Current Affairs - Environment - Discussion

April 2029 is the proposed starting date for the first phase of India’s Bharat Stage VII (BS-VII) emission standards for new cars and SUVs The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issued a draft notification on 12 October 2026 proposing stricter limits on harmful vehicle emissions, including nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and particulate matter. The rollout is planned in three phases: 1 April 2029, 1 April 2031 and 1 April 2035. This gradual implementation is intended to give vehicle manufacturers time to adapt their technologies and comply with the new requirements. The proposal follows the introduction of BS-VI standards in April 2020.