Tag: Travel

Music

Jackson Wang Set to Return to India for 2026 World Tour After Memorable Mumbai Visit

Tanisha Cardozo

Jackson Wang fans, get ready — the global pop icon is returning to India. The multi-talented performer has officially confirmed that India will be one of the stops on his 2026 World Tour, marking his much-anticipated comeback after a memorable visit to Mumbai earlier this year.

Wang’s previous trip left a lasting impression on both him and his Indian fans. Known for his dynamic stage presence and cultural curiosity, Jackson made the most of his time in Mumbai. He sampled local street food, played cricket with neighborhood kids, and partied with Bollywood celebrities.

One of the standout moments of his visit was an exclusive soirée in Worli, co-hosted by Ankita Anthony and Vinay MR Mishra, with a guest list that included Hanumankind, Aastha Gill, Natasa Stankovic, Ash King, and other artists. The evening, held at the luxury bar Milagro, carried an electric, Gatsby-inspired vibe with music, cocktails, and lively conversations that perfectly matched Jackson’s charisma.

“I had an amazing time in India — it was incredible meeting so many talented people and soaking in the country’s energy,” Jackson shared. “Mumbai surprised me with how vibrant and fun it was. I did it all, from trying street food to playing cricket with kids and, of course, partying!”

He went on to describe Milagro as one of the best venues he’s visited: “I didn’t expect Mumbai to have a bar of such international standards. The vibe was stunning, and my hosts Vinay and Ankita made sure it was a night I’ll never forget.”

Jackson’s Mumbai trip also included a star-studded evening with Hrithik Roshan and his family, Tiger Shroff, Karan Johar, Sonu Nigam, Adnan Sami, Pritam, and Salim Merchant, further cementing his connection with India’s entertainment fraternity.

As he confirmed his return, Wang extended warm wishes to his Indian fans: “The warmth I received was overwhelming. India truly feels like home. I can’t wait to be back in 2026 for my World Tour. Happy Diwali to everyone!”

The announcement has sent excitement surging through the Indian K-pop community, with fans eagerly anticipating venue details and ticket information.

Jackson Wang’s upcoming visit is more than a concert — it’s the continuation of a love story between one of Asia’s biggest global stars and one of the world’s most passionate fan bases. As he prepares to bring his 2026 World Tour to India, one thing is certain: when Jackson returns, the energy will be electric, the music unforgettable, and Mumbai ready to welcome him home once again.

Social

Chief Secretary Dr. V. Candavelou Emphasizes Integrity and Accountability During Vigilance Week 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

“Working with honesty and integrity in government is essential to fulfilling the very purpose of celebrating Vigilance Week,” said Chief Secretary Dr. V. Candavelou, speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural function held at the Secretariat’s Seminar Hall, Porvorim.

The event, organized by the Directorate of Vigilance, marked the beginning of Vigilance Week 2025 under the theme “Vigilance: Our Shared Responsibility.” The observance commemorates the birth anniversary of India’s former Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who championed the values of accountability and service.

Dr. Candavelou emphasized that vigilance aims to ensure good, effective, and corruption-free governance. He noted that the celebration of Vigilance Week provides an opportunity to review policies, reassess administrative practices, and rededicate oneself to the ethical norms of serving people honestly.

In his address, Amarsen Rane, Director of the Department of Vigilance, stated that the government exists to serve people, and that public servants must remain vigilant, guided by conscience and the mission of the administration. “Vigilance means keeping a watchful eye on activities of personnel and taking prompt action to promote fair practices and integrity in official transactions,” he said.

Dr. Candavelou administered the oath of vigilance, reaffirming the commitment of all attendees to uphold honesty and transparency in their work. The event also featured a skit presented by artists from the Department of Art and Culture, illustrating the importance of vigilance in everyday governance.

As part of the observance, the Vigilance Department organized several public engagement activities, including skit and poster-making competitions, along with a state-level elocution competition featuring participants from colleges across Goa.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by senior officials including Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Information and Publicity) S. S. Gill, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Revenue) Sandip Jaques, IAS, Secretary (Protocol) Sanjiv Gadkar, IAS, Secretary (Co-operation) Yatin Maralkar, IAS, and other departmental heads and staff members.

Vigilance Week serves as a reminder for public servants to introspect, reaffirm ethical conduct, and promote accountability in governance. As Dr. Candavelou highlighted, the celebration is not just symbolic but an opportunity to strengthen the foundations of public trust and uphold the values of integrity that define India’s administrative spirit.

Events in Goa

Goa Deepotsav 2025 Lights Up Porvorim, Saligao, and Mapusa with Cultural Splendour

Tanisha Cardozo

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, successfully hosted Goa Deepotsav 2025, a two-day celebration that illuminated Porvorim, Saligao, and Mapusa with festive cheer, music, and cultural splendour. The event brought together Goans from all walks of life to celebrate Diwali through art, tradition, and togetherness, reflecting the essence of Goa’s cultural unity.

The first-ever edition of Deepotsav in Mapusa, held at the Mapusa Taxi Stand Ground, witnessed vibrant community participation and an impressive turnout. The event featured engaging contests such as the All Goa Akash Kandil Competition, cooking and fugdi contests, and an energetic cultural showcase. The evening highlight, Rhythm of Lights, mesmerized audiences with performances that beautifully portrayed Goa’s cultural diversity.

Among the dignitaries present were Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Deputy Speaker & MLA, Mapusa, Shri Joshua De Souza, Chairperson of Mapusa Municipal Council Smt Priya Mishal, Deputy Director of Tourism Shri Dhiraj Vagle, Dy. General Manager (Marketing/Hotels), GTDC, Shri Deepak Narvekar, Asst. Director of Tourism Shri Jayesh Kankonkar, councillors, and former councillors.

In his address, Hon’ble Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte highlighted that the Goa Beyond Beaches initiative, launched in 2022, aims to take tourism to the heart of local communities while empowering women and youth through cultural participation. He announced that Deepotsav will be celebrated annually in Mapusa to showcase Goa’s cultural richness and festive unity.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik expressed his appreciation for the overwhelming response to Deepotsav 2025, noting that the festival embodied Goa’s true spirit of joy, inclusivity, and creativity.

The celebrations began on October 25 at Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal Hall, Porvorim, with workshops and competitions in clay modelling, drawing, cooking, fugdi, and traditional costume contests, concluding with the soulful performance Sur Taal. On October 26, the festivities continued at Saligao Panchayat Area with rangoli, cooking, and Veshbhusha Spardha contests, and culminated with Suron Kee Deepawali, a musical tribute to the festival of lights.

With Goa Deepotsav 2025, the Department of Tourism reaffirmed its commitment to promoting cultural tourism, local participation, and sustainable community engagement. The festival stood as a radiant symbol of Goa’s heritage, uniting communities under the glow of countless diyas.

International

Dubai Unveils DUMA: A Floating Museum of Art Rising Above Dubai Creek

Tanisha Cardozo

Dubai is preparing to add another extraordinary landmark to its skyline — the Dubai Museum of Art (DUMA), a floating cultural destination that will quite literally rise above the waters of Dubai Creek. Announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the museum will stand as a global hub for modern art and creativity while reflecting Dubai’s growing stature as a capital of innovation and culture. Sheikh Mohammed described DUMA as “a museum that floats above the waters of Dubai Creek to enhance its brilliance and reflect Dubai’s civilisational spirit and artistic identity.”

The project, designed by world-renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando, is envisioned as a one-of-a-kind structure inspired by nature and heritage. Its form will symbolize a shell and pearl — a tribute to Dubai’s pearl-diving past — while its design will embody harmony between water, sky, wind, and light. The museum will feature five expansive floors showcasing global and regional artists, alongside creative learning spaces, a library, a café, and art-inspired viewpoints overlooking the creek.

Sheikh Mohammed credited businessman Abdullah Al Futtaim and his son Omar Al Futtaim for their contribution to the development, describing it as a model for how the private sector can meaningfully participate in cultural progress. He emphasized that “cities are completed by culture and art, and flourish through the economy when both public and private sectors work together.”

Beyond being a traditional museum, DUMA is envisioned as a living, breathing cultural hub — a place where “the world gathers for art and culture.” It will strengthen Dubai’s reputation as a global destination for creativity, joining the ranks of the city’s architectural icons such as the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, the Dubai Frame, the Mohammed bin Rashid Library, and the Museum of the Future. As construction begins, DUMA stands poised to become a floating masterpiece — a tribute to Dubai’s artistic spirit and its vision for the future.

rip

Thailand Mourns as Beloved Queen Mother Sirikit Passes Away at 93

Tanisha Cardozo

Thailand is in mourning following the royal palace’s announcement that Queen Mother Sirikit, the beloved mother of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and wife of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, has passed away at the age of 93.

According to the palace statement, Her Majesty’s health had worsened in recent days, and she passed away at 9:21 p.m. on Friday at Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok. She had been under medical care for a blood infection since October 17. Despite the efforts of her medical team, her condition did not improve.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul cancelled his planned trip to Malaysia following the news and convened a cabinet meeting to discuss funeral arrangements. Government officials observed the announcement dressed in black, reflecting the sombre national mood. The King has declared a one-year official mourning period for the royal family and royal staff.

Queen Mother Sirikit was a deeply respected and cherished figure in Thailand. Married to King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1950, she stood beside him throughout his seven-decade reign—the longest in Thai history—helping promote national unity, cultural preservation, and social welfare. Her August 12 birthday is celebrated nationally as Mother’s Day, reflecting her enduring influence and affection among the Thai people.

Born in 1932 into an aristocratic family in Bangkok, Sirikit met Bhumibol in Paris in 1948 while her father served as Thailand’s ambassador to France. Their marriage one week before his coronation began a lifetime partnership that shaped modern Thai history. The couple had four children: King Maha Vajiralongkorn, and princesses Ubolratana, Sirindhorn, and Chulabhorn.

Throughout her life, Queen Sirikit championed development programs that supported rural communities, women’s empowerment, and environmental conservation. Her elegance and compassion made her a respected figure both at home and abroad. Though she withdrew from public life after suffering a stroke in 2012, her legacy as a symbol of grace, service, and devotion to the Thai people endured.

Her Majesty’s remains will be enshrined in Bangkok’s Grand Palace, where citizens are expected to pay their respects in the coming days. Across Thailand, black ribbons and portraits are appearing in remembrance of a queen whose life embodied duty, dignity, and love for her country.