PIB Summaries 16 March 2024

CONTENTS

1. Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024
2. Sagar Parikrama

Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024

Context:

The Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 (EMPS 2024) is introduced by the Ministry of Heavy Industries to boost the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in India, specifically targeting the electric two-wheeler and three-wheeler segments.

Relevance:

GS II: Government Policies and Interventions

Dimensions of the Article:

1. About Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024
2. Electric Vehicles (EVs)
3. Types of EVs
4. EV Sales in India
5. Major Schemes/Initiatives for Promoting EVs in India

About Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024

• The Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 aims to accelerate the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in India.
• It is a fund-limited scheme with a total outlay of Rs. 500 crore for a period of four months, starting from April 1, 2024, to July 31, 2024.
• The scheme focuses on promoting the adoption of electric two-wheelers (e-2W) and three-wheelers (e-3W) to bolster green mobility and support the development of the EV manufacturing ecosystem.
• Eligible EV categories under the scheme include electric two-wheelers (e-2W) and three-wheelers (e-3W), including registered e-rickshaws, e-carts, and L5 category vehicles.
• The scheme primarily targets e-2W and e-3W vehicles registered for commercial purposes, aiming to provide affordable and environmentally friendly public transportation options.
• Additionally, privately or corporate-owned registered e-2W vehicles will also be eligible for incentives under the scheme.
• Incentives will be extended to vehicles equipped with advanced battery technology to encourage the adoption of advanced technologies.
• The nodal ministry responsible for implementing the scheme is the Ministry of Heavy Industries.

Electric Vehicles (EVs):

• An electric vehicle uses one or more electric motors or traction motors for propulsion.
• It can be powered by self-contained batteries, solar panels, or an electric generator.

Origin and Increasing Scope in India:

• The push for EVs is driven by global climate agendas, such as the Paris Agreement, which aims to reduce carbon emissions and limit global warming.
• The global adoption of EVs has been rapidly increasing.
• In 2020, around 2.1 million EVs were sold worldwide, and the global EV fleet reached 8.0 million.
• Falling battery costs and improved performance efficiency are contributing to the growing demand for EVs.

Types of EVs:

• Hybrid EVs (HEVs): These vehicles combine a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric propulsion system, resulting in lower fuel usage. Example: Toyota Hyryder in India.
• Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs): PHEVs have a hybrid drivetrain that uses both an ICE and electric power. They can be charged by plugging into a power source. Example: Chevrolet Volt.
• Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): BEVs run solely on electric power and do not have an ICE or fuel tank. They are powered by rechargeable batteries. Example: Tata Nexon in India, Nissan Leaf, and Tesla Model S.
• Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs): FCVs use hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, with water being the only byproduct. Example: Toyota Mirai and Honda Clarity.

EV Sales in India:

• Over the past three years, there has been a remarkable growth of over 2,218% in EV sales in India.
• Currently, EVs make up around 5% of total vehicle sales in the country.
• In the 2022-23 fiscal year, cumulative sales of EVs in India exceeded 1 million units for the first time.
• Two-wheelers account for more than 60% of all EV sales in India.
• The government has set ambitious targets for EV sales by 2030, aiming for 30% of private cars, 70% of commercial vehicles, and 80% of two and three-wheelers to be electric.
• The promotion of e-mobility in India aligns with the objectives of reducing emissions and decreasing reliance on costly fuel imports.

Major Schemes/Initiatives for Promoting EVs in India:

• National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMPP) 2020: Launched in 2013 with targets for electric vehicle adoption and reduction of oil imports and CO2 emissions.
• Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles in India (FAME India) scheme: Launched in 2015 to promote the manufacturing and adoption of electric and hybrid vehicle technology through subsidies.
• Production-linked incentive (PLI) Scheme – National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage: Aims to boost the domestic manufacturing of advanced chemistry cell batteries for electric vehicles.
• Go Electric Campaign: Launched to raise awareness about the benefits of electric mobility and inform potential EV owners about government incentives.

Sagar Parikrama

Context:

The Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying will release a book and video on “Sagar Parikrama”.

Relevance:

GS II: Government policies and Interventions

Dimensions of the Article:

1. About Sagar Parikrama
2. Key Facts about India’s Fisheries Sector

About Sagar Parikrama

• Objective: Sagar Parikrama is an outreach program designed to engage with the fishing community along the entire coastal belt of India via a predetermined sea route.
• Initiative: Launched to comprehend the issues, experiences, and aspirations of fishermen while raising awareness about various government schemes and programs available to coastal fishermen.
• Nodal Ministry: Overseen by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying.
• Yatra Details: Spanning 12 phases within 44 days, Sagar Parikrama covered an impressive coastal length of 7,986 kilometers out of 8,118 kilometers, reaching 3,071 fishing villages across 80 coastal districts of all Coastal States/UTs.
• Achievements: During the events, certificates and sanctions related to the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and Kisan Credit Card (KCC) were awarded to progressive fishermen, fish farmers, and young fishery entrepreneurs. Additionally, literature on various schemes, including PMMSY and KCC, was disseminated through print media, electronic media, videos, and digital campaigns to raise awareness among fishers.

Key Facts about India’s Fisheries Sector

• India boasts a coastline stretching 8,118 kilometers, encompassing nine maritime states and four Union Territories, supporting livelihoods for 2.8 million coastal fishermen.
• The nation accounts for 8% of the global fish production share, ranking as the world’s third-largest fish producer.
• India’s total fish production stands at 162.48 lakh tonnes (2021-22), with 121.21 lakh tonnes from inland and 41.27 lakh tonnes from marine sources. Notably, exports amounting to over Rs 57,586 crore contribute to approximately 17% of agricultural exports.