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Goa Animal Federation Demands Immediate Mass Sterilization of Community Dogs Following Supreme Court Relief

Tanisha Cardozo

On a warm Sunday afternoon at Azad Maidan, Panaji, a large crowd of dog lovers, activists, and concerned citizens gathered under the banner of the Goa Animal Federation (GAF) in a unified show of support for humane community dog management. The event, which served both as a protest and a thanksgiving to the Supreme Court of India, was attended by several hundred animal lovers, all echoing one central demand: mass sterilization and vaccination of community dogs must begin immediately across Goa.

Prominent voices in Goa’s animal welfare movement—including Advocate Norma Alvarez, singer Hema Sardesai, K.D. Row, Prakash Kamat, Dexter Braganza, and Fidoli Pereira—were present, alongside GAF members and NGO representatives. They extended heartfelt gratitude to the Supreme Court for its recent revised order, which offers a humane, scientific, and sustainable framework to address the stray dog issue across India.

According to GAF, Goa currently has a sterilization capacity of 15,000 dogs per year, a number maintained largely by private NGOs. However, to effectively manage the stray dog population, Goa must reach a target of 50,000 dogs sterilized annually. Only then can the state hope to reach an 80–90% sterilization rate within the next three years, which would naturally reduce the population over the next 5–6 years due to the dogs’ life cycle.

“This is a public safety, animal welfare, and community health issue. Without aggressive government intervention, we’re delaying the solution,” said a GAF spokesperson.

Beyond sterilization, the GAF has also called on the government to:

  • Install at least two animal body incinerators in Goa for safe and hygienic disposal
  • Fulfill its long-standing promise of a 24×7 ambulance and veterinary clinic for stray animals

These facilities, they argue, are essential for upholding humane standards while addressing public health concerns and ensuring dignity for animals—even in death.

The Goa Animal Federation, which includes major animal welfare organizations across the state, reiterated its commitment to a lawful, scientific, and compassionate approach in line with the Supreme Court’s directives.

Their goal is clear: ensure Goa sets an example for the rest of the country in resolving the stray dog issue not through violence or fear, but through compassion, planning, and responsibility.

“Dog lovers aren’t just emotional people—they are citizens fighting for a sustainable, safe, and humane solution,” the press release concluded.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

India Launches Its First ‘Ro-Ro’ Rail Service from Maharashtra to Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

August 2025 – India has taken a groundbreaking step in transforming its inter-state transport infrastructure with the official launch of its first ‘Ro-Ro’ (Roll-on/Roll-off) Rail Service. Designed to enhance passenger convenience, the new service allows travelers to board the train with their own private vehicles, significantly reducing travel stress, cost, and time.

‘Ro-Ro’ stands for Roll-on/Roll-off – a transport method where vehicles roll onto the train at the starting point and roll off at the destination. This model has been widely adopted across Europe and now makes its debut on Indian soil.

📍 Route Details

  • Starting Point: Kolad, Maharashtra
  • Destination: Verna, Goa
  • Carrying Capacity: Up to 40 cars per trip
  • Travel Duration: Optimized to reduce lengthy road travel

The service is operated using a dedicated locomotive coach attached to special car-carrying wagons. Passengers remain in their vehicles during transit or can move to a passenger coach if available.

Historically, Indian railways have been a backbone of national transport since the first passenger train ran from Bombay to Thane in 1853. This modern adaptation of Ro-Ro services signals a leap forward in accessible, eco-friendly, and personalized travel.

With heavy traffic congestion and long road trips being common between Maharashtra and Goa—especially during festive or tourist seasons—this Ro-Ro service offers a timely, stress-free alternative.

Bookings are now open to the public. A notable surge in advance reservations has been reported, showing immense public interest. The pricing is competitive, and the operational design ensures that the train reaches on time without frequent halts at intermediary stations.

Railway officials and transport ministers have highlighted the ‘Ro-Ro’ service as a “milestone in India’s vision for smart and sustainable travel.” The project has been designed keeping in mind the daily commuter as well as the weekend traveler.

Though currently limited to the Kolad–Verna route, there are speculations that the Indian Railways may soon replicate this model across other busy corridors. With its blend of personal comfort and rail efficiency, the Ro-Ro model could redefine the way Indians travel domestically.

Fit & Fabulous

Rahul Mishra Opens Doors to His Exquisite Flagship Store in Kala Ghoda’s Luxury Mansion

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

In the bustling heart of Mumbai’s art district, Kala Ghoda, internationally acclaimed fashion designer Rahul Mishra has unveiled his flagship store — not just a retail space, but a living museum of art, architecture, and couture.

Rahul Mishra, the 2023 International Woolmark Prize winner and the first Indian to present at Paris Haute Couture Week, takes us through the grand mansion that now houses his latest creative expression. Once an ice factory dating back to the 1970s, the 80-year-old structure has been magnificently transformed into a 75,500 square foot fashion sanctuary with ceilings towering over 150 feet.

This restored mansion pays homage to its colonial roots — the same neighborhood where King Edward VII once stood with his horse and where British architectural influence still stands tall. Today, the area is also home to the iconic Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, and this new flagship store fits seamlessly into its rich tapestry of culture.

Inside, the store is not just about couture — it’s a sensory experience. From embroidered swatches and archival motifs to rooms filled with dried floral arrangements and art installations, each space tells a story. The wooden carvings embedded into textile designs reflect a poetic fusion of fashion and architecture. Every element, from the nude-toned rustic wall finishes to the handcrafted floral French knots by skilled artisans, contributes to the mansion’s deep colonial and artisanal undertones.

“The mansion is a zen of art and peace where I can feel the aura around it,” says Mishra. The mansion’s intimate experience continues with personal shopping lounges, coveted handcrafted bags, and a couture atelier that feels more like a gallery than a store.

Mishra’s approach goes beyond just showcasing fashion — it embodies a deep respect for storytelling, sustainability, and heritage. The mansion isn’t merely a space to shop, but a place to feel, see, and connect with Indian craft in its most luxurious form.

National

Back From Space: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Meets PM Modi, Discusses India’s Space Future

Tanisha Cardozo

August 19, 2025 – New Delhi: After a successful 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 crew, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla returned to India and met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Their conversation marked a significant moment for India’s aspirations in space exploration, centered around the upcoming Gaganyaan mission and India’s proposed Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035.

Shukla expressed confidence that India could lead a collaborative space station in the future, much like the International Space Station led by the US, Russia, Europe, Japan, and Canada. He noted the global excitement around India’s Gaganyaan mission and shared that his crewmates had requested to attend its launch.

“We have the ability and the position to be in a leadership role in a space station led by India,” Shukla said.

During the meeting, PM Modi recalled assigning “homework” to Shukla — to learn and document everything that could help future astronauts. Shukla shared how even astronauts on the ISS teased him about getting such a special task from his country’s leader. The documentation is expected to be valuable for ISRO’s astronaut training pipeline.

In a symbolic moment, Shukla gifted PM Modi the Tricolour he carried into space and the official Axiom-4 mission patch. The patch features Earth at the center of a pentagon, the four astronauts’ names and national flags, and seven stars representing the continents.

Shukla detailed his experiment in growing crops aboard the ISS in a water-based dish. Sprouting in just eight days, the experiment offered hope not just for long-duration space missions but for food security challenges on Earth.

“Food is a big challenge in space. But this research may help solve problems here on Earth too,” Shukla said.

Describing his physical transformation in space, Shukla said that adaptation is required both while reaching and returning from orbit.

“I was feeling okay but I could not walk… the brain has to rewire,” he explained.

Shukla reflected on how Indian children today see space as a real career option — unlike his own childhood, when India lacked a consistent astronaut programme.

“Children no longer just dream — they know becoming an astronaut is possible,” he shared.

Looking ahead, PM Modi emphasized the need for a strong astronaut pool of 40–50 individuals to support India’s ambitions. Shukla’s insights, training, and documentation are set to play a crucial role in the Gaganyaan mission, scheduled for launch in the coming years.

Shukla, who had been recovering in Houston after landing back on Earth in July, arrived in India to a warm reception at Delhi Airport by Union Science Minister Jitendra Singh and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

His journey marks not just the return of a national hero, but the takeoff of India’s next giant leap in space.

EduConnect

Narayan Zantye College & Vedanta Sesa Goa Unite to Empower Youth on International Youth Day 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Bicholim, August 16, 2025 — Marking International Youth Day 2025, Narayan Zantye College of Commerce, Bicholim, in strategic collaboration with Vedanta Sesa Goa, organized a compelling day of dialogue, inspiration, and celebration under the theme: “Local Youth Action for the SDGs & Beyond.”

As part of the ‘YouThePower, YouTheChange’ initiative, the day’s activities included a vibrant panel discussion, interactive student sessions, and the inauguration of new educational facilities aimed at empowering youth through knowledge and innovation.

The event’s highlight was the expert panel discussion on “The Power of Youth in Creating Jobs, Solving Problems, and Shaping the Future.” Moderated by Ms. Sadiya Choudhary, a Third Year B.Com student, the panel brought together esteemed voices from industry and academia:

  • Mr. Santosh Mandrekar – Head, North & Central Cluster, Vedanta IOG
  • Mr. Deepak Nawathe – Senior Training Officer, Sesa Technical School (STS)
  • Mr. Chetan Salelkar – Entrepreneur
  • Prof. Dr. Praveen Sawant – Associate Professor, Narayan Zantye College

The discussion highlighted the importance of skill-building, entrepreneurship, and youth-driven innovation in today’s fast-evolving economy. Panelists emphasized that with the right mindset and resources, young people can be powerful changemakers—creating employment, innovating for the future, and addressing societal challenges with creativity and compassion.

Principal Prof. Dr. Rajendra Khorjuvekar reflected on the significance of the occasion, stating:

“International Youth Day is an opportunity to renew our commitment to empowering youth. This panel has enabled our students to gain valuable insights into how they can maximize their potential and contribute to the greater good.”

In recognition of student excellence, Ms. Siddhi Chopdekar, Mr. Vishwanath S. Illakallmatty, and Ms. Shruti Gaddi were felicitated for their outstanding achievements.

The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session where students posed thought-provoking questions, further enriching the day’s learning experience.

With its focus on leadership, community impact, and the Sustainable Development Goals, the event was not just a celebration—it was a call to action for youth to lead with vision and responsibility.