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GS2/3 · Statistics / governance

MoSPI and IICA to build an SDG alignment framework with ESG and CSR data

1 min readEconomic Surveys & IndicesGovernance
Battle IAS current affairs title card: MoSPI and IICA to build an SDG alignment framework with ESG and CSR data (GS2/3 · Statistics / governance, 1 November 2025)
Asked by UPSCPrelims 20241 PYQ

UPSC has already asked about this. Read the story with these questions in mind.

What happened

  • MoSPI signed an MoU on 31 October 2025 with the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), under the Corporate Affairs Ministry, to build an SDG alignment framework that combines national, state, ESG and CSR indicators [PIB].

Background

  • Under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, qualifying companies must spend at least 2% of average net profit of the preceding three years on CSR [India Code].

Why it matters

  • Company ESG and CSR data are reported in separate formats. Linking them to SDG indicators would show where private spending actually helps national targets.

How to use this in Mains

GS-II Governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance

  1. As per PIB (2025-11-01): moSPI signed an MoU on 31 October 2025 with the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), under the Corporate Affairs Ministry, to build an SDG alignment framework that combines national, state, ESG and CSR indicators.
  2. Company ESG and CSR data are reported in separate formats. Linking them to SDG indicators would show where private spending actually helps national targets.
Quotable data point

MoSPI signed an MoU on 31 October 2025 with the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), under the Corporate Affairs Ministry, to build an SDG alignment framework that combines national, state, ESG and CSR indicators.

PIB: MoSPI: MoU with IICA on SDG alignment, 1 Nov 2025

Exam angle

UPSC

Mains: SDG monitoring, CSR.

Practice MCQs

Original practice questions (not PYQs).

Practice · UPSC

IICA works under

Answer (b) & explanation

PIB.

Practice · UPSC

The MoU aims to integrate SDG indicators with

Answer (b) & explanation

PIB.

Practice · UPSC

CSR spending is mandated under

Answer (a) & explanation

Source: Companies Act, 2013 (India Code).

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Official source: PIB: MoSPI: MoU with IICA on SDG alignment, 1 Nov 2025

facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending