Goa Daily

Punjab locked horns with Goa in a significant Group C fixture of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 at Jaipur on Tuesday, January 6, with the return of Shubman Gill adding further weight to the contest. As the league stage approached its decisive phase, the match carried clear implications for knockout qualification, particularly for Punjab, who entered the contest leading the group standings after a strong run of performances. The Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s premier domestic 50-over competition, has long served as a platform where emerging talent and established internationals converge. This encounter reflected that balance, combining Punjab’s consistent campaign with Goa’s attempt to regain stability and competitiveness in a challenging group. Punjab’s Position of Strength Heading into the Contest Punjab began the match as one of the most consistent sides in Group C, having displayed discipline across batting and bowling departments in earlier fixtures. Their position at the top of...

In an era where governance is often criticised for being distant from the people it serves, Vishwajit Rane’s recent month-long grassroots outreach in Sattari stands out as a deliberate shift towards direct public engagement. By spending significant time on the ground, interacting door to door with residents, Rane has underscored the importance of listening before legislating and understanding before implementing policy. This outreach has not been symbolic; it has been rooted in active dialogue with citizens across villages and communities. The initiative reflects a leadership philosophy that places citizens at the heart of governance. Rather than relying solely on reports or intermediaries, Vishwajit Rane has chosen to hear concerns firsthand—ranging from infrastructure gaps and healthcare access to livelihoods, education, and local development priorities. Such engagement strengthens trust and reinforces the idea that governance must evolve from real experiences rather than assumption...

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a directive asking Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The decision, implemented swiftly by the franchise, has drawn significant attention due to the circumstances surrounding it and the broader implications for cricket administration. Sources indicate that the move is linked to recent political developments in Bangladesh, including backlash over attacks on Hindu minorities following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. While the BCCI has refrained from issuing a detailed public explanation, officials have suggested that the decision was taken after considering prevailing regional sensitivities. KKR’s Compliance and Squad Reconfiguration KKR, one of the league’s most prominent franchises, complied with the BCCI’s directive without delay. With Mustafizur Rahman released, the franchise is now entitled to identify and ...

 In a significant move aimed at strengthening Goa’s public healthcare system, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane has approved enhanced remuneration for contract doctors and GARD doctors serving at Goa Medical College (GMC) , effective January 1, 2026. The decision also introduces a 5% annual increment , providing long-term financial progression for doctors working under contractual arrangements. The announcement marks an important policy intervention in recognising the pivotal role played by medical professionals who form the frontline of healthcare delivery in the state. Officials described the decision as a step towards building a stable, motivated, and resilient medical workforce in Goa. Recognising Doctors as the Backbone of Healthcare Addressing the rationale behind the decision, Vishwajit Rane underscored that doctors working at GMC and its allied institutions have consistently delivered services under demanding conditions. Contract doctors and GARD doctors, in particular, s...

Goa’s beaches witnessed exceptionally high footfalls during New Year celebrations, as tourists from across India and abroad gathered to mark the year-end festivities. With crowds swelling across popular coastal stretches, public safety agencies faced the critical challenge of managing emergencies while ensuring uninterrupted access to medical and rescue services. The day’s events once again highlighted how essential trained lifesavers and structured response mechanisms are in preventing accidents from escalating into tragedies. Beach-related incidents tend to rise during peak tourism periods due to overcrowding, unpredictable sea conditions, and lack of awareness among visitors. Against this backdrop, the effectiveness of Goa’s coastal safety framework became evident as multiple rescue operations were conducted across different beaches within a short span of time. Timely Rescues Prevent Major Mishaps On January 1, lifesavers stationed across Goa’s coastline responded to several eme...

As Goa welcomed the New Year with large-scale celebrations and a surge in domestic and international tourists, public safety along the state’s extensive coastline emerged as a critical priority. Amid heavy footfall and crowded beaches, Drishti Marine lifesavers carried out multiple rescue, assistance, and emergency response operations across various locations on New Year’s Day, preventing potential tragedies and ensuring the safety of visitors and locals alike. The coordinated efforts by Drishti Marine highlighted the importance of a trained, professional coastal safety system, especially during peak tourism periods when beaches witness heightened activity and increased risk factors. Timely Drowning Rescues Across High-Footfall Beaches On January 1, Drishti Marine lifesavers responded to multiple distress situations involving swimmers caught in difficulty due to strong currents, fatigue, and unfamiliarity with local water conditions. At Arambol beach , a 19-year-old woman from Mah...