Daily10@Herald: Power Minister rejects INR 10k smart meter claim; Vijai Sardesai wants 85% Goan quota at IFF 2025

Daily10@Herald: Power Minister rejects INR 10k smart meter claim; Vijai Sardesai wants 85% Goan quota at IFF 2025
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Welcome to our special segment.
In the midst of all the daily hustle, there’s a chance you might have missed some of the top local news from Goa, along with important national and international updates. In this segment, we bring you the top 10 news stories of the day.

Herald Top 10

Call grows for Master Plan to protect Old Goa as illegal structures spark outrage

Ruling MLA Rodolfo Fernandes has demanded a comprehensive Master Plan to safeguard Old Goa’s World Heritage Sites, emphasizing broad stakeholder consultation. Amid ongoing illegal construction controversies and demands for demolitions, the government cites the sub judice status. Opposition insists on urgent measures including buffer zones and strict heritage laws.

Rumdamol Panchayat polls stalled as presiding officer hospitalised, reserve officer on leave

Panchayat polls in Rumdamol have been postponed after the presiding officer was hospitalized and the reserve officer went on sick leave, sparking outrage among members. They demand the elections be rescheduled before August 16, expressing concerns over disruptions to democratic processes and local governance.

Will smart meters cost every consumer INR 10,000? Power Minister Sudin clarifies ‘no’

Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar denied claims that each consumer will have to pay Rs 10,000 for smart meters. While the project costs Rs 890 crore and plans to recover Rs 820 crore from consumers, the minister emphasized phased cost recovery without heavy individual charges, amidst an inconclusive assembly debate.

Neglect Turns Bamanbudo Waterfall Into Health Hazard: Overflowing Garbage, Poor Maintenance Alarming Visitors

Bamanbudo Waterfall, once a serene tourist spot in South Goa, is facing neglect with overflowing garbage and poor maintenance alarming visitors. Despite its natural beauty and easy accessibility, lack of cleanliness and waste disposal facilities have transformed it into a health hazard, prompting calls for better upkeep.

Vijai Sardesai Slams Goa Film Festival 2025 Criteria, Demands 85% Quota for Goans

Vijai Sardesai criticized the selection criteria for the Goa Film Festival 2025, demanding an 85% quota for Goan artists and filmmakers to promote local talent. He argued the current system marginalizes Goan creators and urged reforms to ensure local representation and boost the regional film industry.

Biometrics, clues in litter point investigators to Pak link in Pahalgam attack

Security agencies confirmed the three terrorists killed during Operation Mahadev were Pakistani nationals behind the April 22 Pahalgam massacre. Recovery of Pakistani-issued voter slips, biometric NADRA data, Pakistani-made items, ballistic evidence, GPS logs, and intercepted communications traced the attackers’ direct link to Pakistan and Lashkar-e-Taiba control.

Six IT professionals held as Hyderabad farmhouse party turns into drug bust

Six IT professionals were arrested at a farmhouse party in Hyderabad where drug detection kits confirmed drug use. Excise STF seized LSD blots, hashish, liquor, and vehicles, while two suspects including the farmhouse owner absconded. A case is registered and investigation continues.

Hasina says never resigned, urges party members to continue struggle

Sheikh Hasina , Bangladesh's former Prime Minister, denied rumors of resignation and encouraged party supporters to continue their struggle. She emphasized strong leadership and vowed to remain active in political affairs, reinforcing her position within the party amidst ongoing political challenges.

Jharkhand mourns as ‘Dishom Guru’ Shibu Soren passes away at 81

Jharkhand bids farewell to Shibu Soren, a prominent tribal leader and founder of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, who passed away at 81. Known as 'Dishom Guru,' Soren played a pivotal role in the statehood movement and tribal empowerment, leaving a lasting legacy in regional politics.

"Made-Up Conversion Story": Tribal Girls Speak Out After Bail Granted to Kerala Nuns in Chhattisgarh Case

After Kerala nuns were granted bail in a controversial Chhattisgarh case, tribal girls involved spoke out against alleged forced conversions, calling the accusations fabricated. The case has sparked debates on religious freedom and minority rights, with community voices demanding justice and clarity on the incident.

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