Tag: news

EduConnect

Brain Box Institute Honours Young Achievers at Annual Award-Giving Ceremony in Assolna

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Brain Box Institute organised its Annual Award-Giving Ceremony in Assolna to recognise and celebrate academic excellence and dedication among students from various schools in the surrounding region. The event witnessed the presence of educators, parents, students, and distinguished guests, creating an atmosphere of pride and encouragement for young achievers.

The programme commenced with a prayer led by Reverend Fr. Romeo Godinho and Fr. Myron Fernandes, followed by the rendition of the National Anthem. The Chief Guest for the occasion, Dr. Dipak C. S. Gaitonde, Chairman of the Directorate of Technical Education, Government of Goa, was warmly welcomed and felicitated upon his arrival. The ceremony was further graced by the presence of the Honourable MLA of Velim Constituency, Mr. Cruz Silva, along with parish representatives, adding significance to the gathering.

While introducing the Chief Guest, speakers highlighted Dr. Gaitonde’s distinguished journey as an academician, environmental scientist, and administrator, underlining his contributions to education and environmental governance in the state. His presence served as an inspiration to both students and educators in attendance.

The audience was also briefed on the history of the Brain Box Scholarship Award, an initiative instituted by Mr. Anthony D’Silva, Director of Brain Box Institute, in loving memory of his late parents. What began as a modest effort supporting students from a single school has steadily grown over the years and now benefits deserving students from eleven schools in the vicinity.

Adding a cultural dimension to the ceremony, a musical performance by Ms. Jazel was presented, drawing appreciation from the audience. The highlight of the event was the award distribution ceremony, conducted by Dr. Gaitonde, where students were recognised for their perseverance, discipline, and academic achievements.

In his address, the Chief Guest encouraged students to pursue excellence with dedication, integrity, and a sense of responsibility, emphasising the importance of education in shaping both individual futures and society at large. The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Mr. Anthony D’Silva, marking the successful culmination of an inspiring and meaningful celebration of learning and achievement.

Automobiles

2026 Maruti Suzuki Brezza Facelift: What the Popular SUV Could Get Next

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Maruti Suzuki is expected to introduce the first major round of updates for the Brezza in the summer of 2026, marking an important step for one of India’s most successful compact SUVs. Since its launch in 2022, the Brezza has recorded sales of around six lakh units, consistently averaging close to 15,000 units every month and establishing itself as the segment leader.

To maintain this momentum, Maruti Suzuki has reportedly begun work on a facelift that focuses on technology, comfort and safety enhancements. One of the most significant upgrades expected on the new Brezza is the introduction of Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems. These may include features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning and prevention, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring with lane change alert, rear cross traffic alert, high beam assist and vehicle sway warning, bringing the Brezza in line with global safety trends.

Inside the cabin, comfort is also likely to see a boost. The updated Brezza is expected to offer ventilated front seats, a feature that would significantly improve comfort during Indian summers. The driver’s seat may additionally get electric adjustment, allowing easier control over seat position and backrest angle.

The interior is also tipped to receive a more modern, tech-forward look with the introduction of a fully digital instrument cluster. A 10.25-inch display is expected, offering multiple viewing modes and customisable information layouts for the driver. Complementing this could be a larger 10.1-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, addressing a key omission in the current model. The new system may also support native apps through an in-built app store.

For CNG buyers, practicality could improve with the introduction of an underbody-mounted fuel tank. This change is expected to free up more boot space, making the Brezza CNG a more viable option for long-distance travel. While the petrol version currently offers 328 litres of boot space, the revised layout could narrow the usability gap between petrol and CNG variants.

On the outside, the 2026 Brezza facelift is expected to feature subtle but noticeable styling updates. These may include revised front and rear bumpers, tweaked headlamp and tail lamp designs, and new 16-inch alloy wheels, while the overall silhouette and interior layout are likely to remain familiar.

With these updates, Maruti Suzuki appears focused on strengthening the Brezza’s appeal in an increasingly competitive compact SUV market, ensuring that the model continues to meet evolving customer expectations while retaining its mass-market charm.

Sports

Lalit Yadav’s Century, Deepraj Gaonkar’s All-Round Show Power Goa Past Himachal

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Goa registered their second consecutive victory in the Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite tournament with a hard-fought 8-run win over Himachal Pradesh at the Jaipuria Vidyalaya Ground in Jaipur. The match showcased a fine blend of composure and aggression, highlighted by Lalit Yadav’s century and captain Deepraj Gaonkar’s impactful all-round display.

Batting first after Himachal Pradesh opted to bowl, Goa found themselves in early trouble as their top order collapsed to 33 for 3 within the first ten overs. Lalit Yadav and Suyash Prabhudesai then steadied the innings with a vital 90-run partnership, bringing calm to the Goa dressing room. Suyash played a responsible knock of 51 off 63 balls, striking five boundaries before falling at a crucial stage.

Goa slipped again after the quick dismissal of Darshan Misal, but skipper Deepraj Gaonkar turned the momentum with a counter-attacking innings. Batting at number seven, he smashed 71 runs off just 48 balls, finding the boundary regularly and lifting the run rate in the latter half of the innings. At the other end, Lalit Yadav anchored the innings with a composed century, scoring 104 off 126 deliveries. A late cameo from Rajashekhar Harikant helped Goa reach a competitive total of 285 for 9.

Chasing 286, Himachal Pradesh began steadily with a 58-run opening stand, but Goa struck back quickly to reduce them to 60 for 3. The dismissal of captain Mridul Suroch soon after left Himachal struggling. Pukhraj Mann then mounted a remarkable fightback, playing a lone hand of 126 off 119 balls, keeping the chase alive with controlled aggression.

Just as Himachal threatened to snatch the game, Deepraj Gaonkar delivered with the ball, dismissing Mann in the 46th over to complete a five-wicket haul. Despite some resistance from the lower order, Himachal Pradesh were bowled out for 277 in 49.3 overs, falling agonisingly short.

The victory underlined Goa’s growing confidence in the tournament, with contributions coming from key players at crucial moments. Goa will next face Sikkim on December 29, aiming to extend their winning streak.

TechPulse

How Goa Is Harnessing Technology to Empower Women Entrepreneurs

allycaralgoa

Goa is rapidly embracing digital transformation, with women across the state emerging as entrepreneurs, innovators, and digital contributors. From grassroots digital literacy initiatives to advanced technology training and startup incentives, the Government of Goa is expanding economic opportunities for women across both rural and urban landscapes.

Under the leadership of Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, is implementing a range of programmes designed to unlock women’s potential through technology, skills development, and entrepreneurship.

Mahila Digital Sashaktikaran Yojana

A flagship initiative, the Mahila Digital Sashaktikaran Yojana aims to bridge the digital divide, particularly for women in rural and underserved areas. The scheme provides hands-on training in the use of digital devices, online platforms, and essential digital services.

Open to Goan women aged 18 and above with a minimum of 15 years of residency in the state, the programme is delivered through empanelled Information Technology Knowledge Centres (ITKCs), Common Service Centres (CSCs), and Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs). Training sessions are conducted in accessible locations such as panchayat halls and community centres, ensuring last-mile reach.

By bringing digital literacy directly to villages, the initiative is improving employability, enhancing digital confidence, and enabling women to access wider markets and online opportunities.

From Villages to Skies: Women in Drone Technology

Goa has also introduced drone pilot training for women under the national Drone Didi scheme. Women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) receive specialised training in drone operations and maintenance, opening pathways in agriculture, logistics, disaster management, and environmental monitoring.

For many rural women, this initiative marks a transition from technology users to technology-driven service providers, creating new income streams and fostering entrepreneurship within local communities.

Women-Focused Startup Support under Goa Startup Policy 2025

Under the Goa Startup Policy 2025, the Startup and IT Promotion Cell has launched targeted mentoring and funding support for women-led startups. Women founders working in cutting-edge fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Drones, Robotics, AR/VR, AVGC, and 3D printing are eligible for a monthly allowance of ₹20,000 for up to 12 months.

This one-time financial assistance supports startups at the ideation, prototyping, validation, or early traction stages, ensuring access to capital, mentorship, and structured guidance during the critical early phase of their entrepreneurial journey.

Building a Gender-Inclusive Digital Economy

From digital literacy at the village level to advanced drone training and startup funding, Goa’s initiatives are creating a gender-inclusive ecosystem where women actively participate in both traditional and emerging sectors.

As digital tools reach remote areas and technology-led enterprises continue to grow, women are becoming key contributors to Goa’s evolving innovation and economic landscape, reinforcing the state’s vision of inclusive and sustainable growth.

TechPulse

upGrad School of Technology Partners with SSAHE to Drive Industry-Linked Innovation on Campus

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Sri Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education (SSAHE), Karnataka’s Deemed-to-be-University, has announced a strategic collaboration with upGrad School of Technology to embed an industry-aligned School of Technology within the university’s existing engineering programmes. The initiative aims to strengthen academic delivery by integrating application-first learning, research exposure and industry relevance from the very start of a student’s academic journey.

Under the collaboration, upGrad School of Technology, led by CEO Vishwa Mohan and Chief Revenue and Outcome Officer Mehul Khandhedia, will provide academic and curriculum advisory support while enabling deeper industry integration across SSAHE’s engineering framework. The approach includes research exposure, build sprints and continuous specialisations supported by AI-first learning technologies that deliver personalised learning pathways, real-time skill tracking and enhanced academic support.

Building on its experience in job-focused technology education, upGrad School of Technology will strengthen SSAHE’s engineering curriculum with practitioner-led modules in emerging fields such as Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics and Full Stack Engineering. Students will gain hands-on experience through extensive coding practice, project-based learning and structured industry-linked opportunities designed to foster product thinking and early exposure to real-world tech roles.

The initiative is being driven under the leadership of SSAHE Chancellor and Karnataka Home Minister Dr G. Parameshwara, who described the collaboration as a transformative step for the institution. He said the partnership would bring global education standards and innovation-driven learning to SSAHE campuses, preparing students to lead India’s next wave of technological advancement. Advisor to the Chancellor, Dr Vivek Veeraiah, added that the collaboration would seamlessly integrate industry-driven, application-first learning to ensure graduates are future-ready technologists.

In later phases, students will gain access to prototyping labs, seed-support channels and masterclasses by global founders and CTOs, enabling them to ideate, build and validate ventures within the university’s innovation ecosystem. The initiative promises three key outcomes: opportunities to work with leading global technology companies, structured entrepreneurial pathways with access to funding support, and a comprehensive ecosystem for deep-tech research in India and abroad.

Speaking on the collaboration, Vishwa Mohan and Mehul Khandhedia highlighted the importance of complementing strong academic foundations with real-time, application-focused learning to ensure students graduate as industry-ready contributors. upGrad Founder Ronnie Screwvala added that as India transitions from cost competitiveness to capability leadership, partnerships like this will play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of innovators and job creators.

In its first phase, upGrad School of Technology will focus on university partnerships across South India, with plans to scale the model nationally. The collaboration will be formally inaugurated in Bengaluru on 20 December, bringing together academic and industry leaders to discuss how India’s engineering youth can contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat.