Category: Human Interest

Human Interest

Government Provides Grant; Carnaval Committees Decide Float Prize Allocation: Rohan A. Khaunte

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Rency Gomes, Team Allycaral

Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte informed the Goa Legislative Assembly that the government provides a consolidated grant to Carnaval committees, following which the committees independently decide how prize money for floats is allocated. He made the statement during the ongoing Winter Session of the Assembly in Porvorim on January 15, 2026.

Clarifying the government’s role, Khaunte stated that Carnaval floats are divided into various categories and that the distribution of prize money within these categories is determined solely by the respective Carnaval committees. He emphasised that there is no direct government intervention in deciding the prize amounts awarded to individual floats.

The issue was raised during a Calling Attention motion by Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral and Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa, who urged the government to consider increasing the prize money awarded to Carnaval floats in view of rising costs and efforts involved in float preparation.

Responding to the concerns, the Tourism Minister said that the matter has financial implications and will be discussed with Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant. He added that a decision on whether to increase the grants will be taken after these discussions. Khaunte also noted that the grant amount provided to Carnaval committees has seen an increase over the years, reflecting the government’s continued support for the state’s cultural celebrations.

Human Interest

Saudi Arabia’s Oldest Man, Claimed to Be 142, Dies in Riyadh, Leaving Behind 134 Descendants from Multiple Marriages

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Rency Gomes, Team Allycaral

Al Wadaei, widely regarded as Saudi Arabia’s oldest man, passed away in Riyadh on January 11, 2026, at a claimed age of 142, according to family members and local reports. His death marked the end of a life that, as relatives describe, spanned nearly every phase of the modern Saudi state.

Born around 1884 in the Dhahran Al Janub region of southern Saudi Arabia, Al Wadaei was believed to have witnessed the reign of all Saudi monarchs, from King Abdulaziz Al Saud, who unified the Kingdom in 1932, to the current ruler, King Salman bin Abdulaziz. Family members often referred to him as a living link to the country’s past, recalling stories of life before oil transformed the nation.

According to relatives, Al Wadaei performed the Hajj pilgrimage more than 40 times and remained active well into advanced age. He was known for regularly visiting mosques and for mediating disputes within his community, earning respect as an elder whose advice was valued.

He is survived by 134 children and grandchildren from multiple marriages, forming what his family described as a large and close-knit household. More than 7,000 people reportedly attended his funeral in Dhahran Al Janub, reflecting the esteem and recognition he commanded in the region.

Despite widespread belief in his extraordinary longevity, Al Wadaei’s age was never officially verified. Civil birth records in Saudi Arabia were introduced decades after his reported birth, and his claim was not recognised by Guinness World Records. Even so, for those who knew him, his long life, wisdom, and enduring presence remain a powerful legacy that transcends official documentation.

Human Interest

Goa Govt Holds Stakeholders’ Meet to Tackle Cable Cuts and Internet Disruptions

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

A high-level stakeholders’ meeting was convened in Porvorim on January 9, 2026, to address the growing concern of frequent cable cuts and internet disruptions across Goa. The meeting was chaired by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, in the presence of Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Shri Rohan Khaunte.

Chief Secretary of Goa Dr. V. Candavelou, IAS, along with officials from the Public Works Department, Electricity Department, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), participated in the discussions.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister expressed concern over the recurring disruptions that have been affecting businesses, educational institutions and administrative offices. He directed the Electricity Department to refrain from cutting cables without prior approvals and emphasised the need for close coordination with DITE&C before undertaking any such activities.

Dr. Sawant further instructed that advance notice must be given before conducting cable-related work and stressed strict adherence to safety and security protocols. Highlighting the importance of long-term solutions, he advised DITE&C to make provisions for underground duct infrastructure to protect critical digital networks.

In a key directive, the Chief Minister instructed the Electricity Department not to carry out cable cuts for a period of one year until the necessary underground infrastructure is put in place. He also suggested utilising existing underground ducts in areas where such facilities are already available.

The meeting concluded with a collective commitment from all stakeholders to work in close coordination, take swift corrective measures and ensure minimal disruption to internet services. The initiative underscored the government’s focus on safeguarding digital infrastructure and ensuring seamless connectivity across the state.

Human Interest

UIDAI Unveils ‘UDAI’, Aadhaar’s First Official Mascot

allycaralgoa

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has unveiled its first-ever official Aadhaar mascot, named UDAI, in a move aimed at making Aadhaar-related communication simpler and more citizen-friendly. The mascot was launched during a UIDAI event held in Thiruvananthapuram.

According to UIDAI officials, UDAI has been designed as a friendly and approachable guide to help people better understand Aadhaar services, especially those who often find the system complex or confusing. With Aadhaar being a crucial identity document linked to multiple government schemes and services, clear communication has become increasingly important.

The introduction of UDAI is expected to bridge the information gap by presenting Aadhaar-related messages in a more relatable and easily understandable manner. The mascot will be used across awareness campaigns, digital platforms, and outreach initiatives to educate citizens about enrollment, updates, authentication, and security practices.

UIDAI stated that the initiative aligns with its broader goal of inclusive digital governance, ensuring that Aadhaar services are accessible to all sections of society, including senior citizens, first-time users, and people in remote areas.

With UDAI stepping in as Aadhaar’s friendly face, UIDAI hopes to enhance public trust and make navigating Aadhaar services a smoother experience for millions of Indians.

Human Interest

Elon Musk Names Son ‘Strider Sekhar’ in Tribute to Indian Nobel Laureate

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Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has shared the name of his newborn son, Strider Sekhar, revealing a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Indian-American physicist and Nobel laureate Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar.

Chandrasekhar, renowned for his groundbreaking work in astrophysics, including the Chandrasekhar limit that predicts the maximum mass of a stable white dwarf star, has inspired millions in science and beyond. Musk’s choice reflects his admiration for scientific achievement and global icons who have shaped the understanding of our universe.

While Musk is better known for his ventures in SpaceX, Tesla, and AI, his naming choice underscores a personal connection to scientific brilliance. Fans and followers quickly took to social media to applaud the unique name, noting its deep historical and scientific significance.

The announcement adds to Musk’s reputation for unconventional yet meaningful personal decisions, following previous headlines about his family life and children. Strider Sekhar is now officially part of Musk’s growing family, and the name serves as a nod to the global impact of Indian scientists on the world stage.