The Goa government has appointed Frazella De Araujo as the Advisor to the Forest Department. The announcement was made by State Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane, who said Araujo’s appointment will further strengthen the department’s work in policy formulation and strategic planning.
This new role adds to her existing responsibilities as Advisor to the Health Department and the Women & Child Development Department, both of which are also under Minister Rane’s purview.
Acknowledging her contributions, Rane highlighted Araujo’s pivotal role in conceptualising the state’s Health Outreach Program and in driving the historic IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) initiative at Goa Medical College and Hospital. These projects, he said, reflect her innovative and people-centric approach to governance.
Rane expressed confidence that Araujo’s experience and commitment will greatly benefit the Forest Department in enhancing its initiatives and ensuring more effective policy outcomes.
Frazella De Araujo’s appointment underscores the Goa government’s continued emphasis on multidisciplinary leadership and coordinated efforts across departments to deliver impactful governance.
Goa: A moment of quick thinking and bravery saved a home in Goa from going up in flames, thanks to 12-year-old Pranav Tate. The young boy had just returned from play around 9:30 am when he noticed smoke coming from his house.
Upon entering, he found fire engulfing the refrigerator and some clothes. With no one else present, Pranav immediately acted, attaching a pipe to a water tap and dousing the flames. His swift response prevented what could have been a major mishap, safeguarding his home and avoiding potential injuries.
Pranav’s actions are a shining example of courage, awareness, and quick decision-making, particularly in emergencies. The incident also serves as a reminder for families about the importance of fire safety measures and vigilance, even during seemingly ordinary days.
Neighbors and residents have praised Pranav’s bravery, highlighting how one alert and responsible individual can make a significant difference during emergencies.
This inspiring story of heroism by such a young child resonates as a lesson in responsibility and courage for people of all ages.
Sattari, Goa: A remarkable archaeological discovery has surfaced in Goa with the unearthing of a 10th-century Gajalakshmi sculpture from the Valvanti River near Parye in Sattari taluk. The sculpture, measuring 50 cm in length and 61 cm in width, was announced by T. Murugeshi, founder-trustee of the Udupi-based Adima Kala Trust and retired associate professor of Ancient History and Archaeology at MSRS College, Shirva.
The intricately carved sculpture depicts Gajalakshmi, a prominent deity in the Vaishnava tradition, seated gracefully on a lotus pedestal. She is portrayed with four hands, holding lotus buds in her upper hands, and adorned with makarakundalas in her ears and a three-tiered Karanda Mukuta (kirita) with a canopy on her head. Adding to the divine aura, an oval-shaped Prabhavali with a Simha (lion) lalata decorates the center. The goddess is flanked by two elephants carrying sacred kalashas, while the Gandaberunda, a mythical two-headed bird and royal emblem of dynasties like the Kadambas, Vijayanagar, and Wodeyars of Mysore, appears in floral form at the center of the pedestal.
According to Mr. Murugeshi, this sculpture is of great historical significance, reflecting the greater Vaishnava tradition. He noted that several Gajalakshmi panels have been observed in sacred forests and temple premises across the region, often representing war scenes or Lakshmi in tribal forms. However, this newly discovered piece stands out for its elegance, detailed craftsmanship, and clear symbolic references to the royal emblems of Karnataka.
The sculpture has now been preserved by Rajendra Kerkar, president of the Adima Kala Trust, ensuring its protection and accessibility for future study and appreciation. This discovery adds a vital piece to the understanding of Goa’s ancient artistic heritage and offers scholars and enthusiasts a glimpse into the region’s cultural and religious landscape during the 10th century.
Significance of the Find:
Provides insight into the Vaishnava traditions of the time.
Represents the royal and cultural symbols of the Kadambas, Vijayanagar, and Wodeyars.
Enhances Goa’s reputation as a rich repository of historical artifacts.
Preserved by Adima Kala Trust, ensuring conservation and study opportunities for future generations.
This extraordinary discovery underscores the importance of ongoing research and conservation efforts in Goa’s rivers, forests, and temples, where hidden treasures of ancient India continue to reveal themselves.
Indian consumers went on a festive shopping spree this Dhanteras, with total spending crossing ₹1 lakh crore, led by an overwhelming demand for gold and silver despite all-time high prices. According to data released by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), ₹60,000 crore worth of gold and silver was sold — a 25% rise from last year’s Dhanteras.
Gold prices peaked at ₹1,32,000 per 10 grams, a record-high that slightly corrected in major markets like Delhi and Mumbai ahead of the big day. Despite the surge, the gold buying frenzy continued, although volumes dipped 10–15% compared to last year. However, the overall transaction value rose sharply, driven by strategic buyers focused on investment over weight.
Silver proved to be the star of Dhanteras 2025. With prices skyrocketing by nearly 55% year-on-year to ₹1,80,000 per kilogram, demand didn’t wane — in fact, it shifted. Industry data shows a 35–40% increase in silver coin sales, particularly from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, as buyers chose budget-conscious and ceremonial purchases over heavy gold investments. The All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) described silver’s rise as a “smart, value-focused investment,” especially for gifting and puja purposes.
Pankaj Arora, National President of the All India Jewellers and Goldsmith Federation, noted an “unprecedented rush” across jewellery markets, particularly in Delhi, where gold and silver sales alone crossed ₹10,000 crore.
Beyond bullion, festive shopping remained upbeat across other segments. Utensils accounted for ₹15,000 crore in sales, while electronics and electrical items saw ₹10,000 crore in purchases. Decorative items and religious materials also contributed an additional ₹3,000 crore.
According to GJC Vice Chairman Avinash Gupta, “Average transaction value rose 20–25% despite volume dips. Most encouraging is the surge in silver coin sales in smaller towns — a reflection of value-seeking, resilient consumers.”
Dhanteras 2025 confirmed that Indian consumers remain deeply committed to tradition, and willing to adapt their buying strategy in response to market trends. Even with volatility in bullion prices, sentiment stayed strong — reaffirming gold and silver’s timeless status as both cultural and economic assets.
The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has taken a proactive step toward addressing pressing civic and infrastructure concerns in South Goa by submitting a detailed representation to Ms. Egna Cleetus, IAS, Collector and District Magistrate of South Goa. The initiative reflects GCCI’s growing involvement in ensuring smoother trade logistics, safer roads, and improved living and working conditions for the people of the region.
Led by Shri Chandrakant Gawas, Chairman of the GCCI Logistics Committee, the delegation met with the Collector and outlined a series of critical issues impacting the region’s development. The meeting underscored GCCI’s commitment to public welfare, responsible business, and collaborative governance, with an emphasis on urgent interventions and sustainable solutions.
The representation began by acknowledging the reopening of the Goa–Belgaum Road via Anmod, which had previously caused significant delays and disruptions for trade and commuters. While the reopening was welcomed, GCCI pressed for the completion of the remaining three-kilometre stretch at Ramnagar, highlighting that this small section continues to hinder seamless connectivity.
Concerns around road safety were also strongly raised, particularly the increasing number of accidents at Verna Junction. GCCI requested the deployment of permanent traffic police personnel at the junction to ensure disciplined vehicle movement and prevent future mishaps. In line with improving traffic management, the representation called for better monitoring of heavy vehicles through speed checks, upgraded road signage, dedicated lanes for goods transport, and road safety awareness campaigns.
Infrastructure issues were not limited to roads. GCCI voiced its concern about the deteriorating state of the Old Borim Bridge and requested a status update on the construction of the new bridge. The Chamber also made a strong case for the urgent establishment of dedicated truck terminuses in both North and South Goa to eliminate the chaos of haphazard parking and reduce congestion on key transport routes.
Civic issues such as indiscriminate garbage dumping along Airport Road, Railway Station Road, and national highways were flagged as health and environmental hazards. GCCI stressed the need for regular garbage collection, better waste management protocols, and stricter enforcement against violators.
A special focus was placed on the fishing community’s safety, especially in the wake of a recent boat accident where a fisherman saved 27 lives. GCCI recommended mandatory safety checks for fishing vessels after the monsoon, timely dissemination of weather alerts, the provision of life-saving gear, and periodic mock drills involving all relevant agencies. They also requested that the brave fisherman who undertook the rescue operation be formally recognised and felicitated for his heroic efforts.
The South Goa Collector assured GCCI that these matters would be looked into with urgency and would be brought to the attention of the respective departments for action. She also expressed her appreciation for GCCI’s initiative in taking up civic concerns on behalf of the business community and the public.
GCCI reiterated its readiness to support and collaborate with the district administration and other stakeholders in finding feasible, time-bound solutions to the raised issues. The Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to work towards inclusive development, where industry growth is matched with improved infrastructure and public well-being.
