log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline FRIDAY OCTOBER 25, 2024 Facebook.com/thegoan The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 15 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME X, NO.128 Instagram.com/thegoanonline WASHINGTON CASTS SPIN SPELL AS INDIA SEIZE CONTROL AGAINST NZ PG15 RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 Conmen make fake WhatsApp accounts of ministers, MLAs KHAUNTE, MAUVIN, RAVI FILE POLICE COMPLAINTS THE GOAN I NETWORK page 6 How a global carmaker captivated budget-minded Indians REVIEW: New Kia Carnival Limousine: Redefining luxury and comfort IN SHORT >> Konkani film to feature at IFFI PANAJI: Konkani film ‘Saavat’ directed by Shivam Harmalkar and Santosh Shetkar will be screened in non-feature films category in Indian Panorama section of IFFI 2024. The Indian Panorama, a flagship section of IFFI announced the selection of 25 feature films and 20 non-feature films to be showcased in the 55th edition. Online bids for choice numbers suspended PANAJI: The State government has temporarily suspended online bidding for choice registration numbers on the VAHAN portal, as well as the retention of these numbers, owing to technical glitches in the NIC software. >> See pg 3 Kerala man arrested for ` .11 cr fraud 1 PANAJI: The Cyber Crime Police have arrested a Kerala-based fraudster who allegedly defrauded people across five states including Goa and accumulated Rs 1.11 crore through investment scams/financial frauds. >> See pg 3 PORVORIM/VASCO Several top Goa politicians including ministers were attacked by cyber fraudsters with fake WhatsApp accounts created in their names. Police complaints have been lodged at multiple police stations related to the attempt at defrauding the politicians which are under investigation at Vasco and Porvorim. Three ministers -- Ravi Naik, Mauvin Godinho and Rohan Khaunte -- were among the politicians targeted and all three have filed complaints. Among the MLAs Jeet Arolkar, Nilesh Cabral and Premendra Shet were targeted by the fraudsters. Some of the targeted politicians have issued public notices through social media warning their acquaintances and karyakartas about con- THE CYBER CAT & MOUSE GAME Ministers Ravi Naik, Mauvin Godinho & Rohan Khaunte said unknown persons impersonated them and used their name and photo on WhatsApp to send messages to people Several targeted politicians have taken to social media to issue public warnings to their acquaintances and party workers about conmen attempting to extort money The incident has raised concerns about online scams targeting public figures and unsuspecting individuals men seeking money through their fake WhatsApp profiles. Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte filed a complaint at the Porvorim police station against an unknown person for impersonating him and using his name and photo on WhatsApp to send messages to people to trick them. In his complaint, Khaunte stated that on Thursday at about 2.50 pm, he was informed by his staff that an un- known person had sent him a WhatsApp text pretending to be Rohan Khaunte using his name and picture. Khaunte said he then immediately instructed his staff to check the contact number and other corresponding credentials of the said person. It was noticed that the unknown person had created a business account under his name and had used a photo which was uploaded on the website of the Goa Legislative Assembly, to make the WhatsApp contact look authentic. Khaunte then lodged a complaint against the miscreant for impersonating him and using his name and reputation to send messages under Section 319, 204 and 205 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Section 66D & 66D of IT Act, 2000 and Representation of the People Act, 1951. PANAJI he Tourism Department has geared up to elevate the temple tourism landscape with ‘Ekadasha Teertha Circuit’, claiming the initiative steps away from conventional temple tours. Unlike its usual offerings, the department is collaborating with the management of 11 temples, identified under the scheme, to ensure visitors have a serene spiritual experience. The digital realm will play a central role, with an extensive social media campaign and targeted outreach being key components of the promotional strategy. “Goa Tourism plans to T Board seeks reply from paper setter THE GOAN I NETWORK The minister requested the Porvorim police to register a First Information Report as the incident clearly discloses commission of a serious crime. He has also demanded an immediate investigation. In Vasco, a complaint was filed against an unknown person for allegedly creating a fake WhatsApp account in the name of Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho, in a fraudulent attempt to solicit money. Condemning the fraudulent activities, Godinho said, “It has come to my attention that a false message has been circulated in my name and image on WhatsApp, requesting money through an Amazon Pay e-gift card. This message is fraudulent, and I strongly condemn such activities.” The minister confirmed that an official complaint has been >Continued on P7 PANAJI The Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (GBSHSE) has initiated inquiry and sought a reply from the paper setter for Urdu Language, after ten students of Class IX had answers to the multiple choice questions (MCQs) printed alongside. CLASS IX URDU EXAM The incident took place in a school in Bicholim, wherein the answer sheet was found attached with the question paper. However, the same was removed from the main paper much before the commencement of the examination. As the State implemented National Education Policy (NEP) for Class IX from the current academic year, the Goa Board was entrusted with the task of conducting the examination and setting exam papers. Also, a semester system has been adopted, in which two exams would be held in an academic year. The first term examination commenced on Thursday, with a question paper consisting of 50 per cent MCQs and 50 per cent subjective or regular questions. When contacted, GBSHSE chairman Bhagirath Shetye said that it was very surprising to see that the answer sheet was attached with the question paper. “But even before the exams could commence, the mistake was rectified and the answer sheet was removed,” he said. Shetye said that as per procedure, the answer sheets and exam papers have to be made available to the schools in two separate sealed envelopes. “This is a rare occurrence due to non-disciplinary behavior of the exam setter,” he said. Booster for mining, Nursing institute in Key Mhadei panel meeting today 2 jetties okayed at South Goa from next Quepem, Sanguem academic year: Rane THE GOAN I NETWORK THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI As Goa gears up to recommence full-fledged iron ore mining activities in the State, a green clearance is accorded for construction of two new jetties for handling of ore cargo from the mineral blocks located in and around Quepem and Sanguem talukas. The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) during its meeting held earlier this month approved granting CRZ clearance to Dinar Tarcar Resources Pvt Ltd and M/s Minescape Minerals Pvt Ltd for construction of jetty and platforms for loading and unloading, strengthening of existing bund along Zuari river in Xelvona-Quepem and in Sanvordem-Sanguem, respectively. “As the project would have non-appreciable adverse impact with due implementation of controlled measures we find no hesitation to approve the said proposals,” reads the minutes of the meeting. GAME CHANGER Jetty project would contribute substantially to increase the various ore supplies to both domestic and export markets Would be also utilized for storage of iron ore and other non-hazardous products GCZMA says the project would have non-appreciable adverse impact with due implementation of controlled measures The project proponents have said that the construction of the modern jetty and platform is to handle iron ore with other industrial products. “The project would contribute substantially to increase the various supplies to both domestic and exports markets,” the PP said. The jetty would be also >Continued on P7 THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI A nursing institute is set to be commissioned at the erstwhile heritage edifice of the Hospicio hospital in Margao from next academic year making it the second such institution run by the government. The Institute will be set up under the aegis of the Directorate of Health Services much on the lines of its Institute at Bambolim after civil renovation work is carried out at the heritage building in Margao. Health minister Vishwajit Rane announced that the institute will be commissioned when the next academic year commences and in the interim the necessary formalities including the nod of the Nursing Council will be taken. “As promised to the people of South Goa during our last Assembly session on the floor of the House, a government-run nursing institution will be established in the upcoming academic year. In the interim, we will utilise this SHOT IN THE ARM Institute will be set up under aegis of DHS Will benefit students from South Goa Will strengthen overall healthcare system in Goa Permissions to be sought from Nursing Council to start the same courses offered at Bambolim time to complete all the necessary formalities,” Rane said in a post on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter). He said, the nursing institute will benefit students from South Goa who aspire to pursue a nursing career and it will also strengthen the overall healthcare system in Goa. DHS sources, meanwhile, said that permissions will be sought from the Nursing Council to start the same BSc (Nursing) degree, MSc (Nursing) post-graduate degree and basic diploma courses offered at its institute in Bambolim. Now, Goa plans temple tourism with digital outreach THE GOAN I NETWORK Answer sheet found attached to question paper in Bicholim TEMPLES UNDER EKADASHA TEERTHA CIRCUIT Sri Brahmakarmali Temple (Sattari) Sri Damodar Devasthan (Zambaulim) Sri Dattatreya Mandir (Sanquelim) Sri Hari Mandir (Margao) Mahadeva Temple (Tambdi Surla) market this spiritual project by focusing on attracting both domestic and international religious tourists. The department is working closely with temple authorities to develop and enhance infrastructure around the temples, making visits more comfortable and enriching for travellers. Sri Mahaganapati Temple (Khandola) Sri Mahalasa Temple (Mardol) Sri Parshuram Temple (Poinguinim) Sri Saptakoteshwar Temple (Narve) Sri Shantadurga Kunkallikarin (Fatorpa) Sri Mangueshi Temple This includes improving accessibility, building visitor amenities, and preserving the cultural and spiritual significance of the temples,” a tourism official said, speaking to The Goan. The Goa Tourism Development Corporation has already taken the lead in preparing a detailed project report to lay out the framework for this venture. The official elaborated that their promotion efforts will include showcasing the spiritual appeal of Goa through digital campaigns, social media outreach and collaborations with tour operators. “Special packages for temple tours and spiritual circuits will also be highlighted, encouraging tourists to explore Goa beyond its beaches and discover its sacred heritage,” he said. The scheme focuses on 11 significant spiritual sites within the State, with the official adding what distinguishes this initiative is its integration with the broader concept of regenerative tourism, which emphasizes community involvement and sustainability. “Unlike traditional temple tours, this circuit invites travellers to engage with the local culture and lifestyle, fostering deeper connections between visitors and the host communities,” he said. PANAJI The third meeting of the Mhadei-PRAWAH (Progressive River Authority for Welfare and Harmony) will be held in Goa on Friday. The meeting, which was supposed to be held in New Delhi on September 5, was postponed in view of Ganesh Chaturthi festival. PRAWAH held its first meeting in Goa in February, while the second took place in Bengaluru in July. The incumbent in-charge of Central Water Commission (CWC) Navin Kumar will chair the meeting, following superannuation of PM Scott. According to the sources, Goa government’s request for yet another joint site >Continued on P7
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