Tag: Technology

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.

Business

AI-Powered Leap: Projects Today Unveils Smarter Business Opportunity Platform

Tanisha Cardozo

India’s project ecosystem is entering a smarter, more connected phase as Projects Today unveils its AI-driven business opportunity platform, designed to bring clarity, speed, and intelligence into how organisations engage with projects. At a time when timing, data, and coordination can define success, this upgraded platform aims to simplify complexity and turn information into actionable insight.

The platform integrates project lifecycle context, tenders, L1/order updates, and stakeholder intelligence into a single streamlined workflow. Instead of navigating fragmented data points, users can now access a unified view that helps them understand not just what is happening, but what actions to take next. This shift from passive tracking to proactive decision-making marks a significant evolution in project intelligence.

At its core, the platform introduces a suite of AI-enabled capabilities focused on real-world outcomes. From BOQ search and sub-project tracking to tender-to-order journey visibility, users gain a deeper understanding of each opportunity’s stage and scope. Enhanced bidder insights, participation analytics, and opportunity estimation tools further strengthen the decision-making process, while credibility dashboards and stakeholder mapping add a new layer of strategic intelligence.

With over 25 years of research-led expertise, Projects Today continues to build on its strong foundation. The platform currently tracks more than 50,000 active projects across various stages, from early planning to execution. Each month, it adds over 1,500 new projects, monitors 10,000+ tenders, and captures more than 1,200 L1/order updates—creating a dynamic and constantly evolving database that supports businesses across sectors.

However, the vision goes beyond data aggregation. The intent is to create a seamless flow of opportunity between those who conceptualise projects and those who bring them to life. By connecting promoters, contractors, consultants, suppliers, service providers, and financiers, the platform fosters collaboration and ensures that opportunities move efficiently from idea to execution.

This launch also reinforces a guiding philosophy that has remained constant: Client First. Nation Always. As India’s infrastructure and industrial landscape continues to expand, the need for timely insights and coordinated action becomes more critical than ever. Through this AI-powered transformation, Projects Today is positioning itself not just as an information provider, but as an enabler of growth, partnerships, and progress.

In a rapidly evolving economy, where speed and precision are key, this platform represents more than just a technological upgrade. It signals a shift towards smarter engagement, better alignment, and faster execution—ensuring that opportunities don’t just exist, but are effectively realised.

TechPulse

AI for All: Powering Inclusive Rural Transformation in India

Tanisha Cardozo

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer confined to labs or elite industries—it is steadily becoming a powerful force driving transformation across rural India. What makes India’s approach unique is its clear emphasis on inclusion. Rather than positioning AI as an exclusive, high-end technology, the country is shaping it as a public good—one that enhances access, strengthens governance, and empowers communities at the grassroots level.

At the heart of this transformation lies a broader vision: using AI to bridge gaps in agriculture, healthcare, education, employment, and governance. With rapid advances in data, connectivity, and computing power, AI has evolved from experimentation to real-world deployment. In rural India, where service delivery has traditionally faced infrastructural and logistical challenges, AI is emerging as a practical solution to improve efficiency and reach.

This people-centric philosophy is strongly reflected in national initiatives like the NITI Aayog’s National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, also known as “AI for All.” The strategy prioritises sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education—areas that directly impact rural livelihoods. Instead of replacing human effort, AI is designed to support farmers, frontline health workers, teachers, and local administrators, enabling them to make better decisions with data-backed insights.

Complementing this vision is the governance framework introduced by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. The India AI Governance Guidelines focus on fairness, transparency, and accountability—ensuring that AI systems do not reinforce bias or exclusion. This becomes especially important in rural settings, where digital tools increasingly influence welfare delivery and access to essential services.

One of the most visible impacts of AI is in local governance. Tools like SabhaSaar are simplifying administrative processes by automatically generating records of Gram Sabha meetings, while platforms such as eGramSwaraj and Gram Manchitra are enabling data-driven planning and monitoring at the पंचायत level. These systems are helping decentralised institutions function more efficiently, allowing local leaders to focus on outcomes rather than paperwork.

AI’s influence extends deeply into agriculture as well. Farmers are now benefiting from AI-powered advisories based on weather patterns, soil data, and pest detection systems. Government-backed platforms are offering real-time insights that help optimise sowing, irrigation, and crop protection—reducing risks and improving productivity. In parallel, initiatives supporting informal workers are leveraging AI to connect people with opportunities, skilling programmes, and social security systems.

Education and skilling are also undergoing a transformation. Digital platforms are integrating AI features to make learning more accessible and personalised, especially for students in remote areas. Programmes designed to introduce young learners to AI concepts are building a future-ready workforce, ensuring that rural youth are not left behind in the digital revolution.

A defining feature of India’s AI journey is its focus on language inclusion. Platforms like BHASHINI are breaking linguistic barriers by enabling citizens to access digital services in their native languages. With support for dozens of Indian languages and voice-based interfaces, such tools are making governance more accessible and participatory.

Adding to this ecosystem is BharatGen, a sovereign AI model built on India-centric datasets. Its multilingual and multimodal capabilities are designed to serve diverse populations, particularly in rural and tribal regions where language and literacy often limit access to technology.

State-level innovations are further strengthening this ecosystem. AI-powered chatbots and localised platforms are improving healthcare awareness, providing real-time information, and connecting communities with essential services. These initiatives demonstrate how technology, when adapted to local contexts, can significantly enhance impact.

Ultimately, AI in India is not just about technological advancement—it is about reimagining development. By embedding principles of equity, transparency, and accessibility into its AI ecosystem, India is ensuring that innovation reaches those who need it the most.

As the country moves toward its long-term vision of inclusive growth, AI is poised to become a cornerstone of rural transformation—empowering communities, strengthening governance, and building a future where technology works for everyone.

Social

Threads of Empowerment: JCI Sanquelim Hosts 10th Aari Workshop in Sattari

Tanisha Cardozo

In a continued effort to promote skill development and empower local communities, JCI Sanquelim successfully concluded its 10th Aari Workshop at Bhirondem in Sattari. The initiative marked yet another milestone in nurturing creativity and self-reliance among women in the region.

The six-day workshop saw the participation of 10 women, who were trained in the intricate and delicate art of Aari designing. Known for its detailed embroidery techniques, Aari work requires precision, patience, and creativity—skills that the participants actively developed over the course of the training. More importantly, the workshop provided them with a strong foundation and the confidence to pursue Aari art professionally, should they choose to explore it as a source of livelihood.

This initiative was conducted under the KAABIL Project of JCI India, a nationwide program focused on enhancing employability and empowering individuals through practical skill-building activities. Through such programs, JCI organizations across the country continue to make a meaningful impact at the grassroots level.

The workshop was led by JC Smita Gawalkar, whose expertise and hands-on guidance played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the training. Her approach not only focused on technical skills but also encouraged participants to believe in their creative potential.

The certification ceremony was held in the presence of JC Asmita Gauns, President of JCI Sanquelim, and JC Nikita Desai, who applauded the participants for their dedication and enthusiasm throughout the workshop.

A special note of gratitude was extended to Mrs. Rajana Rane, Panch Member of Bhirondem Panchayat, for generously providing the venue and supporting the initiative. Her contribution helped create a conducive environment for learning and collaboration.

The success of this workshop highlights the importance of community-driven initiatives in creating opportunities and fostering independence. With each such effort, JCI Sanquelim continues to inspire change—one skill, one individual, and one community at a time.

TechPulse

Goa’s AI Mission 2027 Turns Heads at India AI Impact Summit 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa’s growing ambition to position itself as a hub for artificial intelligence and emerging technologies took centre stage at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Over six days of high-level engagement, the Goa pavilion stood out as a dynamic showcase of innovation, attracting over 200 visitors, including global technology stakeholders, policymakers, and industry leaders.

At the heart of the showcase was the state’s forward-looking Goa AI Mission 2027, an initiative aimed at fostering responsible AI adoption, supporting startups, and building strong collaborations between industry and academia. The pavilion, set up by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, reflected a clear vision—one that positions Goa not just as a tourism destination, but as an emerging technology and innovation hub.

The Goa delegation was led by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and IT Minister Rohan Khaunte, along with senior officials who engaged directly with stakeholders throughout the summit. Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to driving digital transformation and strengthening the state’s tech ecosystem.

What made the pavilion particularly vibrant was the participation of Goan startups, which brought innovation to life through real-world applications. These startups showcased solutions across sectors, actively engaging with visitors and forging meaningful connections. From AI-driven enterprise tools to advanced imaging technologies, the interactions highlighted the depth of talent and creativity emerging from Goa.

The international interest was equally significant, with delegates from countries including France, Sweden, Japan, Canada, the United States, Ghana, and Cuba exploring potential collaborations. Representatives from national organisations and other Indian states also visited the pavilion, keen to understand Goa’s approach to AI and its rapidly evolving ecosystem.

Among the notable visitors was Defence Research & Development Organisation Director General Lal Chand Mangal, who expressed strong interest in indigenous innovations such as hyperspectral imaging technology developed by Phosic India Pvt. Ltd. He highlighted its potential applications in homeland security and defence, opening doors for further collaboration and real-world deployment.

Visitors at the pavilion also experienced Goa’s digital initiatives firsthand. One such highlight was the AI chatbot integrated into the GoaOnline portal, designed to simplify access to government services and provide instant responses to user queries. For attendees like Manisha Desai, the experience was both engaging and reassuring, offering a glimpse into how technology can enhance everyday governance.

For participating startups, the summit proved to be more than just an exhibition—it was a gateway to opportunity. Entrepreneurs shared how the platform enabled them to connect with global industry leaders, media companies, and policymakers. These interactions not only expanded their visibility but also opened avenues for international collaboration, particularly in markets like the United States and Canada.

As the summit concluded, the impact of Goa’s participation was evident. The state returned with valuable connections, potential partnerships, and a strengthened position in India’s AI landscape. The momentum generated at the event signals a promising future, where Goa continues to evolve into a centre for innovation, technology, and forward-thinking solutions, driven by a vision that extends well beyond its shores.