There are several global sustainability initiatives and frameworks related to supply chain management that are important to study for the UPSC exam. These initiatives and frameworks aim to promote sustainable practices in supply chains and address environmental, social, and economic challenges. Some of these initiatives and frameworks are:

1. United Nations Global Compact (UNGC): The UNGC is a voluntary initiative that encourages businesses to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies and practices. It provides a framework for companies to align their strategies and operations with ten principles related to human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption. This initiative is relevant to supply chain management as it emphasizes responsible sourcing, ethical labor practices, and environmental stewardship.

2. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The SDGs, adopted by the United Nations, provide a comprehensive framework for addressing global challenges and promoting sustainable development. Several SDGs are directly related to supply chain management, such as Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, which emphasizes sustainable procurement, waste reduction, and resource efficiency.

3. The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI): The GRI provides guidelines for reporting on sustainability performance. It encourages companies to disclose information related to their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts, including supply chain practices. By studying the GRI framework, aspirants can understand how organizations can measure and report their sustainability performance in supply chain management.

4. Circular Economy: The circular economy is an economic model that aims to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency. It promotes the concept of closing the loop in product lifecycles through strategies such as recycling, reusing, and remanufacturing. Understanding the principles of the circular economy is essential for effective supply chain management as it can help reduce waste, conserve resources, and minimize environmental impacts.

5. The ISO 14001 Standard: The ISO 14001 standard provides guidelines for environmental management systems. It helps organizations establish and maintain an effective framework to manage their environmental responsibilities. By studying this standard, aspirants can gain insights into how organizations can integrate environmental considerations into their supply chain management practices.

By studying these global sustainability initiatives and frameworks, aspirants can develop a comprehensive understanding of the principles, best practices, and challenges related to sustainable supply chain management. This knowledge will not only be valuable for the UPSC exam but also for future careers in areas such as environmental management, corporate sustainability, and supply chain optimization.