Category: EduConnect

EduConnect

GCCI Holds Fifth Consumer Awareness Programme on Misleading Advertisements at DMC College, Mapusa

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Mapusa, January 19, 2026: The Consumer Protection Committee of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) organised its fifth consumer awareness programme in collaboration with the Consumer Welfare Cell of Dnyanprassarak Mandal’s College and Research Centre (DMC), Mapusa, on the topic “Consumer Awareness on Misleading Advertisements.” The programme was held at the college conference room and was attended by B.Com Part III students.


The objective of the programme was to familiarise students with the legal provisions relating to misleading advertisements under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and to sensitise them to their rights and responsibilities as consumers.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Principal Prof. D. B. Arolkar, who underlined the importance of being vigilant and responsible consumers. He highlighted how misleading advertisements influence consumer behaviour and the potential impact they can have on purchasing decisions.

Ms. Amita Salatry, Chairperson of the Consumer Protection Committee, GCCI, addressed the gathering next, introducing the members of her team and elaborating on the role played by GCCI in promoting consumer awareness and safeguarding consumer interests.

The Deputy Director of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Mr. Ketan Kashinath Phaldesai, served as the resource person for the programme and was formally introduced by Mr. Tushar Karmalkar. In his session, Mr. Phaldesai delivered an informative and engaging talk on common malpractices adopted by sellers to mislead consumers, including bait-and-switch advertising, false “free” claims, advertisements targeting children, and surrogate advertising.

He also explained the procedure for filing consumer complaints through the e-Jagriti portal and guided students on identifying the appropriate consumer forums for grievance redressal.

The programme was attended by GCCI members Mr. K. S. Nair, Co-Chairperson, and Mr. Nitin Maganlal, whose presence added value to the session.

Around 60 students and eight staff members participated in the lecture, which was well received for its practical insights and clarity on consumer rights and legal remedies.

The programme was compered by Ms. Sailee Velip, while Ms. Jaya G. Prabhu Parrikar, Convenor of the Consumer Welfare Cell, proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the resource person, GCCI members and all participants for the successful conduct of the programme.

EduConnect

Maharashtra @ Davos 2026: MMRDA Signs Strategic MoU with University of California, Berkeley

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Davos, 2026: Maharashtra strengthened its global academic and innovation footprint at Davos 2026 with the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Maharashtra (MMRDA) and the University of California, Berkeley.

The five-year partnership aims to foster deep academic and research collaboration to enhance metropolitan planning and urban transformation across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The collaboration reflects Maharashtra’s commitment to integrating global best practices into city governance and infrastructure development.

Key focus areas of the partnership include Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Policy Innovation, all aligned toward building a sustainable and circular urban economy. The MoU envisions leveraging cutting-edge research and technological expertise to address complex urban challenges such as mobility, housing, climate resilience, and infrastructure efficiency.

As part of the collaboration, MMRDA and UC Berkeley will jointly undertake research initiatives, hackathons, capacity-building programs, and accelerator initiatives. These efforts aim to translate academic insights into real-world policy solutions and innovation-led urban governance models.

Officials highlighted that the partnership will also help nurture future-ready urban professionals while positioning Maharashtra as a leader in data-driven, innovation-led metropolitan development.

The MoU signed at Davos underlines Maharashtra’s growing role on the global stage as a hub for smart cities, sustainable development, and international academic collaboration.

EduConnect

POCSO Act Awareness Programme Held at Madkaikar Higher Secondary School, Corlim

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Corlim, January 19, 2026: The Old Goa Free Legal Aid Cell of V. M. Salgaocar College successfully conducted an informative awareness programme on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act at Madkaikar Higher Secondary School of Arts and Science, Corlim, Goa. The session commenced at 11:15 am and witnessed active participation from students and staff.



The programme featured insightful sessions by PSI Harshal Raikar and Advocate Aloysia Andrade, who explained the legal framework of the POCSO Act, its objectives and significance in protecting children from sexual offences. The speakers highlighted the role of law enforcement, legal authorities and society at large in ensuring the safety, dignity and rights of children.

Key aspects discussed during the session included legal procedures under the POCSO Act, responsibilities of citizens, reporting mechanisms, and preventive measures to safeguard children against abuse. The speakers emphasised early awareness, responsible behaviour and timely legal intervention as essential tools in child protection.

The programme was well received by students and faculty members, with interactive discussions enabling participants to ask questions and gain clarity on legal remedies and support systems available for victims.

The awareness initiative successfully achieved its objective of promoting legal literacy, child safety awareness and justice, contributing towards building a safer and more informed environment for children.

EduConnect

Goa University Hosts Workshop on Epigraphy and Palaeography

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Goa University recently hosted an insightful Workshop on Epigraphy and Palaeography, inaugurated by Prof. Sunder Dhuri, Registrar of Goa University. The workshop was jointly organized by the Discipline of History, D. D. Kosambi School of Social Sciences and Behavioural Studies, and the Department of Goa Gazetteer and Historical Records, Government of Goa.

Held at the Seminar Hall, Faculty Block B, the workshop aimed to provide participants with a deeper understanding of ancient inscriptions, scripts, and historical document analysis. It brought together scholars, students, and history enthusiasts to explore techniques in reading, interpreting, and preserving historical records.

Such initiatives reflect Goa University’s ongoing commitment to promoting research and scholarship in the humanities, while also strengthening collaboration between academic institutions and government archival departments.

EduConnect

Career Counselling, Drug Abuse & Cyber Safety Awareness Session Held at T.B. Cunha Higher Secondary School

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Panaji, Goa: A comprehensive awareness and guidance session on Career Counselling, Drug Abuse Prevention, and Cyber Safety was successfully organised at T.B. Cunha Higher Secondary School, Panaji, in collaboration with Antrang Foundation.



The session was conducted by PSI Sahil Warang, Police Sub-Inspector, Anjuna Police Station, and was attended by 40 students from the higher secondary section. The programme aimed to provide students with holistic guidance by integrating career planning with social awareness and safety education.

During the career counselling segment, students were encouraged to identify their strengths, set realistic goals, explore diverse career options, and cultivate discipline, self-confidence, and sound decision-making skills essential for long-term success.

A significant portion of the session was dedicated to drug abuse prevention, where students were sensitised to the harmful physical, psychological, social, and legal consequences of substance abuse. Through real-life examples and practical insights, the speaker highlighted how peer pressure, curiosity, and misinformation can lead to addiction, and stressed the importance of early awareness and strong personal values.

The cyber safety module addressed the growing digital risks faced by young people. Students were educated on safe internet practices, protection of personal data, cyber frauds, online addiction, and responsible use of social media. Emphasis was placed on avoiding the sharing of OTPs or sensitive information, thinking before clicking on links, and promptly reporting suspicious online activities.

The session witnessed active student participation, with meaningful questions and interactions reflecting their interest and awareness. Teachers and school authorities appreciated the practical, student-friendly approach adopted during the programme.

The initiative highlighted the importance of collaboration between educational institutions, social organisations, and law enforcement agencies in shaping informed, responsible, and resilient young citizens. The programme concluded on a positive note, leaving students better equipped to make informed career choices while staying safe, healthy, and law-abiding in an increasingly complex world.