Daily Current Affairs : 26-October-2023
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is gearing up to publish its inaugural ‘global solar stocktake report,’ inspired by the United Nations’ groundbreaking Global Stocktake initiative. This endeavor is a significant step toward assessing and promoting solar energy adoption worldwide.
About the Report:
The Global Stocktake, rooted in the 2015 Paris Agreement, evaluates countries’ efforts to shift away from fossil fuels. This process, occurring every five years, analyzes investments in solar energy, which surged from $300 billion in 2020 to $380 billion in 2022. However, manufacturing disparities persist, mainly centered in China. The stocktake aims to diversify global solar manufacturing strategies.
About ISA:
The ISA, a collaborative platform driven by member countries, actively promotes solar energy technologies. Established through joint efforts by India and France, its core objective is to enhance energy accessibility, ensure energy security, and transition to cleaner energy sources. The ISA holds Observer Status at the United Nations General Assembly, fostering global cooperation in energy growth and development.
Priority Areas of the Program:
ISA’s initiatives are channeled through four priority areas:
- Analytics & Advocacy: Fostering a favorable environment for solar energy investments.
- Capacity Building: Enhancing knowledge and skills in solar technology.
- Programmatic Support: Providing comprehensive support for solar projects.
- Readiness and Enabling Activities: Facilitating implementation through strategic groundwork.
Important ISA Projects:
ISA has launched crucial projects to amplify solar energy usage:
- One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG): Creating a global network of interconnected renewable energy resources, emphasizing solar energy.
- ISA Solar Technology and Application Resource Centre (ISTAR C): Establishing centers for training, research, and innovation.
- Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Scheme: Providing training in solar energy through the support of the Indian government.
Focus on Africa and Global Solar Installations:
A significant emphasis of ISA, led by India and France, is expanding solar installations in Africa. The organization’s Global Solar Facility supports this objective, aiming to boost solar investments in Africa and extend to West Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. As of 2022, global solar installations reached 1,133 GW, with major contributions from ISA member countries like the United States and India.
Important Points:
- ISA’s Global Solar Stocktake Report:
- Inspired by the UN’s Global Stocktake initiative.
- Focuses on assessing countries’ shift from fossil fuels to solar energy.
- Conducted every five years to evaluate progress.
- Solar Investment Trends:
- Solar investments increased from $300 billion in 2020 to $380 billion in 2022.
- Manufacturing concentrated in China, prompting the need for diversification strategies.
- About ISA:
- Collaborative platform by member countries promoting solar energy technologies.
- Originated from joint efforts by India and France.
- Aims for energy accessibility, security, and transition to cleaner energy sources.
- Holds Observer Status at the United Nations General Assembly, facilitating global cooperation.
- ISA’s Priority Areas:
- Analytics & Advocacy:
- Fosters a favorable environment for solar energy investments.
- Capacity Building:
- Enhances knowledge and skills in solar technology.
- Programmatic Support:
- Provides comprehensive support for solar projects.
- Readiness and Enabling Activities:
- Facilitates implementation through strategic groundwork.
- Analytics & Advocacy:
- Important ISA Projects:
- One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG):
- Establishes a global network of interconnected renewable energy resources, primarily solar energy.
- ISA Solar Technology and Application Resource Centre (ISTAR C):
- Develops centers for training, research, and innovation.
- Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Scheme:
- Provides training in solar energy with support from the Indian government.
- One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG):
- Focus on Africa and Global Solar Installations:
- ISA, led by India and France, focuses on expanding solar installations in Africa.
- Global Solar Facility supports solar investments in Africa, extending to West Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
- As of 2022, global solar installations reached 1,133 GW, with major contributions from ISA member countries like the United States and India.
Why In News
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is gearing up to release its inaugural ‘global solar stocktake report,’ a significant milestone inspired by the first-ever ‘Global Stocktake’ conducted by the United Nations Conference of Parties, scheduled to take place in Dubai later this year. This comprehensive report aims to shed light on the world’s solar energy landscape, reflecting the collaborative efforts of nations towards a sustainable future.
MCQs about The International Solar Alliance’s Visionary Initiatives
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What is the primary objective of the International Solar Alliance (ISA)?
A. Promoting fossil fuel usage
B. Enhancing energy accessibility, security, and transitioning to cleaner energy sources
C. Advocating for nuclear energy
D. Encouraging coal-based energy solutions
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What is the purpose of the ISA’s ‘Global Solar Facility’?
A. Boosting solar investments in Africa and expanding to other regions
B. Promoting wind energy in Asia
C. Establishing nuclear power plants worldwide
D. Researching fossil fuel extraction techniques
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What are the four priority areas of the ISA’s program?
A. Solar Manufacturing, Fossil Fuel Exploration, Wind Energy, and Nuclear Power
B. Analytics & Advocacy, Capacity Building, Programmatic Support, Readiness and Enabling Activities
C. Space Exploration, Agriculture, Healthcare, and Education
D. Deforestation Prevention, Water Conservation, Air Quality Improvement, and Waste Management
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Which country initiated the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in collaboration with France?
A. China
B. India
C. United States
D. Germany
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