Environment & ClimateImportant2024-11-04

7th Session of International Solar Alliance Assembly Held in New Delhi

Q: Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? 1. It was established during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris in 2015. 2. The 7th Assembly launched the 'ISA Academy' and a coordinated solar procurement agreement for 16 Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Both 1 and 2 — Statement 1 is correct; the ISA was launched jointly by India and France at COP21 in Paris. Statement 2 is correct; the 7th Assembly in 2024 saw the launch of the AI-driven ISA Academy and an MoU connecting 16 SIDS for joint solar procurement.

Why focus: 7th ISA Assembly with $1 Trillion solar target by 2030 — GS3 Environment, tests ISA membership criteria and specific numeric climate targets.

In News

What Happened

The 7th Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) convened in New Delhi from November 3 to 6, 2024. The event brought together delegates from 120 member and signatory countries and was co-chaired by India and France. Key highlights included the election of a new Director General and the launch of new initiatives focused on Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Why It Matters

The event cements India's leadership in global climate action and the clean energy transition. By driving initiatives that support the Global South and aiming to mobilize 1 trillion dollars by 2030, India reinforces its strategic diplomatic influence in global environmental governance.

Background

History & Context

The International Solar Alliance was jointly launched by India and France on November 30, 2015, during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris. Headquartered in Gurugram, India, it originally targeted sunshine-rich countries between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. It has since evolved into a treaty-based intergovernmental organization dedicated to mobilizing global finance and technology for solar energy deployment.

What Changed

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Leadership: BEFORE, Ajay Mathur was serving as the Director General; NOW, Ashish Khanna from India was elected as the 3rd Director General to take office in 2025, while India and France retained the Presidency and Co-Presidency for 2024-2026.
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Skill Development: BEFORE, global solar technical training lacked a centralized, scalable platform; NOW, the AI-driven 'ISA Academy' e-learning platform was launched to democratize solar knowledge worldwide.
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Support for Small Island Nations: BEFORE, SIDS often procured solar infrastructure in isolation; NOW, 16 Small Island Developing States signed a Memorandum of Understanding for coordinated solar procurement and capacity building.
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Data and Strategy: BEFORE, global solar tracking lacked updated segmented insights; NOW, the 3rd edition of the World Solar Report series was released, detailing market trends, investments, and green hydrogen readiness.

Prelims Angle

NCERT Connection

Class 10 Geography Chapter 5 - Minerals and Energy Resources discusses non-conventional sources of energy, emphasizing the vast potential of solar energy in tropical countries. The ISA is the international geopolitical and financial manifestation of this concept, aiming to replace fossil fuel dependency with sustainable solar power.

Practice Questions

Q1

Correct Statement(s)

Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? 1. It was established during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris in 2015. 2. The 7th Assembly launched the 'ISA Academy' and a coordinated solar procurement agreement for 16 Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

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