Daily Current Affairs : 13-September-2024

The Union Cabinet of India has accredited the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-Drive) Scheme, which is a prime step closer to promoting electric vehicles (EVs) throughout the country. This scheme is a part of India’s broader push to reduce carbon emissions and transition towards cleaner, more sustainable transportation solutions. With the growing concerns over air pollution and the need for energy-efficient alternatives, the scheme aims to enhance the adoption of EVs in various sectors.

Key Features of the Scheme

The PM E-Drive scheme has several critical features that will drive the growth of the electric vehicle industry in India:

  • Subsidies for Buyers and Manufacturers:
    The scheme will offer financial support to both buyers and manufacturers of electric vehicles. Through a dedicated online portal, subsidies will be directly provided, making EVs more affordable and accessible to the public.
  • Focus on Public Transport:
    One of the key highlights of the scheme is its emphasis on public transport. It includes funding to help public transport agencies purchase 14,028 electric buses. These buses will be deployed in nine major cities across India, aiming to reduce emissions in urban areas.
  • Demand Aggregation through CESL:
    The procurement process for the e-buses will be managed by Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL). The agency will facilitate demand aggregation to ensure that cities can buy the buses in bulk at competitive prices.
  • Development of Infrastructure:
    The scheme will also allocate funds for the installation of fast chargers and the procurement of electric trucks, improving the infrastructure needed for a fully functional EV ecosystem.
  • Modernization of EV Testing Agencies:
    Another key aspect of the scheme is the modernization of EV testing agencies. This will ensure that vehicles are tested for safety and performance according to the latest standards, boosting confidence among buyers.

Important Points:

  • PM E-Drive Scheme approved by the Union Cabinet to promote electric vehicles (EVs) in India.
  • Part of India’s effort to reduce carbon emissions and transition to cleaner transportation.
  • Subsidies offered to both EV buyers and manufacturers via a dedicated online portal.
  • 14,028 electric buses to be procured for 9 major cities to improve public transport.
  • Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) to manage demand aggregation for e-bus procurement.
  • Funds allocated for installation of fast chargers and procurement of electric trucks.
  • Modernization of EV testing agencies to ensure high safety and performance standards.
  • The scheme aims to enhance EV adoption, reduce pollution, and support India’s green technology goals.

Why In News

The Union Cabinet has approved the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-Drive) Scheme, a transformative initiative designed to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and drive India’s shift towards sustainable, eco-friendly transportation solutions.

MCQs about PM E-Drive Scheme

  1. What is the primary goal of the PM E-Drive Scheme?
    A. To increase fuel efficiency in traditional vehicles
    B. To promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs)
    C. To reduce traffic congestion in cities
    D. To develop new petrol-based engines
    Correct Answer: B. To promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs)
    Explanation: The PM E-Drive Scheme is specifically designed to boost the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in India, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable transportation.
  2. Which organization will manage the demand aggregation for the procurement of electric buses under the PM E-Drive Scheme?
    A. Ministry of Heavy Industries
    B. Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL)
    C. Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA)
    D. National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP)
    Correct Answer: B. Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL)
    Explanation: CESL will manage the demand aggregation process for electric buses, ensuring bulk procurement at competitive prices for cities.
  3. How many electric buses will be procured for public transport under the PM E-Drive Scheme?
    A. 10,000 buses
    B. 14,028 buses
    C. 20,000 buses
    D. 5,000 buses
    Correct Answer: B. 14,028 buses
    Explanation: The PM E-Drive Scheme includes funding to procure **14,028 electric buses**, which will be deployed in nine major cities to improve public transport and reduce emissions.
  4. Which of the following is NOT included in the PM E-Drive Scheme?
    A. Subsidies for electric vehicle buyers and manufacturers
    B. Installation of fast charging stations
    C. Development of new petrol-based engines
    D. Modernization of EV testing agencies
    Correct Answer: C. Development of new petrol-based engines
    Explanation: The PM E-Drive Scheme focuses on electric vehicles and related infrastructure, such as subsidies, fast chargers, and modernizing EV testing agencies, but does not include petrol-based engine development.

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