Automatically enabled for all Airtel mobile and broadband customers, the advanced system scans and filters links across SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, email, and other browsers. It leverages real-time threat intelligence to examine over 1 billion URLs daily and blocks access to harmful sites in under 100 milliseconds.

For instance, if a resident in Pune receives a suspicious message that reads: “Your package is delayed. Track it here: http://www.tracky0urparcell.com”. And if the unsuspecting resident then clicks on the link, Airtel’s system also clicks into gear. It instantly scans the link and if flagged as suspicious, it blocks access. The user is redirected to a warning message that reads: “Blocked! Airtel found this site dangerous!” All this instantaneously. This real-time interception prevents users from falling victim to all kinds of fraud.

Commenting on the initiative, George Mathen, CEO – Maharashtra and Goa, Bharti Airtel, said, “At Airtel, our commitment lies in protecting customers from all varieties of fraud. By merging our network with an AI-based fraud detection solution, we are making certain that our customers are defended against all emerging threats without requiring any effort on their part. We believe it is imperative to take steps today to secure the digital future, and we are proud to be pioneers in this field by providing a comprehensive and safer network for our customers in Maharashtra and Goa.”

With Maharashtra and Goa ranked as one of India’s most digitally advanced states, the threat of online fraud has grown in both its urban and rural regions. Fraudsters increasingly target users through phishing links, fake deliveries, and spurious banking alerts. Cities like Satara, Nashik, Amravati, Ahilyanagar, Chandrapur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Akola — as well as remote towns like Jamgaon, Ghoti, Sultanpur, Tippeshwar, among others— have seen a sharp rise in such fraudulent attempts. Airtel’s solution acts as a statewide digital shield, protecting families, senior citizens, homemakers, students, and first-time smartphone users alike.

The AI-driven platform delivers fraud warnings in the user’s preferred language, including Marathi, making it highly effective for the state’s diverse population. This multilingual support is especially impactful in districts with low digital literacy or where English is not widely used.

The solution operates silently in the background, requires no installation, and is offered free of cost. Maharashtra and Goa at the forefront of digital adoption — from online banking to government e-services — and Airtel’s initiative plays a critical role in creating a safer digital ecosystem across the state. Whether it’s a working professional in Satara, a homemaker in Nashik, a tourist in Goa, or a student in Ahilyanagar, Airtel helps make every digital interaction safer.

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The management also organized pre-event runs in various parts of Goa, accompanied by special “how-to” workshops to help both novice and expert runners gear up for event day. Promoting the motto of equality and opportunity, the marathon stated that whether participants walked or ran, they would remain with all.

Ankit Yadav from Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, and Chandrasmita Hazarika of Bengaluru, Karnataka won the men’s and women’s 42 km marathon. While Ankit timed an impressive 02: 49:19 hours, Chandrasmita clocked 03:48:04 hours for the distance.

In a day that was dominated by runners from both Maharashtra and Karnataka, Sachin Poojary of Udupi, Karnataka won the 32 km (20 miler) race in the men’s category with a time of 2:00:03 hrs, while Sapna Patel of Uttar Pradesh won the women’s category with a time of 2:30:12 hrs.  In the popular, 21km half marathon for men, Siddhesh Barje, last year’s winner from Dapoli, Maharashtra won with a time of 1:14:49 hrs, while Chandana Kalita of Bengaluru, Karnataka won the women’s race in the same category with a time of 1:44:43 hrs.

The 10 kms race, the men’s title went to Pradhan Kirulkar of Kolhapur, Maharashtra with a time of 32:06 minutes, while Farheen Firdose of Bengaluru, Karnataka won the women’s race in 45:33 minutes.  In the 5km race for school teams, the Lt Mayekar govt high school, Sada, Vasco won with a cumulative time of 01:21:37 hrs, while the Vidya Vihar HS, Cortalim won the girls category with a cumulative time of 01:58:34 hrs.

Speaking on the event’s success, Mukund Vasudevan, Managing Director, SKF India Ltd., said, “The SKF Goa River Marathon celebrates resilience, inclusivity, and community spirit. This year’s theme, ‘Steps for All,’ highlights the joy of running for everyone. We are proud of the remarkable turnout, showcasing growing enthusiasm across all demographics. As Title Sponsors, we promote sports for health and well-being. The energy was amazing, and it was great to see runners from India & around the world participating and celebrating the human spirit at the SKF GRM. Congratulations to all the winners, and I am glad that some of the winners were from remote locations in India.”

Nitin Bandekar, President, of Vasco Sports Club, added, “It has been a truly remarkable journey hosting the 14th edition of the SKF Goa River Marathon. The unwavering support from SKF India has been instrumental in ensuring the smooth execution and success of this event. We are deeply grateful to all the participants who joined us and made this marathon a celebration of fitness, community, and inclusivity. We look forward to continuing our partnership with SKF India and creating even more memorable experiences in the future.”

This year’s SKF Goa River Marathon witnessed participants from all walks of life, including elite runners, fitness enthusiasts, and first-timers, showcasing the power of running to unite and inspire. With breathtaking routes, vibrant energy, and meticulous organization, the marathon reaffirmed its status as a premier event on the national running calendar.

Rakesh Unny, Secretary, of Vasco Sports Club, concluded, “This year’s marathon has been a landmark edition, with the response to the recently launched unique event, the 20-miler, being much greater than in the first year. It shows that this niche event is a game changer for aspiring full marathoners. We are grateful to SKF and all our partners for their continued support in delivering an unforgettable experience for runners. We look forward to building on this momentum and welcoming even more participants next year.”

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GOA: Club Mahindra has strengthened its presence in North Goa through a strategic partnership with Lohono Stays- a preeminent brand in serviced luxury villas. This collaboration provides Club Mahindra’s members access to six luxurious villas, perfectly nestled in tranquil surroundings, offering breathtaking beach views, sophisticated interiors, and modern amenities. Club Mahindra’s members can now access exquisite accommodations (Luxurious Villas) in North Goa, further solidifying the brand’s commitment to providing exceptional and enriching holiday experiences.

The latest additions to Club Mahindra’s portfolio are six stunning properties in North Goa: Aroha Palms Majestic, Aroha Palms Grande, Bastora House at Bardez, Igreha Villa C, Igreha Villa F, and Ishavilas at Siolim. Each villa offers a harmonious blend of modern comfort and old-world charm, with striking interiors, lush green environs, and private pools that create a tranquil oasis.

Surrounded by lush greenery and located near popular beaches, these properties offer guests a unique blend of serenity and adventure. The guests can immerse themselves in a world of soothing beauty and thrill-seeking experiences, including speed boat rides, banana boat rides, jet skiing, parasailing, surfing, yacht sailing, kayaking, and fishing.

Santhosh Kutty, Chief Business Officer, Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited, said, “We are excited to unveil these luxurious villas as a new addition to the Club Mahindra portfolio. These exquisite retreats offer our members unparalleled tranquillity and sophistication, perfect for serene family getaways or intimate celebrations. At Club Mahindra, we strive to create unforgettable vacation moments, and these stunning villas epitomize our unwavering commitment to exceptional quality and guest satisfaction. We are enthusiastic about our continued growth and the opportunity to provide our members with extraordinary stays.”

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The premises play host to an array of art and culture exhibits, some housed within erstwhile jail cells, that comprehensively capture Goa’s history. Reached through a distinctive shoreline and pier, (weather permitting) Aguad is a fusion of modern and historical elements, such as a state-of-the-art digital museum, the Aguad Interactive Museum (AIM) that comprehensively captures stories of Goa – the land and the people. There are also three curated exhibitions on display at Aguad – ‘Indian Fashion, Timeless Elegance’ – which celebrates intricate craftsmanship, ‘Sahita Chitravali’, where the worlds of literature and art blend, and ‘Kamal’ – which connects visitors with India’s culturally versatile flower, the lotus.

In what was once the Kaal Kothari of the jail complex now stands a plush documentary screening theatre, the immersive Aguad Cinema, that runs films on the forts of Goa and the freedom struggle daily. For those interested in a deep dive into history, there are heritage walks conducted daily (weather permitting) through the complex.

There is no shortage of events either, at this versatile venue. From jazz festivals and fetes to art exhibitions and fashion shows, the picturesque setting of the iconic Port & Jail Complex has been abuzz with a plethora of events, especially in the months leading up to Christmas. Locals and tourists alike get a novel experience each time they visit Aguad. There are also varied workshops, from learning Warli and rock art to self-development ones, that are hosted at Aguad during the monsoons.

Over and above the museum and exhibits, Aguad has several dining options to choose from, from coffee shops to bistros. All in all, the venue serves as a one-stop shop for all creative expressions, with their gates open daily from 10:00 AM up to 8:00 PM, allowing you to spend the better part of your day there while giving you a cultural experience unlike any other.

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The menu not only pays tribute to Goa’s rich history but also offers a unique twist with gluten-free options. Diners have the opportunity to relish in gluten-free delights, from millet stacks to wood-fired oven pizzas and enticing pasta creations. This reflects Greenr’s dedication to inclusivity and culinary creativity, welcoming all to enjoy flavors without sacrificing dietary preferences.

The wood-fired pizzas at Greenr’s Goan Menu will take your pizza game to the next level. Every ingredient is meticulously selected, blending tradition and passion to create a truly exceptional dish. The aroma of the wood-fired oven adds an irresistible touch to your dining experience, promising nothing short of extraordinary. With each bite, Greenr’s dedication to culinary excellence shines through, leaving a lasting impression on your taste buds that you won’t soon forget.

Highlighting the Goan Chef’s Specials, the menu boasts creations such as the Rosemary Sweet Potato Wedges, an irresistible mixture of sweet potato, Chipotle Recheado Sauce, and rosemary seasoning. The Shroom Balls Recheado Melt is a palate of flavors featuring Shroom Balls Patty, Chipotle Recheado Sauce, Scamorza Cheese, and Blue Cheese Apple Slaw, all nestled within a wheat bun. Likewise, the Calangute Caldin Earth Bowl, a delightful combination of Barnyard Millets, Coconut Caldin Sauce, Sea Chickpea Patty, Broccoli, Corn, and French Beans, completes the trio, offering a delicious experience. 

As the spokesperson rightly expresses, “Goa shines in India as a destination for culinary diversity and cultural celebrations, and the state welcomes visitors from all over the world. With the opening of our Goa branch and as leading plant-based innovators, we saw an opportunity here to showcase novel vegan and vegetarian cuisine to a global audience.”

Join the journey to experience the vibrant charm of Goa at Greenr, which is open from 11 am to 10 pm every day of the week. Their doors are always open for walk-ins on weekdays, but for a truly indulgent dining experience on weekends, they recommend making a reservation. With an affordable average cost of 1500 rupees for two, Greenr stands as the ultimate destination for those seeking a lavish dining experience infused with exceptional culinary craftsmanship.

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MUMBAI: FC Goa can confirm that the Club has completed the signing of one of Indian football’s most well-known names and the national team’s commander-in-chief in defense, Sandesh Jhingan. The 29-year-old center-back joins on a 3-year contract and will be the third Indian international to join the FC Goa ranks this summer, following the arrivals of Rowllin Borges and Udanta Singh.

“I am happy at the chance to represent what is a fantastic football club. FC Goa has, and keeps doing so many things consistently well, so to be able to contribute to that effort is something I am looking forward to,” Jhingan said after signing on the dotted line for the Gaurs.

“I am excited to link up with my new teammates, the coaching staff and learn from all of them. Needless to say, I’m excited about the prospect of playing in front of the fans of this football club, who always seem to bring a fantastic atmosphere with them to the games.“

Commenting on the signing, Ravi Puskur, FC Goa’s Director of Football stated, “We are delighted to welcome Sandesh Jhingan back to Goa, where he has previously passed through on his footballing journey. Since then, he has grown tremendously and established himself as one of the country’s top players in his position. He brings a wealth of qualities not only on the field but also in the dressing room.

Our search for players with a strong mentality and the ability to handle pressure led us to Sandesh. He is well-versed in navigating challenging situations, making him an invaluable asset. With his arrival, we aim to build a solid defensive unit, which forms the foundation of any successful team.

We are excited about the impact Sandesh will make, both on and off the pitch. His experience, expertise, and leadership will contribute significantly to our collective growth and success. As FC Goa moves forward with renewed determination, we eagerly anticipate the positive influence Sandesh will have.”

Gaurs continue to add quality

One of the first names on the team sheet for the Indian national team, Jhingan has been a part of the starting XI ever since his debut in a 2-0 win over Nepal in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in 2015.

The past weekend saw him add further laurels on the international stage as helped the national team get their hands on the 2023 Hero Intercontinental Cup where he helped India to the trophy, leading a perfect campaign at the back with the Blue Tigers not conceding once throughout the competition. The campaign also saw Jhingan earn his 50th cap for the national team.

A key figurehead in India’s 2019 AFC Asian Cup campaign, the defender also played a vital role in recent successes with the national team, with India winning the Tri-Nations Cup and the Intercontinental Cup with the Blue Tigers in 2017 and 2018, respectively.

Jhingan has been a part of the Indian Super League since the league’s first-ever season, reaching the finals on four different occasions – in 2014, 2016, 2021, and 2023. And will be hungry to get his hands finally on the coveted trophy with FC Goa this season.

Hailing from Punjab, Jhingan kick-started his professional football career with United Sikkim in 2011. Following a short stint with Rangdajied United, the center-back emerged as one of the top picks by Kerala Blasters during the first-ever players’ draft of the ISL in 2014.

Over the next six seasons, the 29-year-old emerged as one of the most important names on the KBFC team sheet, eventually becoming the Club’s captain.

In 2020-21, the center-back moved to ATK Mohun Bagan, before earning an opportunity to ply his trade with HNK Sibenik in the Croatian top division the same season. The recently concluded 2022-23 season saw Sandesh Jhingan turn up for Bengaluru FC, with whom he won the Durand Cup last September.

The Blues followed that up with a remarkable campaign in the ISL, finishing as the runners-up. Leading the charts in interceptions and successful defensive challenges, Jhingan marshaled their defense and played an integral part in keeping six clean sheets, the second-best among all teams after Shield Winners Mumbai City.

FC Goa will now hope that the center-back will repeat his heroics from the last season.

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