Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav emphasized the need for citizens to move from awareness to action in addressing the escalating issue of plastic pollution. He inaugurated the campaign “One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution,” just ahead of World Environment Day on June 5, encouraging the public to participate in Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), India’s sustainability initiative launched in 2022. The campaign focuses on embedding sustainability into everyday life and enhancing personal responsibility for environmental preservation.

The initiative targets collective action against plastic pollution, which has infiltrated every corner of the planet—from oceans and cities to mountain tops, air, and even our bodies.

Through this campaign, the minister established the theme for this year’s World Environment Day: “Say No to Single-Use Plastic.” The initiative encourages citizens to minimize both the use and production of plastic, with a mission statement of “Rethink, Refuse, and Reduce.” It also advocates for the creation of sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics and seeks to improve plastic waste management through proper segregation, collection, disposal, and recycling.

To enhance public engagement, the campaign will incorporate numerous activities across Central Ministries, State and UT governments, local bodies, educational institutions, industries, civil society, and community groups. Activities include awareness initiatives via social media, street performances, public pledges, marathons, and creative competitions; clean-up drives in public spaces like parks, riversides, beaches, and railway stations; and educational projects like school exhibitions, hackathons, and recycling-themed events. Workshops will focus on sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics, alongside local initiatives led by RWAs, Anganwadi workers, and cooperatives aimed at waste segregation and recycling.

The minister introduced the campaign through a video shared on his social media channels.

On Thursday, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the expanded Tata Steel Kalinganagar (TSK) plant, increasing its crude steel capacity from 3 to 8 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The inauguration took place at the Kalinganagar plant in Jajpur district, attended by senior state officials, community members, Tata Steel CEO & MD T. V. Narendran, and other senior leadership figures.

Present at the event were Pradeep Bal Samanta, Minister for Co-operation, Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts; Sampad Chandra Swain, Minister for Industries, Skill Development & Technical Education; and Dr. Rabindra Narayan Behera, Member of Parliament for Jajpur.

This state-of-the-art facility represents a significant advancement in Tata Steel’s mission to create a sustainable, technology-driven steel manufacturing ecosystem that promotes inclusive growth. T. V. Narendran remarked, “Kalinganagar is more than just a manufacturing site; it embodies the power of collaboration among communities, government, and industry. This expansion underscores our faith in Odisha’s potential and our long-term commitment to the state. We are grateful to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, the people of Odisha, and the Government of India for their steadfast support. Together, we are not just producing steel, but also fostering a stronger, self-reliant India.”

Recognized as one of India’s most advanced integrated steel plants, Tata Steel Kalinganagar contributes to the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by producing world-class steel vital for sectors such as defense, automotive, infrastructure, engineering, capital goods, oil & gas, renewable energy, and shipbuilding.

The new blast furnace at Kalinganagar, the largest in India with a volume of 5,870 m³, features innovative technology for extended campaign life and an eco-friendly design aimed at optimizing the steelmaking process. It employs four top combustion stoves—a first in India—alongside two preheating stoves to ensure efficient fuel consumption in hot metal production.

Additional facilities included in the Phase II expansion at Kalinganagar are the Pellet Plant, Coke Plant, and Cold Rolling Mill, each equipped with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices.

In a significant ceremony held in Karamtoli, Ranchi, Chief Minister Hemant Soren inaugurated the foundation stone for a 520-bed hostel dedicated to tribal students, emphasizing improved living and educational conditions. This initiative is part of the Tribal College Campus and reflects the state’s renewed commitment to enhance education for marginalized youth.

“This is not merely a hostel; it will serve as a home of dreams,” stated Soren, assuring students that the government will take accountability for their essential needs, including food, housing, and dignity. The hostel aims to provide three nutritious meals daily, staffed residential support, and secure, well-maintained facilities to foster academic focus.

In addition to the hostel, the Chief Minister announced plans to establish a public library in every district of Jharkhand, each named after Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. These libraries will serve as active hubs for reading, research, and intellectual growth, rather than mere symbolic honors. “Ambedkar’s legacy deserves to be celebrated through institutions, not just statues,” Soren emphasized.

This initiative is part of a broader shift in the state’s educational policy, moving from welfare to empowerment. Many welfare hostels in Jharkhand, previously neglected, are now undergoing renovations to enhance sanitation, safety, and staffing, aimed at restoring public trust in state-run facilities.

At the school level, the government-run CM Schools of Excellence are achieving commendable results, with numerous students scoring above 90% this year. More parents are now opting for these schools over private institutions due to improved facilities and dedicated educators. “This subtle shift represents one of Jharkhand’s most compelling education narratives,” Soren remarked.

To aid students seeking higher education, the government has broadened initiatives like free coaching and digital classes for competitive exams. The Guruji Credit Card Yojana, which offers up to ₹15 lakh in collateral-free education loans, has empowered many from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue degrees in fields such as medicine, law, and engineering.

The event was attended by Minister Champa Linda, Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji, Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari, along with senior officials including Kripanand Jha, Arwa Rajkamal, and Welfare Commissioner Ajay Nath Jha. Their participation underscored the government’s commitment to viewing education as a fundamental pillar of development, rather than an act of charity.