Issues such as the environment and democracy concern us all. Today we face issues on a global scale. Every other day newspapers tell us of the imminent environmental problems.

That open cast, over exploitative mining has destroyed many a water source has been proved now and again. However, while the generations to come will suffer, neither the authorities nor a majority of the residents seem to be bothered; either taken up by the present lucre – like truck earnings and handouts – or are too intimidated to take a stand.

The 4th Global Goan Convention opened with flair and finesse, the location was well set within the Indian Embassy in Oman, within close proximity of the British and the American Embassies, for once I felt proud to note that the Indian Embassy had a much bigger area than the rest.

On 24th October 2009, people all over the world took a stand for a safe climate future. Goa has registered their participation in the worldwide campaign too at http://www.350. org/Goa. Awareness campaigns were held in Margao, Vasco, Panaji, Ponda and Maupsa. 

For more pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/52243088@N00/4039653125/

Can we say that the days of evil are behind us? Just a few days ago we celebrated the festival of lights, where good triumphs over evil, the festival of Deepavali. All over the city, on the eve of the festival, were monsters.

A function was organised at St Francis Xavier's School Auditorium on October 14, 2009, which was addressed by India's top fashion designer and chairman of Green Goa Works, Wendell Rodricks, Clinton Vaz (environmental consultant), Seby Rodrigues (mining activist) and others.

The interactive session was preceded by an entertaining cultural programme with "village environment" as the theme. 

The event was a part of the nascent Club's ongoing initiative to safeguard Siolim's environment and heritage. 

"Zulpea Xett" in Cuncolim has been a natural storm-water drain as well as a beautiful natural turf for youngsters in Cuncolim to hone in on their sporting skills. Today, as a powerful lobby has filled up the field, there could be dangerous repercussions, writes Freddy Agnelo Fernandes.

With elections around the corner, politicians are falling over themselves trying to project their love and concern for the Aam Aadmi, following the Canacona floods. They have made the tragedy into a circus, writes Freddy Fernandes

According to the reports coming in at 10.30 am on October 09, 2009 there is ongoing massive destruction of forest in Sivsorem in order to clear a way to start open cast iron ore and manganese mining.