The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 20th October 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

The shape of climate justice in a warming India

Why in News?

The G-20 summit that was held in Delhi (September 9-10) agreed on tripling renewable energy capacity and a voluntary doubling of the rate of energy efficiency improvement by 2030.

What are the Major Outcomes of G20 Summit 2023?

• Admittance of the African Union (G20 now G21):
  • G20 leaders have agreed to grant permanent G20 membership to the African Union, marking a significant step in boosting representation for developing countries in the forum.
  • The inclusion of the AU in the G20 allows for the reshaping of global trade, finance, and investment and offers a stronger voice to the Global South within the G20.
  • It provides a platform for African interests and perspectives to be heard and acknowledged within the G20.
• Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA):
  • GBA is an initiative led by India that aims to build an alliance involving governments, international organizations, and industry to promote the adoption of biofuels.
  • The goal is to establish biofuels as a crucial component of the energy transition, contributing to job creation and economic growth.
  • The GBA will accelerate India's existing biofuels programs, such as PM-JIVANYojna, SATAT, and GOBARdhan scheme.
  • According to the IEA, there is significant growth potential for biofuels (3.5-5 times) by 2050 due to Net Zero targets, which presents a substantial opportunity for India.
  • The GBA was launched with nine initiating members, including India, the US, Brazil, Argentina, Bangladesh, Italy, Mauritius, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.
  • It includes major producers and consumers of biofuels, with the USA, Brazil, and India being the primary contributors.
  • Numerous countries and international organizations have already agreed to join the GBA.
• G20 Invited Countries supporting GBA:
  • Bangladesh, Singapore, Mauritius, and the UAE are among the G20 invited countries supporting the Global Biofuels Alliance.
• Non-G20 supporting GBA:
  • Iceland, Kenya, Guyana, Paraguay, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Uganda, and Finland are non-G20 countries that support the GBA.
• International Organizations:
  • International organizations supporting the GBA include the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, World Economic Forum, World LPG Organization, UN-Energy for All, UNIDO, Biofutures Platform, International Civil Aviation Organization, International Energy Agency, International Energy Forum, International Renewable Energy Agency, and World Biogas Association.
• India – Middle East – Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC):
  • IMEC is part of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII), initiated through a Memorandum of Understanding involving India, the US, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, the UAE, France, Germany, and Italy.
  • IMEC is a significant infrastructure project that connects India, the Middle East, and Europe, with a focus on transport corridors, including railways and sea lanes.
  • It is seen as a response to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and provides an alternative infrastructure network.
• G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion Document:
  • The document prepared by the World Bank acknowledges India's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and its transformative impact over the past decade.
  • Key initiatives highlighted in the document include rapid financial inclusion, the success of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna (PMJDY), Government to Person (G2P) payments, the dominance of Unified Payments Interface (UPI), private sector efficiency, lower compliance costs for KYC, cross-border payments, the Account Aggregator Framework, and the Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA).

What are the Other Key Highlights of G20 Summit 2023?

• G20 Renewable Energy Commitment:
  • G20 pledged to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030.
  • This can cut 7 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions by 2030, aligning with the 1.5°C global warming goal.
  • Marks a shift away from fossil fuels to cleaner energy alternatives.
  • Acknowledges current climate action as inadequate and highlights the need for trillions of dollars to meet Paris Agreement goals.
• Global Food Security and Nutrition:
  • G20 leaders recognize the importance of addressing rising food and energy prices.
  • Aims to eliminate hunger and malnutrition, especially for vulnerable groups.
  • Emphasizes the impact of the Ukraine conflict on global food security and supply chains.
  • Historic consensus on high-level principles for food security and nutrition.
  • MAHARISHI initiative promotes millet research.
• Trade and Agriculture:
  • G20 commits to fair, transparent, and rule-based trade in agriculture and food.
  • Pledges to avoid export restrictions and align with WTO rules.
  • Focus on strengthening Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) and GEOGLAM for transparency.
• Combating Terrorism:
  • G20 leaders strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms.
  • Support for FATF in global asset recovery.
• Healthcare Resilience and Research:
  • Focus on building resilient healthcare systems.
  • Strengthening global health architecture with WHO.
  • Goal to enhance primary healthcare, health workforce, and essential services.
  • Emphasis on addressing epidemics like tuberculosis and AIDS, and research on long Covid.
  • Integration of traditional medicine practices with modern medicine.
  • Promotes one-health approach to tackle antimicrobial resistance.
• Finance Track Agreements:
  • G20's coordinated policy and regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies.
  • Emphasis on global consensus for crypto asset regulation.
  • Recognition of the need for robust Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs).
  • Acknowledgment of India's digital public infrastructure model.
• India-Mercosur Trade Agreement:
  • India and Brazil working to expand the India-Mercosur PTA.
  • Mercosur is a Latin American trade bloc.
  • The PTA aims to eliminate customs duties on specified goods.
• Climate Financing Commitment:
  • Call for a substantial increase in climate financing from billions to trillions.
  • Emphasizes the need for trillions of dollars for clean energy technologies by 2030.
  • Aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
• India's Cultural Showcase:
  • Features various elements of India's cultural heritage.
  • Includes art, statues, and musical traditions.
• Transition of G20 Presidency: - 
  • Indian Prime Minister handed over G20 chair to Brazilian President Lula da Silva, effective December 1, 2023.

What are the Latest India-US Collaboration at G20 Summit 2023?

• India and the United States are strengthening their technology partnership, with a particular focus on ensuring resilient semiconductor supply chains and enhancing telecom infrastructure.

• India is showing support for the US 'Rip and Replace' pilot project, which involves the removal of Chinese telecom equipment, underlining their joint commitment to addressing security concerns.

• Both countries have reaffirmed their commitment to further developing the India-US Major Defence Partnership. This expansion of collaboration extends into emerging domains such as space and artificial intelligence (AI).

• In a significant development, the United States has completed the necessary steps to notify the parties involved in a commercial agreement between General Electric Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL). This agreement aims to facilitate the manufacturing of GE F-414 jet engines in India.

• This agreement represents a noteworthy milestone in defense cooperation between the US and India and underscores India's dedication to strengthening its domestic defense manufacturing capabilities.