National

Odisha Designates ‘Child Marriage Prohibition Officer’ Title to GP and SC-ST Hostel Officials

Published

1 year ago

February 6, 2025

The Government of Odisha has officially designated gram panchayat functionaries, as well as matrons and wardens from the Scheduled Tribes & Scheduled Caste Development Department’s residential school hostels, as Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs). This initiative aims to enhance efforts in monitoring and preventing the occurrence of child marriages.

According to a notification from the Department of Women and Child Development, “In accordance with Sub-section (1) of Section 16 of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, the State Government hereby designates all Panchayat Executive Officers (PEOs) of Gram Panchayats, along with Wardens and Matrons of Residential Hostels within the Scheduled Tribes & Scheduled Caste Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department and School & Mass Education Department, as Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs).”

The notification further stated, “They will exercise the powers and perform the duties assigned to them as per clauses (a) to (g) of Sub-section (3) of Section 16 of the Act within their respective jurisdictions.”

Child marriage remains a persistent issue, particularly in tribal regions of the state. To combat this social challenge, the government has developed an action plan aimed at protecting the vulnerabilities of girl children against early marriage. The inclusion of CMPO designations for GP functionaries and SC-ST hostel matrons and wardens represents a key strategy to address this issue, according to senior officials in the Department of Women & Child Development.

Sixteen districts—Malkangiri, Mayurbhanj, Nabarangpur, Nayagarh, Koraput, Rayagada, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, Gajapati, Keonjhar, Balasore, Deogarh, Boudh, Subarnapur, Kandhamal, and Angul—have been identified as areas where child marriage is particularly concerning.

Contributing factors, such as poverty and the lack of awareness among illiterate parents regarding the legal implications of child marriage, exacerbate the issue. Sadly, many parents remain unaware of the legal stipulations outlined in the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, which declares child marriage a cognizable offense.

National

Jammu University Introduces Fuel-Saving Measures

Published

4 days ago

May 14, 2026

Namma Kudla

National : The University of Jammu has announced several fuel-saving measures following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for fuel conservation. Vice-Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai said the university has decided to conduct all PhD viva voce examinations online to reduce travel and save fuel.

The university will also prefer virtual speakers for national and international conferences. In another step, the Academic Council meeting planned in Poonch has been shifted to the Jammu University campus to avoid unnecessary travel.

Prof Rai said the measures will help save fuel, time and resources. He also encouraged university staff to use bicycles and carpool while travelling to the campus.

National

One Year On: Pahalgam Attack Still Haunts the Nation

Published

4 weeks ago

April 21, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: One year after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, the nation remembers the 26 people who lost their lives. The attack took place on April 22 at Baisaran, a popular tourist spot.

At first, reports said only five people were injured. Later, it became clear that it was one of the worst terror attacks in the region in decades. Terrorists came out of the forest and opened fire on tourists.

Survivors said the attackers separated men from women and children. They then shot the men at close range. Many victims were reportedly targeted after being asked about their religion.

A heartbreaking image of Himanshi Narwal sitting beside her husband’s body became a symbol of the tragedy. Her husband, a naval officer, was among those killed.

The group The Resistance front, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. The case was investigated by the National Investigation Agency.

After months of tracking, security forces launched Operation Mahadev. On July 28, 2025, all three terrorists were killed after a long search operation.

The attack remains a painful memory and a reminder of the need for strong security.

National

Social Media Influencer-Turned Gangster Held Abroad

Published

1 month ago

April 9, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Rao Inderjeet Yadav has been arrested in Dubai. He is wanted in a murder case from Haryana.

He fled India in 2024 after a businessman was killed in Rohtak. Police had been searching for him since then. Officials said Dubai authorities have asked for documents. He is likely to be brought back to India soon.

Yadav faces more than 15 criminal cases. These include extortion, fraud, and illegal land deals. The Enforcement Directorate also investigated him for money laundering. Raids led to the seizure of cash, cars, and documents.

He also ran a music company called Gems Tunes. It produced regional songs.

Yadav had a large social media following. He often showed his rich lifestyle online. He has denied all charges. He claims he is being framed.

Police are now preparing for further action.