The Family Apostolate Animation Team of the Parish of St. Francis Xavier, Duler organised a “Heart Hero” Workshop on Compression Only Life Support (COLS) on Sunday, 15th February 2026. The initiative was spearheaded by the Indian Medical Association – Goa Unit and promoted by the World Apostolate of Fatima. It marked the first workshop of its kind in Bardez and drew participation from more than 70 individuals.
The workshop was organised in keeping with the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, observed on 11th February, often invoked as the guardian of health. Mr. Lester Melo, Chairman of the World Apostolate of Fatima, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to initiatives that foster both spiritual growth and social responsibility within communities.
Designed especially for laypersons, the session focused on equipping ordinary citizens with the confidence and skills to respond effectively during cardiac emergencies. Emphasising that the first three minutes after a sudden collapse are critical, the doctors explained how immediate chest compressions by a family member or bystander can significantly improve survival rates before professional medical assistance arrives.
Participants were divided into three groups for hands-on training and practiced the Compression Only Life Support technique on mannequins. Each participant received individual guidance, practical tips and corrective feedback, ensuring that the learning experience was interactive and impactful.
The training was led by Dr. Sandeep Naik, President of IMA Bardez Branch, along with Dr. Shailesh Hede and Dr. Hemant Parsekar, who shared their expertise in emergency response, trauma care and life support systems.
The workshop received an enthusiastic response from parishioners and served as a powerful reminder that life-saving heroes are often ordinary individuals equipped with the right knowledge, compassion and willingness to act. The organisers expressed heartfelt gratitude to the volunteer doctors, coordinators and participants for making the initiative both meaningful and inspiring.
Zuno Aged Feni by Cazcar Heritage Distillery was unveiled at a special ceremony in Goa by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in the presence of Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, MLA and Chairperson of the Goa Forest Development Corporation Deviya Rane, Shri Gurudatta Bhakta and Smt. Rupa Bhakta, along with members of the feni community.
The unveiling represents a significant advancement in positioning Goa’s GI-tagged cashew feni as a refined and premium spirit in both domestic and international markets. Feni has long symbolised the state’s heritage and the dedication of its cashew farmers and traditional distillers. By introducing an aged expression, the initiative enhances both product value and global appeal while maintaining authentic production practices.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Deviya Rane emphasised that value addition through aging plays a crucial role in strengthening the brand identity of Goan feni. She noted that such initiatives directly contribute to improving the livelihoods of farmers, distillers and rural communities connected to the cashew ecosystem.
Highlighting her role as Chairperson of the Goa Forest Development Corporation, she stressed the importance of integrating sustainable cashew cultivation with premium product development. Responsible agricultural practices combined with strategic branding, she said, can elevate Goa’s identity while generating long-term economic benefits.
The launch of Zuno Aged Feni reflects a broader vision of merging tradition with innovation. With global consumers increasingly appreciating artisanal and region-specific spirits, the product is poised to expand recognition of Goa’s GI-tagged cashew feni internationally.
Extending her congratulations to the team behind the initiative, Dr. Rane expressed confidence that Zuno Aged Feni will achieve strong success in national and global markets, further strengthening Goa’s cultural and economic landscape.
Goa is reinforcing its commitment to emerging technologies and future-ready governance with a strong and strategic presence at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, organised by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20, 2026. The summit marks the first major global AI gathering hosted in the Global South and seeks to shape an inclusive, responsible and resilient Artificial Intelligence ecosystem aligned with the vision of People, Planet and Progress.
The Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, is representing the state at the summit, underscoring its strategic ambition to position Goa as an emerging AI-driven innovation hub within India and on the international stage. The event has drawn participation from political leaders, industry heads, startups and global stakeholders, placing Goa’s initiatives in a broader global conversation on ethical and scalable AI.
During the inaugural knowledge-sharing workshop on AI adoption, Shri Heramb Kanekar from the Startup and IT Promotion Cell, DITE&C, outlined Goa’s AI roadmap and reaffirmed the state’s focus on building citizen-centric and responsible AI solutions. Under the Goa AI Mission 2027, the government has introduced initiatives such as the AI for Governance & Social Impact workshop, AI Hackathons and the launch of an AI Chatbot on the Goa Online Portal. These measures reflect a policy direction that views AI not merely as a technological upgrade, but as a transformative tool to improve public service delivery, enhance transparency, empower startups and drive sustainable economic growth.
A major highlight of the summit is the AI Impact Expo at Bharat Mandapam, an expansive experiential showcase spanning over 70,000 square metres across 10 arenas and featuring more than 840 exhibitors. The expo was inaugurated by Narendra Modi on the opening day, drawing significant national and international attention.
Supported by DITE&C, five Goa-based startups are exhibiting at the expo, demonstrating AI applications across diverse sectors. These include DivvyUp and Grow by Shri Gaurish Datta Pangam and Shri Shivam Kamat; Frover Labs Pvt. Ltd. by Shri Siddharth Manjrekar and Shri Sarvesh Patkar; Neural Kissan by Shri Sai Vitthal Rane; Kverty by Shri Mexson Fernandes; and Phosic India Pvt. Ltd. by Shri Dewansh Choudhary. Their participation highlights the depth and diversity of Goa’s growing innovation ecosystem and the state’s commitment to nurturing AI-led entrepreneurship.
While the expo remains open throughout the summit, the final two days will feature Leaders’ Plenary Sessions, roundtables and panel discussions focusing on how AI can serve humanity, foster inclusive growth and support sustainable development. Through forward-looking policy, strategic collaborations and sustained investment in its startup ecosystem, Goa is positioning itself as a responsible and future-ready AI destination.
Delegates, industry leaders, investors and visitors are invited to explore the Goa Pavilion at Stall No. 4F.21 in Hall No. 4 to experience firsthand how Goan innovators are leveraging Artificial Intelligence to create meaningful, inclusive and sustainable impact.
Nissan Motor India has officially launched the 2026 Nissan Gravite in the Indian market, marking a significant step in the brand’s strategy to expand beyond its current single high-volume product, the Magnite. The Gravite is essentially Nissan’s version of the Renault Triber and enters the market as an affordable 7-seater MPV aimed at value-conscious Indian families.
Positioned in the compact MPV space, the Gravite is expected to be priced around the Triber, making it one of the most accessible three-row vehicles in the country. While SUVs continue to dominate headlines, there remains steady demand for practical seven-seaters, particularly in smaller towns where buyers seek additional space without stretching budgets toward larger MPVs. The Gravite aims to tap into this segment, offering more utility than a hatchback while remaining within reach for first-time car buyers and those upgrading from entry-level vehicles.
Under the hood, the Gravite is expected to feature the familiar 1.0-litre, three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine that also powers the Triber, Magnite and Renault Kiger. The motor produces 72 PS and 96 Nm of torque and will likely be paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 5-speed AMT. While there have been speculations about the introduction of a turbo petrol engine similar to the one offered in the Magnite and Kiger, Nissan has not confirmed its availability for the Gravite. The use of a naturally aspirated engine aligns with the MPV’s practical positioning, as it typically ensures lower maintenance costs and competitive ownership expenses, especially with shared parts across alliance models.
Built on the CMF A+ platform, the Gravite shares its underpinnings with the Triber and other alliance vehicles. Inside, the MPV is expected to borrow several features from the Magnite, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 7-inch digital driver display. Although the instrument cluster is sourced from the Magnite, it features a revised layout with the tachometer positioned above the speed readout and warning indicators neatly arranged on either side for better clarity.
Practicality remains the Gravite’s biggest talking point. Like the Triber, it is expected to offer a modular 5+2 seating configuration with a removable third row, allowing owners to switch between a seven-seater layout and a larger boot space depending on their needs. Convenience features may include rear AC vents, push-button start and wireless charging, further enhancing its appeal as a family-oriented vehicle.
On the exterior, the Gravite retains the basic silhouette of its donor model but adopts distinct Nissan styling cues. It features a honeycomb grille with prominent Gravite lettering, sleek LED daytime running lights and redesigned bumpers that align with Nissan’s global design language. The MPV will be available in five colour options: White, Silver, Grey, Black and Teal.
Safety equipment is expected to include six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS with EBD, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and a rear parking camera, making it competitive within its price bracket. In terms of alternatives, the Gravite will primarily rival the Renault Triber while also presenting itself as a more affordable option compared to larger MPVs such as the Maruti Ertiga, Kia Carens, Kia Carens Clavis and the Maruti XL6.
Nissan’s India sales have largely depended on the Magnite, which recorded 2,502 units in January 2026, reflecting modest year-on-year and month-on-month growth. The addition of the Gravite could help stabilise monthly volumes by introducing a second high-potential product in a practical, underserved segment. Unlike the premium-priced X-Trail, which struggled to gain traction in a price-sensitive market, the Gravite is positioned to attract a broader customer base.
Launched at a live event in Udaipur, the Gravite represents more than just a new product introduction. It signals Nissan’s intent to rebuild its India lineup with locally relevant, high-volume models that prioritise affordability, practicality and long-term ownership value. If priced competitively, the Gravite could play a crucial role in strengthening Nissan’s foothold in the Indian automotive market and expanding its presence beyond the compact SUV space.
“ATAL Nirnay – Goa Codes 2026” has emerged as a significant student-driven initiative aimed at addressing pressing environmental challenges in the State, particularly those related to pollution and waste management. Conceptualised with the philosophy that meaningful change begins with responsible individual decisions, the competition encourages students from Classes VI to IX to actively participate in environmental transformation through innovation, technology, awareness and community engagement.
The 28-day structured challenge commenced on February 2, 2026, with statewide orientation sessions for Heads of Institutions. The format recognises that building sustainable habits requires consistent effort, encouraging long-term waste segregation practices, environmental accountability and community awareness rather than one-day activities. The focus extends beyond participation to nurturing lasting environmental values among students.
The competition integrates eco-awareness, robotics and innovation through five structured events: the Smart Waste Solution Challenge, Garbage Awareness Campaign from Home to Community, Clean Goa Action Drive, Digital Awareness Campaign, and Study and Documentation. Students identify real waste management challenges, design innovative models and prototypes using Robotics Hardware Kits provided under the CARES scheme, conduct awareness initiatives and document measurable environmental impact.
The initiative is organised by the Project Management Unit under the CARES Scheme of the Directorate of Technical Education Goa, in association with Goa Waste Management Corporation. A total of 688 teams from schools across Goa have registered, reflecting widespread participation and enthusiasm. GWMC is facilitating infrastructure for waste collection during cleanliness drives and will coordinate on identified “Black Spots” where waste frequently accumulates, ensuring student activities connect directly with governance mechanisms.
Mentorship support is being provided by Teach for Goa Fellows, who are guiding schools with technical assistance and coordination. Teachers and students have been trained in the use of Robotics Hardware Kits to develop practical eco-tech solutions, effectively blending environmental awareness with technological skill development.
Attractive cash prizes have been announced to encourage active participation. State-level winners will receive ₹50,000 for first place, ₹40,000 for second place and ₹30,000 for third place, with additional consolation and taluka-level awards. The prize money will be awarded to the respective schools.
ATAL Nirnay represents a grassroots movement aimed at fostering positivity and cleanliness across Goa, beginning from homes, classrooms and neighbourhoods. By reinforcing the idea that small individual actions can generate extraordinary community impact, the initiative aspires to cultivate a culture of sustainability, responsibility and innovation across the State.
