Category: National

National

Goa’s Young Robot Genius Vedang Anay Kamat Qualifies for International Robotex Championship

Tanisha Cardozo

In a proud moment for Goa, Vedang Anay Kamat, a student of Std. V from Saraswat Vidyalaya, has emerged as one of India’s youngest and brightest robotics champions. Representing Goa at the prestigious Robotex India National Championship held in Pune on the 20th and 21st of September 2025, Vedang was one of only two students from the state selected to participate in this high-level national competition.

Entirely self-trained, Vedang built his robots from scratch — both in design and code — with unwavering support from his parents and school. His work not only reflected technical prowess but also originality and determination, qualities that impressed judges and audiences alike.

Vedang secured 1st place in the Lego Line Follower challenge and 2nd place in the general Line Follower category. These top performances have earned him a double qualification for the international Robotex Global Championship to be held later this year in Estonia — a rare achievement for someone his age. In addition, he received special recognition in the Drone Aviation Challenge, where he scored an incredible 280 points in just 4 minutes, up against a top score of 340 achieved in 10 minutes — highlighting both his skill and speed.

The Robotex India event featured a diverse set of robotics and innovation-based challenges including Maze Solver, Mini Sumo, Entrepreneurship Challenge, Folk Race, and Girls Firefighter events. Vedang’s participation and success not only showcase the growing interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) among young students in Goa but also underline the importance of nurturing talent from an early age.

With a heart full of curiosity and a mind tuned for innovation, Vedang is a shining example of what’s possible when passion meets support. As he prepares to represent India on the international stage in Estonia, all eyes will be on this young genius from Goa — a future engineer, innovator, and inspiration to countless others.

National

Spotlight Workshop Champions Inclusive and Intersectional Disability Reporting in Indian Media

Tanisha Cardozo

On September 22, 2025, the media sensitisation workshop Spotlight was held in New Delhi to focus on inclusive and intersectional disability reporting in India. Organised by Rising Flame in collaboration with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Government of India), the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa, the UN in India, and UN Women, the event brought together over 50 journalists, editors, and media professionals to discuss the crucial role the media plays in shaping public perception around disability.

The first session, led by Rising Flame, titled Disability-inclusive and Intersectional Media Representation and Reporting, explored the significant impact of language and framing in news stories. The interactive format encouraged participants to rethink how narratives of persons with disabilities are told, moving away from reductive portrayals and towards more nuanced, respectful, and authentic storytelling.

Nidhi Goyal, Founder and Executive Director of Rising Flame, co-facilitated the session and shared a powerful insight: “Too often, the media paints us people with disabilities as either heroes or objects of pity. We need to go beyond both. There is a need to amplify disabled voices and build nuanced, human-centred stories. Since media plays a critical role in shaping public understanding and influencing policy, journalists can ensure disability is covered with accuracy, dignity, and a rights-based lens.”

The second session, organised by UN Women, featured a panel titled Senior Journalists Share Experiences on Reporting Gender and Disability. Moderated by Sudeshna Mukherjee, Head of Communications at UN Women India, the panel featured experienced media professionals: Uzmi Athar, Chief Correspondent at PTI; Parvinder Singh, Head of Communications at the World Food Programme in India; Pooja Pande, former Co-CEO of Chambal Media; and Bhanupriya Rao, Founder of BehanBox. The discussion highlighted how disability should not be treated as a niche beat but be integrated into broader news narratives with the same importance as health, education, and climate.

Uzmi Athar shared a thought-provoking example: “When we speak about natural disasters, we need to include how persons with disabilities are impacted. When we frame a story that someone ‘braved’ difficulties to reach a polling booth, we should instead ask: why were those difficulties there in the first place?”

Through its sessions and exchanges, Spotlight urged media professionals to play an active role in shifting disability narratives from charity-based to rights-based, from isolated stories to integrated coverage. It reinforced the idea that accurate, inclusive reporting is a powerful tool for societal change—one that upholds the dignity and agency of persons with disabilities.

National

India’s Largest Cruise Terminal Inaugurated in Mumbai by PM Modi

Tanisha Cardozo

In a major boost to India’s maritime infrastructure and cruise tourism sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT) at Ballard Pier today. Developed under the ambitious ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’, the terminal is set to position Mumbai as a premier global cruise tourism destination.

Spanning over 415,000 square feet, the MICT is now India’s largest cruise terminal and is designed to handle up to one million passengers annually. With a state-of-the-art design, the terminal can accommodate five cruise ships simultaneously and is equipped with 72 check-in and immigration counters, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for international and domestic travellers alike.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, praised the project’s alignment with the Prime Minister’s vision of transforming India into a global cruise hub. He emphasized the historical and strategic significance of Mumbai as a coastal city and its potential to contribute to the country’s economic and tourism growth. The MICT is expected to play a pivotal role in boosting the domestic cruise sector and attracting international tourists.

Alongside the terminal, several complementary projects were also inaugurated to promote cultural tourism and sustainability, including the renovated Fire Memorial at Victoria Docks, heritage lighting installations at Port House and Evelyn House, and the beautified Sagar Upvan garden. These initiatives underscore the holistic approach of enhancing not just infrastructure but also the cultural and environmental fabric of the region.

With this development, Mumbai sets sail into a new era of cruise tourism, standing tall as a gateway to global maritime connectivity and world-class travel experiences.

National

Delhi’s Toxic Air is Turning Red Fort Black: Study Raises Alarm

allycaralgoa

Severe air pollution in India’s capital, Delhi, is now leaving a visible scar on one of its most treasured monuments — the Red Fort.

A recent study, published in the open-access scientific journal Heritage, has revealed the formation of “black crusts” on the fort’s red sandstone walls. Conducted between 2021 and 2023 by researchers from India and Italy, the study examined air quality data and samples scraped from the monument.

The findings show that particulate matter — PM2.5 and PM10 — along with other pollutants, are chemically reacting with the fort’s stone surface, creating dark deposits ranging from 0.05mm to 0.5mm in thickness. Over time, these crusts are not only discoloring the walls but also damaging intricate carvings, vaults, arches, and other architectural elements.

Conservation experts fear this could mirror the fate of the Taj Mahal, which has turned yellow and greenish-brown due to pollution. In fact, the Supreme Court had earlier urged urgent steps to protect the Taj.

The Red Fort, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century, holds immense historical significance. From being the site where India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the national flag in 1947 to serving as the backdrop for Independence Day speeches, it is both a heritage icon and a living symbol of India’s history.

The study warns that the formation of black crusts is a progressive phenomenon — initially removable, but harder to treat as they deepen. Researchers recommend preventive conservation strategies, including the application of protective stone sealants in highly affected areas, along with urgent steps to reduce pollution.

As Delhi continues to rank among the world’s most polluted cities, this latest evidence underscores not just an environmental crisis, but also a looming cultural tragedy. Without immediate intervention, the city risks losing the vibrant red glow of its Red Fort — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the nation’s greatest treasures.

National

Dr. Sai Kaustuv Creates Stunning One-Finger Artwork for PM Modi’s 75th Birthday

Tanisha Cardozo

On the 75th birthday of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India witnessed a powerful gesture of tribute and creativity from an extraordinary individual. Dr. Sai Kaustuv Dashgupta, a name synonymous with resilience and inspiration, created a graphic artwork dedicated to the Prime Minister using only one finger of his left hand.

Living with a rare brittle bone disease that has caused more than 50 fractures and left him 90% disabled, Dr. Sai defies all odds. What others might see as limitation, he transforms into possibility. Using assistive technology and sheer willpower, he crafts powerful graphic designs that speak louder than words.

Fondly known as the “Wheelchair Warrior,” Dr. Sai is a National Award winner, Global TEDx Speaker, India’s first disabled Certified Happiness Coach, and a 16-time World Record Holder. His journey stands as a beacon for persons with disabilities across India and beyond.

His special birthday artwork for Prime Minister Modi is more than a visual tribute—it is a celebration of human potential, creativity, and gratitude. Dr. Sai says, “For me, art is not just an expression—it is a way of life. The inspiration I draw from our Prime Minister constantly gives me the courage to contribute to India.”

This creation not only showcases his artistic brilliance but also serves as a reminder that no matter how tough the circumstances, with determination, positive thinking, and passion, every challenge can be transformed into a masterpiece.

May Dr. Sai’s indomitable spirit and creativity continue to be blessed, inspiring millions and contributing toward a stronger, more inclusive India.