CONTENTS
- PM E-DRIVE Scheme
- Exercise VARUNA
PM E-DRIVE Scheme
Context:
Recently, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister India has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) for implementation of a scheme titled ‘PM E-DRIVE Scheme’.
Relevance:
GS II: Government Policies and Interventions
PM E-DRIVE Scheme
- The PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) aims to boost electric mobility across India with a financial commitment of Rs 10,900 crore spread over two years.
Key Components of the Scheme
- Financial Allocation: The scheme dedicates Rs 3,679 crore to encourage the purchase of various electric vehicles (EVs), including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, electric ambulances, and trucks among other emerging EV categories.
- E-Voucher System: EV buyers will receive Aadhaar-authenticated e-vouchers post-purchase, providing demand incentives directly to their registered mobile numbers.
- Electric Ambulances: An allocation of Rs 500 crore supports the deployment of electric ambulances, with standards and protocols developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), and other pertinent bodies.
- Support for Electric Trucks: Another Rs 500 crore is allocated for promoting e-trucks, particularly benefiting those with scrapping certificates from MoRTH-authorized Vehicle Scrapping Centres (RVSFs), addressing a significant source of air pollution.
- Infrastructure for EVs: To mitigate range anxiety and foster the proliferation of EVs, Rs 2,000 crore is designated for setting up public charging stations in urban areas with substantial EV usage and along critical highway routes.
Exercise VARUNA
Context:
Recently, the 22nd edition of the India-France bilateral naval exercise VARUNA took place in the Mediterranean Sea.
Relevance:
GS III: Security Challenges
Exercise Details
- The exercise is a hallmark of the India-France strategic bilateral relationship, having been initiated in 1993 and named “Varuna” in 2001.
- It will include advanced air defense exercises, tactical maneuvers, surface firings, underway replenishment, and other maritime operations.
- The goal is for units of both navies to hone their war-fighting skills, increase interoperability, and demonstrate the ability to promote peace, security, and stability in the region.
Significance
- The exercise has grown in scope and complexity over the years, providing an opportunity for both navies to learn from each other’s best practices.
- It facilitates operational level interaction between the two navies to foster mutual cooperation for good order at sea and underscores the shared commitment of both nations to security, safety, and freedom of the global maritime commons.
