News In Shorts: 29 November 2024

India gets re-elected to UN Peacebuilding Commission for 2025-2026

Context: India has been re-elected to the UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) for the 2025-2026 term, reaffirming its commitment to global peace efforts.

Significance of India’s Re-election

• Reinforces India’s longstanding commitment to peacebuilding efforts.
• Strengthens India’s role in shaping global strategies for conflict resolution and peace sustainability.

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About the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC)

• The PBC is an intergovernmental advisory body focused on supporting peace efforts in conflict-affected regions.
• It provides advice to the UN General Assembly and Security Council on peacebuilding and sustaining peace.
• Members: 31 (elected from the general assembly, the security council, and the economic and social council. 
• Strategic Approach
  • Serves as a link between key UN organs and agencies to align peacebuilding needs and priorities.
• Key Functions of the PBC
  • Country-Specific and Regional Engagements
    • Supports nationally-led peacebuilding initiatives, especially in conflict-affected areas.
  • Collaboration with UN Entities
    • Ensures coordination among humanitarian, development, and peace actors among country teams.

PM e-Drive

Context: The Union government has advanced the second phase of incentives for the buyers of cargo electric three-wheelers under  the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme.

Key Highlights of the Notification

• Advancement of Phase II Subsidies:
  • The second phase of subsidies for electric cargo three-wheelers has been advanced.
  • Initially scheduled for April 1, 2025, Phase II was launched early due to the rapid achievement of FY25 targets.
• Revised Subsidy Structure for Phase II:
  • Subsidies capped at ₹25,000 per vehicle for FY25, down from ₹50,000 per vehicle.

PM E-Drive Scheme 

• The PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme was launched on October 1, 2024.
• The scheme aims to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across India.
• It has been approved with a budget outlay of ₹10,900 crore over a period of two years.
• It builds upon the achievements of FAME in promoting domestic EV manufacturing and consumer adoption while addressing gaps in EV infrastructure.

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Key Features of the scheme

• Subsidies for EV Buyers:
  • A total of ₹3,679 crore has been allocated for subsidies and demand incentives under the scheme.
  • The introduction of E-Vouchers simplifies the electric vehicle purchase process.
  • Subsidies are provided upfront to reduce the initial cost for buyers.
  • The scheme covers: Electric two-wheelers (e-2Ws), Electric three-wheelers (e-3Ws), Electric ambulances, Electric trucks and Other emerging electric vehicles.
• Incentives for Specific Vehicles:
  • Electric Trucks: Additional incentives are provided for purchases made after scrapping old trucks, with eligibility verified through authorised MoRTH Vehicle Scrapping Centres (RVSFs).
• Support for Charging Infrastructure:
  • Convenience Energy Services Limited (CESL) is tasked with setting up essential charging infrastructure.
  • Charging stations will be established in nine major cities:
    • Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Surat, Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad.
  • The scheme also focuses on supporting intercity and interstate electric bus charging in consultation with state governments.
• Vehicle Testing and Infrastructure Development:
  • A dedicated fund of ₹780 crore has been allocated for the development and enhancement of vehicle testing infrastructure.
  • Focus on ensuring high safety and performance standards for electric vehicles.