Latest news with #WorldEnvironmentDay
The Hindu
4 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Bharat Mata row: Kerala govt vs Raj Bhavan stand-off hits the streets
The Raj Bhavan-Kerala government row over the contentious use of a saffron-flag-bearing image of Bharath Mata sitting astride a lion, arguably emblematic of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) notion of a Hindu Rashtra, at State events spilt onto the streets on Friday (June 20, 2025). General Education Minister V. Sivankutty re-ignited the simmering controversy on Thursday by walking out of an official function attended by Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlerkar at the Raj Bhavan, stating that political symbols had no place in constitutional offices or State events. Raj Bhavan condemned the Minister's boycott as violating protocol and insulting the Governor's office. It also ruled out removing the picture from its central hall, the customary venue of official events. On Thursday night, the police stopped a set of Akhila Bharathiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) workers from storming Mr. Sivankutty's official residence in the capital. Black flag protest by ABVP However, unrest returned to the streets on Friday, with ABVP activists staging a black flag protest against Mr. Sivankutty near the Secretariat in the capital. The demonstration seemingly caught the police off-guard, who scuffled with ABVP workers and detained several of them. Later, Mr. Sivankutty reiterated his position that the controversial image having pride of place on the wall of Raj Bhavan's central hall was a heraldic device used by the RSS to 'broadcast its Hindu majoritarian ideology.' He said the picture's overtly religious and schismatic imagery had no Constitutional sanctity or place in a secular polity. 'It is not a national symbol like the Tricolour', he said. Mr. Sivankutty accused Raj Bhavan of using RSS symbols, including the images of its past leaders, as political agitprop to depict secular and diverse India as a singularly Hindu nation. SFI march to Raj Bhavan Later in the day, the police used water cannons and iron barricades to prevent a Students Federation of India (SFI) march from nearing Raj Bhavan's gates, forcing the activists to stage a sit-in protest on the road. SFI State secretary P.S. Sanjeev accused Mr. Arlerkar of using the Governor's residence as a bully pulpit to broadcast the RSS' socially schismatic political agenda, which sought to relegate minorities and marginalised sections of society as subaltern citizens in an overwhelmingly Hindu polity defined by a revanchist caste hierarchy. Mr. Sanjeev said Raj Bhavan was not the RSS' bequest to the State. 'It was sanctioned, funded and built by the people', he said. Earlier in June, Agriculture Minister P. Prasad had skipped the World Environment Day event at Raj Bhavan over the same issue. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had also condemned the use of political symbols, including that of the RSS, at official functions hosted by Raj Bhavan.
Zawya
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Zawya
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) commission joins nigerian ministry of environment to commemorate World environment Day, championing action against plastic pollution
The ECOWAS Commission in a significant collaboration with the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Environment's Department of Planning, Research, and Statistics, on the 17th of June, 2025 celebrated the 2025 World Environment Day. The commemorative event, held in Abuja, Nigeria, themed: ' Ending Plastic Pollution' with the slogan 'Beat the plastic' Mr. Yao Bernard Koffi, Acting Director of Environment and Natural Resources, delivered a goodwill message on behalf of H.E. Massandjé Toure-Litse, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, and H.E. Dr Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission. He underscored the profound significance of the occasion, particularly as it coincided with ECOWAS's Jubilee Year, marking five decades of regional solidarity, integration and shared responsibility. Mr. Bernard Koffi reaffirmed the Commission's unwavering commitment to fostering a clean, resilient, and sustainable environment for current and future generations. He highlighted ECOWAS's proactive stance in addressing persistent environmental challenges, including the adoption of a regional regulation on plastic management in 2023, which mandates member states to harmonize their plastic waste management regulations. Furthermore, ECOWAS Vision 2050 identifies environmental sustainability as a crucial pillar for inclusive development and emphasizes the vital role of fostering youth-driven climate action, acknowledging that the future belongs to them. He concluded by urging tangible action over mere words and unity over indifference, stating, 'The ECOWAS Commission stands ready to work side-by-side with Nigeria and all partners to beat plastic pollution not tomorrow, but today.' And that the commisson remains resolutely committed to working alongside member states to beat Pollution. In his keynote address, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Honorable Minister of Environment, emphasized the critical global urgency of this year's theme, 'Ending Plastic Pollution.' He stressed that plastic pollution transcends environmental concerns, posing significant economic and public health crises. The Minister highlighted the alarming rate at which plastic waste infiltrates oceans, rivers and drainage systems, endangering wildlife and exacerbating urban flooding. Minister Lawal outlined Nigeria's initiatives, including the launch of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme, which obliges producers to manage the entire lifecycle of their plastic products. He expressed profound appreciation to all development partners, particularly the ECOWAS Commission, commending its steadfast partnership in environmental governance, climate change response, and sustainable development across the West African sub-region, as well as its leadership in addressing transboundary environmental issues. Mr. Mahmud Adam Kambari, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, delivered the welcome address, reinforcing the dire threat plastic waste poses to ecosystems, public health, and the planet. He stated, 'Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time, clogging waterways, endangering marine life, and contaminating our food systems.' Mr. Kambari reiterated Nigeria's direct experience with the devastating impacts of plastic waste and issued a clarion call for intensified efforts through effective policy implementation, robust public awareness campaigns, responsible consumption patterns, and strategic investment in sustainable alternatives. He affirmed the Ministry's commitment to advancing circular economy principles, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and promoting innovations that reduce reliance on single-use plastics. Mr. Kambari extended sincere commendations to all partners, stakeholders, and environmental advocates for their tireless efforts, urging everyone present to reflect on individual and collective actions to 'Beat Plastic Pollution.' The occasion also saw the notable presence of representatives from key organizations, international partners and stakeholders, including UNICEF, Oando Foundation, Oando Clean Energy, OXFAM, Zoom Lion Nigeria, RCEI, RUWES, and the Head of Mission to the Netherlands, alongside invited students from various schools. These stakeholders collectively underscored the paramount importance of a safe environment, emphasizing the pivotal role of women and children as not only integral to addressing climate and environmental issues but also as vital agents of community awareness and crucial actors in forging a greener, plastic-free future. The joint commemoration underscored the shared commitment of ECOWAS and Nigeria to combat plastic pollution through coordinated regional action and national policy implementation, reinforcing their dedication to a sustainable future. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The Sun
4 hours ago
- General
- The Sun
420 kg of waste cleared up in Pantai Penyabong
MERSING: A total of 420 kilogrammes (kg) of waste was successfully cleaned up along with 170 kg of recyclables through the 'YOK! Bersih Pantai' programme in conjunction with the World Environment Day celebration at Pantai Penyabong here, yesterday. SWM Environment Sdn Bhd (SWM Environment) corporate general manager Mohd Norlisam Mohd Nordin said the Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) initiative through the company involved 120 volunteers comprising staff of strategic partners and school students. He said it reflected the company's commitment in educating and fostering environmental cleanliness practices and environmental sustainability, especially in public areas and natural ecosystems. 'Penyabong Beach was chosen due to the tourism factor which needs to be clean and ready all the time to receive tourists, especially ahead of the Visit Johor Year 2026,' he said in a statement today. This programme is also an extension of efforts to make the Johor Clean City Strategic Plan a success which was launched by the Johor Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) for Mersing district level last month. Mohd Norlisam said the programme also received the cooperation of Mersing District Council (MDM) and saw 40 volunteers made up of students and teachers from SK Penyabong which is the Mersing district level sustainability showcase school.
The Sun
5 hours ago
- General
- The Sun
420 kg of waste, 170 kg of recycled items cleared up in Pantai Penyabong
MERSING: A total of 420 kilogrammes (kg) of waste was successfully cleaned up along with 170 kg of recyclables through the 'YOK! Bersih Pantai' programme in conjunction with the World Environment Day celebration at Pantai Penyabong here, yesterday. SWM Environment Sdn Bhd (SWM Environment) corporate general manager Mohd Norlisam Mohd Nordin said the Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) initiative through the company involved 120 volunteers comprising staff of strategic partners and school students. He said it reflected the company's commitment in educating and fostering environmental cleanliness practices and environmental sustainability, especially in public areas and natural ecosystems. 'Penyabong Beach was chosen due to the tourism factor which needs to be clean and ready all the time to receive tourists, especially ahead of the Visit Johor Year 2026,' he said in a statement today. This programme is also an extension of efforts to make the Johor Clean City Strategic Plan a success which was launched by the Johor Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) for Mersing district level last month. Mohd Norlisam said the programme also received the cooperation of Mersing District Council (MDM) and saw 40 volunteers made up of students and teachers from SK Penyabong which is the Mersing district level sustainability showcase school.
Barnama
5 hours ago
- General
- Barnama
420 Kg Of Waste, 170 Kg Of Recycled Items Cleared Up In Pantai Penyabong
MERSING, June 20 (Bernama) -- A total of 420 kilogrammes (kg) of waste was successfully cleaned up along with 170 kg of recyclables through the 'YOK! Bersih Pantai' programme in conjunction with the World Environment Day celebration at Pantai Penyabong here, yesterday. SWM Environment Sdn Bhd (SWM Environment) corporate general manager Mohd Norlisam Mohd Nordin said the Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) initiative through the company involved 120 volunteers comprising staff of strategic partners and school students. He said it reflected the company's commitment in educating and fostering environmental cleanliness practices and environmental sustainability, especially in public areas and natural ecosystems.
