15 July 2024 : PIB Summary For UPSC
1. NITI Aayog Unveils GearShift Challenge to Accelerate Zero-Emission Truck Adoption in India
(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2033106 )
| Topic: GS2 – Governance, GS3 – Environment – Environmental pollution and degradation |
| Context |
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Analysis of the news:
- NITI Aayog, in collaboration with IIM Bangalore, Smart Freight Centre India, CALSTART/Drive to Zero, and WRI India, launched the NITI GearShift Challenge under e-FAST India.
- The hackathon aims to promote innovative business models for zero-emission trucks (ZETs) in India, addressing economic and environmental challenges.
- Participants include students, academics, transport practitioners, and researchers developing solutions for technical, operational, and financial barriers to adopting electric trucks.
- The challenge consists of two rounds: Round 1 for initial business models and Round 2 for detailed proposals with implementation roadmaps.
- Industry mentors will support shortlisted teams to ensure practical and impactful solutions.
- India’s freight sector is crucial but accounts for significant diesel consumption and CO2 emissions, making electrification essential for sustainability.
- The GearShift Challenge seeks to accelerate the adoption of ZETs for economic and environmental benefits.
| PYQ: The adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly growing worldwide. How do electric vehicles contribute to reducing carbon emissions and what are the key benefits they offer compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles? (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2023) |
| Practice Question: Discuss the challenges and policy measures needed to mitigate vehicle emissions in India, focusing on the transition towards zero-emission vehicles. Provide recommendations for sustainable urban mobility. (150 Words /10 marks) |
