Green Climate Fund
Why in News?
SIDBI has received approval from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for its first anchored project, Avaana Sustainability Fund (ASF), worth $120 million. The GCF will invest $24.5 million in the fund, aimed at supporting early-stage companies using technology-led innovation to drive climate solutions and sustainability in India.
Green Climate Fund
- Financial mechanism within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
- Established in 2010 at the 16th UNFCCC Conference.
- Governed by the GCF Board.
- Aims to help the developing countries realize their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) ambitions.
- Target of raising $100 Billion in climate finance by 2020 – unmet.
- Mandated to invest half of its adaptation resources in the most climate vulnerable countries.
Loss and Damage Funds
- First announced in 2022 at the conclusion of COP-27.
- A ‘transitional committee’ - to decide the working conditions of the fund.
- Based at the World Bank but managed by an independent secretariat.
- Payments are voluntary.
- Certain percentage of the fund is allocated for Least Developed Countries and Small Island developing states.
- USD 450 million have already been allocated so far.
Practice Question - Prelims
Which of the following statements is correct regarding the Loss and Damage Fund under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)?
a) The Loss and Damage Fund aims to compensate countries for their loss of revenue due to climate change-related events.
b) It is primarily funded by voluntary contributions from developed countries to support climate adaptation efforts in developing countries.
c) The Loss and Damage Fund operates independently from the Green Climate Fund and the Adaptation Fund.
d) Developing countries have the sole responsibility for managing and distributing funds from the Loss and Damage Fund.
Missile
Why in News?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the successful test-firing of Agni-5 ballistic missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under Mission Divyastra. The test was conducted from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha, marking a major technological breakthrough. MIRV technology enables a single missile to carry multiple warheads, allowing for deployment at different locations.
Agni-V Missile
- Ingeniously built advanced three-stage, solid-fueled, surface-to-surface ballistic missile.
- Developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).
Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)
- Aim - achieve self-sufficiency in missile technology.
- Includes Agni, Prithvi, and Akash missile systems.
- Integrated research, development, and production efforts across various defense agencies.
- Program symbolizes India's commitment to self-reliance in defense.
Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV)
- Carries multiple nuclear warheads, each capable of being aimed at different targets.
- Smaller warheads replaced a single larger one.
- Formerly possessed only by United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom.
- With the successful test of the Agni-5, India has now joined this exclusive club of nations with MIRV-capable missiles.
Practice Question - Prelims
Which of the following statements is true regarding Agni-5 missile?
a) Agni-5 is a short-range ballistic missile developed by India.
b) It is capable of carrying nuclear warheads as well as conventional payloads.
c) Agni-5 has a maximum range of approximately 2,500 kilometers.
d) It was developed as part of a joint collaboration between India and Russia.
COVID-19 Vaccination
Why in News?
On March 4, a study published in The Lancet reported the case of a 62-year-old German man who had received over 217 COVID-19 shots over 29 months for "private reasons." Researchers' investigations revealed much about immune function and the effects of over-vaccination.
Background on COVID-19 Vaccination
Initially, COVID-19 vaccination involved two doses, with a third booster dose recommended, especially for the elderly or immunocompromised individuals. However, there has been ongoing debate on the necessity and frequency of COVID-19 vaccination, with some countries implementing "precaution doses" while others advocating for repeated boosters.
The German Man's Case:
- Discovered through media reports, a German man showed no vaccine-related health issues.
- He exhibited significantly higher antibody levels and never experienced a minor SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Assessments including rapid antigen/RT-PCR and nucleocapsid serology revealed no signs of immune exhaustion.
- The quality of his antibodies was comparable to that of the control group, and he exhibited antibodies not found in the control group.
- Concerns about "immune tolerance" and "immune exhaustion" suggest that the immune system can handle repeated vaccinations without adverse effects.
Potential Risks of Overvaccination:
- COVID-19 vaccines have been associated with autoimmune diseases such as immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia, autoimmune liver disorders, Guillain-Barré syndrome, IgA nephropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
- A rare "Arthus reaction," an acute inflammatory response, may also occur.
Conclusion
Overall, overvaccination has been well tolerated and did not impair the immune system, providing valuable insights into immune response and vaccine safety. However, caution should be exercised, and overloading the immune system unnecessarily should be avoided. COVID-19 vaccines should be administered within the recommended dosing schedules.
Mains Practice Question: GS III
Considering the rapid development and deployment of COVID-19 vaccines globally, evaluate the challenges and opportunities it presented for public health systems. (250 words, 10 marks)
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