This event, which has now become the cynosure of many art lovers, is organised by the Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF)….reports Asian Lite News
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday announced that the sixth edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB), a cutting-edge international exhibition of contemporary art, starting in Kochi in December 12, 2025, will be curated by renowned artist Nikhil Chopra and his team HH Art Spaces.
This event, which has now become the cynosure of many art lovers, is organised by the Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF).
The selection of curators was made by a committee of internationally acclaimed art world figures — Shanay Jhaveri, Dayanita Singh, Rajeeb Samdani, Jitish Kallat, and Bose Krishnamachari, who is also President of KBF.
The mega show, spanning four months, will begin on December 12 featuring 60 artists and artistic practices from India and across the world, and will conclude on March 31, 2026.
Welcoming Nikhil Chopra, Chief Minister Vijayan said: “We invite the people of Kerala, the nation, and the world to join us in celebrating this spectacular event that fosters the spirit of art, community, and dialogue.”
Introducing Chopra along with his team at HH Art Spaces based in Goa, Bose Krishnamachari noted that the versatile artist’s work that blends performance, drawings, paintings, photography, sculpture, and installation critically explores issues of identity, politics, history, and the body.
Nikhil Chopra, who had completed his early education in Kochi, described the KBF curatorship as an ‘incredible task’ and ‘humbling privilege’.
He had featured in the second KMB (2014) and won acclaim for his work’s off-beat approach at the Aspinwall House venue.
Highlighting the Biennale’s famed calibre to “ignite conversations about being human; poetic and political,” Nikhil Chopra hailed the eminent artistic potential of Kerala.
“The ancient, the modern, and the contemporary in the region have always been in critical dialogue with each other churning ideas and knowledge into wisdom,” he said.
“For me, the process or the journey of artwork is more central than the destination itself. I envision this Biennale as a series of moments, where one can enter and exit. For this Biennale we look at works that lean more on the process, works that are still in making as opposed to the industrial norm of valuing only the completed work. I feel it’s important to embrace the unfinished and the process,” said Chopra explaining his curatorial vision.
Bose Krishnamachari said the deep-rooted commitment of Nikhil Chopra and his team to the arts, along with their visionary approach to curating, will undoubtedly shape a remarkable chapter for the Biennale.
“Nikhil’s unique perspective, paired with the creative energy of HH Art Spaces, promises to bring fresh dialogue and innovative perspectives to this global platform. We look forward to witnessing the transformative experience they will create for artists, audiences, and the community alike.”
“In this new chapter, we will reaffirm the epithet ‘People’s Biennale’,” Bose added.
Kerala, Aug 29 (ANI): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan extends his warm wishes on the occasion of the Onam festival, on Tuesday. (ANI Photo)
Kerala is the only state where government employees retire at the age of 56. …reports Asian Lite News
The Kerala government is mulling to increase the retirement age of government employees to 57 years.
Sources said that talks between various government stakeholders are underway and an announcement is likely to be made during the New Year when the state budget for the new fiscal will be presented in February by State Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal.
Kerala is the only state where government employees retire at the age of 56. During the tenure of Oommen Chandy (2011-16) to standardise the retirement age of all employees, it was decided to increase the retirement age from 55 to 56 years.
As per a recent study by a committee, the state government will be able to divert more than Rs 5,000 crores if the retirement age is increased by one year as the retirement benefits including gratuity and end-of-service benefits for capital spending.
If the state government is able to go ahead with the proposed plan for the government employees, it will be a major image booster for the CPI-M government as state government employees are unhappy with the Vijayan government on the issue of increase in DA arrears, which at present is around 19 per cent.
With the local bodies poll due in the second half of 2025 and the Assembly polls scheduled to take place in April 2026, the step is seen as a major step by Vijayan-led government.
Bypoll underway
A day after the high voltage campaign for bypolls to Kerala’s Palakkad Assembly seat ended, the three political fronts — LDF, NDA and UDF — on Tuesday claimed that victory will be theirs on November 23 when the votes are counted.
Incidentally, Palakkad is one of the very few Assembly constituencies among the 140 in the state, where the BJP finished second in the 2021 polls. The by-election campaign witnessed aggression from each side to outdo each other.
The election was forced upon the electorate after sitting Congress legislator Shafi Parambil contested the Vadakara Lok Sabha constituency where he won after trouncing one of CPI(M)’s most popular faces, sitting legislator and former Health Minister K.K. Shailaja.
All three political fronts — Left Democratic Front (LDF), National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and United Democratic Front (UDF) — witnessed internal bickering over the candidate selection.
Of the blocks first was the Congress party which decided to field their popular face and Youth Congress president Rahul Mamkootathil, who is not from the district and soon came expression of displeasure from a few sections. The Congress lost its leader Dr P. Sarin who walked into the CPI(M) camp and was instantly fielded as the Left Independent candidate.
Things were no different in the BJP too. After a round of discussions and debate, much against the wishes of a section, the BJP decided to field a local leader and a familiar face during election time, Krishnakumar.
To fuel tourism expansion, Kerala is actively seeking substantial investments to enhance its tourism infrastructure, promote unique experiences, and ensure sustainable development, setting the stage for a new era of exploration and discovery…reports Asian Lite News
Kerala Sets ₹1,000 Cr Ayurveda Goal
Kerala has set a target of attracting investments worth Rs 1,000 crore in the Ayurveda sector before the Invest Kerala Global Summit, which will be held in the port city in February.
Industries Minister P. Rajeev made the announcement at the sectoral meeting on ‘Ayurveda and Pharmaceuticals’, which was organised by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) here as a build-up to next year’s summit.
He interacted with Ayurveda entrepreneurs and requested the support of the stakeholders and their associations to achieve the target. As the entrepreneurs called for establishing institutes to teach non-degree courses in this field, the minister assured that such courses would not fail to get approved.
Getting approval for courses for pharmacists and therapists would not be difficult, he said.
“There are huge investment opportunities in the Ayurveda sector in Kerala. The industries department will extend all support to the entrepreneurs to overcome practical difficulties,” Rajeev said.
“With the advent of modern technology, the least job loss is in the ayurvedic sector. Hence, this sector can generate employment opportunities. Ayurveda is an area where local communities can find employment,” the minister added.
Experts taking part in the meeting hailed the tremendous support the state government gave to protect the credibility of Ayurveda, who wished that innovation and modern technology should be integrated into Ayurveda without compromising on traditional and heritage elements.
Over the years, the mainstay of Kerala tourism has been the hugely popular Ayurveda packages being offered across the state especially where the tourists flock in large numbers. Incidentally at the hugely popular signature event of Kerala Tourism, held every other year, the Kerala Tourism Mart which took place here last month, ayurveda was the most discussed tourism product of the state. Tour operators from Russia and Europe, after seeing the Ayurveda product spread that is on offer in Kerala, have promised to promote such packages in their countries.
Rahul Puts Wayanad on Top
Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday posted a video showing tourist places of Kerala a day after he said that he (Rahul) would help Priyanka Gandhi to make Wayanad a tourist destination.
He visited Kerala’s longest zipline located in the district at the Karapuzha dam site and was seen freely interacting with the workers of the dam site. He was accompanied by his sister Priyanka Gandhi whose fate will be decided on Wednesday when the Wayanad goes to polling.
In the video that has now gone viral, he says: “On Priyanka’s campaign trail in Wayanad yesterday, I had the chance to connect with some truly inspiring locals. Despite the recent challenges, they’re not giving up. They’ve built incredible attractions – the largest giant swing in South India, a drop tower, and a thrilling zipline all to show visitors that Wayanad is as stunning and safe as ever. I even tried the zipline myself, and I loved every second of it.’
However, he added that the reality is tough as the recent landslide has left tourism hanging by a thread, and livelihoods are suffering from shopkeepers to homestay owners and the adventure park team, ‘everyone is working hard just to keep things going’.
Congress wrote on X that LoP Rahul Gandhi and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi had a candid interaction with some locals in Wayanad whose stories of resilience greatly inspired them.
“From the largest giant swing in South India to a thrilling zipline, the people of Wayanad have built incredible tourism and adventure spots. Despite their hardships, they continue to work hard to revitalise the local economy,” Congress wrote on X.
The party added that Wayanad embodies the best of India, and both Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi have taken on a mission to make it a top destination in Kerala.
Local Congress legislator I.C. Balakrishnan told IANS that the visit by Rahul and Priyanka has evoked a tremendous response in and around the now popular tourist destination.
“He will make all efforts to promote Wayanad which has suffered the worst-ever landslide that washed away four villages. His visit will certainly do a world of good for tourists especially after the video has gone viral,” said Balakrishnan.
He added that it was worth watching how he interacted with the workers and wanted to find out every aspect of the adventure park at the Karapuzha dam site.
“There was a lull after the landslide and his video will be hugely beneficial for the tourism industry,” added Balakrishnan.
Seaplane Era Takes Off
With the first seaplane landing in the Kochi backwaters on Sunday, seaplane tourism is set to take off in Kerala.
The seaplane, which took off from Vijayawada, touched down at the Bolgatty backwaters in Kochi at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Tourism Minister P.A. Muhammad Riyas will officially flag off the trial seaplane service from Bolgatty to the Mattupetty reservoir near Munnar at 9:30 a.m. on Monday.
This marks a major milestone in Kerala’s ambitious plan to link its scenic waterways through aerial routes. Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has played a crucial role by providing technical expertise and infrastructure for the seaplane project.
With its extensive network of rivers, lakes, and lagoons, Kerala is well-suited for seaplane tourism, offering travellers a unique experience of the waterways combined with the thrill of flight.
The new seaplane services are expected to open up fresh tourism avenues, enabling visitors to enjoy stunning aerial views. Kerala, famed for its backwaters and extensive coastline, stands to gain significantly from this tourism innovation.
This initiative is anticipated to boost tourism and contribute to Kerala’s economic growth by creating jobs and improving connectivity to some of the state’s most remote and scenic areas.
Tourism department officials highlighted that seaplanes offer the advantage of large windows, providing passengers with breathtaking views over Kerala’s landscapes, particularly the Western Ghats and Munnar.
The amphibious aircraft, capable of taking off and landing on both land and water, can carry up to nine passengers. While the tourism sector is enthusiastic about the seaplane project, Kerala faces challenges in making the initiative sustainable in the long term.
The seaplane project has been introduced under the Civil Aviation Ministry’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) UDAN.
Kerala Tourism had proposed launching seaplane services from various locations, including Kovalam, Ashtamudi Lake, Kumarakom, Idukki Dam, Mattupetty Dam, Punnamada, Malampuzha Dam, Banasura Sagar Dam, and Chandragiri River in Kasaragod.
The government identified these water bodies for seaplane operations after the Civil Aviation Ministry simplified regulations set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
These changes allow non-scheduled operators to enter the market by eliminating the need for waterdrome licences and easing compliance requirements.
Notably, in 2013, the Kerala government invested Rs 14 crore to set up waterdromes on Ashtamudi and Punnamada lakes. However, the project was halted due to protests from the fishing community, primarily led by pro-Left unions.
According to sources within the Kerala government, the state had considered a proposal from a private operator to link four airports and several major water bodies, including those in Kochi.
The operator quoted Rs 54 crore for a two-year contract to provide a four-hour daily service connecting these locations, but the state has not yet made a decision on this proposal.
The summit will spotlight the untapped potential of Vizhinjam International Seaport, positioning it as a key player in global trade and economic activity…reports Asian Lite News
Kerala is set to host a landmark two-day global investment summit, Vizhinjam Conclave 2025: Global Investment Summit, on January 29 and 30, aiming to propel the state’s industrial sector into a transformative phase.
The summit will spotlight the untapped potential of Vizhinjam International Seaport, positioning it as a key player in global trade and economic activity. The event is expected to create significant employment opportunities—up to ten times the direct jobs generated by the port—through related industries and infrastructure, according to an official statement.
Organized by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) and Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL), in partnership with the Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI), the summit seeks to diversify Kerala’s industrial landscape and align with India’s maritime ambitions.
Key investment opportunities to be explored include container freight stations, logistics parks, equipment repair units, and warehousing facilities. Additionally, the Outer Area Growth Corridor Project will be a focal point, showcasing its potential as an industrial hub catalyzed by the port’s operations.
The event will feature interactive sessions with investors, mentoring for local enterprises, and discussions on policies aimed at fostering confidence and collaboration. International and domestic industry leaders will share best practices, making it a platform for global networking and partnerships.
Efforts to integrate local communities into this industrial shift will be central to the conclave, ensuring inclusive growth alongside industrial advancement.
It will also leverage at least $9 million of commercial finance including for agri-food small and medium enterprises (SMEs), especially for women….reports Asian Lite News
The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a new program to support farmers in Kerala to adapt to climate change and promote agri-entrepreneurs to market value-added products.
It will also leverage at least $9 million of commercial finance including for agri-food small and medium enterprises (SMEs), especially for women. As the leading producer of spices such as cardamom, vanilla and nutmeg, Kerala accounts for about 20 per cent of India’s total agri-food exports. However, climate change is impeding these achievements. Natural disasters like floods and forest fires, as well as challenges to reach broader markets, have been impacting farmer households.
The $200 million Kerala Climate Resilient Agri-Value Chain Modernization (KERA) Project will help strengthen the resilience of the state’s agricultural sector to climate change. About 400,000 farmers will benefit through better access to climate-smart practices. These include replanting of climate-resilient varieties of coffee, cardamom and rubber and helping expand Kerala’s “food parks” into rural areas. These parks will have essential infrastructure such as water, power, and waste management to support agribusinesses in food processing and value-added products.
“This project will further infuse private sector investment and integrate agricultural value chains for the benefit of farmers and SMEs,” said Auguste Tano Kouamé, the World Bank’s Country Director for India. “Moreover, it will support agri-based SMEs, especially women who currently own only 23 per cent of MSMEs in the state, to gain access to commercial finance by providing training for business plans and to strengthen their commercial viability,” he added.
The project also aims to form productive alliances between farmer groups and agribusinesses. The alliances will help strengthen the linkages between producers and buyers, with the public sector playing a facilitating role. In addition, it will incubate agri-tech startups.
“This project will help to increase productivity for staple food crops such as rice while reducing GHG emissions,” said Chris Jackson, Azeb Mekonnen, and Amadou Dem, the Task Team Leaders for the project. “The increase in productivity and strengthening of agricultural value chains will help maintain the competitiveness of Kerala’s agricultural sector and will help create jobs and increase incomes.” The $200 million loan from the International Bank of Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) has a final maturity of 23.5 years, including a grace period of six years.
Jesus Jimenez Nunez of Kerala Blasters FC celebrates agoal during match 29 between Mohammedan SC and Kerala Blasters FC of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season held at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, on 20th October 2024. Abhijit Addya/Focus Sports/ FSDL
Kwame Peprah and Jesus Jimenez struck late to give Kerala Blasters a 2-1 win over Mohammedan SC, ending a 27-game away drought after conceding first in the ISL…reports Asian Lite News
Kwame Peprah and Jesus Jimenez netted late in the second half as Kerala Blasters FC secured a thrilling 2-1 win over Mohammedan SC at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan on Sunday. This victory marked the first time in 27 games that they won an away match after conceding first in the Indian Super League (ISL).
Two second-half strikes from Kwame Peprah and Jesus Jimenez saw Mikael Stahre’s men secure their third consecutive victory in Kolkata, a feat they had never achieved in the competition. Mirjalol Kasimov handed Mohammedan SC the lead, but the visitors showed resilience in the second half to produce a come-from-behind victory in the 2024-25 edition of the competition.
The visitors were off the blocks quickly, as Noah Sadaoui found the right tune from the start. The Moroccan posed all sorts of trouble for the Mohammedan SC backline, especially after combining with Adrian Luna, who was pulling the strings from midfield. However, the hosts weathered the early storm brilliantly and gradually imposed themselves on the match’s tempo.
In the 20th minute, Mohammedan’s pillar in defence, Joseph Adjei had to be substituted after suffering an injury. Andrey Chernyshov turned to French defender Florent Ogier to replace the Ghanaian.
The next 10 minutes saw the hosts dominate possession and also create a few chances. Their persistent nature in attack was rewarded when Kerala Blasters FC’s debutant custodian, Som Kumar brought down Franca in the penalty area in the 27th minute, handing a penalty to Mohammedan SC. Mirajlol Kasimov stepped up and converted from the spot to hand a crucial lead to the hosts.
Mikael Stahre’s men didn’t bog down after conceding the goal, they were more spurred on to equalize. In the 34th minute, they almost managed to do so as Jesus Jimenez wriggled his way past multiple Mohammedan SC defenders before pulling the trigger. But the Spaniard’s long-range effort was denied by the crossbar.
The second period saw both teams trying to take control of the possession in midfield. But the game swayed in the favour of the Blasters by Kwame Peprah’s introduction in the 64th minute. Within three minutes, the forward came up with the equalizer, latching onto a cross from Noah. Peprah was quick to react to the cross, leaving his marker, Zodingliana Ralte in complete awe before tucking it past Padam Chettri in goal.
Riding on the positive momentum of scoring an equaliser, the Blasters enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and also created a flurry of chances. They eventually secured the lead in the 75th minute when Naocha Singh found Jimenez in the penalty area with a beautifully weighted cross from the left flank. The Spaniard rose the highest, beating Ogier in the air and eventually heading it past Chettri.
Mohammedan SC’s best chance of coming back into the game fell to Lalremsanga Fanai in the stoppage time when he combined with Cesar Manzoki. The former was through on goal but his eventual effort was brilliantly kept out by Som Kumar, who also became the fourth youngest goalkeeper to start a game in ISL. His last-ditch save was enough to see the Kerala Blasters FC home as they clinched their second win of the season.
Mohammedan SC will host Hyderabad FC at home on October 26 while Kerala Blasters FC will be in action on October 25 against rivals Bengaluru FC in Kochi.
State Minister M.B. Rajesh said if such an attempt becomes a reality it will weaken the federal structure of India and compromise the country’s diverse parliamentary democracy….reports Asian Lite News
The Kerala Assembly on Thursday unanimously passed a resolution opposing the Central government’s approval of the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal recommended by the Ramnath Kovind Committee.
With Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan indisposed, the resolution was introduced on his behalf by the State Parliamentary Affairs Minister M.B. Rajesh under Rule 118 of the Assembly Procedures which said this was “undemocratic” and “unconstitutional”.
In the 140-member Assembly, there is not a single BJP legislator nor any party of the BJP-led NDA alliance and therefore it was a foregone conclusion that the resolution will be unanimously passed.
Minister Rajesh while presenting the resolution said if such an attempt becomes a reality it will weaken the federal structure of India and compromise the country’s diverse parliamentary democracy.
He also said that the Kovind committee report mentions reducing costs, but later said that there are other ways to do so and this is nothing but an attempt to centralise power, which is the agenda of the RSS and BJP.
The Opposition benches also did not doubt that this is impractical for Indian democracy.
Incidentally, both CM Vijayan and Leader of Opposition V. D. Satheesan had echoed similar opinions last month and it was very clear the passing of the resolution was a mere formality.
Incidentally, the CPI, the second largest party in the ruling CPI-M government, has taken a strong position and they said this was a ploy by the Sangh Parivar forces to impose homogeneity in all spheres of life.
“After one tax, one language, one culture, one religion, they are trying to move in the direction of one election, one party, and one leader has been their repeated statements,” they said.
HC inquires about Central funds for Wayanad
The Kerala High Court on Thursday sought the Central government’s response on funds for disaster relief in the state’s landslide-hit Wayanad.
The court, which had initiated a suo moto case in the wake of the disaster, orally told Additional Solicitor General A.R.L. Sundaresan, appearing for the Centre, to “get some positive action from the Central government because we need to get Wayanad back on rails as soon as possible”.
The division bench of Justice A.K.Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Syam Kumar V.M. had previously noted that the National Disaster Management Response Fund and the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund have not released any amounts for disaster relief to Kerala, after the deadly Wayanad landslides. In the court, it was pointed out that states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have received allocations from the State Disaster Management Response Fund (SDRF) and the National Disaster Management Response Fund (NDRF). However, Sundaresan sought time until October 18 (Friday) to obtain instructions from the Centre and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
The landslide disaster on July 30 left four villages in Wayanad totally destroyed. As many as 231 people lost their lives while 47 people continue to be missing. As many as 145 homes were fully destroyed, 170 homes were partially destroyed, 240 homes were declared uninhabitable, and 183 homes were washed away.
Meanwhile, the state government filed a statement detailing lands that are suitable for the resettlement of affected people. “The land has been examined by an expert body and was found suitable for settlement,” the bench was told.
Brinda Karat slams Kerala Governor
Senior Leader and Polit Bureau member of Communist Party of India (Marxist) Brinda Karat on Thursday hit back on Kerala Givernor Arif Mohammad Khan for seeking report from CM Pinarayi Vijayan over his recent remark on the “nature of anti-national activities” and actions taken against those involved.
Speaking to ANI, Karat said that, “It’s very unfortunate to make such remark as it seems that Kerala governor is a serial offender for the violation of the Constitution propriety and his constitutional role.”
“Governor Khan has absolutely no right under the constitution of India to comment, or to ask in a written demand from the CM about any remark he may or may not have made. The very fact that he is acting like this is because he is not acting as Ambassador of constitution of India but as the ambassador from Delhi Raj in Kerala repersenting the narrow interest of BJP,” she told ANI.
On October 8, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had issued a letter to the Rajbhavan stating that summoning officials without informing the elected government is beyond the constitutional authority of the governor.
Earlier, Governor Arif Muhammad Khan summoned the Chief Secretary and DGP to Raj Bhavan for direct explanations on Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s remarks regarding gold smuggling in Malappuram and those funds being used for anti-State and anti-national activities and on phone tapping allegations by PV Anwar MLA
Kerala Police Chief Shaik Darvesh Saheb and Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan did not appear before Governor Arif Mohammed Khan.
On September 30, a media report attributed remarks to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan concerning gold smuggling in the Malappuram district. The Chief Minister’s office later issued a clarification, stating that the quotes had been wrongly attributed to him. (ANI)
Kerala Blasters FC launches ‘Goal for Wayanad’ Campaign and additionally donates Rs. 25 lakhs to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) …reports Asian Lite News
In a gesture of support for families affected by the devastating natural disaster in Wayanad, Kerala Blasters FC has launched the ‘Goal for Wayanad’ campaign and additionally donated Rs. 25 lakhs to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF).
Through the ‘Goal for Wayanad’ campaign, the Club plans to further contribute Rs 1 lakh for every goal scored in the upcoming Indian Super League Season 11 to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF), as part of the club’s continued efforts to contribute towards disaster relief and rehabilitation. This campaign and donation are in addition to the Rs. 1.25 Crore already contributed by the co-owners of Kerala Blasters FC.
Nimmagadda Prasad, Chairman, KBFC, along with Nikhil B. Nimmagadda, Director, KBFC, and Shushen Vashishth, Chief Operating Officer, KBFC, met with the Hon. Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and handed over a cheque of Rs 25 lakhs. They also presented the Chief Minister with a KBFC jersey and extended an invitation for the upcoming season.
“We at Kerala Blasters FC have always prioritised the well-being of our community and remain dedicated to supporting the state during challenging times. These initiatives aim to motivate the football community to unite for a meaningful cause,” said Nikhil B. Nimmagadda.
Previously, during the Covid-19 period, the Club donated 500,000 Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate 200mg tablets to support frontline workers and provided 10,000 N95 masks to the Government of Kerala. The Club also set up ‘Relief Material Collection Centres’ at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kaloor, Panampilly Nagar, and the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium to aid flood relief efforts in 2018, besides significant contributions to the CMDRF.
The proposed initiative would focus on sustainability, social justice, and improving employability, with the Kerala government welcoming the partnership…reports Asian Lite News
In a key development for Kerala’s higher education reforms, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan met with a World Bank team on Monday to discuss potential collaboration aimed at attracting international students to the state.
The delegation, including World Bank experts Nina Arnhold, Denis Nikolaev, and Ambarish Ambuj, praised Kerala’s educational reforms and expressed interest in partnering with the state to enhance its higher education system.
The proposed initiative would focus on sustainability, social justice, and improving employability, with the Kerala government welcoming the partnership. The CM emphasized Kerala’s commitment to enhancing the quality of education and creating a more inclusive and sustainable system.
The World Bank team is set to visit the Digital University and College of Engineering, Trivandrum, to further explore the collaboration.
Centre honours Kerala’s cyber initiatives
The state of Kerala has been honoured by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for “commendable performance” in combating cyber crimes during the foundation day celebrations of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).
In a post on X, Kerala Chief Minister Pinaryi Vijayan shared the achievement and said that the state’s efforts have been recognised.
“Proud moment for Kerala as our efforts in combating cyber crimes have been recognized by @HMOIndia as part of the foundation day celebrations of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C),” CM Vijayan said on Sunday.
“The award for commendable performance in handling online crime against women and children highlights our commitment to ensuring a safer digital space,” he added.
The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) is an initiative of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, to deal with cybercrime in the country in a coordinated and comprehensive manner.
I4C focuses on tackling all the issues related to cybercrime for the citizens, which includes improving coordination between various law enforcement agencies and the stakeholders, driving change in India’s overall capability to tackle cybercrime, and improving citizen satisfaction levels. (ANI)
Nida has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Indian woman to complete the Endurance Championship…reports Asian Lite News
Nida Anjum Chelat, the 22-year-old equestrian from Kerala, created history by becoming the youngest rider in the world to complete the prestigious FEI Endurance World Championship for Seniors in Monpazier, France.
Nida has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Indian woman to complete the Endurance Championship. Competing against 118 riders from 40 countries, she has solidified her place in Indian equestrian history with this remarkable accomplishment. This prestigious event, conducted by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), is a landmark moment for Indian equestrian sports. Nida’s remarkable journey saw her navigate a rigorous vetting process and tough competition from global equestrian powerhouses such as the UAE, Bahrain, Spain, France, Italy, etc, countries known for their deep-rooted equestrian traditions and facilities. A total of 45 participants only successfully managed to complete the race.
Riding her 12-year-old mare, Petra del Rey, Nida completed the 160 km course in just 10 hours and 23 minutes overcoming challenges that included six gruelling loops, with distances ranging from 20 to 38 km. During the championship, 73 horses were eliminated.
The competition, renowned for its extreme demands on endurance, skill, and the synergy between horse and rider, required competitors to complete six challenging loops with rest periods, where the health and fitness of the horses were critically assessed. Nida finished 61st in the first stage, 56th in the second, 41st in the third stage, 36th in the fourth stage, 27th in the fifth stage and completed the championship at an impressive 17th place overall, with an average speed of 16.09 km per hour. With the Indian flag adorned on her helmet and jersey, Nida carried the nation’s pride with every stride, raising the tricolour high on the global equestrian stage.
According to FEI guidelines, the welfare of the horse is of utmost importance. Both horses and riders must be fit, competent, and in good health before they are allowed to compete. The competition consisted of six loops with distances of 38.65 km, 20.22 km, 31.72 km, 20.22 km, 23.12 km, and 26.07 km, requiring an average riding speed of 18 km per hour.
The first three loops allow a 40-minute rest period for the horse each time, while the 4th and 5th loops allow 50 minutes each. After each loop, expert veterinarians assess the horses’ health and fitness. If a horse’s health is found to be compromised, the rider is disqualified.
“It has been an incredible honour to represent India at the FEI Endurance World Championship for Seniors. The experience has been both challenging and exciting, but the support and love I’ve received have inspired me to give my best. This is a proud moment for me and my country, said Nida.
This achievement follows Nida’s historic completion of the FEI Equestrian World Endurance Championship for Juniors and Young Riders last year, where she finished a 120 km course in record time. Nida was also the first Indian woman to achieve the 3-star rider status by successfully completing the 160 km ride more than once.
Nida’s love for horses began during her childhood in Dubai, where she resides with her parents. Her passion for equestrian sports led her to win the prestigious Gold Sword at the Abu Dhabi Endurance Championship while still in the 12th grade. Her journey has been greatly shaped by her mentor, the renowned horse trainer and rider Ali Al Muhairi. Nida’s personal trainer is Takhat Singh Rao. Dr. Mohamed Shafi is her veterinary consultant. Nida is currently pursuing a Master’s in Management and International Development in Spain. A native of Malappuram District, Kerala, Nida is the daughter of Dr. Anvar Ameen Chelat, Managing Director of the Regency Group, and Minnath Anvar Ameen.
With this historic completion, Nida has once again brought immense pride to India and serves as an inspiration to aspiring equestrians across the nation.
Bahrain and UAE secured individual medals in gold and silver respectively, while France and China emerged as the team winners for gold and silver respectively.
