log on to thegoan.net @thegoanonline FRIDAY JUNE 7, 2024 GOA Students asked to submit NEET score by June 12 PANAJI: Students who have applied for admissions to NEET-based courses through the centralised admission system administered by the Directorate of Technical Education have been advised to furnish a copy of their NEET scorecard by June 12. The scorecard copy can be furnished either in person at the DTE office in Porvorim or via email at ditegoaadm-deg@gov.in and even via Whatsapp on 9823391497. Meanwhile, those interested in applying for admission to NEET-based courses but did not submit their forms can do so in person until June 12 at the DTE Porvorim office. Four senior govt officers transferred PANAJI: The State government has transferred 4 senior officers. Melvyn Vaz has been posted as Secretary, Goa Rehabilitation Board, Gopal Parsekar as Project Director, DRDA (North) with addl charge of Director Rural Development, Vassudev Shetye as SLAO, Mopa Airport,  and Dr Ajay Gaude CEO North Goa Zilla with added charge as MD, Goa Handicrafts. IMD forecasts heavy rain from June 8 PANAJI: Isolated very heavy rainfall is likely over Goa and Konkan area from June 8 to 10, IMD has forecasted on Thursday.  It also said widespread to moderate rainfall accompanied with thunderstorm, are likely over Konkan & Goa during next 5 days. Property worth `  L 2 destroyed in blaze MAPUSA: Property worth Rs 2 lakh was destroyed in two separate fire mishaps in Pirna and Siolim. In the first incident, a fire broke out in the godown of Devu Sawant near Sri Pandurang Mandir at Pirna while in the second incident in Siolim fire broke out in the flat. >> See pg 5 Search on to trace missing youth SANGUEM: Curchorem Police along with Curchorem Fire Brigade and Coastal Police have undertaken frantic search operations since early Thursday morning in a bid to search a youth from Xeldem Quepem who was reported missing from his home.  >> See pg 3 WEATHER >> Max: 37 C Min: 23.3 C Humidity: 88% TIDES Low: High: 04:51 17:38 12:07 22:40 The Goan E-Paper (Playstore/IOS) 13 pages PRICE ` 10 PANAJI MARGAO GOA VOLUME IX, NO. 351 Defeated despite being fully geared, BJP searching for answers in South IN SHORT >> Facebook.com/thegoan 2 GOA Smart city work, dengue cases in St Inez keep health officers on toes 3 Instagram.com/thegoanonline RNI: GOAENG/2015/65729 INFO Stop doing these right now if you have dry skin 8 ICC T20 World Cup: Stoinis propels Australia to big win over Oman Allies push for key positions as Modi readies for 3rd term BJP NOT IN MOOD TO LET GO OF KEY MINISTRIES AGENCIES THEIR POUND OF FLESH NEW DELHI Two days after Lok Sabha election results denied a clear majority to the BJP, its allies in NDA have started bargaining hard for plum posts at the Centre. The BJP, however, is not in the mood to let go of key miniseries and roles, sources have said. With the single largest party well short of the magic figure, NDA allies are now on a tight deadline to reach a consensus as plans are afoot to hold the swearing in ceremony of the third Narendra Modi government this weekend. The four allies whose support is critical for the BJP to reach majority are N Chandrabau Naidu’s TDP, which has won 16 seats, Nitish Kumar’s JDU (12), Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena (7) and Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas (5). „„TDP has reportedly sought Lok Sabha Speaker’s post „„JDU aims for a Common Minimum Programme and coordination committee led by Nitish Kumar „„TDP is pushing for at least four berths in the new government „„Naidu’s party is also keen on MoS finance post, aiming to fulfill promises made during Andhra Assembly polls „„JDU also pushing for at least four berths -- railways, agriculture, rural development & jal shakti ministries „„Names of Lallan Singh and Sanjay Jha are already in circulation as probable ministers „„Eknath Shinde faction of Shiv Sena, which won seven seats, is likely to secure a Cabinet-rank minister and an MoS position „„Chirag Paswan aims to be a Cabinet-rank minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar, both coalition-era veterans, have emerged kingmakers in this election and are learnt to have demanded plum roles at the Centre for their support. TDP, it is learnt, has also sought the Lok Sabha Speaker’s post, while JDU sources said they may press for a Common Minimum Programme for the NDA government and hope that a coordination committee formed for its implementation is led by Nitish WITH FISHING BAN IN FORCE… FDA to keep hawk’s eye on formalin-laced fish Surprise inspections planned at check-posts THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI Now that the fishing ban is on and import of fresh fish from other States expected to spike, the Food and Drugs Administration is planning to conduct surprise checks frequently at fish markets apart from checking the transportation trucks at the border check-posts. A senior FDA official said their department is fully geared up to shoulder the responsibility and will ensure intense scrutiny of all fish stocks in the markets.  Teams have been formed under the stewardship of Sanjyot and Richard Noronha, who are the designated officers for North Goa and South Goa districts under the FSSAI Act, which will shoulder the responsibility according to the official. He said, enough supply of kits to test formalin content in fish samples are in stock and any further investigation if needed will be carried out in the in-house laboratory at the FORMALIN: CHECKS & BALANCES „„Dept fully geared up to shoulder responsibility „„Will ensure intense scrutiny of all fish stocks in the markets  „„Teams formed under stewardship of Sanjyot and Richard Noronha „„Enough supply of kits to test formalin content in fish samples in stock „„Further investigation if needed to be carried out in the in-house laboratory at FDA headquarters, Bambolim FDA headquarters  in Bambolim. Nearly six years ago in July 2018, the practice of adding carcinogenic formalin as a preservative in fish had snowballed into a major public health and political controversy when a senior FDA official Iva Fernandes found samples of fish to be contaminated with the chemical in pre-dawn raids at the Margao wholesale market. Fernandes was the “designated officer” to ensure food safety in South Goa District at the time and sealed all the fish trucks citing the findings of her on-the-spot tests. However, the fish import lobby then liaised with the political establishment leading to the release of the trucks. Fernandes also faced retribution and was transferred to an obscure section of the department. Meanwhile, the fear of fish being contaminated with formalin especially during the 61-day fishing-ban continues to loom large since that controversy in Goa, where the populace is a largely  fish-eating one. SAWANT, SHRIPAD LEAVE FOR DELHI TO ATTEND CRUCIAL NDA MEET >> See pg 3 Kumar. The BJP, sources said, is not ready to give away the Speaker’s role and TDP may be offered a Dy Speaker post. JDU holds the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman post anyway. There is another big change. The Narendra Modi governments formed after the 2014 and 2019 elections had only symbolic representation of allies because BJP had absolute majority. But this time, the BJP may have to distribute ministerial berths in proportion to seats won by each ally. The BJP, however, is not keen on accommodating allies in four key ministries that come under the Cabinet Committee on Security. The BJP will also not want 13 SPORTS to let go of portfolios that are critical to its infrastructure push, such as road transport and highways, or its welfare agenda. Among the BJP’s promises in the run-up to the election was support to four “castes” identified by Prime Minister Modi -- the poor, women, youth and farmers. The BJP will be looking to retain control in portfolios relating to these groups. Construction of roads and highways in the past 10 years of Modi govt has received appreciation. Led by Nitin Gadkari, this push has enhanced connectivity to remote areas. The BJP would not want to lose momentum by giving charge to one of its allies. Another key portfolio is the Railways. While JDU sources said they are keen to get the Railways ministry, voices in the BJP argue that key reforms are underway in this sector and any disruption may stall them. Kangana slapped by CISF security staff at airport Guard suspended, FIR lodged PTI CHANDIGARH Actor and BJP MP-elect Kangana Ranaut said she was hit in the face and abused by a woman CISF constable during security check at the Chandigarh airport on Thursday, the ugly fracas breaking out two days after she was won from the Mandi Lok Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh. Constable Kulwinder Kaur, who appeared to be upset with Ranaut over her stance on the farmers’ protests, was suspended and an FIR lodged against her, officials said. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), tasked with providing security at airports, has also ordered a court of inquiry into the incident at the airport. In a video statement titled “Shocking rise in terror and violence in Punjab” posted on X after she landed in Delhi, the “Queen” actor said she was safe and fine. Recapping in detail what had happened, Ranaut said she had been getting a lot of calls from the media and her well-wishers. The constable, she said, came towards her from the side. “She hit me in the face and started abusing me. I asked her why she did it and she said she supports the farmer protests.” “I am safe but my concern is that terrorism is increasing in Punjab... How do we handle that?” Another video doing the rounds of social media showed an agitated Kaur talking to people presumably after the incident. Lok Sabha polls: CHHETRI’S SWANSONG Amonkar claims Sunil Chhetri retired from international football as India played out a goalless draw against Kuwait in their FIFA World Cup 2026 internal sabotage qualifier match in Kolkata in Mormugao THE GOAN I NETWORK VASCO Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar has voiced dissatisfaction with the recent election results in his constituency despite achieving a lead, indicating tensions within the BJP’s local cadre. In a candid statement, Amonkar acknowledged the people’s mandate but hinted at internal betrayal. “Although we have secured a lead in Mormugao, I am not entirely pleased with the outcome,” Amonkar said. “It is apparent that some BJP loyalists have been working against the party’s interests here in Mormugao.” Amonkar revealed plans to compile a detailed report, which he intends to submit to the party leadership. “I will be documenting all instances of disloyalty and backstabbing. The party needs to take necessary actions against those undermining collective efforts,” he added. The MLA’s remarks suggest underlying tensions within the BJP’s local cadre, raising concerns about internal unity and coherence as the party moves forward. 19 THE LAST BOW „„An emotional Chhetri sobbed after the end of the match and when he was given a guard of honour by his team-mates „„He buried his head into head coach Igor Stimac’s arms while crying „„Bid adieu in front of a jam-packed 68000-capacity Salt Lake Stadium Years’ career 94 Goals 151 Matches Report on pg 11 Goa’s industries in red, orange zones get more time to breathe Deadline for emission monitoring stations extended THE GOAN I NETWORK PANAJI The Goa State Pollution Control Board has extended the deadline for installing online emission monitoring stations in red and orange zone industries and other establish- ments to August 31, 2024 that was previously set for June 30, 2024. In reference to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on continuous monitoring of air, water and other pollutant emission, the State pollution authority in March this year directed all the industrial, commercial and residential establishments, as well as educational institutions, having effluent treatment plant of 50 KLD and above and sewage treatment >Continued on P5 Sunita Williams creates history, WITH EYE ON HEAT WAVES & FOREST FIRES… first woman to pilot spacecraft States asked to be prepared for summer challenges PTI HOUSTON On the way to the International Space Station aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams and her colleague Butch Wilmore tested a unique capability of spacecraft on orbit manual piloting. Williams flew to space for the third time along with Wilmore, scripting history as the first members aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on a 25-hour flight to the International Space Station (ISS). Williams is the pilot for the flight test while Wilmore is the commander of the mission. Although the spacecraft is usually autonomous, the crew FAR-FIELD DEMO „„Sunita and her partner pointed Starliner’s nose toward the Earth so that its communications antenna on the back of the Service Module was pointed at the Tracking and Data Relay satellites „„They then moved the Starliner so that its solar array pointed at the sun to show they could charge the internal batteries if ever needed used the hand controller to point and aim the spacecraft during about two hours of free-flight demonstrations. During a far-field demo, they pointed Starliner’s nose toward the Earth so that its communications antenna on the back of the Service Module was pointed at the Tracking and Data Relay satellites. They then moved the Starliner so that its solar array pointed at the sun to show they could charge the internal batteries if ever needed, Boeing said in a statement. Next, they swung Starliner and pointed the nose away from Earth to look at the stars. This was to show they could manually use the star trackers in the VESTA system to establish their attitude in space. PTI NEW DELHI The Centre on Thursday stressed the need for States to be better prepared to meet challenges related to heat waves and forest fires, ensure no loss of life and to minimise damage. At a meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba also gave an assurance to the States and Union Territories that the central ministries and departments are closely engaging with them to ensure optimum preparedness and for implementing timely mitigation and response measures, according to an official statement. The issue of heat wave and CENTRAL ADVISORY FOR STATES „„Activate control rooms, enforce SoPs for heat wave, ensure drinking water availability „„Prepare health facilities including availability of essential medicines, ORS & uninterrupted power supply „„Conduct fire safety audits of schools, hospitals forest fires was discussed at a meeting of the NCMC, chaired by the Cabinet secretary who took stock of the preparedness of the central and State governments. The Cabinet secretary observed that States and Union territories need to be better prepared to meet the associated challenges related to heat wave and forest fires to ensure no loss of life and to minimise damage. He stressed the importance of preparatory measures as outlined by National Disaster Management Authority and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, statement said. The NDMA and the MoEFCC made detailed presenta- and other institutions „„Review, monitor short term, medium term and long-term measures to ramp up preparedness to deal with heat waves „„Maintain & augment sources of water supply tions on current situation of heat wave and forest fires respectively including steps being taken to deal with them, across the country. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) informed that 10-22 above normal heat wave days were recorded in different parts of the country between April to June 2024. It was also informed that as per forecast for the month of June, above-normal heatwave days are likely over most areas of Northwest India and neighbouring areas from north Central India. This year, the monsoon is likely to be normal and above normal in most parts of the country. Regular alerts on heat waves are being sent by IMD. The NDMA also informed that a series of preparatory meetings have been conducted, starting from October 2023, by central ministries and departments and state governments. Advisories have been issued to states to activate control rooms, enforce SoPs for heat wave, ensure drinking water availability, preparedness of health facilities.