The Nobel Prize: India’s Story of Inspiration and Global Impact

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Every October, the world watches as the Nobel Prize winners are announced, celebrating the highest achievements in human knowledge, compassion, and creativity. For more than a century, this extraordinary honor has been a beacon of hope—fueling dreams, opening doors, and changing lives across the globe.   A Legacy Born in 1901 The Nobel Prize was born from the vision of Alfred Nobel, a pioneering inventor who wanted the brightest minds to be recognized for their incredible contributions. Since 1901, six categories—Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, Peace, and Economics— have become the world’s most revered stages for innovation and humanity’s progress.   The Numbers Behind Greatness ⚜️ Over 1,000 laureates have been honored worldwide. ⚜️ Physics, Medicine, and Chemistry remain the most awarded fields. ⚜️ The Peace Prize shines a spotlight on hope, peace, and human rights. ⚜️ India proudly counts 9 Nobel laureates across categories ranging from Literature to E...

PM E-DRIVE Scheme

                       PM E-DRIVE Scheme 

The PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme has replaced FAME-II, shifting India's approach toward public transport electrification and EV infrastructure expansion

*It holds significance for UPSC Prelims & Mains, particularly in Governance, Environmental Policies, Disaster Management, and Economic Sustainability.

Key Facts & Features

πŸ“Œ Launch Year: April 2024 

πŸ“Œ Budget Allocation: ₹10,900 crore 

πŸ“Œ Duration: Two years (April 2024–March 2026) 

πŸ“Œ Focus Areas

 ✔ Deployment of 14,028 Electric Buses 

 ✔ Establishment of 72,000 EV Charging Stations 

 ✔ Energy Security & Sustainable Transport 

 ✔ Scrappage Incentive for Old ICE Buses

πŸ“Œ Exclusions: No subsidies for private electric cars, unlike FAME-II

πŸ“Œ Subsidy Mechanism: Aadhaar-based authentication, e-voucher generation, selfie verification. πŸ“Œ New Segments Introduced: e-Trucks & e-Ambulances (₹500 crore allocated).


Prelims-Focused MCQs: 

Which scheme replaced FAME-II?PM E-DRIVE 

What does PM E-DRIVE exclude?Private electric cars 

Which city gets the highest e-bus allocation?Bengaluru (4,500 buses) 

What percentage of EV charging stations will be highway-based?40%


UPSC Mains Notes: Analytical Framework

1. Governance & Policy Framework (GS Paper 2)

  • Government Interventions – Led by Ministry of Heavy Industries, showcasing public sector infrastructure development.

  • Federal Coordination – Involves multiple ministries (Petroleum, Transport, Energy), demonstrating inter-ministerial collaboration.

  • Urban Mobility & Public Transport – Strengthens Smart Cities Mission, focusing on sustainable transport infrastructure.

2. Environmental & Climate Change Policies (GS Paper 3)

  • National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) – Enhancing India’s EV ecosystem for fossil fuel reduction.

  • FAME-II Integration – Builds on FAME objectives, shifting toward public transport incentives instead of individual vehicle subsidies.

  • Carbon Emission Reduction – Contributes to India’s net-zero targets by replacing ICE buses with electric alternatives.

3. Disaster Management & Infrastructure Resilience (GS Paper 3)

  • Energy Security During Disasters72,000 EV chargers ensure alternative transport during fuel crises.

  • Climate Adaptation Measures – Reduce air pollution, urban heat islands, and support green infrastructure.

  • Emergency Response IntegrationElectric buses can be deployed for evacuation & relief operations in urban emergencies.


Comparative Analysis | PM E-DRIVE vs. FAME-II

FeaturePM E-DRIVE (2024–2026)FAME-II (2019–2024)
  • Budget
  • ₹10,900 crore
  • ₹11,500 crore
  • Target Audience
  • Public transport & commercial EVs
  • Private & public EVs
  • New Segments
  • e-Ambulances & e-Trucks (₹500 Cr)
  • No such support
  • Charging Infrastructure
  • 72,000 EV chargers
  • 2,877 stations
  • Subsidy Model
  • Aadhaar authentication, e-voucher, selfie verification
  • Traditional model
  • Private EV Subsidies
  • Not Included
  • Included


Conclusion: Why UPSC Aspirants Should Know PM E-DRIVE?

  • Smart Urban Infrastructure – Strengthening India’s EV policy, sustainable transport, & energy security.

  • Economic & Climate Resilience – Aligning with India’s net-zero carbon commitment.

  • Policy InnovationFederal coordination & inter-ministerial collaboration boost efficient governance.

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