With launch of COP27, bicycle rally held in Mangaluru for awareness on climate change
Mangaluru: The Karavali Karnataka Janabhivriddhi Vedike (KKJV) initiated an awareness campaign in the city on Sunday, even as the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties of the UNFCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) kick started in Egypt.
The launch of the campaign coincided with the international convention for the organizers to spread awareness on the gravity of the climate crisis and the urgency to undertake bold, ambitious, just and equitable climate solutions in the interest of the planet and the people. The campaign in Mangaluru was also a part of a series of coordinated bike actions in cities and countries in Asia, led by the Asian Peoples Movement on Debt and Development (APMDD).
The bicycle rally in Mangaluru was flagged off by Rev Dr Praveen Martis SJ, principal of St Aloysius College, and Dr Smitha Hegde, professor at Nitte University, Centre for Science Education and Research, along with Mr. K. Shashidhara Hegde, who has cycled to work and back 8 km for four and a half years. The race started at St Aloysius College (Autonomous) at 8 am on Sunday, and traversed the arterial roads of the city, before culminating at Kadri Park at around 9:30 am.
Dr Martis, speaking on theme of the rally, ‘Reparations for the Climate Crisis’, said, “We are a part of a group of enlightened citizens and would like to strive for climate justice. All of us should really take part in it, bring others onboard and also fight for it as it is our right as also our future generations’.”
Dr Smitha Hegde lauded the participants, saying that the secret was in youth-led ‘self-start’. “The power is in you, you can definitely make the change,” she stressed.
At Kadri Park, the bicyclists, who reached just after 9 am, were welcomed by citizens with cheers and claps for their effort. After refreshments, the finish line commenced with young organizer Sandipa Nath briefing the participants on the event’s agenda.
Chief guest Dr Smitha Hegde spoke on damage to climate and ecosystems because of temperature rise, urging the participants to contribute to prevention of climate change, referring to pay ‘Prithvi Runa’ – debt to Mother Earth – before leaving the earth.
Social activist Vidya Dinker speaking on the objectives of the bicycle ride, said that youngsters were needed to assert the repairs to climate action from those who bear greater responsibility for the crisis. “Our pressure must be exerted at all levels, holding authorities accountable,” she said and cited the example of hazardous fossil fuels industries expanding in Mangaluru.
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Indian missions in Gulf advise nationals to 'exercise utmost caution' after joint US-Israel strikes
Dubai (PTI): The Indian missions in UAE, Saudi Arabia and Jordan among other countries in the Gulf region on Saturday issued advisories for its citizens urging them to “exercise utmost caution” and follow advisories issued by local authorities diligently.
The advisories came hours after the US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran.
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Indian Embassy at Abu Dhabi urged all Indian nationals in the country “to avoid unnecessary travel, take due care, remain vigilant, follow safety guidelines and advisories as and when issued by the UAE authorities and the Embassy.”
The Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai are continuing to function normally, it said in a post on X and also gave a Toll free number (800-46342) and a WhatsApp number (+971543090571) along with two email IDs (pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in and ca.abudhabi@mea.gov.in) for Indian nationals there to contact in case of emergency.
The Embassy of India at Riyadh asked all Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia “to remain vigilant” and strictly adhere to the safety guidelines prevalent in the country.
In a post on X, it also asked them to “follow advisories issued by the local authorities and the Embassy,” and asserted that the Embassy of India, Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are continuing to function normally and will issue updates and advisories as an when necessary.
The Embassy's post also provided emergency contact 24*7 helpline numbers: 00-966-11-4884697, 00-966-542126748 (Whatsapp only) and 800 247 1234 (Toll-Free), apart from email Id (cw.riyadha mea.gov.in).
The Indian Embassy in Jordan said in its advisory, “In view of the prevailing regional situation, all Indian nationals and tourists in Jordan are advised to exercise utmost caution, stay safe and follow advisories issued by local authorities diligently.”
The advisory, posted on the Embassy's social media channels, further advised all Indian tourists in Jordan to leave the country “immediately before operations of commercial flights get disrupted.”
The Indian Embassy in Jordan also gave a contact number (00962-770 422 276) in case of any exigency.
The Embassy of India in Bahrain too advised all Indian nationals in Bahrain to take due care, and “follow news and advisories as and when issued by the Embassy & local authorities.”
The Embassy said it is continuing to function “as usual” and also shared a 24×7 helpline number (00973-39418071) in view of the current regional situation.
The Representative Office of India to the State of Palestine at Ramallah advised all Indian nationals in Palestine “to remain vigilant” and observe locally advised safety and emergency procedures.
“Please exercise caution and avoid unnecessary movement,” it said in a post on X and gave contact details (+970592916418 or repoffice@mea.gov.in / cons.ramallah@mea.gov.in) in case of an emergency.
The joint US-Israel attack spread beyond Iran as its paramilitary launched drones and missiles targeting Israel. Bahrain said a missile attack targeted a US Navy fleet headquarters there while media reports said, quoting local witnesses, sirens and explosions could be heard in Kuwait, which is home to a base of US Army. Explosions could also be heard in Qatar.
Meanwhile, Iraq and the UAE said they have closed their airspace.
