Heatwaves (Disasters).
Syllabus: UPSC Pre GS1: Indian & World Geography; Mains GS1
Housing and Urban Affairs told Parliament that urban planning sits with States and urban local bodies under the Twelfth Schedule. NDMA's 2019 heat-wave guidelines ask cities to assess urban heat islands. Heat Action Plans exist in 23 States, 195 districts and 64 cities.
UPSC angle: Prelims: 12th Schedule.
20 Jul 2026
The Ayush Vertical under DGHS, with the Ministry of Ayush, issued a Public Health Advisory on Extreme Heat/Heatwave. It guides the public, workers and event organisers on hydration, avoiding peak sun, light cotton clothes and electrolyte-rich fluids. Infants, elderly, pregnant women, outdoor workers and people with chronic illness need extra care. Heatstroke is a medical emergency—call 108/102.
UPSC angle: Prelims: heatwave criteria.
18 May 2026
Heat is now a disaster category, not just weather.
UPSC angle: Prelims: heat action plans.
7 Jun 2025
Outdoor workers and homeless people bear the heat burden.
UPSC angle: Prelims: NHRC.
1 May 2025