ONGC has unveiled a new 4,000-seater convention centre in south Goa, significantly enhancing the state’s capacity to host large conferences and marquee national events. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, the facility is strategically located just a 15-minute ferry ride from prominent beachside resorts, offering both convenience and scenic appeal.
The expansive campus is equipped with modern infrastructure, including a floating jetty and a helipad with four parking points, ensuring seamless connectivity by sea, air, and road. These features position the venue as a premium destination for high-profile gatherings, cultural festivals, corporate summits, and award ceremonies on the scale of Filmfare.
With its coastal setting and integrated transport facilities, the convention centre is expected to boost Goa’s profile as a preferred destination for large-format events while supporting tourism and allied economic activity in the region.
South African cricketing legend Jonty Rhodes has raised alarm over Delhi’s worsening air pollution, calling it “hard to digest” and comparing it with the clean, refreshing air of Goa. Passing through Delhi en route via Ranchi, Rhodes took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his gratitude for living in a small fishing village in South Goa, far from the choking smog engulfing the national capital.
Rhodes’ post came as Delhi recorded its worst air quality levels of the year, with thick smog blanketing the city and pollution levels reaching “severe” on the Air Quality Index (AQI). Using the hashtags #AQI and #whats2Bdone, the former South African cricketer drew attention to the growing environmental crisis and urged awareness about India’s air quality challenges.
Alongside his message, Rhodes shared a photo of his children playing football on a Goan beach — a moment of joy that highlighted the contrast between Goa’s open, breathable environment and Delhi’s hazardous conditions. “If this was in Delhi, they’d probably be playing indoors,” he suggested, pointing to the alarming difference in lifestyle caused by pollution.
Known for his association with India through the Indian Premier League and his enduring connection with Goa, Rhodes’ remarks resonated with many online users who echoed his concerns about Delhi’s air and the urgent need for long-term solutions.
As the national capital continues to battle smog and health advisories warn residents to limit outdoor activities, Rhodes’ post serves as both a reminder and a wake-up call — urging reflection on the state of urban air quality and the importance of protecting cleaner, greener spaces like Goa.
Panaji, 6th September 2025: Bank of Baroda, one of India’s leading public sector banks, has installed two water purifiers at Cutbona Jetty in the Salcete Block of South Goa. This initiative, part of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, is aimed at ensuring safe and hygienic drinking water for the local fishing community and jetty workers.
The event drew the enthusiastic participation of more than 150 jetty workers, community leaders, and officials from various sectors, reflecting strong community engagement.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Shri Prasanna A Acharya (IAS), Secretary, Fisheries & Animal Husbandry, Goa; Shri Lal Singh, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda; Dr. Shamila Monteiro, Director of Fisheries, Goa; Shri Shailendra Kumar Sinha, General Manager & Zonal Head, Bank of Baroda, Pune; and Shri Kumar Keshav, Regional Head, Panaji, Bank of Baroda. Chairpersons of Fishermen’s Federations and Associations, along with other key stakeholders, were also present.
Dignitaries emphasized the importance of clean drinking water in supporting the health, hygiene, and livelihoods of the fishing community. They also encouraged fishermen to take full advantage of banking services, insurance products, and social security schemes to ensure that these benefits reach every eligible household.
As part of its broader financial inclusion drive, Bank of Baroda continues to actively promote government-backed schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Atal Pension Yojana (APY), and Kisan Credit Card (KCC). These initiatives help coastal communities access affordable credit, insurance, and social security.
By addressing health and hygiene needs alongside strengthening economic resilience, this CSR effort reflects Bank of Baroda’s long-standing commitment to inclusive growth and meaningful social impact within coastal communities.
Margao came alive with festive colors as the District Level Chaturthi Exhibition was inaugurated on Tuesday by Collector South Goa, Ms. Egna Cleetus, IAS, along with Smt. Deepali Naik, Project Director, District Rural Development Agency (South Goa).
The inauguration took place at the SGPD Ground, Margao, with several officials and dignitaries present.
Organized by the Goa State Rural Livelihood Mission and DRDA (South Goa), the 4-day exhibition is aimed at promoting local artisans, women entrepreneurs, and self-help groups, giving them a platform to showcase their skills and products.
The event features stalls with festive items, handicrafts, traditional wear, eco-friendly décor, and homemade delicacies, reflecting the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Goa.
The exhibition will remain open to the public till 25th August 2025, offering a festive shopping and cultural experience ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi.
🌸 A true celebration of Goa’s traditions, culture, and rural entrepreneurship.
August 19, 2025 – Madgaon, South Goa:Konkani is not just a language spoken in Goa — it’s a language rich in history, literature, and identity. This was the message echoed by noted linguist Ramesh Gaonkar during the inauguration of the third Official Language Training class for government employees in South Goa.
Held at Madgaon, the session was inaugurated by the Additional District Collector and attended by civil servants and government staff, reaffirming the state’s commitment to the promotion of regional languages in administration.
The training aims to equip government employees with the linguistic skills and confidence to use Konkani in formal communication, moving beyond ceremonial use into functional governance. This initiative also aligns with broader state policies aimed at preserving and promoting Goa’s cultural and linguistic heritage.
With this training class, South Goa continues its efforts to mainstream Konkani as a working language in the government sphere, sending a strong signal about the importance of linguistic identity in public administration.
