National

Stitching New Futures and Preserving Young Lives: A Look Inside Indore’s Revitalized Anganwadi Centre

Published

1 year ago

June 18, 2025

Seven-year-old Roshni stands shyly, clutching the edge of her mother’s saree at the Anganwadi Centre in Sethi Nagar, Indore, amidst a flurry of activity. Yet her bright eyes tell a different story—one of resilience and survival against the odds.

Not too long ago, her mother, Kajal, had lost hope for Roshni’s future when she was diagnosed with Severe Acute Malnutrition. Fortunately, an attentive Anganwadi worker recognized her condition and admitted her to the Poshan Rehabilitation Centre at the government hospital. Months of dedicated efforts from the doctors and staff at the Anganwadi Centre transformed Roshni’s life, ensuring she grew healthy and free from the threat of malnutrition. In a conversation with The Statesman at the centre, Kajal expressed her gratitude for the unwavering support from the Anganwadi workers while recounting her daughter’s inspiring journey.

The centre has also made significant strides in empowering women from marginalized communities, guiding them towards self-reliance and financial independence. Several women shared their stories of how they pooled resources to purchase sewing machines, enabling them to start their own businesses. The funding received through various government initiatives helped them turn their dreams into reality.

During her recent visit to the centre, Savitri, the Minister of State for Women and Child Development (WCD) in India, assessed the services provided at the Anganwadi Centre. She engaged with Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), beneficiaries, and community members to gauge the real-world impact of nutrition, health, and education programs for women and children.

Throughout her visit, the Minister discussed the enhancements in Anganwadi infrastructure, the introduction of digital tools like the Poshan Tracker, and the training of frontline workers, which have made the centres more efficient and responsive in delivering essential services.

The Minister stressed that Anganwadi Centres have evolved beyond mere nutrition delivery points, becoming vibrant hubs of early childhood care and development, in line with the Saksham Anganwadi initiative under the Poshan 2.0 framework.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Anganwadi facilities, ensuring effective service delivery, and striving for a malnutrition-free India. The Minister highlighted that Anganwadi Centres are crucial to achieving social justice, supporting the health and development of future generations.

In closing, she noted that this decade has laid the groundwork for a New India, championed by Nari Shakti—ensuring safe childbirth, promoting girls’ education, and providing access to financial and legal protections.

National

Marriage Turns into Alleged Fraud as Woman Flees with Jewellery

Published

23 hours ago

October 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

Chandigarh: A woman who allegedly posed as a PCS officer and married an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader in Punjab reportedly fled with gold and silver jewellery and other valuables just a few months after the wedding.

AAP Joint Secretary Amarinder Singh Mandofal has alleged that he was cheated by the woman, identified as Manwinder Kaur. The two got married in February 2026 after Kaur’s family introduced her to Amarinder as a PCS officer.

According to Amarinder’s complaint, the woman was also presented as unmarried. However, he later allegedly discovered that she had been married earlier and had a son aged around 18. He also claimed that she had provided false information about her age.

The woman allegedly left the house with gold and silver jewellery and other valuable items a few months after the marriage. Amarinder said he became suspicious and later gathered information about her past.

Based on his complaint, police have registered a case against six people, including Kaur, on charges of cheating and forgery.

The FIR names her brother Tarlochan Singh, mother Varinderjit Kaur, cousin Narinder Singh Goldy, sister-in-law Rupinder Kaur, and former village sarpanch Surinder Singh Rana as co-accused.

Police said all the accused are residents of Sur Singh village under the Bhikhiwind police station limits in Tarn Taran district.

The wedding had been attended by several prominent AAP leaders and public representatives, including Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh.

Videos and pictures from the wedding celebrations have also gone viral on social media.

Police have begun an investigation into the allegations and the background of the accused.

National

Man Dies by Suicide after Jumping from 43rd Floor

Published

4 days ago

October 4, 2026

Namma Kudla

Noida: A man died by suicide after jumping from the 43rd floor of the Supernova Tower in Noida on Saturday.

The incident took place at the Supernova complex in Sector 94. A video shows the man standing near the railing before jumping. Another person tried to stop him but could not prevent the incident.

Police identified the deceased as Sambhav Jain, a resident of Manesar, Haryana. He had reportedly checked into an Airbnb in the building on Friday and was scheduled to leave on Saturday.

Police said Jain had called his father several times before the incident. His family has been informed.

The police and forensic teams inspected the spot and collected evidence. CCTV footage is also being checked as part of the investigation.

Police said Jain was reportedly under severe financial stress. His body has been sent for a post-mortem examination.

The investigation is underway.

National

Captain Smit Machchhar Shares Ordeal with PM Modi

Published

5 days ago

October 3, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Captain Smit Machchhar over a video call and praised his courage after he helped prevent a major air disaster.

Captain Machchhar was seriously injured after his co-pilot allegedly stabbed him during a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The Boeing 737 MAX reportedly lost nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.

Passengers and crew members entered the cockpit and overpowered the co-pilot. A second pair of pilots then took control and safely landed the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. More than 170 passengers and crew were on board.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Captain Machchhar told PM Modi that he was badly injured and had collapsed in the cockpit. He realised that the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude and that he had to act.

“I could not let all those people die,” he told the Prime Minister.

Captain Machchhar said his 17 years of flying experience helped him understand what was happening to the aircraft. He managed to open the cockpit door, after which passengers and crew came to his help.

He also said he was chanting the Hanuman Chalisa while fighting the pain and fear.

PM Modi praised the captain’s courage, patience and presence of mind. He said Captain Machchhar’s actions helped save many lives and called his effort a “monumental task.”

Captain Machchhar, who is from Gujarat, has more than 9,750 flying hours and has served as a captain for 11 years.