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Operation TRACE: Andhra Pradesh Traces 4,655 Missing Women & Minor Girls, Secures 497 Convictions

PolitySocial IssuesHIGH
Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
25 Feb 2026
~2 min
Source: The Hindu
Key Data:4,655 tracedAugust 1, 2025497 convictions164 Shakti teams26 One-Stop Centres4,837 sexual offender sheets
Bodies:Andhra Pradesh PoliceWomen and Child Safety Wing (WCSW)Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.Andhra Pradesh's 'Operation TRACE' (Track, Reconnect, Assist, Counsel and Empower) has successfully traced 4,655 out of 5,658 missing women and minor girls reported as of January 27, 2026.

2.The state's strategy includes a dedicated Women and Child Safety Wing (WCSW), 164 'Shakti' hotspot teams, 26 One-Stop Centres, and focused trial monitoring leading to 497 convictions.

3.For exams, this case study is crucial for questions on state-level governance mechanisms, institutional responses to crimes against women, and the role of police and judiciary in ensuring justice.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

This news highlights a significant state-level intervention for women and child safety, showcasing a multi-pronged institutional approach. Exam aspirants must note the operational details of 'Operation TRACE', the institutional framework (WCSW, Shakti teams, One-Stop Centres), and the conviction data as a model for governance questions on public safety.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Total Missing Persons Traced4,655 (3,159 women + 1,496 minor girls)
Operation TRACE Launch DateAugust 1, 2025
Convictions via Trial Monitoring497 (since June 1, 2024)
Number of One-Stop Centres26
Number of Shakti Teams164
Sexual Offender Sheets Opened4,837

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Total Missing Persons Traced: 4,655 (3,159 women + 1,496 minor girls)
  • ›Operation TRACE Launch Date: August 1, 2025
  • ›Target this Data: 4,655 total persons traced (3,159 women + 1,496 minor girls).
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Women and Child Safety Wing (WCSW) headed by an IGP-rank officer.
  • ›Target this Legal Point: 497 convictions achieved through focused trial monitoring since June 1, 2024.

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Q1Static LinkageEasy

The 'One Stop Centre (OSC)' scheme, which offers integrated support to victims as mentioned in the news, is implemented under the administrative control of which Union Ministry?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding Andhra Pradesh's initiatives for women and child safety as per the news article:

1. 'Operation TRACE' was launched on August 1, 2025, to streamline the process of tracking missing persons.

2. The Women and Child Safety Wing (WCSW) is headed by an officer of the rank of Director General of Police (DGP).

3. Focused trial monitoring since June 1, 2024, has led to the conviction in more than 500 cases related to crimes against women and children.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the information provided by the Andhra Pradesh Home Minister, how many 'Shakti' teams have been deployed across hotspots in the state to curb harassment and enhance vigilance?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary objective of the 'Operation TRACE' initiative launched by Andhra Pradesh, as highlighted in the news?

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