Tag: news

Sports

Naman Ojha, Shadab Jakati Shine as Rajasthan Lions Seal Second League Win

Tanisha Cardozo

Rajasthan Lions continued their impressive run in the World Legends Pro T20 League by registering a comfortable six-wicket victory over Pune Panthers in the ninth match of the tournament at Goa on January 30, 2026. Chasing a modest target, the Lions showcased composure and experience, completing the chase in just 15.1 overs to secure two valuable points.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pune Panthers struggled early despite opening with experienced campaigners Upul Tharanga and Martin Guptill. Guptill struck a couple of crisp boundaries before falling in the opening over, while Shane Watson departed soon after, leaving Pune reeling at 30 for 3. Rajasthan’s bowlers applied consistent pressure, making run-scoring difficult during the early stages.

A crucial 87-run partnership between Tharanga and Kieron Pollard revived Pune’s innings. Pollard, playing his first match of the tournament, looked in sublime touch, clearing the ropes with ease before being dismissed for 48. Tharanga narrowly missed his half-century, scoring 49, but once the pair departed, Pune lost momentum and wickets fell in quick succession. The Panthers were eventually bowled out for 144 in 18.2 overs, with Shadab Jakati starring with figures of 3 for 13 and support coming from every bowler.

Rajasthan Lions’ chase did not begin smoothly, as captain Eoin Morgan, Callum Ferguson and Suresh Raina fell cheaply. Amid the early setbacks, Naman Ojha once again proved his value, anchoring the innings with a well-crafted 51 off 28 deliveries. His calm presence steadied the chase and allowed Rajasthan to regain control.

After Ojha’s dismissal, JP Duminy ensured there were no further hiccups, combining with birthday boy Ben Cutting in a brisk partnership that sealed the game. Duminy remained unbeaten on 37, while Cutting struck the winning runs, wrapping up a comprehensive victory for the Lions.

The result further strengthens Rajasthan Lions’ position in the league standings and highlights their balanced combination of experienced batting and disciplined bowling as the tournament progresses.

National

Right to Menstrual Health Is a Fundamental Right Under Article 21: Supreme Court

Tanisha Cardozo

In a historic judgment on January 31, 2026, the Supreme Court of India declared that menstrual health and hygiene are integral to the right to life and dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution, issuing a series of comprehensive directions aimed at ensuring dignity, health, gender equality and educational access for adolescent girls. The ruling acknowledged that inaccessibility to menstrual hygiene management measures, such as sanitary products and proper sanitation, undermines the dignity and participation of girls in education and daily life.

A bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan emphasised that access to menstrual hygiene facilities is essential for dignified living and cannot be treated as a welfare benefit alone. The court noted that barriers to menstrual health disproportionately affect girls’ education, leading to absenteeism, stigmatization and unequal opportunities.

Under the directions, all states and Union Territories are required to ensure that every school — government, government-aided and privately managed — is equipped with functional gender-segregated toilets with usable water supply, hand-washing stations with soap, and privacy and accessibility that also cater to the needs of children with disabilities.

The bench further ordered the free provision of oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins compliant with applicable standards to girl students. These pads should be made readily accessible, preferably within toilet premises through sanitary napkin vending machines, or, where vending machines are not feasible, at a designated point or with a responsible authority in the school.

In addition, schools must establish Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) corners, stocked with spare uniforms, innerwear, disposable pads, sanitary waste disposal systems compliant with environmental rules, and emergency supplies. The Court also directed the establishment of safe, hygienic mechanisms for sanitary waste disposal in line with Solid Waste Management rules.

The Court emphasised the need for periodic inspections of school infrastructure and facilities, including toilets, availability of menstrual products, and proper sanitation maintenance. It also called for gender-responsive education and awareness programmes, suggesting inclusion of information on menstruation, puberty and related health topics, to break taboos and stigma.

The judgment stemmed from a Public Interest Litigation filed in 2024 by social activist Jaya Thakur, seeking nationwide implementation of the government’s Menstrual Hygiene Policy for school-going girls and highlighting gaps in access to sanitary products and sanitation facilities.

The Supreme Court made it clear that non-compliance with its directions — including failure by private schools to provide mandated facilities — may lead to deregistration of institutions, and that state governments and authorities will be held accountable for implementation lapses.

Legal experts and educationists have described the verdict as a major step toward gender justice, public health, and educational equality, with the potential to reduce school dropouts among adolescent girls and promote healthier, stigma-free environments across educational institutions nationwide.

Events in Goa

First-Ever Zaddachem Fest Brings Pilar Together in a Celebration of Unity and Culture

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Swara Bodke || Team Allycaral

History was created in Pilar on Republic Day 2026 as Clube Marius Festacar hosted the first-ever Zaddachem Fest (Festival of Trees) at the Milroc Colina complex. Curated by renowned linguist and cultural curator Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas, the festival brought together Goans and visitors from across India and beyond for a day rooted in heritage, nature, music, food, and community bonding.

Deeply anchored in Goan values of ekvott (unity) and inclusivity, Zaddachem Fest stood out as a people-centric celebration. With no sponsors or chief guests, the festival ensured that the spotlight remained firmly on collective participation, shared heritage, and community spirit.

The day began with a heritage and nature walk led by Dr. Suresh Kunkalikar, Dean of the Goa College of Agriculture, along with noted horticulturist Miguel Braganza. Participants were introduced to medicinal plants and herbs growing within the complex, highlighting the importance of traditional knowledge and biodiversity. This was followed by a Kadha workshop conducted by Dr. Ornelas, where she demonstrated traditional herbal brewing methods and explained the health benefits of local remedies used for colds and coughs.

Cultural performances added warmth and vibrancy to the festival, with music by the Barreto Brothers, the D’sa family, Russell Barreto, and Linda Diniz Braganza. A highlight of the day was the flagship coconut shell dance led by Dr. Ornelas, which drew enthusiastic participation and applause from the gathering.

Senior journalist Prakash Kamat hosted an engaging Bolcaoancheo Gozalli, joined by coordinator Avelino D’sa and resource persons Sabina De Cunha, Rama Parsekar, and Rosita Heredia. The session encouraged meaningful conversations, storytelling, and intergenerational exchange.

Following a traditional homemade Goan lunch, the programme continued with awareness sessions by the Goa Police on cybercrime, talks by local health officers on healthy eating habits, and a presentation on garbage management involving residents of the Milroc Colina complex.

Speaking about the event, Festacar Marius Fernandes said that Zaddachem Fest was not merely a celebration but a reminder of the unity and shared values that bind Goans together, whether in Goa or abroad. He added that Milroc Colina’s lush gardens and open spaces provided the perfect setting for the festival’s historic first edition.

Serving as a cultural bridge, Zaddachem Fest encouraged participants to reconnect with their roots, language, and traditions while embracing Goa’s rich multicultural identity, leaving behind a strong message of unity, sustainability, and community-driven celebration.

rip

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Dies in Plane Crash

Tanisha Cardozo

Ajit Anantrao Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and one of the state’s most seasoned political leaders, died on January 28, 2026, following a tragic plane crash in Baramati, Pune district. The chartered aircraft carrying Pawar attempted an emergency landing at Baramati airport when it crash-landed under circumstances that are currently under investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Multiple credible reports confirm that there were no survivors among the key passengers, including Pawar and several others aboard the aircraft.

Pawar, aged 66, had a long and distinguished political career spanning more than three decades, during which he held pivotal roles in the governance of Maharashtra. At the time of his death, he was serving as the state’s Deputy Chief Minister as well as the Minister for Finance and Planning — positions in which he played a central role in shaping policy and economic strategy for one of India’s most populous and economically significant states. Widely respected for his administrative acumen, Pawar was recognized both within his party, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and among political peers for his deep understanding of fiscal matters.

Born on July 22, 1959, in Deolali Pravara in Ahmednagar district, Pawar’s political journey was rooted in grassroots engagement and cooperative movement involvement, which later propelled him into mainstream legislative and executive roles. Over the years, he served multiple terms in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and held ministerial portfolios across successive governments, earning a reputation as a pragmatic and seasoned leader.

The crash has triggered an outpouring of grief across Maharashtra and the national political landscape, with leaders from various parties expressing condolences and highlighting Pawar’s contributions to public service. As investigations into the cause of the plane incident continue, his death leaves a significant void in the state’s leadership and governance framework.

Ajit Pawar’s legacy will be remembered for his extensive public service, his role in economic governance, and his influence on state politics, marking the end of a prominent chapter in Maharashtra’s political history.

EduConnect

Srinivassa Sinai Dempo College Honoured with ‘Inspiring Educational Institution Award 2026’

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

DCT’s Srinivassa Sinai Dempo College (Autonomous), Cujira, has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Inspiring Educational Institution Award 2026,’ presented biennially by the Vibrant Goa Foundation, in recognition of its exceptional contributions to education, skills development, industry engagement and societal impact.

The award was conferred by Shri Mauvin Godinho, Hon’ble Minister of Industries, Government of Goa, acknowledging the institution’s consistent efforts in redefining higher education through innovation, academic excellence and holistic development.

Under the leadership of Principal Prof. (Dr.) Manoj S. Kamat and Administrator Shri Rajesh Bhatikar, the college has achieved significant milestones by effectively leveraging its autonomous status. Over the past few years, the institution has introduced innovative programmes in commerce, economics, management, artificial intelligence and aviation, while actively promoting research, entrepreneurship and skill development. The college has also hosted national-level initiatives such as business hackathons and has supported the creation of new start-ups.

The institution has recorded strong performance in student placements, academic achievements and awards, while building meaningful industry collaborations and partnerships that contribute to the overall development of students. These initiatives have played a key role in enhancing employability, leadership skills and real-world exposure among learners.

Shri Shrinivas Dempo, Chairman of Dempo Charities Trust, and Smt. Pallavi Dempo, Trustee, expressed pride in the college’s progress and reaffirmed that its growth aligns closely with the Trust’s vision of excellence, innovation and service to society.

Principal Prof. (Dr.) Manoj S. Kamat attributed the recognition to the collective efforts of the teaching and non-teaching staff, enthusiastic students, supportive parents and the dynamic management of Dempo Charities Trust under the leadership of Shri Shrinivas Dempo and Smt. Pallavi Dempo. He noted that the award serves as motivation to continue serving Goa with greater dedication and commitment to quality education.

Managed by Dempo Charities Trust, Srinivassa Sinai Dempo College is a premier institution offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in commerce, economics and management, with a strong focus on academic rigour, innovation and the holistic development of students.