In a case that has stunned both China and the global community, a former mayor of Haikou has been sentenced to death after investigators uncovered an unprecedented volume of illegally acquired wealth amassed through corruption.
According to official findings, authorities recovered nearly 23 tons of cash and 13.5 tons of gold from properties linked to the former official. In addition, investigators discovered extensive luxury real estate holdings across China and overseas, along with a collection of high-end luxury vehicles, placing the total value of seized assets in the billions.
The investigation revealed that the wealth was accumulated through bribes connected to government contracts, land allocations, and development approvals, highlighting deep-rooted corruption at senior administrative levels. Prosecutors described the scale of the illicit assets as “extremely grave” and damaging to public trust.
China’s judiciary imposed the death sentence after concluding that the crimes caused severe harm to state interests and social stability. The ruling underscores Beijing’s continued hardline stance against corruption, particularly involving high-ranking officials abusing public office for personal enrichment.
The case has sparked widespread debate on governance, accountability, and the sheer scale of corruption that can exist behind positions of power, reinforcing China’s message of zero tolerance toward graft at all levels.
Panaji, December 31, 2025: As the State ushers in New Year 2026, the Governor of Goa, Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, and Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant have conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Goa and Goans living across the world, calling for unity, harmony, and collective progress.
In his New Year message, Governor Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju described the beginning of a new year as a time of renewal, hope, and fresh beginnings. He urged citizens to reflect on their shared journey, appreciate Goa’s rich cultural heritage, and renew their commitment to peace, harmony, and societal welfare. Expressing optimism for the year ahead, the Governor said he hoped 2026 would bring joy, peace, and prosperity to every home, and encouraged Goans to move forward together with dedication and unity.
Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, in his message, also extended warm New Year greetings and expressed hope that the coming year would usher in peace, prosperity, good health, and happiness for every Goan. He appealed to citizens to continue supporting the Government’s efforts in effectively implementing welfare schemes and development initiatives across the State.
Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to building a resilient and progressive Goa, the Chief Minister urged people to actively participate in the Swayampurna Goa mission, which aims to promote self-reliance, empower individuals and communities, strengthen local governance, and create sustainable livelihoods.
Acknowledging Goa’s long-standing legacy of peaceful coexistence and religious harmony, Dr Sawant called upon citizens to uphold the values of mutual respect, unity, and collective well-being. He noted that this spirit of togetherness remains one of Goa’s greatest strengths and must continue to guide the State in the year ahead.
Both leaders expressed confidence that with public cooperation, unity, and shared commitment, Goa would continue to progress on the path of inclusive and sustainable development in 2026.
The 72nd All India Cooperative Week celebrations in Mapusa showcased the growing importance of the cooperative movement in strengthening the economy and generating employment. Assistant Registrar for Cooperative Societies, Rajesh Parwar, emphasised that cooperatives remain essential for economic resilience, community empowerment, and inclusive development. Addressing the event jointly organised by Bardez Bazaar Consumers’ Cooperative Society and the Rotary Club of Mapuca, he explained that successful cooperatives depend on effective management, dedicated staff, and active shareholder participation. Parwar reminded societies of their legal obligation to conduct annual general body meetings and present audit reports to ensure transparency and accountability.
He highlighted new opportunities introduced through the Central Government’s MPACS legislation, which offers cooperatives an open platform to expand into diverse businesses. Parwar also pointed to schemes supporting common service centres, fuel stations, gas agencies, and grain storage, noting NABARD’s financial assistance for these ventures. He stressed that the real strength of the cooperative movement lies in supporting self-help groups, farmers involved in dairy and agriculture, and artisans working in handloom and handicraft sectors, observing that both cooperatives and community groups thrive when they uplift each other.
Guest of honour Amita Salatry of GCCI spoke about the cultural and spiritual significance of food, urging participants in the cooking competition to value presentation, aroma, and the use of traditional Goan elements. She reminded attendees that India’s cultural heritage regards food as divine and encouraged mindful consumption without waste.
Bardez Bazaar Chairman Nikhilchandra Khalap expressed the cooperative’s long-standing commitment to supporting self-help groups and small entrepreneurs. He shared how Bardez Bazaar has become a trusted first choice for distributors and small businesses seeking stability and visibility. Reflecting on Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision of cooperatives as “schools of democracy” capable of reaching every household, he emphasised that India’s journey toward self-reliance continues to be supported by all Prime Ministers, including the current leadership under Narendra Modi. Khalap also offered a glimpse into Bardez Bazaar’s humble beginnings, recounting how its founders secured a modest loan of ₹5,000 from Mapusa Urban Bank and developed the organisation into a ₹35-crore enterprise that operates without government aid or debt, employs 100 people, and consistently delivers a 20% dividend to its shareholders.
Rotary Club of Mapuca President Rohit Natekar announced that the club and Bardez Bazaar will launch a permanent project next year to support self-help groups and help them scale their initiatives. He also noted that Bardez Bazaar’s proposed mall will bring added benefits to the local community.
The event’s cooking competition, themed “Gomantakiya God Padarth,” celebrated Goan cuisine, with Mithila Harmalkar winning first prize, followed by Antara Naik and Harsha Redkar. Consolation prizes were awarded to Ranjana Narvekar, Nafiza Shaikh, and Varsha Polle. The celebration underscored how cooperatives continue to nurture talent, support livelihoods, and strengthen community bonds across Goa.
Goa Tourism made a vibrant start at the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2025, drawing strong global interest from travel trade and industry partners. The Goa Pavilion welcomed an enthusiastic stream of visitors eager to discover the State’s rich cultural heritage, diverse tourism experiences, spiritual trails, hinterland adventures, and growing infrastructure that together shape its evolving tourism story.
This year, Goa Tourism’s showcase centred around its deep cultural roots, culinary excellence, and immersive travel offerings that reflect the State’s commitment to regenerative tourism. This approach places communities at the heart of tourism development, ensuring that growth is both inclusive and sustainable. By focusing on authentic experiences and storytelling, Goa continues to engage travellers who seek deeper, more meaningful connections with the places they visit.
The Goa Pavilion was inaugurated by Shri Kartik Pande IFS, Deputy High Commissioner of India to the UK, in the presence of Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa; Shri Rakesh Dahiya, IRS (Cus & IT), First Secretary (Trade & Tourism), High Commission of India, London; Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, Secretary (Tourism); Shri Sandip Jacques, IAS, Secretary (Revenue); Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director, GTDC; Shri Jayesh Kankonkar, Assistant Director (Tourism); and Shri Shawn Mendes, OSD to the Hon’ble Minister for Tourism.
Representatives from leading travel trade organisations including Shri Sheikh Ismail (Concord Exotic), Shri Deepak Bhatnagar (Minar Travels), Shri Anup (Let’s Goa), and Shri Martin Joseph Thypodath (Freedom Holidays) were also present, reinforcing Goa’s strong partnership with the global tourism network. The Goa delegation engaged in productive discussions with international trade and media representatives, paving the way for new collaborations and strategic alliances.
Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, shared, “Our participation reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening our tourism ecosystem through meaningful, community-led initiatives. We continue to promote experiences rooted in culture, heritage, wellness, and spirituality, offering visitors a deeper connection with the State. Our focus remains on enhancing accessibility, improving visitor experience, and showcasing Goa as a year-round destination that welcomes travellers with warmth.”
Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director of GTDC, added, “We remain aligned with Goa Tourism’s efforts to enhance visitor engagement and support initiatives that contribute to a more inclusive tourism framework. Participation at WTM helps us strengthen partnerships and explore opportunities that contribute to sustainable growth.”
Supporting this vision, Shri Kedar Naik, Director (Tourism), Government of Goa, said, “We are focused on positioning Goa as a responsible and experiential tourism destination. Our efforts are geared toward improving visitor experience, promoting innovative circuits, and highlighting local culture so travellers can explore Goa in new and engaging ways.”
By championing “Goa Beyond Beaches,” the State continues to redefine its image on the global tourism map. Goa’s participation at WTM London 2025 underscores its dedication to regenerative tourism, celebrating its cultural richness, strengthening community well-being, and offering travellers the promise of meaningful, transformative journeys.
Malabar Gold & Diamonds, one of the world’s largest jewelry retailers, has reaffirmed its dedication to ethical conduct, cultural sensitivity, and transparency in an internal message to its 27,500 employees.
In an email seen by this publication, the company expressed immense pride in being rooted in India’s cultural heritage and guided by its core values of integrity, trust, and respect. “Our foundation of trust is built on values and strengthened by responsibility,” the company stated, adding that these principles define its identity and guide every decision.
The message came amid recent online discussions concerning a past marketing engagement that had generated strong public reactions. “Certain online narratives have circulated incomplete or misleading interpretations about the intent and context of a past marketing engagement, leading to impressions that do not reflect our true ethos or the principles that guide us,” the company clarified.
Malabar Gold & Diamonds also noted that upon learning of the issue, it acted immediately to discontinue the association and terminate the vendor relationship responsible for the campaign. “As an Indian brand, we consider it our moral duty to act with sensitivity, transparency, and respect,” the statement read.
This follows the Bombay High Court’s decision to grant ad-interim relief to Malabar Gold & Diamonds, directing the deletion of all defamatory social media posts, materials, and stories that made false claims against the company.
Reaffirming its identity as a brand that celebrates India’s craftsmanship and diversity, Malabar said, “Being Indian is reflected not only in our products and presence but in our mindset and moral compass. Our decisions are guided by principles, never by prejudice, and we deeply respect the varied perspectives expressed by our stakeholders.”
The company reiterated that it will continue to communicate with clarity and act responsibly. “We reaffirm our commitment to accountability, cultural sensitivity, and maintaining public trust. Malabar Gold & Diamonds will continue to uphold the values that have defined our brand since its inception.”
Established in 1993, Malabar Gold & Diamonds operates over 410 showrooms across 14 countries and employs more than 27,500 people globally. With a turnover of US$7.36 billion in FY 2024–25, it stands among the world’s top five jewelry retailers. The company’s continued growth is underpinned by its unwavering dedication to ethical practices, transparency, and social responsibility — values that remain at the heart of its success.
