STAR-C Initiative

Why in news?

• India is considering expanding its solar STAR-C initiative to a number of Pacific Island countries.

About STAR-C Initiative:

• The STAR-C Initiative is being led by the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) with funding from the Government of France.
• STAR-C aims to create a strong network of institutional capacities within ISA Member States to enhance quality infrastructure (QI) for the uptake of solar energy product and service markets, particularly in least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS) and to boost solar power ecosystems in the poorest countries.
• Activities under the initiative: 
  • Building solar workforces, standardizing products, setting up infrastructure and raising awareness among policymakers in developing countries.
• Focus regions: 
  • STAR C project will initially focus on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the East African Community (EAC) and the Pacific Community (SPC)/Pacific Island Forum (PIF).

Significance: 

• India’s expansion of the STAR-C initiative in Pacific Island countries demonstrates its commitment to promoting solar power ecosystems and addressing climate change in the region.

About International Solar Alliance (ISA):

• ISA is partnership of solar resource rich countries to address their special energy needs and provide a platform to collaborate on development of solar energy resource
• It is an intergovernmental body registered with the United Nations under Article 102 of the UN Charter.
• The ISA is open to 121 countries, most of them located between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. However, ISA is now considering opening the membership to all countries.
• 68 countries have joined the alliance and 44 countries have ratified the framework agreement.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

STAR-C Initiative, sometimes seen in news, is associated with:

(a) The Financial Action Task Force

(b) Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

(c) International Solar Alliance

(d) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Answer