Tag: Goa Government

TechPulse

DITE&C and GIPARD Host Two-Day Cybersecurity Workshop to Strengthen Goa’s Digital Safety Framework

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C), in collaboration with the Goa Institute of Public Administration and Rural Development (GIPARD), organised a comprehensive two-day workshop on cybersecurity at GIPARD, Ella Farm, Old Goa. The initiative aimed to sensitise officials from various government departments about the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape, data protection regulations and best practices in secure data management. The programme was inaugurated by Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director, DITE&C, Dr. Milind Sakhardande, Joint Director, DITE&C, Dr. Seema Fernandes, Assistant Director, GIPARD and Shri Vidyanand Pawar, PI, Cyber Crime Police Station, Goa.

During the inaugural address, Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar highlighted the urgency of strengthening cybersecurity within government systems. He emphasised that with the growing dependence on digital platforms such as Aadhaar, UPI, DigiYatra and the use of emerging technologies like AI and blockchain, both opportunities and risks have increased significantly. He noted that cybersecurity is now a foundational necessity for every government department and stressed that even a single breach could compromise vital public assets and services. Dr. Seema Fernandes reinforced this message by pointing out that cybercrime poses unique challenges as evidence can disappear quickly, making timely action critical. She expressed hope that the workshop would inspire further initiatives to create a more cyber-aware government ecosystem.

The sessions were conducted by experts including Shri Vidyanand Pawar, PI, Cyber Crime Police Station, Goa, Smt Sejal Naik, Junior Project Manager, GEL, Smt Sangeeta Naik from Digital Goa, Shri Sahil Awasthi from Cyber Yoddha, Goa Police and Dr. Harold D’Costa, President of Cyber Security Corporation and Independent Director at SICOM Ltd. Over the two days, participants explored key topics such as the fundamentals of cybersecurity, cyberbullying, the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act 2023, digital arrest case studies, mobile-based frauds, golden rules for staying safe online, India’s cybercrime framework, CERT-In Directions and cyber crisis management strategies. The workshop also featured hands-on simulations and interactive case studies that helped officials understand vulnerabilities in their daily workflows.

Through programmes like this, the Government of Goa continues to strengthen its commitment to digital safety, equipping officials with the knowledge and tools needed to stay ahead of emerging cyber threats and building a more resilient, secure digital ecosystem for the State.

TechPulse

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

allycaralgoa

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.

National

26th All India Konkani Sahitya Sammelan Applauds Goa Government; Passes Key Resolutions on Language and Culture

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The 26th All India Konkani Sahitya Sammelan, held in Ernakulam, Kerala, concluded with a series of significant resolutions aimed at strengthening the Konkani language, its literary ecosystem, and cultural institutions. Delegates unanimously commended the Goa government for its unequivocal stand on the Official Language Act, particularly in response to demands seeking changes by proponents of Marathi and those advocating for the introduction of Roman script in Konkani education. The Sammelan appealed to opposition MLAs in Goa not to politicize the issue, emphasizing that the future of students and the state’s secular fabric must be protected.

Among the key resolutions passed was the appeal to extend Goa’s scheme of grants for book publishers to include writers from neighbouring states whose works are published by Goan publishers, thereby broadening the scope and reach of Konkani literature. Another resolution urged the government to establish primary schools in talukas where not a single Konkani-medium school exists, addressing a long-standing gap in early education accessibility in the language. Delegates also called for the creation of a Goa Film Development Corporation, noting the rising number of films from the region winning international recognition and the need for structured support, including the screening of short films in local theatres ahead of regular shows.

The two-day event, hosted by several Konkani organisations in Kerala, featured Chief Guest Justice N. Nagresh, who stressed that spoken Konkani is essential for the survival of the language. Citing UNESCO’s classification of endangered languages as critically, severely, definitely, or vulnerable, he urged attendees to introspect on where Konkani currently stands. Guest of Honour and acclaimed Kannada writer Jayant Kaykini described himself as a Konkani writer creating literature in Kannada and spoke about the power of poetry to make readers restless, encouraging emerging writers to fully immerse themselves in the world of literature. The event also featured addresses by Sammelan President Madhav Borkar and All India Konkani Parishad Working President Chetan Acharya. Titus Noronha compered the function, and Sneha Sabnis delivered the vote of thanks. The Sammelan concluded with renewed commitment toward protecting and promoting Konkani language and culture across regions.

Travel

Goa Tourism Strengthens Global Footprint with Successful Malaysia Roadshow

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, has successfully concluded its exclusive roadshow in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, marking another milestone in the State’s growing global outreach. The event drew an enthusiastic response from Malaysia’s travel trade community, reinforcing Goa’s expanding presence in the Southeast Asian tourism market.

Led by the Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, along with General Manager (Marketing) GTDC, Shri Gavin Dias, and key industry representatives, the delegation engaged with leading tour operators, travel partners, and hospitality stakeholders, creating meaningful opportunities for collaboration. The presence of dignitaries such as Dr. Vivekanand, First Secretary of the Indian High Commission; MATTA President, Shri Nigel; and Director General of Malaysia Tourism, Shri Datuk Manoharan, added significance to the international engagement.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, highlighted that Goa is emerging as a global destination rooted in innovation, culture, and sustainability. He noted that the Malaysia roadshow provided a valuable platform to showcase Goa’s new vibrancy shaped by responsible and regenerative tourism, reaffirming the State’s commitment to nurturing deeper international partnerships and enhancing its global positioning.

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, expressed satisfaction with the encouraging response from Malaysian travel partners, emphasizing that Goa today represents a diverse tourism landscape encompassing entertainment, wellness, luxury, and rich cultural programmes. The roadshow highlighted Goa’s signature festivals, improved air connectivity, expanding hotel infrastructure, and an evolving range of experiential tourism offerings that cater to modern travellers seeking meaningful journeys.

By reinforcing its focus on regenerative tourism and experience-led travel, Goa showcased itself as a destination that seamlessly blends innovation with cultural depth. The Department of Tourism expressed confidence that the Malaysia Roadshow will pave the way for fruitful partnerships, strengthen bilateral tourism ties, and support its broader global outreach initiatives aimed at expanding Goa’s presence in priority international markets.

EduConnect

Goa’s ICAR–CCARI Honoured as Joint Winner of National Water Awards 2024; Felicitated by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod P. Sawant

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Goa marked a moment of pride as Chief Minister Dr. Pramod P. Sawant felicitated the ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (CCARI) for securing the First Prize – Joint Winner in the prestigious National Water Awards 2024.

The award, presented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, recognizes outstanding contributions to water conservation and sustainable water resource management under the category “Best Institution (Other than School & College – Inside Campus).” The accolade reflects ICAR–CCARI’s dedicated efforts in research-driven initiatives, innovative water-saving practices, and long-term strategies that strengthen water sustainability within the coastal agricultural ecosystem.

Chief Minister Sawant expressed appreciation for the institute’s consistent commitment to scientific excellence and its role in promoting responsible and efficient water use. The recognition not only brings honour to the state of Goa but also highlights the institute’s impactful work at a national level.

The achievement stands as an inspiring example of how research institutions can contribute meaningfully to addressing India’s water challenges while advancing agricultural progress.