MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 4:19PM by PIB Delhi

Details of Electric Vehicle Public Charging Stations (EVPCS) installed under FAME-II scheme is provided at Annexure. 

Rs.633.44crore have been utilized out of Rs.839 crore allocated under the scheme.  The details of year-wise funds released /utilised during the last five years is as under:

Rs. crore

Ministry of Power, “Guidelines for Installation and Operation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure-2024” dated 17^thSeptember, 2024, encourage charging during solar hours through concessional tariffs, integration of renewable energy in bus depots & promotion of solar carport etc. These guidelines emphasize the role of public-private partnerships in expanding the EV charging infrastructure. Setting up EV charging station has been designated as de-licensed activity, simplifying the process for businesses. To make the land available at affordable rates, it has been suggested that public land be made available to Government or Public entities on a revenue-sharing model at Rs. 1 per kWh. For private entities, the land may be made available through a competitive bidding process at a floor price of Rs. 1 per kWh. Additionally, public tenders involving government land for the establishment of BSS have been suggested to be kept technology agnostic. State Governments have been advised to permit round-the-clock operations of BSS.

No. of EVPCS installed under FAME by three Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Other Public Sector Entities (PSEs)

This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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TPJ/NJ

(Release ID: 2117286) Visitor Counter : 142

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 4:30PM by PIB Delhi

The steps including adoption of green technologies, carbon capture and recycling initiatives taken by Government to decarbonize the steel sector in India areas under:-

1. Ministry has released the Taxonomy for Green Steel to provide standards for defining and categorizing the low emission steel.
2. Ministry of Steel has released a report titled “Greening the Steel Sector in India: Roadmap and Action Plan” in alignment with the recommendations of the 14 Task Forces constituted by this Ministry for this purpose which provides the future roadmap for green steel and sustainability, towards net-zero target by 2070. The report is available on Ministry of Steel’s website.

• III. Ministry of Steel has awarded 07 pilot projects for implementation of pilot projects for use of hydrogen in steel sector under National Green Hydrogen Mission launched by Ministry of New & Renewable Energy.
• IV. National Solar Mission launched by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in January, 2010 promotes the use of solar energy and also helps to reduce the emission of steel industry.

5. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has formulated the Vehicle Scrapping Policy that includes a system of incentives/disincentives for creation of an ecosystem to phase out older, unfit polluting vehicles. Under the policy, MoRTH has issued rules for Registration and Functions of Vehicle Scrapping Facility (RVSF), which provides the procedures and infrastructure facilities required for de-pollution and dismantling of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) for further recovery of metal and other materials under environmental regulations.

• VI. Ministry of Mines has brought out ‘National Non-ferrous Metal Scrap Recycling Framework, 2020’ to promote a formal and well-organized recycling ecosystem. The Framework lays down standard procedures for recycling and processing of scrap and developing a mechanism for facilitating the Metal scrap recycling activities.

7. Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change has introduced the Environment Protection (End-of-Life Vehicles) Rules, 2025, which establishes a framework for managing End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) in an environmentally sound manner and mandates Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), requiring vehicle producers to meet annual scrapping targets based on the type of vehicle and materials recovered.
8. The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) has been notified by the Government (Ministry of Power) on 28^thJune,2023, which provides an overall framework for the functioning of the Indian Carbon Market.

CPSEs of Ministry of Steel are collaborating with eminent technology providers such as M/s BHP from Australia, M/s SMS from Germany, M/s Primetal Technologies from United Kingdom, M/s John Cockerill India Limited from Belgium, M/s Ram Charan Company Pvt. Ltd., Madras, National Centre of Excellence in Carbon Capture and Utilization (NCoE-CCU) of IIT, Bombay and Great Eastern Energy Corporation Ltd. to promote low carbon steel production.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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TPJ/NJ

(Release ID: 2117302) Visitor Counter : 150

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 4:29PM by PIB Delhi

The total quantity and value of finished steel exported from India to the USA in the last five years, year-wise is given below:-

Steel is deregulated sector and its import & export are determined by demand and supply, dynamics of market forces. The Government acts as a facilitator by creating a conducive environment for the development of steel sector in the country.

United States imposed additional tariff of 25% on Steel under Section 232 of Trade Expansion Act, 1962 in March, 2018 on a global basis. The GovernmentofIndia continues to engage with the Government of United States to achieve enhancement and broadening of bilateral trade ties in a mutually beneficial and fair manner. Both nations released a joint statement on February 13, 2025, reaffirming their commitment to deepening economic ties. Under the ambitious “Mission 500”, both countries aim to more than double US-India trade to USD 500 billion by 2030 to be achieved by deepening the trade relationship across multiple sectors including steel.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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TPJ/NJ

(Release ID: 2117301) Visitor Counter : 168

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 4:27PM by PIB Delhi

The steps taken by the Government to reduce the CO2 emissions of India’s steel sector including transition to renewable energy in steel making are as under:-

1. Ministry has released the Taxonomy for Green Steel to provide standards for defining and categorizing the low emission steel.
2. Ministry of Steel has released a report titled “Greening the Steel Sector in India: Roadmap and Action Plan” in alignment with the recommendations of the 14 Task Forces constituted by this Ministry for this purpose which provides the future roadmap for green steel and sustainability, towards net-zero target by 2070. The report is available on Ministry of Steel’s website.

• III. Ministry of Steel has awarded 07 pilot projects for implementation of pilot projects for use of hydrogen in steel sector under National Green Hydrogen Mission launched by Ministry of New & Renewable Energy.
• IV. National Solar Mission launched by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in January, 2010 promotes the use of solar energy and also helps to reduce the emission of steel industry.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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TPJ/NJ

(Release ID: 2117299) Visitor Counter : 175

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 4:22PM by PIB Delhi

Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Automobile and Auto Component Industry (PLI-AutoScheme) has an outlay of ₹25,938 crore. During FY 2024-25, Four (4) applicants submitted incentive claims &₹322.01 crore have been disbursed to these 4 applicants. Fast chargers for e-buses and other EVs are not an approved Advanced Automotive Technology (AAT) Productas per the list of AAT Products notified by the Ministry on 09.11.2021.

Incentive under PLI-Auto scheme is applicable on determined sales value defined as the incremental eligible salesof a particular year over base year (i.e. FY 2019-20).There is no target for increment sales as of February, 2025.  Till 31^st December, 2024, cumulative determined sales is ₹15,230 crore under the PLI-Auto scheme.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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TPJ/NJ

(Release ID: 2117292) Visitor Counter : 150

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 4:22PM by PIB Delhi

The ‘PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme’ has been notified on 29.09.2024 by Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) to provide impetus to the green mobility & development of EV manufacturing eco-system in the country. The scheme has an outlay of ₹10,900 crore over a period of two years from 01.04.2024 to 31.03.2026. The Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) 2024 implemented for the period of six months from 01.04.2024 to 30.09.2024, is subsumed in PM E-DRIVE scheme. Rs. 423.23 crore has been spent under the scheme from 01/04/2024 till 28/02/2025 as per details provided below:

The PM E-DRIVE scheme does not directly provide subsidies to State
Governments for the purchase of electric vehicles. Under the scheme, incentives are primarily provided to buyers (consumers/end users) of electric vehicles in the form of an upfront reduction in the purchase price of EVs.This incentive or concession is then reimbursed to the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI).

An allocation of Rs.2,000 crore has been made under the PM E-DRIVE Scheme for setting up of public charging infrastructure including e-buses and electric vehicles (EVs) on pan India basis. As per information received from Ministry of Power, 25,202 EV charging stations were installed in the country as on 17/12/2024.

The Ministry of Power has issued “Guidelines for Installation and Operation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure-2024” on 17.09.2024. These guidelines emphasize the role of public-private partnerships in expanding the EV charging infrastructure. Setting up EV charging station has been designated as de-licensed activity, simplifying the process for businesses.

The PM E-DRIVE Scheme does not directly provide subsidies to State Governments or Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for the purchase of electric vehicles. Incentives are primarily provided to buyers (consumers/end users) of electric vehicles in the form of an upfront reduction in the purchase price of EVs under the Scheme.This incentive or concession is then reimbursed to the OEMs by MHI. Rs.422 crore has been reimbursed to OEMs under the scheme for e-2Ws and e-3Ws, from 01/04/2024 until 28/02/2025.  Further, no grants have been disbursed for deployment of e-buses to Public Transport Bodies under the scheme, so far. 

The progressive localisation mandate under the phased manufacturing program (PMP) of PM E-DRIVE Scheme promotes domestic manufacturing of EV and its components.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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TPJ/NJ

(Release ID: 2117294) Visitor Counter : 177

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 4:21PM by PIB Delhi

Four Smart Advanced Manufacturing and Rapid Transformation Hub (SAMARTH) Centres have been set up under the Scheme for “Enhancement of Competitiveness in the Indian Capital Goods Sector” which is a pan India demand driven scheme. The details of the initiatives undertaken by the SAMARTH Centres in Gujarat during last year are as under:

1. Smart Manufacturing Demo & Development Cell, CMTI, Bengaluru has developed advanced smart machines tailored for the laser and foundry sectors for four MSMEs based in Gujarat;
2. C4i4 Lab, Pune has conducted Digital Maturity Assessments for two MSMEs in Gujarat, providing them with tailored recommendations for Industry 4.0 adoption;
3. To further accelerate Industry 4.0 adoption in Gujarat, C4i4 Lab, Pune has established an iFactory at Kaushalya The Skill University, Ahmedabad under hub and spoke model under Phase – II of the Scheme. This operational center serves as both a demonstration and training hub, enabling MSMEs in Gujarat to explore and implement smart manufacturing technologies effectively;
4. IITD-AIA Foundation for Smart Manufacturing, IIT Delhi has organized 2 outreach engagements at Ahmedabad and Anand, Gujarat for adoption of Industry 4.0.

Yes, there has been active collaborations between Karnataka-based start-ups and Samarth Udyog Centres for the adoption of smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 solutions. The details are as under:

1. C4i4 Lab, Pune has conducted Digital Maturity Assessments for three companies in Karnataka, providing them with tailored Industry 4.0 transformation roadmaps.
2. Smart Manufacturing Demo & Development Cell, CMTI, Bengaluru has transferred technologies, provided training and collaborated with various industries/MSMEs in Karnataka.

CMTI has developed over 15 solutions for implementation of Industry 4.0 practices under Smart Manufacturing Demo & Development Cell.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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TPJ/NJ

(Release ID: 2117289) Visitor Counter : 152

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 4:20PM by PIB Delhi

Under the FAME-II scheme, an allocation of Rs.839 crore was made for setting up of Electric Vehicle Public Charging Stations (EVPCS).  An allocation of Rs.2,000 crore has been made under the PM E-DRIVE scheme for setting up EVPCS all across the country including urban and rural areas.

Ministry of Power has issued “Guidelines for Installation and Operation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure-2024”, on 17.09.2024. These guidelines emphasize the role of public-private partnerships in expanding the EV charging infrastructure. Setting up EV charging station has been designated as de-licensed activity, simplifying the process for businesses.

The Government is promoting Research and Development (R&D) related to EVs in the following manner: –

1. The expenditure incurred on Engineering R&D and product design & development is allowed to be considered as part of Eligible Investment under PLI ACC scheme.
2. Under the Capital Goods scheme of MHI, up to 80% of the cost of R&D projects including those related to EVs is supported. These projects are housed in leading academic institutes like IITs, IISc. etc. The balance 20% is borne by the industry partners.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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TPJ/NJ

(Release ID: 2117288) Visitor Counter : 141

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Immigration Department (ImmD) estimates that around 4.58 million passengers (including Hong Kong residents and visitors) will pass through Hong Kong’s sea, land and air control points during the upcoming Ching Ming festive period (from April 3 to 6). The ImmD, in consultation with the Shenzhen General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection and other Mainland authorities, estimates that around 3.91 million passengers will pass through land boundary control points. The number of outbound and inbound passengers using land boundary control points will be relatively higher on April 4 (Friday) and April 6 (Sunday), with around 561 000 passengers and 608 000 passengers respectively.
 
     The ImmD estimates that the passenger traffic at the Lo Wu Control Point, the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point and the Shenzhen Bay Control Point will be heavy, with a daily average forecast of about 231 000, 211 000 and 149 000 passengers respectively.
 
     To cope with the anticipated heavy traffic during the festive period, the ImmD has minimised leave for frontline officers for flexible deployment and the operation of extra clearance counters and kiosks.
 
     Furthermore, the ImmD, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Customs and Excise Department and the MTR Corporation Limited will set up a joint command centre at the Lo Wu Control Point to make necessary arrangements. The ImmD will also establish close communication with Mainland authorities, including the Shenzhen General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection. To ensure a smooth passenger traffic flow, passenger conditions will be closely monitored, and appropriate traffic diversion plans will be adopted when necessary.
 
     To avoid congestion and longer-than-usual waiting times for immigration clearance, the ImmD advises all land boundary passengers to plan in advance, avoid making their journeys during busy periods and keep track of radio and TV broadcasts on traffic conditions at various control points. The busy times at boundary control points are available on the website of the ImmD at www.immd.gov.hk. Furthermore, passengers may also check the estimated waiting times at each land boundary control point at any time or place via the Immigration Mobile Application (ImmD Mobile App). They can then plan their trips effectively and save time queuing at control points. The ImmD Mobile App can be downloaded free of charge from the Apple App Store (supports iOS version 12.0 or above), Google Play (supports Android version 8.0 or above), Huawei AppGallery (supports Android version 8.0 or above) and the APK file available on the ImmD website. Passengers can download the ImmD Mobile App by scanning the QR code (see Annex) or via the ImmD website, www.immd.gov.hk. In addition, information on public transport services to and from various control points is available on the Transport Department website at www.td.gov.hk.
 
     For travellers making journeys to the Mainland, the ImmD reminds them to carry their proof of identity and valid travel documents for crossing the boundary. Hong Kong residents should also check the validity of their Home Visit Permits. Non-permanent residents must carry their valid smart identity card as well as their Document of Identity for Visa Purposes or valid travel document.
 
     Holders of the acknowledgement receipt issued due to the reported loss or replacement of their Hong Kong identity cards, or children under 11 years old who hold Hong Kong identity cards, should carry a valid travel document or Re-entry Permit.
 
     About 700 e-Channels have been installed at various control points. To further enhance the clearance efficiency of control points and allow more Hong Kong residents to use the fast and convenient e-Channel service, starting from March 31, the ImmD has adjusted the applicable age for e-Channel service for holders of smart identity cards. Eligible Hong Kong permanent residents aged 7 to 10 years old, who are at least 1.1 metres tall and hold a smart identity card and a valid Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport, can use the e-Channels without prior enrolment for self-service immigration clearance via face recognition technology at all control points. Moreover, the Contactless e-Channel service is available at all control points now. All eligible Hong Kong residents, after enrolment, can generate an encrypted QR code through the Contactless e-Channel mobile application to enter the e-Channel and then verify their identity with the facial verification technology for automated immigration clearance.
 
     In addition, all control points have introduced self-service departures for visitors to Hong Kong (Smart Departure), which provides greater travel convenience for visitors. The service employs facial recognition technology for identity verification, which allows eligible visitors holding electronic travel documents to perform self-service departure clearance through Smart Departure e-Channels without prior enrolment.
 
     Hong Kong residents who require assistance while travelling outside Hong Kong may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the ImmD at (852) 1868, call the 1868 hotline using network data or use the 1868 Chatbot via the ImmD Mobile App, send a message to 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline or 1868 WeChat assistance hotline or submit the Online Assistance Request Form.

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 5:38PM by PIB Delhi

Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh released the special issue of Hindi magazine ‘Samvad’ at South Block, New Delhi on April 01, 2025. This in-house magazine has been published by the Office of Joint Secretary and Chief Administrative Officer (Official Language Section). The objective is to provide a platform to the creative talent of the personnel and encourage them to carry out official work