„Nearly 560,000 such visas issued last year „„Cap to be in place for two years level of temporary residence in Canada, as well to ensure that there is no further growth in the number of international students in Canada for 2024, we are setting a national application intake cap for two years from 2024, Global News quoted Miller as saying. The move comes amid pressure on the federal government from provinces on the increasing numbers „„Number of permits to be issued in 2025 to be reassessed „„Move comes amid pressure on government on increasing numbers of non-permanent residents entering Canada while country struggles with a of non-permanent residents entering Canada while the country struggles with a housing crisis, CBC News said. Miller earlier this month said that a cap on international students would not be a one-size-fits-all solution to housing shortages. More than 800,000 international students were issued temporary study visas in 2022. Miller said last fall that 2023’s housing crisis „„More than 800,000 international students were issued temporary study visas in 2022 „„Move expected to impact students from India who see Canada as a preferred destination numbers were on track to be more than triple the number accepted 10 years ago. The move is expected to impact students from India who see Canada as a preferred destination for higher studies. India was the first among the top ten origin countries of study permit holders in 2022 in Canada, with a total of 319,000 students. Miller said that by imposing the cap, the federal government is taking action against some small private colleges. The move will help the government to target institutional “bad actors”, he said. “It’s unacceptable that some institutions have taken advantage of international students by operating under-resourced campuses, lacking supports for students and charging high tuition fees all the while significantly increasing their intake of international students,” Miller said. In some provinces, Miller said, the total reduction in permits will be 50 per cent. Provinces and territories will be left to decide how permits are distributed among universities and colleges in their jurisdictions. The cap will be in place for two years; the number of permits to be issued in 2025 will be reassessed.