Published Jun 12, 2025 | 8:32 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 12, 2025 | 8:32 PM
NCC's anti-drug awareness programme
Synopsis:Kerala Tourism’s official website has become India’s most visited state tourism portal for 2024–25, outpacing the Centre’s ‘Incredible India’, according to Similarweb data. In a major tech-driven reform, Kerala will introduce Artificial Intelligence in 25 key government services. A workshop on ‘AI in Governance’, co-hosted by Kerala Startup Mission and Kerala State IT Mission, was held in Thiruvananthapuram on 12 June
The Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) and the Institute of Human Resource Development (IHRD) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on research and academic initiatives in Kerala.
The agreement was signed by Dr. V.A. Arun Kumar, Director of IHRD, and Dr. Chandrabhas Narayana, Director of RGCB, in the presence of the Minister for Higher Education and Social Justice.
The partnership aims to foster joint research projects, technology ventures, training programmes, and workshops. It also seeks to enhance the skills of teachers, researchers, and students while offering research guidance and developing innovative educational programmes in biotechnology and bioinformatics.
Officials expressed hope that the collaboration would pave the way for high-quality scientific projects and contribute to society by translating research findings into practical applications for public benefit.
The National Cadet Corps (NCC) Trivandrum Group on Friday organised ‘Lahari Vimukta Keralam’, (Drug Free Kerala) an anti-drug awareness symposium at Cariappa Auditorium, Pangode Military Station.
The programme aimed to reinforce the fight against substance abuse among the youth.
K R Jyothilal IAS, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Kerala, and H Venkatesh IPS, Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order), Kerala, attended as chief guests and highlighted the need for a collective social stand against drugs.
Major General G Ramesh Shanmugam, Additional Director General, NCC Directorate (Kerala & Lakshadweep), presided over the event, reiterating NCC’s commitment to nurturing a disciplined, drug-free generation. Brig Anand Kumar, Group Commander, NCC Trivandrum Group, who conceptualised the programme, stressed continuous awareness campaigns involving youth.
The event featured cultural programmes, thematic presentations, and an anti-drug pledge by cadets and armed forces personnel, strengthening the message of social responsibility.
Kerala is exploring the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in 25 government services to boost efficiency, from traffic control and hospital management to livestock health and temple crowd monitoring. In collaboration with Kerala Startup Mission and Kerala State IT Mission, a one-day workshop on ‘AI in Governance’ was held on June 12 in Thiruvananthapuram to engage startups in these initiatives.
Startups will submit applications for services of interest, and a core expert committee will oversee selection and implementation. Kerala has already piloted AI in cattle disease control and temple surveillance. The government aims to leverage AI in sectors including agriculture, healthcare, education, public safety, and revenue services. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has called it a strategic move to position Kerala as India’s AI hub.
At 37, Lorraine D’Costa from Kollam, Kerala, is redefining limits in endurance cycling, proving it’s never too late to chase a dream. She began cycling at 31, turning a fitness habit into a passion. Despite societal pressures and a late start, she built her stamina and went on to complete solo rides and international events across Asia and Europe.
Lorraine is the first Malayali woman to achieve the triple Super Randonneur title and among the few Indians to earn the International Super Randonneur title. Her story is a powerful reminder that with grit and courage, age is just a number.
Kerala Tourism’s official website has emerged as the most visited state tourism site in India for 2024-25, surpassing the Centre’s ‘Incredible India’, according to global web analytics firm Similarweb. Ranked second globally—after Thailand—the site drew over 6 million users and 15 million page views.
With content in 20+ languages and features like a travel planner, live webcasts, and 100,000+ pages of visuals and information, the site attracted users from 200 countries. Most traffic came through search, direct visits, and ads.
Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas credited the site’s global popularity to Kerala’s digital-first tourism strategy and evolving traveller-centric content. Designed by Invis Private Ltd., the site also made it to the top 10 in Asia-Pacific and Middle East rankings last year.
Pages on accommodations, destinations, Theyyam, weddings, and yoga remain among the most viewed.
