Which two countries jointly launched the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in 2015?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is India and France.
Explanation:
☛ The International Solar Alliance (ISA) was jointly launched by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then French President François Hollande.
☛ It was launched on 30 November 2015 during the COP21 (United Nations Climate Change Conference) held in Paris, France.
☛ The initiative aimed to harness solar energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, targeting countries located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.
☛ The framework agreement was later amended to allow all United Nations member states to join the alliance.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ The interim secretariat and headquarters of the ISA are located at Gurugram, Haryana (India) inside the campus of the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE).
☛ It is the first international intergovernmental organization to have its headquarters in India.
☛ The motto of the ISA is "One Sun One World One Grid" (OSOWOG), a concept aimed at connecting solar energy grids globally.
☛ Germany: Joined the International Solar Alliance in 2021 after the ISA amended its framework to allow non-tropical countries.
☛ USA: Became the 101st member country to join the International Solar Alliance in November 2021.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Where is the headquarters of the International Solar Alliance located? → Gurugram, Haryana (India)
☛ In which year was the Paris Climate Agreement (COP21) adopted? → 2015
☛ Who was the French President at the time of launching the ISA in 2015? → François Hollande
☛ What is the primary objective of the ISA's "Towards 1000" strategy? → Mobilize 1,000 billion USD in solar energy investments by 2030
☛ Which global initiative for a trans-national solar grid was jointly championed by India and the UK at COP26? → Green Grids Initiative – One Sun One World One Grid (GGI-OSOWOG)