Author: Tanisha Cardozo

Business

Goa Launches Export Facilitation Centre to Boost MSME Global Outreach

Tanisha Cardozo

In a significant step to strengthen Goa’s MSME export ecosystem, World Trade Centre Goa, Laghu Udyog Bharati Goa and Global Chamber Goa have jointly launched the Export Facilitation Centre at WTC Panjim. The collaborative initiative brings together global trade infrastructure, MSME outreach and international business networks to support enterprises aiming to expand into global markets.

The centre will provide MSMEs with guidance and facilitation on export procedures, documentation, compliance requirements and market access. It will also connect enterprises with agencies such as the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), export promotion bodies, logistics providers and financial institutions on a best-effort facilitation basis. By offering institutional connectivity and structured support, the initiative seeks to improve export readiness among local enterprises.

The Export Facilitation Centre will operate from the World Trade Centre Goa at Sesa Ghor, Wing 1, Office No. 3H, 3rd Floor, above Crosscrafts Event Management, Dr. Alvaro Costa Road, 20, EDC Complex, Patto, Panaji, Goa – 403001. It will function on Tuesdays and Fridays between 3:30 PM and 5:00 PM and will be regularly operational from March 1 at this location, ensuring accessible and consistent support for MSMEs.

Present on the occasion were Cyril De Souza, Regional Director – Trade Promotion, World Trade Centre Goa; Pallavi Salgaocar, President, Laghu Udyog Bharati Goa; office bearers Mudit Agarwaal, Jayesh Raikar and Aarti Neemkar, Executive Director, Global Chamber Goa, among other members. The coordinators from LUB Goa for the Export Facilitation Centre will be Uttam Bhupal and Rajeshwar Naidu.

The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Goa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and enabling local enterprises to compete confidently in global markets.

National

India to Build First Underwater Road-Rail Tunnel Under Brahmaputra at Rs 18,662 Crore

Tanisha Cardozo

India has approved a transformative Rs 18,662-crore infrastructure project in Assam that will establish a four-lane, access-controlled greenfield corridor connecting Numaligarh on NH-715 and Gohpur on NH-15. At present, this journey of 240 km takes six hours via Kaliabhambhora near Silghat on NH-52. The new corridor, featuring India’s first underwater road-and-rail tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra River, will dramatically improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and provide significant socio-economic benefits to Assam and neighbouring northeast states including Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.

The project, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, will be developed under an engineering-procurement-construction (EPC) model. The corridor passes through key locations such as Numaligarh, Kaziranga National Park, and Biswanath town, linking 11 economic nodes, 3 social nodes, 2 tourist nodes, 4 major railway stations, 2 airports, and 2 inland waterways. Once completed, it will facilitate seamless multi-modal integration, enhance freight efficiency, reduce logistics costs, and unlock new avenues for trade, industrial development, and regional economic growth.

Strategically, the tunnel and corridor will play a pivotal role in strengthening connectivity between major economic centres in the northeast and supporting national security priorities. In line with these initiatives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently made a historic landing at the first emergency landing field in the northeast aboard a C-130J aircraft, highlighting the growing strategic importance of the Dibrugarh-Moran stretch of national highways. The combination of infrastructure, connectivity, and strategic planning underscores India’s commitment to the development and integration of its northeast region.

Human Interest

The Brahmaputra’s Rare Pink Dolphins: India’s National Aquatic Treasure

Tanisha Cardozo

The rare pink dolphins of the Brahmaputra River are among India’s most extraordinary wildlife sightings. Despite their popular name, they are not a separate species but the endangered Ganges River Dolphin, officially recognised as India’s National Aquatic Animal. Their presence in Assam’s mighty river is both a symbol of ecological heritage and a reminder of the urgent need for conservation.

These dolphins are most commonly spotted in stretches of the Brahmaputra near Majuli Island, one of the world’s largest river islands, as well as around Kaziranga National Park and at river confluences where fish are abundant. The best time to see them is between October and April, when water levels recede and sightings become more frequent. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the highest chances of witnessing their brief, graceful surfacing.

Though often described as pink, these dolphins are naturally grey. Their pinkish appearance is caused by visible blood vessels close to the skin, which become more noticeable in sunlight or as they age. Adapted to the murky waters of the river, they are functionally blind and rely entirely on echolocation to navigate and hunt. They are also known to swim on their sides, a distinctive behaviour that helps them move through shallow waters.

Conservationists estimate that fewer than 300 Ganges river dolphins remain in the Brahmaputra, making each sighting rare and significant. Habitat loss, river pollution, fishing nets, and changing water flows pose serious threats to their survival. Protecting this species is not only about preserving wildlife but also about safeguarding the health of India’s river ecosystems.

The Brahmaputra’s pink dolphins stand as a living testament to the fragile beauty of India’s natural heritage — elusive, endangered, and deeply worth protecting.

Travel

Goa Tourism Welcomes Delegation from Almaty, Strengthens Ties with Kazakhstan

Tanisha Cardozo

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, recently welcomed a delegation of 12 guests from Almaty, Kazakhstan, at Paryatan Bhavan as part of their eight-day visit to the State. The delegation was received with flowers in a traditional gesture of Goan hospitality, reflecting the State’s focus on creating warm, meaningful, and memorable travel experiences for international visitors.

Officials from the Department of Tourism and the Goa Tourism Development Corporation were present to welcome the guests, underlining Goa Tourism’s coordinated approach to global engagement. The visit was facilitated by Caper Travel, with its leadership accompanying the delegation to ensure a curated and immersive experience in the State.

Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte noted that Goa continues to place strong emphasis on emerging international markets, recognising the importance of building trust and long-term relationships with new traveller segments. He highlighted that such interactions help showcase Goa’s diversity beyond beaches, positioning the State as a safe, welcoming, and enriching destination for global tourists.

Director of Tourism Kedar Naik expressed optimism about strengthening tourism ties with Kazakhstan, stating that these engagements help create sustained interest and collaboration between destinations. As part of the interaction, a detailed presentation was delivered highlighting Goa’s cultural heritage, festivals, wellness and spiritual tourism, hinterland experiences, adventure activities, and premium hospitality offerings, reinforcing the vision of promoting Goa as a year-round destination.

During their stay, the delegation will explore various facets of Goa, gaining insight into its traditions, cuisine, and thoughtfully curated tourism initiatives. The visitors expressed appreciation for the warm reception and shared enthusiasm about discovering the many layers of Goa’s cultural and experiential landscape.

The Department of Tourism looks forward to deepening engagement with Kazakhstan and expanding collaborative efforts to position Goa as a preferred international travel destination, built on cultural exchange, sustainable tourism, and meaningful global connections.

Films

Prathamesh Films Announces One of the Biggest Konkani Films Ever Backed

Tanisha Cardozo

Prathamesh Films has announced what is being described as one of the biggest Konkani films ever envisioned, marking a significant moment for Goa’s regional film industry. Backed by producer Prathamesh Dinesh Naik, the ambitious project reflects a strong belief that Goan stories deserve to be told with scale, dignity and national ambition.

The upcoming feature, produced in association with Bymistake Motion Pictures, represents an unprecedented investment for the Konkani market. The initiative goes beyond commercial intent, positioning itself as a cultural commitment to the people of Goa, local creative talent and the long-term growth of Konkani cinema. The stated objective is clear: to ensure that Konkani films gain recognition and respect on a national platform while retaining their regional authenticity.

For this ambitious venture, the production house sought a filmmaker capable of balancing commercial appeal with cultural depth. Aniket Arun Naik emerged as a natural choice. Following the success of the blockbuster Konkani film Amizade and his impactful role as a distributor expanding the theatrical reach of Aai Saiba!—which crossed over 300 shows in multiplexes within four weeks—Aniket has established himself as a key figure in Goa’s contemporary film landscape.

His return to the director’s chair with this large-scale action drama signals a defining moment for the industry. Deeply rooted in Goan soil, the film promises to blend high-octane action with an emotionally resonant narrative celebrating the culture, spirit and identity of Goa. The collaboration aims to set new benchmarks for Konkani cinema by combining production scale, storytelling sincerity and cinematic impact.

As regional cinema across India gains greater prominence, this project positions Konkani films within that larger national conversation. With a strong creative vision and strategic industry collaboration, the upcoming feature aspires to redefine expectations and broaden the horizons of Goan cinema.