BPSC Current Hot Notes
BPSC Current Hot Notes
● CCPI: Independent monitoring tool since 2005, tracks countries' climate protection.
● Transparency: Enables transparency in national and international climate politics.
● Scope: Assesses 63 countries + EU (90% global GHG emissions).
● Published by: Germanwatch, New Climate Institute, Climate Action Network.
● Categories:
○ GHG Emissions (40%)
○ Renewable Energy (20%)
○ Energy Use (20%)
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○ Climate Policy (20%)
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● Paris Agreement: Measures action towards Paris climate goals.
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● UN Climate Conference: CCPI report released at Baku, Azerbaijan.
● Top Performers: Ranks 1-3 empty, Denmark (4th) - best, high in climate policy.
Netherlands (5th), UK (6th).
● Worst Performers: Iran (67th), Saudi Arabia (66th), UAE, Russia (64th).
● Fossil Fuels: Worst performers = largest oil/gas producers, renewables <3%.
● G20: UK and India only high performers. Most G20 low/very low. G20 responsible for
75%+ global GHG.
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● India's Rank: 10th (high performer). High in GHG Emissions, Energy Use; Medium in
Climate Policy, Low in Renewable Energy.
● India's Low Emissions: Low per capita emissions (2.9 tCO2e vs. global 6.6).
● Renewable Energy in India: Progress in solar (large-scale, rooftop schemes). Aim for
500 GW renewable capacity by 2030.
● Coal Reliance: Heavy reliance, large reserves, plans to increase production.
● NDC: Experts want broader NDC targets beyond emissions/electricity (transport,
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industry, etc.).
● Methodology Revised: In 2017, to include Paris Agreement. Measures 2030 targets,
<2°C compatibility. Covers all GHG.
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UNCCD COP16:
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BPSC CURRENT HOT NOTES
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)
● COP: Main decision-making body, held every two years.
● Outcomes: No drought protocol reached, consensus on thematic issues.
● Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership: Support 80 vulnerable countries,
$12.15 billion pledged (incl. $10B Arab Coordination Group).
● Great Green Wall (GGW): Sahel region (10 countries). Italian government: EUR 11
million for landscape restoration; Austrian government: EUR 3.6 million for coordination.
● Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS): Build resilient food systems. USA +
others: ~$70 million investment.
● Indigenous Caucus: Represent Indigenous perspectives.
● Sacred Lands Declaration: Role in resource management, involvement in governance.
● Business 4 Land (B4L): Mobilize private sector (currently 6% land restoration
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financing), UNCCD Secretariat and Global Mechanism to mobilize private sector
engagement.
● Global Mechanism (GM): Financial mechanism, established in 1994.
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● Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN): Achieve net zero land degradation by 2030 and
B4L to restore 1.5 billion hectares.
● Science Policy Interface (SPI): Translate science for decision-makers, continuation
agreed. Created COP11 in 2013.
● International Drought Resilience Observatory (IDRO): AI platform to assess drought
capacity. Initiative of IDRA.
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● Rangelands: Sustainable management encouraged. Cover half of Earth's surface,
disappearing faster than rainforests. Threaten 1/6 food supplies, 1/3 carbon reserves.
● Rio Trio Initiative: Align goals of UNCCD, UNFCCC, CBD.
● Next COP: COP17, Mongolia, 2026 (International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists).
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BPSC CURRENT HOT NOTES
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)
● Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF): Establishes a system for countries to
report on their climate actions, including greenhouse gas emissions, climate mitigation
efforts, and adaptation measures.
● REDD+: UK International Forest Unit £3 million pledge to support UN Climate Change
work.
● Adaptation: Baku Adaptation Road Map and Baku High-Level Dialogue on Adaptation
to enhance UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience implementation.
○ Article 7 of the Paris Agreement
○ Support programme for National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) for the LDCs.
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● Gender and Climate Change: Extended enhanced Lima Work Programme on Gender
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and Climate Change for another 10 years.
● Declaration on Reducing Methane: COP29 Declaration on Reducing Methane from
Organic Waste (India not signatory).
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● Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative for Farmers: launched by COP29 Presidency in
partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
● Indigenous people and local communities: The COP adopted the Baku Workplan
● Facilitative Working Group (FWG) Focus areas: Promoting knowledge
exchange,Building capacity for engagement,Incorporating diverse values and knowledge
systems into climate policies and actions
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● Civil society participation, children and youth: COP29 had dedicated spaces for the
participation of children within the Youth-led Climate Forum for the first time
● India's Initiatives:
○ Lead IT Summit: Decarbonising heavy industries.
○ Solar Energy Leadership: Global South promotion via ISA, 20x solar capacity
increase by 2050.
○ SIDS Adaptation Finance: Need to unlock adaptation finance, strengthen
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Agreement.
● Climate Finance Rejection: Rejected climate finance goal of $300 billion per year by
2035 as "does not address the needs and priorities of developing countries”.
* CBDR (Common but Differentiated Responsibilities) and equity
● Goal of $1.3 trillion set by Developing countries.
● Baku to Belem road map to assess progress towards the $1.3 trillion goal
● Debt for developed nations for their historical emissions (Carbon debt)
● CBAM: India concerned about unilateral trade measures that restrict development
opportunities for developing nations.
● India Voices Concern on how intellectual property rights on green technologies
continue to hinder their free and scalable access to developing countries
● Net-Zero Target of end of this decade by developed countries
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BPSC CURRENT HOT NOTES
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)
● Challenges:
○ Inadequate Climate Financing ($300 billion annually by 2035 falls short of need).
○ Over Reliance on Loans: The financial package focuses on loans rather than
grants.
○ Failure to Address Fossil Fuel Phase-Out
○ Unmet Emission Goals: Global emissions hit a new record in 2023,
○ Slow Operationalisation of Loss and Damage Fund (LDF).
○ Postponement of NDC Updates,Global Emissions Inequality
○ Criticism of host nation (Azerbaijan)
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● Way Forward: Public finance focus on grants, prioritize adaptation and loss/damage,
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innovative mechanisms, private sector involvement with public oversight, CBDR.
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● Context: Sheikh Hasina (PM) resigned, sought refuge in India after anti-quota protests
(August 2024).
● Sheikh Hasina: PM of Bangladesh (longest-serving), daughter of Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman (founding father). President, Awami League.
● Historical Context: 1947 Partition (India, Pakistan). East Pakistan (now Bangladesh)
separated from West Pakistan. 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War (India assisted).
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● 1972 Quota: Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman started a quota for Bangladesh
Civil Service (BCS) for veterans, women victims, underrepresented districts.
● 1975: Awami League overthrown, Sheikh Mujibr Rehman assassinated.
● 1981: Sheikh Hasina returned to Bangladesh.
● Reasons for Crisis: Student protests, lack of opportunities, corruption, suppression of
dissent.
● Student Protests: Against 56% quota system (30% for freedom fighter descendants).
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BPSC CURRENT HOT NOTES
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)
Significance of Bangladesh to India
● Geopolitical: Long land/river/maritime border, crucial for India's security, foreign policy.
Counter-terrorism, border security cooperation vital.
● Geostrategic: Access to Bay of Bengal, trade route to Southeast Asia ("Act East"
policy).
● Security: Buffer for India's Northeast, Siliguri Corridor importance.
● Countering China: Sino-Indian geopolitical competition for influence. India provides aid,
strategic investments.
● Economic:
○ Trade: Significant trade partner. USD 14.01 Billion (2023-24) Deepening of
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economic relationship, crucial for $5 Trillion economy goal.
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● Cultural: Shared history, familial ties, religious sites (Ranur Bunglow Temple Bhoj
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Vihara)
● Environmental: Trans-boundary rivers, need for water management, flood control.
● Multilateral Cooperation: SAARC, BIMSTEC, UNFCCC (COPs).
● 'Neighbourhood First' & 'Act East' policy: Bangladesh links South & SE Asia.
● Largest development partner: Lines of credit (LOC) to Bangladesh- around USD 8
billion for infrastructure. Grant assistance.
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Areas of Cooperation (Economic, Security, Connectivity)
● Economic: Bangladesh biggest trade partner in South Asia, India is 2nd biggest in Asia.
○ Bangladesh exported USD 1.97 Billion goods to India (FY 2023-24).
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● Security: 4096 km border, joint activities (fencing, inspection, demarcation). Police
cooperation, anti-corruption, anti-trafficking.
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BPSC CURRENT HOT NOTES
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)
● Cultural: Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (Dhaka), programs (Yoga, dance, language,
music).
● Water Sharing: Joint Rivers Commission (JRC), Kushiyara Pact (water sharing).
● Anti-India Sentiment: "India Out" campaign, boycott of Indian products due to support
for Hasina.
● Border Security: Porous border, illicit drug/fake currency/human trafficking/terror risks.
Heightened security.
● Refugee Influx: Potential repeat of 1971 scenario, Bangladeshi Hindus fleeing.
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● Hydropolitical Relations: Renewal of Ganga Waters Treaty (1996, expires 2026),
Teesta River agreement uncertainty.
● Tourism: Bangladesh biggest chunk of inbound tourists, Political crisis negatively
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impacted.
○ FTA from Bangladesh declined 9.1 per cent
○ Bangladesh's share was 21.6 per cent, and for the entire 2023, it was 22.3 per
cent.
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● Trade: India has invested in power, infrastructure, and consumer goods.
○ India's exports to Dhaka amounted to $16.2 billion in the fiscal year 2022 but
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have witnessed a constant fall since then, dropping to $11.1 billion in FY2024.
○ Discussions on FTA impacted by current situation.
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● Infrastructure and Connectivity: disruption could hinder India's access to its Northeast
region, and jeopardise existing bus routes and agreements for Chittagong and Mongla
ports
● Security concerns: secular Bangladesh had become India's closest ally and an
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Way Forward
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BPSC CURRENT HOT NOTES
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)
● Joint Task Forces: Law enforcement to combat smuggling, trafficking, immigration.
● Digital Connectivity Corridor: High-speed internet, digital services, e-commerce.
● FTA: Finalize before Bangladesh loses LDC status (2026). Ensure no misuse by China
via RCEP.
● Strategic Patience: C. Raja Mohan quote: "India will need enormous strategic patience,
faith in the logic of geography, belief in the centrality of commerce, and a strong political
commitment to transcend the partition pathologies in building relations with a changing
Bangladesh."
Tikuli Painting
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● Origin: Bihar, 800+ years. "Tikuli" = bindi.
● History: Mughal era (royal ornamentation), revival by Upendra Maharathi (mid-20th
century).
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● Techniques: Traditional (heated glass, gold foil), Modern (hardboard/MDF, enamel
paint, hand-painted motifs inspired by Mithila art).
● Themes: Mythology, festivals, rural life. Bindi = intellect, feminine power.
● Economic Impact: Empowers rural artisans, especially women. Global recognition
(décor, jewelry).
● Government Support: Handicrafts policy, training (300+ individuals).
● Ashok Kumar Vishwas: Padma Shri award in 2024.
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● Expanding Markets: Mobile holders, pen stands.
Godna Painting
Manjusha Painting
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BPSC CURRENT HOT NOTES
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)
Karpoori Thakur
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● Reservation Policy: "Karpoori Thakur Formula": (12% EBCs, 8% OBCs, 3% women,
3% EWS).
● Prohibition Policy: Statewide alcohol ban.
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● Language: Hindi official language, Urdu second official language.
● Economic Reforms: Abolished malguzari tax (small farmers).
● Bharat Ratna: 2024 (posthumously).
● Criticism: Caste-based politics, symbolism over development, political instability.
BRICS Overview
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● Definition: Bloc of leading emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South
Africa (+ Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE).
● Origin: Coined by Goldman Sachs' Jim O'Neill (2001) to describe BRIC economies'
potential to challenge G7 dominance.
● Formation: Informal meeting (2006, G8 Summit). Formalized at 1st BRIC Foreign
Ministers’ Meeting (2006, NY). First summit in 2009.
● Expansion: January 2024, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and UAE joined. Saudi Arabia foreign
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BRICS Summits
● 16th Summit (2024, Kazan, Russia): Theme "Strengthening multilateralism for Just
global development and security". Kazan Declaration released.
● 17th Summit (2025): To be hosted by Brazil.
Significance/Relevance of BRICS
● Representation: Aims for united front for emerging economies in multilateral institutions,
reform UNSC.
● Ukraine: Called for peaceful resolution through dialogue.
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BPSC CURRENT HOT NOTES
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)
● Economic Policy: Coordination on tariffs, export restrictions, investment. FDI inflows
quadrupled (2001-2021).
● Alternative Finance: New Development Bank (NDB) & Contingent Reserve
Arrangement (CRA) as alternatives to World Bank/IMF.
● Influence: Concerns in the West regarding BRICS competing with G7/G20, addresses
discrimination/inequality.
● De-dollarization: Advocate for trade in local currencies or a common BRICS currency.
● Economic Decoupling: Represents 23% Global GDP, 18% world trade.
● Oil Trade Platform: BRICS+ holds 45% of global oil capacity (6 of top 10 producers).
● Middle East: Expressed grave concern at the deterioration of the situation and
humanitarian crisis in Palestine.
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● Sanctions: Emphasized the disruptive effects of unlawful unilateral coercive measures.
● Financial System Reform: To meet global financial challenges including global
economic governance.
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India and BRICS
successful model.
● BRICS Clear depository: Agreed to discuss and study the feasibility of establishment of
an independent cross-border settlement and depositary infrastructure, BRICS Clear.
● Big Cats: Emphasis was put on India's initiative to create an International Big Cats
Alliance.
● Pandemic Prevention: Called for further development of the BRICS Integrated Early
Warning System for preventing mass infectious diseases risks.
Challenges
● Nature: Financial focus vs. geopolitical coalition; diversity of new members introducing
complexities (US alliances vs Iran as adversary).
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BPSC CURRENT HOT NOTES
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)
● Rivalries: Geopolitical (India-China, Saudi Arabia-Iran) limit unity, perception of
anti-West agenda.
● Dominance: Overwhelming influence of Russia, India, and China
● Similar Groupings: Parallel grouping of democracies known as IBSA.
● Economic Disparity: Size of member economies vary greatly.
● Chinese Dominance: Chinese economy has the largest share in BRICS bloc, economic
nationalism.
● Limited Reform: Failure to reform Bretton Woods institutions, de-dollarize economies,
NDB funding limitations.
● Voting Power: BRICS+ holds only about 19% of voting power within the IBRD
● Decision-Making: Expansion complicates consensus, mirroring NAM/G77 limitations.
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Consensus challenges on Ukraine.
Way Forward
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● Rule-based Order: BRICS-Plus should be based on rule-based order; avoid 'economic
hegemony' and 'anti-West agenda'.
● Pan-Continental: Reduce dominance of Russia-China-India, become pan-continental.
● Long-Term Goals: Define objectives, membership criteria, permanent secretariat.
● Challenge Institutions: Vision to challenge World Bank/IMF dominance.
● Blunt China: Equitable power distribution.
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● Dialogue: Prioritize diplomacy, consensus.
● Institutional Capacity: Strengthen initiatives, NDB, BRICS-Pay, etc.
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BPSC CURRENT HOT NOTES
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)
● Implementation: Training, monitoring required, societal resistance a challenge.
● Increase Women's Participation in Law: Encourage programs promoting girls to
pursue law degrees and mentorship.
● More steps: National quotas, address societal attitudes, develop support systems.
AI in Legislative Institutions
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(video search), Netherlands (speech-to-text).
● Predictive Modeling and Simulation:
○ The Australian Parliament: Evidence-based decision-making and proactive
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problem-solving.
○ The European Parliament: Equitable outcomes and informed policy choices.
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● Challenges: Bias/discrimination, lack of transparency, overreliance, job displacement,
data deficiencies, infrastructure gaps, ethical/regulatory concerns, limited awareness.
● Way Forward: Policy framework, capacity building, public engagement, collaboration,
pilot projects, data management, ethical guidelines, regulatory framework.
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G20 & Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (World is One Family)
● Theme: India's 2023 G20 presidency: "One Earth, One Family, One Future" echoes
'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.'
● Core Philosophy: Global interconnectedness, collaborative action for a just, sustainable
world, shared responsibility, transcends self-interests.
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BPSC CURRENT HOT NOTES
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)
● DPI: "Digital Public Infrastructure Repository."
● Women's Empowerment: G20 Working Group on Empowerment of Women. Women's
Reservation Bill, 2023 (India).
● AU Inclusion: African Union (AU) becomes permanent G20 member. (55 nations, 80%
global population).
● Renewable Energy: Tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030. $5.9 trillion
climate finance for developing countries.
● Biofuels: Global Biofuels Alliance.
● Green Hydrogen/LiFE: G20 Alliance for Green Hydrogen, Lifestyles for Sustainable
Development (LiFE).
● Jan Bhagidari: Over 1.4 billion citizens engaged (People's Presidency).
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● Challenges: Internal implementation, geopolitical tensions, differing priorities, limited
G20 impact.
● Way Forward: Continued engagement, championing collaboration, bridging divides,
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demonstrating leadership, stakeholder involvement.
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BPSC CURRENT HOT NOTES
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)
● Law Commission 2018: UCC "neither necessary nor desirable at this stage." Focus on
reforms within personal laws.
● Reforms recommended: Marriage age (18 both genders), adultery as divorce ground,
simplify divorce, abolish HUF tax exemption.
● Way Forward: Inclusive deliberation, gradual implementation, respect for diversity.
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● Target 16.1 Reduce Violence, 16.2 Protect Children 16.3 Rule of Law, 16.4 Combat
Organised Crime, 16.5 Corruption, 16.6 Effective Institutions 16.7 Inclusive decision
making, 16.8 Global Governance, 16.9 Legal Identity, 16.10 Freedom of Info, 16.A Non
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Discrimantory Laws, 16.B Strengthen Institutions
● Principles of Governance (ECOSOC): Linked to 62 strategies for responsive, effective
governance. Supports SDG-16 institutional aspects.
● Rule of Law: Provides platform for legal experts, policymakers, practitioners. National
justice reform plans.
● Corruption: Promotes transparency, ethics, good governance. Resources & training.
● Information Access: Fosters open government initiatives, transparency.
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● International Cooperation: Platform for international, regional collaboration.
Transnational issues.
● ICT Capacity: Strengthens regional/national institutions via ICTs.
● Online Training Centre: Free courses in multiple languages.
● Forced Displacement: UNPAN addressing challenges through institutions.
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BPSC CURRENT HOT NOTES
By - IAS Freak (UPSC INTERVIEW, BPSC SELECTED)
● GCRT Plants: Government buildings (Mukhyamantri Navin Yojana, Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali
Mission).
● Private Residential Plants: BREDA installs.
● Floating Solar: Rajapokhar (Supaul), Darbhanga.
● Solar Water Plant : Mukhyamantri Navin Yojana - installed 2771 power pumps
● Ground Mounted Solar: 250 MW (SJVN, Avaada Energy).
● Solar Street Lights: PV panels, rechargeable batteries.
● BSPGCL: Engaged in solar power generation.
● Solar Project: Kaira (Lakhisarai), Pirpainti (Bhagalpur) (400-450 MW).
● 24x7 Hybrid Green Power: Rajger, Bodh Gaya, Patna (SECI - 210 MW).
● Bihar rise in energy consumption: Increased by 35.4% in last four years.
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