Sattari’s very own Miss Griha Mahanand Paryekar, daughter of Shri Mahanand Paryekar (RFO) and Adv. Smt. Sharmila Paryekar from Honda, has achieved national recognition by securing the Second Prize in the National Level Bharatnatyam Solo Dance Competition (Senior Category) at the Goa Cultural Carnival Season 2.
The prestigious event, organized by Nritharchana in association with the All India Dancers Association, brought together talented dancers from across the country to celebrate the beauty of Indian classical dance. Amidst fierce competition, Griha’s performance stood out for its grace, precision, and expressive storytelling—hallmarks of the Bharatnatyam tradition.
Her achievement is a testament to her dedication, passion, and years of disciplined training. Beyond the stage, this milestone also highlights the growing cultural prominence of Sattari and the rich artistic spirit thriving in Goa’s heartland.
Family, friends, and the local community have expressed immense pride in her accomplishment, seeing her as a beacon of inspiration for young dancers pursuing excellence in classical arts. With this recognition, Griha continues to carry forward the legacy of Indian classical dance, representing Goa on a national platform with poise and brilliance.
After India’s women’s cricket team created history by winning their first-ever ODI World Cup title against South Africa, the nation erupted in joy — and so did Smriti Mandhana’s fiancé, filmmaker and music composer Palash Muchhal. The emotional victory unfolded on November 2 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, where Mandhana played a key role in leading the team to their maiden championship glory.
Soon after the win, Palash Muchhal took to Instagram to share a heartwarming moment with Smriti. In the picture, the Indian opener is seen draped in the tricolour, proudly holding the glittering World Cup trophy, while Palash stands beside her with his arm around her shoulders. Captioning the photo, he wrote, “Am I still dreaming?”, a simple yet touching expression of pride and disbelief at her monumental achievement.
Just days before the final, Muchhal had shared another celebratory post following India’s dramatic victory over Australia in the semifinals, captioning it, “This part of my life right here is called… happiness.”
Last month, Palash Muchhal confirmed his wedding to Smriti Mandhana at a press event in Indore. When asked about their relationship, he hinted at the upcoming nuptials with a smile, saying, “She will soon become the daughter-in-law of Indore… that is all I want to say. I have given you the headline.”
According to reports, the couple will begin their wedding celebrations on November 20 in Sangli, Maharashtra. The two have reportedly been dating since 2019 but kept their relationship private until making it Instagram official last year.
Palash Muchhal, known for composing music for several Bollywood films alongside his sister Palak Muchhal, is currently directing his film Raju Bajewala, featuring Avika Gor and Chandan Roy. With Smriti Mandhana’s career soaring and their wedding on the horizon, both are entering a new chapter in life filled with celebration, pride, and love — marking a fairytale moment where sports and art come beautifully together.
The Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AHVS), Goa, has issued an official advisory following the detection of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) cases in parts of the state. The department has urged all pet owners to take preventive measures, including timely vaccination and avoiding exposure to stray or sick animals.
Canine Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that affects dogs and can lead to severe illness or death, especially in unvaccinated animals. The disease targets multiple organs and systems, including the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and nervous system, leading to symptoms such as fever, coughing, nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhoea, and loss of appetite. In advanced cases, it can cause muscle twitching, seizures, paralysis, and even hardening of paw pads.
The virus spreads through airborne droplets, direct contact with infected dogs, or contaminated objects like bowls, bedding, and toys. Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are at the highest risk of infection.
Although there is no specific cure for Canine Distemper, early veterinary intervention can help manage symptoms and improve recovery chances. The AHVS emphasizes that vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure and should be part of every dog’s routine care.
Officials have also reassured the public that Canine Distemper cannot be transmitted to humans. The virus spreads exclusively among dogs through respiratory droplets, saliva, and contact with the bodily fluids of infected animals.
The AHVS urges all dog owners to remain vigilant, ensure regular vaccination schedules, and maintain clean, stress-free environments for their pets to minimize risk.
As Goa continues to see isolated cases, authorities are monitoring the situation closely and encouraging residents to report suspected cases to nearby veterinary clinics or the AHVS offices for timely action.
The Goa Police has reason to celebrate as two of its distinguished officers — DySP Vishwesh Karpe and Police Inspector Laxi Amonkar — have been conferred with the ‘Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak’, a national award recognizing exceptional performance and professional excellence in policing.
DySP Vishwesh Karpe has been honoured in the field of Investigation for his outstanding leadership and meticulous supervision in solving a sensational murder case involving a minor boy under the jurisdiction of Calangute Police Station. The case, which had gripped public attention, demanded precise coordination, evidence handling, and strategic investigation. Under Karpe’s direction, the team ensured that justice was swiftly and decisively served. His approach to investigative work — marked by thoroughness, empathy, and commitment to truth — exemplifies the highest standards of policing.
Police Inspector Laxi Amonkar was recognised in the field of Intelligence for his significant role in one of Goa’s most impactful narcotics operations. His timely and actionable intelligence led to a successful NDPS raid, resulting in the seizure of narcotic substances valued at ₹43 crores. The operation not only disrupted a major drug network but also reinforced the Goa Police’s continued efforts to combat the drug menace with precision and resolve. PI Amonkar’s contribution reflects the vital importance of intelligence-led policing and inter-departmental coordination in addressing organised crime.
The Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak is one of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ distinguished recognitions for police personnel across India. It acknowledges officers who demonstrate exceptional efficiency, commitment, and professionalism in their respective fields — from investigation and intelligence to law and order, community service, and technological innovation.
For Goa Police, this recognition marks a proud moment of institutional excellence. Both officers embody the ethos of the force — integrity, diligence, and service before self. Their achievements highlight the tireless work that goes on behind the scenes in maintaining law and order, ensuring justice, and safeguarding the community.
The honour also serves as an inspiration to young officers across India, reaffirming that dedication and ethical conduct are the cornerstones of effective policing. Whether it’s cracking complex criminal cases or disrupting high-value narcotics operations, officers like DySP Vishwesh Karpe and PI Laxi Amonkar remind us that excellence in law enforcement begins with a deep sense of duty and purpose.
As Goa celebrates this national recognition, it stands as a testament to the professionalism and unwavering commitment of its police force — men and women who serve not just with authority, but with integrity and heart.
Goa experienced one of its wettest Octobers on record, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reporting 374.6mm of rain during October 2025. This makes it the fifth highest October rainfall total in the state in nearly 100 years of data.
The wettest October on record for Goa remains 2019, when 546.8mm of rain was recorded, followed by 2006 (423.8mm), 1955 (413.2mm), and 1985 (394.3mm). The latest figure places 2025 in fifth position, highlighting the unusual intensity of this year’s late monsoon surge.
Meteorologist and retired NIO chief scientist M. R. Ramesh Kumar explained that about 60% of the month’s rain fell during the last week of October, driven by a depression system over the southeastern Arabian Sea that caused widespread precipitation across Goa.
Rainfall, however, was uneven across the state. IMD data showed Pernem and Mormugao received the highest totals at 498mm each, while Valpoi recorded the lowest at 209mm till the morning of October 31.
Kumar described the pattern as “lopsided,” noting that most rain was concentrated in the second half of the month. “There was no rainfall on October 12 and 13, and only trace amounts were recorded on the 8th, 14th, and 18th,” he said.
The other years that make up the top 10 rainiest Octobers in Goa include 2009 (351.8mm), 1931 (344mm), 1928 (332mm), 2010 (325.5mm), and 2024 (300mm).
The data underscores how unpredictable the post-monsoon period can be — with global weather systems and sea surface conditions increasingly influencing local rainfall extremes.
