Author: Tanisha Cardozo

TechPulse

Godrej Champions Indian Handlooms with Handloom-Friendly Washing Machines

Tanisha Cardozo

The Appliances Business of Godrej Enterprises Group has taken a significant step toward reviving India’s rich handloom heritage with its ‘Tested for Handlooms’ initiative. The move combines advanced AI-powered front-load washing machine technology with a cultural mission — to make handloom care effortless and encourage Indians to wear their traditional fabrics more frequently and proudly.

India’s textile landscape is deeply diverse, with each state boasting its own distinctive handloom traditions — from Kasavu of Kerala and Mysore Silk of Karnataka to Pochampally Ikat of Telangana, Paithani of Maharashtra, Chikankari of Lucknow, Bandhani of Gujarat and Rajasthan, and Muga Silk of Assam. Despite their cultural and historical significance, many handloom fabrics are perceived as high maintenance, often requiring hand washing or dry cleaning. This perception has limited their everyday use and purchase.

To address this concern, Godrej has tested its advanced front-load washing machines on 25 different handloom fabrics, including Banarasi Silk, Patola Silk, Pochampally Ikat and Jamdani. The machines’ gentle wash program has been validated for up to 25 washes, ensuring minimal wear and tear. Beyond visual inspection, the fabrics were also examined under a microscope at 40x magnification to assess structural integrity and acceptable levels of fabric stress.

Kamal Nandi, Business Head – Appliances Division, stated that preserving India’s handloom traditions requires collective effort and that technology designed specifically for Indian needs can play a pivotal role. Swati Rathi, Head – Marketing, Appliances Business, emphasised that the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to technology that is truly made for India, enabling consumers to care for handloom fabrics conveniently at home.

The Appliances business of Godrej & Boyce, part of Godrej Enterprises Group, has been a leading player in India’s home appliance sector since 1958, when it became the first Indian company to manufacture refrigerators. Over the decades, the portfolio has expanded to include washing machines, air conditioners, microwave ovens, thermo-electric cooling solutions, air coolers, deep freezers, medical refrigerators, dishwashers and insulin coolers — all guided by its philosophy of ‘Things Made Thoughtfully’.

Environmental protection remains central to the company’s operations, with both manufacturing units earning Platinum Plus GreenCo certification for eco-friendly practices. With over 950 service centres and more than 4,000 SmartCare service experts across India, the brand continues to combine innovation, sustainability and consumer-focused design while reinforcing the revival of India’s timeless handloom traditions.

Business

Panaji Unveils ‘The Riverfront’, Its Largest Outdoor Riverside Venue

Tanisha Cardozo

The historic city of Panaji has added a striking new landmark to its cultural landscape with the launch of ‘The Riverfront’, now touted as the state capital’s largest outdoor venue. Stretching 700 feet along the banks of the scenic Mandovi River, the venue offers sweeping sunset views and the capacity to host up to 1,000 guests.

Located near the erstwhile Mandovi Hotel, a well-known city landmark, The Riverfront is designed to host a wide range of events, including weddings, social celebrations, corporate gatherings, pop-up events, exhibitions and cultural evenings. The venue features a private access river jetty, modern infrastructure, dedicated service areas and parking space for 55 vehicles.

Developed by the Bengaluru-based MRG Group, the project reflects the group’s growing footprint in Goa’s hospitality and real estate sectors. The architectural design remains understated, allowing event planners the flexibility to shape the ambience according to their needs while maintaining harmony with Panaji’s architectural and cultural character.

Dr K. Prakash Shetty, Chairman of the MRG Group, said the intention was to create a space that blends seamlessly with Panaji’s identity. He emphasised that the Mandovi is central to the city’s character and that the venue was envisioned to complement its presence rather than overshadow it.

The MRG Group owns several hospitality brands across India, including The Goldfinch Hotel and DoubleTree by Hilton Goa, along with other business ventures. With The Riverfront, Panaji strengthens its position as a vibrant destination for large-scale events set against one of Goa’s most picturesque backdrops.

Entertainment

Alia Bhatt to Present at the 79th BAFTA Awards

Tanisha Cardozo

Bollywood actor Alia Bhatt is set to present an award at the 79th British Academy Film Awards, marking another significant step in her expanding global presence. The British Academy recently announced its complete roster of presenters on its official social media platforms, with Alia’s name featured among a distinguished list of international stars.

The Gangubai Kathiawadi actor shared the announcement on her Instagram Stories, playfully writing, “100 points if you can spot me,” sparking excitement among her fans worldwide.

Alia will join a prestigious lineup of presenters including Alicia Vikander, Bryan Cranston, Cillian Murphy, Gillian Anderson, Glenn Close, Monica Bellucci and Riz Ahmed, among others.

Her inclusion reflects the growing recognition of Indian cinema and talent on the global stage. Alia follows in the footsteps of fellow Indian stars such as Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra, who have previously served as presenters at the BAFTAs.

India’s presence at the awards extends beyond Alia. Filmmaker Lakshmipriya Devi will attend the ceremony as her Manipuri film Boong has secured a nomination in the Best Children’s and Family Film category. The film, backed by actor-producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, tells the story of a Manipuri boy, played by Gugun Kipgen, who embarks on a heartfelt journey to surprise his mother with a special gift.

With Alia Bhatt presenting and an Indian film competing for honours, the 79th BAFTA Awards promise to be a proud moment for Indian cinema on the international stage.

International

Dog Day Schools in Canada Help Pets Stay Active and Well-Behaved

Tanisha Cardozo

Across Canada, dog day schools are emerging as a popular solution for pet owners who spend long hours at work. Designed to provide structure and engagement, these facilities offer dogs a balanced routine that includes supervised playtime, basic training sessions, social interaction with other dogs and scheduled rest breaks.

Unlike unstructured daycare, dog day schools focus on guided activities that stimulate both physical and mental development. Trainers and caregivers monitor group play to ensure safety while also reinforcing positive behaviours. Rest periods are carefully built into the day to prevent overstimulation and fatigue.

This approach has proven particularly beneficial for nervous, anxious or high-energy dogs. Regular socialization helps build confidence, while consistent routines create a sense of stability. For energetic breeds, the structured activities help burn off excess energy in a healthy and controlled manner.

Many pet owners report noticeable improvements at home. Dogs that attend day school often return calmer, more relaxed and better behaved by evening, making the arrangement beneficial for both pets and their families.

As modern work schedules continue to evolve, dog day schools in Canada reflect a broader shift toward prioritising animal wellbeing through structured, professional care.

Goan Personalities

IT Minister Rohan Khaunte Inaugurates Goa Pavilion at AI Impact Expo in New Delhi

Tanisha Cardozo

Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Tourism, Printing & Stationery, Government of Goa, inaugurated the Goa Pavilion at the AI Impact Expo held at Bharat Mandapam on February 18, 2026, ahead of the India AI Impact Summit scheduled for February 19-20.

The AI Impact Expo serves as an experiential platform bringing together international, state, enterprise and startup pavilions to showcase cutting-edge innovations and transformative AI solutions. The Goa Pavilion highlights the state’s expanding footprint in Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies, while also featuring five promising startups — DivvyUp and Grow, Frover Labs Pvt. Ltd., Neural Kissan, Kverty and Phosic India Pvt. Ltd.

The inauguration took place in the presence of Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, Secretary, ITE&C, and Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director, DITE&C, along with other senior officials.

Addressing the gathering, Rohan Khaunte emphasised Goa’s strategic roadmap under the Goa AI Mission 2027, which focuses on AI skilling, citizen-centric service delivery and the establishment of a dedicated AI Skilling Centre and Centre of Excellence to promote research and capacity building. He also underlined the importance of strengthening industry-academia partnerships and nurturing the startup ecosystem to position Goa as a destination where innovation thrives alongside quality of life.

During his visit, the Minister interacted with startup founders at the pavilion and held discussions with representatives from National Association of Software and Service Companies, central government bodies and industry leaders to explore collaboration avenues and attract investment opportunities for the state.

Goa’s participation at the international-level summit reflects its commitment to accelerating digital transformation and reinforcing its emergence as a preferred hub for technology innovation and AI-driven enterprises, while also strengthening its appeal as a global Digital Nomad destination.