Context:

Recently, Paraguay officially became the 100th country to join as a full member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

More on the news:

• Ambassador of Paraguay recently presented the Instrument of Ratification during a meeting with the Head of the Depository (Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs of India), in New Delhi.

About International Solar Alliance:

• India and France launched the ISA together during COP21 in Paris in 2015, with the goal of supporting the Paris Climate Agreement through rapid and extensive deployment of solar power.
• ISA’s headquarters is located in Gurugram, India.
• It aims to enhance energy access, ensure energy security, and facilitate the global shift towards renewable energy among its member countries.
• Now 119 countries have signed the ISA Framework Agreement, and 100 countries have submitted their Instrument of Ratification. 
• Earlier this year, Spain became the 99th member of the International Solar Alliance.
• The ISA serves as a vital platform for international collaboration, uniting nations in their efforts to combat climate change and transition towards clean energy sources on a global scale.

India’s role in expanding ISA:

• India, under its leadership of the ISA, is actively promoting renewable energy solutions worldwide, particularly in developing countries. 

During its presidency, India has initiated several impactful projects such as: -  

• solarizing Malawi's Parliamentary building, 
• establishing solar-powered healthcare centers in Fiji, 
• setting up a solar-powered cold storage facility in Seychelles, and 
• installing solar PV rooftop systems in Kiribati. 

These efforts also include providing technical training to experts from member countries to enhance their capabilities in solar energy.

• India's stewardship of the ISA reflects its strong commitment to sustainable energy and environmental responsibility. 
• Through technology transfer, capacity-building programs, and bilateral agreements under the ISA framework, India continues to advance the global adoption of affordable and sustainable solar energy solutions.

Procedure for becoming a member of ISA:

• Certified copies of the framework agreement are provided by the Ministry of External Affairs of India, the designated Depository of the ISA Framework agreement.
• After that, the executive approval for signing and ratifying the ISA framework agreement is done.
• Certified copies of the framework agreement of the ISA are to be signed in original in three languages – English, Hindi, and French.
• Then the signed framework is to be submitted to the depository.
• After signing, the formal instrument of ratification, acceptance of approval needs to be deposited with the depository of the ISA to acquire full membership of the ISA.