anganwadi

About 91% centres run from rented spaces, over half barely in 25-50 square yards, and 22% in even smaller areas

A rights activist survey in Jharkhand reveals digital compliance pressures and administrative negligence are hindering nutrition scheme implementation at anganwadi centers. Health workers face job fears due to digital targets, while issues like e-KYC failures and poor network connectivity deprive beneficiaries of essential services, impacting women and children's nutrition.

Odisha's government is contemplating an early start to summer vacations for schools and anganwadis due to the relentless heatwave. With temperatures consistently exceeding 40°C in many districts, a final decision is expected within days. Some districts have already implemented shorter school hours or temporary closures to protect students from the extreme heat.

Gajapati district administration successfully prevented a child marriage on Sunday night after receiving an alert from Child Helpline (1098). A 17.9-year-old girl was rescued and her parents provided a written undertaking not to marry her before she turns 18. This marks the second such intervention in a week, highlighting ongoing efforts despite the district being declared child marriage-free.

A horrific incident unfolded in Khargone where a seven-year-old girl was brutally gang-raped and murdered by a relative and his friend. The accused, reportedly watching pornography, abducted the child as she returned from a shop. They then sexually assaulted and strangled her, discarding the body in a straw pile. Their suspicious behavior led to their arrest and confession.