rip

Goaโ€™s Agriculture Minister and Former Chief Minister Ravi Naik Passes Away


Goa, Wednesday โ€” The State of Goa is mourning the loss of one of its most respected and veteran leaders, Shri Ravi Sitaram Naik, who passed away on Wednesday. Naik, who was serving as the Minister for Agriculture, was also a two-time Chief Minister of Goa, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in state politics.

Born on September 18, 1946, in Ponda, Ravi Naik began his political journey in the 1970s and quickly rose through the ranks, earning respect across party lines. Known for his grounded leadership and approachable nature, Naik served as Chief Minister of Goa twice โ€” first from 1991 to 1993 and later in 1994 โ€” during critical phases of the Stateโ€™s political evolution.

As the Agriculture Minister, Naik was a strong advocate for empowering farmers and strengthening Goaโ€™s rural economy. He emphasized sustainable agricultural practices, innovation in farming, and improving irrigation systems to support the agrarian community.

Throughout his career, Ravi Naik represented the Ponda constituency, serving multiple terms as MLA, and remained one of Goaโ€™s most recognizable and influential political figures.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, stating:

โ€œSaddened by the passing away of Shri Ravi Naik Ji, Minister in the Goa Government. He will be remembered as an experienced administrator and dedicated public servant who enriched Goaโ€™s development trajectory. He was particularly passionate about empowering the downtrodden and marginalised. My thoughts are with his family and supporters in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.โ€

As Goa comes together to mourn the loss, tributes continue to pour in from across the State and beyond for a leader who devoted his life to service, simplicity, and progress.

TechPulse

Goan Startups Shine at India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025


New Delhi, October 2025: The India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 concluded on October 11, 2025, after a four-day celebration of innovation, technology, and digital transformation at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, New Delhi. Organized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), the event was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Representing Goaโ€™s growing technological aspirations, a delegation from the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C), led by Minister Shri Rohan Khaunte, showcased the Stateโ€™s rapidly evolving startup ecosystem. The delegation included Shri Sanjeev Ahuja (IAS, Secretary ITE&C), Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar (Director, DITE&C), Dr. Milind Sakhardande (Joint Director, DITE&C), and Shri Neville Noronha (OSD to the Minister of IT).

Speaking about the event, Minister Rohan Khaunte stated:

โ€œGoa continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Indiaโ€™s digital future. Our startup ecosystem is driving the next wave of innovation. IMC 2025 provided an excellent platform for these startups to connect with global leaders and scale their businesses.โ€

Five promising Goan startups โ€” Avyott Ventures Pvt. Ltd, Linq Haul Pvt. Ltd, Spintly, ByHorse, and Svayu IT Pvt. Ltd โ€” participated in the exhibition, presenting their cutting-edge solutions to more than 1.5 lakh attendees.

Startup Voices:

  • Aneesh, Associate Director at Linq Haul, said: โ€œIMC 2025 has been an incredible platform to connect with innovators and explore new technologies. Being part of the Goa delegation reflects the Stateโ€™s focus on tech-driven entrepreneurship.โ€
  • Kunal, Social Media Manager at ByHorse, shared: โ€œThe energy and ideas at IMC were incredible. Itโ€™s great to be part of a community shaping the future of technology.โ€
  • Ashish, Founder of Svayu IT, added: โ€œItโ€™s exciting yet challenging as a solo entrepreneur to represent Goa on such a large stage. A great experience overall.โ€

Goaโ€™s participation at IMC 2025 reaffirmed its growing role in Indiaโ€™s digital and startup revolution, highlighting its commitment to building a tech-savvy, innovation-driven future.

Business

Vinsan Graphics Becomes Goaโ€™s First INS-Accredited Agency


Milestone achievement marks a new chapter for Goaโ€™s media and events industry

In a landmark moment for Goaโ€™s communication and media landscape, Vinsan Graphics has made history by becoming the first-ever Goan agency to receive accreditation from the Indian Newspaper Society (INS) โ€” the countryโ€™s premier body representing the print media industry.

The INS accreditation authorizes Vinsan Graphics to handle advertising, media, and communication assignments directly with leading newspapers and publications across India. It serves as a mark of credibility, financial stability, and ethical professionalism within the national media ecosystem.

Founded and headquartered in Goa, Vinsan Graphics began as a creative design firm and has evolved into a comprehensive communications and events agency. Over the years, the company has successfully executed campaigns for clients across tourism, hospitality, and government sectors, gaining recognition for its innovative approach and quality delivery.

Speaking about the achievement, Mr. Sanjay Shetye, Proprietor of Vinsan Graphics, shared,

โ€œThis recognition is a proud moment not just for our team but for Goa as a whole. Being the first agency from the state to be INS-accredited proves that Goan enterprises can meet the highest national standards in creativity, ethics, and professionalism. Our goal has always been to represent Goa with quality work and integrity โ€” this milestone motivates us to aim even higher.โ€

With this accreditation, Vinsan Graphics plans to expand its media partnerships, strengthen its event management capabilities, and continue connecting brands and audiences through meaningful communication.

Rooted in Goa yet driven by a national vision, this milestone marks a significant leap forward for the stateโ€™s growing creative economy.

Travel

GTDC Upgrades Miramar Residency with Accessible Rooms Ahead of Purple Fest 2025


In the run-up to the International Purple Fest Goa 2025, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has taken a major step forward in creating inclusive hospitality spaces. On Monday, GTDC inaugurated upgraded facilities at the Miramar Residency in Panaji, converting three rooms into specially abled-friendly accommodations.

The inauguration was led by GTDCโ€™s Managing Director, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, in the presence of General Manager (Marketing/Hotels) Shri Gavin Dias, Deputy General Manager Shri Deepak Narvekar, Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism Shri Dhiraj Vagle, and Senior Manager Shri Vishesh Naik.

These upgrades aim to provide greater comfort and accessibility for visitors attending the International Purple Fest, which is set to take place from October 9 to 12, 2025. Participants and guests will be hosted across GTDCโ€™s Miramar and Panjim Residencies, both of which are now equipped with rooms designed to support the needs of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

Speaking at the event, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar emphasized that GTDCโ€™s mission is to offer better hospitality while ensuring no guest is left behind. โ€œThese upgrades are part of our ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility and provide better hospitality across our residencies,โ€ he noted.

The move aligns with Goaโ€™s larger vision of becoming a Divyang-friendly state, reinforcing the importance of accessible infrastructure in the tourism and hospitality sector. As the state welcomes visitors from across the country and beyond for Purple Fest 2025, these enhancements serve as a testament to inclusive planning, design, and execution.

GTDC continues to play a pivotal role in improving the tourism experience for all, strengthening its commitment to accessible and barrier-free travel in Goa.

Health

Dr. Akash Ringane Becomes First Goan to Clear Prestigious European Board of Nuclear Medicine Fellowship


In a proud milestone for Goa, Dr. Akash Anil Ringane has become the first Goan to clear the prestigious Fellowship of the European Board of Nuclear Medicine (EBNM), held in Barcelona, Spain, in 2025. This elite recognition marks a significant achievement not only for Dr. Ringane but also for the medical community of Goa and India at large.

Dr. Ringaneโ€™s journey began in Comba, where he completed his schooling at Mahila Nutan and Damodar Higher Secondary School. He later pursued his medical education at the esteemed Goa Medical College, which laid the foundation for his deep passion for nuclear medicine โ€” a field that plays a critical role in modern diagnostics and cancer therapy.

The Fellowship of the European Board of Nuclear Medicine is among the most respected certifications in the field, assessing excellence in clinical knowledge, research, and practical application. Earning this title is a mark of international distinction and opens doors to global research and clinical collaborations.

Dr. Ringaneโ€™s accomplishment is being hailed across the state, with numerous messages of congratulations pouring in from the medical fraternity, academic institutions, and Goan citizens who view this as a shining example of Goan excellence reaching global heights.

Speaking on his achievement, those close to Dr. Ringane have shared that it was years of hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence that brought him to this point. His success is a beacon of inspiration for future generations of students and professionals in the state who aspire to make their mark on the global stage.

Dr. Ringaneโ€™s story is more than just a personal success; itโ€™s a celebration of Goan talent, academic foundations, and global ambition โ€” proving once again that excellence knows no boundaries.