Who launched the International Solar Alliance?

a. PM Narendra Modi

b. Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave

c. Fresh President Francois Hollande

d. Both a and c

e. All of the above

ANSWER: Both a and c

Explanation:

The International Solar Alliance conceived by PM Narendra Modi will move to the next level where more than 20 countries, including India, France and Brazil have signed the framework agreement on 15th Nov- the first day when it opened for signature on sidelines of UN COP22

More countries are expected to join in coming weeks

ISA is collective voice of sunshine rich nations and it will enter into force once 15 countries ratify it after completing the respective domestic processes

This will help these countries to get low cost finance and technology to boost solar energy

ISA was launched in COP21 on Nov 30 2015 by PM Modi and French President Francois Hollande after the former gave a call for solar resource rich nations to create a coalition to address energy needs by tapping solar energy from the sun

Alliance provides platform for 121 prospective member nations to collaborate and address gaps through common approach

ISA activities are increasing and with the legal framework in place, Alliance will be a major international body headquartered in India

Alliance will create common buyers' market for solar finance, technology, innovation and capacity building will lead to higher quality and lower cost products, according to India’s environment minister Anil Madhav Dave

Alliance will renew the objective of the Paris agreement emphasising the move towards renewable energy

Alliance has been envisioned as a dedicated platform which will utilise and promote solar energy and solar applications to help the world transition to low carbon and greener society

To aggregate demand, improve quality and reduce cost of solar energy in developing countries, ISA will benefit from this agreement

The ISA aims to address energy needs by tapping solar energy from the sunInterim secretariat of the alliance is Surya Bhawan, National Institute of Solar Energy, Gurgaon