International Relations
NET Zero Innovation Virtual Centre
- 29 Apr 2023
- 3 min read
For Prelims: NET Zero Innovation Virtual Centre, India-UK Science & Technology Cooperation, India’s Net Zero Targets
For Mains: India-UK relations, India’s net-zero emissions target
Why in News?
In the recent India-UK Science & Innovation Council meeting, India and the United Kingdom announced the establishment of a 'NET Zero' Innovation Virtual Centre aimed at addressing climate change and environmental targets.
What is the NET Zero Innovation Virtual Centre?
- It is a joint initiative of India and the UK to enhance their cooperation on science and technology, especially on climate change and environmental issues.
- It will provide a platform to bring stakeholders from both countries together to work on some of the focus areas such as the decarbonization of manufacturing process and transport systems, and green hydrogen as a renewable source.
- It will support the goal of achieving net zero emissions balancing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted and removed from the atmosphere.
- It will also facilitate knowledge exchange, innovation, research and development, capacity building, and policy dialogue between the two countries.
What are the Key Highlights from the Meeting?
- India-UK Science and Technology Cooperation:
- The UK has emerged as India’s 2nd largest international research and innovation partner.
- The joint research program between India and the UK has grown from almost zero to close to £300-400 million.
- India's Economic and Technological Capabilities:
- India is fast moving to become an economic powerhouse driven by its extraordinary technological and innovative capabilities, especially after the Covid vaccine success story.
- Energy efficiency and renewable energy are central pillars where India has already taken the lead through various initiatives like the India Solar Alliance and Clean Energy Mission.
- India is committed to achieving ambitious net-zero targets through consistent efforts towards developing mitigation and monitoring solutions for environmental pollution and techno-based pathways for reducing carbon emissions.
- Industry-Academia Collaboration:
- The cooperation will provide an opportunity for Indian and UK academia and industry to develop newer products/processes together for the economic growth of both nations.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Mains:
Q. Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (2021)
