Author: Tanisha Cardozo

#faith

Bishop Agnelo Pinheiro Visits Milagris Church Ahead of May 2026 Inauguration

Tanisha Cardozo

A significant moment for the Catholic community in Sawantwadi unfolded as Agnelo Pinheiro, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sindhudurg, visited the historic Milagris Church to review its newly reconstructed premises ahead of its official inauguration scheduled for May 9, 2026.

The visit marked an important step in the journey of the church, which holds deep historical and spiritual significance. Originally built in 1652, Milagris Church has stood as a symbol of faith for centuries. Over the past few years, the structure underwent extensive reconstruction at the same site, preserving its legacy while giving it a renewed architectural form. With the work now completed, the church is ready to reopen its doors to the faithful.

During his visit, Bishop Pinheiro interacted with the local parish priest and members of the Christian community, extending his greetings and acknowledging their efforts and devotion. He also expressed appreciation for the newly constructed church, recognising the collective commitment that made the restoration possible.

The occasion was attended by several prominent members of the clergy, including Simião Fernandes, along with Father Millet D’Souza, Father Felix Lobo, Father Richard Saldanha, Father Alwyn Gonsalves, Father Milton Molteno, and Father Amrit Gonsalves. Members of the church and the wider Catholic community were also present, making the visit a moment of unity and anticipation.

The upcoming inauguration is expected to be a landmark event, bringing together the faithful to celebrate not just a building, but a living heritage that has endured through centuries. The reconstruction of Milagris Church reflects a careful balance between preserving tradition and embracing renewal, ensuring that its legacy continues for future generations.

As preparations move forward for the May 9 inauguration, the visit by Bishop Pinheiro has further strengthened the sense of excitement and spiritual significance surrounding the occasion, marking a new chapter in the long and cherished history of Milagris Church in Sawantwadi.

EduConnect

Cyber Smart Generation: Awareness Drive Held at St. Francis Xavier’s High School, Siolim

Tanisha Cardozo

A significant step towards building digital awareness among young students was witnessed in Siolim, Goa, as a cyber awareness and online safety programme was conducted at St. Francis Xavier’s High School on 25th February 2026. The initiative was organised by the Siolim Free Legal Aid Cell of V.M. Salgaocar College of Law, aiming to equip students with essential knowledge to navigate the increasingly complex digital world safely.

The session was led by PSI Sahil Vijay Warang, Police Sub-Inspector from Anjuna Police Station, who addressed the students as the guest speaker. His talk focused on the growing threats of cybercrime and the importance of awareness as the first line of defence. The programme was held in the presence of Fr. Dilip Tete, Headmaster of the school, and Fr. Marcos Dsouza, Principal of the Higher Secondary section, both of whom appreciated the initiative and its relevance in today’s digital age.

With participation from approximately 600 to 650 students, along with teachers and members of the Legal Aid Cell, the session turned into an engaging and insightful learning experience. Students were introduced to the concept of cybercrime as an “unseen danger,” where criminals often exploit human emotions such as fear, greed, and curiosity rather than relying solely on advanced technology.

PSI Warang shared real-life examples of various online frauds, including fake investment schemes, job scams, sextortion cases, fake loan applications, impersonation frauds, matrimonial scams, and online booking frauds. He also explained newer threats such as digital arrest scams and emotional manipulation tactics, helping students understand how easily individuals can fall prey without proper awareness.

A key focus of the session was on developing a responsible digital mindset. Students were encouraged to stay cautious while using social media platforms, online games, and digital payment systems. Practical tips were shared on identifying suspicious links, protecting personal information, and verifying online transactions before taking action.

The session also introduced students to important safety resources such as the National Cybercrime Helpline 1930 and official cybercrime reporting platforms, empowering them with tools to seek help in case of any online threat. The interactive nature of the programme allowed students to actively participate, ask questions, and relate to real-world scenarios discussed during the session.

Faculty members, including Assistant Professor Shreya Shah, who serves as the Faculty Incharge of the Legal Aid Cell, along with student coordinators and school staff, played a key role in organising the event. Their efforts ensured that the programme was both informative and impactful.

The event concluded with a strong message: awareness is the most powerful defence against cybercrime. As students left the session more informed and alert, the programme successfully reinforced the importance of staying vigilant in an increasingly digital world.

#faith

Silence Over Screens: Pope Leo XIV Calls for Prayer and Peace

Tanisha Cardozo

In a world constantly buzzing with notifications, updates, and endless digital noise, Pope Leo XIV has offered a simple yet profound invitation: switch off and listen. Speaking during his Angelus address, the pope encouraged Catholics to turn off televisions, radios, and cellphones during Lent, creating space for silence, prayer, and deeper reflection.

His message was not merely about disconnecting from technology but about reconnecting with what truly matters. He urged the faithful to meditate on the word of God, approach the sacraments, and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit within their hearts. Beyond personal spirituality, he emphasized the importance of listening to one another—in families, workplaces, and communities—highlighting a deeper human need often overshadowed by digital distractions.

Describing Lent as a “luminous path,” Pope Leo XIV spoke of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as transformative practices that help renew one’s relationship with God. He portrayed this journey as a process of healing and renewal, where individuals can cleanse the wounds of sin and move closer to a life rooted in love—the foundation of true happiness.

At the same time, he acknowledged the challenges of this spiritual path. Lent, he said, is demanding, and many may feel tempted to seek easier forms of satisfaction through wealth, fame, or power. However, he cautioned that such pursuits ultimately leave individuals feeling empty and restless, offering only temporary comfort instead of lasting fulfillment.

Drawing from the teachings of Pope Paul VI, he reminded believers that penance is not a loss but a gain—one that enriches, purifies, and strengthens the human spirit. It is through this discipline that individuals can align themselves with a higher purpose centered on love and surrender.

Extending his message beyond personal reflection, the pope also called for compassion toward those on the margins of society. He urged people to dedicate time to the elderly, the poor, and the sick, suggesting that the act of giving—whether time, attention, or resources—can bring meaningful change to both the giver and the receiver.

However, the address took a deeply global turn as Pope Leo XIV spoke about the ongoing war in Ukraine, marking nearly four years since the conflict began. His words reflected both urgency and sorrow as he described the immense human suffering caused by the war—lives lost, families torn apart, and communities destroyed.

Calling peace an “urgent necessity,” he appealed for an immediate ceasefire, urging that weapons fall silent and bombings cease. He emphasized the need for dialogue, advocating for responsible decisions that pave the way toward lasting peace. His message was clear: war is not just a regional tragedy but a wound inflicted on the entire human family.

In closing, he entrusted the Lenten journey of the faithful to the care of the Virgin Mary, offering a message of hope and guidance during times of trial. His words served as both a spiritual reminder and a global appeal—inviting individuals not only to look inward but also to act outward with compassion, awareness, and a shared commitment to peace.

In an age defined by constant connection, his call to disconnect may be one of the most relevant messages of our time.

Business

AI-Powered Leap: Projects Today Unveils Smarter Business Opportunity Platform

Tanisha Cardozo

India’s project ecosystem is entering a smarter, more connected phase as Projects Today unveils its AI-driven business opportunity platform, designed to bring clarity, speed, and intelligence into how organisations engage with projects. At a time when timing, data, and coordination can define success, this upgraded platform aims to simplify complexity and turn information into actionable insight.

The platform integrates project lifecycle context, tenders, L1/order updates, and stakeholder intelligence into a single streamlined workflow. Instead of navigating fragmented data points, users can now access a unified view that helps them understand not just what is happening, but what actions to take next. This shift from passive tracking to proactive decision-making marks a significant evolution in project intelligence.

At its core, the platform introduces a suite of AI-enabled capabilities focused on real-world outcomes. From BOQ search and sub-project tracking to tender-to-order journey visibility, users gain a deeper understanding of each opportunity’s stage and scope. Enhanced bidder insights, participation analytics, and opportunity estimation tools further strengthen the decision-making process, while credibility dashboards and stakeholder mapping add a new layer of strategic intelligence.

With over 25 years of research-led expertise, Projects Today continues to build on its strong foundation. The platform currently tracks more than 50,000 active projects across various stages, from early planning to execution. Each month, it adds over 1,500 new projects, monitors 10,000+ tenders, and captures more than 1,200 L1/order updates—creating a dynamic and constantly evolving database that supports businesses across sectors.

However, the vision goes beyond data aggregation. The intent is to create a seamless flow of opportunity between those who conceptualise projects and those who bring them to life. By connecting promoters, contractors, consultants, suppliers, service providers, and financiers, the platform fosters collaboration and ensures that opportunities move efficiently from idea to execution.

This launch also reinforces a guiding philosophy that has remained constant: Client First. Nation Always. As India’s infrastructure and industrial landscape continues to expand, the need for timely insights and coordinated action becomes more critical than ever. Through this AI-powered transformation, Projects Today is positioning itself not just as an information provider, but as an enabler of growth, partnerships, and progress.

In a rapidly evolving economy, where speed and precision are key, this platform represents more than just a technological upgrade. It signals a shift towards smarter engagement, better alignment, and faster execution—ensuring that opportunities don’t just exist, but are effectively realised.

Films

SC Refuses Ban on Yadav Ji Ki Love Story, Says Title Not Defamatory

Tanisha Cardozo

In a significant development highlighting the intersection of cinema and constitutional rights, the Supreme Court of India has refused to impose a ban on the film Yadav Ji Ki Love Story, dismissing a petition that challenged its title. The plea, filed by the chief of the Vishwa Yadav Parishad, argued that the film’s name portrayed the Yadav community in a negative light and sought either a ban or a change in the title.

Hearing the matter, a bench comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan examined the arguments and the material presented before them. The court ultimately found the concerns to be unfounded, stating that the title of the film did not contain any language or implication that could be seen as derogatory towards the Yadav community.

Justice Nagarathna observed that the court could not understand how the title alone could reflect negatively on an entire community, especially when it lacked any explicit or implied negative descriptors. The bench emphasised that none of the reasonable restrictions outlined under Article 19(2) of the Constitution—which governs limitations on freedom of speech and expression—were applicable in this case.

The court also drew a distinction between this matter and a previous controversy surrounding the film Ghooskhor Pandat. In that instance, the word “ghooskhor,” meaning corrupt, was deemed to carry a clearly negative connotation that could reflect poorly on a community, prompting judicial intervention. However, in the present case, the bench noted that no such negative association existed in the title Yadav Ji Ki Love Story.

During the proceedings, the petitioner’s counsel clarified that their objection was not to inter-community relationships depicted in the film, but rather to how certain aspects, including the portrayal of a woman, were handled. Despite these arguments, the court maintained that the film is a work of fiction and does not warrant judicial interference based on speculative concerns.

With the petition dismissed, the path is now clear for the film’s release, scheduled for February 27. The ruling reinforces the judiciary’s stance on protecting creative expression while carefully weighing claims of community harm, once again underlining the importance of context and intent in such disputes.