Government Introduces New Coastal Shipping Bill to Boost Maritime Trade

The bill seeks to address various challenges faced by the sector and create a more conducive environment for maritime trade. The bill introduces a licensing regime for vessels engaged in coasting trade, including foreign-flagged non-propelled vessels like mobile offshore drilling units and accommodation barges. A central database will be created to track information on coasting trade, including vessel movements, cargo details, and licensing information.

PM-eDRIVE Scheme Revised For Registered E-3 Wheelers L5

The maximum number of vehicles to be supported through incentives/ grant will be 80,546 for Vehicles registered on Vahan portal from 1st April 2024 to 7th November 2024 and 1,24,846 for vehicles registered on Vahan portal from 8 November 2024 to 31st March 2026. Furthermore, the outlay under EMPS-2024 is subsumed within the outlay under PM E-DRIVE.

Radar Equipment for measurement of speed of vehicles being included under Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011

The rules will enhance accuracy, reliability, and standardization in traffic speed measurement, ensuring compliance with Legal Metrology Rules. These Rules are applicable to microwave Doppler radar equipment for the measurement of traffic speed on roads, which in brief are called “radar”. The Rules provides that all such equipment shall be verified and stamped to ensure their correctness for the protection of human beings.

New Rules for Radar Speed Guns to Ensure Accurate Speed Measurements

The Legal Metrology Division of the Department of Consumer Affairs has decided to include radar speed guns under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011. These rules aim to ensure the accuracy and reliability of speed measurement devices, leading to more effective traffic enforcement. A press release on this decision was issued on November 20, 2024.

PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement

The ‘PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE)’ Scheme was recently approved by the Cabinet, came into effect on October 1, 2024, and will remain in force until March 31, 2026. The primary goal of the scheme is to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), develop essential charging infrastructure, and establish a robust EV manufacturing ecosystem across the country.

Stakeholders meeting on call for proposals under MAHA-EV Mission

Researchers, industry leaders and experts across India working on various aspects of Electric Mobility, came together at the stakeholders meeting organised under the Mission for Advancement in High-impact Areas (MAHA) Electric Vehicle (EV) Mission to discuss collaborative efforts for advancing the country’s e-mobility ecosystem.