PMECRG & MAHA-EV: Advancing Clean Energy II Current Affairs

Description

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Context:

The Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG) and the Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas -Electric Vehicle (MAHA-EV) Mission are the first two programs launched by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation.

Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG)

*ABOUT*	Prime Minister’s Early Career Research Grant is a program by Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) with a flexible budget and progressive initiatives for ease of doing research. The PMECRG invites early career researchers to join and contribute to the advancement of India’s scientific excellence and innovation.
*OBJECTIVES*	It aims to strengthen India’s research and innovation ecosystem and accelerate scientific advancement to enhance ease of doing research. It encourages early career researchers to be at the forefront of innovation and excellence, for playing a vital role in the scientific and technological progress of the country.
*WHO ARE ELIGIBLE?*	The applicant should be an Indian citizen. PIO/OCI (person of Indian origin or Overseas Citizen of India) working as regular employees in any of the public funded and recognized R&D laboratories/institutions in India are eligible to apply. A PhD in science or engineering, or an MD, MS, MDS, or MVSc degree, is required of the candidate. The candidate must be employed regularly in a research or academic capacity at a national laboratory, academic institution, or other approved R&D facility. After attending the institution, the applicant has two years to submit an application.
*WHO ARE INELIGIBLE?*	PM ECRG does not apply to Research Associates, Post-Doctoral Fellows, Ad-hoc Faculty, Guest Faculty, Visiting Scientists, Consultants, Project Fellows, or faculty members whose contracts are extended annually.
*AGE LIMIT*	The upper age limit for PM ECRG would be 42 years, with a relaxation of three years for SC/ST/OBC/Physically challenged and women candidates.
*GRANTS*	A three-year research grant worth Rs. 60 lakh plus overhead. Travelling abroad for project-related purposes is also allowed. A maximum of 700 awards in all subject areas would be given out annually.

Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas -Electric Vehicle (MAHA- EV) Mission.

*ABOUT*	The Mission is designed to build a robust research and development ecosystem for Electric Vehicle (EV) components, particularly Battery Cells, Power Electronics, Machines, and Drives (PEMD) and Charging Infrastructure.
*OBJECTIVES*	It addresses priority-driven, solution-focused research in mission-mode. In order to solve scientific problems and push the boundaries of technology in important scientific fields, it would stimulate multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary, and multi-investigator collaboration. It seeks to advance electric vehicle (EV) adoption research and development in India, creating an environment that supports independence and global competitiveness.
*ELIGIBILITY*	Applicants must be Indian citizens. According to ANRF criteria, foreign nationals, including OCI/NRI, are also eligible. They must have a regular academic or research job at an Indian institution that is well-known and has a track record of success in the field. At the time of proposal submission, they must have at least five years of service left and hold a Ph.D. in science, mathematics, or engineering.
*PRIORITY AREAS*	Tropical EV Batteries and Battery Cells, Power Electronics, Machines, and Drives (PEMD) and Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure.
*SIGNIFICANCE*	It will strengthen competitiveness and position India as a hub for EV component development, driving global competitiveness and innovation. By accelerating the shift towards electric mobility, it will contribute to a greener and sustainable future.

Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)

*About*	Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament, ANRF Act 2023, to seed, grow and foster a culture of research and innovation throughout the country. The Prime Minister is the President of the ANRF Governing Board.
*Subsumption*	The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) has been subsumed into ANRF. The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) was a statutory body established through an Act of parliament, 2008. The mandate was to support basic research in emerging areas of science & engineering.
*Objectives*	Through a number of initiatives to ensure doing research easier it seeks to improve India's research and innovation environment and speed up scientific growth. Early career researchers will be encouraged to do top-notch research, bring innovative ideas, fresh perspectives, and a desire to push the boundaries of knowledge.
*Functions*	ANRF will act as an apex body to provide high-level strategic direction of scientific research in the country as per recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP). ANRF will forge collaborations among the industry, academia, and government departments and research institutions, and create an interface mechanism for participation and contribution of industries and State governments in addition to the scientific and line ministries.

Sources:

https://www.newsonair.gov.in/anusandhan-national-research-foundation-launches-pmecrg-maha-ev-initiatives/

https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/announcementsopportunity/mission-advancement-high-impact-areas-maha-ev-mission#:~:text=ANRF%20has%20identified%20Electric%20Vehicle,self%2Dreliance%20and%20global%20competitiveness.

https://dst.gov.in/anusandhan-national-research-foundation-launches-first-2-initiatives-pmecrg-and-maha-ev-mission

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements about the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF):

It is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament.
The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) has been subsumed into ANRF.
It will act as an apex body to provide high-level strategic direction of scientific research in the country as per recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP).

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

A.Only one

B.Only two

C. All Three

D.None

Answer: C

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct:

Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament, ANRF Act 2023, to seed, grow and foster a culture of research and innovation throughout the country.

The Prime Minister is the President of the ANRF Governing Board.

Statement 2 is correct:

The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) has been subsumed into ANRF.

The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) was a statutory body established through an Act of parliament, 2008.

The mandate was to support basic research in emerging areas of science & engineering.

Statement 3 is correct:

ANRF will act as an apex body to provide high-level strategic direction of scientific research in the country as per recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP).