log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline SATURDAY JULY 19, 2025 GOA Facebook.com/thegoan The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 13 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME XI, NO. 32 Instagram.com/thegoanonline RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 3 12 2 10 GU achieves historic milestone, I-League: CAS snubs AIFF, strips Churchill Bros of title earns A+ status in NAAC rank MMC clears big-ticket projects for city with eyes set on 2026 elections GOA Dams across State reach capacity; Anjunem spill gate opening imminent PANAJI Goa University has been awarded an A+ accreditation by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) for the first time in its nearly 40-year history. After a period of decline, the University has achieved the milestone of an A+ grade with a cumulative grade point of 3.3 on the seven-point scale in the NAAC ranking, valid until 2030. The University was allotted a “B++’ grade in the NAAC ranking for the year 2022-2027. The NAAC team had visited the Varsity earlier this month to assess the GU for allotment of a new grade. In a press statement issued, the GU said that the achievement marks a significant leap from the previous B++ Grade and that A+ is the highest ever grade in the history of Goa University. The GU was allotted an ‘A’ grade (CGPA of 3.01 - 3.25) earlier for 2014-2019. “The A+ Grade reflects Page 6 16 Goans awarded for social service in Southampton Goans savour traditional Atol at São João event in Qatar IN SHORT >> Goa signs MoU with NTPC REL PANAJI: In a major step toward green energy production, Goa government has signed a MoU with NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL), a wholly owned subsidiary of NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL), to facilitate the development of 300MW of renewable power.  >> See pg 3 Fake call centre busted in Calangute PANAJI: Five persons from West Bengal were arrested by Calangute police on charges duping foreign citizens by operating a fake call centre in Baga. According to reports, police busted an illegal call centre operating at Sauntawado-Baga on Thursday between 7.20 pm to 8 pm.   >> See pg 3 From Slump To Summit > GU achieved the milestone with cumulative grade point of 3.3 on seven-point scale in NAAC ranking valid until 2030 > Was allotted a “B++’ grade in NAAC ranking for 2022-2027 the University’s sustained commitment to academic excellence, research advancement, quality infrastructure, and studentcentric initiatives. This milestone was made possible through the collective efforts of the teaching and non- > NAAC team had visited the Varsity earlier this month for assessment > GU says achievement marks a significant leap from previous B++ Grade and that A+ is the highest ever grade in its history > GU was allotted an ‘A’ grade (CGPA of 3.01 - 3.25) earlier for 2014-2019. Evaluation Proud Moment > A+ Grade reflects University’s sustained commitment to academic excellence, research advancement, quality infrastructure, and student-centric initiatives > Milestone made possible through collective efforts of teaching and non-teaching staff, students, alumni > 70% weightage granted by NAAC to quantitative assessment like qualifications of teachers, number of teachers working on a permanent basis, vacancies > Peer team’s visit carries 30% weightage in the overall assessment teaching staff, students, alumni, and the unwavering support of the State Government,” the University said. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant congratulated the University on achieving the fleet and said that the State has provided all the support to the GU in the infrastructure development. For the evaluation, 70 per cent weightage is granted by NAAC to purely quantitative assessment, like the qualifications of teachers, the number of teachers Manolo Márquez to continue as FC Goa head coach Glass hair: A guide to achieve ultra-straight locks MARKS SIGNIFICANT LEAP FROM PREVIOUS B++ GRADE THE GOAN I NETWORK SPORTS INFO working on a permanent basis, vacancies, etc. The peer team’s visit carries 30 per cent weightage in the overall assessment of GU. Vice Chancellor Prof Harilal B Menon expressed immense pride and gratitude, stating that the achievement is a testimony to the hard work, integrity and dedication of the entire University fraternity. “It inspires us to aim higher and fulfill our vision of becoming a globally recognized centre of excellence,” he said. “Goa University continues to uphold its mission of delivering quality education and fostering innovation while contributing to the social and economic development of the State and the Nation,” Menon added. In (2001-2005), the GU was given a 4-star rating by NAAC, followed by ‘B’ grade for 200914 and an ‘A’ grade in 2014. The NAAC is an autonomous body established by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to assess and accredit institutions of higher education. Declares Inter Kashi as champions PTI NEW DELHI Inter Kashi were on Friday declared I-League champions after the Switzerland-based Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) Appeal Committee's decision of awarding the title to Churchill Brothers of Goa. The AIFF had announced Churchill Brothers as the I-League champions after its Appeal Committee ruled against Inter Kashi in a matter related to the fielding of an ''ineligible player''. The Varanasi club had ended at second spot after points were deducted from their tally. But following an appeal by Inter Kashi, the CAS asked the AIFF to reverse its decision of awarding the 2024-25 season title to Churchill. “The AIFF shall forthwith declare Inter Kashi FC as winner of the I-league 2024-25 season,” the Lausanne-based CAS said in its order. “The appeal filed on 4 THE CAS RED CARD „„AIFF shall forthwith declare Inter Kashi FC as winner of I-league 202425 season „„Appeal filed on June 4, 2025 by Inter Kashi FC against decision issued on May 31, 2025 by Appeal Committee of AIFF is partially upheld „„Decision issued on May 31, 2025 by Appeal Committee of AIFF is set June 2025 by Inter Kashi FC against the decision issued on 31 May 2025 by the Appeal Committee of the All-India Football Federation is partially upheld. “The decision issued on 31 May 2025 by the Appeal Committee of the All India Football Federation is set aside,” said the CAS award handed by sole arbitrator Frans de Weger of the Netherlands. The AIFF had no option but to obey the CAS directive, and declared Inter Amicus report echoes old orders, locals want action While the recent submission by Amicus Curiae Advocate Nigel da Costa Frias to the High Court of Bombay at Goa provides a detailed framework to prevent and regulate noise pollution across the State, it has inadvertently reignited a debate that goes beyond the courtroom – the chronic failure of enforcement authorities to implement existing legal provisions and judicial directives. The list of recommendations submitted by the amicus is comprehensive, spanning from establishing flying squads and mandating CCTV surveillance to enforcing decibel limits and penal actions against violators. However, many of these suggestions are not novel. They echo directions already issued by the High Court over the past few years and principles embedded within the existing legal framework, including the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, and the some- MAPUSA: With institutional accountability eroding, some residents are calling for stronger judicial intervention – not just in the form of directions, but through active oversight. what archaic Madhya Pradesh Control of Music and Noises Act, which Goa follows in the absence of state-specific legislation. AUTHORITIES SIDESTEP IMPLEMENTATION Local residents and activists argue that the core issue is not the absence of rules, but the dismal implementation of those already in place. “What the amicus has compiled is indeed exhaustive and sound on paper, but almost all these conditions already exist either in High Court directions or within current law,” said Jawish Moniz, a resident of >Continued on P8 >Continued on P8 THE GOAN I NETWORK HC-APPOINTED OVERSIGHT: A POSSIBLE SOLUTION? “We’ve reached a point where the only way out is to have a court-appointed officer whom we can directly approach when the system fails us,” said an affected resident from Calangute. “We can’t keep filing contempt petitions every few months. This madness has to stop,” he added. Some legal observers believe this may be the only viable interim solution until enforcement agencies regain public trust. “If local police stations cannot maintain integrity, perhaps an independent monitoring mechanism under court supervision could bring some respite,” a senior High Court advocate opined. Kashi I-League champions. “The CAS has ruled that the AIFF shall declare Inter Kashi FC as winners of the I-League 2024-25. The AIFF congratulates Inter Kashi FC on being adjudged champions of I-League 2024-25,” the AIFF said in a statement. “In line with the CAS ruling, Inter Kashi finish the season on 42 points, Churchill Brothers FC Goa on 40, Real Kashmir FC on 37, and Namdhari FC on 29. 439 govt jobs up for grabs across various departments SPARKS DEBATE ON LAX ENFORCEMENT OF NOISE LAWS AGNELO PEREIRA THE GOAN I MAPUSA aside „„AIFF to amend points table of I-League 2024-25 to reflect Inter Kashi's top position MIDNIGHT MAYHEM: The mangled remains of the vehicles involved in a late Friday night accident at Siridao. One person was killed and four others were seriously injured.   Narayan Pissurlenkar Coastal watchdog okays model shacks across four key beaches THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI After initially raising a red flag, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has granted CRZ approval to the Goa Tourism Development Corporation’s (GTDC) model shacks proposed to be built on the beaches of Colva, Benaulim, Arambol, and Cal- angute The Coastal Body however has directed the special purpose vehicle (SPV) of the GTDC to ensure that the structure is restricted to the ground floor only and as per Beach Carrying Capacity report. The permission is granted during its meeting held on July 1. The GTDC had moved a proposal for the construction of temporary model shacks, made of composite bamboo, covering a total area of 120 sq mts, each on four beaches. In May, the GCZMA had asked SPV to clarify how sewage treatment will be carried out at the model shack as it failed to provide the details in this regard. >Continued on P8 PANAJI The Goa Staff Selection Commission has invited applications to fill 439 vacancies across various departments, with the last to submit applications being August 8. In an advt on Friday, the Commission announced a maximum number of 132 posts of junior engineers (civil) and 88 posts of electric junior engineers in departments like public works, water resources, rural development, etc. The applications are also invited to fill 34 State Tax Officers and nine Assistant Tax Officers in the department of commercial taxes. The Commission has advertised to fill 22 posts of accounts in Directorate of Accounts, 22 junior engineers (mechanical and electrical) in PWD, 35 posts of station operators and 31 meter readers in the Electricity Department apart from other posts running in single digit. In May, the Commission had invited applications to fill over 290 posts. Till May, it is in process of recruiting over 750 candidates, the examinations of which will be held shortly. Rising US visa curbs leave Goa's political cauldron sizzles with activity! Indian students in limbo NEARLY 70% DROP IN DEPARTURES REPORTED T THE GOAN I NETWORK AGENCIES NEW DELHI A wave of uncertainty has gripped Indian students aspiring to study in the United States, as visa bottlenecks and rising rejection rates derail their academic plans. Education consultants in Hyderabad report an alarming drop -- nearly 70% -- in student departures to the US. Unlike typical years when most students would have completed their visa interviews by now, many are still anxiously checking the visa portal for available appointment slots. "It’s never been this bad. We're refreshing the website every day, hoping something opens," said Sanjeev Rai of Hyderabad Overseas Consultant in a conversation with a national daily. While US authorities had earlier stated that visa slots would be released in phases, students and consultants alike say the process has been riddled with ambiguity. In several cases, even when students manage to secure a booking, confirmation never follows. Ankit Jain from a Consultancy speculated that US might be testing the system, given that open slots often appear without confirmations. Frustrated by the delays and lack of clarity, many students are now turning to alternative destinations such as Germany, Canada, and Australia. "I couldn't afford to wait indefinitely. I didn’t want to lose a year," said a 23-year-old student who recently withdrew his US application. PANAJI here can never be a lull or a dull spell in politics and since the last several weeks Goa's political urn is seemingly witnessing a churn with politicos repositioning their stances and position on the chessboard. This latest round of churning kicked off with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant sacking Govind Gaude from his cabinet weeks after he had publicly criticised the functioning including leveling grave allegations of corruption in the Tribal Welfare Department, held by the Chief Minister himself. The development caused some ripples with the sacked minister flexing his political M OV E S I N G OA’ S P O L I T I C A L SPAC E Cabinet Shake-Up: Sawant sacked Gaude from his cabinet following public allegations of corruption in the Tribal Welfare Department Tribal Leadership Crackdown: A crackdown followed on the UTAA perceived to be politically motivated, especially since it is led by Gaude ally Prakash Velip muscle with a massive rally in his home constituency of Priol. This was then closely followed by a seemingly government-inspired crackdown on the man- Row Over Bjp Meet: The BJP held a strategy meeting with its MLAs and allies (excluding MGP), but controversy erupted over Speaker Ramesh Tawardkar’s presence, which was criticized by the Opposition as inappropriate Cong Infighting: Internal strife within the Congress came to light when Amit Patkar accused MLA Carlos Ferreira of indiscipline for attending a BJP event while skipping party functions aging committee of the tribal association UTAA which was led by Gaude confidante and former minister Prakash Velip. More recently, the ruling Oppn Disunity: An Oppn meeting led by Yuri revealed cracks in the 'United Opposition', with Vijai Sardesai and RGP's Viresh Borkar boycotting it, signaling discontent and lack of coordination Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) gathered all its Ministers and MLAs including allies, ostensibly for a strategy meeting related to the upcoming monsoon session of the Assembly. Sawant and the BJP State President Damodar 'Damu' Naik both said that all the alliance partners, except MGP, attended the meeting during which a review of the Bills and Resolutions expected in the session was done. But what stirred a controversy was the presence of Speaker Ramesh Tawardkar, slammed by the Opposition politicians as impropriety and a symptom of his tilt towards the treasury benches in his conduct of the legislature's proceedings. Tawardkar sought to explain the episode by arguing that he had only gone for the 'dinner' and had not attended the >Continued on P8