National

UN Introduces Toolkit to Reduce Plastic Waste and Encourage Sustainable Consumption

Published

1 year ago

June 5, 2025

In celebration of World Environment Day 2025, the United Nations in India unveiled a Plastic Pollution Literacy Kit—a digital educational resource aimed at supporting national initiatives to reduce plastic waste and encourage sustainable consumption, aligning with this year’s focus on eliminating single-use plastics.

“This Kit is a timely addition to India’s crucial fight against plastic pollution. It clearly outlines simple actions we can all take to contribute to transformative change, creating a Jan Andolan of awareness,” stated Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India.

Plastic pollution is recognized as one of the most pressing environmental crises today, with research revealing its presence from the deepest ocean trenches to the highest mountain peaks, and even in the human bloodstream.

Single-use plastics—such as water bottles, takeaway containers, disposable cutlery, and packaging materials—are the main offenders and persistently contribute to waste accumulation. Of the 9.2 billion tonnes of plastic produced globally, nearly 7 billion tonnes have turned into waste. Yet, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), only 9% of this waste is recycled.

In light of this recycling gap, UN India, supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), has developed a guidance document aimed at empowering various stakeholders—including policymakers, businesses, educators, youth, and communities—to take action in reducing plastic usage, improving waste management, and nurturing a culture of sustainability.

To combat single-use plastics, the UN encourages communities and individuals to embrace a reuse-and-refill approach. Effective waste segregation at the household level is also crucial, as proper collection and separation can enhance waste management, increase plastic reuse, and decrease landfill accumulation.

Additionally, the toolkit calls on governments to develop data-driven plastic pollution policies, enforce them with community involvement, and invest in systems for sorting, recycling, and environmentally sound disposal.

“The path to ending plastic pollution globally relies on instigating behavioral changes. Each stakeholder has a distinct role, and we must all contribute to driving that change. The Kit provides practical tips for how everyone can help eliminate plastic pollution,” remarked Dr. Balakrishna Pisupati, Head of UNEP India.

The kit advocates for a lifecycle perspective on plastic use, promoting redesign, reuse, and recycling. To expand its reach, the agency will also translate the document into various Indian languages.

National

Man Allegedly Kills Wife, Children, Teen Girl and Her Family

Published

6 days ago

July 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Hyderabad: A 35-year-old man, identified as Rajkumar, allegedly killed his wife, two young sons, a 17-year-old girl who had accused him of sexual harassment, and the girl’s mother and grandmother in Telangana’s Ranga Reddy district.

Police said Rajkumar first killed his wife, Parvathi Saritha (30), and their two sons at their home in Shabad on Friday night. He then allegedly kidnapped the teenage girl, murdered her, and later killed her mother and grandmother.

The accused had been arrested in May under the POCSO Act for allegedly stalking and sexually harassing the girl. He was granted anticipatory bail about a week before the murders.

After the crime, Rajkumar reportedly called his father and confessed before switching off his phone. He is currently absconding, and police have launched a manhunt. The investigation is underway.

National

Wedding celebration Dispute for Served Chicken promising Mutton

Published

6 days ago

July 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bihar: A wedding celebration in Bihar turned violent after a dispute over the food served at the reception. Around 12 people were injured in the clash.

The incident took place in Simri Bakhtiyarpur town of Saharsa district on Thursday.

According to officials, the nikah of Mohammad Abdullah alias Chand, son of Mohammad Anwar, was held with the daughter of Mohammad Javed alias Moto at around 3 pm. The wedding ceremony was completed peacefully.

The trouble began during the wedding feast. Members of the groom’s family claimed they had been promised mutton for the meal. However, they were served chicken instead.

The groom’s side objected to the change in the menu. This led to a heated argument between the two families. The argument soon turned into a physical fight.

Several people from both sides were involved in the clash. Some guests were allegedly beaten with sticks. Videos shared on social media also showed people waving swords during the violence.

Around 12 people suffered injuries in the incident. They were admitted to the Sub-Divisional Hospital in Simri Bakhtiyarpur for treatment.

Police reached the venue and brought the situation under control. A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway.

National

Daughter Held for Mother’s Murder; Father’s Death Also Under Scanner?

Published

6 days ago

July 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Jaipur: A 23-year-old woman, Ayushi Sharma, who was arrested for allegedly plotting her mother’s murder to obtain a government job, is now facing fresh allegations linked to her father’s death.

Ayushi’s uncle has claimed that the death of her father, Vijay Sharma, may not have been natural. He has demanded a police investigation into the case. Police have started looking into the allegation.

According to the police, Ayushi planned the murder of her mother, Neeraj Sharma, with the help of her uncle Mohan Swaroop and her relative Balram alias Ravi. The motive was to gain control of family property and secure her mother’s government job.

Police said the accused paid Rs.7 lakh to contract killers to carry out the murder. The attackers allegedly rammed an SUV into Neeraj Sharma and tried to make it look like a road accident.

Neeraj Sharma, 45, was working as a Lower Division Clerk (LDC) in a court. On July 3, she was returning home after dropping her son at tuition when a speeding Scorpio SUV allegedly hit her near Pratap Nagar. She was thrown nearly 100 feet and died on the spot. The accused fled after the incident.

During the investigation, police examined CCTV footage from the area. They found that the incident was not an accident but a planned murder. The investigation later exposed the conspiracy.

Police have arrested seven people, including Ayushi Sharma, in connection with the case. One accused is still absconding, and efforts are underway to arrest him.

Police said Neeraj Sharma had received the government job on compassionate grounds after the death of her husband about a year ago. Investigators believe Ayushi wanted the job for herself. Police also said there had been a property dispute between the mother and daughter for the past two to three years.

During questioning, Ayushi allegedly told police that she wanted her late father’s government job. However, after his death, the job was given to her mother. She reportedly admitted that this disappointment, along with the property dispute, became the reason for planning the murder.