The book addresses the criticality of the Environmental-Social-Governance (ESG) framework in the contemporary business world, especially in the Indian context. It aims to provide a conceptual understanding of ESG, extensively detailing each component (Environmental, Social, Governance). The book is a practical guide for stakeholders like Sustainability & ESG Professionals, Students, Non-Financial Audit & Assurance Professionals, Board Members, Investors, Consumers, and Employees. The Present Publication is the 2024 Edition, authored by Prof. Garima Dadhich and Dr. Ravi Raj Atrey, with the following noteworthy features: • [ESG as a Crucial Concept] The book emphasizes ESG as a vital and increasingly popular concept, highlighting its importance for the sustainability and competitiveness of businesses • [Relevance to Indian Context] It addresses the unique challenges and dilemmas faced in the adoption, integration, practice, and reporting of ESG within the Indian landscape • [Comprehensive Coverage] The book offers a conceptual understanding of fundamental ESG aspects and delves deep into each ESG component • [Practical Guidance] Readers are provided with a step-by-step guide to initiating and implementing ESG practices in a company • [Innovative Concepts] This book features unique contributions like the 'New Theory of Responsibility', advocating for responsible capitalism and a new age of responsibility • [Originality Approaches] It introduces original approaches for businesses to integrate ESG and benefit from positive practices genuinely • [Solar System Model of ESG] This book presents an innovative 'Solar System Model of ESG', exclusively developed by the authors • [Focus on Indian ESG Dynamics] This book analyses essential elements of ESG, specifically tailored to the Indian context The detailed contents of the book are as follows: • [ESG – Definitions, Theories, & Models] – This chapter discusses the established definitions of ESG, tailoring them to the Indian context. It analyses the global and Indian evolution of ESG, presenting existing theories alongside a novel theory of responsibility. Various ESG models, including a new 'solar system model', are introduced for comprehensive understanding • [ESG in India] – Focusing on the Indian landscape, this chapter discusses the evolution of ESG in India, detailing the tools for integration, practice, measurement, rating, and reporting. It defines key concepts such as NGRBC and BRSR, explores the regulatory environment, and examines significant trends and issues in Indian ESG • [Beginning with ESG Journey in an Organization] – This practical chapter outlines steps for initiating an ESG journey within an organization. It covers baseline assessment, benchmarking, policy development, target setting, performance monitoring, auditing, and reporting. Additionally, it links ESG to branding, investing, profitability, and risk mitigation and aligns it with global goals like the SDGs • [Environmental Dimensions of ESG] – This chapter addresses India's environmental risks, responsible investing, and regulatory frameworks. Key concepts such as Climate Change, Carbon Accounting, Business and Biodiversity Conservation, and others are explored. It also introduces tools like EIA, CRZ, and Eco-labelling • [Social Dimensions of ESG] – This chapter discusses the social aspects of ESG, including risks, diversity and inclusion, human rights, community relations, and CSR. It also provides information on social impact certifications and auditing tools • [Governance Dimensions of ESG] – Redefining corporate purpose in the context of responsibility, this chapter revisits corporate performance, leadership, shareholder rights and duties, corporate governance in Indian law, and effective board management. It also discusses transparency, financial disclosure, and risk management, offering insights into global best practices • [ESG Trends, Challenges and Way Forward] – This concluding chapter offers insights into the current state of ESG in India, including key targets, challenges, and achievements. It discusses the benefits of adopting ESG practices, the role of government institutions, and perspectives on sustainable value addition and sustainability champions

Embracing ESG in India – Compilation of Case Studies of Torch Bearers, Promoters & Initiators of Change is the second instalment in the IICA Corporate Excellence Publication Series, published in partnership with Taxmann. This book continues the journey started with the first volume, Benchmarking ESG & CSR – A Compendium of Best Practices. This new volume presents a comprehensive analysis of innovative ESG initiatives undertaken by leading Indian companies. It provides an in-depth look at the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks driving these efforts. Through detailed case studies, the book highlights how businesses integrate ESG practices and take charge of responsible and sustainable business operations. It also captures significant ESG efforts by various government ministries, agencies, and international organisations, providing a holistic view of ESG's evolving landscape in India. This book is designed for a broad audience, including corporate professionals, sustainability and ESG practitioners, business executives, research scholars, and students. It benefits non-financial audit and assurance professionals, board members, investors, consumers, employees, and other stakeholders engaged in or impacted by ESG initiatives. The book's comprehensive nature makes it a valuable resource for anyone involved in or interested in ESG. The Present Publication is the Latest Edition, authored by Dr Garima Dadhich and Dr Ravi Raj Atrey, with the following noteworthy features: • [Comprehensive Case Studies] Featuring a collection of case studies from Indian businesses that showcased their ESG initiatives at a national exhibition organised by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), the book illustrates practical applications and the impact of ESG integration • [Government and International Insights] The book also examines the contributions of government ministries such as the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, NITI Aayog, and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, as well as international organisations like UNICEF and UNDP. This multi-dimensional approach provides a broader perspective on how various entities are contributing to the ESG movement in India • [Unique Aspects] One of the unique aspects of the book is its coverage of key initiatives by inter-governmental and international organisations, highlighting the cross-border influence and collaborative efforts in ESG practices. The book also discusses the roles of government agencies, showcasing how they serve as torch-bearers, guiding businesses through the evolving ESG landscape The structure of the book is as follows, addressing different dimensions of ESG adoption and implementation: • Introduction o This chapter provides the background and rationale for adopting, integrating, and disclosing ESG frameworks. It outlines the latest global developments and details how Indian businesses and institutions are making efforts to embrace these changes. Additionally, it summarises key discussions from the National Conference on Responsible Business Conduct organised by the IICA in December 2023 • The Torch Bearers o Focusing on key government entities, this chapter profiles those leading the way in promoting ESG in India. It includes a detailed analysis of the roles of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, NITI Aayog, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Department of Public Enterprises, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises • The Promoters o This chapter spotlights organisations that implement ESG practices and actively promote responsible business conduct. It features entities like UNICEF, the International Justice Mission (IJM), Partners in Change (PiC), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), HCL Foundation, and bVokal Technologies. Their stories underscore the importance of advocacy and promotion in driving broader ESG adoption • The Initiators o Through a series of case studies, this chapter showcases how diverse businesses have adopted ESG indicators across various sectors. It profiles companies such as ReNew Energy Global PLC, Adani Wilmar Limited, HP Inc. India, HCL Technologies Limited, GAIL (India) Limited, Bharat Forge Limited, Minda Corporation Limited, and others. The case studies provide practical examples of ESG implementation, highlighting both the challenges and successes of integrating these practices into business operations • Actions & Way Forward o The final chapter analyses the latest developments in ESG, including Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR), sectoral adaptations of the National Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct (NGRBC), and the involvement of non-listed companies and MSMEs. It provides a roadmap for developing effective ESG strategies, including methodologies for peer benchmarking, policy re-evaluation, materiality assessments, and defining KPIs and monitoring mechanisms