Daily Current Affairs : 18-December-2023

The Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) has recently completed its inaugural round of crash testing, marking a significant step towards enhancing road safety in India.

About Bharat NCAP:

Benchmarked Globally: Bharat NCAP is a pioneering car safety assessment initiative that evaluates automobiles based on crash test performance, aligning its standards with global benchmarks. Unlike the minimum regulatory requirements, this program sets a higher bar for safety.

Feature of Bharat NCAP:

Star Ratings System: One distinctive feature of Bharat NCAP is the introduction of a ‘Star Ratings’ system, ranging from 1 to 5 stars. The assessment process takes place at specialized testing agencies equipped with the necessary infrastructure.

Applicability: This program is applicable to type-approved motor vehicles of category M1, with a gross vehicle weight of less than 3.5 tonnes. These vehicles, falling under the M1 category, are designed for passenger transport, accommodating up to eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat. Auto manufacturers in India, in adherence to AIS-145, are required to incorporate safety features such as seatbelt indicators, passenger airbags, and speed limit alarms.

Significance of Bharat NCAP:

Voluntary Participation: Bharat NCAP encourages manufacturers to voluntarily participate in safety testing, fostering the incorporation of higher safety standards in new car models. This move is aimed at reducing road accident deaths by 50% by the year 2024.

Promoting Competition: The program instigates healthy competition among Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in India, driving them to produce safer vehicles. This competitive environment not only ensures enhanced safety but also contributes to the overall growth of the automotive sector.

Structural and Passenger Safety: Bharat NCAP places a strong emphasis on structural and passenger safety in cars, aligning with global best practices. This initiative not only safeguards lives on Indian roads but also enhances the export-worthiness of Indian automobiles.

Towards Aatmanirbharta: Positioning itself as a critical instrument, Bharat NCAP aligns with the mission of making India the top automobile hub globally. By enhancing safety standards and encouraging self-reliance, it plays a pivotal role in making the Indian automobile industry Aatmanirbhar (self-reliant).

Important Points:
  • About Bharat NCAP:
    • Global Alignment: Bharat NCAP is a car safety assessment program aligning its standards with global benchmarks, surpassing minimum regulatory requirements.
  • Feature of Bharat NCAP:
    • Star Ratings: Introduces a ‘Star Ratings’ system (1 to 5 stars) based on crash test performance.
    • Applicability: Applies to M1 category motor vehicles (gross weight < 3.5 tonnes), designed for passenger transport (up to eight seats).
    • Testing Infrastructure: Testing conducted at specialized agencies with the necessary infrastructure.
  • Significance of Bharat NCAP:
    • Voluntary Participation: Encourages manufacturers to voluntarily participate, leading to the incorporation of higher safety standards in new car models.
    • Road Safety Goal: Aims to reduce road accident deaths by 50% by 2024.
    • Competition Boost: Fosters healthy competition among Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in India, driving the production of safer vehicles.
    • Structural and Passenger Safety: Emphasizes and ensures structural and passenger safety in cars, contributing to global best practices.
    • Export-Worthiness: Enhances the export-worthiness of Indian automobiles.
  • Towards Aatmanirbharta:
    • Critical Instrument: Bharat NCAP plays a pivotal role in making the Indian automobile industry Aatmanirbhar (self-reliant).
    • Global Leadership: Aligns with the mission of making India the top global automobile hub.
Why In News

The first round of crash testing of the cars under the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) has been successfully completed recently, marking a significant milestone in enhancing vehicle safety standards in the region.

MCQs about Bharat NCAP

  1. What is the primary purpose of Bharat NCAP?
    A. To set minimum regulatory requirements for car safety
    B. To align Indian car safety standards with global benchmarks
    C. To promote fuel efficiency in automobiles
    D. To regulate speed limits on Indian roads
    Correct Answer: B. To align Indian car safety standards with global benchmarks
    Explanation: Bharat NCAP aims to align Indian car safety standards with global benchmarks, surpassing minimum regulatory requirements.
  2. What does Bharat NCAP’s ‘Star Ratings’ system signify?
    A. Ratings based on fuel efficiency
    B. Ratings for aesthetic design
    C. Ratings for crash test performance
    D. Ratings for engine power
    Correct Answer: C. Ratings for crash test performance
    Explanation: The ‘Star Ratings’ system of Bharat NCAP signifies ratings based on crash test performance.
  3. Which category of motor vehicles does Bharat NCAP apply to?
    A. Category M2
    B. Category N
    C. Category M1
    D. Category O
    Correct Answer: C. Category M1
    Explanation: Bharat NCAP is applicable to type-approved motor vehicles of category M1, designed for passenger transport.
  4. How does Bharat NCAP contribute to the Indian automobile industry’s Aatmanirbharta?
    A. By regulating fuel prices
    B. By fostering healthy competition among manufacturers
    C. By imposing strict emission norms
    D. By promoting international partnerships
    Correct Answer: B. By fostering healthy competition among manufacturers
    Explanation: Bharat NCAP contributes to Aatmanirbharta by fostering healthy competition among manufacturers, encouraging voluntary participation in safety testing.

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