Category: TechPulse

TechPulse

Goa Sets Course to Become India’s First Coastal Aerial Mobility State with MoU Signed Between DITE&C, Tourism Department, and Sarla Aviation

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Goa has taken a visionary step toward redefining tourism, technology and next-generation mobility with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, and Sarla Aviation Pvt. Ltd.

The agreement, signed at Paryatan Bhavan, Patto, aims to establish an Advanced Design & Development Center in Goa while setting the foundation for integrating VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) systems into the State’s future tourism and mobility ecosystem.

The ceremony took place in the presence of Hon’ble Minister for IT, Electronics & Communications and Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, alongside key officials including Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar (Director, DITE&C), Shri Kedar Naik (Director, DOT), Dr. Milind Sakhardande (Joint Director, DITE&C), Shri Shawn Mendes (OSD, Tourism), Shri Neville Noronha (OSD, IT), Shri D.S. Prashant (CEO, SITPC) and Mr. Adrian Schmidt (Co-Founder & CEO, Sarla Aviation).

Goa’s Vision for Next-Gen Mobility

Minister Khaunte highlighted the transformative potential of the collaboration, stating that VTOL technology and aerospace design will unlock new opportunities for innovation, tourism enhancement and high-value employment for Goan youth.
He noted, “Our focus is to ensure that every new technology introduced in Goa strengthens the State’s economy and benefits our people first.”

Sarla Aviation’s Long-Term Base in Goa

Sarla Aviation, backed by prominent investors including Accel, Nikhil Kamath, Binny Bansal and Sriharsha Majety, will establish a dedicated centre focusing on:

  • Advanced aerospace design
  • System engineering
  • Prototype development
  • Testing and R&D

The company is developing a six-seater electric VTOL aircraft designed to reduce congestion by introducing clean and efficient aerial mobility.

Roadmap for VTOL-Based Aerial Tourism and Transport

The MoU outlines a comprehensive action plan that includes:

  • Collaboration with hotel and hospitality partners for premium aerial tourism routes
  • Development of a Goa-specific UAM (Urban Air Mobility) Policy
  • Exploring airport-to-resort aerial connectivity
  • Identifying and supporting a local VTOL service operator

These initiatives aim to make Goa the first Coastal Aerial Mobility State in India, combining innovation with sustainable tourism.

Voices from the Collaboration

Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar (Director, DITE&C) emphasised that the partnership aligns with Goa’s long-term technology vision, enabling the State to become a platform for designing and scaling next-generation mobility solutions.

Shri Kedar Naik (Director, Tourism) highlighted the potential for VTOL services to redefine connectivity across beaches, hinterland and resorts, promoting eco-conscious travel and elevating the tourist experience.

Sarla Aviation’s CEO, Mr. Adrian Schmidt, expressed gratitude to the Government of Goa, noting the potential to bring Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to Goans as early as 2029 and build a talent-rich satellite studio in the State.

A Unified Vision for Goa’s Future

The collaboration strengthens Goa’s commitment to innovation, advanced technology and future-ready tourism. It also opens pathways for high-value skilling, aerospace design careers and cutting-edge mobility solutions for residents and visitors alike.

TechPulse

Air Purifier Demand at Croma Soars 30% in 2025, Driven Strongly by Delhi NCR

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Croma has recorded a significant shift in consumer behaviour in 2025, with air purifier demand rising by 30 percent year-on-year across its online and offline channels. The company’s latest analysis reveals that Delhi NCR continues to dominate the category, accounting for an overwhelming 72 percent of all air purifiers sold, reflecting the region’s ongoing struggle with poor air quality and its heightened sensitivity toward pollution-related health concerns. Maharashtra followed with 12 percent and Karnataka with 4 percent, showing that other states too are witnessing an increase in awareness and adoption.

Consumers across India are choosing purifiers equipped with HEPA filters, widely recognised for their ability to eliminate airborne particles including dust, pollen and mould. A growing segment of buyers is also opting for advanced models featuring multi-layer protection combining pre-filters, activated carbon filters and UVC LED technology to ensure a more comprehensive defence against pollutants and odours. According to Croma, air purifiers have evolved from niche seasonal products to essential year-round appliances as customers increasingly prioritise clean indoor air, particularly in pollution-prone cities.

Design preferences also play an important role in purchase decisions. White continues to be the most preferred colour among customers, accounting for 77 percent of all units sold, followed by black at 19 percent and metallic shades at 4 percent. The preference for minimalist colours suggests that buyers want devices that blend seamlessly with modern home interiors. In terms of pricing, the ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 segment emerged as the highest-selling category with 49 percent of overall sales. The super-premium range contributed 36 percent, signalling that more customers are ready to invest in devices with better room coverage, enhanced filtration performance and smart features. Philips and Dyson together commanded an impressive 84 percent share of air purifier sales at Croma in 2025, reinforcing their strong leadership in the category.

Croma also reported that it witnessed its highest-ever weekly sales of air purifiers within a single week, which alone accounted for 27 percent of its annual category sales. This surge aligns with spikes in pollution alerts, changing weather patterns and heightened public attention on air quality. Approximately 12 percent of customers further opted for Croma’s ZipCare plans, ensuring long-term protection and service support for their devices. Through constant analysis of customer behaviour and external conditions, Croma continues to position itself as a trusted advisor, helping customers choose the right air purifier based on their space, budget and health needs while offering the latest advancements in design and technology.

TechPulse

Samsung Unveils Galaxy Tab A11 Plus in India with AI Features and Massive Battery

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy Tab A11 Plus in India, bringing a new mid-range tablet option that combines AI-driven tools, powerful performance, and a sleek metal design. With a massive 7,040mAh battery and 25W fast charging support, the Tab A11 Plus promises all-day battery life, catering to the needs of students, creators, and families alike. The tablet features an 11-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth visuals for both work and entertainment.

Powered by the 4nm MediaTek MT8775 processor, the Galaxy Tab A11 Plus comes in two configurations: 6GB RAM with 128GB storage and 8GB RAM with 256GB storage. Users can expand storage up to 2TB via MicroSD, ensuring ample space for apps, media, and documents. The tablet also boasts a quad-speaker setup with Dolby Atmos support for immersive audio experiences.

Samsung has integrated AI features designed to enhance productivity and learning. The tablet supports Google Gemini integration and Circle to Search, while the Samsung Notes app now includes Solve Math, which provides step-by-step solutions to equations, supporting both handwritten and typed inputs. This feature handles a wide variety of math problems, from basic arithmetic to scientific calculations and unit conversions.

The Galaxy Tab A11 Plus is priced starting at ₹22,999 for the base 6GB/128GB WiFi variant, while the top-end 8GB/256GB 5G model is available for ₹32,999. Customers can also avail bank offers worth up to ₹3,000. The tablet comes in Grey and Silver finishes, delivering a premium look and feel at an affordable price.

TechPulse

DITE&C Accelerates Blockchain Innovation in Goa Through Industry–Academia Collaboration

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, has strengthened its commitment to advancing blockchain adoption in the State by initiating the formation of a dedicated blockchain community. This effort brings together industry leaders, academic institutions, incubators and technology experts to explore opportunities for tokenization and the broader potential of blockchain solutions. The initiative was supported by McLaren Strategic Solutions and Omnumi, a global blockchain platform known for secure, compliant and adaptable frameworks for tokenized deposits and regulated digital currencies.

The meetings, held at Paryatan Bhavan in Panjim, created a vibrant space for collaboration. Omnumi representatives, including CEO and Co-founder Kirk Chapman, CTO Sree Tirumalasetti, Chief Architect Robin Huiser, Head of Product Delivery Joe O’Rourke and Head of Service Delivery Natalie Nopareporn, engaged participants across three specialized sessions. Corporates were introduced to the fundamentals of tokenization and the capabilities of the Omnumi platform. Blockchain specialists took a deeper dive into the platform’s technical features, with discussions on multisig architecture, card integration and deployable ERC20 contracts led by Chief Architect Robin Huiser. The final session focused on academia and incubators, exploring pathways for collaboration and skill development to prepare Goa’s youth for future opportunities in digital innovation.

Shri Rohan Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, emphasized that Goa’s youth possess immense potential and that blockchain is poised to be a transformative force for them. He highlighted the State’s commitment to fostering emerging technologies and creating opportunities for young professionals.

McLaren Strategic Solutions has already established Goa as a global hub through the creation of its Development Centre last year. Now, following this momentum, Omnumi is planning to set up its own operations in Goa. Together, they aim to recruit over 200 professionals in the coming years, demonstrating confidence in Goa’s tech talent and signaling further growth in the local innovation ecosystem. Representatives from McLaren noted that Goa’s academic partners and students are highly motivated to work on real-world challenges, and the company plans to provide sandbox access to the Omnumi platform along with training and support to help bring new ideas to life.

DITE&C’s ongoing efforts to position Goa as a center for emerging technologies received strong reinforcement through these discussions. Plans for a two-day hackathon will further encourage experimentation, skill-building and the development of practical use cases. The McLaren team also proposed a Goa Tourism App powered by the Omnumi Wallet, signaling opportunities for blockchain-driven solutions across sectors. Overall, the initiative marks a significant milestone in Goa’s journey toward becoming a thriving hub for digital innovation, collaboration and technological advancement.

TechPulse

Social Media Has Replaced the Traditional Police Khabri, Says SP Sunita Sawant

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Panaji, November 2025 — In a thought-provoking address delivered at Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias’ centenary lecture series, Superintendent of Police (SP) Sunita Sawant highlighted how the landscape of information and policing has radically shifted with the rise of social media. Once reliant on the quiet but steady presence of the khabri—the traditional informer sitting at village corners—police forces now face an overwhelming tide of digital information, much of it unverified and potentially dangerous.

“Earlier, a khabri was someone who observed community life closely—who arrived, who left, what changed,” Sawant said during her lecture titled ‘Police and Public: Expectations and Responsibilities’. “This information was discreet, dependable, and responsibly shared. Today, social media has taken over that role, but without the filters of verification or accountability.”

She warned that rumours and misinformed posts can quickly escalate into aggressive behaviour and law-and-order disruptions, making responsible digital behaviour crucial.

Despite this shift, Sawant stressed that trust between the public and police remains the backbone of effective policing. “Safety doesn’t come from enforcement alone. It comes when people share vigilance and civic responsibility. Public cooperation prevents crimes even before they occur.”

Policing as a Human Service

Sawant shared two emotional cases that shaped her approach to policing—Goa’s first human trafficking case, in which she helped secure convictions across India and Bangladesh, and a missing student she supported who later called her for blessings before her wedding.

“These moments remind us that policing is not paperwork. We are counsellors, guardians, protectors. Compassion saves futures,” she said.

Modern, Future-Ready Policing

Sawant highlighted several initiatives being strengthened within the Goa Police:

  • Commando and anti-terror training
  • Disaster response readiness
  • Upgraded investigation protocols
  • Digital community outreach through YouTube & WhatsApp

“Modern policing anticipates risk,” she noted. “We must adapt to social change and support communities long before wrongdoing occurs.”

The lecture underscored a powerful message: policing is evolving, but community trust, cooperation and responsible information-sharing remain essential pillars of public safety.