Tag: news

Travel

Goa Tourism Unveils Regenerative Vision at SATTE 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa Tourism marked a significant presence at SATTE 2026, one of South Asia’s leading travel trade exhibitions, held at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in New Delhi. The event was inaugurated by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, whose visit to the Goa pavilion added prominence to the State’s participation.

During his visit, the Minister interacted with the official Goa delegation, gaining insights into the State’s evolving tourism roadmap. The delegation highlighted Goa’s strategic focus on regenerative tourism, an approach that goes beyond sustainability by actively restoring and enhancing local ecosystems, communities and economies. This progressive vision positions Goa as a leader in responsible tourism practices in India.

The Goa pavilion emerged as a major attraction on Day 1, witnessing a steady flow of visitors, including domestic and international travel trade representatives. Delegates showed keen interest in the State’s diversified tourism offerings, ranging from its iconic coastal experiences to its lesser-explored hinterland circuits. The display presented a comprehensive picture of Goa as a year-round destination, moving beyond its traditional beach-centric identity.

A key highlight of the showcase was the emphasis on regenerative tourism as a guiding principle for future growth. Anchored in the pillars of people, environment and economy, this approach resonated strongly with stakeholders seeking meaningful and sustainable travel models. The concept drew attention from buyers and partners looking to align with destinations that prioritise long-term impact over short-term gains.

The pavilion also promoted the “Live the Feeling” campaign, inviting travellers to experience Goa in a more immersive and authentic way. The campaign encourages visitors to engage with local culture, traditions and communities, thereby enriching their travel experience while contributing positively to the destination.

Officials noted strong engagement and productive discussions with industry stakeholders, particularly around experiential tourism, infrastructure development and enhanced visitor facilities. SATTE continues to serve as a crucial platform for Goa to expand its reach, strengthen partnerships and reinforce its position in both domestic and international markets.

Goa’s dynamic participation at SATTE 2026 reflects its continued commitment to innovation in tourism and its ambition to redefine how destinations are experienced. By embracing regenerative principles and showcasing a holistic tourism portfolio, the State is setting a forward-looking benchmark for the industry while reinforcing its appeal to the modern, conscious traveller.

EduConnect

Cyber Smart Generation: Awareness Drive Held at St. Francis Xavier’s High School, Siolim

Tanisha Cardozo

A significant step towards building digital awareness among young students was witnessed in Siolim, Goa, as a cyber awareness and online safety programme was conducted at St. Francis Xavier’s High School on 25th February 2026. The initiative was organised by the Siolim Free Legal Aid Cell of V.M. Salgaocar College of Law, aiming to equip students with essential knowledge to navigate the increasingly complex digital world safely.

The session was led by PSI Sahil Vijay Warang, Police Sub-Inspector from Anjuna Police Station, who addressed the students as the guest speaker. His talk focused on the growing threats of cybercrime and the importance of awareness as the first line of defence. The programme was held in the presence of Fr. Dilip Tete, Headmaster of the school, and Fr. Marcos Dsouza, Principal of the Higher Secondary section, both of whom appreciated the initiative and its relevance in today’s digital age.

With participation from approximately 600 to 650 students, along with teachers and members of the Legal Aid Cell, the session turned into an engaging and insightful learning experience. Students were introduced to the concept of cybercrime as an “unseen danger,” where criminals often exploit human emotions such as fear, greed, and curiosity rather than relying solely on advanced technology.

PSI Warang shared real-life examples of various online frauds, including fake investment schemes, job scams, sextortion cases, fake loan applications, impersonation frauds, matrimonial scams, and online booking frauds. He also explained newer threats such as digital arrest scams and emotional manipulation tactics, helping students understand how easily individuals can fall prey without proper awareness.

A key focus of the session was on developing a responsible digital mindset. Students were encouraged to stay cautious while using social media platforms, online games, and digital payment systems. Practical tips were shared on identifying suspicious links, protecting personal information, and verifying online transactions before taking action.

The session also introduced students to important safety resources such as the National Cybercrime Helpline 1930 and official cybercrime reporting platforms, empowering them with tools to seek help in case of any online threat. The interactive nature of the programme allowed students to actively participate, ask questions, and relate to real-world scenarios discussed during the session.

Faculty members, including Assistant Professor Shreya Shah, who serves as the Faculty Incharge of the Legal Aid Cell, along with student coordinators and school staff, played a key role in organising the event. Their efforts ensured that the programme was both informative and impactful.

The event concluded with a strong message: awareness is the most powerful defence against cybercrime. As students left the session more informed and alert, the programme successfully reinforced the importance of staying vigilant in an increasingly digital world.

Films

SC Refuses Ban on Yadav Ji Ki Love Story, Says Title Not Defamatory

Tanisha Cardozo

In a significant development highlighting the intersection of cinema and constitutional rights, the Supreme Court of India has refused to impose a ban on the film Yadav Ji Ki Love Story, dismissing a petition that challenged its title. The plea, filed by the chief of the Vishwa Yadav Parishad, argued that the film’s name portrayed the Yadav community in a negative light and sought either a ban or a change in the title.

Hearing the matter, a bench comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan examined the arguments and the material presented before them. The court ultimately found the concerns to be unfounded, stating that the title of the film did not contain any language or implication that could be seen as derogatory towards the Yadav community.

Justice Nagarathna observed that the court could not understand how the title alone could reflect negatively on an entire community, especially when it lacked any explicit or implied negative descriptors. The bench emphasised that none of the reasonable restrictions outlined under Article 19(2) of the Constitution—which governs limitations on freedom of speech and expression—were applicable in this case.

The court also drew a distinction between this matter and a previous controversy surrounding the film Ghooskhor Pandat. In that instance, the word “ghooskhor,” meaning corrupt, was deemed to carry a clearly negative connotation that could reflect poorly on a community, prompting judicial intervention. However, in the present case, the bench noted that no such negative association existed in the title Yadav Ji Ki Love Story.

During the proceedings, the petitioner’s counsel clarified that their objection was not to inter-community relationships depicted in the film, but rather to how certain aspects, including the portrayal of a woman, were handled. Despite these arguments, the court maintained that the film is a work of fiction and does not warrant judicial interference based on speculative concerns.

With the petition dismissed, the path is now clear for the film’s release, scheduled for February 27. The ruling reinforces the judiciary’s stance on protecting creative expression while carefully weighing claims of community harm, once again underlining the importance of context and intent in such disputes.

Human Interest

Was That Really Taylor Swift in Jamnagar? The Truth Isn’t What You Think

Tanisha Cardozo

For a brief moment over the weekend, it seemed like the impossible had happened. Videos flooded social media claiming that Taylor Swift—one of the biggest music stars in the world—had quietly flown into India to perform at a wedding in Jamnagar.

Given the reputation of the Ambani family for hosting extravagant celebrations featuring global icons, the claim didn’t feel entirely far-fetched. After all, past events linked to the family have seen performances by international stars like Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, and the Backstreet Boys. So when clips surfaced showing a blonde performer on stage in front of an Indian audience, many were quick to believe the narrative.

The excitement spread quickly. Captions breathlessly announced that Taylor Swift had performed at a private event hosted by Isha Ambani, with fans expressing shock and envy over what seemed like a secret, high-profile visit. But there was one detail that didn’t quite add up—there was no trace of such a visit anywhere else. No official posts, no credible reports, and no digital footprint from Swift herself.

That absence raised questions, and it didn’t take long for the truth to surface. The videos were indeed real and shot in Jamnagar—but the performer wasn’t Taylor Swift. Instead, it was Dorothy, a well-known Taylor Swift doppelganger who performs globally, recreating the singer’s stage presence, style, and mannerisms with uncanny accuracy.

The event itself had no connection to the Ambanis. It was, in fact, the wedding of Ahana Raheja and Yash Patel, two prominent names from Gujarat’s business circles. The confusion stemmed from the performer’s striking resemblance to Swift, combined with the grandeur of the event, which mirrored the scale people have come to associate with high-profile celebrity weddings in India.

Fashion commentator Nishtha Gandhi was among those who addressed the viral claims, pointing out how easily the internet had been convinced. From the shimmering outfit to the stage presence, every detail aligned just enough to make the illusion believable. And in the fast-paced world of social media, that was all it took.

What makes this incident particularly interesting is how it reflects both the power and the pitfalls of virality. A convincing visual, paired with an already believable narrative, can quickly blur the line between fact and fiction. In this case, the idea of Taylor Swift performing at an Indian wedding wasn’t questioned as much as it perhaps should have been—because it fit into an existing pattern of extravagant, star-studded events.

In reality, Taylor Swift has never performed in India, neither at a public concert nor a private event. Her world tours have so far skipped the country, leaving Indian fans waiting for that long-anticipated moment. Whether that will change in the future remains uncertain.

Until then, this viral episode serves as both a fascinating and cautionary tale—one where a lookalike performance briefly convinced an entire internet that a global superstar had arrived unannounced, proving just how powerful a well-crafted illusion can be.

Events in Goa

Lost Notes, Found Echoes: Medina Ribas Comes Alive in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

There are moments when music does more than fill a room—it travels across time, reviving stories that were once on the verge of being forgotten. That’s exactly what unfolded in Goa this past weekend, as rare compositions by Nicolau Medina Ribas were brought back to life in two thoughtfully curated performances that blended history, emotion, and cultural connection.

Organised by Communicare Trust, the concerts took place across two contrasting yet equally evocative venues—the Black Box at Kala Academy and the heritage-rich Figueiredo Mansion. Each space offered its own atmosphere: one intimate and contemporary, the other steeped in history, echoing the very legacy the music sought to revive.

Led by Portuguese violinist Eliseu Silva and pianist Olga Amaro, the performances centred on Ribas’ works—compositions that were once nearly lost at his estate in Porto before being rediscovered and preserved through dedicated archival efforts. As the notes unfolded, there was a quiet sense of rediscovery in the air, as if the audience was not just listening, but witnessing something being returned to the world.

For Olga Amaro, the experience carried a deeply emotional weight. Performing in Goa, she reflected, felt like standing at a crossroads of histories—two cultures separated by geography yet intertwined through centuries of shared past. That connection was not just historical, but deeply human, shaping the way the music was received and understood. She spoke of feeling both honoured and responsible—honoured to share this music, and responsible for presenting it with authenticity and care.

There were also moments of personal intimacy that added to the uniqueness of the experience. Amaro shared, with a touch of lightness, that the Panaji performance marked her first time playing barefoot—an act that made her feel more grounded and connected, not just to the stage but to the audience itself. It was a small detail, but one that reflected the larger spirit of the concerts: unfiltered, sincere, and deeply felt.

Violinist Eliseu Silva echoed similar sentiments, noting the attentiveness and emotional engagement of Goan listeners. Even for those unfamiliar with Ribas’ work, the response was immediate and genuine. There was a sense that the music transcended its unfamiliarity, speaking directly to the audience in a language that needed no translation.

For Nalini Elvino de Sousa, founder and manager of Communicare Trust, the concerts marked a significant milestone. Not only did they celebrate the organisation’s 20th anniversary, but they also introduced, perhaps for the first time in Goa, the work of a Portuguese composer from that era in a live setting. The addition of contextual explanations during the performance helped audiences engage more deeply, turning the concerts into both a musical and educational experience.

Beyond the performances themselves, what lingered was a message—one that Amaro shared with young musicians. It was simple, almost quiet in its delivery: to keep going, to stay with what you love, and to trust in the joy that music brings. In a world often driven by outcomes and expectations, it was a reminder that art, at its core, is about connection.

And that connection was evident throughout the weekend. Between continents, between centuries, and between people sitting in a room, listening together. In reviving the works of Nicolau Medina Ribas, these concerts did more than revisit the past—they made it present again, if only for a night, and perhaps that’s where their true magic lies.