Goa Desk

Young racing talent Divy Nandan took to the track at the high-octane Indian Racing Festival, representing the Hyderabad Blackbirds, a team owned by actor Naga Chaitanya. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Divy Nandan said he was at the festival not just to compete, but also to learn and gain valuable experience. “I’m here to win, learn, gain experience, and enjoy a bit of the races,” he said, reflecting a balanced approach to the competitive motorsport environment. The I

Panaji:  Political leaders and stakeholders in Goa  have expressed strong opposition to any move that could alter the civilian status of Dabolim Airport , warning that such a decision would severely impact the state’s tourism-driven economy. The issue gained momentum after Goa Transport Minister and Dabolim MLA Mauvin Godinho  stated that a private airport operator was allegedly “lobbying” to convert Dabolim airport into an exclusive naval facility. ✈ Meeting with Defence Min

Panaji:  A court in Goa  has acquitted State Minister Atanasio Monserrate  in connection with a 2016 rape case, bringing an end to a long-running legal battle. According to the FIR registered by the Goa Police in 2016, a minor girl had alleged that she was sold to Monserrate, who was then the St Cruz MLA, and that she was drugged and sexually assaulted. The case had sparked significant political controversy in the state at the time. ⚖ Court’s Verdict The trial court, after ex

At the high-octane Indian Racing Festival , young racer Divy Nandan took the wheel for the Hyderabad Blackbirds , a franchise owned by actor Naga Chaitanya . The event witnessed intense on-track action as drivers from across the country competed in a series of challenging races, showcasing speed, precision, and strategy. Representing Hyderabad Blackbirds, Divy Nandan delivered a spirited performance, drawing attention for his composure and competitive drive. 🏁 Focused on Gro

Goa Chief Minister details long-term development vision, administrative expansion, and stricter enforcement for public safety. Panaji: Pramod Sawant has laid out an ambitious roadmap for the state under the banner of ‘Viksit Goa 2037’, outlining plans for infrastructure expansion, administrative reforms, and enhanced public safety measures. Addressing media and stakeholders, the Chief Minister emphasised that the government is focused on balanced growth while preserving Goa’s

In a major push to diversify its tourism economy beyond beaches and nightlife, the Goa government has unveiled plans to position the coastal state as a leading destination for wellness and medical tourism. The initiative aims to attract both domestic and international visitors seeking holistic healing, preventive healthcare, and advanced medical treatment. Officials said the strategy focuses on leveraging Goa’s serene natural environment, established hospitality infrastructur

Panaji: A sessions court in Goa has acquitted state minister Atanasio Monserrate in a 2016 rape case, bringing an end to a long-running legal battle that stemmed from allegations made by a minor girl. According to the First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Goa Police in 2016, the complainant had alleged that she was sold to Monserrate, then the MLA from St Cruz, and that he had drugged and raped her. The case was registered under relevant sections of the Indian Pen

Colva (Goa):  Tension prevailed in Colva on Monday as a large group of villagers, joined by local political leaders, staged a protest outside the Colva Police Station demanding action against the Police Inspector (PI) and a construction project promoter. The protesters alleged harassment, intimidation, and manhandling of local residents in connection with an ongoing development project in the village. According to villagers, the dispute stems from opposition to a construction

Panaji: Goa’s identity is often reduced to sun-soaked beaches, vibrant nightlife, and postcard-perfect churches. But beyond the crowded shorelines and iconic cathedrals lies a quieter, contemplative side of the coastal state—one shaped by centuries of Christian monastic life. Tucked away from mainstream tourist routes, several monasteries and convents offer rare insight into Goa’s layered religious and cultural history. Here are three lesser-known monastic sites in Goa  that

Panaji: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its probe into the devastating fire at Birch by Romeo Lane , a nightclub in Goa where 25 people lost their lives on December 6 , stating that the club generated ₹22 crore in revenue over the last two financial years , which is now suspected to be proceeds of crime . In a statement issued on Sunday, the ED said the revenue earned by the entity operating the nightclub is under scrutiny as part of a money-laundering inves

Panaji, Goa:  Protests by residents of Chimbel  continue as concerns mount over the proposed Unity Mall and Prashashan Stambh project , with activists questioning the decision-making process behind the plan. Speaking exclusively on the Head On  programme, Ajay Kholkar  said the agitation persists because key decisions are being taken without proper authority or procedural clarity. Kholkar stated that GTDC Chairman Kedar Naik does not have the authority  to decide on shifting

Panaji, Goa:  Amid growing concern among depositors, the Tirumalla Tirupati Multistate Co-operative Credit Society  on Thursday held a meeting with Goa Minister Subhash Shirodkar , seeking relief following the suspension of its No Objection Certificate (NOC) . The society’s Chairman, Gurmeet Singh , accompanied by members of the management team, met the minister to submit key documents  and request additional time  to furnish further details required by authorities. Request t

Belagavi : The investigation into the sensational money heist involving the theft of two container trucks carrying high-value currency notes  has widened, with the Karnataka Police officially joining hands with their counterparts from Goa and Maharashtra  to trace the missing vehicles and recover the stolen cash. According to police sources, the theft took place on the night of October 25  near the Karnataka–Goa border , where the two container trucks were allegedly stolen wh

Panaji: The Enforcement Directorate (ED)  has alleged that the entities operating a Goa-based nightclub , where 25 people lost their lives in a devastating fire last year , generated nearly ₹22 crore in revenue over the last two financial years , an amount that it has termed as “proceeds of crime”  under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) . In a statement issued on Sunday (January 25, 2026), the central probe agency said that in the Goa nightclub case , the revenue

South Goa: A 20-year-old female student was found dead in her hostel room at the BITS Pilani Goa campus  late on the night of February 1 , marking the sixth such incident reported at the institute over the past two years , police confirmed on Monday (February 2, 2026). The deceased has been identified as Vishnavi Jitesh , a third-year engineering student  at the prestigious institution. According to police officials, her body was discovered inside her hostel room after she fa

Panaji, Goa: In a disturbing crime that has shocked the tourism state, a Russian national has been arrested for allegedly murdering two women in separate incidents in north Goa. The accused, Aleksei Leonov , is suspected of killing his Russian friends within two days, triggering fear among locals and foreign tourists. Russian National Aleksei Leonov Arrested for Double Murder in Goa Goa Police confirmed that Aleksei Leonov, a Russian citizen, was arrested in connection with t