Goa Daily

  Goa’s palliative care programme has recorded significant uptake since its expansion, with government data indicating over 11,000 patient interactions to date. These interactions include home-based medical visits, pain management support, and counselling services, underscoring the programme’s growing role in addressing the needs of patients with chronic and life-limiting illnesses. Health Minister Vishwajit Rane has positioned palliative care as a critical component of Goa’s healthcare system, emphasising compassionate, patient-focused services alongside curative treatment. Focus on Home-Based and Holistic Support A key feature of the expanded programme is its emphasis on home-based care , allowing patients to receive medical attention and emotional support in familiar surroundings. This approach has been particularly beneficial for patients with limited mobility and those requiring long-term care. Counselling services offered to patients and family members have also played ...

  Judicial proceedings in the December 6 fire at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora gathered momentum on Tuesday after a Mapusa court rejected anticipatory bail applications filed by Arpora sarpanch Roshan Redkar and suspended former secretary Raghuvir Bagkar. The decision marks a significant development in the investigation into the fire incident, which has drawn widespread public attention and raised serious questions over regulatory compliance and administrative oversight. The court’s ruling underscores the seriousness with which the judiciary is treating the case, particularly in light of public safety concerns associated with commercial establishments operating in densely populated areas. Court Issues Notice on Bail Plea of Senior Executive In the same proceedings, the Mapusa court issued notice on a bail application filed on behalf of Rajib Kumar Modak, chief general manager of Romeo Lane. The application, filed by advocate Vinayak Porob, contended that Modak is a pe...

  Goa has taken a decisive step in strengthening its public health response to lung cancer by prioritising early detection and technology-enabled preventive care. Under the leadership of Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, the state has implemented a large-scale, AI-powered lung cancer screening programme aimed at identifying health risks at an early and more treatable stage. The initiative reflects a shift from reactive treatment to proactive disease prevention within Goa’s public healthcare framework. With lung cancer remaining one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality globally, the emphasis on early diagnosis is critical. Goa’s approach aligns with global best practices, where timely screening significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates. AI-Powered Screening as a Public Health Tool The lung cancer screening programme, implemented in partnership with AstraZeneca and Qure.ai, integrates artificial intelligence into diagnostic imaging to enhance accurac...

  The Assam Police have arrested a 19-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting a Class 10 student and subjecting her to prolonged digital harassment, following his return from Goa. The arrest, carried out at Silchar’s Kumbirgram Airport, marks a significant development in a case that has triggered public concern over crimes against minors, misuse of technology, and the psychological impact of prolonged abuse. According to police officials, the accused, identified as Rohit Biswas, was taken into custody shortly after landing in Silchar on Tuesday morning. He had reportedly fled the state soon after the victim lodged a formal complaint at Malugram Police Station on December 15. The police said the accused had remained absconding for several days, prompting intensified surveillance and coordination across states to track his movements. Allegations of Prolonged Abuse and Coercion The survivor, a Class 10 student, alleged in her complaint that the accused repeatedly coerced her in...

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s early arrival at the nets on a misty morning at the Jaipuria Vidyalaya ground signalled his readiness to rejoin competitive action for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The India international, who missed the first three matches due to acute gastroenteritis, underwent an extended training session away from public view. The focused preparation reflects Mumbai’s intent to maintain consistency as the tournament progresses into a decisive phase. Mumbai’s Squad Depth Strengthened by International Experience With Jaiswal now available for the next three to four matches, Mumbai’s batting order receives a significant boost. He is expected to open alongside Angkrish Raghuvanshi, providing stability and experience at the top. The return of international players has already paid dividends for Mumbai, with Rohit Sharma’s earlier appearances lifting team morale and performance levels. Team officials believe Jaiswal’s presence will have a similar influence. Team Management Emp...

In a landmark step toward inclusive and humane healthcare, Goa has implemented its first Palliative Care Policy under the leadership of Health Minister Vishwajit Rane . The policy addresses a long-standing gap in the healthcare system by providing structured and accessible care for patients suffering from chronic, progressive, and terminal illnesses. Diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders, and other life-limiting conditions often require sustained medical attention beyond curative treatment. Recognising this need, the policy focuses on improving quality of life through pain management, psychological support, and continuous care. Integrating Palliative Care into the Public Health System A key strength of the policy lies in its integration across all levels of public healthcare. Services are being extended from tertiary hospitals to district hospitals, community health centres, and primary health centres. This decentralised approach ensures that patients receive timely care...

The investigation into the devastating fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, which claimed 25 lives on December 6 , has entered a critical phase with multiple stakeholders being examined and legal scrutiny intensifying. The incident, one of the deadliest nightclub fires in recent years, has raised serious concerns regarding fire safety compliance, property ownership disputes, and regulatory oversight. As authorities work to establish accountability, developments over the past week indicate a widening scope of inquiry involving property ownership, operational legality, and administrative lapses. Property Owner Appears Before Anjuna Police On December 29, 2025 , Pradeep Ghadi Amonkar appeared before Anjuna police in connection with the case. Amonkar stated that he has been the owner of the property since 1994 and contested the legitimacy of the nightclub’s operations on the premises. According to Amonkar, a sale agreement executed in 2004 with businessman Surinder...

  Mental health has increasingly emerged as a critical public health priority, demanding policy attention, institutional commitment, and sustained societal engagement. Health Minister Vishwajit Rane has consistently underscored the need to treat mental health with the same seriousness and urgency as physical health, emphasising that well-being is incomplete without psychological resilience and emotional support. In recent years, changing social dynamics, economic pressures, and lifestyle shifts have heightened mental health challenges across age groups. Recognising this, the health department has sought to reposition mental healthcare from the margins of public discourse to the centre of healthcare planning and service delivery. Tele MANAS: Expanding Access to Mental Health Support A key pillar of this approach is the Tele MANAS initiative , a nationwide mental health helpline designed to provide immediate, confidential, and professional support to individuals in distress. Vis...

The Hindi film industry’s most successful suspense thriller franchise, Drishyam , has officially entered its third chapter with Drishyam 3 going into production. Starring Ajay Devgn, Tabu and Shriya Saran , the film marks a significant continuation of a narrative that has consistently blended crime, morality, and psychological tension, drawing both critical appreciation and commercial success. The production, which began with preliminary schedules in Mumbai, is now preparing to shift base to Goa , where an extensive and narratively important shooting schedule is set to commence from January 8 . According to sources associated with the project, the Goa schedule will continue until the end of the month and will involve the entire principal cast. From Mumbai to Goa: A Strategic Shift in Production The initial phase of Drishyam 3 was shot in controlled studio environments and select locations in Mumbai, allowing the team to establish continuity and character progression. The upcoming...

 IndiGo on Monday cancelled 118 flights across its domestic network as adverse weather conditions and limited operational constraints significantly disrupted flight schedules. According to information available on the airline’s official website, the majority of the cancellations were attributed to poor weather conditions affecting multiple airports, while a smaller number were linked to operational reasons. The disruption once again highlighted the seasonal challenges faced by Indian aviation during the winter fog period. Fog Conditions Disrupt Operations Across Major Cities Dense fog continued to prevail across Delhi and several airports in northern India, severely impacting visibility and flight movements. Airports in cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Dehradun, Indore, Patna, and Bhopal were among those affected. The reduced visibility led to delays and cancellations as airlines were forced to regulate departures and arri...

 Health Minister Vishwajit Rane has underscored the growing success of the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar health camps, revealing that more than 40,000 people , including 24,571 women , have availed free medical services under the initiative. Conducted across 228 locations statewide, the programme reflects the Goa government’s sustained commitment to preventive and inclusive healthcare. Women’s Health at the Core of Public Policy Highlighting women’s health as a central priority, Rane stated that the overwhelming participation of women demonstrates a rising awareness about preventive healthcare. Aligning the initiative with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, he emphasised that healthy women form the foundation of strong families and resilient communities. The camps focus on early diagnosis, routine screenings, and health education—helping women take timely action and reducing long-term healthcare risks. Expanding Access Through Community-Based Healthcare The decentralised...

On the economic empowerment front, Vishwajit Rane has consistently championed programmes that foster women’s participation in self-help groups (SHGs), skill development initiatives, and local entrepreneurship. Recognising that financial independence is central to holistic empowerment, these interventions have enabled women, particularly from rural and semi-urban regions, to transition from informal work to sustainable income-generating activities. Structured training programmes provide women with the technical skills necessary for sectors such as handicrafts, food processing, tailoring, hospitality support services, and small-scale manufacturing. By pairing skill-building with access to micro-credit and market-linkage support, beneficiaries are able to convert training into tangible economic opportunities. Self-Help Groups as Platforms for Collective Growth Beyond individual income generation, SHGs have emerged as powerful platforms for collective action under Vishwajit Rane’s guid...

A Delhi-bound Air India Express flight originating from Goa was diverted to Ahmedabad in the early hours of Monday as dense fog engulfed the national capital, significantly disrupting flight operations. The aircraft, which departed from Mopa Airport in Goa at 11:55 PM, was scheduled to land at Indira Gandhi International Airport’s Terminal 1 at 2:35 AM. However, deteriorating visibility conditions over Delhi prompted aviation authorities to divert the flight in the interest of passenger safety, officials said. Ahmedabad Chosen as Alternate Due to Congestion at Jaipur According to news agency ANI, the flight was diverted to Ahmedabad after Jaipur Airport, a commonly used alternate, was already congested with several other flights diverted due to similar fog-related disruptions. Aviation sources stated that multiple airports in northern India witnessed increased air traffic congestion as airlines sought alternate landing destinations amid widespread low visibility conditions. The de...

President Droupadi Murmu has embarked on a four-day official visit to Goa, Karnataka, and Jharkhand, beginning today, marking a significant constitutional outreach that combines defence engagement, cultural recognition, and academic interaction. The visit reflects the Presidency’s ongoing role in reinforcing national priorities while acknowledging regional contributions across diverse sectors. The President is scheduled to depart for Goa this evening, initiating the first leg of the tour. Officials indicated that the itinerary has been designed to engage with institutions and communities that play a critical role in India’s strategic preparedness, cultural preservation, and educational advancement. Naval Engagement and Maritime Preparedness in Karnataka As part of her visit, President Murmu will travel to Karnataka, where she is scheduled to undertake a sea sortie aboard a submarine from Karwar Harbour. The engagement underscores the President’s role as the Supreme Commander of the...

The Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services has announced heightened fire safety vigilance at the Dev Bodgeshwar jatra in Mapusa, scheduled to commence on January 2. Surprise inspections will be conducted across the fair premises to ensure strict compliance with fire safety norms by vendors, stall owners, and amusement ride operators. The move follows the recent shutdown of a giant wheel installed at the fair after officials detected lapses in mandatory fire safety permits and preventive measures. Authorities said the decision underscores the department’s commitment to safeguarding public welfare during large religious and cultural gatherings. Giant Wheel Shut Following Safety Violations A senior fire official confirmed that the giant wheel was ordered to be shut after it failed to meet requirements under the Fire Safety Act. “Rides such as giant wheels must be equipped with essential fire prevention systems, including detection mechanisms, alarm systems, fire extinguishers, cle...

Under the leadership of Vishwajit Rane , Goa is preparing to significantly strengthen its healthcare ecosystem with the establishment of a comprehensive cancer care facility designed to serve patients within the State. The proposed centre aims to provide integrated oncology services, addressing a long-standing gap in access to advanced cancer treatment locally. The initiative reflects the State’s broader healthcare strategy of reducing patient dependency on out-of-state medical institutions while ensuring timely and affordable access to specialised care. Comprehensive Oncology Services Within the State The planned facility is expected to offer a full spectrum of cancer care services, including outpatient consultations, diagnostic support, advanced treatment modalities, and specialist medical supervision. By consolidating these services within Goa, the initiative seeks to ease the physical, emotional, and financial strain faced by patients and their families. Officials involved in ...

The cancellation of a concert by renowned Bangladeshi singer James in Faridpur has brought renewed attention to the deteriorating safety environment for artists and cultural events in Bangladesh. The programme, scheduled for December 26 to mark a local school’s anniversary, was called off after a violent group attempted to disrupt the gathering by force. The incident occurred nearly 120 kilometres from Dhaka and resulted in injuries to more than 25 people, according to local reports. The disruption has raised serious concerns about law enforcement preparedness and the broader climate surrounding cultural expression in the country. Mob Violence Forces Authorities to Intervene Eyewitnesses stated that a group of attackers attempted to force entry into the venue, hurling bricks and stones at attendees. Students and organisers initially resisted the intrusion, but escalating violence prompted local authorities to instruct organisers to cancel the concert in the interest of public safe...