The Goa government has extended its IT Policy, originally implemented in August 2018, until August 2027. This decision, made at a cabinet meeting on September 30th, aims to further boost the state’s IT sector. To facilitate this growth, a 17-member empowered committee, headed by the Chief Minister, has been established. This committee will play a crucial role in guiding and approving grants for IT firms and startups in Goa. The committee will also be responsible for monitoring the progress of these companies and ensuring the effective implementation of the IT Policy and Startup Policy. The notification emphasizes the committee’s authority in deciding incentives for companies and startups, expediting approvals for grants, and ensuring the smooth operation of both policies.
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Goa’s District Mineral Foundation Seeks to Reduce “Directly Affected” Area for Mining
The Goa government is considering a proposal to reduce the area considered directly affected by mining operations from 15km to 10km from the boundary of mining leases. This change, proposed by the District Mineral Foundation (DMF), aims to allow 70% of its funds to be allocated to areas directly impacted by mining, with the remaining 30% going to indirectly affected areas. The DMF argues that Goa’s small size necessitates a smaller “directly affected” area. The proposal, if approved by the governing council and state government, will require a revised definition of affected areas. The DMF, established in 2015, utilizes funds collected from mining operations to finance development projects and welfare programs in mining-affected areas. Additionally, the Directorate of Mines and Geology is conducting a study to assess the quantity and quality of low-grade iron ore dumps in the state, with the aim of granting permissions for their handling.
Venerable Agnelo de Souza’s 97th Death Anniversary to be Celebrated at Pilar
The 97th death anniversary of Venerable Agnelo de Souza will be celebrated at Pilar on November 20th, with a novena held from November 11th to 19th. Devotees are praying for de Souza’s beatification, with the canonization process ongoing in Rome. The celebrations will include special Masses led by Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman, Simiao Fernandes, and Bishop of Baroda, Fr Sebastiao Mascarenhas. The novena will feature Masses in various languages, including Tamil, Malayalam, and Hindi, reflecting the diverse community that venerates de Souza. Traffic flow will be one-way, with shuttle services available for those arriving by bus. Parking arrangements have been made behind the Pilar seminary. De Souza, born in 1869, was a renowned preacher who dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel in Goa. He passed away on November 20th, 1927, leaving behind a legacy of faith and devotion.
Chhattisgarh University Partners with CCMB to Combat Sickle Cell Anemia
Pt Deendayal Upadhyay Memorial Health Sciences and Ayush University in Raipur has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Hyderabad-based Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB) to conduct genetic research and testing for sickle cell anemia in Chhattisgarh. This collaboration aims to improve diagnosis, identification, and prevention strategies for the inherited blood disorder. The agreement includes genetic testing and carrier analysis, enabling early detection and providing crucial information for at-risk populations. The partnership will foster knowledge exchange between faculty, researchers, and students, promoting academic and research excellence. Collaborative educational initiatives, such as seminars, workshops, and training programs, will raise public awareness and encourage participation in genetics and healthcare sectors. This collaboration is expected to significantly improve public health outcomes by providing access to diagnostic tools and essential health education in Chhattisgarh.
Chhath Puja Concludes with Sunrise Prayers in Bihar
The final day of Chhath Puja, a significant Hindu festival celebrated in Bihar, saw lakhs of devotees gather on Friday morning to offer prayers to the rising sun. The celebrations took place on the banks of the Ganga river and other water bodies across the state, with devotees offering ‘arghya’ (water offerings) to the sun god. Prominent figures like Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Union Minister Chirag Paswan also participated in the festivities. The Patna district administration implemented safety measures at various ghats along the Ganges, including medical camps and increased security personnel, to ensure a safe environment for the devotees. The four-day festival, which began on November 5th with the ‘nahay-khay’ ritual, concluded with the sunrise prayers on Friday, marking the end of the auspicious occasion.
Assam’s Child Protection Policy and Juvenile Justice Rules Face Delays
The Gauhati High Court is pressuring the Assam government to expedite the notification of the State Child Protection Policy and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Rules, which are expected by the end of the year. The court has also directed the state to report on the constitution of Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs) in each district, highlighting concerns about the lack of proper JJBs in several areas. The delay in implementing these crucial policies has been a source of concern, with the court expressing its dissatisfaction with the government’s progress. The petition filed by Bachpan Bachao Andolan, a charitable society, in 2019, brought to light the lack of adequate POCSO court facilities in the state. The court’s intervention underscores the urgency of addressing these issues to ensure the protection and well-being of children in Assam.
Assam to Explore Wetland Network for Flood Control
The Union Home Secretary, Govind Mohan, has instructed the Assam government to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study on 271 wetlands for flood water diversion by December 2024. This ambitious project, estimated to cost up to Rs 500 crore, aims to mitigate flooding in the state by connecting these wetlands to tributaries of the Brahmaputra River. The project is based on a study by the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) which identified the wetlands with potential for flood water storage. The Assam government has already begun work on nine wetlands in seven districts, with a proposed budget of Rs 380.60 crore. However, the Union Home Secretary has emphasized the need for a detailed survey of all 271 wetlands to assess their feasibility for flood control. This project is expected to significantly impact flood management in Assam, particularly by addressing the overflow of tributaries rather than directly managing the Brahmaputra River’s water level.
Khanderi Fort: A Maratha Naval Base Gets a Much-Needed Restoration
The Maharashtra government has allocated Rs 7 crore for the conservation of the Khanderi Fort, a strategically important 17th-century Maratha naval base located in Alibaug. The project will focus on repairing 21 collapsed bastions, fortifying dilapidated walls, and reconstructing a portion of the seaside wall that collapsed in 2009. The fort, declared a state-protected monument and renamed Kanhoji Angre Island, is a significant historical site for its role in Maratha naval history. The conservation plan includes building facilities for visitors and researchers, ensuring accessibility for those interested in learning about the fort’s rich past. The project is divided into five phases, with the first phase prioritizing the repair of over 10 bastions. The conservation efforts aim to preserve the fort’s structure and historical significance, making it a more accessible and informative site for tourists and historians alike. The Khanderi Fort is one of four forts nominated for World Heritage Site status, highlighting its importance in Maharashtra’s cultural heritage.
European Honey Buzzard Spotted in Maharashtra for the First Time, Exciting Birders
A rare European Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus) was spotted on Vetal Tekdi in Pune, marking the first ever sighting of the species in Maharashtra. This discovery has thrilled environmentalists and birders, who are rushing to the hill to catch a glimpse of the bird. The sighting is significant as it is only the second time the species has been recorded in India, and it highlights the importance of Vetal Tekdi as an urban open space and biodiversity hotspot. The bird’s presence in Pune is a testament to the growing diversity of birdlife in the area, and underscores the need for its protection as a natural heritage of the city.
Nagpur Student’s Innovative Blockchain RPG Wins International Hackathon
Mosin Shaikh, a VNIT Nagpur student, and his friend Soham Ghugare from VIT Vellore, secured joint first place in the Cosmoverse Hackathon in Dubai. Their innovative project, Cosmic Quest, a blockchain-based RPG, won them a $5,000 prize and the best user/dev experience award. Cosmic Quest transforms blockchain learning into an engaging game, allowing users to learn by deploying smart contracts and navigating cross-chain operations within the game itself. This unique approach, developed in just three nights, impressed judges and highlights the potential of Web3 for immersive education. Shaikh and Ghugare hope their project will inspire future developments in blockchain education, bridging the gap between theory and practical skills.