Alok Shukla Wins Prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize 2024

Current Context: Alok Shukla, a forest activist from India, was awarded the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize on April 29, 2024, for his significant contributions to environmental conservation.

• He led a successful community campaign that saved 445,000 acres of biodiversity-rich forests from 21 planned coal mines in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh.
• These forests, known as Hasdeo Aranya, are home to 25 endangered species and are often referred to as the lungs of Chhattisgarh.
• In July 2022, the government canceled the 21 proposed coal mines in Hasdeo Aranya, which was a significant victory for the environment.
• Alok Shukla is a convenor with Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan (the Save Chhattisgarh Movement) and a founding member of the Hasdeo Aranya Bachao Sangharsh Samiti (Save Hasdeo Aranya Resistance Committee).
• His work has safeguarded the livelihood, cultural identity, and sustenance of nearly 15,000 Adivasi—Indigenous peoples—who depend on the Hasdeo Aranya forests.
• He is set to receive the award on Friday, May 3, 2024.

Question:

Q.1 Who was awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize on April 29, 2024?
a. Narendra Modi
b. Sundar Pichai
c. Ratan Tata
d. Alok Shukla