Wednesday, 18 June 2025: A wrap of news and developments in Kerala: Claimed to be the world’s first commercially produced Indian Arrack, Manavatty, has clinched two prestigious international awards.
Published Jun 18, 2025 | 3:03 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 18, 2025 | 3:03 PM
Aralam Butterfly Park. (Supplied)
Synopsis: Kerala will host a national conclave on digital land governance from June 25–28. The state also launched a major antibiotic literacy drive and may declare the rat snake as its state reptile. Sainik School Kazhakootam held its Investiture Ceremony, Manavatty arrack won global awards, and Aralam Sanctuary is set to become Kerala’s first butterfly reserve.
Thiruvananthapuram will host a three-day National Conclave on Digital Land Survey for Smart Land Governance from 25 to 28 June, showcasing the state’s advancements in digital land governance and citizen-centric land services.
The event, organised by the Directorate of Survey and Land Records, has received government approval following a detailed proposal from the department.
The conclave will feature national and state-level initiatives in digital land surveys, the seamless integration of land-related services, and emerging practices in smart land governance. It will also serve as a platform for states to share experiences and innovations in the sector.
The initiative was earlier announced in the Kerala Budget 2025-26, with ₹25 lakh earmarked for its conduct.
The event is expected to bring together policymakers, land administrators, and technology experts to deliberate on modernising land management systems and improving citizen services through digital platforms.
Releasing the district-level report of the awareness activities held as part of World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week.
Kerala has intensified its fight against antimicrobial resistance, aiming to achieve complete antibiotic literacy by December 2025.
A plan in this regard was revealed by Health Minister Veena George on Tuesday, 17 June, while releasing the district-level report of the awareness activities held as part of World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week.
A total of 2,852 programmes were organized by 395 local bodies and 734 hospitals across the state.
Among them, 437 government and 404 private hospitals conducted institutional-level campaigns.
Additionally, 5,710 programmes were held through community health centres, while 2,238 educational institutions also participated.
Notably, 21,465 volunteers visited 3.27 lakh homes, and 1,530 private pharmacies joined the awareness drive. Over 50,000 posters and 316 videos were released to spread the message.
The state plans to ensure that no antibiotics are sold without prescriptions and that awareness programmes reach every hospital and local body by year-end. Health officials hailed the initiative as a national model.
Investiture Ceremony
Sainik School Kazhakootam, Thiruvananthapuram conducted its annual Investiture Ceremony for the academic year 2025–26 in a solemn function held at the school auditorium.
Brigadier Anurag Upadhyaya, Station Commander, Pangode Military Station, presided over the event as the chief guest.
The ceremony witnessed the formal installation of school appointments and house captains, who took their oaths of responsibility. The chief guest, warmly received by Principal Colonel Dhirendra Kumar and staff, reviewed a sand model display prepared by cadets and appreciated their creativity and strategic thinking.
Brigadier Upadhyaya conducted the piping ceremony and awarded medals to cadets behind the sand model. In a generous gesture, he contributed ₹3.4 lakh to the School Development Fund. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Vice Principal Wg Cdr M Rajkumar and the national anthem, reaffirming the school’s legacy of discipline and leadership.
Claimed to be the world’s first commercially produced Indian Arrack, Manavatty, has clinched two prestigious international awards.
Manavatty winning honours
Created by UK-based Malayali entrepreneur John Xavier, the spirit secured a Bronze Medal at the London Spirits Competition 2025 and another Bronze at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2025.
Produced by London Baron Ltd, the arrack, according to the manufacturers, stands out for its purity — crafted without preservatives, added colours, carbs, sugar, or fat.
It holds a 44 percent alcohol content and is made using centuries-old fermentation and distillation techniques.
Judged by panels of global experts for quality, value, packaging, and market appeal, Manavatty’s wins affirm its market readiness and craftsmanship.
“Our goal is to honour tradition while creating spirits people love,” said John Xavier.
Manavatty is currently available at Gray Mackenzie & Partners stores in the Gulf and CIAL Cochin Duty Free Shop.
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is set to be declared Kerala’s first official butterfly reserve, with an announcement expected at the upcoming State Wildlife Board meeting, chaired by the Chief Minister.
This move highlights Aralam’s significance in butterfly conservation and is expected to enhance eco-tourism and nature education.
Established in 1984, the sanctuary has recorded 266 of Kerala’s 327 butterfly species — including 27 endemics to the Western Ghats and six under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.
Annual butterfly surveys have been held since 2000, in partnership with the Malabar Natural History Society.
The sanctuary also draws attention for the seasonal migration of Albatross and Danaine butterflies, making the reserve status a milestone in its conservation journey.
Rat Snake
The State Board for Wildlife will soon consider a proposal to declare the Rat Snake (Ptyas mucosa), locally known as Chera, as Kerala’s official state reptile.
Known as a “farmer’s friend,” this non-venomous snake plays a vital role in controlling crop-damaging rodents and young venomous snakes.
The proposal also recommends upgrading its protection status from Schedule II to Schedule I under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, ensuring stricter safeguards. It aims to dispel myths about snakes and raise public awareness about their ecological value.
The board is set to review the proposal in its upcoming meeting on Wednesday, 18 June.
