National

India Advocates for Global Plastics Treaty at UNOC to Protect Oceans

Published

1 year ago

June 11, 2025

On Tuesday, India reaffirmed its commitment to a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty during the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, aiming to eliminate plastic pollution by 2040. This proposed treaty, introduced by the World Wildlife Fund in 2022, is set for consideration by UN member states in 2025.

Speaking on the second day of the conference, Union Minister of Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh emphasized the urgent need for global action on ocean health. He reiterated India’s dedication to reducing plastic waste, highlighted by the nationwide ban on single-use plastics, which aligns with the UN’s World Environment Day theme.

Singh also showcased India’s efforts in combating marine pollution through the ‘Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar’ (Clean Ocean, Protected Ocean) campaign. Since its launch in 2022, the initiative has cleaned over 1,000 km of coastline and removed more than 50,000 tonnes of plastic waste.

India actively supports negotiations on the Global Plastics Treaty and has developed a national marine litter policy to reinforce its commitment. During the conference, Singh also highlighted India’s dedication to conserving marine biodiversity, noting that the country has signed the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement—also known as the High Seas Treaty—and is currently in the process of ratification.

He mentioned plans to expand India’s Marine Protected Areas, which presently cover 6.6% of the Exclusive Economic Zone, to further contribute to global biodiversity objectives.

Stressing the importance of climate resilience, Jitendra Singh pointed out the restoration of over 10,000 hectares of mangroves and the introduction of shoreline management plans utilizing nature-based solutions. Additionally, India has incorporated ocean-based climate initiatives into its Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.

Singh called for a strong ‘Nice Ocean Action Plan’ and urged the international community to invest in innovation, ratify the BBNJ Agreement, and finalize the plastics treaty. “The ocean is our shared heritage and responsibility,” he stated, affirming India’s willingness to collaborate with all stakeholders—governments, the private sector, civil society, and indigenous communities—to secure a sustainable future for our oceans.

National

Couple Uses Dupatta to Rescue Biker from Flash Flood

Published

5 days ago

September 1, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: A family in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba risked their lives to rescue a biker trapped in a flash flood following heavy rainfall.

The incident occurred on the Kakiara-Tunuhatti road in the Bharmala area of Bhatiyat. Heavy rain caused water to flood the road, creating a strong and dangerous current.

The biker struggled to stay safe as he was caught in the fast-flowing water. Two women, including a newlywed woman, quickly used a dupatta as a makeshift rope to rescue him.

The biker held onto the dupatta while the family members pulled him towards safety. Another person also joined the rescue effort.

A video of the incident has gone viral on social media. The family’s courage and quick thinking have received widespread praise online.

National

Two Arrested for Alleged Assault on Minor Girl in Moving Bus

Published

6 days ago

August 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Noida: Two men, including a bus driver and conductor, have been arrested for allegedly gang-raping a 16-year-old girl on a moving sleeper bus in Greater Noida.

Police said the incident occurred on August 4 when the girl boarded an empty bus while travelling to Noida Sector 63.

The accused allegedly assaulted the girl and later abandoned her near Kashmere Gate in Delhi, around 40 kilometres away.

Following the survivor’s complaint, police launched an investigation and arrested both accused from Timarpur in North Delhi.

The bus has been seized, and CCTV footage and forensic evidence are being examined.

Further investigation is underway.

National

21-Year-Old Model Murdered Inside Home, Gym Trainer Accused

Published

1 week ago

August 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: A 21-year-old woman was allegedly stabbed to death inside her home in West Delhi on Wednesday. The police suspect her gym trainer, identified as Imran, in the case.

The victim, identified as Muskan, was a student and model. She was reportedly alone at her home on the second floor of a building in Tilak Nagar when the incident took place.

According to the police, Imran allegedly attacked Muskan with a knife. He then fled from the spot.

Neighbours heard Muskan’s screams and rushed to her house. They found her lying in a pool of blood.

The neighbours immediately took her to a nearby hospital. However, she died while undergoing treatment.

Police teams have launched a search for the accused. Investigators are also checking CCTV footage from the area to trace his movements.

Muskan’s friend Aman said she was the youngest of three sisters. He said her elder sister, who is in Chandigarh, called him after learning about the attack.

Aman said he immediately asked another friend to reach the house and take Muskan to the hospital. By the time he arrived, an ambulance had already taken her away.

He also claimed that Muskan’s sisters had earlier told him that Imran used to harass her. He said Imran had allegedly behaved in a similar manner in the past.

The police are investigating the exact motive behind the murder. Further details are awaited.