Tag: cybersecurity

Travel

Goa and Norway Strengthen Ties to Collaborate on Technology, Tourism and Creative Industries

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Goa deepened its global engagement as a high-level delegation from Norway visited the State for a roundtable hosted by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), in collaboration with the Department of Tourism. The interaction focused on exploring partnerships in technology, tourism, creative industries, skilling, cybersecurity and sustainability. The discussions were held in the presence of Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications and Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, alongside senior officials including Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director of DITE&C; Dr. Milind Sakhardande, Joint Director, DITE&C; Dr. Gavin Dias, General Manager (Marketing) of GTDC; Shri D. S. Prashant, CEO of Startup and IT Promotion Cell; and representatives from Kilowott. The Norwegian delegation featured key leaders such as Trond Skundberg, General Manager of NICCI; Christian H. Engh, CEO of the Norwegian Cybersecurity Cluster; Monica Skjellen-Larsen, Advisor at Gjøvikregionen Utvikling; Bjørn Aspøy, CEO of Smart Farm AS; Sheraline Rocha, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Nordic Intent; Aditya Prabhugaonkar of Kilowott; Yeshtesh Shirodkar of Consstruct; and Prabha, Director at NICCI.

Hon’ble Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte emphasized that Goa is increasingly shaping a development model that brings together technology, creativity and sustainable tourism. He highlighted ongoing initiatives ranging from electronic manufacturing and AI skilling to a robust startup policy that positions Goa as an attractive destination for global collaboration. He further noted that the State’s tourism strategy is increasingly focused on technology-enabled experiences, immersive storytelling and climate-conscious practices. He reiterated that Goans must remain central beneficiaries of any international partnership, with opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and skill development.

Christian H. Engh, CEO of the Norwegian Cybersecurity Cluster, explained why Norway considers Goa a strategic partner. He underscored that Norway, one of the world’s most digitised nations with strengths in renewable energy, electric mobility and advanced technology, is now looking toward India to address talent needs and co-develop scalable innovations. Engh stressed that Goa’s commitment to sustainability, clean mobility and future-ready tourism strongly aligns with Norway’s priorities. He further noted that aquaculture technology—an established strength of Norway—offers promising potential for joint initiatives with Goa.

The roundtable also included a presentation by Shri D. S. Prashant, CEO of the Startup & IT Promotion Cell, who discussed Goa’s evolving startup ecosystem, strong policy environment and emergence of a creative-tech landscape that combines design, technology and innovation. This was followed by a detailed briefing by Dr. Gavin Dias from GTDC, showcasing Goa’s tourism strategy and its increasing emphasis on sustainability, wellness, Ayurveda, medical tourism, heritage conservation and biodiversity-driven travel. Investment opportunities in hospitality, experiential tourism, charter operations and research-based collaborations were also highlighted.

During the interaction, the Norwegian delegation outlined several actionable areas for future collaboration. These included university partnerships, academic and incubator exchanges, talent mobility programmes between Goa and Norway, research-led collaborations and the introduction of international diver certification programmes. The delegation also discussed strengthening the NICCI network in India and leveraging Norway’s global expertise in aquaculture, marine technology and clean energy to align with Goa’s emerging opportunities in these sectors.

As Goa accelerates its work in technology, creative industries, skilling and sustainable tourism, the engagement with the Norwegian delegation underscores the State’s readiness for global partnerships. The discussions highlighted the mutual interest of both regions in shaping future-oriented initiatives anchored in innovation, sustainability and shared growth.

Social

Cyber Security Awareness Session Conducted by Anjuna Police at Lemon Tree Hotel, Arpora

allycaralgoa

Arpora, Goa: In a proactive effort to strengthen digital safety awareness within the hospitality sector, Anjuna Police Station conducted a Cyber Security Awareness Session for the staff of Lemon Tree Hotel, Arpora on 22 November 2025, from 11:00 hrs to 12:00 hrs.

The session focused on educating hotel staff about prevalent cyber threats and fraud mechanisms that often target hotels, employees, and tourists. Key topics covered included:

  • Online hotel booking scams
  • Fake payment links
  • OTP and UPI fraud
  • Impersonation calls
  • Phishing messages
  • Data security risks
  • Safe handling of guest information

Participants received practical guidance on identifying suspicious communication, verifying digital transactions, and following cyber-safe protocols while handling guest-related data and online payments.

The staff were also informed about the Cyber Helpline 1930, a critical channel for immediate reporting of online frauds and suspicious digital activities. The session encouraged vigilance, careful verification before taking action, and responsible digital behaviour in everyday operations.

The management and staff of Lemon Tree Hotel appreciated the initiative by Anjuna Police Station, acknowledging its significance in promoting cyber awareness and enhancing the safety of both employees and guests within the hotel environment.

Social

Goa Police Hackathon 2025 Concludes with Award Ceremony Celebrating Student Innovation in Smart Policing

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goa Police Hackathon 2025 concluded with a grand award ceremony at the PHQ Conference Hall in Panaji, marking the successful completion of a 48-hour innovation marathon aimed at developing cutting-edge policing solutions for the State. The event brought together 36 teams from seven colleges across Goa, challenging students to solve real-world problems using technology and artificial intelligence.

Dignitaries including Director General of Police Shri Alok Kumar, IPS, Inspector General of Police Shri Keshav Ram Chaurasia, and Prof. Suman Kundu, Director of BITS Pilani Goa, were warmly welcomed with a floral reception. SP Cyber Crime presented a summary of the Hackathon, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of students, faculty, and Goa Police.

Top-performing teams showcased live prototypes including “Zero Code – Night Vigil,” a smart patrolling verification app; “Nagar Rakshak 2,” an AI-based assistant for visitors at police stations; and “Eternal Blue,” an analytics tool for the 112 Police Helpline. BITS Pilani Goa also presented an Investigation Timeline Monitoring Dashboard designed to support timely compliance under new criminal laws.

In his address, DGP Goa Shri Alok Kumar, IPS, praised the students for bringing “new energy and creative thinking to real policing challenges” and assured that promising solutions would be considered for field deployment. Prof. Suman Kundu expressed pride in the collaboration between BITS Pilani and Goa Police, highlighting the social impact of such initiatives and congratulating students for their teamwork under pressure.

Certificates, trophies, and appreciation letters were distributed to all participants, while mementos were presented to judges and coordinators. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by ASP Cyber Crime, followed by refreshments.

The Hackathon tackled nine problem statements, including AI-based deepfake video detection, cyber patrolling tools for fraudulent online content, e-bandobast deployment tracking, and AI-powered sexual offence investigation guides. These innovative solutions aim to modernize policing in Goa, demonstrating the power of technology and student ingenuity in shaping the future of public safety.

EduConnect

SVVM College and Ponda Police Host Cyber Safety Awareness Session to Empower Digital Citizens

Tanisha Cardozo

Swami Vivekanand Vidyaprasarak Mandal’s College of Commerce, Bori-Ponda, took a significant step towards fostering digital responsibility by organizing an insightful Cyber Safety Awareness Session on 13th October 2025. The event was a collaborative effort by the college’s Computer Club and NSS Unit, held in partnership with the Ponda Police Department. With the digital world becoming increasingly complex and vulnerable, the session aimed to educate students on the risks and responsibilities associated with their online presence.

The session was led by Mr. Bansal Naik, Police Sub-Inspector at Ponda, and Mr. Lavu Gawas, Police Constable, who brought in-depth field experience to the discussion. They addressed the students on the alarming rise in cybercrimes, highlighting issues such as phishing attacks, identity theft, cyberbullying, and data breaches. Their presentations included guidance on adopting preventive practices like using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and maintaining vigilant privacy settings on social platforms.

What set this session apart was its use of real-life case studies and examples, which made the information both practical and relatable for students. These case studies sparked interactive dialogue, encouraging participants to ask questions, share concerns, and reflect on their own digital behavior. Legal aspects related to cybercrimes were also discussed, with specific references to the Information Technology Act, ensuring students understood their rights and responsibilities under the law.

In his welcome address, Principal Achut Pednekar emphasized the importance of cyber vigilance and the role of education in shaping responsible digital citizens. He acknowledged the efforts of both the Ponda Police and the college’s organizing teams in making the event a meaningful experience for students.

The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Mrs. Sneha Lotlikar, who expressed sincere appreciation to the Ponda Police officers, the student participants, and everyone involved in bringing the session to life. A college spokesperson highlighted the collaboration as a proactive step towards building a culture of cyber awareness, safety, and legal literacy among young digital users.

Travel

GTDC Signs MoU with NFSU to Host Cyber Commando Training at Farmagudi Residency

Tanisha Cardozo

In a progressive step blending national interest with innovative tourism infrastructure usage, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) to host Cyber Commando Training Programs at the Farmagudi Residency in Ponda, Goa.

The formal signing took place in Panaji, with Prof. Naveen Kumar Chaudhary, Director of NFSU, and Shri Gavin Dias, General Manager (Marketing) Hotels, GTDC, executing the agreement. The ceremony was witnessed by key officials including Shri Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager (Marketing), GTDC, and Shri Sunder Lal Sharma, Deputy Registrar, NFSU. Following the event, the NFSU delegation met with Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar, Chairman of GTDC, at Paryatan Bhavan to discuss the scope and impact of the partnership.

This MoU marks a significant milestone, not only by opening up GTDC’s Farmagudi Residency for a national security initiative but also by reinforcing the state’s “Goa Beyond Beaches” campaign. The initiative emphasizes developing the hinterland and promoting sustainable, diversified tourism experiences beyond Goa’s well-known coastline.

Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar expressed pride in the partnership, stating that this collaboration highlights how GTDC properties can serve national objectives while boosting regional tourism. He noted that the upcoming NFSU campus in his constituency would further strengthen these developments.

Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director, GTDC, emphasized the innovative use of GTDC assets, underscoring the organization’s commitment to supporting initiatives of national importance and adapting its tourism offerings to new contexts.

Farmagudi Residency, the training venue, is situated in a peaceful, scenic location in Ponda, approximately 26 km from Panaji and 36 km from Dabolim Airport. The facility offers comfortable accommodations, landscaped gardens, and a tranquil atmosphere ideal for both intensive training and leisure.

This collaboration between GTDC and NFSU exemplifies the potential for public sector partnerships to align with national priorities while enhancing regional development and tourism. It represents a vision of integrated progress where infrastructure, education, and sustainable tourism go hand in hand.