Panaji, 2026 – A proud and defining moment unfolded as DECODE INDIA 🇮🇳 was officially launched, heralding a visionary platform that merges India’s culture, heritage, and business opportunities into one cohesive initiative. The project was introduced under the banner of JCI India, marking 77 years of Jayceeism and showcasing India’s rich traditions while opening doors for international collaboration.
The initiative is designed not just as a program but as a journey, highlighting India’s soul to the world with pride and purpose. DECODE INDIA aims to foster global understanding, meaningful exchanges, and collaborative growth between communities, entrepreneurs, and cultural enthusiasts.
Zone President Pramodh Kumar K and his dedicated team were instrumental in bringing this initiative to life. Their vision ensures that DECODE INDIA stands as a testament to innovation, cultural celebration, and forward-thinking leadership.
With this platform, JCI India reinforces its commitment to nurturing leaders, changemakers, and cultural ambassadors, offering them a space to showcase India’s heritage while promoting business and social initiatives on a global scale.
Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant attended and addressed the 32nd AIBC All India Builders Convention held at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Taleigao, highlighting the importance of sustainable infrastructure development and innovation in the construction sector.
Addressing builders and industry leaders from across the country, the Chief Minister emphasised the role of responsible construction practices in supporting economic growth while preserving environmental balance. He underlined the government’s commitment to creating an investor-friendly ecosystem while ensuring inclusive and planned development across Goa.
During the event, Dr Sawant presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Shri Jagdish Kumar, recognising his outstanding contributions to the building and construction industry. The Chief Minister also released the 32nd AIBC Souvenir and the Builder’s Book, marking key milestones of the convention.
The All India Builders Convention serves as an important national platform for policy dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among builders, developers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. The 32nd edition witnessed participation from professionals representing various regions of the country.
The Governors Ball Festival has unveiled its highly anticipated 2026 lineup, confirming A$AP Rocky, Lorde and Stray Kids as the headliners for this year’s edition. Scheduled to take place from June 5 to 7 at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in New York, the festival continues its tradition of bringing together a diverse mix of global music talent.
The 2026 lineup reflects the festival’s genre-spanning identity, featuring artists such as Baby Keem, Kali Uchis, BLACKPINK’s Jennie, Katseye, Major Lazer, Pierce the Veil and Dominic Fike. While Lorde returns to the festival for the first time as a headliner after performing in 2017, Harlem-born A$AP Rocky previously headlined the event in 2021, making his return a homecoming of sorts. Stray Kids’ inclusion further highlights the growing presence of K-pop on major Western festival stages.
Several New York-based and rising artists are also set to perform, including Geese, The Dare, Del Water Gap, Arcy Drive and Lexa Gates, alongside emerging acts such as The Backfires and Chanpan. The extended lineup also features Blood Orange, Clipse, Wet Leg, Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist, King Princess, Ravyn Lenae, Snow Strippers and many others, ensuring a wide-ranging musical experience for festivalgoers.
Ticket sales will begin with an SMS pre-sale on January 8, offering early access at the lowest prices, followed by a general public sale later that day. In addition, Governors Ball has partnered with Spotify to introduce an in-app experience that creates a personalized “Festival Persona” for users, along with curated playlists based on their listening habits and the festival lineup.
Following the success of its 15th anniversary edition last year, Governors Ball 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting music festivals of the summer, blending global sounds, emerging talent and established stars in the heart of New York City.
Goa marked the Feast of the Three Kings with deep devotion and vibrant cultural expression across the picturesque villages of Cansaulim, Chandor, and Reis Magos, bringing together local communities and visitors in a shared observance of faith, tradition, and heritage. The annual celebration, closely associated with the Christian feast of Epiphany, continues to hold a special place in Goa’s cultural and spiritual calendar.
The Goa Tourism Development Corporation team led by Chairman, GTDC, Shri Kedar J. Naik, along with Managing Director Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, General Manager Shri Gavin Dias, Deputy General Manager Shri Deepak Narvekar, and other officials actively participated in the celebrations at Reis Magos. Solemn masses and processions held at local churches formed the spiritual core of the festivities, fostering a strong sense of devotion and communal unity.
Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, highlighted the importance of such celebrations in preserving Goa’s identity, noting that cultural and spiritual festivals form an integral part of the State’s tourism landscape. He observed that these events reflect Goa’s deep-rooted faith, harmony, and community participation, while offering visitors an opportunity to experience authentic local traditions.
Chairman, GTDC, Shri Kedar J. Naik, emphasised the role of community-based festivals in presenting Goa’s cultural identity, stating that such celebrations help connect visitors with local traditions while ensuring that cultural practices continue to thrive within their natural community settings.
A key highlight of the celebration was the evocative reenactment of the journey of the Magi, with three young men symbolically portraying the Wise Men as they carried traditional offerings through village streets. Traditional music, colourful processions, and community-led events added vibrancy and emotional depth to the festivities, drawing participation from all age groups.
The outreach of the celebration was further strengthened through a focused promotional campaign using digital platforms and influencer collaborations, enabling the cultural significance of the Three Kings Feast to reach audiences beyond the State. Goa Tourism also set up an information canopy at the church premises, where visitors were provided details on tourism services and offered refreshments and mementoes, enhancing their overall experience.
The Feast of the Three Kings 2026 once again underscored Goa’s rich spiritual traditions and strong community bonds, reinforcing its identity as a destination where faith, culture, and tradition continue to be celebrated in a meaningful and inclusive manner.
In a heartfelt gesture that blends remembrance with service, philanthropist Ms. Sushma Khandeparkar has donated a specialised blood bank vehicle to the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), marking the 100th birth anniversary of her late father. The initiative aims to strengthen blood donation services and improve healthcare access, particularly in rural and underserved areas of Goa.
The formal handover ceremony was held on January 6 at the Indian Red Cross Society Head Office, where Ms. Khandeparkar presented an initial payment cheque of ₹18 lakh to the Manager of M/s Chintamani Motors, Sangli. The total cost of the Force Traveller blood bank vehicle stands at ₹22.30 lakh, with Ms. Khandeparkar committing to cover the remaining amount upon delivery.
The occasion was attended by Chairman of IRCS Goa Shri Gaurish Dhond, Vice Chairperson Shri Manguerish Pai Raikar, President of Rotary Club of Panjim Rtn. Prashant Prabhakar Kaisare, General Secretary of IRCS Shri John Aguiar, along with other dignitaries and members of the organisation. Their presence underscored the collective commitment towards strengthening public health infrastructure through collaboration and community support.
Expressing his gratitude, Shri Gaurish Dhond highlighted that the donated blood bank vehicle, intended for use by the Goa Medical College, will significantly improve the reach of blood donation services. By enabling mobile blood collection drives, the vehicle will help bridge gaps in accessibility and ensure timely availability of blood in remote regions.
Vice Chairperson Shri Manguerish Pai Raikar and Ms. Sushma Khandeparkar also addressed the gathering, reflecting on the importance of giving back to society through meaningful and sustainable initiatives. For Ms. Khandeparkar, the donation stands as a personal tribute and a commitment to service, transforming remembrance into action that benefits the larger community.
This contribution also marks the beginning of a year-long humanitarian initiative led by Ms. Khandeparkar. Over the coming months, a series of health and community programmes will be organised in collaboration with Rotary International and the Indian Red Cross Society. Fully funded by her, these initiatives aim to maximise the impact of the new blood bank vehicle and strengthen blood donation awareness and participation across the region.
Through this gesture, the legacy of service and compassion continues—demonstrating how individual generosity can create lasting change in public health and community well-being.
