Latest news with #Lobo
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
BJP MLAs question own govt's inaction on stray dog menace
Porvorim: The extent of the threat posed by stray dogs in the state was evident on Monday in the House when BJP lawmakers urged chief minister Pramod Sawant to take the issue seriously. Legislators from the treasury benches usually resort to platitudes during assembly debates, but the menace of the stray dogs has them worried. 'Stray dogs are increasing in all our constituencies. If we contact the animal husbandry department, it tells us to contact private agencies. If we call the agencies, they say that they don't have funds and govt has to give funds,' said BJP MLA Ulhas Tuenkar. He was not the only BJP legislator to turn on his own ilk. Former power minister Nilesh Cabral blamed stray dogs and stray cattle for road accidents. In a subtle jibe at govt, the Curchorem MLA said that schemes to control stray dogs and animals failed to make an impact. 'Some municipalities have failed to tackle stray cattle and stray dogs. The schemes should be implemented in the way they were envisaged. Just making schemes does not help,' said Cabral. While he left some things unsaid, Michael Lobo, his BJP counterpart from Calangute, directly blamed stray dogs for the decline in tourists. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Compare Spreads: Bitcoin vs Ethereum CFDs IC Markets Learn More Undo 'The stray dog population has increased ten-fold on beaches. We need to find a solution to this problem. Tourists who come for five days leave after just a day because they are afraid of the dogs,' said Lobo. The MLA said govt has been providing assurances to tackle stray cattle and stray dogs for the last five years with no real change on the ground. 'Boys, girls, and the elderly have lost their lives because of such accidents. Budgetary provision has been made, but if nothing is done with the money, there is no meaning to this,' said Lobo. Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar also said that his constituents are scared of stepping out because of stray dogs. ____________________________________________________ Bill to ban breeding of ferocious dogs introduced Porvorim: Concerned about aggressive dogs being reared in the state, govt on Monday introduced a bill to prevent people from keeping or breeding ferocious animals, particularly pitbulls. The proposed legislation, called the Goa Animal Breeding and Domestication (Regulation and Compensation) Bill, 2025, was introduced by the department of animal husbandry and veterinary services, and proposes a three-month jail term and a fine of Rs 50,000 for violators. The bill also offers victims and their families the chance to seek compensation from the dog owner. A clause in the bill suggests that persons convicted under the proposed law may also have to serve mandatory community service as a form of punishment. TNN
The Hindu
a day ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Will consult Centre on restarting London flight service stopped after Ahmedabad plane crash: Goa CM
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday (July 21, 2025) said he will consult the Civil Aviation Ministry on resumption of the Air India flight from Gatwick in London to the state's Manohar International Airport, which was stopped following the horrific June 12 Ahmedabad plane crash. Mr. Sawant was speaking in the assembly after BJP MLA Michael Lobo sought to know when the Air India flight service between Gatwick and Goa will resume. It was the only flight which was directly bringing Goans from London to the state, Mr. Lobo said, adding Mr. Sawant should intervene in the matter and take up the issue with Air India and also the Civil Aviation ministry. "I will consult the Union Civil Aviation Ministry and ensure the flight is resumed as early as possible," the CM said in response. During the discussion on the floor of the House, Mr. Lobo also questioned whether there is feasibility for two airports in Goa, namely the one at Dabolim in the southern part of the state and Manohar International Airport in Mopa in the north. During the commissioning of Manohar International Airport, assurances were given that the new facility will bring in more connectivity from the places like Abu Dhabi, Germany, Qatar and London but that does not seem to be happening, Mr. Lobo claimed. The CM said the number of flights (domestic and international) arriving in the state has doubled after the commissioning of Manohar International Airport. "On an average, 50-52 flights used to land and take off from Dabolim Airport. Now a similar number of flights are operating from Manohar International Airport, thereby, doubling the flight arrivals. Though Manohar International Airport is run by a private company, it has brought in revenue of ₹65.88 crore to the state exchequer since its commissioning," Mr. Sawant informed the House. Manohar International Airport at Mopa commenced domestic commercial operations from January 5, 2023 and international operations started from July 21 that year. The Monsoon session of the Goa assembly began during the day, and it will culminate on August 8.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
‘Not sand dune area': Coastal body rejects Anjuna locals' plaint citing 2011 plan
Panaji: The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) discharged the complaint filed by the Anjuna-Caisua Biodiversity Committee and the villagers against a CRZ violation. The authority noted that there is no sand dune ecosystem in the area, and it is not one of the notified turtle nesting sites. The construction was found to be on a property owned by Michael Lobo, who informed the GCZMA that an illegal construction was removed and the debris cleared. Lobo stated to the GCZMA that he purchased the property from one Britto and that the illegal structures were erected by land grabber Mohammed Hassan Shaikh. The villagers complained in Oct 2024 about the destruction of sand dunes, mangroves, and marine life at Vagator beach, purportedly for water sports activities. The GCZMA carried out an inspection of the site, which showed that beach vegetation was removed. Two temporary sheds and 14 water sports vessels were found parked in the area. The GCZMA began proceedings in the matter. The authority noted that Lobo's name was reflected in the property title and also received a representation on March 7 from Lobo stating that the site in question was cleared and the debris and structure were dismantled and removed. 'In view of the compliance representation, a site inspection/verification was carried out by officials of the GCZMA on March 13,' the GCZMA said. 'The site inspection/verification report clearly indicated that the structures mentioned in the show-cause notice were removed and debris was also cleared from the property bearing Survey No. 354/1, village Anjuna, Vagator.' Complainant Desmond Alvares filed formal objections stating that there was flattening of sand dunes, destruction of vegetation, and alleging that the property is conducive to turtle nesting. Lobo filed his response stating that the site in question is not classified as sand dunes as per the notified Coastal Zone Management Plan 2011 and denied any illegal flattening of sand dunes. 'The authority noted that in the inspection carried out by the officials of the GCZMA, there were no other observations noted on illegal cutting of sand dunes and vegetation. As far as the question of turtle nesting is concerned, the said site/property is along Anjuna/Vagator beach, which is admittedly not a turtle nesting beach/site,' the GCZMA noted. It said, 'As per CRZ Notification 2011, only Mandrem, Morjim, Galgibaga, and Agonda are designated turtle nesting beaches/sites. The authority observed that there is no credible evidence on record to show that the site in question is a sand dune area.'
Mint
08-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
The Power of Purposeful Work: Rethinking Work in an Uncertain World
The global job market is facing disruption due to rapid technological shifts, geopolitical conflicts, and changing international alliances. These forces have made the employment landscape increasingly volatile and unpredictable, prompting professionals to rethink their purpose in the workforce. Amid this uncertainty, employee insecurity is rising sharply. Only 14% of Indian employees say they are 'thriving', compared to 34% globally. While a staggering 86% report they are 'struggling' or 'suffering' at work, cited in theGallup State of the Global Workplace report. These figures reflect a growing disconnect between workplace conditions and an employee's sense of purpose in their professional journey. Shaili Tyagi, Chief Human Resource Officer at Sheela Foam, believes the disconnect between employees and their work often stems from a lack of clarity around its meaning. Many disengage simply because they don't see how their efforts contribute to the bigger picture. But when they understand the'why' behind their role, it sparks both purpose and ownership. 'Whether someone wants to specialize, shift functions, or lead differently, we must support them with clarity, mentorship, and opportunity. That's how you steward potential—not just manage performance,' she says. This emphasis on alignment and purpose is reflected in Michael Page'sTalent Trends India 2025 report, which highlights a clear shift in employee priorities. Today, workers are actively seeking value alignment, with 62% negotiating raises and 37% successfully securing them within their current roles—indicating that people are willing to stay when the workplace offers more than just compensation. Adding to the perspective, Richard Lobo, Chief People Officer at Tech Mahindra, underscores the need for hyper-personalized career journeys that empower self-driven exploration and foster cross-generational collaboration. This enables employees to thrive and learn from one another. To foster this at scale, Lobo believes in reimagining HR as both enabler and orchestrator. 'We've embraced a pod-based, collaborative HR model that dissolves silos and empowers cross-functional teams to co-create with business leaders—balancing decentralized decision-making with clear strategic alignment,' Lobo adds. However, aligning personal and organizational purposes is becoming increasingly complex, as both continue to evolve. Sandeep Girotra, Executive Director & CHRO at DCM Shriram, believes better outcomes are possible when individual roles connect with the organization's higher vision—and it begins with hiring the right people. 'It's not enough to hire or promote based solely on performance or technical fit. One must look for a strong value fit. Without it, results may come in the short term, but the core purpose gets diluted over time, leading to long-term damage,' he says. 'When the values align, give people the freedom to thrive. More often than not, they will exceed your expectations—and do it with purpose,' he adds. Balaji Ethirajan, CHRO at TVS Supply Chain, shares that long-term engagement stems from purpose congruence between employees and the organization. 'Things like trust, respect, and integrity are universal, and any well-managed company should reflect those. If there's value congruence, employees feel a sense of belonging. That's what leads to long-term engagement—not just compensation or titles,' he says. He adds that younger employees are often leading this shift, driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to society. 'Good organizations know how to harness this, especially through CSR and volunteerism… It's about giving them the space to express their values while staying connected to the company's larger mission,' he says. While purposeful work may sound qualitative, its impact is quantifiable. A World Economic Forum report states that 63% of departures in 2024 were preventable, driven by factors such as career stagnation, poor work–life balance, and managerial shortcomings. Furthermore, early-stage attrition accounts for 40% of total turnover, representing high-cost exits with no return on investment. According to K.A. Narayan, President – HR at Raymond Group, defining organizational purpose is the first step in retention. 'It's what energizes employees beyond roles and paycheques,' he says. He emphasizes the need for better tools and leadership commitment. 'To align individual strengths and aspirations, companies often use psychometric tools, but behavioral event interviews are more effective. Managers must be trained to support risk-taking and learning from failure. The ideal state is when individual and organizational purposes align.' As the pursuit of purposeful work becomes both more vital and more challenging, it's clear that organizations must not only promote purpose—but measure and strengthen it meaningfully. With this in mind, Mint, in partnership with Deloitte, has launched Mint India's Iconic Workplaces—a workplace excellence certification that helps organizations understand where they truly stand, and how they can bridge the gap between individual purpose and organizational vision through deep, data-driven cultural insights. It's a chance to not only be recognized, but to truly reflect, reset, and rebuild with intention.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Time of India
Drugs coming in via various routes: Lobo
Calangute: Goa being a tourism destination, all kinds of drugs are being brought into the state and many local youth are becoming drug addicts, said Calangute MLA Michael Lobo on Tuesday. 'Drugs come from different places by different modes of transport and are supplied to their peddlers here. Because of them, our students become victims of drug abuse,' he said at an awareness programme for students on International Day Against Drug Abuse at Calangute. Lobo said students in the age group of 16-22 years are the most vulnerable as they get to know about the easy availability of drugs. 'Students are offered drugs on the beach or in a club or party. At first they are supplied free of cost, and when the students get used to it, they are charged. They first spend their pocket money. If it is not enough, they tend to ask for money from their friends and sometimes resort to theft,' he said. 'There are so many youngsters at Arpora-Nagoa who are committing theft to pay for their drug habit,' Lobo said, urging students to say 'no' to drugs. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
