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  • Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

    [pib] Lothal’s Maritime Heritage Complex

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Why in the News?

    PM recently highlighted Lothal’s importance in India’s maritime history as the site of the world’s first dockyard, now home to the National Maritime Heritage Complex under Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

    About Lothal’s Maritime Heritage Complex:

    Facts about Lothal
    • Dockyard Evidence: Recent IITGn study confirms existence of a dockyard (222 x 37 meters).
    • River Shift: Sabarmati River’s old course closer to Lothal during Harappan period, now 20 km away.
    • Trade Route: Linked Ahmedabad, Lothal, Nal Sarovar, Little Rann, and Dholavira.
    • Satellite Imagery: Revealed ancient channels of Sabarmati River, confirming Lothal’s strategic location.
    • Trade Connections: Traders might have used the Gulf of Khambhat, collecting materials from Ratanpura and transporting them to Mesopotamia.
    Historical Significance
    • Built around: 2200 BC as a major trade center for beads, gems, and ornaments.
      • Lothal means “mound of the dead” in Gujarati similar to Mohenjodaro.
    • Discovered by S.R. Rao, excavated from 1955 to 1960.
    • World’s earliest known dock; connected to the ancient Sabarmati River.
    • Nominated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014; only port-town of the Indus Valley Civilization.
    Features of the Present Complex
    • Location: Bhal region, Gujarat, India.
    • Objective: Showcase India’s 5,000-year-old maritime history, focusing on the first dockyard at Lothal.
    • Developed by: Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.
    • Components: Exhibition halls, maritime park, amphitheater, and educational spaces.

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelling water into connected reservoirs?

    (a) Dholavira

    (b) Kalibangan

    (c) Rakhigarhi

    (d) Ropar

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  • Oil and Gas Sector – HELP, Open Acreage Policy, etc.

    [pib] India’s first modern Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plant

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    PM Modi inaugurated the 100 TPD cattle dung-based Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) plant in Gwalior.

    About the CBG Plant 

    • The plant is located in Laltipara, Gwalior, within the largest cowshed in the region, Adarsh Gaushala, which houses over 10,000 cattle.
      • It spans over 5 acres.
      • It is India’s first self-sufficient gaushala with a modern CBG plant, where cow dung and organic waste (such as vegetable and fruit waste from mandis and households) are processed into valuable biogas.
    • The project, developed at a cost of ₹31 crores, is a collaboration between Gwalior Municipal Corporation and the Indian Oil Corporation.

    Working features:

    • Bio CNG: The plant produces 2 tons of compressed Bio CNG daily from 100 tons of cattle dung, providing a cleaner, eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
    • Organic Manure: The plant also generates 10-15 tons of dry bio-manure daily, which is a valuable by-product for organic farming.
    • Windrow composting: The plant incorporates windrow composting, located adjacent to the main facility, which enhances organic waste processing.

     

    What is Compressed Biogas (CBG)?

    Details
    About
    • CBG is a renewable natural gas produced from the biochemical conversion of organic waste into methane.
    • It is chemically similar to CNG (compressed natural gas) and can be used as an alternative to fossil fuels in transportation, cooking, and power generation.
    Process of Making CBG
    1. Collection of Organic Waste: Organic waste such as agricultural residue, animal dung, food waste, and municipal solid waste is collected from farms, industries, and households.
    2. Anaerobic Digestion: Waste is placed in an airtight chamber, where microorganisms break it down without oxygen, producing biogas (methane, carbon dioxide, trace gases).
    3. Purification: The raw biogas undergoes purification through methods like pressure swing adsorption, water scrubbing, or membrane separation to remove impurities like CO₂, H₂S, and water, leaving pure methane.
    4. Compression: The purified methane is compressed to 200-250 bar pressure to form CBG, reducing volume for storage and transportation.
    5. Storage and Distribution: It is stored in high-pressure cylinders or tanks and transported to fuel stations or industries for various applications.
    Significance of CBG
    • Reduces fossil fuel dependence.
    • Mitigates landfill methane emissions.
    • CBG can replace CNG, reducing pollution.
    • Utilizes local organic waste.
    • Creates jobs, promotes organic farming, and provides eco-friendly fertilizers.

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  • Poverty Eradication – Definition, Debates, etc.

    What is Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, launched at Brazil G20?

    ExplainedPrelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the News?

    The recent G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, featured the official launch of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty (referred to as “the Alliance”).

    What are the primary objectives of the Global Alliance?

    • Eradication of Hunger and Poverty: The Alliance aims to eliminate hunger and poverty by 2030, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
    • Support for Vulnerable Populations: It focuses on providing targeted assistance to vulnerable groups through various initiatives, including cash transfers and school meal programs.
    • Resource Mobilization: The initiative emphasizes large-scale resource mobilisation to support its objectives, aiming to reach 500 million people through income distribution programs by 2030.

    Who are the key stakeholders involved in this initiative?

    • The Alliance has 148 founding members, including 82 countries such as India, Brazil, and Bangladesh.
    • It includes participation from 26 international organizations, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and UNICEF.
    • Nine financial institutions and 31 philanthropic foundations and non-governmental organizations are also involved in supporting the Alliance’s goals.

    How will Alliance function?

    • The Alliance serves as a platform for countries to share best practices and access technical expertise or financial support from other member nations.
    • It offers more than 50 evidence-based policy instruments that member countries can utilize to develop their national strategies against hunger and poverty.
    • Unlike traditional funding bodies, the Alliance does not have an exclusive fund but acts as a matchmaking entity connecting countries in need with donors and technical support providers. Its operational costs are estimated at $2-3 million annually, funded by member contributions.

    What challenges does the Global Alliance aim to address in combating hunger and poverty?

    • Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic has exacerbated issues of hunger and poverty, reversing progress made toward the SDGs. The Alliance aims to counteract these setbacks by fostering international cooperation.
    • Global Inequalities: It addresses deepening social, racial, and gender inequalities that have been intensified by recent global crises.
    • Food Insecurity Projections: Current trends suggest that without intervention, millions will continue to live in extreme poverty and hunger by 2030—double the target levels set in the SDGs. The Alliance seeks to reverse these projections through coordinated action.

    Conclusion: The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty aligns with SDGs 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by mobilizing resources, fostering collaboration, and implementing targeted interventions to combat hunger, poverty, and inequalities, ensuring a sustainable and inclusive future.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Poverty and malnutrition create a vicious cycle, adversely affecting human capital formation. What steps can be taken to break the cycle? (UPSC IAS/2024)

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  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Breakthrough

    Democratising AI needs a radically different approach

    Explained | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    Policymakers globally are addressing Big Tech’s dominance in AI by investing in sovereign cloud infrastructure, open data platforms, and supporting start-ups, yet these measures may inadvertently reinforce Big Tech’s control.

    How can we ensure that AI is implemented in a way that upholds democratic values?

    • It promotes Open Data Initiatives: While open data can enhance AI systems, it must be safeguarded against commercial capture by larger entities. Initiatives should focus on making data accessible and usable for smaller players without allowing Big Tech to monopolize it.
    • It invests in Public Compute Infrastructure: Establishing public computing resources can provide alternatives to private cloud services dominated by Big Tech. However, these resources must be competitive in terms of cost and functionality to be effective.
    • It fosters Smaller AI Models: Shifting focus from large-scale deep learning models to smaller, theory-driven AI models can democratize development. This approach emphasizes domain expertise and lived experiences over sheer data volume, which aligns better with democratic values.

    What role should public participation play?

    • Engagement in Policy Development: Involving diverse stakeholders, including community representatives and industry experts, can help create policies that reflect a broader range of interests and concerns regarding AI deployment.
    • Transparency and Accountability: Mechanisms should be established to ensure transparency in AI decision-making processes. Public oversight can help hold organizations accountable for their AI practices, particularly regarding data usage and algorithmic biases.
    • Community-Centric AI Solutions: Encouraging local communities to participate in the design and implementation of AI solutions can lead to more equitable outcomes. This involvement ensures that AI applications address specific community needs rather than serving corporate interests alone.

    What are the risks associated with technocratic governance?

    • Concentration of Power: The dominance of Big Tech can lead to a concentration of power where a few entities dictate the terms of AI development and deployment. This scenario risks sidelining smaller players and reducing diversity in innovation.
    • Surveillance and Privacy Concerns: The use of AI for surveillance by powerful corporations can threaten individual privacy rights. Policymakers must carefully consider the implications of deploying AI technologies that could exacerbate existing inequalities or infringe on civil liberties.
    • Erosion of Public Trust: If the public perceives that AI governance is primarily driven by technocratic elites without adequate input from citizens, trust in these systems may erode. This distrust can hinder the effective implementation of AI technologies that could otherwise benefit society.

    Way forward: 

    • Establish Inclusive AI Governance: Create multi-stakeholder frameworks involving governments, communities, and smaller players to ensure transparency, accountability, and equitable access to AI resources, safeguarding against monopolistic practices.
    • Prioritize Ethical, Small-Scale AI Development: Shift focus from large-scale deep learning models to theory-driven, domain-specific AI solutions that respect privacy, foster community involvement, and address localized needs, promoting democratic values in AI deployment.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) hasinitiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2020)

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  • Tiger Conservation Efforts – Project Tiger, etc.

    Kaziranga National Park

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Kaziranga National Park

    Why in the News?

    A sub-adult female tiger from Kamakhya Reserve Forest in Assam strayed near Kaziranga National Park and was attacked by locals.

    All facts about Kaziranga National Park:

    Details
    About • Located in the Golaghat, Sonitpur, Biswanath, and Nagaon districts of Assam, India.
    • Spans 430 sq. km. (166 square miles).
    • Established as a reserve forest in 1905, declared as a National park in 1974, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
    • Declared as a Tiger Reserve in 2006.
    Geographical Features • The park is crisscrossed by the Brahmaputra River along with numerous small bodies of water.
    • Dominated by tall elephant grass, marshland, and tropical moist broadleaf forests.
    • Terrain includes sandbars, beels (flood-formed lakes), and chapories (elevated areas).
    Flora and Fauna
    • Flora: Includes 4 main vegetation types: alluvial inundated grasslands, alluvial savanna woodlands, tropical moist mixed deciduous forests, and tropical semi-evergreen forests.
    •  Fauna: Home to 35 mammalian species(15 threatened), it also includes the world’s largest populations of Indian rhinoceros (2,613), wild water buffalo (1,666), swamp deer (468), elephants (1,940), gaur (1,300), and sambar (58).
      • Important bird area with 57 species of birds, including migratory species.
      • Rich biodiversity, including significant populations of chital, Indian muntjac, wild boar, and hog deer.

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] Consider the following pairs:

    National Park River flowing through the Park

    1. Corbett National Park : Ganga

    2. Kaziranga National Park : Manas

    3. Silent Valley National Park : Kaveri

    Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

    (a) 1 and 2

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3

    (d) None

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  • International Cooperative Alliance (ICA)

    IOCR | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the News?

    • India is set to host the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Global Cooperative Conference in Delhi this month.
      • It will mark the first time in the 130-year history of ICA that the ICA General Assembly and Global Cooperative Conference are being hosted in India.

    About the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA):

    Details
    About • Established in 1895 to unite, represent, and serve cooperatives globally.
    • Represents 315 cooperative federations and organizations from 107 countries.
    • Estimated to represent about 1 billion individuals worldwide across various sectors like agriculture, banking, fisheries, health, housing, insurance, and more.
    • It has held consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 1946, making it the first NGO to receive this status.
    • Custodian of the internationally recognized definition, values, and principles of cooperatives. 
    Structure of ICA • Governing Board: A 20-member board responsible for overseeing activities.
    • General Assembly: Highest governing authority, with representatives from member organizations, convened at least annually.
    • ICA is divided into four regional organizations:

    1. ICA Asia-Pacific (New Delhi, India),
    2. ICA Africa (Nairobi, Kenya),
    3. Cooperatives Europe (Brussels, Belgium), and
    4. ICA Americas (San José, Costa Rica).

    • 8 sectoral organizations representing cooperatives in various sectors like agriculture, banking, fisheries, and more.
    • 5 thematic committees focused on cooperative development, economic sustainability, social responsibility, and advocacy.
    Powers and Functions of ICA • Represents cooperatives in international forums, particularly within the United Nations and other multilateral organizations.
    • Influences international policies related to social and economic development and sustainable cooperative businesses.
    • Promote and define cooperative identity globally, ensuring cooperatives adhere to internationally recognized principles.
    • Collects and publishes data about the cooperative sector via reports like the World Cooperative Monitor and ICA Global 300 index.

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  • The Crisis In The Middle East

    International Criminal Court (ICC)

    IOCR | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Important International Institutions

    Why in the News?

    The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrant for Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

    About the International Criminal Court (ICC)

    Details
    What is it? • First international permanent court to prosecute individuals for serious international crimes.
    • Established under the Rome Statute (1998, w.e.f 2002).
    • 124 countries are States Parties to the Rome Statute.• Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands.
    Structural Mandate • Official languages: English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish.
    • Members: 124 States Parties to the Rome Statute; Palestine (2015) and Malaysia (2019) became the latest members.
    • Notable non-members: India, Israel, the US, Russia, Ukraine, and China.
    • Funding: By contributions from member states and voluntary contributions.
    • Enforcement: Relies on state cooperation for enforcement, as it does not have its own police force.
    Composition   • Judges: Consists of 18 judges elected by the Assembly of States Parties for a term of 9 years.
    • Prosecutor: Leads the Office of the Prosecutor and investigates crimes.
    • Additional Components: Includes the Trust Fund for Victims (2004), Detention Centre, and the Assembly of States Parties.
    Jurisdiction  Prosecutes 4 main crimes:    

    1. War Crimes: Violations of the laws of war.
    2. Crimes against Humanity: Acts like murder, enslavement, and torture.
    3. Genocide: Intent to destroy a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group.
    4. Crimes of Aggression: Unjustified military action against another state.

    • ICC can only prosecute crimes committed after the Rome Statute’s entry into force (July 1, 2002).

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] “Rule of Law Index” is released by which of the following?

    1. Amnesty International
    2. International Court of Justice
    3. The Office of UN Commissioner for Human Rights
    4. World Justice Project

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  • Wetland Conservation

    In news: Ashtamudi Lake

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Ashtamudi Lake

    Why in the News?

    Several dead fish are floating on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake in Kerala due to illegal use of ‘thotta’ (explosives) and ‘nanchu’ (poisons) for fishing.

    About Ashtamudi Lake:

    Details
    About  • Brackish-water estuarine lake, located in Kerala, covering 5,700 hectares.
    • Designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention in 2002.
    Geographical Features • Encompasses 8 channels (arms) connecting to the lake, giving it the name “Ashtamudi.” (gateway to the backwaters of Kerala)
    • Second largest lake in Kerala (first being the Vembanad Lake), drains into the sea via Neendakara estuary.
    • Kallada River is the main water source for the lake.
    • Historical significance as a major port city of Quilon, as recorded by Ibn Battuta.
    Flora and Fauna • Mangrove species: Avicennia officinalis, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Sonneratia caseolaris.
    • Endangered species: Syzygium travancoricum and Calamus rotang.
    • 57 species of avifauna, including 6 migratory species and 51 resident species.
    •  In 2014, the Clam Governing Council became the first Marine Stewardship Council certified fishery in India for their sustainable clam fishing.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] Which one of the following is an artificial lake?

    (a) Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu)

    (b) Kolleru (Andhra Pradesh)

    (c) Nainital (Uttarakhand)

    (d) Renuka (Himachal Pradesh)

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  • Trade Sector Updates – Falling Exports, TIES, MEIS, Foreign Trade Policy, etc.

    A bilateral investment treaty with a ‘bit’ of change

    Explained | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the News?

    The bilateral investment treaty (BIT) between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), signed earlier this year, has recently been made public. This new treaty will replace the 2014 India-UAE investment agreement and holds significant importance.

    What is the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) for investors?

    • The Model BIT is a framework established by India to guide negotiations for bilateral investment treaties, aiming to protect foreign investments while balancing the state’s regulatory rights.
    • It emphasizes clear definitions, local remedies, and limits on investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) claims.

    Background of  2024 BIT: 

    • The 2014 India-UAE investment treaty, formally known as the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA), was established to enhance economic cooperation and protect investments between India and the United Arab Emirates.
    • This treaty aimed to create a stable and predictable investment climate for investors from both countries, facilitating foreign direct investment (FDI) flows.
    • The 2014 BIPPA was replaced by a new Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) signed in February 2024, which came into effect in August 2024.
    • This new BIT introduces several changes aimed at improving investment protection and reducing arbitral discretion while maintaining India’s regulatory sovereignty.

    What are the implications of India’s revised Model BIT for foreign investors?

    • Enhanced Investor Protection: The new BIT aims to provide greater protection for foreign investments while balancing the state’s right to regulate. This is expected to boost investor confidence by assuring minimum standards of treatment and non-discrimination.
    • Quicker Access to ISDS: The reduction of the local remedies exhaustion period from five years to three years allows investors to access international arbitration more quickly if disputes arise, potentially making India a more attractive destination for foreign investments.
    • Clearer Definitions and Reduced Discretion: By refining the definition of what constitutes an investment and removing subjective criteria related to the significance of investments for host state development, the BIT reduces arbitral discretion, which can lead to more predictable outcomes in dispute resolution.

    How does the India-UAE BIT depart from the Model BIT?

    • Exhaustion of Local Remedies: As noted, the India-UAE BIT lowers the exhaustion period from five years to three years, reflecting India’s responsiveness to concerns about lengthy legal processes in its judicial system.
    • Removal of Development Significance Criterion: The BIT omits the requirement that investments must significantly contribute to the host state’s development—a criterion present in the Model BIT. This change simplifies the definition of what constitutes an investment eligible for protection, reducing subjective interpretations by ISDS tribunals.
    • No Reference to Customary International Law: Unlike the Model BIT, which links treaty violations to customary international law (CIL), Article 4 of the India-UAE BIT does not reference CIL, thereby limiting arbitral discretion and providing clearer grounds for evaluating state actions against investments.
    • Prohibition on Third-Party Funding: The new treaty explicitly disallows third-party funding in ISDS proceedings, which may impact investors’ ability to finance their claims against states without personal financial risk.

    What are the positives and future opportunities for India-UAE BIT relations?

    • Strengthened Economic Cooperation: The BIT is expected to enhance bilateral economic ties by providing a stable legal framework that encourages investment flows between India and the UAE, both of which have significant stakes in each other’s economies.
    • Increased FDI Inflows: With UAE being a key source of foreign direct investment (FDI) for India, estimated at around $19 billion, the new treaty is anticipated to stimulate further investments, benefiting various sectors in both countries.
    • Alignment with Broader Economic Agreements: The BIT complements other agreements such as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), reinforcing a comprehensive framework for economic collaboration beyond just investment protection.
    • Potential Influence on Future Treaties: India’s approach in negotiating this BIT may serve as a model for future treaties with other countries, reflecting a more flexible stance that could attract additional foreign investments while still safeguarding national interests.

    Conclusion: The India-UAE BIT offers stronger investment protection, quicker dispute resolution, and clearer definitions, fostering bilateral economic ties. This new agreement balances investor rights and state regulation, encourages increased FDI, strengthens economic cooperation, and could influence future treaties for enhanced global investment.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q How will the I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics? (UPSC IAS/2022)

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  • Solar Energy – JNNSM, Solar Cities, Solar Pumps, etc.

    The SECI solar bid at the centre of Gautam Adani’s US indictment

    Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in the News?

    A 2019 tender by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) is now central to a US district court indictment alleging that Gautam Adani and others offered ₹2,029 crore ($265 million) in bribes to Indian officials.

    What specific allegations have been made regarding the SECI solar bid?

    • The US Department of Justice alleges that Gautam Adani and his associates offered approximately ₹2,029 crore (US $265 million) in bribes to Indian government officials.
    • This was to facilitate the signing of power supply agreements (PSAs) between SECI and state electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs), which were initially reluctant to engage due to high energy prices following the tender bidding process.
    • Failure to Secure Agreements: After SECI awarded the tender, which included 12,000 MW of generation capacity and 3,000 MW of module manufacturing capacity, it struggled to finalize PSAs with DISCOMs.
    • This inability jeopardized the lucrative letters of award (LOAs) that Adani Green and Azure Power expected from the project.

    How has SECI’s role in the solar bidding process been scrutinized?

    • SECI is a public sector entity under the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, tasked with promoting renewable energy sources in India.
    • Its role as a facilitator in power procurement has come under scrutiny due to its inability to secure buyers for the power generated under this tender.
    • Challenges Faced: SECI’s difficulties in finding buyers stemmed from DISCOMs’ reluctance to commit to PSAs at higher tariffs when they anticipated further reductions in solar power prices due to market conditions.
      • This situation created a fertile ground for alleged corrupt practices as companies sought alternative means to secure contracts.
    • Impact on Credibility: The allegations have raised questions about SECI’s operational integrity and its effectiveness in managing large-scale renewable energy projects, potentially undermining public trust in governmental processes related to renewable energy procurement.

    What are the potential repercussions for India’s renewable energy sector?

    • Investor Confidence: The indictment could deter foreign investment in India’s renewable energy sector, as potential investors may view the allegations as indicative of systemic corruption within the industry.
    • Regulatory Scrutiny: Increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies both domestically and internationally may lead to tighter regulations and oversight on bidding processes and contract awards in the renewable sector.
    • Market Dynamics: If proven true, these allegations could disrupt existing contracts and lead DISCOMs to reassess their engagement with solar projects, particularly if they fear further legal ramifications or reputational damage associated with such contracts.
    • Long-term Impact on Policy: The case could catalyze reforms aimed at improving transparency and accountability within government procurement processes for renewable energy projects, potentially reshaping how future tenders are conducted.

    Way forward: 

    • Rebuild Investor Confidence: The government must actively engage with international stakeholders, assuring them of corrective actions and fostering a business-friendly environment through improved governance and adherence to global best practices in renewable energy projects.
    • Strengthen Regulatory Frameworks: India should enhance transparency in renewable energy procurement by establishing robust anti-corruption mechanisms, independent oversight committees, and clear guidelines to prevent undue influence in tender processes.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at the World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? (UPSC IAS/2021)

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