Current Affairs 30 July 2024

CONTENTS

1. India’s Success in CITES Review of Agarwood
2. SOFI 2024 Report Highlights Global Food Security and Nutrition Trends
3. Supreme Court to Hear Landmark “Right to be Forgotten” Case
4. Karnataka High Court Quashes POCSO Proceedings with Caveat
5. Tell Umm Amer Heritage site
6. Green Climate Fund
7. Manu Bhaker’s Olympic victory at Paris 2024

India’s Success in CITES Review of Agarwood

Context:

India has successfully prevented the inclusion of Aquilaria malaccensis (agarwood) in the Review of Significant Trade (RST) of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The CITES also notified a new export quota of highly valuable and aromatic resinous wood and oil of agarwood from India starting April 2024.

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. CITES Eases Export of Agarwood from India
2. About Aquilaria malaccensis (Agarwood)
3. What is the CITES?
4. Review of Significant Trade (RST) of CITES

CITES Eases Export of Agarwood from India

Prevention of Inclusion in RST:

• Significance: India has successfully prevented the inclusion of agarwood (Aquilaria malaccensis) in the Review of Significant Trade (RST) process of CITES, which could have imposed stricter trade regulations.
• Impact: This decision benefits millions of farmers in Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura, who rely on agarwood cultivation for their livelihood.

Study by Botanical Survey of India (BSI):

• Non-Detriment Finding (NDF): The removal of agarwood from the RST was achieved through an NDF study by BSI under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• Findings and Recommendations:
  • Restrictions: Harvesting, collection of seeds, and other propagules are restricted from wild populations, protected areas, and reserve forests.
  • Permitted Harvesting: Harvesting is allowed from home gardens, community gardens, plantations on leased or patta lands, and private or community plantations.
  • Export Quotas: For 2024–2027, the NDF recommends an export quota of 151,080 kg per year for agarwood chips and powder/sawdust, and 7,050 kg per year for agarwood oil.

Trade and Market Implications:

• Previous Restrictions: Long periods without an export quota and other trade restrictions led to increased informal trade and higher global prices for agarwood products.
• Current Situation: Despite an export quota since November 2021, stringent legal restrictions hindered legal trade, pushing many growers towards informal markets.

About Aquilaria malaccensis (Agarwood):

• Botanical and Economic Significance:
  • Description: Aquilaria malaccensis, known as agarwood, belongs to the Thymelaeaceae family and is valued for its aromatic resinous wood.
  • Aromatic Resin: The resin is produced in response to mold infection and is highly prized for its distinctive fragrance, used in perfumes, incense, and traditional medicine.
• Uses:
  • Perfumes and Incense: Widely used in the fragrance industry for its unique and enduring scent.
  • Traditional Medicine: Employed in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine for its potential therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects.
  • Spiritual Practices: Utilized in various cultures for spiritual and meditative purposes due to its calming properties.
• Conservation Status:
  • CITES Listing: Listed in Appendix II of CITES since 1995, which means while it is not immediately threatened with extinction, trade must be regulated to prevent overexploitation.

What is the CITES?

• CITES is an international agreement between governments.
• Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species.
• Its website states it was agreed upon with the recognition that “The trade in wild animals and plants crosses borders between countries, the effort to regulate it requires international cooperation to safeguard certain species from over-exploitation.”
• It accords varying degrees of protection to more than 37,000 species of animals and plants, ranging from live animals and plants to wildlife products derived from them, including food products, exotic leather goods, medicines, etc.
• Currently, there are 184 parties to the convention, including India. The CITES Secretariat is administered by UNEP (The United Nations Environment Programme) and is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
• The Conference of the Parties to CITES is the supreme consensus-based decision-making body of the Convention and comprises all its parties.
• In India, apart from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau is a statutory body under the Ministry that is especially meant to combat organised wildlife crime in the country.
• It assists and advises the customs authorities in the inspection of the consignments of flora and fauna as per the provisions of the Wild Life Protection Act of 1972, CITES and the export and import policy governing items.

How does CITES work?

• The species covered under CITES are listed in three Appendices, according to the degree of protection they need.
• Appendix I includes species threatened with extinction. Trade in specimens of these species is permitted rarely, only in “exceptional circumstances”, such as gorillas, and lions from India.
• Appendix II includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which trade must be controlled to ensure their survival. For example, certain kinds of foxes and Hippopotamuses.
• Appendix III contains species that are protected in at least one country, which has asked other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling the trade, like the Bengal fox or the Golden Jackal from India. Different procedures are given category-wise to engage in the trade of species in each of the lists.

Review of Significant Trade (RST) of CITES:

Purpose and Process:

• Objective: The RST process under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is aimed at ensuring that international trade in certain species does not threaten their survival and is sustainable.
• Identification of Species: Species are selected for review based on trade data, reports from CITES member countries, or concerns raised by CITES scientific committees.
• Assessment: The status of these species is evaluated to determine whether trade levels are sustainable and compliant with CITES regulations.

Assessment and Recommendations:

• Review Findings: If the assessment reveals that trade poses a risk to the species’ survival, recommendations are made to the countries involved. These recommendations aim to address issues related to trade management and conservation.
• Recommended Actions: These can include:
  • Export Quotas: Setting limits on the quantity of specimens that can be exported to ensure sustainability.
  • Legislative Improvements: Enhancing national laws and regulations to better protect species.
  • Enforcement Measures: Strengthening enforcement to combat illegal trade and ensure compliance with CITES regulations.

Impact and Goals:

• Conservation Focus: The RST process helps in implementing conservation measures that are tailored to the specific needs of species identified as at risk due to trade.
• Global Cooperation: It promotes international cooperation and commitment to sustainable trade practices and species protection.

-Source: The Hindu

SOFI 2024 Report Highlights Global Food Security and Nutrition Trends

Context:

Recently, the “State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024” (SOFI 2024) report, published by FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO, presents a critical analysis of global food security and nutrition trends. This year’s report emphasizes the urgent need for increased financing to end hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition in all its forms.

Relevance:

GS II: Health

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Key Findings of the SOFI 2024 Report
2. Key Highlights Related to India
3. Key Recommendations in the Report

Key Findings of the SOFI 2024 Report

Global Hunger and Food Insecurity:

• Hunger Statistics: Between 713 and 757 million people faced hunger in 2023, translating to one out of eleven people globally and one out of every five people in Africa.
• Food Insecurity: Around 2.33 billion people experienced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2023, with more than 864 million facing severe food insecurity.

Cost and Affordability of Healthy Diets:

• Cost Increase: The global average cost of a healthy diet rose to USD 3.96 per person per day in 2022, but the number of people unable to afford such a diet decreased to 2.83 billion.
• Regional Disparities: The highest diet costs are in Latin America and the Caribbean, while Oceania has the lowest. There has been uneven recovery in diet affordability, with significant setbacks in Africa.

Nutritional Status and Public Health:

• Child Nutrition: Improvements in reducing stunting and wasting among children under five are noted, though progress remains insufficient to meet the 2030 targets.
• Breastfeeding Rates: Exclusive breastfeeding rates have increased but remain below the 2030 targets.
• Obesity and Anaemia: Global obesity rates are rising, and anaemia in women aged 15-49 is increasing, posing significant public health challenges.
• Public Spending: Current public spending on food security and nutrition is inadequate, especially in low-income countries, and private financing is challenging to track.

Key Highlights Related to India

Undernourishment and Diet Affordability:

• Undernourished Population: India is home to 194.6 million undernourished individuals, the highest globally. The number has decreased from 240 million in 2004-06.
• Healthy Diet Affordability: 55.6% of Indians (790 million people) cannot afford a healthy diet, though this proportion has improved by about 3 percentage points from 2022.
• Chronic Undernourishment: 13% of India’s population suffers from chronic undernourishment.

Nutritional Issues:

• Global Hunger Index: India ranks 111th in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2023, reflecting significant food security issues.
• Child Nutrition: India has the highest prevalence of wasting (18.7%) and a high rate of stunting (31.7%) in children under five years.
• Low Birth Weight: 27.4% of babies born in India have low birth weight, the highest globally, indicating maternal malnutrition.
• Anaemia: 53% of women in India are anaemic, the highest in South Asia, contributing to the rising global prevalence of anaemia in women aged 15-49.
• Obesity Rates: Obesity prevalence in children under five years is 2.8%, and in adults, it has risen to 7.3%. Physical inactivity contributes to rising obesity rates.
• Food Quality: High consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to poor health outcomes, and many food products from top global manufacturers are considered unhealthy by WHO standards.

Public Spending and Impacts:

• Spending on Food Security: While there has been some increase in public spending on food security and nutrition, there is a need for more effective allocation and utilization of resources.
• Covid-19 Impact: The pandemic has exacerbated food insecurity and malnutrition, impacting food access, affordability, and supply chains.

Key Recommendations in the Report

Increasing Public and Private Investment:

• Public Spending: Boost budgets for hunger and malnutrition reduction programs, and involve local communities for improved effectiveness and sustainability.
• Private Investment: Encourage private sector investment through innovative financing mechanisms like social bonds and green bonds.

Strengthening Global and National Policies:

• Global Partnerships: Enhance global cooperation and align national policies with international frameworks to improve knowledge exchange and resource allocation.
• Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Invest in climate-resilient agricultural practices, including drought-resistant crops and sustainable farming techniques.

Improving Agrifood Systems:

• Efficiency and Sustainability: Improve infrastructure, logistics, and market access to reduce food loss and waste.

Addressing Nutritional Challenges:

• Integrated Nutrition Programs: Implement programs addressing both undernutrition and overnutrition, promoting balanced diets and physical activity.
• Support for Vulnerable Groups: Focus on supporting small farmers, women, and children, and improve nutrition through exclusive breastfeeding and essential vitamins and minerals.

Enhancing Data Collection:

• Better Data Integration: Improve data collection and integration with national databases for better policy-making and targeted interventions.

-Source: Down To Earth

Supreme Court to Hear Landmark “Right to be Forgotten” Case

Context:

Last week, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a case that will likely shape the contours of the “right to be forgotten” in India, similar to the “right to erasure” in European information privacy regulation. The Court must decide whether this right is fundamental in India and how it relates to other constitutional rights.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. The Right to Be Forgotten
2. Interpretation in India
3. Judicial Rulings in India

The Right to Be Forgotten

• Definition: The right to be forgotten allows individuals to request the removal of their personal data from search engines and other online platforms if it violates their right to privacy or if the information is no longer relevant.
• Origin: This right was recognized by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in May 2014 in the “Google Spain case,” where the court ruled that search engines must remove outdated or irrelevant data upon request.
• EU Framework: Articles 7 (right to private and family life) and 8 (protection of personal data) of the EU Charter on Fundamental Rights, and Article 17 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) support this right.

 Interpretation in India:

• Legal Status: India does not have a specific statutory framework for the right to be forgotten. However, the right to privacy, which includes aspects of the right to be forgotten, was recognized as a fundamental right by the Supreme Court of India in the 2017 Puttaswamy case.
• Judicial Insights: Justice S.K. Kaul, in his concurring opinion, acknowledged that the right to be forgotten allows individuals to remove personal data when it is no longer relevant or accurate. He also mentioned valid exceptions such as public interest and freedom of expression.

 Judicial Rulings in India:

• Rajagopal vs. State of Tamil Nadu (1994): The Supreme Court recognized a “right to be let alone,” emphasizing privacy in personal matters but distinguishing it from public records, which are subject to public scrutiny.
• Dharamraj Bhanushankar Dave vs. State Of Gujarat (2017): The Gujarat High Court denied a request to remove details of an acquittal from public records, maintaining that court orders should remain accessible.
• [Name Redacted] vs. The Registrar General (2017): The Karnataka High Court supported protecting a petitioner’s name in an annulment case, aligning with Western trends regarding sensitive cases.
• Jorawar Singh Mundy Case (2021): The Delhi High Court allowed the removal of details related to a criminal case from search results, citing potential harm to the petitioner’s social and professional life.
• Orissa High Court (2020): The court acknowledged the complexities of implementing the right to be forgotten and called for a broader debate on practical and technological issues.

-Source: Indian Express

Karnataka High Court Quashes POCSO Proceedings with Caveat

Context:

The Karnataka High Court has recently quashed proceedings under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 against a 23-year-old man accused of raping a minor, who he subsequently married. This decision includes a caveat allowing the criminal proceedings to be revived if the man abandons his wife and child in the future. This condition is aimed at ensuring the welfare and protection of the mother and child.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. How did the Court Justify the Quashing of the Case?
2. About Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012
3. Contention/Criticisms around implementation of POCSO
4. About POCSO Amendment Act 2019

How did the Court Justify the Quashing of the Case?

Nature of the Relationship:

• Relationship Context: The court took into account that the accused and the victim were in love, and the crime was reported after the families had agreed to their marriage. Both families supported the marriage, which influenced the court’s perspective on the case.

Case Specifics:

• Heinous Nature of the Offense: One argument was that despite the crime being serious and punishable by ten years in prison, the case should not be quashed. The severity of the offense was cited as a reason for the matter to be taken to trial.

Court’s Decision:

• Vulnerability of the Victim and Child: The court highlighted concerns about the victim and the child potentially facing societal stigma and jeopardy if the case was not resolved. The potential harm and vulnerability of the individuals involved were key considerations.
• Likelihood of Victim Turning Hostile: It was noted that the victim might turn hostile, which would undermine the chances of convicting the accused, making the trial less effective.
• Ground Realities and Prolonged Agony: The court acknowledged that prolonging the criminal trial could cause undue emotional and psychological suffering for all parties involved. The eventual acquittal, if any, would be overshadowed by the distress caused during the prolonged legal process.

About Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012

• The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 was enacted to provide a robust legal framework for the protection of children from offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography, while safeguarding the interest of the child at every stage of the judicial process.
• The framing of the Act seeks to put children first by making it easy to use by including mechanisms for child-friendly reporting, recording of evidence, investigation and speedy trial of offences through designated Special Courts.
• The Act provides for a variety of offences under which an accused can be punished. It recognises forms of penetration other than penile-vaginal penetration and criminalises acts of immodesty against children too. Offences under the act include:
  • Penetrative Sexual Assault: Insertion of penis/object/another body part in child’s vagina/urethra/anus/mouth, or asking the child to do so with them or some other person
  • Sexual Assault: When a person touches the child, or makes the child touch them or someone else
  • Sexual Harassment: passing sexually coloured remark, sexual gesture/noise, repeatedly following, flashing, etc.
  • Child Pornography
  • Aggravated Penetrative Sexual Assault/ Aggravated Sexual Assault

Salient features of the Act

• The act is gender-neutral for both children and for the accused.
• With respect to pornography, the Act criminalises even watching or collection of pornographic content involving children.
• The Act makes abetment of child sexual abuse an offence.
• Defines a child as any person below eighteen years of age
• Provides for mandatory reporting of sexual offences, keeping with the best international child protection standards.
• Police cast in the role of child protectors during the investigative process: The police personnel receiving a report of sexual abuse of a child are given the responsibility of making urgent arrangements for the care and protection of the child.
• Provisions for the medical examination of the child in a manner designed to cause as little distress as possible
• Provision of Special Courts: that conduct the trial in-camera and without revealing the identity of the child, in a child-friendly manner.
• Timely disposal of cases: A case of child sexual abuse must be disposed of within one year from the date the offence is reported.
• Recognition to a wide range of form of sexual abuse against children: as punishable offences.
• People who traffic children for sexual purposes are also punishable under the provisions relating to abetment in the Act. The Act prescribes stringent punishment graded as per the gravity of the offence, with a maximum term of rigorous imprisonment for life, and fine.
• Child-friendly process: It also provides for various procedural reforms, making the tiring process of trial in India considerably easier for children. The Act has been criticised as its provisions seem to criminalise consensual sexual intercourse between two people below the age of 18.

Contention/Criticisms around implementation of POCSO

Criticism in Definition of child

• The Act defines a child as a person under the age of 18 years. However, this definition is a purely biological one, and doesn’t take into account people who live with intellectual and psycho-social disability.
• A recent case in SC has been filed where a women of biological age 38yrs but mental age 6yrs was raped.
• The victim’s advocate argues that “failure to consider the mental age will be an attack on the very purpose of act.”
• SC has reserved the case for judgement and is determined to interpret whether the 2012 act encompasses the mental age or whether only biological age is inclusive in the definition.

Issue with the Mandatory Reporting feature

• According to the Act, every crime of child sexual abuse should be reported. If a person who has information of any abuse fails to report, they may face imprisonment up to six months or may be fined or both.
• Many child rights and women rights organisation has criticised this provision. According to experts, this provision takes away agency of choice from children.
• There may be many survivors who do not want to go through the trauma of criminal justice system, but this provision does not differentiate.
• Furthermore, mandatory reporting may also hinder access to medical aid, and psycho-social intervention.
• It contradicts the right to confidentiality for access to medical, and psychological care.

Contradiction with the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971

• The POCSO Act was passed to strengthen legal provisions for the protection of children below 18 years of age from sexual abuse and exploitation.
• Under this Act, if any girl under 18 is seeking abortion the service provider is compelled to register a complaint of sexual assault with the police.
• However, under the MTP Act, it is not mandatory to report the identity of the person seeking an abortion.
• Consequently, service providers are hesitant to provide abortion services to girls under 18.

Issue with Legal Aid

• Section 40 of the Act allows victims to access legal aid. However, that is subject to Code of Criminal Procedure.
• In other words, the lawyer representing a child can only assist the Public Prosecutor, and file written final arguments if the judge permits.
• Thus, the interest of the victim often go unrepresented.

Issue with Consent

• The law presumes all sexual act with children under the age of 18 is sexual offence.
• Therefore, two adolescent who engage in consensual sexual act will also be punished under this law.
• This is especially a concern where adolescent is in relationship with someone from different caste, or religion.
• Parents have filed cases under this Act to ‘punish’ relationships they do not approve of.

About POCSO Amendment Act 2019

• Increases the minimum punishment (including death penalty) for penetrative sexual assault, aggravated penetrative sexual assault.
• The earlier amendment allowed the death penalty only in cases of sexual assault of girls below 12 years but now it will be applicable to boys also.
• Adds assault resulting in death of child, and assault committed during a natural calamity, or in any similar situations of violence into Aggravated penetrative sexual assault.
• Tightened the provisions to counter child pornography. While the earlier Act had punishment for storing child pornography for commercial purposes, the amendment includes punishment for possessing pornographic material in any form involving a child, even if the accused persons have failed to delete or destroy or report the same with an intention to share it.
• The Act defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a child including photograph, video, digital or computer-generated image indistinguishable from an actual child.

-Source: Indian Express

Tell Umm Amer Heritage site

Context:

The World Heritage Committee (WHC) decided to include the Palestinian site of Tell Umm Amer in both the UNESCO World Heritage Site List and the Lost of World Heritage in Danger during its 46th session in New Delhi.

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Tell Umm Amer Heritage Site
2. UNESCO
3. What are UNESCO World Heritage Sites?

Tell Umm Amer Heritage Site:

• Location: Coastal dunes of the Nuseirat Municipality, 10 km south of Gaza city.
• Historical Significance: An ancient Christian monastery founded in the 4th century by Hilarion the Great (291-371 CE).
• Alternative Name: Monastery of Saint Hilarion.
• Importance: The first monastic community in the Holy Land, laying the groundwork for the spread of monastic practices in the region.
• Strategic Position: Located at the crossroads of major trade and communication routes between Asia and Africa.

UNESCO:

• Full Form: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
• Type: Specialized agency of the United Nations (UN).
• Constitution: Entered into force in 1946, aimed at promoting international collaboration in education, science, and culture.
• Headquarters: Paris, France.
• Parent Organisation: United Nations Economic and Social Council.
• Primary Goals:
  • Contribute to peace and security by promoting collaboration among nations through education, science, and culture.
  • Promote sustainable development and intercultural dialogue.
  • Building a more just, peaceful, and inclusive world through these areas.

What are UNESCO World Heritage Sites?

• UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place that is recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as of distinctive cultural or physical importance which is considered of outstanding value to humanity.
• It may be a building, a city, a complex, a desert, a forest, an island, a lake, a monument, or a mountain.
• They have been inscribed on the World Heritage List to be protected for future generations to appreciate and enjoy as they have a special cultural or physical significance and outstanding universal value to the humanity.
• Italy is home to the greatest number of World Heritage Sites.
• At present, India has 38 World Heritage Properties. All the sites under the Ministry are conserved as per ASI’s Conservation Policy and are in good shape.

More about selection and protection of World Heritage Sites

• The sites are judged to be important for the collective and preservative interests of humanity.
• To be selected, a WHS must be an already-classified landmark, unique in some respect as a geographically and historically identifiable place having special cultural or physical significance (such as an ancient ruin or historical structure, building, city, complex, desert, forest, island, lake, monument, mountain, or wilderness area).
• It may signify a remarkable accomplishment of humanity, and serve as evidence of our intellectual history on the planet.
• The sites are intended for practical conservation for posterity, which otherwise would be subject to risk from human or animal trespassing, unmonitored/uncontrolled/unrestricted access, or threat from local administrative negligence.
• The list is maintained by the international World Heritage Program administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, composed of 21 “states parties” that are elected by their General Assembly.

UNESCO World Heritage Committee

• The World Heritage Committee selects the sites to be listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger.
• It monitors the state of conservation of the World Heritage properties, defines the use of the World Heritage Fund and allocates financial assistance upon requests from States Parties.
• It is composed of 21 states parties that are elected by the General Assembly of States Parties for a four-year term.
• India is NOT a member of this Committee.

-Source: The Hindu

Green Climate Fund

Context:

Recently, the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) received approval of funding of $ 215.6 m from the Green Climate Fund for ‘financing mitigation and adaptation projects’ (FMAP).

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Green Climate Fund (GCF):

• Overview:
  • Establishment: The GCF was established at COP 16 in Cancun, 2010, as a key initiative under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
  • Purpose: The GCF aims to support developing countries in their efforts to combat climate change by funding projects and programs that promote low-emission and climate-resilient development.
  • Structure: It operates as a legally independent institution with a fully independent secretariat, led by an Executive Secretary. The Secretariat is based in Songdo, South Korea, and began its operations in December 2013.
• Function and Approach:
  • Partnership Approach: The GCF uses a country-owned approach to accelerate transformative climate action in developing countries. This involves collaborating with national entities and leveraging flexible financing solutions.
  • Expertise: The GCF provides climate investment expertise and supports projects that integrate both mitigation and adaptation measures.

Financing Mitigation and Adaptation Project (FMAP):

• Objective:
  • The FMAP aims to provide nearly 10,000 concessional loans to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to promote the adoption of low-emission and climate-resilient technologies.
• Impact:
  • Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction: The project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 35.3 million tonnes, contributing significantly to climate change mitigation efforts.
• Background:
  • Previous Projects: This is the second project approved by the GCF led by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI). The first project, the Avaana Sustainability Fund, focuses on helping startups access climate finance.

-Source: The Hindu

Manu Bhaker’s Olympic victory at Paris 2024

Context:

Recently, Manu Bhaker won a bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. 

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Manu Bhaker’s Olympic victory at Paris 2024

Manu Bhaker’s Olympic victory at Paris 2024 is a significant milestone for Indian shooting. Her accomplishments extend beyond this, reflecting a remarkable career. Here’s a summary of her achievements:

Olympic Success:

• First Indian female shooter to win an Olympic medal.
• First female shooter to reach an Olympic final in an individual event in 20 years.
• Fifth Indian shooter to win an Olympic medal, following Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore (2004), Abhinav Bindra (2008), Vijay Kumar (2012), and Gagan Narang (2012).

Notable Achievements:

• National Shooting Championships 2017: Won 9 gold medals and set a record in the 10m Air Pistol final.
• 2018: Gold medal at the Commonwealth Games; gold in Women’s 10m Air Pistol at ISSF World Cup in Guadalajara.
• Asian Games 2022: Secured medals.
• World Championship, Baku 2023: Medaled.
• Asian Shooting Championship, Changwon 2023: Medaled.
• World Cup, Bhopal 2023: Medaled.
• World Championship, Cairo 2022: Medaled.
• World University Games, Chengdu 2021: Secured medals.

-Source: The Hindu