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November 21st Current Affairs

Home / UPSC / Current affairs / UPSC Current Affairs – November 21

Table of Contents

What is Cloudflare, and why did half the internet go down on Nov 18?

Relevance to UPSC

GS Paper III: Science & Technology, Cybersecurity & Internal Security

    • Digital infrastructure vulnerability,outage shows fragility of global internet backbone services, affecting critical platforms, e-commerce, AI tools and financial services.
    • Cyber-security risks, highlights how technical failures or cyber incidents in core internet infrastructure can cause nationwide or worldwide digital disruptions.
    • Tech dependency challenge, over-reliance on a few service providers (Cloudflare, AWS, Akamai) creates systemic risks for India’s digital economy.
    • Disaster management in cyberspace, reveals need for robust digital continuity plans, redundancy systems, and rapid-response frameworks for internet outages.
    • National security concerns, disruptions in communication networks, fintech, logistics, and public digital systems can impact national security and emergency coordination.

More About the News

    • On 18 Nov, massive global outage occurred when Cloudflare’s services failed, bringing down websites, apps including AI platforms and major social media.
    • Cloudflare is a US-based content-delivery & cybersecurity company that handles traffic for nearly 19 % of websites globally.
    • The incident exposed how reliance on a single digital infrastructure provider can pose systemic risk to internet stability.

What is Cloudflare?

In an increasingly digital world, Cloudflare functions as a critical backbone of global internet infrastructure, safeguarding websites from cyberattacks, ensuring faster access, and maintaining network reliability for billions of users worldwide.

What is Cloudflare?

    • A global content delivery network (CDN), web security and internet performance company.
    • Provides services like DDoS protection, load balancing, DNS security, and website acceleration.
    • Acts as a security shield between users and website servers.

Need for such kind of Services

    • Ensures faster content delivery across geographically distributed servers.
    • Protects websites from cyber threats, including DDoS attacks and bot traffic.
    • Reduces server load through caching and better traffic routing.
    • Maintains uptime reliability for high-traffic platforms.
    • Supports global e-commerce, fintech, government services, and digital platforms.

Why Was It Disrupted Recently?

    • A massive configuration error in Cloudflare’s global network triggered a cascading failure.
    • Disruption impacted half the world’s internet including apps, websites, payments, and gaming platforms.
    • Core routing and traffic-handling systems malfunctioned, causing widespread global outage.
    • Illustrates fragility of centralized internet infrastructure.

Challenges in Building Secured Networks

    • Growing cyberattacks: Increasing frequency and sophistication of DDoS and ransomware.
    • Complex global routing: Ensuring speed + security across distributed networks is difficult.
    • Single point of failure risks: Over-reliance on few global internet service providers.
    • Rapidly expanding attack surface due to IoT, AI, and cloud adoption.
    • Balancing encryption & performance: Heavy encryption slows systems.
    • Regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions complicates network architecture.
    • Supply-chain vulnerabilities in hardware and software components.

Way Forward

    • Build distributed, decentralized internet architectures to reduce single-point failures.
    • Strengthen zero-trust security models for all network interactions.
    • Increase real-time monitoring and automated rollback mechanisms.
    • Invest in AI-driven threat detection and anomaly prediction.
    • Promote international cyber norms and cooperative security frameworks.
    • Encourage diversification of DNS, CDN, and cloud infrastructure providers.
    • Build regional sovereign cloud ecosystems for critical sectors.

As digital dependency deepens, resilient and secure network infrastructures like Cloudflare must evolve through decentralisation, AI-driven protection, and global cyber cooperation to safeguard future internet ecosystems against systemic vulnerabilities.

Prelims MCQ

Q. When your smartphone alarm triggers your geyser, your mirror displays weather, the fridge orders groceries, your home switches off automatically, and your car gives real-time updates — which emerging technology best describes this scenario? (PYQ 2018)

A. Border Gateway Protocol

B. Internet of Things

C. Internet Protocol

D. Virtual Private Network

Mains Question

Q. Implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) based Projects/Programmes usually suffers in terms of certain vital factors. Identify these factors, and suggest measures for their effective implementation.  (PYQ 2019)

IAF Unmanned Aerial Vehicle malfunctions, forced to land near India-Pak border in Jaisalmer

Relevance to UPSC

GS Paper III: Internal Security & Defence Technology

    • Highlights the role of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in modern military training and border security.
    • Examines technology reliability risks, such as engine malfunction, and implications for defence readiness.
    • Raises the issue of surveillance and airspace security along sensitive borders (India–Pakistan).

More About the News

    • A broken IAF unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was recovered in a field near Jaisalmer, close to the India–Pakistan border.
    • The UAV, on a routine training sortie, suffered an engine malfunction and was force-landed safely in an empty farmland.
    • There was no damage on ground; IAF and police launched a joint investigation upon recovery of the aircraft.

Drone Technology

Drone technology represents a transformative shift in unmanned aviation, integrating sensors, AI, and autonomous systems to revolutionize surveillance, logistics, warfare, and civil administration, thus reshaping India’s security and development landscape.

Features of Drone Technology

    • Unmanned aerial operation with remote or autonomous control.
    • Integrated sensors: cameras, LiDAR, infrared, thermal imaging.
    • Real-time data transmission and GPS-based navigation.
    • Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities in many models.
    • Long-endurance versions equipped with AI-based object detection.
    • Ability to operate in hazardous, remote, or inaccessible areas.

Types of Drones

Criteria

Types of Drone

Characteristics

Based on Size

Nano Drones (<250 g)

Very small, used for indoor surveillance, hobby flying, minimal payload.

 

Micro Drones (250 g – 2 kg)

Short-range missions, law enforcement monitoring, easy to deploy.

 

Small Drones (2–25 kg)

Popular for agriculture, mapping, photography; moderate endurance.

 

Medium Drones (25–150 kg)

Used in military ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance), heavier payload capability.

 

Large Drones (>150 kg)

Strategic military use, long-range endurance, heavy payloads, require special authorization.

Popular Indigenously Built Drones

    • Rustom-II (TAPAS BH-201) – Medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) UAV by DRDO.
    • DRDO Lakshya – Pilotless target aircraft.
    • DRDO Nishant – Reconnaissance UAV for Army operations.
    • SWITCH UAV – Vertical take-off drone used by Indian Army (IdeaForge).
    • Garuda Kisan Drone – Agriculture-focused drone by Garuda Aerospace.

Need for Drone Technology

    • Enhances national security surveillance along borders.
    • Supports rapid decision-making using real-time data.
    • Facilitates precision agriculture and improves crop productivity.
    • Enables cost-effective deliveries and disaster response.
    • Reduces human risk in hazardous zones (mines, conflict areas).
    • Critical for modern warfare and intelligent logistics networks.

Applications of Drones

Military Applications:

    • Border surveillance and reconnaissance.

    • Target acquisition and battlefield mapping.

    • Precision strikes and tactical intelligence.

    • Monitoring terror infiltration routes.

    • Logistics support in conflict zones.

Civil Applications:

    • Precision agriculture (spraying, crop monitoring).

    • Disaster management and search-and-rescue operations.

    • Infrastructure inspection (bridges, pipelines, grids).

    • Urban planning, smart cities, and land mapping under SVAMITVA.

    • Healthcare supply chains in remote regions.

Challenges Due to Arrival of Drone Technology

    • Security threats: smuggling, espionage, cross-border payload drops.
    • Risk of mid-air collisions and airspace congestion.
    • Privacy concerns due to unauthorized surveillance.
    • Vulnerability to hacking, jamming, and cyberattacks.
    • Lack of skilled operators and maintenance ecosystem.
    • Regulatory challenges balancing innovation and security.

Government Initiatives

    • Drone Rules, 2021 – Simplified approvals, reduced compliance burden.
    • Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for drone manufacturing.
    • Udaan and Digital Sky Platform for online registration and airspace approvals.
    • SVAMITVA Scheme using drones for rural land mapping.
    • Kisan Drone Initiative for agricultural modernization.
    • Ban on import of foreign drones to promote Make in India.

Way Forward

    • Strengthen counter-drone systems along sensitive borders
    • Invest in R&D for AI-enabled and swarm drones.
    • Create dedicated drone training and certification academies.
    • Ensure robust cybersecurity and airspace management.
    • Promote public-private partnerships for commercial use.
    • Enhance global export competitiveness through standardization.

Drones will increasingly drive India’s security, economic productivity, disaster resilience, and digital governance. With innovation, regulation, and indigenous capability, drones can become catalysts of a secure, technology-driven future.

Prelims MCQ

Q. With reference to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), consider the following statements: (PYQ 2025)

1. All types of UAVs can do vertical landing.
2. All types of UAVs can do automated hovering.
3. All types of UAVs can use battery only as a source of power supply.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

A. Only one

B. Only two

C. All three

D. None

Mains Question

Q. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by our adversaries across the borders to ferry arms/ammunitions, drugs, etc., is a serious threat to the internal security. Comment on the measures being taken to tackle this threat.  (PYQ 2023)

Massive fire at UN COP30 Climate Summit in Brazil likely caused by microwave; 21 injured, thousands evacuated

Relevance to UPSC

GS Paper III: Environment, Disaster Management, Technology & Infrastructure

    • Highlights risk of infrastructure failure in international climate-events, emphasising disaster preparedness in even high-profile venues.
    • Illustrates the intersection of climate governance (via COP30) and event security/management in global treaty processes.
    • Shows how logistical breakdowns can disrupt multilateral negotiations on critical global issues like climate finance, adaptation and mitigation.

More About the News

    • A blaze erupted at the COP30 venue in Belem, Brazil, forcing thousands of delegates to evacuate amid negotiations.
    • Preliminary investigation points to an electrical fault—possibly a microwave or short-circuit, as the likely cause of the fire.
    • The incident disrupted key climate talks, delaying consensus on fossil-fuel phase-out, adaptation finance and treaty outcomes.

COP 30

COP-30 marks a critical global moment for accelerating climate action as nations gather to strengthen commitments under the Paris Agreement, address adaptation gaps, and safeguard vulnerable populations amid escalating climate risks.

What is COP-30?

    • 30th session of the Conference of Parties (COP) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
    • Platform for negotiating climate action, mitigation, adaptation, and finance.

Where is COP-30 Happening?

Belém, Brazil (Amazon region)

Where will COP-31 be held?

  • Azerbaijan will host COP-29 (2024).
  • COP-31 (2026) will be hosted by Australia in partnership with Pacific Island nations.

Origin of COP

      • Established under UNFCCC (1992) following the Rio Earth Summit.
      • First COP held in Berlin (1995).
      • Meets annually to assess global progress on climate commitments.

Objectives of COP-30

    • Finalize updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs 3.0) to align with 1.5°C pathway.
    • Strengthen global climate finance architecture, including Loss and Damage Fund.
    • Address protection of the Amazon rainforest and global biodiversity.
    • Enhance adaptation planning and resilience-building for vulnerable communities.
    • Review implementation gaps from COP-28 and COP-29.

Need for such Global Collaborations

    • Climate change is transboundary; no nation can act alone.
    • Helps share technology, best practices, and climate finance.
    • Protects global commons such as oceans, forests, and atmosphere.
    • Ensures accountability and transparency in emission reporting.
    • Supports developing nations through mitigation and adaptation support.

Challenges Faced

    • Inadequate climate finance and unmet $100 billion commitment.
    • Deep North–South divide on emission responsibilities.
    • Conflicting priorities: development vs. decarbonization.
    • Rising geopolitical tensions hindering cooperation.
    • Slow progress on phasing out fossil fuels.
    • Inefficient monitoring and weak enforcement mechanisms.

Expected / Potential Outcomes of COP-30

    • Stronger NDCs with clearer 2030 and 2035 mitigation targets.
    • Fresh commitments for Amazon rainforest protection.
    • Operational clarity for the Loss and Damage Fund.
    • Framework for scaling climate-resilient infrastructure.
    • Moves toward global renewable energy capacity tripling.
    • Push for phasing down unabated fossil fuels globally.

Role of India at COP-30

    • Advocate for climate justice and equity.
    • Push for enhanced climate finance with clear definitional standards.
    • Showcase success in renewable energy, Green Hydrogen Mission, and LiFE behavioural initiative.
    • Voice for Global South on adaptation financing and technology transfer.
    • Highlight progress on achieving net-zero by 2070.

India and Its NDCs

    • Reduce emission intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030.
    • Achieve 50% cumulative installed electric power capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030.
    • Create additional carbon sinks through forests and tree cover.
    • Net-zero target year: 2070.

Government Initiatives (India)

    • National Green Hydrogen Mission.
    • Solar Mission & PM-KUSUM for renewable expansion.
    • FAME-II for EV promotion.
    • National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC).
    • LiFE Mission promoting pro-planet lifestyles.
    • National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) to reduce particulate pollution.
    • Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management Authority (CAMPA).

Way Forward

    • Strengthen global climate finance delivery and transparency.
    • Promote technology transfer and low-carbon innovation.
    • Enhance adaptation measures for vulnerable regions.
    • Accelerate phase-down of fossil fuels with just transition.
    • Expand renewable energy partnerships across the Global South.
    • Improve monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems.

COP-30 can redefine global climate ambition by empowering vulnerable nations, strengthening finance, and accelerating low-carbon growth, enabling the world to move collectively towards a resilient, sustainable, and climate-secure future.

Prelims MCQ

Q. Consider the following statements: (PYQ 2022)

1. “The Climate Group” is an international non-profit organization that drives climate action by building large networks and runs them.
2. The International Energy Agency in partnership with the Climate Group launched a global initiative “EP100”.
3. EP100 brings together leading companies committed to driving innovation in energy efficiency and increasing competitiveness while delivering on emission reduction goals.
4. Some Indian companies are members of EP100.
5. The International Energy Agency is the Secretariat to the “Under2 Coalition”.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1, 2, 4 and 5 only

B. 1, 3 and 4 only

C. 2, 3 and 5 only

D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Mains Question

Q. ‘Climate Change’ is a global problem. How will India be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (PYQ 2016)

Low pressure system to form over Bay of Bengal, intensify into depression by next week: IMD

Relevance to UPSC

GS Paper III: Disaster Management & Environment

    • Illustrates the development of a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal and its intensification into a depression — crucial for India’s cyclone-forecasting and response architecture.
    • Highlights coastal hazard preparedness in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and adjoining seaboard, including sea condition alerts and fishermen warnings.
    • Shows linkages between marine meteorology, early-warning systems and disaster risk-reduction mechanisms, relevant for India’s resilience agenda.

More about the News

    • The IMD warns a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal will likely intensify into a depression by November 24.
    • Heavy to very heavy rainfall, gusty winds and rough seas are expected in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands from November 24-25.
    • Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the North Andaman Sea; harbour ferry and inter-island services may face suspension.

Cyclones/ Typhoons

Cyclones, also known as typhoons or hurricanes depending on the region, are intense tropical storms originating over warm ocean waters, characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and low-pressure centers. They pose significant threats to human life, infrastructure, and the economy, making disaster preparedness and management crucial. With climate change potentially increasing their frequency and intensity, proactive measures are essential for resilience.

Causes of Cyclones

    • Formation over warm tropical oceans (≥26°C) providing heat and moisture.
    • Coriolis force causing rotation of winds.
    • Convergence of low-pressure systems over oceanic regions.
    • Vertical wind shear influencing cyclone strength and development.
    • Presence of pre-existing disturbances like tropical waves or depressions.

Features of Cyclones

    • Circular storm systems with low-pressure centers (eye).
    • Strong spiraling winds exceeding 119 km/h in severe cyclones.
    • Heavy rainfall leading to floods.
    • Storm surges are causing coastal inundation.
    • Rapid movement across oceans with potential landfall impacts.

Indian & Global Hotspots

India:

  • Bay of Bengal: Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu.
  • Arabian Sea: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka.

Global:

  • Atlantic Ocean: Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Islands.
  • Pacific Ocean: Philippines, Japan, China.
  • Indian Ocean: Madagascar, Sri Lanka.
  • Australian region: Northern Australia.

Potential for Damage

    • Loss of human life and injury.
    • Destruction of property and infrastructure.
    • Agricultural damage and food insecurity.
    • Disruption of transportation, electricity, and water supply.
    • Economic losses affecting local and national economies.

Role of Disaster Management Agencies

    • Early warning dissemination (IMD in India).
    • Evacuation planning and shelter provision.
    • Rescue and relief operations during cyclones.
    • Post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction.
    • Community awareness and capacity-building programs.

Impacts of Cyclones

    • Human Casualties: Odisha Cyclone (1999) killed over 10,000 people.
    • Infrastructure Damage: Cyclone Amphan (2020) caused ₹1.02 lakh crore damage in West Bengal.
    • Agricultural Loss: Cyclone Fani (2019) devastated Odisha’s paddy and coconut crops.
    • Economic Impact: Philippines Typhoon Haiyan (2013) caused ~$2.98 billion economic losses.
    • Environmental Damage: Coastal erosion and mangrove destruction in Andhra Pradesh during Cyclone Hudhud (2014).

Challenges in Curbing Cyclones

    • Rapid Onset & Unpredictability: Cyclone Phailin (2013) required sudden evacuation of 1.1 million people.
    • Limited Forecasting Accuracy: Cyclone Vardah (2016) had landfall timing uncertainties affecting preparedness.
    • Inadequate Infrastructure: Weak coastal embankments fail during storm surges in Odisha.
    • Urbanization & Population Density: Kolkata faces high risk due to dense population and poor drainage.
    • Climate Change Influence: Rising sea temperatures intensify cyclones like Cyclone Amphan.

Government Measures Taken

    • National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP).
    • Early warning systems by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
    • Cyclone shelters and evacuation plans in coastal states.
    • Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) management and disaster-resilient housing.
    • Collaboration with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for rescue operations.

Best Practices

India:

  • Odisha’s community-based disaster preparedness and cyclone shelters.
  • Andhra Pradesh’s real-time cyclone warning and mass evacuation system.

Global:

  • Japan’s advanced cyclone-resistant infrastructure and early warning system.
  • Philippines’ Typhoon Preparedness Program including pre-disaster drills and hazard mapping.

Way Forward

    • Strengthening predictive meteorological models using AI and satellite data.
    • Expanding cyclone-resilient infrastructure in vulnerable regions.
    • Enhancing community participation in disaster preparedness.
    • Integrating climate change adaptation with disaster management policies.

Names of Cyclones in Different Regions

Region

Name

North Atlantic

Hurricane

Northwest Pacific

Typhoon

South Pacific

Cyclone

Indian Ocean

Cyclone

Australia & South Pacific

Cyclone

With climate change likely to increase the frequency and intensity of cyclones, strengthening early warning systems and resilient infrastructure is crucial. Integrating technology, community preparedness, and sustainable coastal management can significantly reduce human and economic losses. A proactive, adaptive approach will ensure safer and more resilient coastal regions in the future.

Prelims MCQ

Q. Which of the following factors is most critical for the formation of a tropical cyclone?

A. High ocean salinity

B. Warm ocean waters ≥26°C

C. Presence of mountain ranges

D. Low atmospheric humidity

Mains Question

Q. Evaluate the effectiveness of India’s disaster management framework in mitigating the impacts of cyclones. Suggest policy measures and technological interventions to enhance resilience in coastal regions.

Karnataka government to focus on development of Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities: IT/BT Secretary Manjula

Relevance to UPSC

GS Paper II: Local Governance

    • Demonstrates state governance strategy: ‘Beyond Bengaluru’ push to reduce urban-rural disparity and concentrate growth in smaller cities.
    • Sheds light on public-private partnership and local economy accelerator (LEAP) model to boost economic activity outside the capital.
    • Raises questions around policy sustainability and monitoring: how effective such large-scale fund allocation will be in truly transforming Tier-2/3 cities.

GS Paper III: Economy, Technology & Infrastructure

    • Reflects state-level digital decentralisation, where ₹1,000 crore allocated to replicate Bengaluru’s tech ecosystem in Mysuru, Hubballi, etc.
    • Indicates innovation-led regional development, showing how tech policy can drive balanced economic growth.
    • Highlights startup funding mechanisms (grant up to ₹ 50 lakh for early-stage startups) in smaller cities.

More about the News

    • Karnataka govt allocates ₹1,000 crore to replicate Bengaluru’s technology ecosystem in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities like Mysuru, Hubballi.
    • Under the LEAP programme, the state will offer up to ₹ 50 lakh grants to eligible early-stage startups in those cities.
    • The push is part of Karnataka’s strategy to make itself a national innovation hub beyond Bengaluru.

Urban Local Governance

India’s cities are now growth engines and frontline service providers, but governance has lagged rapid urbanisation. The 74th Constitutional Amendment sought to democratise city halls, devolving functions, funds and functionaries to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). Yet, outcomes vary widely across states due to design gaps, capacity deficits and continued state control.

Evolution of Urban Local Governance in India

    • Colonial era: 1687 Madras Municipal Corporation; 1882 Ripon’s Resolution; 1919 & 1935 Government of India Acts gave provinces charge but with weak autonomy.
    • Post-Independence (1947–80s): State-controlled municipal bodies, limited powers; rise of parastatals fragmenting urban functions.
    • 1988: National Commission on Urbanisation highlighted governance & finance gaps, sought empowered ULBs.
    • 1992–93: 74th CAA gave constitutional status to ULBs with 12th Schedule, SFCs, and planning committees.
    • 2000s–present: JNNURM, AMRUT, Smart Cities, SBM-U, PMAY-U, Finance Commission grants, municipal bonds, and digital governance with new focus on climate resilience.

Constitutional Provisions on Urban Local Governance

    • Part IX-A (Arts. 243P–243ZG): Establishes ULBs—Municipal Corporations, Councils, and Nagar Panchayats.
    • 12th Schedule (18 functions): Assigns urban planning, water supply, sanitation, SWM, health, fire services, urban forestry, slum improvement, poverty alleviation, roads, lighting, markets, parking, etc.
    • Art. 243R/T: Provides for elected representation; ≥1/3 reservation for women (many states raised to 50%), and proportionate SC/ST reservation.
    • Art. 243W: Empowers states to devolve powers, functions, and responsibilities to ULBs.
    • Art. 243Y: Mandates a State Finance Commission every 5 years for fiscal devolution.
    • Art. 243ZD/ZE: Establishes District and Metropolitan Planning Committees for integrated planning.
    • Art. 243U: Fixes ULB tenure at 5 years with regular elections by SECs.
    • Art. 243ZF/G: Ensures continuity of existing laws subject to conformity and bars judicial review of delimitation/elections.

Impacts

    • Democratisation: Regular ULB elections; enhanced representation of women & SC/ST in urban politics.
    • Service delivery focus: Formal assignment (on paper) of 12th Schedule functions, enabling accountability and benchmarking.
    • Fiscal transfers: Dedicated FC grants (14th/15th FC) stabilised predictable support to ULBs, nudging reforms (accounts, property tax floor rates).
    • Innovation & competition: City rankings (Swachh Survekshan, Ease of Living) spurred peer learning and visible improvements in sanitation and public spaces in several cities.
    • Financial market access: Renewed municipal bond issuances (e.g., Pune, Ahmedabad, Indore) with credit enhancements.

Persistent Challenges

    • Incomplete devolution of the 3Fs: Many 12th Schedule functions still handled by parastatals (water, transport, planning), weakening mayor/ULB accountability.
    • Weak mayor–commissioner system: Short tenures, limited executive authority; state control via municipal statutes.
    • Fiscal fragility: Low own-source revenues (property tax base/coverage/valuation gaps; user charges under-recovery); irregular SFCs and delayed implementation.
    • Capacity constraints: Thin urban cadres, vacancies, limited planning, procurement, and O&M skills; data deficits.
    • Urban planning deficits: Outdated Master Plans, poor enforcement; sprawl, informality, and climate vulnerability (heat, floods).
    • Accountability gaps: MPCs/DPCs often non-functional; fragmented mandates & overlap with development authorities.
    • Compliance & inclusion: Slum tenure insecurity; uneven implementation of Street Vendors Act; limited participatory budgeting beyond pilots.

Measures Taken

    • 74th CAA implementation via State Municipal Acts; reservations; SEC-conducted elections.
    • Finance Commission grants: 14th & 15th FC: basic/tied grants for water-sanitation, conditions on audited accounts, property-tax reforms, and user charges.
    • Reform-linked funding: JNNURM (2005–12)—UIDSSMT/BSUP; conditionalities on e-governance, accounting, property tax, user charges.
    • Mission mode: AMRUT (2015–, 2.0 from 2021), Smart Cities Mission (2015–), SBM-Urban (1.0/2.0), PMAY-U, DAY-NULM, National Urban Digital Mission (2021), Pooled Finance Development Fund, Atal Mission reforms (water metering, septage/FSM).
    • Financial deepening: Municipal bond guidelines, credit rating of ULBs; PPP frameworks; viability gap funding.
    • Legal/social inclusion: Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014; Town Vending Committees; notified vending zones.
    • e-Governance: Double-entry accrual accounting (DEAS), online building permits (OBPS), GIS property mapping, grievance apps, dashboards.

Best Practices

  1. Municipal Finance

    • Pune & Ahmedabad municipal bonds; Indore repeated issuances and high credit ratings.
    • GIS-based property tax (e.g., Bhubaneswar/Indore/Surat) improving coverage & buoyancy.

  2. Sanitation & Waste

    • Indore: multi-year leadership in Swachh Survekshan via door-to-door collection, segregation, user fees, and MIS.
    • Alappuzha: decentralised waste management & community composting.
    • Warangal/Tiruchirappalli: Faecal Sludge & Septage Management (FSSM) + treatment plants.

  3. Planning & Participation

    • Bhubaneswar: Smart City SPV with integrated mobility & public space projects.
    • Pune/Mumbai: Participatory budgeting at ward level (long-running pilots).
    • Surat: Post-1994 public health reforms—vector control, data-driven epidemic management.

  4. Digital Governance

    • Online building permissions (OBPS) with time-bound approvals; unified service apps for payments, grievances, permits in multiple cities.

  5. Climate & Resilience

    • Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan (early warning, inter-agency coordination); Pune Urban Forestry, Chennai flood mitigation via storm-water upgrades and lake restoration (ongoing).

2nd ARC’s recommendations on Urban Local Governance (Way Forward)

    • Full 3F devolution to ULBs as mandated by the 74th CAA. (3F– Fund, Functions & Functionaries)
    • Directly elected, empowered Mayors with fixed tenure and executive authority.
    • Clear role separation: Mayors for policy, Commissioners for administration.
    • Strengthen SFCs for timely awards and assured fiscal transfers.
    • Enhance municipal revenues via property tax reforms, user charges, bonds, and PPPs.
    • Create a professional Municipal Cadre with training and career pathways.
    • Activate MPCs/DPCs for coordinated spatial and economic planning.
    • Institutionalise citizen participation through ward committees, area sabhas, and participatory budgeting.
    • Boost capacity with IT/e-governance, double-entry accounting, and regular audits.
    • Ensure transparency via citizen charters, e-procurement, social audits, and grievance systems.
    • Adopt service benchmarks for water, sanitation, SWM, and public health.

India’s urban future will be decided by how quickly ULBs become empowered, credit-worthy and citizen-centric institutions. Completing the 3F devolution, professionalising cadres and mainstreaming digital, climate-resilient planning can unlock inclusive growth and liveable cities. With sustained political will and rule-bound finance, Indian municipalities can graduate from project implementers to true governments of the city.

Prelims MCQ

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Urban Local Governance in India:

1. The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (1992) provided constitutional status to urban local bodies.
2. Nagar Panchayats, Municipal Councils, and Municipal Corporations are forms of urban local bodies recognized under the Constitution.
3. The Constitution mandates direct elections for the Chairpersons of all urban local bodies.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Mains Question

Q. Urban Local Governance in India has evolved to empower cities, yet challenges of autonomy, financial sustainability, and citizen participation persist. Critically analyze the evolution, structure, functions, and challenges of urban local bodies in India, and suggest reforms to strengthen urban governance.

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