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...
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SC Grants Interim Bail to Vikas Yadav in Nitish Katara Murder Case Till May 8

 

Context and Background

The Supreme Court of India has granted interim bail to Vikas Yadav, a convict in the high-profile Nitish Katara murder case, until May 8, 2025, due to the deteriorating health of his mother. Vikas Yadav, who is currently serving a 25-year sentence without remission, has been incarcerated for his role in the 2002 murder of Katara, which was deemed an honour killing.

Vikas Yadav is the son of former UP politician DP Yadav, and was convicted along with his cousin Vishal Yadav for the abduction and brutal killing of Nitish Katara, a business executive who was reportedly in a romantic relationship with Bharti Yadav, Vikas's sister.

Supreme Court's Directions and Conditions for Bail

The bench led by Justice Abhay S Oka issued the interim bail considering humanitarian grounds, stating that the court was “only considering the case in the context of the health condition of the convict’s mother.” The conditions for interim bail are as follows:

  • Bail Duration: Granted until May 8, 2025.

  • Medical Examination: Vikas Yadav’s mother is to be admitted for two days at AIIMS, Delhi for an expert evaluation by a medical board.

  • Medical Report Submission: The report must be submitted by May 7.

  • Bail Bond: Vikas must furnish a bail bond of ₹1 lakh along with one surety of a like amount.

  • Location Restrictions: He is restricted to his residence in Raj Nagar, Ghaziabad, except for visits to Yashoda Hospital, Ghaziabad, where his mother is currently admitted.

  • Witness Protection: The Delhi and Uttarakhand Police have been directed to provide security to Neelam Katara (Nitish Katara’s mother) and other witnesses.

  • No Contact Clause: Yadav is barred from contacting any witness, including Neelam Katara.

Pending Petitions and Legal Background

  • Yadav has already served 23 years of his sentence.

  • A separate petition by Vikas Yadav regarding the denial of remission benefits is currently pending before the apex court.

  • The original verdict in May 2008 found him guilty of kidnapping and murdering Nitish Katara.

  • In October 2016, the Supreme Court upheld the 25-year sentence without remission due to the brutality and motive behind the crime—an alleged honour killing driven by caste and social status biases.

Case Overview: Nitish Katara Murder

  • Date of Crime: February 16–17, 2002.

  • Victim: Nitish Katara, a 25-year-old executive.

  • Cause: Alleged affair with Bharti Yadav, daughter of DP Yadav.

  • Convicts: Vikas Yadav (brother of Bharti) and his cousin Vishal Yadav.

  • Trial: One of India’s most closely followed honour killing cases.

  • Public Outcry: The case triggered national debate on political influence in criminal trials and crimes based on caste and social status.


Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India

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