In September 2017, Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) launched the UJALA energy efficient lighting scheme in which foreign country, extending the Indian model abroad?

Introduction / Context:
This question is based on current affairs and international cooperation in the field of energy efficiency. UJALA, which stands for Unnat Jyoti by Affordable Lighting for All, is a flagship Indian scheme under which energy efficient LED bulbs are distributed to households at affordable prices. In 2017, India extended this successful model to a foreign location through Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), showcasing India's leadership in energy saving programmes.

Given Data / Assumptions:
The question asks where the UJALA scheme was launched outside India, and the options are:
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Australia
It is assumed that the learner has encountered this in news articles or exam oriented current affairs notes which mention the state or region where the scheme was launched abroad, and that the question is limited to this specific international roll out in September 2017.

Concept / Approach:
The core approach is to recall that the UJALA model was first implemented overseas in the city and state of Melaka in Malaysia. The programme aimed to replicate the Indian success by distributing energy efficient LED bulbs, thereby reducing electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Although other countries have their own energy programmes, this specific event is tied to Malaysia. Therefore, by matching the details of the first international implementation with the options, Malaysia emerges as the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that UJALA is an Indian government supported scheme for distributing LED bulbs at affordable rates to households. Step 2: Remember reading that this scheme was later taken to another country as a demonstration of India's energy efficiency initiatives. Step 3: Note that the launch took place in Melaka, a state in Malaysia, where EESL partnered with local authorities. Step 4: Examine the four options and identify which one corresponds to this information. Step 5: Select Malaysia as the correct option since it is the country where the UJALA scheme was officially launched outside India in 2017.

Verification / Alternative check:
Many current affairs compilations specifically mention that on 6 September 2017, the UJALA scheme was launched in Melaka, Malaysia. The programme made international headlines as an example of India exporting its successful energy efficiency model. There is no comparable report of UJALA being launched first in Indonesia, Maldives, or Australia. These countries may have their own energy initiatives, but they are not linked in this way to the UJALA brand from India. Therefore, cross checking these details confirms that Malaysia is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Indonesia: Although it is a neighbouring country in Southeast Asia, there is no widely reported first launch of UJALA here in 2017.
Maldives: This island nation works with India on various projects, but it was not the location of the first UJALA implementation abroad.
Australia: It has its own energy efficiency schemes, but the UJALA model led by EESL was not initially launched there.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates may confuse Malaysia with other Asian countries because of geographical proximity or may not recall the specific state of Melaka. Another pitfall is to think Maldives because India often cooperates with that country in infrastructure and development projects. To avoid such confusion, link the word UJALA with the phrase Melaka, Malaysia and remember that this was presented as India taking its lighting revolution overseas for the first time.

Final Answer:
The UJALA energy efficient lighting scheme was launched internationally in the country of Malaysia in 2017.