Author: Tanisha Cardozo

Sports

All India Public Sector Football Tournament 2025–26 Kicks Off in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

The All India Public Sector Football Tournament 2025–26 was inaugurated in Goa in a grand ceremony led by Vipin Kumar, IAS, Chairman of the Airports Authority of India. The prestigious tournament brings together 12 elite teams representing leading Public Sector Undertakings from across the country, highlighting the spirit of unity and competitive excellence within the public sector.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Nivedita Dubey, Member (HR); Prem Prasad N, Regional Executive Director (WR); Suneel Dutt, Executive Director CNS; and Flt Lt Akash Deep Mathur, Airport Director, Goa International Airport. The presence of senior leadership underscored the importance of sports in fostering teamwork and camaraderie among public sector organisations.

Flt Lt Akash Deep Mathur welcomed the distinguished guests and participating teams, setting a positive tone for the tournament. The event was formally inaugurated with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp and flag waving by the Chairman and dignitaries, symbolising the beginning of the competition.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman Vipin Kumar encouraged the teams to uphold the values of team spirit, sportsmanship, resilience and discipline. He emphasised that tournaments such as these not only promote physical fitness but also strengthen bonds between organisations and inspire collective excellence.

The opening ceremony was marked by vibrant cultural programmes, including traditional Goan folk dance performances, adding local colour and celebration to the occasion. A grand players’ parade accompanied by a brass band further elevated the atmosphere, as participating teams marched with pride.

With 12 top PSU teams competing, the tournament promises exciting matches and high-level football action. Beyond the competition, the event stands as a celebration of unity, discipline and sporting excellence within India’s public sector community, setting the stage for spirited performances in the days ahead.

Fit & Fabulous

Designer Kate Barton Teams Up with IBM and Fiducia AI for Immersive NYFW Presentation

Tanisha Cardozo

At New York Fashion Week, designer Kate Barton unveiled her latest collection with an innovative twist, merging high fashion with cutting-edge artificial intelligence. In collaboration with Fiducia AI and IBM, Barton introduced a multilingual AI agent built with IBM watsonx on IBM Cloud, offering guests an interactive and immersive runway experience.

The activation allows attendees to identify pieces from the collection in real time using a Visual AI lens powered by IBM watsonx. Beyond recognition, the tool answers questions in multiple languages via voice and text and enables photorealistic virtual try-ons, effectively creating what Barton describes as “a portal into the collection’s world” rather than deploying artificial intelligence for novelty alone.

Speaking ahead of the show in an interview with TechCrunch, Barton emphasised that technology has long been part of her creative thinking. She expressed interest in blending the real and the unreal to spark curiosity, explaining that today’s technology expands the world around the clothes and shapes how audiences enter the story behind a collection. For her, the objective was not automation but deeper engagement — creating moments that make viewers pause and look twice.

Ganesh Harinath, Founder and CEO of Fiducia AI, explained that the activation relied on IBM watsonx, IBM Cloud and IBM Cloud Object Storage. He noted that while model tuning was complex, the real challenge lay in orchestrating the system into a seamless, production-grade experience. The collaboration marks Barton’s continued experimentation with AI, following earlier technological integrations in past collections.

The broader fashion industry remains cautiously curious about artificial intelligence. Barton observed that many brands are quietly using AI in operational capacities but hesitate to showcase it publicly due to reputational concerns. She compared the hesitation to the early days of e-commerce, when luxury houses debated whether they should even launch websites — a question that later evolved into how effectively they used them.

Industry voices suggest that while AI adoption is growing, much of its current use remains surface-level, such as chatbots or internal productivity tools. Barton, however, envisions a future where AI enhances prototyping, visualisation and production decisions, while preserving the human craftsmanship that defines fashion. She has made it clear that technology must elevate, not erase, the people behind the work.

According to industry projections shared during the conversation, AI in fashion could become mainstream by 2028, with deeper operational integration by 2030. Leaders within IBM Consulting highlighted how connecting inspiration, product intelligence and real-time engagement can transform AI from a novelty feature into a strategic growth engine.

Yet for Barton, the ultimate goal remains clear. The future of fashion, she argues, is not automated fashion. It is fashion that embraces new tools to heighten craft, deepen storytelling and broaden access — without diminishing the human creativity that makes garments meaningful. At NYFW, that vision stepped confidently onto the runway, offering a glimpse of how art and algorithm might coexist in the next chapter of design.

Special Occasion

Mahashivratri 2026: A Night of Awakening, Surrender and Inner Transformation

Tanisha Cardozo

Mahashivratri 2026 will be observed from Sunday, 15 February 2026 at 5:04 pm until Monday, 16 February 2026 at 5:34 pm. Known as the Great Night of Shiva, the festival is one of the most spiritually profound observances in the Hindu calendar, inviting devotees to move beyond ritual and enter a space of reflection and inner awakening.

While temples will resonate with chants, bells and devotional songs, the true essence of Mahashivratri lies in silence and surrender. Fasting is not merely about abstaining from food; it is a practice of discipline and self-control. Staying awake through the night symbolises heightened awareness — a conscious effort to rise above ignorance and negativity. The offerings of water, milk and bilva leaves to the Shiva Linga represent purification, humility and devotion.

Spiritually, the night is believed to carry powerful energies that support meditation and clarity of thought. Lord Shiva, often depicted in deep meditation atop Mount Kailash, embodies stillness amidst chaos. His symbolism teaches detachment from ego, balance between strength and compassion, and the courage to destroy what no longer serves us in order to create anew.

Mahashivratri also represents union — the coming together of Shiva and Parvati — signifying harmony between masculine and feminine energies, action and reflection, power and grace. In a world filled with constant noise and distraction, the festival offers a rare invitation to pause, look inward and reconnect with purpose.

As the sacred hours unfold from 15 to 16 February 2026, devotees across India and around the world will gather in prayer. Yet the deeper celebration happens quietly within — in moments of introspection, forgiveness and resolve. Mahashivratri is ultimately a reminder that transformation does not begin outside; it begins within, in stillness, faith and awareness.

Sports

Clarence–Rajendra, Kane–Ruta Shine at BPS Open Pickleball Championship 2026 in Margao

Tanisha Cardozo

The BPS Open Pickleball Championship 2026 concluded on a high note at the iconic BPS Sports Club in Margao, delivering a final day packed with competitive intensity, close contests and commanding performances across categories.

Clarence Noronha and Rajendra Godinho capped off a strong campaign by clinching the Men’s Doubles 50+ title with a composed 11–5, 11–8 victory over Noel Noronha and Wilfred Jacques. Their consistency and control throughout the knockout rounds were evident, having earlier defeated Gaurav Sapra and Karan Singh 15–7 in the semifinals. In the quarterfinals, they had eliminated Lincoln and Savio Vales 15–5. Noel Noronha and Wilfred Jacques reached the final after overcoming Bipin Kantak and Subodh Shevde 15–8 in the semifinals and registering a commanding 15–1 win over Bosco Ravi Rebello and Ryan Costa in the quarterfinals.

In the Open Mixed Doubles final, Kane Roncon Pereira and Ruta Borkar delivered a dominant 11–2, 11–5 performance against Joshua Menezes and Audrey Menezes. The pair showcased sharp coordination and attacking precision, continuing the form that saw them defeat Vishnu and Aditi Chodankar 15–7 in the semifinals and Peter and Deepashree 15–3 in the quarterfinals. Joshua and Audrey had secured their final berth with a 15–6 win over Immanuel Rohan and Aarushi in the semifinals.

The Men’s Doubles (Open) category witnessed one of the most gripping finals of the tournament. Rahil Peris and Torcato Vaz rallied from a game down to defeat Immanuel Rohan and Joshua Menezes 6–11, 11–5, 11–7 in a thrilling three-game contest. Earlier, Rahil and Torcato had defeated Chinmay Kantak and Nihaal Borkar 15–6 in the semifinals, while Immanuel and Joshua edged past Anurag Agarwal and Kane Roncon Pereira 15–13 in a closely fought encounter.

In the Men’s Singles 35+ final, Immanuel Rohan overcame Nihaal Borkar 15–8, adding another highlight to his tournament run. Nihaal had progressed after defeating Nishant Verghese 15–5 in the semifinals, while Immanuel had secured his place in the final with a narrow 15–13 win over Tarun.

Across categories, the final day reflected the tournament’s competitive depth, featuring repeat matchups between seasoned rivals and tightly contested knockout games that kept spectators engaged throughout. The championship concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, marking the end of a successful three-day event that drew strong participation across age groups and categories at the BPS Sports Club, reinforcing Margao’s growing stature as a vibrant hub for pickleball in Goa.

Travel

Goa Tourism Strengthens Industry Ties at Travel Agents Meet 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Panjim, 14th February 2026 – The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), a Government of Goa undertaking, organised the Travel Agents Meet 2026, bringing together key stakeholders from the travel and tourism industry to strengthen collaboration and align strategies for promoting Goa as a diverse, experience-led destination. The meet witnessed participation from 55 travel agents, online travel agencies and NTS operators, along with other members of the travel trade in Goa.

The dignitaries present included Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte; Chairman, GTDC Kedar Naik; Managing Director, GTDC Kuldeep Arolkar; General Managers Gavin Dias, Sachin Gore, Laxmikant Vaigankar and Kapil Paiguinkar, and Deputy General Manager Deepak Narvekar.

Speaking on the occasion, Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte emphasised the importance of collaboration with the travel trade in shaping Goa’s tourism growth story. He stated that travel agents remain long-term partners in promoting Goa beyond its beaches and positioning the state as a holistic, experience-rich destination. He highlighted that the focus remains on balanced tourism growth that benefits local communities, strengthens livelihoods and enhances visitor satisfaction.

Chairman, GTDC Kedar Naik underlined the pivotal role of travel agents as the first point of contact for travellers. He noted that the confidence with which visitors choose Goa is closely linked to the trust they place in travel professionals. He further reiterated that GTDC’s responsibility goes beyond infrastructure and services, extending to creating an ecosystem where tourism supports livelihoods, preserves culture and ensures inclusive growth.

Managing Director, GTDC Kuldeep Arolkar described the Travel Agents Meet as an important platform to align tourism products and services with evolving market needs. He stated that through continued engagement with the travel trade, GTDC aims to strengthen global promotion of Goa Tourism hotels, new tourism services and destination experiences while remaining responsive to changing traveller expectations.

As part of the programme, seven prominent tour operators were felicitated, including representatives of the Tour Operators Association of India, Goa-based online travel agents and NTS operators, in recognition of their contribution to promoting Goa as a preferred destination. Deputy General Manager (Marketing) Deepak Narvekar announced the names of the stakeholders during the felicitation ceremony in the presence of the Minister for Tourism and other dignitaries.

A detailed presentation on GTDC hotels and new tourism and adventure activities was delivered by General Manager Gavin Dias along with Senior Managers Vishesh Naik and Pravin Faldessai. Video films showcasing Goa Tourism, wildlife experiences, AVI Tourism and festivals were screened during the meet, offering attendees a broader perspective on the state’s evolving tourism landscape.

The event also facilitated an interactive exchange between GTDC officials and members of the travel trade on emerging markets, evolving traveller preferences and collaborative promotion opportunities. Goa Tourism’s hotels, new services and curated destination experiences were highlighted with a strong emphasis on strengthening global visibility through strategic trade partnerships.

The Travel Agents Meet 2026 served as a meaningful platform for dialogue, exchange of perspectives and deeper collaboration between Goa Tourism and the travel trade. The engagement reaffirmed the state’s commitment to working closely with industry stakeholders to position Goa as a preferred destination offering authentic, responsible and high-quality tourism experiences.