Author: Closed Account

Events in Goa

Goa Government Launches 8th Official Language Training Batch

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral

The 8th batch of Official Language training, organized by the Directorate of Official Languages, Government of Goa, began on 22nd September at the Language Research Centre in Panaji. The event marked yet another step towards the promotion and practical integration of Konkani in administrative functions. North Goa Additional Collector Gurudas Desai attended the inauguration as the chief guest.

In his speech, Mr. Desai emphasized the significance of preserving the mother tongue, stating, “Konkani is our mother tongue. We all should make maximum use of it, and we should take care of our mother tongue. The knowledge gained from this training must be implemented in administration.” His remarks underlined the cultural and administrative importance of Konkani, especially within the context of government operations.

The inaugural event was also graced by Director of Official Language Meghnath Parab and Deputy Director Anil Sawant. Director Parab reiterated that knowledge of Konkani is a mandatory requirement for securing a government job in Goa and highlighted the responsibility of civil servants to work in Rajbhasha once employed. Deputy Director Anil Sawant added that the language training should not end with the program, but continue to be applied consistently in government work.

This four-day training program includes various modules such as Konkani Grammar, Konkani Correspondence, Notes, Administrative Vocabulary, and Communication. A total of 25 government employees are participating in this intensive language workshop.

Guidance throughout the program is provided by language experts including Anil Sawant, Sebi Fernandes, Chetan Acharya, and Sneha Sabnis. The sessions are being conducted by a dedicated team comprising Franita Ribeiro, Sujit Naik, Mansi Gadgil, Mahananda Mhardolkar, Anusaya Gaonkar, Patrick D’Souza, Shobha Phadte, Nikita Kuttikar, Ashish Ghadi, Ashweta Parab, Nirmala Surlikar, and Naresh Pagi. Anil Sawant is the main coordinator of the training, with Sneha Sabnis serving as the assistant coordinator.

The initiative reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to not just preserving the Konkani language but actively integrating it into the administrative framework, ensuring that it remains a living, working language for generations to come.

Human Interest

Karnataka Tells Goa It Will Take Elephant Omkar Only After Dussehra

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral

A wild elephant named Omkar has become the center of a growing human-wildlife conflict in Goa, as he continues to damage farmland in the Tambos area of Pernem for three consecutive days. The Goa forest department has struggled to control the situation, drawing strong reactions from local farmers who are demanding immediate and high-level intervention.

In response, Goa Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane held a joint meeting with Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre to seek a long-term and humane resolution. The discussion focused on the possibility of relocating Omkar to a rehabilitation camp in Karnataka where the elephant can receive proper care in a controlled environment. However, Karnataka has informed Goa that they will be able to take in Omkar only after Dussehra, due to logistical and festival-related constraints.

Rane emphasized the urgency of the issue, noting that Omkar is not just a threat to crops but a potential risk to human safety. “The immediate issue before us is Omkar, the elephant who moved into Goa from Maharashtra and has been destroying crops. As part of the deliberations, we requested that Omkar be rehabilitated at the Karnataka camp, where he can be given the care and environment he requires,” he said.

Khandre confirmed Karnataka’s support but clarified that the relocation will be possible only after the Dussehra festivities conclude. Meanwhile, both ministers have also proposed a broader strategy to address such conflicts in a sustainable way. A tripartite agreement between Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka is in the works. This agreement aims to build inter-state coordination, enhance response capabilities, and implement collective wildlife management strategies.

This move is being seen as a significant step in addressing the rising number of human-elephant conflicts, particularly in the western and southern states of India, where forest corridors overlap with agricultural and residential zones.

While immediate relief for the farmers in Tambos is still awaited, the discussions signal a hopeful shift towards regional collaboration in wildlife conservation and conflict resolution.

Sports

India’s First Formula Night Street Race Announced for Navi Mumbai This December

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, team Allycaral

India is gearing up for its first-ever Formula Night Street Race, and Navi Mumbai is the city chosen to make history. This December, the city will host the grand finale of the Indian Racing Festival on a brand-new 3.753 km street circuit that winds through the scenic Palm Beach Road and alongside the serene Nerul Lake. This major announcement comes just weeks after the reveal of a Goa Street Circuit, further cementing India’s emergence in global motorsports.

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has partnered with Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd. (RPPL) to bring this ambitious project to life, marking Maharashtra’s debut in the elite tier of street racing. The F4 India finale will take place under lights, making it the first night street race of its kind in the country. With 14 technical turns, the track promises to deliver high-speed action and showcase the raw talent of India’s growing racing community.

This event is more than just motorsport—it is an effort to redefine Maharashtra’s global image and turn it into Asia’s motorsport hub. State leadership believes the event will inspire a new generation of racers, create jobs, boost tourism, and demonstrate India’s capacity to host world-class racing events.

Adding glamour and nationwide buzz to the event are the celebrity team owners: John Abraham (Goa Aces), Arjun Kapoor (Speed Demons Delhi), Sourav Ganguly (Kolkata Royal Tigers), Sudeep Kichcha (Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru), Naga Chaitanya (Hyderabad Blackbirds), and Dr. Swetha Sundeep Anand (Chennai Turbo Riders). These high-profile names bring not only star power but also a deep passion for the sport, helping motorsport reach new audiences.

Previously, the Indian Racing Festival has held races in Hyderabad, Chennai, and Coimbatore, with Goa slated as the next destination. However, the Navi Mumbai finale represents the boldest leap yet toward building a sustainable motorsport ecosystem in India. More details, including the full driver lineup, event schedule, and fan experiences, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

As the engines prepare to roar under city lights, one thing is clear: Navi Mumbai is ready to shine on the global racing map.

Sports

Goa’s Lloyd Fernandes Selected for ITTF Asian Para Championship After Double Gold Victory

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral

For many, an accident might seem like the end of life. But for some, it becomes the beginning of a powerful new chapter. Lloyd Fernandes from Goa is one such person who turned tragedy into triumph. In 2016, Lloyd’s life changed forever after a devastating accident left him paralyzed. While most would struggle to cope, Lloyd found strength in an unexpected place—table tennis.

Determined not to let his condition define him, Lloyd picked up the sport after the accident. It started as a form of therapy and evolved into a full-fledged passion. With every swing of the paddle, he built confidence, strength, and purpose. He trained rigorously, competed fiercely, and steadily carved a name for himself in the world of Para Table Tennis.

His hard work paid off in March 2025 when he clinched two consecutive gold medals—first at the Para Table Tennis National Ranking Championship held from March 17–19, and then again at the Para Senior Table Tennis National Championship from March 21–23. Both prestigious events were hosted at the Sama Indoor Sports Complex in Vadodara, Gujarat.

Lloyd’s exceptional performance has now earned him a coveted spot in the ITTF Asian Para Championship, a major international tournament that gathers the best para-athletes from across the continent. His selection is not just a personal achievement, but also a proud moment for Goa and India.

Lloyd Fernandes’s journey from paralysis to the international stage is more than just a story of sports. It’s a powerful reminder that resilience, determination, and passion can overcome any obstacle. As he prepares to represent India at the ITTF Asian Para Championship, he carries with him the hopes of many and the undeniable spirit of a true champion.

Fit & Fabulous

British Fashion Model Agents Association Petitions UK Government to Protect Models from AI Misuse

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral

The British Fashion Model Agents Association (BFMA) and London-based agency The Milk Collective have released a petition urging the UK government to take legislative action to protect models from having their likeness exploited by artificial intelligence. The petition, which has already gathered more than 2,000 signatures, comes at a time when concerns are rising about AI-generated imagery threatening the future of real-world modelling careers.

In an era where brands can generate hyper-realistic images from scratch, many models worry that their unique appearances may soon be replicated digitally — without fair compensation, consent, or control. The BFMA, which represents over 5,000 models, stated in their petition that “clients should not be using AI to obtain, manipulate, distribute and potentially own models’ data without their consent and without following industry-agreed principles & practices.”

Historically, models have operated within clear contractual frameworks that define the terms of image usage, duration, and compensation. But AI disrupts this system, enabling content to be created and distributed without those protections. Brands like H&M have attempted a middle ground — partnering with select models to create digital twins, which they use in AI-generated campaigns. However, the larger industry lacks any universal safeguards.

Vogue recently faced criticism for running an AI-generated ad for Guess, highlighting the growing tension between creative innovation and ethical concerns. As the adoption of AI accelerates, the fear of replacement continues to grow, prompting many in the fashion industry to call for clearer guidelines and stronger legal frameworks.

The petition marks a significant moment in the dialogue around technology, image rights, and creative labour. It remains to be seen how regulators will respond, but the message from the modelling community is clear: AI must not erase the rights — or the livelihoods — of real people.