Indian origin professor receives Dutch prize for climate change work (GS Paper 3, Environment)
Why in news?
- Indian-origin professor Dr Joyeeta Gupta has received the Spinoza Prize, the highest distinction in Dutch science, in the Netherlands for her work in the field of climate change.
- She is the Professor of Environment and Development in the Global South at the University of Amsterdam (UvA).
Why she was awarded?
- She investigates how the distributional issues arising from climate change can be solved through good governance. She argues that the consequences of climate change have a direct impact on the relationship between rich and poor.
- Central to her research is understanding the connection between the climate crisis, possible solutions and justice. To do so, she brings together various scientific disciplines, from international law and economics to political science and environmental studies.
About Dr Joyeeta Gupta:
- Gupta studied at Delhi University, Gujarat University and Harvard Law School, and obtained her PhD from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
- She has been a Professor of Environment and Development in the Global South at the UvA since 2013. She is also a professor at the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education.
About Spinoza award:
- The Spinoza Prize has been awarded annually since 1995 and Gupta is the twelfth UvA researcher to receive the award.
- The Dutch Research Council (NWO) prize is worth 1.5 million euros.
India Reelected as President of Asia Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD)
(GS Paper 2, International Organisation)
Why in news?
In an unprecedented development where India had already served two terms as President, Asia- Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) General Conference (GC) from 2018 – 2021 and 2021 – 2023, India has been elected as President of AIBD GC for the 3rd successive term to lead the prestigious international organisation
Details:
- The 21st General Conference & Associated Meetings 2023 (GC 2023) of Asia- Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) was chaired by its President Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO Prasar Bharati and concluded successfully in Port Louis, Mauritius.
- The two-day Conference is mandated to achieve a vibrant and cohesive electronic media environment in the Asia- Pacific region through policy and resource development.
About AIBD:
- AIBD, established in 1977 under the auspices of UNESCO, is a unique regional inter-governmental organisation, currently has 92 member organisations from across 44 countries, including 26 Government Members (countries) represented by 48 broadcasting authorities and broadcasters, and 44 Affiliates (organisations) of which represented by 28 countries and regions in Asia, Pacific, Europe, Africa, Arab States and North America.
- India is one of the founding members of AIBD and Prasar Bharati, India’s public service broadcaster is the representative body of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Govt. of India at AIBD.
REC launches SUGAM REC, a mobile app for 54EC Bonds Investors
(GS Paper 3, Economy)
Why in news?
- REC Limited, the Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power, has launched a mobile application, exclusively for current and future investors in REC’s 54EC Capital Gain Tax Exemption Bonds.
- Named ‘SUGAM REC’, the mobile app will offer investors with complete details of their investment in REC 54EC Bonds.
- ‘SUGAM REC’ is amongst one of REC’s many digital initiatives.
What are Section 54EC Bonds?
- Section 54EC Bonds are a type of fixed income financial instruments which provide tax exemption under capital gains to investors, under Section 54EC of the Income Tax Act.
About REC Limited:
- REC Limited is an NBFC focusing on Power Sector Financing and Development across India. Established in 1969, REC Limited has completed over fifty years of operations.
- It provides financial assistance to state electricity boards, state governments, central/state power utilities, independent power producers, rural electric cooperatives and private sector utilities.
- Its business activities involve financing projects in the complete power sector value chain; for various types of projects including Generation, Transmission, Distribution and Renewable Energy. REC’s funding illuminates every fourth bulb in India.
- REC has recently diversified into financing infrastructure and logistics sector as well.
