06-06-23 Daily-Gujarat-GPSC Current Affairs

The government ofGujarat, in a press statement, said that in the last two years there has been a 1,475% increase in sales of electric vehicles (EVs) due to the new incentive policy.

The launched the Gujarat State Electric Vehicle Policy in 2021 with the aim of making Gujarat a manufacturing hub for electric vehicles and related industries With the implementation of policy, the state witnessed a 1,475% increase in registration of EVs. From 7,240 EVs before the launch of the policy, the number of EVs registered in Gujarat now stands at 1,18,086.

Around 8,858 EVs have been registered every month for the last five months. Surat has the highest number of EVs at 31,561. It is followed by 20,937 in Ahmedabad, 7,648 in Vadodara, 6,678 in Rajkot and 3,259 in Jamnagar. Of the registered EVs, there are 1,06,341 two-wheelers, 4,093 three-wheelers, 5,646 four-wheelers and 2,006 others.

The state government is giving special attention to Infrastructure for electric vehicles. EV charging stations are being built at a quick pace in various cities of Gujarat. Some 250 new public charging stations will come up soon. At present, there are a total of 152 charging stations in the state. The government, in collaboration withBISAG-N, will provide uniform charging infrastructure and facilitate smoother charging station site selection. Accordingly, 91 hotspots have been selected in municipal corporations, 48 in municipal areas, 96 on state highways/national highways and 15 at tourist destinations.

Under the state government policy implemented in 2021, a maximum subsidy of Rs 20,000 is given on two-wheelers, Rs 50,000 on three-wheelers and Rs 1,50,000 on four-wheelers. So far, Rs 133.83 crore has been paid out by the state government. This policy will be operational for four years.

Union Minister of , Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal has flagged off the maiden International Cruise Vessel MV Empress, Indias first international cruise vessel from Chennai to Sri Lanka in Chennai. This marks the beginning of the international cruise tourism terminal at Chennai, built at a cost of Rs 17.21 crores, heralding a new age of cruise tourism and maritime trade in the country.

The launch of the MV Empress is a major boost for cruise tourism in India. The country has a long coastline and a rich HISTORY and culture, which make it an attractive destination for cruise passengers. The MV Empress is expected to attract tourists from India and abroad, and to help boost the local economy