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Swadesh Tourism Conclave: Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte says new PR campaign in the works to rival Kerala’s

Khaunte tourism in Goa changed for the better in the 1990s and since then, it has replaced mining as Goa’s main contributor to the GSDP.

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Swadesh Tourism Conclave

Goa is all set to launch a new public relations campaign which will rival Kerala’s iconic God’s Own Country campaign and increase tourism revenue, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said at the Swadesh Tourism Conclave on Tuesday.

At the conclave organised by APN News and Balaji Foundation, Khaunte said the state is launching a new PR campaign that will focus to bring revenue to the state and boost employment. The state is also working towards making the ‘Sun, Sand, Sea, and Software’ campaign successful, Khaunte said.

Recalling Goa tourism’s success during the Covid pandemic, Khaunte said, “We tried to convert adversity into opportunity and initiated the idea of Work From Goa culture. The state put efforts to eliminate the tourists’ fear and focused on changing the image of Goa even during the coronavirus pandemic.” The minister said this was an opportunity for the state to change the image of Goa from sun, sand and sea to work from Goa and flex its IT muscle.

“We cannot compete with Hyderabad and Bengaluru. But we put Brand Goa as the creative capital of the country.

Read Also: Swadesh Tourism Conclave: Uttarakhand Minister Satpal Maharaj says state to promote caravan culture, unveils new high-end tourism plans

Khaunte said, “Imagine a digital nomad working from the beach shack. They can surf, have a drink and get back to work, this will increase productivity.”

Identifying more scope for tourism, the minister listed eco-tourism, food tourism, and the showcasing of Indo-Portuguese culture and adventure. “More than 400 bird species are in Goa. Bird-loving tourists like to spend time looking for them. Dudh Sagar Falls are another attraction in sylvan surroundings.”

Apart from medical and wellness tourism, spiritual tourism is also a hallmark of Goa, he said, since the state has the temples of Mangueshi and Shanta Durga as well as the iconic Bom Jesus Church and the Se Cathedral. The new Mopa airport will be a game changer for us and we can connect to tier one and tier two cities, Khaunte added.

Addressing a question on why Goa hasn’t focused on wedding tourism as a concept, Khaunte admitted that since event planners haven’t brought the government’s attention to the interest among people to get married in the state.

Giving an outline of Goa’s tourism journey since independence from Portugal in 1961, Khaunte said hippie culture was the flavour of the Sixties and that conversely has birthed homestays as a business concept in the 21st century. He said tourism in Goa changed for the better in the 1990s and since then, it has replaced mining as Goa’s main contributor to the GSDP.

The state with a population of 15 lakh hosts 8 million tourists of whom 9 lakh are international tourists. Khaunte admitted that a large number of foreign tourists are from Russia and the United Kingdom.

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Aamir Khan set to wed Gauri Spratt on July 5

Actor Aamir Khan is reportedly preparing to marry longtime partner Gauri Spratt in a private ceremony on July 5. While the couple has not officially confirmed the wedding, reports suggest the celebration will be a low-key affair attended by close family and friends.

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Actor Aamir Khan is readying to finally marry his longtime partner, Gauri Spratt, in a private ceremony on July 5. Unlike other high-profile Bollywood weddings, the couple is expected to celebrate the occasion with close family members and a handful of friends, choosing a simple gathering over a lavish event. 

The reported wedding has attracted widespread attention from fans and the film industry, with many taking to social media to congratulate the couple. While neither Aamir nor Gauri has shared extensive details about the ceremony, reports suggest the celebrations will remain intimate and focused on family.

The actor was first married to Reena Dutta, and they have two children together. In 2005, Aamir married filmmaker Kiran Rao. The couple announced their separation in 2021 but have continued to maintain a friendly relationship and jointly raise their son while working together on select projects.

Gauri Spratt has largely stayed away from the limelight. Despite growing public interest in their relationship, she has preferred to keep her personal life private. Reports indicate that Gauri and Aamir have known each other for several years before deciding to take the next step in their relationship.

Known for balancing a successful film career with a private personal life, Aamir Khan has often avoided discussing family matters in public. His reported decision to opt for a low-key wedding is in line with his long-standing preference for privacy. 

As news of the upcoming ceremony continues  to make headlines, fans are eagerly waiting for an official glimpse of the celebrations. Whether through a family photograph or a public statement, many hope to see the couple share the joyful occasion with their well-wishers.

With this wedding, Aamir Khan appears ready to embrace a new phase in his life while continuing to focus on both his personal happiness and his significant contribution to Indian cinema.  

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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi becomes India’s youngest international debutant, surpasses Sachin Tendulkar

Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has become India’s youngest-ever international cricketer after making his debut in the second T20I against England at the age of 15 years and 99 days. The milestone sees him surpass Sachin Tendulkar and Shafali Verma in the Indian record books.

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Indian cricket witnessed the beginning of a new era as teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made his senior international debut, becoming the youngest player ever to represent India in men’s or women’s cricket.

The left-handed batter received his maiden India cap ahead of the second T20I against England in Manchester. At 15 years and 99 days, Sooryavanshi broke a long-standing national record previously held by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who made his international debut at the age of 16 years and 205 days in 1989.

The milestone also saw Sooryavanshi overtake Shafali Verma, who had been India’s youngest international debutant overall after making her debut at 15 years and 239 days.

Historic moment for Indian cricket

The young opener’s debut had been eagerly anticipated ever since he was included in India’s squads for the Ireland and England T20I series.

Although he did not feature in the matches against Ireland, India initially continued with the experienced opening pair of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma for the opening T20I against England. Following Samson’s struggles with the bat, discussions around Sooryavanshi’s inclusion intensified.

The Indian team management eventually decided to hand the youngster his opportunity, with captain Shreyas Iyer and head coach Gautam Gambhir backing the teenager for his first international appearance. The debut cap was presented to him by Tilak Verma before the Manchester encounter.

Youngest men’s debutants for India

Following his debut, Sooryavanshi now tops the list of India’s youngest men’s international debutants.

  • Vaibhav Sooryavanshi – 15 years, 99 days (vs England, July 4, 2026)
  • Sachin Tendulkar – 16 years, 205 days (vs Pakistan, November 15, 1989)
  • Piyush Chawla – 17 years, 75 days
  • Laxman Sivaramakrishnan – 17 years, 118 days
  • Parthiv Patel – 17 years, 152 days
  • Maninder Singh – 17 years, 193 days

While Sooryavanshi now holds the record for India’s youngest international debutant, Pakistan’s Hasan Raza remains the youngest men’s Test debutant globally at 14 years and 227 days. Romania’s Marian Gherasim continues to hold the record as the youngest international cricketer overall, having debuted in T20Is at 14 years and 16 days.

Shreyas Iyer backs the young opener

Speaking before the match, captain Shreyas Iyer expressed confidence in the youngster’s temperament and ability to perform at the highest level.

Iyer said Sooryavanshi had consistently impressed during training, adding that the teenager deserved his opportunity after displaying fearless batting and showing no signs of pressure despite his age.

IPL heroics paved the way

Sooryavanshi’s selection followed a remarkable IPL 2026 campaign for the Rajasthan Royals, where he emerged as the tournament’s highest run-scorer.

He accumulated 776 runs at a strike rate of 237.30, registering one century and five half-centuries while smashing 72 sixes. His performances earned him multiple individual honours, including the Orange Cap, Most Valuable Player, Emerging Player, Super Striker, and Super Sixes awards.

Strong performances across formats

The teenager has also impressed in domestic and age-group cricket.

During the recent tri-series involving Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A, he scored 211 runs in five innings, including a match-winning 94 in the final. He also recorded the fastest fifty in List A cricket by reaching the milestone in just 11 balls against Sri Lanka A.

His record in youth cricket has been equally impressive. Sooryavanshi finished as the leading run-scorer at the Under-19 World Cup with 439 runs in seven matches, helping India lift the title. He also set a tournament record by hitting 30 sixes.

Across youth ODIs, he has accumulated 1,412 runs at an average of 56.48, while his T20 numbers include 1,477 runs from 34 innings at a strike rate above 220.

In the IPL, the youngster has already crossed the 1,000-run mark in just 23 innings, underlining the promise that has made him one of India’s brightest emerging talents.

With his record-breaking debut now complete, Indian cricket fans will be hoping that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s international journey lives up to the enormous expectations surrounding one of the country’s most exciting young prospects.

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India News

USA marks 250 years with Independence Day with nationwide celebrations

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The United States of America is observing its Independence Day on July 4 with celebrations taking place across the country. Public events, parades, concerts, and fireworks have been organized in several cities as Americans mark the nation holiday.

Large gatherings have been reported in cities including Washington D.C., New York, Boston, and Philadelphia, where thousands of people are participating in officials and community-led celebrations. Public parks, streets, and other venues have been prepared to host visitors throughout the day.

Government officials, including US President Donald Trump, extended Independence Day greetings and participated in events celebrating the occasion. Ceremonies honouring military personnel, experts, and first responders have also been held in different parts of he country.

Authorities have stepped up security arrangements at major event locations to manage large crowds. Additional police forces and emergency response teams have been posted, while officials have advised the public to follow safety instructions during the celebrations.

The holiday has also resulted in increased travel activity, with airports, highways, and railway stations experiencing heavy passenger movement. Hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions are seeing a rise in visitors as many people use the long weekend for travel and family gatherings.

Although weather conditions have disrupted a few outdoor events in some areas, most programme are continuing as scheduled. Fireworks displays are expected to take place in the evening at several locations, including major cities known for their annual Independence Day celebrations.

The nation celebrates Independence Day every July 4. It marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, when 13 American colonies became independent from British rule. It is one of the most important national holidays in the United States and is celebrated with parades, fireworks, official ceremonies, and community events across the country.

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