Asia Press Agency

Tag: Goa

  • Jyotiraditya Scindia Flags off Inaugural FLY91 Flight

    Jyotiraditya Scindia Flags off Inaugural FLY91 Flight

    Union Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia virtually flagged off the inaugural flight of FLY91, a new regional airline, between Mopa in Goa and Agatti in Lakshadweep on Tuesday. This event marks a significant milestone in India’s aviation sector, particularly in enhancing regional connectivity and promoting tourism.

     

    In his address during the virtual flag-off ceremony, Minister Scindia commended the initiative, highlighting the transformation in India’s civil aviation sector under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted the emergence of new airlines, including FLY91, as a positive development, contrasting with the closure of airlines witnessed over the past two decades.

     

    FLY91’s entry into the market comes as part of the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which aims to promote affordable air travel and improve connectivity to underserved and unserved regions across India. The airline has been awarded 18 routes under the UDAN scheme, reflecting the government’s commitment to expanding regional air connectivity.

     

    The inauguration of FLY91’s flights between Goa and Agatti Islands in Lakshadweep received praise from Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who emphasized its potential to boost tourism and the local economy. He highlighted the significance of connecting smaller cities and regions under the UDAN and ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ initiatives, which aim to promote domestic tourism and economic development.

     

    FLY91, led by aviation industry veteran Manoj Chacko, is positioned as the “world’s most well-capitalised regional carrier.” The airline received its air operator’s certificate from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on March 6, paving the way for the commencement of commercial operations.

     

    Initially, FLY91 plans to start commercial services connecting Goa to Bengaluru and Hyderabad from March 18. The airline intends to expand its operations further and launch direct flights from Goa to Lakshadweep’s Agatti Island by mid-April. This move will address the current lack of direct flight options to Lakshadweep, with the Kochi-Agatti route by Alliance Air being the sole existing option.

     

    FLY91’s ambitious expansion plans include deploying 35 aircraft and connecting 50 cities across India over the next five years. This vision aligns with the government’s broader objective of enhancing regional connectivity and promoting air travel accessibility to remote and underserved areas.

     

    The launch of FLY91 comes at a crucial time for India’s aviation sector, which is gradually recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As travel restrictions ease and passenger confidence improves, there is growing demand for air travel, particularly to leisure destinations like Lakshadweep.

     

    Moreover, FLY91’s entry into the market introduces competition and choice for travelers, driving innovation and service quality in the regional aviation segment. With its focus on customer satisfaction and operational efficiency, the airline aims to carve a niche for itself in the competitive aviation landscape.

     

    The inauguration of FLY91’s flights between Goa and Lakshadweep represents a significant development in India’s aviation sector. It underscores the government’s commitment to expanding regional connectivity and promoting air travel accessibility across the country. As FLY91 embarks on its journey, it holds the promise of transforming regional air travel and contributing to the socio-economic development of the regions it serves.

  • PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates Key Projects in Goa

    PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates Key Projects in Goa

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently took part in the ‘Viksit Bharat, Viksit Goa 2047’ programme, where he unveiled and initiated several development projects in Goa, totaling over ₹1330 crore. These initiatives are aimed at fostering growth, enhancing infrastructure, and promoting employment opportunities in the region.

     

    One of the key highlights of the event was the inauguration of the permanent campus of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Goa. The newly constructed campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including tutorial complexes, departmental buildings, seminar halls, hostels, health centers, sports grounds, and more. This infrastructure will cater to the needs of students, faculty, and staff, ensuring a conducive learning environment at NIT Goa.

     

    Additionally, Prime Minister Modi dedicated the new campus of the National Institute of Watersports to the nation. This institute will offer 28 specialized courses aimed at promoting the development of watersports and water rescue activities, catering to both civilians and armed forces personnel. The establishment of this campus underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing water-based recreational activities and promoting tourism in the region.

     

    In line with efforts to promote sustainable development, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated a 100 TPD Integrated Waste Management Facility in South Goa. This facility is designed for the scientific treatment of wet and dry waste, with a focus on recycling and resource recovery. Furthermore, the facility features a 500 KW solar power plant, contributing to renewable energy generation and environmental conservation efforts.

     

    During the event, Prime Minister Modi also laid the foundation stone for a Passenger Ropeway project connecting Panaji and Reis Magos. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity and promote tourism by providing a scenic and efficient transportation option for residents and visitors alike. Additionally, the foundation stone for the construction of a 100 MLD Water Treatment Plant in South Goa was laid, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water for all.

     

    Furthermore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in a Rozgar Mela, where he distributed appointment orders to 1930 new government recruits across various departments. Additionally, he handed over sanction letters to beneficiaries of various welfare schemes, reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and development.

     

    Overall, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in the ‘Viksit Bharat, Viksit Goa 2047’ programme underscores the government’s focus on infrastructure development, job creation, and sustainable growth in the region. The inauguration and initiation of key projects are expected to have a transformative impact on Goa’s socio-economic landscape, paving the way for a brighter future for its residents.

  • Bengaluru Start-up CEO Denies Killing Son

    Bengaluru Start-up CEO Denies Killing Son

    The CEO of Bengaluru-based start-up ‘The Mindful AI Lab,’ Suchana Seth, is embroiled in a tragic incident as she faces allegations of killing her four-year-old son in a Goa service apartment. The unfolding investigation reveals conflicting statements and unsettling evidence.

     

    According to police sources, Seth denied responsibility for her son’s death, asserting that the child was already deceased when she woke up. An official stated that she claimed the death was unintentional and that she loved her son. Seth also mentioned getting a cut on her hand during the ordeal.

     

    The case took a disturbing turn when Seth initially informed the police that her son was with a friend in Margao town. However, investigations exposed the provided address as fake, raising suspicions about her statements. Authorities remain skeptical of her version, indicating that further investigation is required to uncover the motive behind the alleged murder.

     

    The postmortem examination, conducted after the arrest, revealed signs consistent with the possibility that the child was smothered to death. The absence of signs of struggle suggests a potential pre-planned nature of the crime. Authorities are exploring the theory that Seth may have smothered her son with a cloth or pillow. This chilling revelation adds complexity to the ongoing investigation.

     

    In a significant development, police discovered two empty cough syrup bottles in the room where the incident occurred. Officials interpret this finding as an indication that Seth might have administered a heavy dose of the medicine to her son, suggesting premeditation in the alleged murder.

     

    Suchana Seth, an AI ethics expert and data scientist, has over 12 years of experience in mentoring data science teams and scaling machine learning solutions. The CEO’s arrest and the shocking details surrounding the case have left the tech community and the public in disbelief. Authorities continue their probe to unravel the circumstances leading to the tragic incident and determine the motive behind the alleged pre-planned murder.

     

    As the investigation unfolds, conflicting statements, evidence, and the nature of the crime cast a somber shadow over the tragic incident, prompting a closer look into the complexities surrounding the life of Suchana Seth.

  • Mother Allegedly Murders 4-Year-Old in Goa

    Mother Allegedly Murders 4-Year-Old in Goa

    In a deeply tragic incident unfolding in Goa, a four-year-old boy was allegedly smothered to death by his mother, identified as Suchana Seth, who serves as the chief executive officer (CEO) of an Artificial Intelligence start-up. The incident occurred in a service apartment at Candolim in North Goa between January 6 and 8, according to police reports.

     

    The woman had checked into the service apartment with her son on January 6, staying for two days. However, on January 8, she left for Bengaluru in a taxi. The alarming discovery came when apartment staff, cleaning the room in which Seth had stayed, found blood stains on a towel. Concerned, they immediately notified the police, mentioning that the woman had left with an unusually heavy bag, and her son was not seen with her.

     

    Goa police, upon receiving the information, swiftly contacted their counterparts in Chitradurga. The woman’s bag was inspected, revealing the lifeless body of the child. Suchana Seth was arrested in Chitradurga and later transported to Goa. The court remanded her in police custody for six days.

     

    According to preliminary investigations, Seth informed the police that she and her husband were estranged, and divorce proceedings were currently underway. The child’s father, Venkat Raman, who was in Jakarta at the time, was informed by the police about the heartbreaking incident. He promptly returned to India and arrived at Chitradurga in Karnataka on Tuesday evening.

     

    Upon his arrival, Venkat Raman provided consent to the local authorities for the post-mortem examination of his son’s body. The devastating nature of the crime and the shocking circumstances surrounding the child’s death have left the community in shock.

     

    A senior police official revealed, “Raman, who was in Jakarta (Indonesia), was contacted by the police and told about the incident. After that, he returned to India. On his arrival in Chitradurga in the evening, he gave his consent for a post-mortem on his child’s body.”

     

    The unfolding tragedy includes a disturbing revelation that Seth reportedly attempted suicide by slashing her wrist after allegedly smothering her son. The motive behind the heartbreaking act remains unclear, and the police are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the child’s death.

     

    This heart-wrenching incident has sparked conversations about mental health, parenting challenges, and the importance of support systems for individuals undergoing personal crises. As the community grapples with the shock and sadness surrounding the case, it serves as a somber reminder of the complex and sensitive nature of family dynamics.

     

    The case also raises questions about the well-being and mental health of individuals in high-stress professions, such as those in leadership roles within the technology and start-up sectors. The tragedy underscores the importance of providing mental health resources and support for individuals facing personal struggles, especially when it involves the well-being of children.

     

    As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of a young life, and authorities work to unravel the circumstances leading to this heartbreaking incident. The legal proceedings will shed light on the motives behind the alleged maternal filicide, as the justice system seeks to bring clarity and closure to this devastating chapter.

  • CEO of AI Startup Mindful AI Lab Arrested for Alleged Murder

    CEO of AI Startup Mindful AI Lab Arrested for Alleged Murder

    Suchana Seth, the 39-year-old CEO of artificial intelligence startup Mindful AI Lab, has been arrested in Goa for the alleged murder of her four-year-old son. The tragic incident unfolded at a service apartment in Candolim, Goa, where Seth smothered her son to death before attempting suicide.

     

    Police reports indicate that after committing the crime, Suchana Seth traveled to Chitradurga in Karnataka with her son’s body. She was subsequently arrested in Karnataka and brought back to Goa, where she has been remanded to police custody for six days by a court in Mapusa town.

     

    The Superintendent of Police (North Goa), Nidhin Valsan, stated that Suchana Seth has been charged under Indian Penal Code sections 302 (murder) and 201 (destruction of evidence), along with the Goa Children’s Act. The motive behind the murder remains unknown.

     

    Seth, who is currently undergoing divorce proceedings, was estranged from her husband, who resides in Jakarta, Indonesia. The couple’s separation raised questions about the circumstances leading to the tragic incident.

     

    According to police investigations, on January 6, Suchana Seth checked into a service apartment in Candolim with her son. After a two-day stay, she informed the apartment staff of her intention to travel to Bengaluru for work and requested a taxi. On January 8, a vehicle was arranged for her, and she left the apartment early in the morning.

     

    Subsequent to her departure, apartment staff discovered bloodstains on a towel in the room, prompting immediate notification to the police. The staff also reported that Seth, who left with an unusually heavy bag, did not have her son with her when she left.

     

    Upon being alerted by the Goa police, authorities in Chitradurga checked Seth’s bag and found the lifeless body of her four-year-old son. The bloodstains in the service apartment were later revealed to be a result of Seth’s attempt to slash her wrist.

     

    Suchana Seth, originally from West Bengal, had a prominent role as the CEO of Mindful AI Lab, an artificial intelligence startup. Described as an AI ethics expert and data scientist with over 12 years of experience, Seth had been recognized as one of the top ‘100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics for 2021.’ Her professional background included roles as a Mozilla Fellow at Data & Society, a fellow at the Berkman Klein Centre at Harvard University, and a research fellow at the Raman Research Institute.

     

    The tragic incident has shocked the community, raising questions about the factors leading to the alleged murder and suicide attempt by Suchana Seth. Investigations are ongoing to uncover more details surrounding this heartbreaking event.

  • Desecration of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue in Goa

    Desecration of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue in Goa

    In a disheartening incident, a statue paying homage to the esteemed Marathi ruler, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was subjected to desecration in the serene village of Karaswada, nestled near the bustling Mapusa town in North Goa. The sacrilege of this revered icon has stirred a maelstrom of outrage among the populace, culminating in the apprehension of three individuals who played a role in this condemnable act of vandalism.

     

    Responding promptly to the incident, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Jivba Dalvi, spearheaded a dedicated team to the affected village. With a commitment to justice, the team extended assurance to the community of a meticulous investigation into the appalling act. This tenacious pursuit yielded results, leading to the apprehension of three suspects, namely Nigesl Joaquim Fonceca, Alex Fernandes, and Lawrence Mendes, all residents of Mapusa, on a Tuesday marked by decisive action.

     

    This audacious act of desecration echoed through the public conscience, fomenting a collective outcry that manifested in hundreds of individuals congregating outside the precincts of the Mapusa police station. The impassioned demand for swift accountability resonated, underscoring the significance of preserving revered symbols and values. In a gesture of resilience and determination, the marred statue was swiftly replaced by an untarnished rendition, a ceremony graced by the presence of state social welfare minister Subhash Phal Desai on the evening of a somber Monday.

     

    The legal wheels of justice commenced their motion as the three detainees faced a court’s judgement. Six days of police custody were ordered for Nigesl Joaquim Fonceca, Alex Fernandes, and Lawrence Mendes. These individuals now face charges under sections 295-A (outraging religious feelings), 153-A (promoting enmity between groups), and 427-A (committing mischief and causing loss) of the Indian Penal Code, an embodiment of society’s intolerance for such acts.

     

    Carlos Ferreira, a prominent MLA representing Aldona in North Goa, emerged as a vocal critic of the reprehensible act of desecration. A steadfast advocate of unity and cultural heritage, he extended his unwavering support to the followers of the 17th-century Maratha king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. In a proclamation of resilience, Ferreira revealed the ongoing preparations to install a new statue at the very location, an embodiment of resilience and a testament to the enduring reverence for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that resides within the hearts of the people.In a disheartening incident, a statue paying homage to the esteemed Marathi ruler, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was subjected to desecration in the serene village of Karaswada, nestled near the bustling Mapusa town in North Goa. The sacrilege of this revered icon has stirred a maelstrom of outrage among the populace, culminating in the apprehension of three individuals who played a role in this condemnable act of vandalism.

     

    Responding promptly to the incident, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Jivba Dalvi, spearheaded a dedicated team to the affected village. With a commitment to justice, the team extended assurance to the community of a meticulous investigation into the appalling act. This tenacious pursuit yielded results, leading to the apprehension of three suspects, namely Nigesl Joaquim Fonceca, Alex Fernandes, and Lawrence Mendes, all residents of Mapusa, on a Tuesday marked by decisive action.

     

    This audacious act of desecration echoed through the public conscience, fomenting a collective outcry that manifested in hundreds of individuals congregating outside the precincts of the Mapusa police station. The impassioned demand for swift accountability resonated, underscoring the significance of preserving revered symbols and values. In a gesture of resilience and determination, the marred statue was swiftly replaced by an untarnished rendition, a ceremony graced by the presence of state social welfare minister Subhash Phal Desai on the evening of a somber Monday.

     

    The legal wheels of justice commenced their motion as the three detainees faced a court’s judgement. Six days of police custody were ordered for Nigesl Joaquim Fonceca, Alex Fernandes, and Lawrence Mendes. These individuals now face charges under sections 295-A (outraging religious feelings), 153-A (promoting enmity between groups), and 427-A (committing mischief and causing loss) of the Indian Penal Code, an embodiment of society’s intolerance for such acts.

     

    Carlos Ferreira, a prominent MLA representing Aldona in North Goa, emerged as a vocal critic of the reprehensible act of desecration. A steadfast advocate of unity and cultural heritage, he extended his unwavering support to the followers of the 17th-century Maratha king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. In a proclamation of resilience, Ferreira revealed the ongoing preparations to install a new statue at the very location, an embodiment of resilience and a testament to the enduring reverence for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that resides within the hearts of the people.