According to EY's Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index (RECAI), India has been placed in which position globally in terms of attractiveness for renewable energy investment at the time referred to in the question?

Introduction / Context:
The Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index, often abbreviated as RECAI, is published by the professional services firm EY. It ranks countries according to the attractiveness of their renewable energy investment and deployment opportunities. India has made rapid progress in renewable energy, particularly in solar and wind power, and has climbed in this global ranking. This question asks students to recall India's position in the index for the relevant period, which is an important fact for exams that test awareness of India's performance in the clean energy sector.

Given Data / Assumptions:
The index referred to is the Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index published by EY.India has been placed at a particular spot among global countries in this index.The options provide four possible ranks: first, second, third, and fourth.We assume the commonly cited period when India was highlighted for reaching the second position in the index.

Concept / Approach:
India has emerged as one of the top destinations for renewable energy investment, driven by ambitious government targets, policy support, and falling costs of solar and wind power. During the relevant assessment period, EY's RECAI placed India in the second position globally, ahead of several developed economies. Remembering this rank requires linking current affairs in the energy sector with exam preparation for general knowledge and Indian economy. The other ranks in the options either exaggerate or understate India's position in that particular edition of the index.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index ranks countries based on factors such as policy environment, project pipeline, and investment climate.Step 2: Remember news coverage and exam notes that highlighted India moving up to the second position in this index, reflecting strong growth in renewable capacity.Step 3: Compare this memory with the options: first, second, third, and fourth.Step 4: Rule out first, because the top position is typically held by a country with an even larger renewable market, such as China or the United States during various periods.Step 5: Select second as the correct rank that matches the widely reported placement of India in EY's renewable energy country attractiveness index at that time.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, think of how exam oriented current affairs magazines reported the development. Many headlines emphasised that India became the second most attractive renewable energy market in the world according to EY, surpassing some major developed economies. This consistent phrasing is strong evidence that second is the correct answer for the period in question. Other ranks such as third or fourth appear in different years or in other indices, but not in the specific context described in this question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
1st: India had not yet reached the very top position at the time referenced in the question, so first place is incorrect here.3rd: Third place may be mentioned in other contexts or years, but for the widely reported period in question India was ahead of this position.4th: This rank understates India's performance and does not match the specific index placement highlighted in exam notes.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to confuse different rankings from different years or from other indices dealing with energy, competitiveness, or ease of doing business. Students sometimes also guess third or fourth when they remember that India was in the top five but cannot recall the exact position. To avoid this, it is helpful to associate key numbers with strong mental images, such as remembering the phrase second most attractive market for renewable energy when revising this topic.

Final Answer:
India was placed in the 2nd position in EY's Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index for the period referred to in the question.