log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 13 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME XI, NO. 85 Instagram.com/thegoanonline LITTON FIFTY SEALS COMFORTABLE WIN FOR BANGLADESH >>13 RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 CBC 15502/13/0011/2526 FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2025 Facebook.com/thegoan Page 6 From niche to mainstream: The churn in India’s e-scooter market TVS Ntorq 150: Sporty performance meets urban smart features IN SHORT >> Battle royale for GCA control on cards PANAJI: A battle royale is expected to ensue over the next few days for control of the cash-rich Goa Cricket Association (GCA) as two powerful factions will lock horns at the elections scheduled for September 16. Filing of nominations ended on Thursday and the battle is shaping up into a gripping duel between a faction led by the current top honcho Rohan Desai and another faction which is led by prominent cricket administrator of yesteryears Chetan Desai.  >> See pg 12 Onda mineral block hearing on Sept 29 PANAJI: The environmental public hearing for the Onda Mineral Block (X), located in Ona village of Sattari and owned by Agravanshi Pvt Limited, will be held on September 29. The firm seeks to obtain prior environmental clearance for production of 0.5 mn tons of iron ore per annum.  >> See pg 3 K’taka man run over by train at Dabolim PANAJI: A 47-year-old man, Sharan Pirangi of Vijayapura, Karnataka, was found dead on the railway track between Dabolim and Vasco early Thursday. He had sustained fatal injuries, consistent with being struck by a train. One booked for poisoning pet dogs PANAJI: Police have registered an offence against a caretaker for allegedly killing two pet dogs by poisoning them at a residence in Porvorim. The accused was a caretaker of a Porvorim row house belonging to Mumbai native. Mauvin gets one more portfolio PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has allocated the Legislative Affairs portfolio to Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho. The Legislative Affairs portfolio was held by the Chief Minister till now, following the resignation of Minister Alexio Sequeira. Report flags cocktail of drugs in BITS Pilani student’s death  COPS CONFIRM MOST ARE ‘ABUSED NARCOTIC SUBSTANCES’, TO PROBE ALLEGED AVAILABILITY OF DRUGS ON CAMPUS VIBHA VERMA THE GOAN I PANAJI The medical examination into the death of 20-year-old Rishi Nair, a second-year BITS Pilani student who was found unresponsive in his hostel room recently, suggested that a combination of sedatives, stimulants and recreational drugs may have triggered vomiting, followed by aspiration -- a fatal condition in which vomit enters the lungs during sleep. The findings, shared with the South Goa police for the ongoing investigation, revealed the presence of a dangerous mix of narcotic substances and prescription drugs in his system. Tests detected Zolpidem (ZOLP), a powerful prescription sleeping pill, in both Nair’s blood and stomach contents, besides traces of methamphetamine, amphetamine, MDMA and acetami- „„Forensic stomach contents KEY findings confirm FINDINGS „„High presence of concentrations OF THE dangerous of narcotics MEDICAL -- Methamphetmix of narcotic REPORT amine (28.27 ng/ substances, prescription drugs ml), MDMA in Nair’s system (110.19 ng/ml), „„Tests detect Zolpidem and Ampheta(Zolsoma 10), a prescripmine (>421 ng/ tion sedative for insomnia, ml) along with at 14.03 ng/ml in his blood Acetaminophen and over 66.6 ng/ml in his (30.64 ng/ml) – nophen. “Drugs/substance named ZOLP is detected in blood sample with concentration of 14.03 ng/ ml and in stomach content with concentration of >66.6 ng/ml is a component of tablet medically prescribed tabled named Zolsoma 10 which is used for treatment of insomnia,” reads the medical findings. The records further revealed the presence of 28.27 ng/ml of Methamphetamine, MDMA (3, 4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine 110.19 ng/ml), AMPH (Amphetamine >421 ng/ml) and ACE (Acetaminophen 30.64 ng/ ml). The police confirmed to The Goan that out of these, only ACE is available over the Row breaks out over syllabus change at Mushtifund school  GOVT STEPS IN, ORDERS EDU SECY TO PROBE  PARENTS LIVID OVER USE OF NCERT BOOKS THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Amid growing controversy over syllabus change at a Panaji-based private school, the Goa government has stepped in with the NEP committee headed by Education Secretary Prasad Lolayekar to investigate the matter. The issue came to light during a meeting of the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) with schools to review the centralised common exams, when it was found that Shree Mahalaxmi Primary School (Mushtifund Saunstha) had allegedly implemented the syllabus incorrectly. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) textbooks were being used in Class IV -- despite question papers set by the SCERT based on the syllabus approved by the Goa government. “We have taken cognisance CURRICULUM CONUNDRUM „„NCERT textbooks were being used in Class IV despite question papers being set by SCERT based on govt-approved syllabus „„NEP committee headed by Edu Secy Prasad Lolayekar to investigate „„SCERT Director says model question papers as per SCERT syllabus sent to all schools, mandatorily to be followed „„SCERT-based common exam compulsory for all schools, all grades across State of the matter and it will be placed before the NEP steering committee headed by the Secretary Education. We have already sent model question papers as per the SCERT syllabus to all schools and it is mandatory to be followed,” SCERT Director Meghana Shetgaonkar told The Goan. She further said that the SCERT-based common examination is compulsory for all schools and all grades across the State, while warning that any lapses in this regard will be viewed seriously. The NEP-based NCERT books for Class IV in >Continued on P8 also recorded „„Investigators note that narcotics when consumed orally in liquid form, can cause gastritis & vomiting „„Records indicate that Nair was under treatment with three antidepressant medications, one of which was Zolsoma 10 counter, while the others are ‘abused narcotics substances’ that lead to gastritis and vomiting if taken orally in liquid form. Further, Nair was on three antidepressant medications, one of which was Zolsoma 10. “Since this drug has reached the blood, it will have its sleep effects on the deceased person and he vomits during such sleep, there are chances of aspirating it in the lungs. Further, all three detected narcotics substances are known to cause gastritis and instant vomiting,” the findings further mentioned. The investigation team confirmed that a mix of sedatives and narcotics could have led to vomiting and other complications. Police are now probing how the banned substances allegedly entered the BITS campus. “All this will be subject to investigation. We have been regularly camping in the premises and interviewing students without disturbing their regular schedule,” a senior officer said. Nair was under clinical treatment with doctors attributing his condition to health neglect. Police had initially ruled out links to narcotics, while the institute has denied suggestions of academic stress being a factor. Two new machines to boost detection of narcotics in Goa Machines to be placed at SGDH and at Verna forensic laboratory THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Goa may soon strengthen its forensic testing capacity with the likely addition of two more advanced drug detection machines. The State government is in the process of acquiring two Randox machines – one for the South Goa District Hospital, Margao, and another for the State Forensic Science Laboratory in Verna.  The machines, manufactured by UK-based Randox, are capable of detecting narcotic drugs from the human blood and body fluid samples with high sensitivity. The Goan has learnt that until recently, the admissibility of such technology-based reports in courts was uncertain due to provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). But the reports are now admissible in courts under the new law.  "With the introduction of the Bharatiya Nagarik Surak- NEW TECHNOLOGY „„Can identify traces of around 29 different drugs, including those often missed by conventional forensic methods „„Machines can be installed in hospital laboratories and can generate results in quick time „„Capable of detecting narcotic drugs from the human blood and body fluid samples with high sensitivity sha Sanhita (BNSS) and a July 2025 recommendation from the Directorate of Prosecution, the reports are now recognised as admissible evidence in criminal trials," Dr Madhu Ghodkirekar, Associate Professor in Forensic Medicine, GMC and presently >Continued on P8 MGNREGA: Govt hikes daily wages for workers Calangute p’yat cracks whip on roadside encroachments THE GOAN I NETWORK THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Government has notified enhancement in daily wage rate under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) from Rs 356 to Rs 378 for unskilled manual work with retrospective effect from April 1. As per the notification, all jobseekers employed under MGNREGA will now be entitled to the revised wage. “The Central govt has enhanced the wage from Rs 356 to Rs 378 per day to job seekers for unskilled work in Goa vide Notification dated 27th March, 2025,” project director Premraj Shirodkar said. “In view of the above enhancement of wages for the State of Goa, the wage rate of Rs 356 to be read as Rs 378 per day for jobseekers for unskilled manual work under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with effect from 1st April, 2025,” he said further.  MAPUSA In what could be the first decisive step after the High Court’s directive six months ago, the Calangute panchayat on Thursday launched a demolition drive against illegal commercial structures encroaching upon the road widening area at Gauravaddo. According to officials, a survey conducted earlier revealed at least 23 roadside structures encroaching on public land earmarked for road expansion. Following due procedure, the panchayat issued demolition orders to all the proprietors. On Thursday, JCB machines were deployed to pull down several shops that had come up abutting the highway. “One proprietor managed to secure a stay order from the court, but the demolition of the remaining 22 illegal structures is underway. We followed all the procedures – conducted a survey, issued notices, and gave adequate SETS PRECEDENT AFTER HIGH COURT DIRECTIVE ALL IN DAY’S WORK: A portion of a commercial structure that was demolished during Thursday’s action in Calangute.  Saurav Shirodkar time for response – before initiating this action,” said Arjun Velip, Secretary of Calangute panchayat. The demolition drive was carried out in the presence of Calangute panchayat officials, talathi, mamlatdar and a contingent of Calangute police to prevent any law and order issues. The drive is expected to continue on Friday until all the marked structures are cleared. The crackdown comes in the wake of the March 6 order of the High Court of Bombay at Goa, which directed the State government to initiate phased action against illegal constructions, beginning with roadside encroachments that obstruct public works. Following the order, the Directorate of Panchayats and the Directorate of Municipal Administration had instructed local bodies to act against >Continued on P8 THE GOAN I NETWORK PUSHES FOR REFORMS, BETTER SUPPORT SERVICES THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI NGO Anyay Rahit Zindagi (ARZ), involved in rescuing and rehabilitating victims of abuse, has highlighted serious gaps in the State’s response to domestic violence cases while urging reforms in the legal process, better support services and stronger coordination among agencies. In its comprehensive study, the NGO also revealed that many victims of physical, sexual, verbal, emotional and financial abuse refrain from pursuing legal action due to social stigma, financial dependence and delays in court procedures. As per the report titled “Shining a Light on Domestic Violence: Challenges and Solutions”, 60 cases of domestic violence were reported in Mormugao in the past year, but only one was formally registered. The Block De- velopment Officer’s office in Mormugao alone recorded 39 cases during the same period. “Women often don't want to register cases due to shame or loss of reputation in society, financial instabilities, reluctance to engage in court proceedings and delay in orders passed. Victims are scared of reaction by in-laws and lack of support from parents,” the study states. >Continued on P8 PANAJI oa’s political leaders have jumped onto the latest internet craze, the ‘Nano Banana’ AI trend, by sharing hyper-realistic 3D figurine versions of themselves. Among those featured are Union Minister of State and North Goa MP Shripad Naik, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and his cabinet colleaguesHealth Minister Vishwajit Rane and Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho, along with BJP State President Damodar Naik. Party social media handles have been quick to circulate these G HOW IT WORKS Study exposes serious gaps in State’s Goa’s politicians go ‘bananas’ over AI figurine fad response to domestic violence cases „„Either upload a photo or „„Open the Gemini app or Google AI Studio on the web type in a text prompt to get started „„Enter Google’s official prompt: “Create a 1/7 scale commercialised figurine…” to generate the toy-like avatar „„Within seconds, a shiny 3D figurine image appears—ready to save, tweak, or post online toy-like avatars, adding to the buzz. Revolutionary Goans Party MLA Viresh Borkar and party leader Manoj Parab also tried their hands at the new AI trend. The quirky trend, powered by Google’s Gemini 2.5 Flash Image tool, has gone viral across India. It allows users to generate collectable-style figurines that look like shiny store-bought toys, but are completely AI-generated and free. Much like OpenAI’s earlier Studio Ghibli and Pixar-style art waves, the Nano Banana challenge has taken over timelines and feeds, driving fresh engagement with AI-generated art. The craze has also given a major boost to Google’s Gemini app. According to Google VP Josh Woodward, the app crossed 10 million downloads within days of the Nano Banana launch, a surge that highlights the growing popularity of AI-powered creativity tools. For those wanting to join in, the process is simple. Users can head to Google AI Studio via the Gemini app or website, upload a photo or use a text prompt, and enter Google’s official figurine prompt: “Create a 1/7 scale commercialised figurine of the characters in the picture, in a realistic style… placed on a computer desk… with a toy >Continued on P8