UK SCHOOL IN INDIA

THE highly prestigious Shrewsbury School of the UK has set up a boarding school in India. The school is located over a 150-acre campus. It will admit students to the boarding school who are in the age group of 11 to 18 years.  It will conduct classes for the Cambridge program from lower secondary to A levels. The schools will also offer courses in music and drama accredited by the Trinity College in London.

 GOA GENERATES 46 PERCENT MORE PER CAPITA GARBAGE!

GOA generates 46 percent more garbage per capita, per annum, compared to the rest of the country and inbound tourists who outnumber the native population several times over, largely tend to add to the state’s ongoing garbage crisis, because waste segregation does not rank high on visitors’ holiday agenda. This is according to waste management experts, who also urge people to take small steps to make waste management count. 

“Goa’s population is around 1.4 million, but with a floating population four to five times that, waste generation remains high. We are the largest consumers of single-use plastics in India and it’s not just plastic; single-use paper is also a major issue. Reducing this waste is within our control,” said Wilma Rodrigues of Saahas Zero Waste, a Bengaluru-based waste management agency, while speaking at a panel discussion as part of the Museum of Goa’s MOG Sunday talk series. 

“Goa generates 22 kg of waste per capita annually, compared to India’s average of 15 kg, showing a substantial gap between our waste levels and the national average,” she said during the discussion, which also featured Sumita Ghosh, founder of Village Recyclers Foundation, Jill Ferguson co-founder of Act for Goa, Clinton Vaz founder of vRecycle Waste Management Services and Maya de Souza co-director of Act For Goa. 

During the discussion, Vaz said that nearly Rs600 crore has so far been spent by the government and the private sector together towards purchasing equipment for garbage recovery, adding that nearly 50 percent of the equipment was currently lying unutilised. 

“In housing societies, mixed waste is a common issue, mostly caused by visitors, both Indian and foreign. In a holiday mood, they often mix waste, leaving it for residents to sort. Despite distributing handouts to each home, we still encounter days with excessive mixed waste,” Vaz said. 

Garbage management has been in the spotlight in Goa, one of the country’s top leading tourism destinations, ever since tourist footfalls surged manifold more than a decade ago. According to the last survey conducted by the Goa Waste Management Corporation, the state generates 766 tonnes of waste per day, even as the government agency projects that Goa will generate 888 tonnes of waste per day by 2025, 992 tonnes per day by 2030 and 1,108 tonnes per day by 2035. 

According to Jill Ferguson, India’s waste industry is estimated at $12.90 billion in 2024, expected to rise to $17.30 billion by 2029.

“India has the highest recycling rate globally, thanks to subgroups like ragpickers who rely on it for their livelihood. Yet, there remains a huge gap, as around 50 percent of our trash is non-recyclable. This calls for changes not only in consumer habits but also in the production and packaging practices of companies, pushing them to prioritise redesign as part of the solution,” Ferguson said.

Sumita Ghosh, founder of Village Recyclers Foundation, claims that individuals can also make interventions towards lowering the quantum of garbage generation by starting small and cutting down on consumption of soft plastic packaging. She urges, “Even your milk packet, just clean it and then find someone to donate it to!”

PLEASE OVERHAUL DRUG REGULATION POLICY

EXPERTS are demanding for an immediate and urgent overhaul of the drug regulation policy in India. They were speaking at the International Centre Goa Discussion Forum on October 26, 2024.

Dinesh Thakur, pharma industry whistleblower, Prashant Reddy, lawyer and Ganadhish Kamat, pharma industry consultant, who debated the topic, “Drug regulation in India, policies and prescriptions” lamented the deplorable state of drug regulation in the country. They pointed out that the Indian pharma industry is being governed by the archaic Drugs & Cosmetics Act of 1940. They said an urgent overhaul is needed to meet modern day demands.

Reddy said, “Drug regulation was a state subject and we have 37 drug regulators in India. This is distorting the drug regulation in the country. Drugs manufactured in one state, are being sold across India, without any system of centralized quality control.” He pointed out that the office of the director Controller General of India (DCGI), the authority appointed to ensure that the Drugs & Cosmetics Act for 1940 was administered properly was often in disarray. “When a parliament standing committee once inquired about something with the DCGI, the department said the records had been lost. This is how bad the situation is,” he pointed out.

Pointing out the dismal state of clinical trials, Thakur said, “Companies made huge profits by selling the antiviral drug, Fabiflu during Covid. But this was done without conducting adequate clinical trials for the same.”

Kamat lamented the fact that drugs manufactured in India were being blacklisted in some countries. “An Indian cough syrup was banned in Uzbekistan, however there was no punitive action taken against the drug manufacturer in India. Manufacturers must be made to fear the law,” Kamat added.

Reddy also asked for an environment for free and frank dialogue n drug regulation matters. “today if you demand a change in policy, you are labelled anti-national!” In conclusion all the experts in the discussion felt that an organisation like the Indian Medical Association (IMA) needed to become proactive and demand proper quality control of drugs.

SWABHIMAN GOA POLICE AWARDS

WE often forget that policemen put up with immense pressure in the course of their day-to-day duties. So on Saturday, November Kala Academy, Panaji, there’s going to be a special Swabhiman Goa Police Awards ceremony presented by a concept and initiative by Rajashri Creations of Raj Housing.

The Swabhiman Goa Police Awards giving ceremony will be accompanied by an evening of music featuring a host of Goan artistes. Apart from police people and their families the occasion will be attended by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Art & Culture Govind Gaude and also special invitees in Director General of Police Alok Kumar (IPS) and Inspector General of Police Omvir Singh Bishnoi (IPS).  

MANIPUR PLAYERS SUSPENDED

THE Goa Football Association suspended five football players who participated in the Goa professional league for their role in match-fixing. This follows the action against 25 players in Manipur for the same offence. The Manipur players were taken on contract by the Vasco Sports Club which is the oldest club in Goa. Lalnunzama has been identified as the kingpin of the match-fixing syndicate.

FOCUS ON LATA MANGESHKAR

IFFI 2024 will pay homage to the legendary singer, the late Lata Mangeshkar. Lata Mangeshkar traces her roots from Goa and is the daughter of the late Marathi drama master Dinanath Mangeshkar. The indoor auditorium at the Kala Academy in Panjim is  named after Dinananth Mangeshkar. However, neither Lata nor her sister Asha have ever performed in Goa due to the family memories of harassment by the upper caste of the Kalvanth community. Lata had a soft corner for Goa and raised funds for the Liberation of Daman and Diu on behalf of the Azad Gomantak Dal. The famous Hindu music composer Sudhir Phadte was part of the Azad Gomantak Dal and carried weapons to Daman in his violin case.

Music director AR Rahman will deliver a special talk titled “Musical Theatre in India” on November 27 from 2.30pm to 4pm at the Kala Academy. The contributions of four icons of Indian cinema, Raj Kapoor, director Tapan Sinha, actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao and playback singer Mohammad Rafi are the highlights of the present IFFI. Films with which this icon was connected like “Awara” and “Harmonium” will also be screened during IFFI.

PYTHON RESCUED

SNAKES, including pythons are routinely captured and ill-treated in Goa. Recently a video on social media showing the ill-treatment of a python went viral. A video filmed at Caranzalem showing two people mistreating a python was acted upon by forest officials on November 5 and the snake abusing culprits have been arrested. Under the Wildlife Reservation Act those who mistreat animals including snakes are liable to seven-year imprisonment and a fine of at least Rs25,000.  

SHILLONG CHAMBER CHOIR

THE award-winning Shillong Chamber Music Choir will perform at Old Goa on December 27, 2024, as part of the Exposition of St Francis Xavier. A special stage is proposed to  be set up near the Se Cathedral for the performance. The Shillong Choir from  Meghalaya is an internationally famous choir group. The Goan choir group Shruti is also expected to perform at the Exposition. The government in collaboration with the Church of Goa is planning a son et lumiere (sound and light) show to project the life and mission of St Francis Xavier at the Se Cathedral.  

I AM NOT A FOOL!

THE National Payment Corporation in India started a campaign to protect people from increasing fraud. Online fraud ranges from get-rich-quick schemes to offering loans at very high interest. The latest online fraud is people posing as enforcement directorate corporations, or cyber cops threatening to arrest innocents on the ground that they have violated the law. With online payments becoming widespread there is a need to protect users of payment gateways. A popular ad recommends that “if someone tries you lure with essay online money say I AM NOT A FOOL.”

HEALTH SECURITY AWARENESS VEHICLES

THE Goa government is committed to providing better health security for its citizens, says Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant. It is in this direction that it has implemented health insurance schemes like PM-Suraksha  Bima Yojna and PM-Jeevan Jyoti Bima  Yojna, in the interest of the people.

 The CM was speaking after he flagged of two vehicles carrying the message by way of advertising the insurance schemes available at the Mantralaya Secretariat from November 4, 2024.

 The schemes are in collaboration with  the Goa CSR Authority and Bharat CSR Network  which launched an awareness drive about the  two ambitious health schemes — PM Suraksha Bima Yojna, and PM Jivan  Jyoti  Bima Yojna at Mantralaya  Secretariat.      Speaking about the features of the schemes, the CM said these insurance schemes are one-year term insurance schemes and are provided with risk cover of Rs2 lakh on death and Rs1 lakh for partial disability and with minimal amount of instalments of Rs20 per year.

In another scheme subscribers have to pay  Rs436 annually and risk cover provided is for Rs2 lakh on death due to any reason. The government wants these schemes to reach  needy people at grass root level. People should avail the benefits of these schemes to secure their life.

Others who spoke included Director-DPSE  Vijay V Saxena,  OSD to Goa CSR  Ganaraj  Morajkar, founder chairman  of Bharat CSR Network Sajid Sayed, founder RIO Foundation  Shahabuddin Kanikar, Deputy Director  Kailas Gokhale and others who attended the function.

TSUNAMI MOCK DRILL AT MORJIM

NATIONAL  Tsunami mock exercise organized by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), North Goa in coordination with Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), was held at Morjim beach on November 5, 2024. The exercise was to test and improve the standard operating procedures for tsunami response.

Various government departments and officials of parent departments and stakeholders participated in the mock drill exercise. Warning messages were also disseminated from the District Control Room of North Goa District, Panaji to concerned departments. Timely bulletins were also issued by INCOIS. A total of seven bulletins were issued during the course of this mock drill.

Later, Deputy Collector Ishwar Parab  chaired the evaluation meeting for the National Tsunami Mock Exercise held at the Village Panchayat Morjim. Present were  Pravin Hire Parab, Additional Collector – II,  Shivprasad Naik, SDM, Pernem, Varsha Parab, Deputy Collector, Disaster management,  Pavan Morje, Sarpanch, Villege Panchayat, Morjim. Such mock exercises help in inculcating a culture of preparedness and generate awareness. They give an opportunity to coordinate activities of various agencies and use  the feedback to identify and improve the systems in place to face an actual disaster situation.

FULL-DAY GST SEMINAR ORGANIZED BY GCCI – “DECODING 4 A’S OF GST

 The Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) organized a full day  Seminar on Decoding 4 A’s of GST: Amendments, Adjudication, Appellate Tribunals & Amnesty on 5^th November 2024 at Surendrababu Timbo Convention Hall of GCCI  .This initiative of the  GCCI Taxation & Financial Services Committee headed  by CA Rohan Bhandare  aimed to shed light on the evolving landscape of GST compliance and dispute resolution, and provide an opportunity to address the burning issues under GST.

The seminar was inaugurated by GCCI’s Vice President, Mrs. Pratima Dhond, who warmly welcomed the attendees, including SGST Commissioner Mr. Sarpreet Singh Gill, distinguished guest speakers CA Sudhir V.S. and CA Akshay Hiregange of H N A & Co LLP, and various other dignitaries. Mrs. Dhond emphasized the transformational impact of GST since its implementation, highlighting its role in unifying indirect taxes, enhancing transparency, and streamlining tax compliance for businesses of all sizes. She noted that this seminar serves as an essential forum for businesses to better navigate the complexities of GST, especially through the lens of the “4 A’s” that were central to the day’s discussions.

Mr. Yatish Pai Vernekar, Co-Chairman of the GCCI Taxation & Financial Services Committee, opened the seminar with remarks on the recent GST developments, particularly the landmark Supreme Court ruling in the Safari Retreats Private Limited case, which has had a significant impact on the real estate and tourism industries. He acknowledged the committee’s efforts in organizing such knowledge-enhancing sessions, reiterating GCCI’s commitment to support industry players through expert-led discussions and guidance.

The Chief Guest, Mr. Sarpreet Singh Gill, Commissioner of SGST, commended GCCI’s role in fostering collaboration between the business community and the government. He expressed appreciation for the feedback from businesses, which has been instrumental in pushing forward beneficial reforms. He highlighted the amendment to Section 16(4) as an example, which resolved an anomaly in input tax credit claims and benefited over 5 lakh vendors all over India & 5,000 vendors in Goa. Mr. Gill assured that his office remains committed to supporting Goa’s small registrants, who form the backbone of the local economy, and welcomed further suggestions backed by well-founded justifications.

The technical sessions led by CA Sudhir V.S. and CA Akshay Hiregange provided in-depth insights on recent GST changes, industry-impacting judicial pronouncements, and the practical aspects of GST Amnesty and Appellate Tribunals. Topics covered included:

• Dissecting the Safari Retreats SC Judgment: Analyzing its implications and guiding the industry on the way forward.
• Understanding the GST Amnesty Scheme: Procedures, conditions, and strategies for compliance.
• GST Tribunal Preparedness: Upcoming tribunal processes to streamline dispute resolutions.
• Recent GST Amendments: Covering key changes from the 53rd and 54th GST Council Meetings and the Finance Act 2024, along with practical advice on GSTR-9 and 9C filing for FY 2023-24.
• IMS, ECRRS & Portal Updates: Recent digital advancements on the GST portal to improve user experience and compliance ease.

The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by CA Atindra Prabhu Bhatikar. CA Parimal Kulkarni delivered the inaugural vote of thanks, while CA Gaurav Kenkre introduced the esteemed speakers. The event was meticulously coordinated by GCCI’s Director General, Mr. Sanjay Amonkar, and Director Mr. Kiran Ballikar.

Overall, the seminar served as a valuable platform for Goa’s business community, providing practical knowledge, legal insights, and a forum to discuss and address GST-related issues under expert guidance. GCCI’s proactive approach in organizing this event was well-received, and attendees left with a deeper understanding of GST compliance and the resources available to navigate the tax landscape.

VIGILANCE AWARENESS WEEK CONCLUDES

Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) recently concluded its observance of Vigilance Awareness Week (VAW) from October 28 to  November 3, 2024, underscoring its unwavering dedication to integrity, transparency and ethical governance. In line with the Central Vigilance Commission’s (CVC) mandate, GSL actively engaged in this year’s theme, “Culture of Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity” affirming its role in fostering a corruption-free and accountable work culture.

GSL’s observance of the week was the culmination of a broader three-month awareness campaign from August 16 which will continue until November 15, 2024. The campaign witnessed impactful initiatives aimed at instilling a deep-rooted culture of integrity across the organization and its community. Activities included an essay competition for local school students, an elocution contest for college students, and an internal essay competition for GSL’s executives, supervisors, apprentices, and CISF personnel. A special awareness session at the Gram Sabha in Sancoale Panchayat further extended GSL’s commitment to anti-corruption efforts into the community, actively involving local citizens.

Present were K Rajendran, Sr DGM, PGCIL, Bengaluru and  Sanjay Krishna Navhale, CVO, GSL. Over 550 GSL employees benefited from these sessions which focused on preventive vigilance practices and raised awareness of cyber threats. The inaugural day of Vigilance Awareness Week on Oct 28 saw GSL taking its message to the digital world through a video message on social media, followed by an audio message from the GSL CMD, broadcasted on 92.7 BIG FM, to ensure widespread awareness. Cultural performances also marked the event, with a song on vigilance by the GSL serenade group, a dedicated vigilance anthem, and a powerful street play by the Goa Livelihoods Forum, which vividly illustrated the destructive impact of corruption on society.

On Oct 29 there was a vendor meet to foster an open dialogue on vigilance practices and ethical standards, promoting a collaborative approach to anti-corruption with its vendors. A street play within the shipyard on Nov 1 highlighted the importance of vigilance and integrity, resonating strongly with employees. The week-long activities culminated in a valedictory function attended by the CMD of GSL, Directors, CVO, senior executives, and employees. Winners of various competitions were honoured and this included essay writing, elocution, slogan creation and poster design.

Through its comprehensive and heartfelt observance of Vigilance Awareness Week 2024, Goa Shipyard Limited reaffirms its dedication to upholding integrity as a cornerstone of its operations for a prosperous  and corruption-free India.

FARMERS, DON’T BURN CROPS!

HARVESTING of paddy generates a large volume of residue/ stubble both on and off the farm. A large portion of crop residue is burnt “on-farm” primarily to clean the field for sowing the next crop. Burning crop residue causes phenomenal pollution problems in the atmosphere huge nutritional loss and physical health deterioration in the soil.

Now the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), New Delhi has given Direction under Section 18(1)(b) of Air (Protection and Control of Pollution Act 1981 for comprehensive management of paddy straw and other agro residues. As the harvesting of paddy has already started, the Directorate of Agriculture is creating awareness among the farming community to stop burning crop residues and make appropriate use of it to avoid environmental pollution. All farmers have been advised to recycle or make appropriate use of crop residues instead of burning them.

HERITAGE FIRST FESTIVAL

IT’S time to celebrate Goa’s built, natural and cultural heritage with walks and workshops at the first edition of Heritage First Festival, spearheaded by Goa’s renowned heritage advocates. The festival is dedicated to putting the conservation of Goa’s heritage at the centre stage and making it accessible and relevant. The first edition of the Heritage First Festival commences from November 15, 2024. 

The festival dedicates itself to preserving and promoting Goa’s built, natural and cultural heritage. Its mission is to build awareness, educate and empower communities through contemporary programs highlighting heritage in an ever-changing world. Twenty-seven “pilots” or domain-expert curators will accompany those eager to gain in-depth knowledge about the state during a series of informative walks and workshops. 

“The walk hosts are called pilots. Inspired by Goa’s iconic motorcycle pilots, known for their wealth of knowledge of the state’s picturesque countryside and iconic landmarks, leading heritage advocates in the coastal state will organise a series of 32 walks and workshops putting the spotlight on natural and manmade heritage sites, as part of the inaugural edition of the upcoming, one-of-a-kind Heritage First Festival, ” says Snigdha Manchanda, India’s first certified tea sommelier.

The festival is an initiative by the newly formed not for profit organisation, Heritage First Goa (HFG), founded by Heta Pandit, Snigdha Manchanda and Jack Ajit Sukhija, with several heritage enthusiasts on board to curate the walks and workshops, which delve into Goa’s native biodiversity, local markets, local and seasonal produce, traditional art, music and craft forms, island life, exploring the state’s beloved cities and more.

Independent researcher,  writer, publisher and heritage home owner Heta Pandit, says the festival aims to “instil a new appreciation for places we have walked through innumerable times. Several of the places are well known, but we will be looking at them from the lens of learning and educating ourselves.”

Spanning the coastal state from Morjim in North Goa to Rachol in South Goa, the Heritage First Festival comprises four categories — 1) built heritage, 2) nature and biodiversity, 3) arts and crafts, 4) workshops. Thirty-two walks and workshops will be held for those interested in the state’s cultural offerings, for bookings check out https://heritagefirstgoa.explara.com/events.

AMAZING GOA GLOBAL SUMMIT

THE 3-day Amazing Goa Global Business Summit 2024, organized by the Vibrant Goa Foundation in association with the Goa government, got off to a sparkling start on November 9, 2024 at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium at Bambolim in capital city Panjim.

Doing the inaugural honours of lighting the ceremonial lamp and on the dais were Chief Minister of Goa Dr Pramod Sawant with his cabinet ministers,  Union ministers Suresh Prabhu, as also  Vibrant Goa Foundation Chairman Rajkumar Kamat and other members of the foundation namely Vinay Verma, Manoj Patil, Arman Bankley, Rasik Naik. There was Union Minister Piyush Goyal  who highlighted the strategic importance of Goa as a hub for business and tourism, saying “The Amazing Goa Global Business Summit serves as a powerful catalyst for economic growth, not only for Goa but for the entire nation. It provides a unique platform for entrepreneurs,  MSMEs, and industry leaders to collaborate, innovate and tap into global opportunities….”

The summit will see focused sessions hosted by industry leaders on the challenges and technologies in health and wellness sector, and these will offer valuable insights for those attending the sessions. On the cards for discussion are the emerging fields in IT,  AI, Blockchain, Cybersecurity…there is expo alongside for the delegates from abroad to check out what Goa and India has to offer by way of business deals. India has a large skilled population with 1.4 billion aspirational individuals seeking a better quality of life, creating a demand for goods and services. All this is possible with strong leadership from  Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant in Goa which is being promoted as the ideal gateway to India.

Amongst other things the summit seeks to celebrate Goa’s rich culture through special programs to open up avenues for export opportunities, to strengthen local economy and connect Goan enterprises to global markets. Day 2 (Nov 9) will see sessions on global business prospects and Day 3 (Nov 10) will highlight a country focus on Australia. This will conclude with a grand closing ceremony, wrapping up the showcasing and achievements of the Amazing Goa Global Business Summit 2024. Goa is being promoted as a hub for doing business with pleasure and according to Goa Transport, Industries Panchayat and Protocol Minister Mauvin Godinho India is marching forward to be the world’s third largest economy soon. More than 200 people from India and abroad will be collaborating at the summit, one of the biggest of its kind.