Wednesday, 7 October 2026

Collector calls for wider awareness to prevent child marriages

Reviewing an enforcement drive, Sumit Kumar highlights awareness campaigns through Self Help Groups and gram sabhas and sensitising students in schools and junior colleges about the adverse consequences of child marriage

The Hindu

3 hours ago · 1 min read★ 4.0 trust

Collector Sumit Kumar on Wednesday called for extensive awareness drives to eradicate the menace of child marriage across Chittoor district.

Reviewing the enforcement drive against child marriages at the ZP office conference hall, the Collector said that village-level prohibition and monitoring committees must meet regularly, and mandal officers should continuously track their functioning and ensure follow-up.

The Collector highlighted awareness campaigns through Self Help Groups (SHGs) and gram sabhas and sensitising students in schools and junior colleges about the adverse consequences of child marriage. “One period every week should be devoted to moral values, child protection and preventive measures,” Mr. Sumit Kumar said.

He directed capacity-building training on GO MS No.31 and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act for the field staff and stakeholders, in addition to training village committees on their preventive role. School dropouts must be closely monitored and re-enrolled, he said.

Posters on penal provisions under the PCMA and POCSO Acts and Child helpline 1098 should be displayed prominently in educational institutions and public places to enhance awareness, the Collector informed.

Read the full story at The Hindu.

More stories

GWMC plans elaborate arrangements for Bathukamma, Dasara

Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation (GWMC) Commissioner T. Venkanna has directed officials to make elaborate arrangements for the Bathukamma and Dasara festivals, and ensure devotees face no inconvenience. During a review meeting with officials at his camp office on Wednesday, Mr. Venkanna asked them to identify Bathukamma celebration venues across all 66 divisions and make necessary arrangements in advance. He said adequate facilities should be provided at major venues, including Padmakshi, Bhadrakali, Thousand Pillar Temple, Gunducheruvu, Bandham Cheruvu, Peddacheruvu, Hasanparthy, Ursu Gutta, Rangasaipet, Shivnagar, Thota Maidan, Chinnavaddepally and Kashibugga, where celebrations are expected to draw large crowds. Sadhula Bathukamma will be held on October 18 and Dasara on October 20. The municipal commissioner instructed officials to focus on sanitation, fogging and spraying, and to deploy additional sanitation personnel at major venues. Special arrangements should be made at immersion points on Sadhula Bathukamma to remove flowers and other waste promptly, he said. He also directed officials to repair non-functional streetlights and ensure that high-mast lights are operational. Adequate lighting should be provided at parking areas and around major venues, particularly Bhadrakali, Padmakshi, Thousand Pillar Temple, Rangasaipet, Shiva Nagar, Thota Maidan, Chinna Waddepally and Kashibugga. Temporary toilets, drinking water and parking facilities should be arranged for devotees. Gravel and soil should be used wherever necessary to level and prepare parking areas, he said. Mr. Venkanna asked officials to clear vegetation and debris and complete sanitation works before the festivities. Officials of all departments were directed to monitor arrangements in the field and coordinate with one another to ensure safe and convenient celebrations.

The Hindu·2 hours ago·1 min read

Numismatic art piece to be unveiled in Bengaluru

Rezwan Razack’s Museum of Indian Paper Money in Bengaluru will unveil a new numismatic art piece on October 8, 2026, bringing together 200 gold-plated 1955 one-piece coins in an elaborate presentation. The new installation will be on public display at the museum in the city. “The installation transforms an everyday denomination from India’s early post-Independence coinage into a striking work of art and a celebration of the country’s monetary heritage,” said a release. At its heart is the 1955 one-piece, a small denomination that shaped the monetary landscape of young independent India. “Together, the 200 gold-plated coins form an ornate composition framed in black and gold, with the central monogram and decorative motifs giving the piece the character of a commemorative artwork,” said the release. The museum in Bengaluru is dedicated to preserving, documenting and showcasing the history of Indian paper currency and the broader story of India’s monetary heritage.

The Hindu·2 hours ago·1 min read

Can early votes show who wins midterms?

More than 700,000 Americans have cast early votes across at least 30 states for the upcoming midterm elections. In states like Iowa and Pennsylvania, Democrats represent a larger share of ballot requests compared to previous elections. Virginia is leading in early voting, with significant participation noted from Democratic voters. Early voting trends may not reflect overall results, as secret ballots keep specific voting data hidden.

Economic Times·3 hours ago·1 min read