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June 8th Current Affairs

Home / UPSC / Current affairs / UPSC Current Affairs – June 8th

Table of Contents

PM E-DRIVE Scheme: Accelerating India's Electric Mobility Revolution

The PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme is a flagship initiative of the Government of India aimed at promoting electric mobility, reducing fossil-fuel dependence, lowering air pollution, and strengthening the domestic EV ecosystem. The scheme was approved by the Union Cabinet in September 2024 and is implemented by the Ministry of Heavy Industries.

Why in News?

The PM E-DRIVE Scheme has been in the news due to:

  • Revision of subsidy guidelines and eligibility conditions.
  • Extension of incentives for certain categories of electric vehicles.
  • Increased focus on electric buses, charging infrastructure, and EV manufacturing.

What is PM E-DRIVE?

PM E-DRIVE (PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement) is a Central Sector Scheme designed to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and develop a robust EV ecosystem in India. It replaced and subsumed the earlier Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) 2024.

Duration       

  • Originally: 1 October 2024 – 31 March 2026
  • Certain components have been extended up to March 2028.

Financial Outlay

  • ₹10,900 crore.

Recent developments highlight India’s progress under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) and TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan:

  1. Decline in TB burden
  • TB incidence reduced by around 21% (2015–2024)
  • TB mortality reduced by about 28%
  • India still accounts for ~25% of global TB cases
  1. Improved treatment coverage
  • Treatment coverage increased from 53% (2015) → 92% (2024)
  • Treatment success rate: ~90% (above global average)
  1. Large-scale screening push
  • Crores of vulnerable population screened under TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan
  • Identification of “missing cases” (previously undiagnosed TB patients)
  1. Technology-driven TB control
  • Use of:
    • AI-based chest X-rays
    • CB-NAAT & TrueNat molecular tests
    • Digital platforms like Ni-kshay portal/app
  • Focus on early detection + decentralised diagnosis
  1. Drug-resistant TB treatment innovation
  • Introduction of BPaLM regimen
    • Shortens treatment from 18–24 months → ~6 months

Improves adherence and reduces side effects

Major Objectives

  1. Promote widespread adoption of EVs.
  2. Reduce vehicular emissions and urban air pollution.
  3. Reduce dependence on imported crude oil.
  4. Develop domestic EV manufacturing capabilities.
  5. Create charging infrastructure across the country.
  6. Support India’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070. 
  7.  

Key Components of the Scheme

  1. Demand Incentives for EVs

Financial incentives are provided for:

  • Electric Two-Wheelers (e-2W)
  • Electric Three-Wheelers (e-3W)
  • E-rickshaws
  • E-carts
  • Electric Trucks
  • Electric Ambulances
  • Electric Buses
  1. Electric Bus Deployment

A major portion of the scheme is allocated for deployment of electric buses in urban areas to promote sustainable public transport. Thousands of e-buses are planned across major cities.

  1. Charging Infrastructure
  • Establishment of public charging stations.
  • Reduction of “range anxiety.”
  • Strengthening EV adoption in both urban and semi-urban areas.
  1. Testing and Certification Infrastructure

Funds are allocated to:           

  • Upgrade testing agencies.
  • Improve certification facilities.
  • Ensure safety and quality standards for EVs.

Significance for India

Environmental Benefits

  • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Improves urban air quality.
  • Supports India’s climate commitments.

Energy Security

  • Reduces dependence on imported petroleum.
  • Diversifies India’s transport energy sources.

Economic Benefits

  • Encourages domestic manufacturing under “Make in India.”
  • Creates employment in EV production, batteries, and charging infrastructure.
  • Promotes innovation in clean technologies.

Urban Mobility

  • Cleaner public transportation.
  • Reduced operating costs for transport fleets.

Better last-mile connectivity through electric three-wheelers.

Challenges

High Upfront Cost

Despite subsidies, EVs remain more expensive than conventional vehicles.

Charging Infrastructure Gaps

Charging networks remain unevenly distributed across regions.

Battery Dependency

India still depends heavily on imports for lithium and critical battery minerals.

Disposal and Recycling Issues

Battery recycling infrastructure is still developing.

Way Forward

  • Expand charging infrastructure in rural and semi-urban areas.
  • Strengthen domestic battery manufacturing.
  • Secure critical mineral supply chains.
  • Promote battery recycling and circular economy practices.
  • Encourage state governments to align EV policies with national goals.
  • Increase investment in EV research and innovation.

India's GDP Growth Accelerates to 7.7% in FY 2025-26: Fastest Growth Among Major Economies

Why in News?

  1. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the Provisional Estimates of GDP for FY 2025-26. India’s economy grew by 7.7% during FY26, while Q4 (January–March 2026) GDP growth stood at 7.8%, exceeding market expectations.

Key Highlights of GDP Data

  1. Indicator

    Growth Rate

    GDP Growth FY 2025-26

    7.7%

    GDP Growth FY 2024-25

    7.1%

    Q4 FY26 GDP Growth

    7.8%

    RBI Forecast for FY27

    6.6%

    India remains one of the fastest-growing major economies globally despite geopolitical uncertainties and inflationary pressures.

What Drove the Growth?

1. Strong Private Investment

Private investment announcements increased significantly, indicating rising business confidence and capital formation.

2. Construction Sector Expansion

Government infrastructure spending and private real-estate activity boosted construction output.

3. Improved Agricultural Performance

Better farm output supported rural incomes and consumption demand.

4. Public Capital Expenditure      

Government capital expenditure continued to support growth through investments in roads, railways, and infrastructure projects. Fiscal data shows capital expenditure increased during FY26.

Sectoral Insights

Positive Contributors

  • Agriculture
  • Construction
  • Services
  • Public Infrastructure
  • Private Investments

Areas of Concern

Manufacturing growth moderated during the fourth quarter, indicating uneven sectoral performance.

Challenges Ahead

Rising Inflation

Inflation is expected to rise due to increasing food and fuel prices, which could reduce consumer spending.

Global Geopolitical Risks

Conflicts in West Asia have increased oil-price volatility, affecting India’s import bill and inflation outlook.

Weak Consumption Sentiment

Recent RBI surveys indicate growing pessimism among urban consumers regarding jobs and economic prospects.

Monsoon Uncertainty

Any adverse monsoon conditions may affect agriculture and rural demand.

Significance for India

Economic Resilience

The GDP data demonstrates India’s ability to sustain high growth despite global economic uncertainty.

Employment Generation

Higher investment and infrastructure spending can create jobs in manufacturing, construction, and services.

Fiscal Stability                          

India maintained its fiscal deficit at 4.4% of GDP, reflecting prudent fiscal management alongside growth promotion.

Global Standing                  

India continues to strengthen its position as a major engine of global economic growth.

Way Forward

  1. Strengthen manufacturing competitiveness.
  2. Boost private consumption and demand.
  3. Continue infrastructure-led growth.
  4. Promote exports and diversification of markets.
  5. Manage inflation while sustaining investment.
  6. Improve skill development and employment generation.

India’s Strategic Resource Frontier: Securing Critical Minerals for Energy, Defence & Tech Power

Why in News?

Recent reports highlight India’s accelerating push to secure critical minerals and rare earth resources, often described as India’s “strategic resource frontier.” This comes amid:

  • Global supply chain disruptions
  • Rising geopolitical competition over minerals
  • India–US framework agreement on critical minerals cooperation (May 2026)
  • Expansion of India’s National Critical Minerals Mission and exploration programs

What is meant by “Strategic Resource Frontier”?

The term refers to new economic and geopolitical frontiers where countries compete to secure essential raw materials such as:

  • Lithium (EV batteries)
  • Cobalt & Nickel (energy storage)
  • Copper (power grids, electronics)
  • Rare earth elements (defence, missiles, wind turbines, semiconductors)
  • Graphite, tungsten, titanium (advanced manufacturing)

 These are not just economic resources, but strategic assets linked to national security and technological sovereignty.

Key Developments in India’s Strategic Resource Push

  1. National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM)
  • Large government programme with multi-year funding (over ₹30,000 crore range)
  • Focus on:
    • Exploration of domestic mineral reserves
    • Faster auction of mining blocks
    • Processing and refining within India

2. India–US Critical Minerals Agreement (2026)

  • Framework to jointly secure supply chains
  • Covers:
    • Mining
    • Processing
    • Recycling of rare earths and critical minerals
  • Objective: reduce dependence on concentrated global suppliers (especially China)

3. Massive Exploration Push                             

  • Geological Survey of India planning:
    • ~300 critical mineral exploration projects annually
    • 50 projects in strategic border regions
  • Focus on identifying auction-ready mineral blocks

4. Import Dependency Challenge

      • India remains heavily import-dependent for:
        • Rare earth magnets
        • Lithium and cobalt
        • High-grade processing technology
      • This creates strategic vulnerability in EVs, defence, and electronics

Why Critical Minerals are a Strategic Frontier?

  1. Energy Transition
  • EV batteries, solar panels, wind turbines depend on them
  • Without them → clean energy targets become difficult

2. Defence & National Security

  • Used in:
    • Missile systems
    • Radar
    • Fighter jets
    • Drones
      👉 Even small supply disruptions affect defence readiness

3. Technology Sovereignty

  • Semiconductors, AI hardware, and electronics depend on rare earth supply chains

4. Geopolitical Competition

Countries are now:

    • Stockpiling minerals
    • Signing bilateral supply deals
    • Securing overseas mines
      Resource politics is becoming central to global power equations

India’s Strategy

  1. Domestic Exploration
  • Identify untapped reserves (including deep-seated minerals)

2. Global Partnerships        

  • Agreements with US, Australia, Africa, Latin America for mining access

3. Processing Capability         

      • Shift from exporting raw ore → building domestic refining capacity

Challenges for India

  1. Heavy Import Dependence
  • Limited domestic reserves of key minerals

2. Technology Gap

  • Processing and refining technology dominated by few countries

3. Environmental Concerns

  • Mining impacts forests, biodiversity, and tribal areas

4. Supply Chain Concentration Risk

    • Global dominance of a few countries (especially in rare earth processing)

Way Forward

  1. Strengthen National Critical Minerals Mission execution
  2. Invest in R&D and recycling technologies
  3. Build strategic mineral reserves (like oil reserves)
  4. Expand international mineral diplomacy
  5. Encourage private sector participation in mining and refining
  6. Promote circular economy (urban mining, recycling e-waste)
  7.  

India’s Pension Reforms in Focus: Push Toward Assured Income, NPS Overhaul & State-Level Changes

Why in News?

Recent developments across Centre and States show major pension system reforms in India, especially:

  • Expansion and regulation of the National Pension System (NPS)
  • State governments introducing assured pension models similar to Old Pension Scheme (OPS)
  • Growing debate over guaranteed pension vs market-linked pension

These changes are part of broader discussions on social security, fiscal burden, and retirement income stability.

Key Pension Developments

Expansion of NPS Management (Centre Level)

  • Pension regulator PFRDA has allowed banks to become pension fund sponsors
  • Earlier, only selected pension fund managers handled NPS investments
  • Aim:
    • Increase competition
    • Improve returns
    • Strengthen pension ecosystem

This is a structural reform in India’s pension architecture.

State-Level “Assured Pension” Push (OPS-like models)

(a) Maharashtra Revised Pension Scheme (RNPS)

  • Employees can opt into revised scheme by 2026 deadline
  • Key features:
    • 50% of last drawn salary as pension
    • Minimum pension: ₹7,500/month
    • Family pension up to 60%
    • Gratuity and defined benefits included

Shift towards guaranteed pension model, reducing market risk.

(b) Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS)

  • Mandatory for new government employees from 2026
  • Employees contribute 10% of salary
  • Government bears remaining burden
  • Guaranteed pension: 50% of last salary + DA
  • Includes gratuity up to ₹25 lakh

Strong resemblance to Old Pension Scheme (OPS) structure.

3. Ongoing National Debate: OPS vs NPS

India currently has three competing pension models:

System

Type

Key Feature

OPS (Old Pension Scheme)

Defined benefit

Guaranteed pension (50% last salary)

NPS (New Pension System)

Defined contribution

Market-linked returns

UPS / Assured schemes

Hybrid

Guaranteed minimum pension + contributions

What is National Pension System (NPS)?

  • Introduced in 2004 (for govt employees) and later extended to all citizens
  • Regulated by PFRDA
  • Pension depends on:
    • Contributions from employee & employer
    • Market returns
  • No fixed guaranteed pension

Shift was made to reduce fiscal burden of pensions.

Why Pension Reforms are in News?

  1. Fiscal Pressure on States

    • Guaranteed pension schemes increase long-term liabilities
    • States fear rising pension-to-revenue ratio

    2. Employee Demand for Security

    • Government employees prefer predictable pension (OPS-like) over market risk

    3. Aging Population

    • India’s elderly population is increasing → stronger demand for social security

    4. Political Economy Factor

    • Pension promises are becoming key electoral issues in states

Key Issues & Challenges

1. Fiscal Sustainability

  • OPS-style pensions create long-term unfunded liabilities

2. Intergenerational Burden

  • Future taxpayers may bear higher pension costs

3. Market Risk in NPS               

  • Returns are uncertain and depend on market performance

4. Policy Confusion

    • Multiple pension systems across states reduce uniformity

Way Forward

  • Strengthen balanced hybrid pension models
  • Improve NPS returns transparency and security
  • Create fiscal caps on pension liabilities
  • Expand social pension coverage for unorganised sector
  • Encourage retirement savings diversification (mutual funds, annuities, etc.)

Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 3.0: Data-Driven Push for Stronger Rural Governance in India

The term “incomplete truce” in recent international news refers to a temporary ceasefire that is only partially implemented or frequently violated, failing to bring a full stop to hostilities. Such situations are being reported in ongoing conflict zones where peace agreements remain unstable and short-lived.

Why in News?

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has recently highlighted the rollout of Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 3.0, aiming to further strengthen data-driven planning, performance monitoring, and SDG-based rural development across Gram Panchayats.

This comes after the successful implementation of PAI 2.0, which assessed more than 2.5 lakh Panchayats across India and acted as a “report card” for grassroots governance.

What is Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI)?

    • The Panchayat Advancement Index is a nationwide, data-based performance measurement system for Gram Panchayats.

      It is designed to:

      • Measure overall development and governance quality
      • Track progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the local level
      • Support evidence-based planning and fund allocation

      In simple terms:
      It is a “report card system” for every Gram Panchayat in India.

Framework of PAI

PAI is based on:        

  • Localization of SDGs (LSDGs)
  • 17 SDGs are grouped into 9 local themes, such as:
    • Poverty alleviation
    • Health & nutrition
    • Education
    • Water & sanitation
    • Women empowerment
    • Infrastructure
    • Environment sustainability
    • Good governance

It uses:

        • ~150 indicators
        • ~230 data points
        • Covering 2.5+ lakh Gram Panchayats

Latest Highlights (PAI 2.0 Results)

  • ~97.3% Gram Panchayats participated
  • Around 2.59 lakh Panchayats assessed

Performance Categories

Panchayats are classified into:

  • Achiever (highest performance)
  • Front Runner
  • Performer
  • Aspirant
  • Beginner

Key Outcome

    • About 3,635 Panchayats emerged as Front Runners
    • Majority still fall under “Performer” and “Aspirant” categories

What is New in PAI 3.0?

PAI 3.0 focuses on improving:

  • More real-time data collection
  • Better digital integration with Panchayat systems
  • Stronger link between performance and funding
  • Enhanced transparency and accountability

Objective shift:                                                                                                                 
From just “measurement” → to performance-driven governance improvement

Importance of PAI

  1. Strengthening Grassroots Democracy
  • Helps Panchayats identify their weaknesses and improve governance

2. SDG Localization

  • Connects global SDGs with village-level planning

3. Evidence-Based Policy

  • Government can allocate funds based on performance

4. Better Service Delivery

Improves health, sanitation, water, education at village level

Challenges

  1. Data quality and reporting gaps in rural areas
  2. Unequal digital infrastructure across states
  3. Capacity constraints of Panchayat staff
  4. Risk of “paper performance” vs ground reality

Way Forward

  1. Strengthen digital governance in Panchayats
  2. Improve training of local officials
  3. Ensure independent data verification
  4. Link PAI with incentives and funding
  5. Encourage citizen participation in monitoring

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