GOA

The ninth international Surface Ocean-Lower Atmosphere Study (SOLAS) Open Science Conference is being held in Goa, India, from November 11th to 14th. This marks the first time the conference, which takes place every two years, is being hosted in India. The event brings together leading experts in the field of surface ocean and lower atmosphere research to discuss the latest scientific developments and foster collaborations. The conference features three discussion sessions aimed at facilitating informal roundtable discussions on SOLAS-related topics. SOLAS is also planning to launch a mentorship program in mid-2025 to connect early career scientists with established researchers across multiple disciplines. An open session at the OSC is designed to gather feedback to shape the program’s design and implementation.

To accommodate the expected influx of pilgrims for the upcoming Exposition of the relics of St. Francis Xavier in Old Goa, the state government has constructed a temporary Pilgrim Village. The village, located a short walk from the Bom Jesus Basilica, features 10 completed cottages with the capacity to house 10-12 people each, equipped with basic amenities like lights, fans, and charging points. The cottages are built with eco-friendly materials like bamboo and coconut palms. The village is intended to provide basic accommodation for pilgrims who arrive without prior bookings, aiming to decongest the area around the Se Cathedral and the Bom Jesus Basilica. The Church plans to expand the village to 17 cottages, accommodating over 200 devotees daily. The Exposition, which begins on November 21st and continues until January 5th, is expected to draw lakhs of pilgrims from across India, including those undertaking walking pilgrimages.

A group of activists and citizens staged a peaceful protest in Old Goa, demanding the Goa government formulate a new Regional Plan. They expressed deep concern over the rampant destruction of Goa’s natural environment, including forests, fields, and hills, due to unchecked development. They argue that the current lack of a comprehensive plan allows for unauthorized land conversions and facilitates the exploitation of Goa’s natural resources by “outsiders.” The protesters emphasized the need for a new Regional Plan to regulate development, prevent environmental degradation, and ensure local communities are involved in decision-making. They also called for a master plan for the Old Goa heritage site to prevent unauthorized construction and preserve its historical significance. The protest highlights the growing concern among Goans about the impact of unchecked development on their environment and heritage.

The Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) will be recognizing the contributions of three young Tiatr artistes, Holly Rodrigues, Jennifer Fernando, and Tracy Dias, with the Young Achievers Awards 2024. Rodrigues, a multi-talented musician and performer, has been captivating audiences since the age of five, earning accolades like the “Kantaram Scholarship” twice. Fernando, known for her acting prowess, has already starred in three Konkani films, with one being selected for the International Film Festival of India 2024. Dias, who performs under the stage name Tracy De Calangute, has impressed audiences with her acting and singing skills and has also directed the Tiatr “Fulanchea Sangatak Kantte-i Apnnayat”. The awards ceremony will take place on November 16th at the Black Box, Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, with renowned theatre personality Ester Noronha as the chief guest and senior Tiatrist Sharon Mazarello as the guest of honor.

The 55th International Film Festival of India (Iffi) in Goa, scheduled from November 20 to 28, will feature a dedicated registration category for digital content creators, acknowledging their growing impact on the entertainment landscape. This move reflects the increasing prominence of digital platforms in the industry. Additionally, a new Certificate Course in Film Appreciation, in collaboration with the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), will be introduced for media personnel to enhance their understanding of cinema and facilitate better coverage of the festival. The announcement was made by Dhirendra Ojha, Principal Director General, Press Information Bureau (PIB), and Smita Vats Sharma, Director General, PIB West Zone, during a media interaction held on Friday.

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.

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.

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.

Goa’s tourism department has acknowledged and apologized for an error in its promotional posters for the World Travel Mart in London, which featured a bottlenose dolphin instead of the local Indian Ocean humpback dolphin. The department initially claimed the dolphin was a symbolic representation of Goa’s marine life, but after criticism from ecologists and community members, they admitted the oversight and pledged to ensure accuracy in future promotional materials. They expressed gratitude for the feedback and stated their commitment to accurately representing Goa’s natural heritage.

Here’s a humanistic approach to the article:

• A Sanctuary in Need: The Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, a vital haven for over 400 bird species, including migratory birds, is facing a challenge. The salty air has taken its toll on the sanctuary’s watchtowers, with one becoming unusable due to rusted stairs.
• A Vital Ecosystem: The sanctuary’s mangroves are a crucial part of Goa’s ecosystem, providing a home for a diverse range of aquatic life, including fiddler crabs and mudskippers.
• A Birdwatcher’s Paradise: The sanctuary’s well-maintained pathways and watchtowers offer breathtaking views of the mangroves, making it a popular destination for birdwatching enthusiasts.
• Restoring the Watchtower: The forest department is taking steps to restore the dilapidated watchtower, ensuring visitors can continue to enjoy the sanctuary’s beauty and biodiversity.
• Expanding Access: The department is also working on a new pathway, further enhancing accessibility and allowing visitors to explore the sanctuary’s wonders.
• A Shared Responsibility: The restoration efforts highlight the importance of preserving our natural heritage. By caring for the sanctuary, we ensure its continued existence for future generations to enjoy.
• A Call to Action: The sanctuary’s restoration is a reminder of our responsibility to protect and cherish our natural world. Let’s all contribute to ensuring the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary remains a vibrant haven for wildlife and a source of wonder for generations to come.