DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 24th April 2026

Subject: Polity – Panchayati Raj; 73rd Amendment; PESA Act; Digital Governance; Grassroots Democracy.

Why in News?

• Rashtriya Panchayati Raj Diwas is observed annually on 24th April across India
• Commemorates the implementation of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which came into force in 1993
• Provisions related to Panchayats are laid down in Part IX of the Constitution

Significance of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)

Scale of Governance

• Over 2.5 lakh Panchayats across India
• Approximately 24.04 lakh elected representatives
• Women constitute 49.75% of these representatives – significant shift towards inclusive local governance

Three-Tier Structure

• Gram Panchayat (GP): Village level – basic civic administration
• Block Panchayat (BP): Intermediate level – coordinates development across villages
• District Panchayat (DP): District level – supervises and integrates development activities

Gram Sabha: Foundation of Local Democracy

• General body of all registered voters in a village – most direct form of democracy
• Only permanent unit in Panchayati Raj system (not constituted for a fixed period)
• Approves development plans, monitors expenditure, ensures transparency

Historical Background (Quick Revision)

Ancient Roots

• Village assemblies (sabhas and samitis) managed local affairs in ancient India

British Era

• System weakened due to centralized administration

Post-Independence

• Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957) – proposed three-tier Panchayati Raj structure
• Rajasthan – first state to implement Panchayati Raj in 1959

73rd Constitutional Amendment (1992)

• Granted constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions
• Came into force in 1993

Digital & Technological Initiatives for PRIs

• SVAMITVA Scheme: Drone-based GIS mapping to grant rural property ownership; over 3.10 crore property cards prepared.
• SabhaSaar: AI tool for automatic Gram Sabha minutes in 23 languages via Bhashini.
• eGramSwaraj: Portal for planning, finance, and asset tracking; integrated with PFMS.
• Gram Urja Swaraj: Real-time dashboard tracking renewable energy assets at Gram Panchayat level.
• Meri Panchayat App: m-Governance app enabling citizen participation, transparency, and accountability.

Capacity Building & Training Initiatives

1. Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) — A centrally sponsored scheme for strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions through capacity building and infrastructure; trained 45+ lakh participants and constructed 1,087 Gram Panchayat Bhawans in 2025-26.
2. Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayat (MWFGP) — Develops one model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayat per district, aligned with SDG Theme 9 to promote gender-inclusive local governance.
3. Sashakt Panchayat–Netri Abhiyan — Builds leadership and decision-making skills of Elected Women Representatives, with 1,48,904 women trained so far.
4. Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS) — Engages Class 9 & 10 students from JNVs and EMRSs in mock Gram Sabha meetings to foster youth participation in grassroots democracy.

PESA Act Implementation

Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA Act)

• Extends Panchayati Raj provisions to Scheduled Areas (Fifth Schedule areas)
• Covers 10 States – Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Telangana
• 9 States have notified State PESA Rules – except Odisha
• Centre of Excellence on PESA established at Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU), Amarkantak

Financial Strengthening

• Finance Commission Transfers — The 15th Finance Commission allocated ₹2.36 lakh crore for Rural Local Bodies (2021-26), with the 16th Finance Commission nearly doubling it to ₹4.35 lakh crore (2026-31), disbursed as untied and tied grants for local needs, sanitation, and drinking water. 
• Union Budget Allocation — Rural development funding has surged over 211% in the last decade, rising from ₹87,765 crore in 2016-17 to ₹2.73 lakh crore in 2026-27.

Static-Dynamic Linkage

Static (Polity Syllabus)

• Part IX of Constitution: Articles 243 to 243-O (Panchayats)
• Article 243(A): Gram Sabha
• Article 243(D): Reservation of seats for SCs, STs, women
• Article 243(G): Powers, authority, and responsibilities of Panchayats
• Article 243(H): Power to impose taxes by Panchayats
• Eleventh Schedule: 29 functional items for Panchayats (added by 73rd Amendment)

Dynamic (Current Affairs – 2026)

• Rashtriya Panchayati Raj Diwas – 24th April 2026
• PAI-2.0 launched
• Panchayat Dharohar Initiative – three monographs released
• 49.75% women representatives in PRIs
• SVAMITVA Scheme – 3.10 crore property cards prepared
• SabhaSaar – used by 1 lakh+ Gram Panchayats
• PESA implementation – 9 states notified rules, Odisha pending
• 16th Finance Commission – nearly doubled grants for Rural Local Bodies (₹2.36 lakh crore to ₹4.35 lakh crore)

Source/Reference:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2255182&reg=3&lang=1

Subject: Environment – Sustainable Aviation Fuel; Economy – ATF Control Order; International Relations – ICAO; CORSIA.

Why in News?

• Government notified amendment to Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) (Regulation of Marketing) Order, 2001 on April 17, 2026
• Amendment brings Aviation Turbine Fuel blended with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) under ambit of ATF Control Order

What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)?

• Definition — SAF is a renewable aviation fuel derived from crops, biogenic residues, and waste materials; it is chemically similar to conventional ATF and fully compatible with aircraft engines without compromising safety or performance.
• Sustainability Certification — SAF must meet CORSIA sustainability criteria to qualify as a CORSIA-Eligible Fuel (CEF) and undergo rigorous ASTM International testing as recognized by ICAO.

What is CORSIA?

Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation

• A global carbon offsetting scheme implemented by ICAO, with a mandatory phase starting 2027, requiring international flights to offset emissions above baseline levels; SAF usage directly helps reduce these offsetting requirements.

Static-Dynamic Linkage

Static (Environment / Economy / International Relations Syllabus)

• ICAO: UN body established 1947 (Chicago Convention); headquartered in Montreal
• CORSIA: Adopted by ICAO in 2016; first global market-based measure for aviation emissions
• Carbon offsetting: Mechanism where emissions in one place are compensated by reductions elsewhere
• ASTM International: Formerly American Society for Testing and Materials
• BIS: National standards body of India (under Ministry of Consumer Affairs)

Dynamic (Current Affairs – 2026)

• SAF brought under ATF Control Order (April 17, 2026) – enabling provision for blending targets
• India’s SAF targets: 1% (2027), 2% (2028), 5% (2030)
• CORSIA mandatory phase begins 2027 – India aligning regulations
• Global trend: EU, UK, Japan, Singapore implementing SAF mandates
• India’s green fuel transition commitment

Source/Reference:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2255021&reg=3&lang=1

Subject: Social Justice – Sanitation Workers; Manual Scavenging Elimination; NAMASTE; Swachhata Udyami Yojana.

Why in News?

• National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme has marked significant milestone in advancing dignity, safety and sustainable livelihoods for sanitation workers

What is NAMASTE Scheme?

Full Form

• National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem

Launch Year

• FY 2023–24

Objective

• Eliminate hazardous manual cleaning practices (manual scavenging)
• Ensure dignity, safety and economic empowerment for sanitation workers
• Paradigm shift from welfare initiative to transformative social reform movement

Key Beneficiaries

• Sewer and septic tank workers
• Waste pickers (added since June 2024 – in both urban and rural areas)

Static-Dynamic Linkage

Static (Polity / Social Justice Syllabus)

• Manual scavenging: Prohibited under Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013
• Article 21 (Right to Life): Includes right to dignity; manual scavenging violates this
• Article 23: Prohibition of forced labour (bonded labour including manual scavenging)
• Schedule Caste and Schedule Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989: Manual scavenging largely affects SC communities

Dynamic (Current Affairs – 2026)

• NAMASTE launched FY 2023-24 – government’s flagship scheme for sanitation workers
• 90,942 sewer workers profiled – first large-scale identification of this workforce
• Waste pickers added (June 2024) – expanded coverage to both urban and rural areas
• Capital subsidy enhanced (2025-26) – ₹5 lakh → ₹7.50 lakh for individuals
• Sanipreneurs – 320 beneficiaries in 2025-26 (up from 250)
• Integration with Ayushman Bharat – health insurance coverage for sanitation workers
• ERSUs established – safety devices dispatched to municipal corporations

Source/Reference:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2255017&reg=3&lang=1

Subject: Economy – Balance of Payments; Inflation; Fiscal Deficit; West Asia Crisis Impact; CAD; FPI Outflows.

Why in News?

• Until a few months ago, India was in a “Goldilocks” situation – 7.6% GDP growth, benign inflation (~2%), CAD at 1% of GDP, and fiscal consolidation
• West Asia crisis (Iran-Israel-US war) and subsequent sharp rise in energy prices has flipped the situation for Indian economy
• Global crude oil prices likely to remain high at $85-90/barrel in 2026-27

What was the Goldilocks Situation?

Definition (Economic Context)

• “Not too hot, not too cold” – ideal macroeconomic conditions
• High growth with low inflation and stable external account

India’s Pre-Crisis Numbers

• GDP growth (2025-26): 7.6%
• CPI inflation: ~2% (average)
• Current Account Deficit (CAD): ~1% of GDP
• Centre following fiscal consolidation path

Impact of West Asia Crisis

GDP Growth

• Pre-crisis projection: 7.2% (2026-27)
• Current projection: 6.7% (down 0.5 percentage points)
• Additional risk: El Niño and weaker monsoon could hurt domestic demand

Inflation

• Pre-crisis CPI projection: 4.3%
• Current projection: 4.6%
• Households shielded from retail price rise (excise duty cut), but second-round impact from higher raw material prices
• Poor monsoon could add upward pressure on food prices

Current Account Deficit (CAD)

• Pre-crisis projection: ~1% of GDP
• Current projection: 2.1% of GDP (widening)
• India imports 88% of oil (51% from West Asia)
• Exports to West Asia: 15% of total
• Remittances from West Asia: 38% of total

Capital Flows Crisis

FPI Outflows

• $14 billion outflows in March 2026 alone
• Total outflows in 2025-26: $17 billion

Net FDI Flows (Worrying Trend)

• April-January 2025-26: just $1.7 billion
• 2024-25: only $1 billion
• Problem: Gross FDI inflows healthy, but sharp rise in repatriation by foreign investors and high outward FDI by Indian investors

External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs)

• Also weak

Result

• Total capital account balance (first 3 quarters of 2025-26): close to zero
• India’s balance of payments likely to turn negative
• Rupee has already weakened sharply

Fiscal Burden on Centre

Revenue Loss

• Cut in excise duty on petrol and diesel

Subsidy Pressure

• Sharp rise in LNG prices → upward pressure on fertiliser subsidy
• Higher crude prices → pressure on fuel subsidy (LPG, kerosene)

Tax Revenue Slowdown

• Growth momentum slowing → pressure on other tax revenues

Disinvestment

• Uncertain environment makes it difficult to meet disinvestment target

Overall Fiscal Burden

• Estimated around 0.5% of GDP

Impact

• Could disturb Centre’s fiscal consolidation path
• State governments already under pressure (election-related doles, cash transfers)
• Capital expenditure could come under pressure as both Centre and states struggle to meet deficit targets

Static-Dynamic Linkage

Static (Economy Syllabus)

• Balance of Payments (BoP): Current Account + Capital Account + Reserve Account
• CAD components: Trade deficit + net services + net transfers (remittances)
• FDI vs FPI: FDI is stable, long-term; FPI is volatile, short-term
• Forex reserves management: RBI intervenes to stabilize rupee
• FRBM Act, 2003: Fiscal deficit targets (3% of GDP for Centre)

Dynamic (Current Affairs – 2026)

• Goldilocks situation ended – West Asia crisis as turning point
• GDP growth downgraded: 7.2% → 6.7%
• CAD widened: 1% → 2.1% of GDP
• $14 billion FPI outflows in March 2026 alone
• Net FDI collapsed – $1.7 billion (April-January 2025-26)
• Fiscal burden: 0.5% of GDP (excise duty cut + higher subsidies)
• Disinvestment target difficult to meet
• El Niño risk compounding oil shock

Source/Reference:

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/indias-goldilocks-moment-is-over-macro-situation-will-worsen-10652660/

Subject: Environment – Groundwater Contamination; Health – Arsenicosis/Fluorosis; NGT; CGWA; Jal Jeevan Mission.

Why in News?

• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed state governments to mitigate arsenic and fluoride contamination of groundwater
• NGT directed Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) to regularly monitor mitigation measures
• Tribunal was hearing a suo motu matter based on news reports

Scale of Contamination (State-wise Data)

Regional Patterns (CGWA submission)

• Arsenic: Higher presence in eastern and south-eastern regions (associated with alluvial formations in Ganga and Brahmaputra river basins)
• Fluoride: Higher presence in central, eastern, and parts of southern and western states

Other Affected States (CGWB Annual Ground Water Quality Report, 2025)

• Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha

Causes of Contamination (CGWA Submission)

Anthropogenic (Human-Caused)

• Industrial pollution – discharge of untreated effluents
• Use of fertilisers and pesticides – agricultural runoff
• Over-extraction of groundwater – exacerbates concentration

Natural (Geogenic)

• Weathering of rocks – natural release of arsenic/fluoride from rock formations
• Soil erosion

Geological Association (Arsenic)

• In Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, and Uttar Pradesh – arsenic associated with alluvial formations found in Ganga and Brahmaputra river basins

Health Impacts

Arsenic (Arsenicosis)

• Skin lesions (keratosis, hyperpigmentation)
• Abnormal pigmentation (spotted skin)
• Cancer (chronic exposure – skin, lung, bladder)
• Other effects: peripheral neuropathy, cardiovascular disease

Fluoride

• Dental fluorosis – discolouration, mottling of teeth
• Skeletal fluorosis – joint stiffness, bone pain, crippling in severe cases

Remedial Measures Suggested by CGWA

• Water filtration plants
• Ion-exchange processes
• Reverse Osmosis (RO)

Key Institutions and Legal Framework

NGT (National Green Tribunal)

• Established under NGT Act, 2010
• Principal bench in New Delhi
• Suo motu powers – can take cognizance on its own

CGWA (Central Ground Water Authority)

• Constituted under Environment Protection Act, 1986
• Regulates groundwater extraction and monitors quality

CGWB (Central Ground Water Board)

• Apex technical authority on groundwater under Ministry of Jal Shakti
• Publishes Annual Ground Water Quality Report

Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)

• Har Ghar Jal – piped water supply to rural households (tap water)
• Aims to provide safe drinking water, addressing contamination

Static-Dynamic Linkage

Static (Environment / Geography / Polity Syllabus)

• Groundwater occurrence: Alluvial aquifers (Ganga-Brahmaputra) vs. hard rock aquifers (peninsular India)
• Arsenic in India: First detected in West Bengal (1980s); now in Bihar, UP, Assam, Punjab
• Fluoride in India: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka most affected
• NGT Act, 2010: Established for environmental disputes; decisions binding
• Environment Protection Act, 1986: Umbrella legislation; CGWA under this Act

Dynamic (Current Affairs – 2026)

• NGT order (April 17, 2026) – states directed to mitigate contamination
• CGWA to monitor – regular oversight
• Suo motu matter – NGT acting on news reports
• Jal Jeevan Mission – key solution for safe drinking water (80%+ coverage in UP)
• State-wise data – Bihar, West Bengal, UP most affected

Source/Reference:

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ngt-groundwater-contamination-arsenic-bihar-up-bengal-measures-10652293/

GS Paper III – Environment & Ecology | GS Paper I – Geography | GS Paper II – Health
Heatwaves; Climate Adaptation; Heat Action Plans (HAPs); Labour Productivity; Food Security

Introduction

India is witnessing unusually early and intense summer heat, with India Meteorological Department alerts across central and southern regions as temperatures cross 40°C. Humidity, urban heat islands, and warmer nights worsen impacts, while weak western disturbances and lingering El Niño reduce natural cooling—pushing some regions closer to human survivability limits.

Main Body

The Current Crisis

• Geographical Spread: Central India (Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Odisha), South India (Telangana, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka), Western India (Andhra, Gujarat at 40°C+)
• Compounding Factors: Humidity in coastal areas; urban heat island effect (concrete, sparse trees, poor ventilation); warmer nights prevent recovery; lack of western disturbances means no natural cooling; residual El Niño effects
• Temporal Shift: May-June temperatures now appearing in April—a significant early onset

Health Impacts

• Persistently high heat linked to higher risk of cardiovascular death
• Warmer nights delay recovery, increasing hospital admissions
• Vulnerable populations (elderly, children, pre-existing conditions) most at risk
• The Lancet Countdown (2024): 247 billion work-hours lost to heat globally

Economic & Food Security Impacts

• Labour Productivity: 247 billion work-hours lost; informal workers cannot afford to stop working
• Agricultural Stress: Heat during rabi harvest accelerates crop maturity, reduces yields (wheat, pulses, oilseeds)
• Inflationary Cycle: Reduced output → higher food prices → poorest hurt most

Heat Action Plans (HAPs): Inadequate

• What HAPs Do: Emergency response (alerts, cooling shelters), public awareness
• What HAPs Lack: Funds for structural interventions (urban re-greening); mandatory heat-safety legislation for informal workers; long-term funding; legal backing
• Expert Critique: HAPs focus on reactive measures, not underlying vulnerabilities. “They have failed to address underlying vulnerabilities.”
• Example (April 23, 2026): Elections in TN, WB, Gujarat, Maharashtra—lakhs braved heat to vote. EC kept booths open longer in 2024 (reactive, not preventive).

Structural Vulnerabilities

• Urban Poor (Slum Dwellers): Heat island effect; no AC; poor housing (tin roofs); often no electricity for fans
• Informal Workers: Construction, agriculture, street vending, gig economy—cannot afford to stop; no legal right to heat-safe conditions
• Farmers: Rabi harvest during peak heat; no cooling; crop losses compound distress
• The Poor: Cannot afford cooling; live in heat-vulnerable neighbourhoods (less tree cover); least access to healthcare

Way Forward

Strengthen HAPs:

• Long-term, sufficient funding (not annual allocations)
• Shift from emergency response to structural interventions
• Urban re-greening (tree cover, parks, green roofs)
• Heat-resilient building codes (ventilation, reflective materials)

Legislative Protection for Workers:

• National heat-safety law for informal sector
• Right to stop work during peak heat with compensation
• Employers required to provide shade, water, rest breaks

Public Health Systems:

• Mobile health units during peak heat
• Doorstep delivery of essential services
• Train ASHAs and ANMs on heat-stress management

Join Colombia Coalition:

• ~50 countries exploring faster fossil fuel transition
• India should join for greater access to climate adaptation finance

Survivability Threshold:

• Recent research (Nature Communications): 31°C wet-bulb dangerous for elderly/outdoor workers (not 35°C)
• Coastal India particularly vulnerable (humidity)
• If warming continues, parts of India will approach survivability limits

Conclusion

India’s early 40°C+ April heat, rising humidity, and urban heat islands signal a new normal. With 247 billion work-hours lost (2024), Heat Action Plans remain reactive and underfunded. Crop losses, worker risks (danger at ~31°C wet-bulb), and food insecurity demand urgent shift to long-term funding, legal protections, and heat-resilient cities.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

1. Critically examine India’s preparedness for rising heatwaves, given the reactive and underfunded nature of Heat Action Plans. What policy measures are needed to build long-term heat resilience? (250 words, 15 marks)

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/high-heat-on-india-and-warming/article70897842.ece

GS Paper III – Environment & Ecology (Climate Change) | GS Paper II – Governance
Climate Adaptation; Financing; State Action Plans; Locally Led Adaptation

Introduction

India ranks among the most climate-vulnerable nations, having faced 430 extreme events (1995–2024) causing $170 billion losses and affecting 1.3 billion people. While updated NDCs stress adaptation, efforts remain fragmented, underfunded, and institutionally weak—requiring coordinated governance, sustained finance, and localised action.

Main Body

The Adaptation Challenge

• India’s Vulnerability: 9th most climate-vulnerable globally; 430 extreme events; $170 billion losses; 1.3 billion people impacted
• NDC Commitments: Coastal resilience, infrastructure, disaster preparedness, heat mitigation, biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods; aligns with tripling adaptation finance by 2035 (COP30)
• The Problem: Adaptation efforts scattered across sectors and states; financing difficult to track; Union Budget 2026-27 remains skewed toward mitigation (even as Economic Survey estimates adaptation spending at 5.6% of GDP in FY22)

Financing Adaptation

• Global Gap (UNEP Adaptation Gap Report 2025): Developing countries face $284–339 billion annual gap through 2035
• India’s Draft Climate Finance Taxonomy (2025): Largely mitigation-focused (emission avoidance, intensity reduction); adaptation benefits (avoidable losses, socio-economic benefits) not quantified
• Investment Case: WRI study estimates ten-fold return on adaptation investment
• Recommendations:
  • State-level adaptation facilities to identify bankable projects
  • Mandate climate budgeting through State Finance Departments (integrate into annual budget circular)
  • Include timeframes for prioritisation and monitoring framework

Institutionalising Adaptation Planning

• Current Framework: NDCs → National Adaptation Plan → national missions → State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs)
• The Gap: Most states drafted initial SAPCC; only a few submitted revisions in tune with NDC updates until 2030
• What Is Needed:
  • Regular climate vulnerability assessments at State, district, block levels (integrating socio-economic and livelihood factors)
  • Robust methodologies, updated data, capacity-building, standardised monitoring
  • Move beyond resilient infrastructure to skill development, alternative livelihoods, rehabilitation guidelines
  • Leverage existing State/district climate cells or set up new functional cells with dedicated workforce
  • Clear reporting channels for cross-learning

Locally Led Adaptation (LLA)

• COP30 Emphasis: LLA central to people-centric climate action
• Principles: Co-develop resilience planning with communities (planning → implementation → management → ownership → leadership); needs-based interventions
• Tamil Nadu’s CRV Programme (Model to Watch):
  • Recognised as good practice by Economic Survey 2025-26
  • Under Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission with WRI India support
  • Holistic approach across 11 vulnerable districts
  • Interventions: water management, flood/drought mitigation, waste management, renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, alternate livelihoods, climate information
• Scaling CRV: Apply place-based, context-specific approaches to different geographies; raise climate awareness; enable community participation in decision-making

NICRA: Agriculture Adaptation Pilot

• ICAR’s National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA):
  • Spans 448 villages across 151 climate-vulnerable hotspots
  • Maps risks in 651 districts
  • Focuses on climate-smart agriculture and farmer capacity-building

Way Forward

• Finance: Mandate climate budgeting; establish state-level adaptation facilities; quantify adaptation benefits (ten-fold return)
• Planning: Regular vulnerability assessments (State → district → block); update SAPCCs in tune with NDC updates
• Institutions: Functional climate cells at State/district levels; extend to ULBs and PRIs; clear reporting channels
• Grassroots: Scale CRV model to different geographies; co-develop resilience planning with communities (LLA); capacity-building across multiple levels

Conclusion

India faces high climate vulnerability despite strengthened NDCs and initiatives like NICRA and Tamil Nadu’s CRV. Adaptation remains fragmented, underfunded, and slow (e.g., SAPCCs), amid a large global finance gap (UNEP). Way forward: climate budgeting, state adaptation facilities, updated plans, and locally led action via PRIs/ULBs.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

1. Critically analyze the gaps in India’s fragmented and weak climate adaptation framework. How can locally led models like Tamil Nadu’s CRV be scaled nationwide? (250 words, 15 marks)

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/scaling-climate-adaptation-from-policy-to-grassroots/article70898407.ece