The programme targets girls aged between 15 and 18 years across the state. Telangana has 19.13 lakh girls in this age group. In the first phase, 6,138 Sneha Groups were formed with 65,615 girls. Jogulamba Gadwal district formed 568 groups with 6,662 girls, while Warangal district formed 439 groups with 4,167 girls. More than 10,000 girls in both districts will receive benefits through this initiative.

The groups will focus on awareness and training. Key areas include health, mental well-being, menstrual hygiene, nutrition, cyber safety, skill development, online abuse prevention and career guidance. Training programmes will also encourage financial independence and confidence building.

SERP and UNICEF are jointly supporting the implementation. NFHS-5 data shows 58% of girls suffer from anaemia and 40% are underweight. Many girls also face challenges like child marriage and school dropouts. ‘Sneha’ aims to create equal opportunities and long-term empowerment.

The post Telangana Launches ‘Sneha Groups’ for Teen Girls appeared first on India Podcast.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the system will remain active today as well. Within the next two hours, thunderstorm activity with lightning and gusty winds is expected in Kamareddy, Siricilla, Medak, Nizamabad, Nirmal, and Sangareddy districts. Residents in these areas have been urged to remain cautious during the storm period.

Further south, districts like Gadwal, Wanaparthy, Narayanpet, and Vikarabad are also likely to witness moderate to heavy showers later in the day. The IMD cautioned that intense spells of rain may lead to waterlogging in low-lying regions.

Meanwhile, Hyderabad is likely to remain dry for the next two to three hours. However, officials said that thunderstorms could develop over the city by afternoon. Commuters have been advised to plan their travel accordingly as weather conditions may deteriorate by evening.

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