Indian Banks Unprepared for Climate-Related Financial Risks: Climate Risk Horizons Report

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Climate Change: A Growing Risk for Indian Banking Sector A new report titled "Unprepared" by Climate Risk Horizons (CRH) has raised red flags about the Indian banking sector's readiness to tackle climate-related financial risks. As the effects of climate change escalate globally, banks in India are significantly lagging behind in integrating these risks into their core business strategies, lending practices, and disclosures. Scope and Scale of the Study The report assessed 35 of India’s largest scheduled commercial banks by market capitalisation as of March 2024. These included: 11 public sector banks 18 private sector banks 6 small finance banks Collectively, these banks account for a combined market capitalisation of ₹4,582,292 crore , representing a major portion of India’s financial system. Key Findings: Gaps in Climate Preparedness Emissions Disclosure Deficit: Only 7 out of 35 banks disclosed all three categories of greenhouse gas emiss...

Father of RG Kar Victim Loses Faith in Legal System Amid Allegations of CBI Inconsistencies

 
A Father’s Frustration with the System

The father of the 31-year-old postgraduate doctor who was raped and murdered at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College on August 9, 2024, has publicly expressed his deep disillusionment with the Indian legal system. In a powerful and emotional statement, he told ANI that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has presented contradictory reports in two different courts—the Calcutta High Court and Sealdah District Court.

“This is not just a failure of investigation—this is a betrayal. Even Supreme Court judges could not believe the differences in what the CBI is saying. We had faith in the agency, but now, we are losing all hope,” he stated.

Allegations of Withheld Evidence

The father alleged that the CBI is deliberately withholding key details about the case, despite reportedly knowing who the perpetrators are. He believes the answers lie in his daughter’s phone, which the CBI claims it does not possess—an assertion he disputes. According to him, his daughter’s friends discovered unusual activity from her phone after her death, including her being removed from a WhatsApp group.

“My daughter’s friends came to me and showed proof that someone accessed her phone. That phone holds the truth. But the agency is denying it altogether. How can I trust the system anymore?” he asked.

A Nation’s Outrage and a Shaken Family

The brutal rape and murder sparked national outrage and widespread protests across the country, especially within the medical fraternity. The incident occurred on campus in a locked seminar room, and questions were immediately raised about institutional safety, gender protection, and negligence.

The Calcutta High Court, dissatisfied with the West Bengal Police’s investigation, handed over the case to the CBI. Since then, several arrests have been made, including the main accused, Sanjay Roy, who has been charged and convicted in connection with the crime. Yet, for the victim’s family, justice remains elusive.

Legal Representation and Court Proceedings

Senior Advocate Karuna Nundy, representing the victim’s family, has actively engaged in the suo motu proceedings taken up by the Supreme Court. The family has raised grave concerns about procedural irregularities, mishandling of digital evidence, and the CBI’s perceived reluctance to be transparent.

A Larger Question of Institutional Trust

This case has become more than just about one horrific crime—it reflects systemic issues in India's investigation and judicial framework, especially in high-profile or sensitive matters. For the victim’s father, the loss of trust in institutions meant to protect citizens marks a profound moral failure.

Final Thoughts

As the country watches the legal proceedings unfold, one thing is clear: the call for justice is not just about one verdict—it is about restoring faith in a system increasingly seen as opaque, inconsistent, and insensitive to victims.

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