Professor TJ Joseph, a victim of an attack by members of the banned group Popular Front of India, reflects on the incident and its aftermath. Despite losing his hand in a brutal assault in 2010 over a misunderstood exam question, he has found peace through atheism and aims to free others from blind faith. Joseph faced isolation from the church and community, financial hardship, and the loss of his wife to depression. He has since written an autobiography, 'A Thousand Cuts', and plans to continue writing. The recent NIA court verdict found six additional accused guilty, bringing the incident back into focus.

The Kerala legislative assembly faced disruption as the opposition boycotted a session over the suicide of a 77-year-old disabled man, allegedly due to the CPIM-led government's delay in paying disability pension. Finance Minister KN Balagopal rejected the call for a debate on the issue, while Opposition Leader VD Satheeshan criticized the government's spending priorities and handling of the suicide note. The Kerala High Court has registered a suo motu case to protect the interests of the deceased's physically disabled daughter.

Fifteen men associated with the now-banned Popular Front of India (PFI) were found guilty of murdering Advocate Rajnith Srinivas, the state secretary of the BJP OBC Morcha, by Mavelikara Additional Sessions Judge VG Sridevi. The murder took place on December 19, 2021, in Alappuzha Vellakinar, and the sentence will be pronounced on Monday. The prosecution presented extensive evidence, including 156 witnesses, documents, photographs, and scientific evidence. Despite the defendants' requests for case transfer and concerns over security, the trial proceeded with heavy police protection due to threats against witnesses and prosecution lawyers.

The swearing-in ceremony for KB Ganesh Kumar and Kadanapally Ramachandran marks a significant reshuffle in the Kerala cabinet, following a pre-agreed pact. Amidst tensions between the Kerala Governor and Chief Minister, the Left Front anticipates Kumar and Ramachandran to oversee the transport and port departments, respectively. The reshuffle follows the resignations of Ahmed Devarkovil and Antony Raju. The article also highlights criticism of the Nava Kerala Sadas campaign and ongoing protests against the SFI governor.

Facing ongoing violence, Congress cadres are calling for an all-out offensive against CPIM party supporters in the final leg of the chief minister's Yatra, ending on December 24, indicating a shift from Gandhian non-violence to more aggressive tactics.

Police efforts to manage traffic at the Sabarimala temple for the third consecutive day have sparked political concerns as the opposition criticizes the government's inadequate arrangements for pilgrims. Devotees experienced delays, with some waiting over 15 hours for darshan. The Kerala High Court directed crowd control measures, but pilgrims still faced long waits and insufficient facilities. The opposition leader VD Satheeshan and BJP state president K Surendran condemned the government's handling of the situation. The Devaswom Board and police blamed each other for the virtual queue system's failure. The High Court is considering appointing a legal team to assess the situation, while Devaswom Minister K Radhakrishnan acknowledged the unprecedented rush and limitations, assuring efforts to prevent incidents.

The CUSAT stampede, which resulted in four student deaths and over 60 injuries, has raised questions about the violation of fest norms set after a 2015 accident. Documents suggest that the Dhishna 2023 organizers flouted regulations prohibiting professional performances and fundraising on campus. The Kerala High Court had emphasized strict enforcement of these guidelines. R Sasikumar from Save University Campaign alleges that the Students Welfare Director and the Vice Chancellor are responsible for the event's safety failures. The university has blamed the principal, Dr. Deepak Kumar Sahu, for not officially informing authorities about the event's scale and celebrity participation, leading to his removal pending an inquiry.

The CUSAT stampede at Cochin University's annual festival resulted in four deaths and over 60 injuries. An expert committee has been formed to investigate. Documents reveal that the principal had requested additional security, but the police claim they received no such request. The incident highlights potential negligence in crowd control measures by the university's higher authorities. The police and university officials have conflicting accounts regarding the communication and security arrangements for the event.

Environmental activists from Kerala Nadi Samrakshana Samiti faced a hostile mob while inspecting a quarry in Thenaruvi, Kakkadampoyil, where a check dam co-owned by MLA PV Anwar was located. The Kerala High Court was informed that the dam had been demolished, but evidence suggests otherwise. The incident has sparked a debate between the need for ecological preservation and the desire for development through tourism. Some villagers support the nearby theme park and resort for economic reasons, while others, including environmentalists and local residents, express concerns about the environmental impact and safety hazards. A collective of villagers from various political parties has planned a strike to address these issues. Environmentalist C R Neelakantan reported clear violations at the quarry site, including diverted streams and steep mining slopes.

The High Court criticized Kerala Police for seizing equipment from the Malayalam Online Portal Marunadan Malayali based on a defamation case filed by CPIM MLA PV Srinijan. The court found the police's actions unacceptable and ordered the return of the equipment. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan condemned Delhi Police's raids on NewsClick, calling it an attack on media freedom, while the Editor-in-Chief of Marunadan Malayali accused Vijayan of hypocrisy. BJP spokesperson Sandeep Vachaspati argued that the raids on NewsClick were justified due to national security concerns, contrasting with the Kerala government's actions against critical media.

Five individuals were arrested and a case was registered against 307 people, including leaders of the Muslim Youth League (MYL), for chanting Hinduphobic slogans during a rally in Kerala. The incident, which was condemned by BJP leaders, led to heightened security in Kasargod district. The BJP Yuva Morcha filed a complaint against IUML leaders, accusing them of attempting to create communal tension by blaming the Sangh Parivar for the Manipur riots. The MYL expelled Abdul Salam, who raised the slogans, stating it was against the party's principles.

Naushid, accused of stabbing Reshma to death in Kochi, has been remanded for 14 days by the Ernakulam First Class Magistrate Court. The police recovered the murder weapon and gathered preliminary evidence. Naushid allegedly killed Reshma due to personal differences and accusations of witchcraft. The murder occurred in a hotel room where Naushid worked, and the police concluded his guilt after interrogation. Reshma's body was handed over to her relatives post-mortem.

The Kerala Assembly passed a resolution against the Centre's decision to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which BJP state president K Surendran criticized as an attempt by ruling and opposition parties to use the assembly for religious polarisation. He accused the CPM and Congress of challenging the country's Constitution and judicial system. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan introduced the resolution, questioning the NDA government's intentions and alleging that the UCC move was to fulfill the RSS's wishes and deflect attention from administrative lapses. The resolution was passed unanimously.

In Kerala, police have taken soldier Shine Kumar and his friend Joshi into custody for allegedly fabricating an assault incident. Kumar claimed he was attacked by six individuals who wrote 'PFI' on his back, but police investigations revealed inconsistencies. Joshi admitted to helping Kumar with the act, stating that Kumar wanted to gain fame. The police recovered materials used in the incident from Joshi's home and noted the absence of any signs of assault at the reported location. An FIR was initially filed based on Kumar's complaint, but further interrogation led to the revelation of the false statement.

Kurupumpadi police in Kochi registered a case for attempted murder after a shoe was thrown at Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's convoy during the Nava Kerala Sadas Yatra. Congress MLA Eldhose Kunnapilly was allegedly attacked by DYFI activists in the same area. CM Vijayan warned of potential violence and questioned the opposition's boycott of the program. Opposition leader VD Satheesan criticized the charges against KSU activists and accused the CM of encouraging aggression. The article highlights political tensions and accusations between the ruling and opposition parties in Kerala.

An international tourist from the US was sexually assaulted by two locals, Nikhil and Jayan, in Kollam district's Karunagapally. The incident occurred on Monday morning when the woman was befriended by the accused, who later intoxicated and abused her. After regaining consciousness, she reported the incident to the ashram where she was staying, leading to a police complaint. The local police have taken the accused into custody and are proceeding with legal actions.

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of orchestrating an attack on his convoy by Student Federation of India (SFI) activists. The incident occurred as the Governor's convoy was en route to the airport, with SFI members breaching security and protesting against Khan's alleged misuse of his position. The Governor, visibly upset, claimed that the attackers were sent by the Chief Minister to physically harm him. The SFI has been protesting against the Supreme Court's verdict upholding the Governor's authority to appoint Vice Chancellors to state universities.

Higher Education Minister R. Bindu intervened in the selection process for principals in Kerala's government arts and science colleges, modifying the final list of recommended individuals. The Kerala Administrative Tribunal ruled that appointments should be made from the original list of 43 qualified individuals, not the revised list of 76. Opposition leaders, including VD Satheeshan and BJP state president K Surendran, have demanded the minister's resignation. The controversy has caused embarrassment for the Left government, highlighting issues of political interference in academic appointments.

In Kannur, Kerala, three police officials, including a sub-inspector, were assaulted and locked up by a group of intoxicated men at a youth club. The incident occurred when the police were investigating a complaint about disturbances caused by drunkards. Two policemen were hospitalized with injuries, and three individuals were arrested, while four others are still at large. The police have filed cases under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.

Anil Kumar, a CPIM leader, sparked controversy with remarks about Muslim women removing their hijabs due to communist influence, leading to widespread condemnation from Islamic scholars, political parties, and his own party. The CPIM distanced itself from his comments, emphasizing individual rights to dress. The BJP criticized the CPIM for perceived double standards and pandering to religious forces.

A four-year-old boy in Kozhikode, Kerala, has been diagnosed with Japanese encephalitis, confirmed by the Government Medical College's Department of Microbiology. The child exhibited symptoms such as high fever, headache, and severe neck pain. Dr. Maya Sudhakar emphasized that the disease spreads through mosquito bites and is not transmissible between humans. The health department is expected to take measures to disinfect the affected area. The World Health Organization notes a high fatality rate for the disease, with significant risks of permanent neurological or psychiatric effects.

Assam University has initiated an investigation into allegations of plagiarism in a thesis submitted by Ratheesh Kalliyadan, an academic advisor to the Kerala Chief Minister. The university's Registrar, Pradosh Kiran Nath, confirmed that steps are being taken to verify the claims, including contacting Mysore University for a comparative analysis. If the allegations are proven, legal action and revocation of the PhD may follow. The investigation was prompted by a report from Republic Digital, which highlighted similarities between Kalliyadan's thesis and another submitted by PV Rajesh. Efforts to contact Kalliyadan's thesis guide, Dr. Nagaraj KV, have so far been unsuccessful.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George's personal staff member, Akhil Mathew, is accused of accepting a bribe for a government job offer. Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala demands an investigation, criticizing George's inaction. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla mocks the INDI alliance's stance on the issue. Haridasan from Malappuram alleges that his daughter-in-law was promised a government medical officer job for a bribe, involving intermediary Akhil Sajeev. George denies the allegations and files a counter-complaint.

Following the arrest of two individuals from Haryana for impersonation and cheating in a recruitment test at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala police have arrested three more suspects from Haryana. The exam has been cancelled, and a new date will be announced. The accused used camera phones and Bluetooth devices to cheat. A Haryana-based racket and coaching center are suspected to be involved. A special squad will investigate further in Haryana. The state intelligence had warned VSSC about potential cheating, and police criticized the invigilators' lack of vigilance.

Kerala is facing a potential power crisis due to a significant deficit in seasonal rainfall, with a 44% shortfall from June to mid-August and a 90% deficit in August alone. The state, heavily reliant on hydro power, has seen a drastic reduction in electricity production and increased consumption. Authorities, including Electricity Minister K Krishnankutty, are considering measures such as power tariff hikes and managed outages. The Kerala State Electricity Board may need to source electricity from central generating stations or the open market. The situation has caused concern among residents, who are already burdened by rising costs.

The Communist Party of India's Palakkad unit is experiencing mass resignations, including seven branch secretaries and other members, in protest against the demotion of CPI MLA Muhammad Muhsin. The resignations reflect deepening unease and accusations of factionalism within the party. BJP state committee member Sandeep Warrier attributes the crisis to the CPI's inclusion of 'urban naxals' and criticizes the party's internal strife. The CPI district secretary K P Suresh Raj has communicated the issues to the state leadership, while a party insider indicates a power struggle between the Suresh Raj and E Ismail-led factions.

Kerala CPI(M) state secretary Govindan retracted his earlier statement that labeled Lord Ganapati and the Pushpak Vimana as myths, claiming his words were taken out of context. The Congress welcomed the retraction, with senior leader Ramesh Chennithala expressing satisfaction. BJP president K Surendran, however, stated that a simple retraction was insufficient and demanded an apology for offending Hindu religious sentiments. The controversy began with statements made by AN Shamsheer, which led to protests by the BJP Yuva Morcha and Hindu community organizations.

Afsana, the wife of Naushad, has accused the Kerala Police of forcing her to confess to killing her husband through torture and assault. Despite her confession, Naushad was later found alive. Afsana, who was released on bail from Attakulangara Women's Jail, refuted claims of mental instability and plans to take legal action against the police. The police have yet to comment, but an internal inquiry has been ordered by the DGP following the Kerala Chief Minister's instructions. Naushad intends to file a case against Afsana for damaging his reputation.

The rape and murder of a five-year-old girl in Kerala by a migrant worker from Bihar has sparked a political debate on profiling migrants in the state. Kerala BJP president K Surendran criticized the state's law enforcement and called for thorough monitoring of migrant workers. Congress leaders condemned the state government's response. Kerala's labour minister announced an upcoming registration system for migrants, including an app named Athithi. The Kerala Police expressed regret over the incident, and the suspect, Ashfaq Alam, has been taken into custody and remanded for 14 days.

Senior CPI(M) leader P Jayarajan made a controversial statement against BJP Yuva Morcha, warning of consequences if they raised their hand against MLA AN Shamseer. This led to a complaint by the Yuva Morcha seeking to book Jayarajan for allegedly issuing death threats. The BJP demanded legal action against Jayarajan, while BJP leaders responded with insinuating social media posts. The article recounts the violent history of Kannur politics, including a 1999 attack on Jayarajan and subsequent political killings. Law enforcement is vigilant to prevent the current verbal conflict from escalating into violence.

The National Medical Commission revoked recognition of 150 MBBS seats at Government TD Medical College in Alappuzha due to inadequate faculty and senior resident doctors. This issue was part of broader faculty shortages affecting post-graduate courses across Kerala's government colleges. The opposition leader criticized the government's handling of the situation, while the Health Minister assured that admissions would not be affected and compliance with NMC requirements was underway. An NMC public notice seemed to contradict the Minister's assurances, creating uncertainty about the status of the medical college's recognition.

Priya Varghese has been appointed as Associate Professor at Kannur University following a Kerala High Court order, despite allegations of nepotism and favouritism. The University Grants Commission (UGC) plans to appeal to the Supreme Court against this verdict, which it believes could have national consequences by potentially invalidating parts of the UGC Rules for appointing Associate Professors. Joseph Skariah, who was ranked second for the position, and Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, also plan to challenge the High Court's decision in the Supreme Court.

The Kerala High Court is set to reconsider the interim bail plea of M Sivasankar, former principal secretary to Kerala's Chief Minister, in a money laundering case. Sivasankar, citing health issues, had his earlier bail plea rejected by the court, which found no medical emergency. The Enforcement Directorate opposed his bail, noting that he resumed office after previously being granted bail. The matter is also expected to be heard in the Supreme Court, with Sivasankar having been in jail for five months.

The Supreme Court is set to hear the anticipatory bail plea of Shajan Skaria, editor of Marunadan Malayali, who faces charges under the SC/ST Act for allegedly defaming CPI(M) MLA P V Sreenijin. The Kerala High Court previously denied his bail, leading to police raids on his office and the seizure of equipment. Political figures from BJP and Congress condemned the actions against the media, while the Muslim League distanced itself from supporting Skaria. The Kerala Union of Working Journalists also criticized the police's actions. Meanwhile, MLA PV Anvar continued his threats against media houses.

The Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama, a prominent Sunni group in Kerala, announced support for the Communist Party of India (Marxist) against the Uniform Civil Code. The CPI(M) is seeking to attract Muslim votes and has invited the Muslim League to a seminar, causing a shift in traditional political alignments. The Indian National Congress, facing criticism from CPI(M) for its unclear stance on the UCC, maintains that their alliance is strong. Opposition leader VD Satheeshan warned CPI(M) of potential losses within its own ranks while trying to attract others.

A 2015 ruckus in the Kerala Assembly has reignited tensions between the Congress and the state administration. Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala plans to approach the Kerala High Court, accusing the state government of attempting to save the accused by allowing a reinvestigation. The Kerala crime branch has restarted its probe, focusing on statements from key figures, including the then speaker N Sakthan. The case involves several Communist Party of India (Marxist) leaders, and the Supreme Court had previously quashed the state's plea to withdraw the case.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the Congress party for its ambiguous stance on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), accusing it of being escapist and lacking political strength to confront the Sangh Parivar. He highlighted the inconsistency within the Congress, pointing out the differing views of its members. The Congress, in turn, accused the CPI(M) of opportunism and reiterated its opposition to the UCC, planning public events to oppose its implementation.

The article discusses Gitamritam, a seven-day residential program initiated by Swami Dhyanamrita, a disciple of spiritual guru Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, to impart the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to the youth. The program, which takes place at Amrita University campus in Coimbatore, combines the Gita's values with activities like skill development, swimming, yoga, and meditation. Swami Dhyanamrita emphasizes the importance of the Gita's teachings for the younger generation, advocating for an education that fosters courage, creativity, and the ability to face life's uncertainties. The camp offers an open learning environment and includes guest lectures from various successful individuals. The 28th Gitamritam Camp is scheduled with sessions for different age groups, and students are selected based on their interest and commitment.

The article by Aswin Nandakumar discusses the longstanding issue of sewage management in Mayanad, Kozhikode, where residents are facing health and environmental problems due to the inefficiency of the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital's (KMCH) sewage treatment plant. Despite a High Court order in 2008, the plant commissioned in 2015 has insufficient capacity, leading to untreated wastewater contaminating local water bodies. The Public Works Department (PWD) has attempted to address the issue with a new collection tank, but problems persist with the system's efficiency. The principal of KMCH, Dr. VR Rajendran, expresses optimism about resolving the issue through the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (Amrut) project. However, local residents, including the Mayanad Parisara Malineekarana Nirmarjana Samithi (MPMNS), have lost hope after decades of seeking justice.

Former Maoist leader Murali Kannampilly has expressed doubts about the legitimacy of the killing of four suspected Maoists by law enforcement in Agali, Palakkad, suggesting it may have been a premeditated attack rather than a legitimate encounter. He draws parallels to past incidents that were later revealed to be fake encounters. Kannampilly criticizes the Chief Minister for not instructing the police to apprehend suspects alive. He also comments on the Walayar case, where the death of two Dalit girls has led to public outcry and a questioning of the judicial system. He reflects on the growing public sensitivity to injustice and the increasing willingness of people to challenge it, indicating a rise in people's movements beyond just the marginalized communities.

The article by Aswin Nandakumar reports on the mysterious death of a 28-year-old Adivasi woman, Sobha, whose body was found in a paddy field in Kurukkanmoola near Kuruva Dweep, Mananthavady. The death, initially puzzling due to the absence of live wires, was later determined to be caused by an illegal electric fence. The owner of the field, Jinu Joseph, was arrested and charged with culpable homicide and tampering with evidence. The case has raised concerns about a mafia exploiting tribal women, as Sobha had been reportedly forced into illegal activities and sexually exploited for years. The investigation is ongoing, with the police having solved the electrocution aspect and awaiting a detailed autopsy report for further clarity on the death.

An Indian American family of four, including Anand Henry, Alice Priyanka, and their twin boys Noah and Nathan, were found dead in their San Mateo, California home on February 12. The parents had gunshot wounds, and a 9 mm pistol was found at the scene. There were no signs of forced entry or struggle, and the police are investigating whether it was a case of murder or suicide. Autopsies are underway to determine the exact cause of death. Anand had recently left his IT job, and there were previous calls about family altercations. Alice's mother, Juliet, had just visited and left the day before the incident.

The article is an interview with Debashis Chatterjee, the director of the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK), discussing the conclave on 'Globalising Indian Thoughts'. Chatterjee emphasizes the importance of ancient wisdom in the face of rapid technological change and societal disruptions. He criticizes the lack of transparency in the COVID-19 crisis and the tendency to prioritize technology over truth. The article also touches on the gaps in India's higher education system compared to countries like China and South Korea, suggesting a reorientation towards solving local issues. Chatterjee outlines the role of IIMs in shaping the market rather than just responding to its needs and introduces a new postgraduate course on Liberal Studies and Management at IIMK, designed to create thinkers and synthesisers equipped to handle the dynamic world.

The article by Aswin Nandakumar, published in The New Indian Express, recounts the tragic incident of a young girl named Shehla Sherin who was bitten by a snake in her school, Sarvajanam VHSS School in Sulthan Bathery. Abdul Aziz, Shehla's father and an advocate, describes the moments after the bite as he rushed her to the hospital, noting her concern for her belongings left at school. The incident occurred during a Malayalam language class, which was attended by students from various divisions. Shehla's class teacher, Mary Kutty, shares emotional memories of Shehla, who had joined the school in June and preferred to sit with her cousin Nasla. The article also mentions a previous report on the apathy that contributed to the fatality of the snakebite victim.

The article, written by Aswin Nandakumar, explores the spiritual connection between divinity, nature, and humanity within the context of Sanatana Dharma, emphasizing the oneness of creation and the Creator. It discusses how ancient teachings of reverence towards nature have been ignored, leading to environmental exploitation. The article highlights the importance of instilling values of compassion and respect for nature from a young age, as exemplified by the author's personal anecdotes. It also addresses the degradation of nature due to ignorance and greed, suggesting education and sustainable practices as solutions. The role of youth in environmental protection is underscored, with the need for role models and practical education at home. The article touches on integrating traditional knowledge of plants and Ayurveda into mainstream education and the importance of re-establishing harmony with nature, as seen in Indian spirituality and culture.

The article by Aswin Nandakumar, published in The New Indian Express, describes the trek to the Umiang Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat village, Meghalaya. It starts from Tyrna village, the last motorable point, and involves crossing a series of bridges, including a narrow iron bridge with bamboo side ropes. The trek is a blend of adventure and cultural experience, with local Khasi youngsters offering guiding services and bamboo sticks for support. The highlight is the living root bridge, a natural structure made from the aerial roots of the Indian Rubber Tree. The journey also reveals a hidden natural swimming pool and concludes with the comfort of a small shop selling hot Maggi noodles and coffee.