31 October 2019 Current Affairs: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is hosting the second Assembly of International Solar Alliance (ISA) on 30 October and 31 October 2019 in New Delhi.

2nd Assembly of ISA:The Assembly is the apex decision making body of the ISA. It directs ISA on various administrative, financial and programme related issues. The coordination and consultation meetings on different aspects of ISA programmes and initiatives were held on 30 October 2019, and the Assembly met on 31 October 2019.
ISA has initiated many activities and programmes. The demand for over 1000 MW solar power and 300000 solar water pumps has been collected from ISA member countries.

Participants:Delegates include members and ministers from member States, Observer States, ISA Partners, and other invitees are participating in the assembly. Over 400 delegates are present in the Assembly.

1st Assembly of the ISA:The first Assembly of the ISA was attended by 78 countries. The assembly culminated as the countries affirmed their determination to accelerate the deployment of solar energy worldwide for achieving universal energy access at affordable rates. An Indian resolution to extend the Membership of the organization to all countries that are members of the United Nations was adopted during the first Assembly of the ISA.

ISA:ISA is an Indian initiative that was launched by the Prime Minister of India and the President of France on 30 November 2015 in Paris, France. The objective of the ISA is to address the challenges that scale up solar energy in ISA member countries. ISA undertakes efforts required to reduce the cost of finance and the cost of technology, mobilize investments needed for massive deployment of solar energy, and pave the way for future technologies adapted to the needs.