In 2018, the Original Framework Agreement on establishment of International Solar Alliance was amended to extend the scope of its membership to

Correct option is A

The International Solar Alliance (ISA), initially limited to countries located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, sought to promote solar energy by establishing a platform for collaboration among solar-resource-rich nations. However, with the 2018 amendment to the ISA Framework Agreement, the scope of its membership was expanded to include all member states of the United Nations (UN). This broadened scope aimed to foster global participation, encouraging countries worldwide, irrespective of geographical location, to join the ISA and contribute to the shared goal of advancing solar energy.
The amendment was a strategic move to position the ISA as a global organization focused on renewable energy development and climate change mitigation. The decision highlighted the increasing recognition of solar energy’s potential as a sustainable and accessible resource for countries worldwide. This inclusive approach is expected to bolster collaborative efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable energy access globally.
Information Booster The ISA was initiated by India and France during the COP21 climate conference in Paris in 2015. It was conceived as a coalition for solar-resource-rich countries to address common energy needs through solar technology and increase investment in renewable energy sources. By expanding its membership to all UN member states, the ISA gained a more robust platform for promoting solar technology across different geographical regions, creating pathways for partnerships, resource mobilization, and knowledge exchange.
With global membership, the ISA can better align with international climate goals such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement's objectives. This expansion has also enabled more countries to access ISA’s financial and technical resources, fostering broader adoption of solar energy technologies worldwide.
Additional Knowledge
· SAARC Countries (Option b): The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) includes countries primarily from the South Asian region. Although some SAARC countries, such as India, are founding members of ISA, the ISA's expanded membership scope in 2018 was not specifically limited to SAARC members.
· Countries in the Middle East (Option c): While several Middle Eastern countries are solar-rich and can significantly benefit from ISA’s mission, the 2018 amendment was not region-specific but global, inviting participation from any interested UN member state.
· Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (Option d): Sub-Saharan African countries, many of which are abundant in solar resources, can also benefit from ISA’s initiatives. However, the amendment extended membership to all UN countries, not limited to any specific region, allowing nations globally to participate in ISA’s renewable energy agenda.