Human Interest

UIDAI Unveils ‘UDAI’, Aadhaar’s First Official Mascot


The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has unveiled its first-ever official Aadhaar mascot, named UDAI, in a move aimed at making Aadhaar-related communication simpler and more citizen-friendly. The mascot was launched during a UIDAI event held in Thiruvananthapuram.

According to UIDAI officials, UDAI has been designed as a friendly and approachable guide to help people better understand Aadhaar services, especially those who often find the system complex or confusing. With Aadhaar being a crucial identity document linked to multiple government schemes and services, clear communication has become increasingly important.

The introduction of UDAI is expected to bridge the information gap by presenting Aadhaar-related messages in a more relatable and easily understandable manner. The mascot will be used across awareness campaigns, digital platforms, and outreach initiatives to educate citizens about enrollment, updates, authentication, and security practices.

UIDAI stated that the initiative aligns with its broader goal of inclusive digital governance, ensuring that Aadhaar services are accessible to all sections of society, including senior citizens, first-time users, and people in remote areas.

With UDAI stepping in as Aadhaar’s friendly face, UIDAI hopes to enhance public trust and make navigating Aadhaar services a smoother experience for millions of Indians.

National

Vice-President Of India Releases Commemorative Postage Stamp Honouring Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral National Desk

The Hon’ble Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today released a commemorative postage stamp in honour of Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II, also known as Suvaran Maran, at the Vice-President’s Enclave in New Delhi. The release marked an important step in recognising the contributions of historically significant Tamil rulers who have shaped India’s cultural and political heritage.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President appreciated the Government of India under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji for its sustained efforts in promoting Tamil culture and language. He highlighted initiatives such as the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and the broader focus on acknowledging Tamil kings, leaders and freedom fighters who had not received due recognition in the past.

Shri Radhakrishnan noted that the commemorative postage stamp honouring Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II forms part of this ongoing process of cultural recognition. He emphasised that acknowledging unsung heroes is vital to restoring national pride and strengthening India’s civilisational consciousness as the country moves forward on its journey towards Viksit Bharat.

The occasion was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including Hon’ble Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon’ble Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Shri Harivansh, and Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Dr. L. Murugan. Their presence underscored the significance of the event and the collective commitment to celebrating India’s diverse historical legacy.

The release of the commemorative postage stamp stands as a tribute to Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II and serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of preserving and honouring India’s rich cultural and historical narratives.

Business

Dipak Bandekar Inaugurates Goa Pavilion at the 44th India International Trade Fair, New Delhi


The Goa Pavilion at the 44th India International Trade Fair (IITF) was officially inaugurated by Dipak Bandekar, Director of Information and Publicity, marking an important moment for the state at one of India’s most prominent trade showcases.

Organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), a Government of India enterprise, this year’s fair is themed “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,” celebrating unity in diversity and development across states.

The Goa Pavilion highlights the state’s cultural heritage, innovation, and progress, reflecting Goa’s strong development narrative.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by:

  • Shanto Naik, Assistant Information Officer, DIP
  • Siddhesh Samant, Information Assistant
  • Vishant Pilarnkar, Investment Relations Officer, IPB
  • Deepak Parab, Nodal Officer, GI
  • Officials from various participating departments

On the occasion, Bandekar released a special brochure titled “#AtmanirbharBharat #SwayampurnaGoa”, showcasing Goa’s strides in self-reliance, sustainability, and holistic progress.

The Goa Pavilion continues to draw attention at the fair, reinforcing the state’s commitment to innovation and cultural pride.

Entertainment

WaveX Invites Startups to Showcase at WAVES Bazar during IFFI Goa 2025


The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has officially opened registrations for WaveX booths at WAVES Bazar, the exclusive startup showcase under the WaveX initiative, to be held during the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa from November 20–24, 2025.

This initiative provides emerging AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Extended Reality) and Media-Tech startups with an unparalleled opportunity to connect with global industry leaders, investors, and production studios.

Located near Film Bazaar, the vibrant networking hub of IFFI, WAVES Bazar offers startups the perfect platform to present innovations and build collaborations within the creative economy.

Each startup booth, priced at ₹30,000 on a shared basis, includes:

  • 2 Delegate Passes
  • Lunch and High Tea
  • Evening Networking Opportunities
  • Direct Exposure to Global Film, Media & Tech Professionals

Limited stalls are available and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested startups can register at wavex.wavesbazaar.com or contact wavexmib[at]gov[dot]in for more details.

About IFFI, Goa:
Established in 1952, the International Film Festival of India is one of Asia’s most prestigious film festivals, drawing global participation and serving as a platform for creative collaboration. The 56th edition will run from November 20–28, 2025, in Panaji, Goa.

About WaveX:
WaveX is a national startup accelerator under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. It focuses on nurturing entrepreneurship and innovation in the AVGC-XR and media-tech sectors through collaborations with academia, industry, and incubation networks — strengthening India’s creative economy.

Source: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting / WaveX Initiative

Human Interest

North Goa District Honoured as Best Performing District under Dharti Aabha Janbhagidari Abhiyan


North Goa District has achieved a significant milestone by being recognized as the Best Performing District under the Dharti Aabha Janbhagidari Abhiyan. The district was awarded a Certificate of Recognition for its outstanding performance and exemplary contribution to the initiative. The certificate was conferred by the Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, as part of the national effort to acknowledge and promote effective community participation in developmental programs.

The Dharti Aabha Janbhagidari Abhiyan emphasizes participatory governance and tribal empowerment through local engagement, transparency, and inclusivity. North Goa’s achievement under this initiative reflects the district administration’s proactive approach in implementing community-oriented schemes and ensuring that tribal welfare programs reach their intended beneficiaries effectively. This recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of the district’s administrative team, community leaders, and local stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to ensure meaningful participation and tangible impact at the grassroots level.

Receiving this national recognition highlights North Goa’s dedication to good governance, innovation in public service delivery, and a people-first approach to development. It also reinforces the district’s ongoing commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive future for all communities under its jurisdiction. The acknowledgment from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs serves as an inspiration for other districts to adopt participatory models that strengthen democracy at the grassroots and empower citizens to play an active role in shaping their own development journey.