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TechPulse

Goa Strengthens AI Commitment at India AI Impact Summit 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa is reinforcing its commitment to emerging technologies and future-ready governance with a strong and strategic presence at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, organised by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20, 2026. The summit marks the first major global AI gathering hosted in the Global South and seeks to shape an inclusive, responsible and resilient Artificial Intelligence ecosystem aligned with the vision of People, Planet and Progress.

The Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, is representing the state at the summit, underscoring its strategic ambition to position Goa as an emerging AI-driven innovation hub within India and on the international stage. The event has drawn participation from political leaders, industry heads, startups and global stakeholders, placing Goa’s initiatives in a broader global conversation on ethical and scalable AI.

During the inaugural knowledge-sharing workshop on AI adoption, Shri Heramb Kanekar from the Startup and IT Promotion Cell, DITE&C, outlined Goa’s AI roadmap and reaffirmed the state’s focus on building citizen-centric and responsible AI solutions. Under the Goa AI Mission 2027, the government has introduced initiatives such as the AI for Governance & Social Impact workshop, AI Hackathons and the launch of an AI Chatbot on the Goa Online Portal. These measures reflect a policy direction that views AI not merely as a technological upgrade, but as a transformative tool to improve public service delivery, enhance transparency, empower startups and drive sustainable economic growth.

A major highlight of the summit is the AI Impact Expo at Bharat Mandapam, an expansive experiential showcase spanning over 70,000 square metres across 10 arenas and featuring more than 840 exhibitors. The expo was inaugurated by Narendra Modi on the opening day, drawing significant national and international attention.

Supported by DITE&C, five Goa-based startups are exhibiting at the expo, demonstrating AI applications across diverse sectors. These include DivvyUp and Grow by Shri Gaurish Datta Pangam and Shri Shivam Kamat; Frover Labs Pvt. Ltd. by Shri Siddharth Manjrekar and Shri Sarvesh Patkar; Neural Kissan by Shri Sai Vitthal Rane; Kverty by Shri Mexson Fernandes; and Phosic India Pvt. Ltd. by Shri Dewansh Choudhary. Their participation highlights the depth and diversity of Goa’s growing innovation ecosystem and the state’s commitment to nurturing AI-led entrepreneurship.

While the expo remains open throughout the summit, the final two days will feature Leaders’ Plenary Sessions, roundtables and panel discussions focusing on how AI can serve humanity, foster inclusive growth and support sustainable development. Through forward-looking policy, strategic collaborations and sustained investment in its startup ecosystem, Goa is positioning itself as a responsible and future-ready AI destination.

Delegates, industry leaders, investors and visitors are invited to explore the Goa Pavilion at Stall No. 4F.21 in Hall No. 4 to experience firsthand how Goan innovators are leveraging Artificial Intelligence to create meaningful, inclusive and sustainable impact.

Automobiles

2026 Nissan Gravite Launched in India: Affordable 7-Seater MPV Targets Value-Focused Families

Tanisha Cardozo

Nissan Motor India has officially launched the 2026 Nissan Gravite in the Indian market, marking a significant step in the brand’s strategy to expand beyond its current single high-volume product, the Magnite. The Gravite is essentially Nissan’s version of the Renault Triber and enters the market as an affordable 7-seater MPV aimed at value-conscious Indian families.

Positioned in the compact MPV space, the Gravite is expected to be priced around the Triber, making it one of the most accessible three-row vehicles in the country. While SUVs continue to dominate headlines, there remains steady demand for practical seven-seaters, particularly in smaller towns where buyers seek additional space without stretching budgets toward larger MPVs. The Gravite aims to tap into this segment, offering more utility than a hatchback while remaining within reach for first-time car buyers and those upgrading from entry-level vehicles.

Under the hood, the Gravite is expected to feature the familiar 1.0-litre, three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine that also powers the Triber, Magnite and Renault Kiger. The motor produces 72 PS and 96 Nm of torque and will likely be paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 5-speed AMT. While there have been speculations about the introduction of a turbo petrol engine similar to the one offered in the Magnite and Kiger, Nissan has not confirmed its availability for the Gravite. The use of a naturally aspirated engine aligns with the MPV’s practical positioning, as it typically ensures lower maintenance costs and competitive ownership expenses, especially with shared parts across alliance models.

Built on the CMF A+ platform, the Gravite shares its underpinnings with the Triber and other alliance vehicles. Inside, the MPV is expected to borrow several features from the Magnite, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 7-inch digital driver display. Although the instrument cluster is sourced from the Magnite, it features a revised layout with the tachometer positioned above the speed readout and warning indicators neatly arranged on either side for better clarity.

Practicality remains the Gravite’s biggest talking point. Like the Triber, it is expected to offer a modular 5+2 seating configuration with a removable third row, allowing owners to switch between a seven-seater layout and a larger boot space depending on their needs. Convenience features may include rear AC vents, push-button start and wireless charging, further enhancing its appeal as a family-oriented vehicle.

On the exterior, the Gravite retains the basic silhouette of its donor model but adopts distinct Nissan styling cues. It features a honeycomb grille with prominent Gravite lettering, sleek LED daytime running lights and redesigned bumpers that align with Nissan’s global design language. The MPV will be available in five colour options: White, Silver, Grey, Black and Teal.

Safety equipment is expected to include six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS with EBD, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and a rear parking camera, making it competitive within its price bracket. In terms of alternatives, the Gravite will primarily rival the Renault Triber while also presenting itself as a more affordable option compared to larger MPVs such as the Maruti Ertiga, Kia Carens, Kia Carens Clavis and the Maruti XL6.

Nissan’s India sales have largely depended on the Magnite, which recorded 2,502 units in January 2026, reflecting modest year-on-year and month-on-month growth. The addition of the Gravite could help stabilise monthly volumes by introducing a second high-potential product in a practical, underserved segment. Unlike the premium-priced X-Trail, which struggled to gain traction in a price-sensitive market, the Gravite is positioned to attract a broader customer base.

Launched at a live event in Udaipur, the Gravite represents more than just a new product introduction. It signals Nissan’s intent to rebuild its India lineup with locally relevant, high-volume models that prioritise affordability, practicality and long-term ownership value. If priced competitively, the Gravite could play a crucial role in strengthening Nissan’s foothold in the Indian automotive market and expanding its presence beyond the compact SUV space.

EduConnect

EDII Launches AICTE-Approved PGDM in Entrepreneurship for Tech Startups in Bengaluru

Tanisha Cardozo

The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), one of India’s pioneering institutions in entrepreneurship education, has announced the launch of a new AICTE-approved PGDM specialisation in “Entrepreneurship for Tech Startups” in Bengaluru. The programme is designed to empower tech professionals with entrepreneurial learning, structured mentorship and venture-building support to help transform high-potential ideas into successful startups.

The Tech Startups specialisation focuses on high-growth sectors such as EdTech, HealthTech, FinTech, AI-driven enterprises and scalable digital ventures. The curriculum adopts a practical, milestone-based approach, equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with skills in opportunity identification, feasibility assessment, business model creation, product development, funding readiness and go-to-market strategies.

Speaking at the announcement, Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General of EDII, highlighted Bengaluru’s central role in India’s technology ecosystem and Karnataka’s prominence in the startup landscape. He noted that the new specialisation aligns with the growing trend of young professionals choosing entrepreneurship as a purposeful career path and supports the broader vision of contributing to India’s development goals by 2047.

The two-year PGDM in Entrepreneurship, introduced in 1998, is focused exclusively on entrepreneurship development. It is approved by the All India Council for Technical Education, accredited by the National Board of Accreditation and holds MBA-equivalent status from the Association of Indian Universities. With more than 2,200 alumni and approximately 79% becoming active entrepreneurs, EDII’s programme has established a strong track record in venture creation.

Students benefit from organised mentoring, sector exposure, incubation support through EDII’s Centre for Advancing and Launching Enterprises (CALEL), and milestone-linked seed grants. In addition to the new Tech Startups specialisation, learners can choose from New Enterprise Creation, Family Business Management and Social Entrepreneurship, making the PGDM a comprehensive platform for diverse entrepreneurial journeys.

Beyond academics, EDII has maintained a strong presence in Karnataka since establishing its regional office in Bengaluru in 1997. The institute has partnered with the state government and corporate organisations on CSR-driven entrepreneurship initiatives focused on women empowerment, MSME development, youth entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods in districts including Mandya, Tumakuru, Kolar and Nelamangala. Collaborations with companies such as Accenture, HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank and IDBI Bank have further strengthened grassroots entrepreneurship development.

Initiatives like Entrepreneurship Hubba in Bengaluru reflect EDII’s commitment to inclusive growth, enabling women to build home-based and small-scale enterprises. With the launch of the Tech Startups specialisation, EDII reinforces its mission of building entrepreneurs who create enterprises, generate employment and contribute meaningfully to India’s innovation-driven economy.

Travel

Goa Tourism Welcomes Delegation from Almaty, Strengthens Ties with Kazakhstan

Tanisha Cardozo

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, recently welcomed a delegation of 12 guests from Almaty, Kazakhstan, at Paryatan Bhavan as part of their eight-day visit to the State. The delegation was received with flowers in a traditional gesture of Goan hospitality, reflecting the State’s focus on creating warm, meaningful, and memorable travel experiences for international visitors.

Officials from the Department of Tourism and the Goa Tourism Development Corporation were present to welcome the guests, underlining Goa Tourism’s coordinated approach to global engagement. The visit was facilitated by Caper Travel, with its leadership accompanying the delegation to ensure a curated and immersive experience in the State.

Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte noted that Goa continues to place strong emphasis on emerging international markets, recognising the importance of building trust and long-term relationships with new traveller segments. He highlighted that such interactions help showcase Goa’s diversity beyond beaches, positioning the State as a safe, welcoming, and enriching destination for global tourists.

Director of Tourism Kedar Naik expressed optimism about strengthening tourism ties with Kazakhstan, stating that these engagements help create sustained interest and collaboration between destinations. As part of the interaction, a detailed presentation was delivered highlighting Goa’s cultural heritage, festivals, wellness and spiritual tourism, hinterland experiences, adventure activities, and premium hospitality offerings, reinforcing the vision of promoting Goa as a year-round destination.

During their stay, the delegation will explore various facets of Goa, gaining insight into its traditions, cuisine, and thoughtfully curated tourism initiatives. The visitors expressed appreciation for the warm reception and shared enthusiasm about discovering the many layers of Goa’s cultural and experiential landscape.

The Department of Tourism looks forward to deepening engagement with Kazakhstan and expanding collaborative efforts to position Goa as a preferred international travel destination, built on cultural exchange, sustainable tourism, and meaningful global connections.

Music

BTS ‘Arirang’ World Tour to Stream Live in Cinemas Worldwide This April

Tanisha Cardozo

Global K-pop sensation BTS is set to deliver one of the year’s biggest cultural events as the BTS World Tour “Arirang” streams live in cinemas worldwide this April. In a major collaboration, Trafalgar Releasing has partnered with HYBE and BigHit Music to bring two full-length live concert broadcasts to the big screen, allowing fans across continents to experience the tour simultaneously.

The seven-member group will perform from Goyang, South Korea, on April 11, followed by a second live broadcast from Tokyo on April 18. Each territory will screen both concerts twice to accommodate different time zones, ensuring that fans worldwide can join in real time. The cinema events mark the opening of BTS’ first tour since 2021–2022’s “Permission to Dance on Stage,” making this return to global touring highly anticipated.

Marc Allenby, chief executive officer of Trafalgar Releasing, described the concerts as one of the year’s most significant cultural moments. He emphasised the extraordinary global demand surrounding the announcement of the “Arirang” World Tour and expressed excitement about continuing the longstanding partnership with HYBE and BigHit Music. By presenting two full-scale concerts live from Goyang and Tokyo, the initiative offers audiences a shared, immersive big-screen experience that mirrors the energy of an arena performance.

The tour itself is historic in scale. Spanning 34 cities and 82 shows, it establishes a new benchmark for tour dates by a K-pop artist. Central to the experience is a 360-degree in-the-round stage design, crafted to create a fully immersive environment where audiences surround the performance space. This format enhances engagement, bringing fans closer to the music and choreography that have defined BTS’ global appeal.

The tour coincides with the release of the group’s fifth studio album, “Arirang,” scheduled to drop on March 20. The album’s launch adds further anticipation, as fans will witness new material performed live just weeks after its release. Since their debut in June 2013, BTS — comprising RM, Jin, Suga, J-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook — have redefined the global reach of K-pop. The group has earned six No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 since 2020 and received five Grammy nominations across the 63rd to 65th Grammy Awards ceremonies. Their accolades also include multiple Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards and MTV Video Music Awards.

Trafalgar Releasing, which operates in more than 15,000 cinemas across 132 countries, has previously handled major concert films including “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour,” which became the highest-grossing concert film of all time. With the BTS World Tour “Arirang,” the company once again positions live music at the centre of a shared global cinema experience.

Additional live viewing dates are planned for later in the year, with further details expected to be announced. As anticipation builds, the “Arirang” World Tour is not just a series of concerts but a global celebration of music, performance and fandom, bringing millions of fans together in cinemas to witness BTS’ next monumental chapter unfold live on the big screen.