Tag: Goa News

Social

Blood Donation Drive Organised at St Francis Xavier Church, Duler

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral 

Duler, Goa | February 8, 2026:
The Social Apostolate Animation Team, in association with the Parish Youth Group of St Francis Xavier Church, Duler, successfully organised a Blood Donation Drive on Sunday, February 8, 2026, with the aim of promoting awareness about voluntary blood donation and strengthening community service initiatives.


The programme was graced by Dr Rajesh Patil, Medical Superintendent of Goa Medical College, who attended as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, Dr Patil highlighted the importance of regular blood donation in saving lives and urged young people to actively participate in humanitarian efforts that support the healthcare system.

The drive saw enthusiastic participation from parishioners, youth volunteers and local residents. Members of the Parish Youth Group played a crucial role in coordinating the event, assisting donors and ensuring smooth execution throughout the day.

The blood donation process was conducted under the supervision of medical professionals, with all safety and health protocols strictly followed. Organisers expressed their gratitude to the donors, volunteers and medical teams for their cooperation and support, noting that such initiatives not only address critical healthcare needs but also foster a spirit of unity and social responsibility within the community.

Sports

8th All Goa State Wushu Championship 2026 Held in Anjuna

Tanisha Cardozo

The 8th All Goa State Wushu Championship 2026 along with the 2nd Inter-College Wushu Competition 2026 was successfully organised by the Association of Goa Wushu, in association with the Village Panchayat of Anjuna Caisua, Chivar, Chapora, on January 29 and 30, 2026, at the Anjuna–Caisua Panchayat Hall, Chivar, Chapora, Goa.

The championship was inaugurated by Mr. Surendra Sazu Govekar, Sarpanch of Anjuna Caisua Village Panchayat, in the presence of Panchayat members Mr. Dinesh Patil and Mr. Sudesh Parsekar, along with Mr. Paulo Killman Fernandes, Secretary of the Association of Goa Wushu, and other dignitaries.

The Village Panchayat of Anjuna Caisua supported the sport of Wushu by extending full cooperation and encouragement for the successful conduct of the championship, reflecting its commitment towards promoting martial arts and grassroots sports development.

The winners were felicitated with medals and trophies by Mrs. Delilah Lobo, MLA of the Siolim Constituency, and Mrs. Niyati Chimulkar, Vice President of the Association of Goa Wushu, along with the Sarpanch and Panchayat members of Anjuna Caisua. The event was officiated by Mr. Ashok Mokashi and Mr. Sangamesh Layadagundi, National Judges (WAI) from the Karnataka Wushu Association, who were invited for the competition.

The championship witnessed enthusiastic participation from players across Goa in the Sub-Junior, Junior and Senior categories for both boys and girls. Competitions were held in Taolu and Sanda disciplines across respective weight categories. The Inter-College Wushu events were conducted separately, showcasing emerging talent from various colleges.

All participating players were awarded participation certificates, while winners received medals and certificates. Mementoes were also presented to coaches and physical education teachers, and trophies were awarded to the overall champion teams, marking the successful conclusion of the two-day sporting event.

Social

Zuno General Insurance Revives ‘Talking Zebra’ Road Safety Campaign as Goa Records 430 Accidents in 2025

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral 

Goa, February 2026: Amid rising road accident concerns, Zuno General Insurance (formerly Edelweiss General Insurance) has revived its road safety awareness initiative with an updated campaign titled “Talking Zebra Returns.” The activation comes as Goa recorded 430 road accidents in 2025, underscoring the need for sustained public awareness and behavioural change on roads.


Aligned with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ Road Safety Awareness Month and IRDAI’s directive encouraging insurers to promote road safety, the campaign aims to make safe driving practices more engaging, visible, and memorable. This year’s edition adds a creative dimension by pairing the Talking Zebra with a mime artist, who visually demonstrates everyday road safety practices such as stopping at zebra crossings, wearing helmets, waiting for traffic signals, and yielding to pedestrians.

Unlike conventional awareness drives, the initiative adopts a positive reinforcement approach, acknowledging and appreciating commuters who follow traffic rules. The campaign is being rolled out at high-footfall traffic signals across eight cities — Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Goa and Guntur.

Speaking on the initiative, Shanai Ghosh, MD & CEO, Zuno General Insurance, said the company believes road safety is a shared responsibility and that positive nudges can play a powerful role in improving driving behaviour. She added that initiatives like Talking Zebra complement Zuno’s broader efforts, including its telematics-led SmartDrive motor insurance that rewards safe driving and offers crash-detection support through smartphone technology.

Highlighting the urgency of such initiatives, national data continues to place India among the countries with the highest road accident and fatality rates globally. Reports indicate that India witnesses an average of 53 crashes and 92 deaths every hour, with Goa alone recording over 1,000 accident-related deaths between 2019 and 2023.

Ketan Mankikar, Head of Marketing & Communications at Zuno General Insurance, noted that Talking Zebra has evolved into a platform that keeps road safety part of everyday public conversation. By recognising good driving behaviour through humour and human interaction, the campaign seeks to make responsible road use aspirational and visible.

With Talking Zebra Returns, Zuno General Insurance continues its efforts to move beyond awareness, encouraging safer roads through behavioural change, community engagement, and technology-led support systems.

Fit & Fabulous

Aalushka Wins Best Female Model (Child Category) at Pride of Goa Awards

Tanisha Cardozo

Nine-year-old Aalushka emerged as a shining young talent at the prestigious Pride of Goa Awards, winning the Best Female Model (Child Category) at the event organised by Showtheme Production and Swadesh Satellite Channel at ESG, Panjim, Goa. Her achievement added a special highlight to the ceremony, celebrating excellence and emerging talent from across the state.

Aalushka currently serves as the Head Girl of the primary section at St. Francis Xavier High School, Peddem, Goa, and has consistently demonstrated outstanding ability both inside and outside the classroom. Along with academic excellence, she has showcased her skills in storytelling, public speaking, dance, acting, mimicry and singing, making her a well-rounded performer at a very young age.

Residing at Khalap Vaddo, Canca Parra, Aalushka is the daughter of Walter and Assesao Fernandes. Her journey so far has been marked by several notable accolades, including Junior Miss India 2025, Little Miss Goa Stellar 2025, Best Speaker Award, Social Media Princess, and many other honours that reflect her confidence, discipline and passion for performance.

Expressing gratitude, the young achiever and her family acknowledged the support and encouragement received throughout her journey, with special thanks to Ma’am Rahila Khan for the nomination and guidance. Aalushka’s success stands as an inspiring example of how talent, leadership and dedication can shine early, making her a role model for young children across Goa.

Goan Personalities

Aldona MLA Carlos Alvares Ferreira and Wife Natasha Mark 31 Years of Marriage

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral 

Aldona MLA Carlos Alvares Ferreira marked his 31st wedding anniversary, sharing reflections on a journey that spans over three decades of companionship, family, and shared experiences across India and abroad.


Recalling the years since their wedding day, Ferreira reflected on the many milestones that shaped their journey together — from the early days of marriage to raising their two sons, Armando and Daniel, and building a life enriched by travel, faith, and family values. He described the bond as one that has grown stronger with time, likening it to wine that matures with age.

The occasion was also a moment of remembrance, as Ferreira acknowledged family members who are no longer present but remain close in spirit. He expressed gratitude for their blessings and prayers, which he said continue to guide the family.

Sharing words of appreciation, Ferreira thanked his wife, Natasha, for being a steadfast pillar of support through the years, and his sons for their constant encouragement. He also conveyed his appreciation to friends, well-wishers, and members of the community who have been part of the family’s journey and offered their prayers and good wishes on the occasion.

The milestone marked not just the closing of another chapter, but the beginning of a new one, as the family looks ahead to the years to come with faith and gratitude.