NEWS UPDATES
Goa has notified a new policy to stop used cooking oil from re-entering the food chain and promote its conversion into biodiesel; restaurants and commercial food establishments will face stricter checks, with FDA inspectors using handheld TPC meters. Oil must be discarded once TPC reaches 25%, while used oil will be digitally tracked through geo-tagged QR e-receipts. • The Margao JMFC Court has acquitted two individuals in separate cases involving allegations of illegal matka gambling in public places. Rajesh Kumar Nishad of Veroda, Salcete, was booked by Cuncolim Police on April 9, 2024, while Rajkishor Prasad of Dramapur, Navelim, was booked by Margao Town Police on March 13, 2020. In both cases, the court noted that police had failed to arrest any bettors. As a result, the prosecution could not establish that the accused were actually accepting bets, leading to their acquittal. • The South Goa Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, Margao, has awarded Rs 94,39,667 to a minor boy who was permanently paralysed after being hit by a speeding two-wheeler in 2018; Tribunal said the compensation must be viewed from a long-term perspective, considering future inflation and the claimant’s lifelong needs. • After experiencing off-roading, Minister Vishwajit Rane said politics is also like navigating a difficult off-road track, adding that the current political situation feels like “rockstar off-roading.” He said whoever drives properly through the political “off-roading” will win, which prompted him to experience actual off-roading. • Churchill Brothers will feature in this edition of the Indian Super League (ISL) after Tata Steel agreed to transfer ownership of Jamshedpur FC to the Goan club. Churchill Brothers will also take over the club’s contracted players and coaching staff. • Santa Cruz MLA Rudolph Fernandes says he cannot stop anyone from contesting in the constituency. Fernandes said he has spoken to CM Pramod Sawant, who assured him of the Santa Cruz ticket. He expressed confidence in the CM and the people, adding that the final choice rests with voters. • Deputy Director (Fire Services) Rajendra Aanant Haldankar has been conferred the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service, while Leading Fire Fighter Arvind Nanasaheb Dessai has received the Medal for Meritorious Service on Independence Day 2026. • Goa Government has amended the Town and Country Planning regulations, allowing all land uses unless specifically prohibited under the rules. The amendment revises the list of prohibited activities across different zones and has come into immediate effect. • Goa Government has declared all snakebite cases and deaths as a notifiable disease under the Goa Public Health Act, 1985, making it mandatory for such cases to be reported to the health authorities • Lok Bhavan at Dona Paula and the surrounding area within a 500-metre radius have been declared a No-Fly Zone for unauthorised drones by the North Goa District Magistrate. The 60-day order follows sightings of unidentified drones over the Lok Bhavan premises on July 12 and 15. Authorities cited security concerns for the Governor and protected premises.
Goa has notified a new policy to stop used cooking oil from re-entering the food chain and promote its conversion into biodiesel; restaurants and commercial food establishments will face stricter checks, with FDA inspectors using handheld TPC meters. Oil must be discarded once TPC reaches 25%, while used oil will be digitally tracked through geo-tagged QR e-receipts. • The Margao JMFC Court has acquitted two individuals in separate cases involving allegations of illegal matka gambling in public places. Rajesh Kumar Nishad of Veroda, Salcete, was booked by Cuncolim Police on April 9, 2024, while Rajkishor Prasad of Dramapur, Navelim, was booked by Margao Town Police on March 13, 2020. In both cases, the court noted that police had failed to arrest any bettors. As a result, the prosecution could not establish that the accused were actually accepting bets, leading to their acquittal. • The South Goa Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, Margao, has awarded Rs 94,39,667 to a minor boy who was permanently paralysed after being hit by a speeding two-wheeler in 2018; Tribunal said the compensation must be viewed from a long-term perspective, considering future inflation and the claimant’s lifelong needs. • After experiencing off-roading, Minister Vishwajit Rane said politics is also like navigating a difficult off-road track, adding that the current political situation feels like “rockstar off-roading.” He said whoever drives properly through the political “off-roading” will win, which prompted him to experience actual off-roading. • Churchill Brothers will feature in this edition of the Indian Super League (ISL) after Tata Steel agreed to transfer ownership of Jamshedpur FC to the Goan club. Churchill Brothers will also take over the club’s contracted players and coaching staff. • Santa Cruz MLA Rudolph Fernandes says he cannot stop anyone from contesting in the constituency. Fernandes said he has spoken to CM Pramod Sawant, who assured him of the Santa Cruz ticket. He expressed confidence in the CM and the people, adding that the final choice rests with voters. • Deputy Director (Fire Services) Rajendra Aanant Haldankar has been conferred the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service, while Leading Fire Fighter Arvind Nanasaheb Dessai has received the Medal for Meritorious Service on Independence Day 2026. • Goa Government has amended the Town and Country Planning regulations, allowing all land uses unless specifically prohibited under the rules. The amendment revises the list of prohibited activities across different zones and has come into immediate effect. • Goa Government has declared all snakebite cases and deaths as a notifiable disease under the Goa Public Health Act, 1985, making it mandatory for such cases to be reported to the health authorities • Lok Bhavan at Dona Paula and the surrounding area within a 500-metre radius have been declared a No-Fly Zone for unauthorised drones by the North Goa District Magistrate. The 60-day order follows sightings of unidentified drones over the Lok Bhavan premises on July 12 and 15. Authorities cited security concerns for the Governor and protected premises.
