Author: allycaralgoa

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!
Sports

Parth Deorukhakar, Unnathi Muralidhar Clinch Singles Titles at Gadre Gaspar Dias Open 2026

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Panaji, February 2026: The prestigious Gadre Gaspar Dias Open 2026 concluded on a high note at the iconic Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias courts, with young talents delivering standout performances across open and junior categories.

Nineteen-year-old Parth Deorukhakar clinched the Open Men’s Singles title, while Unnathi V. Muralidhar lifted the Open Women’s Singles crown on the final day of the tournament. Parth capped off a memorable campaign by also winning the Men’s Doubles title, completing an impressive double at the 11th edition of the tournament.

Parth displayed composure and grit in a high-quality men’s singles final, defeating Praneeth Venugopal in straight sets 7-6(2), 7-5. In the women’s singles final, Unnathi produced a spirited comeback to overcome Nidi S, winning 2-6, 6-4, 10-3 in a closely fought encounter.

Junior categories witnessed equally thrilling contests. Gargi Oak dominated the Girls Under-12 final, defeating Urvi Pai Panandiker 4-0, 4-0, before going on to secure a second title in the Girls Under-16 category, where she defeated Tvisha Sardesai 4-1, 4-1 to complete a double.

The Boys Under-16 final saw Arav Naik edge past Kyan Mavany in a nail-biting three-set match, winning 4-0, 2-4, 11-9. In the Boys Under-12 final, Kriyansh RM clinched the title after defeating Divyaraj Chouhan 4-1, (7)3-4, 10-7.

In the doubles events, Parth Deorukhakar and Arnav Bansode claimed the Men’s Doubles title, defeating Ashwin Narsinghani and Prathamesh Patil 7-6(4), 6-2. The Mixed Doubles crown was won by Trisha Vinod and Maaz Khan, who defeated Anupama Darade and Eshaan Khadeer 7-6(6), 6-0.

The winners were felicitated at a prize distribution ceremony by Sankalp Thali, Business Head, Gadre Premium Seafood; Edwin Menezes, former secretary and executive committee member of the host club; Vinesh Pickle, treasurer of the host club; Bulu Godinho, head of the tournament’s organising committee; and Sameer Kakodkar, President of the Goa State Tennis Association.

Jointly organised by Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias and the Gadre Group, in association with the Goa State Tennis Association (GSTA), the tournament saw enthusiastic participation across age groups and continues to serve as a key competitive platform for emerging and established tennis players in Goa.

Business

GCCI Welcomes Union Budget 2026–27, Calls It a Major Boost to India’s Economy

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Goa | February 1, 2026:
The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has welcomed the Union Budget 2026–27, terming it a major boost to India’s economy and a positive step towards sustainable and inclusive growth.

GCCI organised a live viewing of the Union Budget presented by the Hon’ble Union Finance Minister, followed by a press conference where leading representatives from Goa’s business and industrial community shared their insights on the Budget’s implications for the state and the nation.

Welcoming the Budget, Mrs. Pratima Dhond, President, GCCI, said that the Budget is growth-oriented and addresses the aspirations of the common people while reinforcing the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. She highlighted targeted interventions across six key areas, including rejuvenation of legacy industries, creation of champion MSMEs, infrastructure development, long-term economic security, city economic regions, and industry-led research and training centres to build a skilled workforce. She also noted that initiatives such as Bharat Vistar, a multilingual AI tool integrating the agri-stack, and the establishment of She Marts will empower women entrepreneurs.

Mr. Yatin Kakodkar, Vice-President, GCCI, described the Budget as progressive and forward-looking, reflecting India’s readiness for the next phase of growth. He appreciated the Government’s success in maintaining the fiscal deficit at around 4% and welcomed the focus on infrastructure, SMEs, tourism, waterways, east–west corridors, and medical tourism, all of which are expected to directly benefit Goa’s economy.

Dr. Sangam Kurade, Vice-President, GCCI, observed that the projected growth of 7.4% is a result of earlier policy announcements. He stated that proposals related to tourism, youth skilling, hospitality institutes, upskilling of manpower, and promotion of the orange economy will significantly benefit Goa.

Mr. Manguirish Pai Raikar, Past President, GCCI, noted that the Budget builds upon previous reforms and contributes meaningfully to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He emphasised that Goa must effectively leverage opportunities arising from tourism and youth-focused schemes to scale its economy further.

Representing the taxation and financial services perspective, Mr. Raghunath Bhanap, Secretary, GCCI and Chairman, Taxation & Financial Services Committee, highlighted several reform-oriented measures, including reduced import dependency, strengthened MSMEs, mandatory PSU procurement through TReDS-registered suppliers, integration of GeM with TReDS, reduced TCS on foreign tours, PAN replacing TAN in several processes, and treating receivables as assets for improved credit flow. He stressed that timely implementation will be key.

Mr. Vishwabhan Bhopte welcomed simplification measures under the Income Tax framework, including centralised filing of Form 15H, revised filing timelines, and simplified return forms, stating that these will reduce compliance burden for taxpayers.

Mr. Shripad Parab, President, AGTPA, observed that the Budget aligns with projected growth estimates and fiscal deficit targets. He welcomed reduced TCS, simplified income tax procedures, new schemes for small taxpayers, and the ambitious GST revenue target.

Overall, GCCI leaders expressed optimism that the Union Budget 2026–27 will drive economic growth, promote innovation, strengthen the business ecosystem, and positively impact Goa and the nation.

Events in Goa

People’s Carnival Parade 2026 to Bring Goa’s Carnival Back to Its Roots in Porvorim

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Porvorim, Goa | February 2, 2026: The Porvorim Carnival Committee has announced the return of the People’s Carnival Parade 2026, a community-led initiative aimed at reviving the original spirit of Goa’s Carnival—where people, culture, and creativity take centre stage over spectacle and commercialisation.

Scheduled for Thursday, February 13, 2026, from 3:30 pm onwards, the parade will take place at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg, Art Park, Porvorim. Built around the philosophy “No Engines, No Generators, Only Joy,” the event marks a conscious shift towards a walking, dancing, people-powered celebration reminiscent of Carnivals from the past.

Speaking about the vision, Shri Rohan Khaunte said Carnival has traditionally reflected Goa’s social and cultural fabric through satire, music, humour, and collective participation. He noted that increasing motorisation and excessive amplification had diluted its essence and stressed that initiatives like the People’s Carnival Parade are crucial in restoring Carnival’s inclusive, environmentally conscious, and community-driven character.

Representing the organising committee, Reena Fernandes highlighted that the parade is designed as an open platform encouraging citizens, families, institutions, and performers to actively participate rather than remain spectators. Early bird incentives have been introduced to reward participants who creatively revive Carnival traditions through innovation.

Setting a strong precedent, participation in 2026 will be strictly people-powered—no motorised or fuel-driven vehicles, no generators, and no large sound systems. Only acoustic and portable music will be allowed, encouraging storytelling, costumes, live music, dance, and movement.

Committee member Abigail D’Mello, overseeing participation and rules, emphasised that removing engines, noise, and commercial floats allows genuine interaction and cultural expression, reflecting a Carnival many Goans remember fondly and wish to pass on to future generations.

Another committee member, Martha Pinto, described the initiative as a breath of fresh air, noting the strong public response and the need to safeguard what is culturally special to Goa while welcoming tourism responsibly.

The parade will feature People’s Floats (minimum 20 participants), a Family Category (minimum four members), and individual performers including clowns and jokers. A structured prize scheme will award cash prizes up to the fifth position across categories such as Traditional, Club/Institution, Family, and Clown/Joker, along with consolation prizes.

Early bird incentives include ₹6,000 for the first 25 registered People’s Floats and ₹3,000 for the first 25 family entries, reinforcing early and active community participation.

Open to all, the People’s Carnival Parade 2026 invites citizens to walk, dance, and celebrate together in a safe, inclusive, and noise-free environment—keeping Carnival people-powered, participatory, and deeply rooted in Goan identity.

Entertainment

Ram Charan and Upasana Blessings Multiply: Twins Join Their Family

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Hyderabad, February 2026 – The Telugu film fraternity is celebrating a double dose of joy as Ram Charan and Upasana welcomed twins to their family. Megastar Chiranjeevi took to X to share the happy news, confirming that both babies and Upasana are doing well following the Saturday delivery at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad.

The couple, married since 2012, are already proud parents to three-year-old Klin Kaara. With the arrival of twins, their family now grows to five, bringing twice the joy and celebrations. Family members, including sister Sushmita, expressed their happiness and excitement over this “double blessing.”

Fans of the actor gathered outside the hospital to mark the special occasion, with firecrackers, traditional dances, and poojas lighting up the streets. Across Telugu states, fan clubs organized events, spreading the celebratory spirit among the community and marking the joyous moment in grand style.

The twins’ arrival adds another chapter to Ram Charan and Upasana’s journey together, blending family happiness with the star-studded celebrations that accompany every milestone in the lives of Telugu cinema’s beloved stars.

Sports

World Legends Pro T20 League Brings Cricket to the Sands of Goa at Miramar Beach

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Goa, 1st February 2026 – The World Legends Pro T20 League brought cricket out of the stadium and onto the sands of Miramar Beach, creating a one-of-a-kind beach cricket experience that united legends, local leaders, and children in a celebration of sport, community, and Goan hospitality.

The evening sun set the perfect backdrop as cricket icons Eoin Morgan, Piyush Chawla, and Shikhar Dhawan shared the sand with young enthusiasts, while Michael Clarke added a playful touch by umpiring the session. Far from competitive matches, the beach cricket activity focused on fun, inclusion, and shared experiences, with children batting freely, legends diving into the sand, and leaders cheering from the sidelines.

The event was attended by distinguished Goan leaders, including:

  • Shri Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, IT, Electronics & Communications
  • Shri Govind Gaude, Ex-Sports Minister
  • MLAs Priol, Mayem, Pernem, Cumbharjua
  • Shri Kedar Naik, Director Tourism

Shri Rohan Khaunte said, “Goa is carving a strong identity as a premier sports tourism destination. Initiatives like the World Legends Pro T20 League showcase how sport can come alive beyond stadiums and become part of the Goan experience, connecting legends, leaders, and children in an inclusive way.”

Mahesh Bhupathi, CEO of the league, added, “Seeing legends, respected leaders, and children share the same space and enjoy the game reflects exactly what the World Legends Pro T20 League stands for—connecting cricket with the community.”

The beach cricket session reinforced Goa’s reputation for blending sport, tourism, and community engagement, offering fans and players alike a chance to enjoy the game in a relaxed, joyful environment. The session also complements the ongoing matches at the Goa 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium, emphasizing the league’s mission to create meaningful off-field experiences.

With laughter, smiles, and sand-filled cricket balls, the Miramar Beach session captured cricket at its most human—playful, inclusive, and deeply rooted in shared experiences.

Tickets for the World Legends Pro T20 League are available on BookMyShow, allowing fans to witness the excitement at the stadium while cherishing memories from the beach cricket extravaganza.