The Blog Allycaral was a dream that turned into a reality. The idea of having this blog was to share my travel experiences along with emphasizing on Self Care and Self Growth. It all began with my love for writing and Today I hope this space encourages you to travel more and this blog inspire you to be a better version of yourself. So while you are here, grab a coffee, sit back and relax! There’s a lot, You can look Forward to!
In a historic first, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been awarded a Grammy for Best Audiobook Narration for his audiobook Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This recognition marks a remarkable milestone, blending spiritual wisdom with modern storytelling.
The audiobook, which features the Dalai Lama’s reflections on mindfulness, compassion, and inner peace, has resonated globally, offering listeners guidance on living a balanced and purposeful life. His narration brings a calm and personal touch to the profound messages of meditation and human values, allowing audiences to connect deeply with his teachings.
The Grammy win celebrates not only his literary contribution but also the universal appeal of his philosophy, showing that spiritual insight can transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries to touch hearts worldwide.
Fans, followers, and admirers of His Holiness hailed the achievement as a moment of inspiration, reinforcing the relevance of mindfulness and compassion in today’s fast-paced world. This Grammy adds another layer to the Dalai Lama’s illustrious journey as a spiritual leader and global icon.
The Centralized Training Internship and Placement (TIP) Cell of the Directorate of Higher Education (DHE), Government of Goa, hosted a pre-summit event in the lead-up to the India AI Impact Summit 2026. The gathering celebrated the successful culmination of the Lenovo LEAP initiative and marked the official launch of Converge 3.0, a flagship programme designed to empower youth and foster innovation.
The event brought together distinguished leaders and stakeholders across government, industry, academia, and the innovation ecosystem, highlighting the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI), technology, and innovation in driving inclusive, purpose-led development.
Prominent attendees included:
Mr. Sivakumar Dakshinamurthy, Head of Services Support, ISG, Lenovo
Ms. Pratima Harite, Head Corporate Citizenship, Lenovo Corporate Marketing Group
Mr. Bhomik Shah, Founder, CSRBOX / BharatCares
Shri Bhushan K. Savaikar, Director, Directorate of Higher Education, Goa
Dr. Niyan Marchon, Program Director & Professor, DHE
Mr. Umesh Rathod, Innovation Manager, Western Region, AICTE
Rev. Fr. Agnelo Gomes, Director
At the launch of Converge 3.0, Mr. Umesh Rathod shared insights on building innovation ecosystems and integrating AI-driven upskilling frameworks within academic institutions to bridge the gap between education and industry needs.
A key highlight of the event was the Young Innovators Challenge, where 30 engineering student teams presented innovative projects—both posters and prototypes—aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This initiative reinforces DHE Goa’s commitment to fostering youth-led solutions and preparing the next generation of technology and innovation leaders.
The event underscored the strength of collaboration between government, academia, and industry, demonstrating how platforms like Converge 3.0 can drive impactful innovation and empower students to contribute meaningfully to Goa’s technological and social development.
Cigarettes, biris, pan masala, and other tobacco-related products are set to become costlier from tomorrow as the revised excise duty structure comes into force.
The price hike follows the government’s decision to increase excise duties on tobacco products, a measure that is expected to generate additional revenue while also acting as a deterrent to tobacco consumption. Industry sources indicate that manufacturers are likely to pass on the increased tax burden to consumers, leading to higher retail prices across categories.
Public health experts have long advocated higher taxation on tobacco, citing its effectiveness in reducing consumption and discouraging first-time users, particularly among youth. The move aligns with broader public health objectives aimed at curbing tobacco-related diseases and lowering healthcare costs.
Retailers have been advised to update prices in line with the new duty rates, while consumers may begin to feel the impact immediately at points of sale nationwide.
The excise duty revision is expected to affect both premium and mass-market tobacco products, including cigarettes, biris, chewing tobacco, and pan masala, making tobacco consumption a more expensive habit going forward.
From Serbia’s cold winters to Goa’s sun-soaked courts, Milica Rakovic and Mladen Petrovic have found a rhythm that blends sport, lifestyle, and partnership. At the Gadre Gaspar Dias Open 2026, the Belgrade-based duo proved that age is just a number, winning the Masters 35+ mixed doubles title with flair and chemistry.
Both aged 55, the couple escapes the harsh Serbian winter each year to make Mandrem, Goa, their seasonal home. While Milica practices yoga and balances her professional life as an investment banker, Mladen—an interior and industrial designer—embraces the laid-back Goan spirit. Together, however, they transform into what many now call “fire and ice” on the tennis court.
Their triumph came at the recently concluded Masters segment of the tournament held at the historic Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias, a venue steeped in over a century of tennis tradition.
“We tried to win this tournament for three years and practiced especially for it,” Milica shared. “Winning it on our third attempt makes it even more special, as this is a very high-quality competition.”
For Mladen, the victory is as much about gratitude as achievement. “Each trophy is a relief and a blessing until the next tournament. But the Gadre Gaspar Dias Open means a lot to us—it’s a serious club with a long tradition. And the hospitality we receive here, thousands of miles from home, is truly special.”
Their tennis journeys, however, were not without challenges. Growing up in an erstwhile socialist country, tennis was often seen as an elitist sport. “Collective sports like football and basketball were prioritised,” Mladen recalls. Ironically, his introduction to tennis came as a form of discipline. “I was a misbehaved kid, so my parents sent me to the nearest tennis club to keep me out of trouble. That’s how it all began.”
Milica’s journey began at age 12, when she was drawn to the elegance of players dressed in white near her home court. Introduced to the game by her uncle, she went on to earn a full tennis scholarship to study Economics in the United States and later at the University of Cambridge.
Meeting five years ago through a mutual friend, the couple bonded over tennis and soon began competing together. “We travel with our rackets everywhere,” says Milica. “From courts surrounded by pine trees in Sicily to banyan trees in our home-away-from-home in Anjuna, tennis connects us to places and people.”
On balancing competition and companionship, Milica laughs, “We’re super competitive on court and do have disagreements. But once we step off the court, everything is forgotten—except maybe how one should drive in India.”
Mladen sums it up best: “When she becomes fire, I try to be ice. When she’s ice, I become fire. That’s the secret.”
Welcoming the Union Budget 2026–27, Surendra Prasad, Hospital Director, Manipal Hospital Goa, has termed the government’s proposal to establish five regional medical hubs across the country as a transformative step for India’s healthcare ecosystem.
He said the creation of integrated medical hubs—bringing together advanced hospitals, diagnostics, rehabilitation, and wellness facilities—will help decentralise quality healthcare services and reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for specialised treatment.
“This approach ensures that patients receive timely, accessible, and high-quality care closer to home. Strengthening regional healthcare capacity is critical to improving overall health outcomes and reducing pressure on metropolitan hospitals,” Prasad stated.
Highlighting the Goa perspective, he noted that the announcement presents a significant opportunity for the state. “Goa already enjoys a strong reputation in tourism and wellness. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure through regional medical hubs can position Goa as a preferred destination for medical and wellness tourism, benefiting both residents and visitors,” he added.
Prasad also welcomed the Budget’s emphasis on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models and national insurance coverage, stating that these measures will accelerate infrastructure development while ensuring affordability and accessibility.
“The focus on collaboration between the public and private sectors, combined with expanded insurance coverage, brings us closer to achieving equitable, timely, and quality healthcare for all,” he concluded.
