Tag: GoaNews

Business

GCCI & GTA Launch “AI for Career Building” Workshops to Empower Non-Tech Students Across Goa

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In a major step toward building a digitally empowered and future-ready Goa, the Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), in collaboration with the Goa Technology Association (GTA), has launched a groundbreaking workshop series titled “AI for Career Building.” The initiative aims to bring Artificial Intelligence awareness and hands-on digital skills to non-technology students across the state.

The program aligns with the vision of Swayampurna Goa, the state’s flagship mission focused on creating a self-reliant and technologically skilled population. Through these workshops, students from diverse academic backgrounds will gain exposure to AI concepts, digital tools, and employability pathways needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving, AI-driven global economy.

Speaking at the press conference, Ms. Pratima Dhond, President of GCCI, emphasized the importance of democratizing AI understanding:

“This initiative is designed to ensure that every Goan student, regardless of stream, understands how AI is shaping the future of work. Our goal is to empower youth with the right mindset, tools, and exposure to become industry-ready in a rapidly evolving digital world.”

The workshop series, conceptualized jointly by the Education Committee and IT Committee of GCCI, is slated to be conducted across 20–30 colleges in Goa, including those participating under the Swayampurna Goa program. With an expected outreach of 3,500 to 4,000 students, the sessions will offer practical exposure to AI tools, emerging career roles, sector-specific applications, and digital transformation trends impacting industries worldwide.

This structured intervention aims to bridge the academia–industry gap by promoting digital literacy, enhancing career confidence, and inspiring innovation among Goan youth. The workshops will be delivered by industry practitioners and technology experts associated with GCCI and GTA, ensuring real-world relevance.

The initiative is being led by key industry figures, including:

  • Mr. Sanjay Amonkar, Director General, GCCI
  • Mr. Manguirish Salelkar, President, GTA
  • Dr. Manoj S. Kamat, Chairman, Education Committee, GCCI
  • Mr. Rohan Warty, Chairman, IT Committee, GCCI
  • Ms. Ambika Kamat Dhakankar, Deputy Director, GCCI

With this strategic effort, GCCI and GTA reaffirm their commitment to developing a skilled, innovative, and digitally empowered generation poised to drive Goa’s future economic transformation.

Human Interest

Goa Departments Directed to Upload 2026 Vacancy Details via GSSC Portal by January 31

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Panaji, Goa: The Government of Goa has issued a directive instructing all departments to upload clear and verified vacancy details for the year 2026 through the Goa State Selection Commission (GSSC)’s dedicated online system. The window for submissions will remain open from January 1 to January 31, providing departments a one-month period to update and confirm their respective staffing requirements.

The mandate emphasizes that only fully confirmed vacancies should be submitted during this period. Departments have been cautioned that vacancies reserved under the compassionate appointment category will not be accepted through this process, ensuring that the GSSC receives only those posts that are open for general recruitment.

The initiative aims to streamline recruitment processes, enhance transparency, and facilitate efficient workforce planning for the upcoming year. By centralizing vacancy submissions through a standardized digital platform, the Goa State Selection Commission seeks to avoid discrepancies, reduce delays, and support timely recruitment drives across various government sectors.

Officials have highlighted the importance of accuracy, urging departments to thoroughly verify their staffing status before uploading details. This measure is expected to contribute to smoother recruitment cycles and improved administrative coordination throughout 2026.

Human Interest

Governor of Goa Visits Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Panaji

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Governor of Goa Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, along with First Lady Smt. Suneela Raju, visited the iconic Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church in Panaji, invoking blessings and taking a moment of quiet reflection at one of Goa’s most renowned heritage sites.

The Governor and First Lady were warmly welcomed by church representatives as they arrived at the centuries-old structure, admired for its pristine white façade, symmetrical stairways, and deep historical significance. The visit highlighted the church’s spiritual and cultural importance, not only to Panaji but to Goa’s broader religious heritage.

During their time at the church, the dignitaries offered prayers and spent moments in contemplation inside the revered sanctuary. Their visit comes at a time when Goa continues to celebrate its rich religious tradition, architectural legacy, and communal harmony.

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, originally built in 1541 and rebuilt in 1600, stands as one of the oldest and most photographed churches in Goa. The visit by the Governor and First Lady reinforces the church’s enduring role as a spiritual landmark and symbol of Goa’s cultural identity.

Social

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

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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.

Business

Goa Sashakti EntrepreNaari Initiative Empowers 60 Women Entrepreneurs Across the State

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Panaji, October 2025: A significant step toward strengthening women-led businesses in Goa has begun as the SBI Foundation, in partnership with SEED (Society for Education, Environment and Development), officially launched a new phase of the Goa Sashakti EntrepreNaari initiative. The programme has now commenced training for 60 women entrepreneurs selected from North and South Goa.

The goal is clear — to build a supportive, growth-driven ecosystem that empowers women food entrepreneurs with the skills, tools, and confidence needed to scale their ventures.

Building Expertise with Aspire For Her

This cohort benefits from subject expertise provided by Aspire For Her, a social enterprise dedicated to adding one million women to India’s workforce. Their involvement strengthens the initiative’s focus on digital visibility, branding, and strategic business scaling.

Together, SBI Foundation, SEED and Aspire For Her aim to equip women entrepreneurs with the right knowledge pathways, market connections, and mentoring networks that will help them transition from local businesses to scalable enterprises.

Who Are the ‘EntrepreNaaris’?

The 60 selected participants include home chefs, food processors, catering service providers and small food-business owners — many of whom have already built strong reputations within their communities.
However, the initiative will now help them elevate their operations through:

  • Enhanced branding
  • Strengthened digital outreach
  • Access to new markets
  • Expert mentoring
  • Networking with fellow entrepreneurs

Training Designed for Real-World Impact

In the next phase of the programme, participants will undergo:

  • Expert-led online workshops
  • One-on-one virtual mentoring sessions
  • Interactive knowledge-sharing circles
  • Networking with mentors and peers across India

These sessions aim to address common challenges faced by women entrepreneurs — from scaling operations and improving online presence to identifying market gaps and enhancing product visibility.

Leadership Voices

Sanjay Prakash, MD & CEO of SBI Foundation, emphasized the deeper purpose behind the initiative:

“This initiative is not just about enterprise development — it’s about unlocking potential, fostering self-belief, and enabling long-term resilience among women who are often the silent drivers of local economies.”

Romira Roy, Co-founder of SEED, added:

“The launch of this cohort is another step in creating pathways for women to scale their potential, access resources and strengthen their presence in the market.”

Growing Community of Women Entrepreneurs

Since its launch earlier this year, the EntrepreNaari initiative has received over 200 applications, from which 122 women entrepreneurs were shortlisted. This newly launched cohort now marks the start of a focused, structured training journey that will conclude with:

  • A final pitch fest, and
  • A graduation ceremony in January 2026

The initiative is shaping a vibrant community of women entrepreneurs ready to lead, innovate and transform Goa’s food business landscape.