Content Building a Self-Reliant India India: Fastest-Growing Major Economy Building a Self-Reliant India Context and Background Rural India lacked formal documentation of residential land, causing legal ambiguities, disputes, and restricted access to credit. SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) was launched on 24th April 2020 to address this gap using drone-based mapping. Relevance : GS 2(Local Governance) Vision and Objectives Empower rural citizens through legal ownership of land and homes. Facilitate access to institutional credit, government schemes, and infrastructure development. Promote dispute-free villages by reducing conflicts related to land ownership. Strengthen digital land governance and transparency. Institutional Mechanism Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Panchayati Raj. Implementing Agency: Survey of India. Technology Partners: National Informatics Centre Services Inc. (NICSI). Funding: ₹566.23 crores from FY 2020–21 to FY 2024–25, extended to FY 2025–26. Multi-level support: Programme Management Units at national and state levels. Key Achievements (as of April 2025) 2.42 crore property cards issued across 1.61 lakh villages. Drone surveys completed in 3.20 lakh villages, covering 68,122 sq. km. Full coverage in 4 states (AP, MP, UP, Chhattisgarh) and 3 UTs (Lakshadweep, Delhi, Ladakh). 65 lakh property cards distributed in one single event across 50,000+ villages. Technological Innovation Drone-based high-resolution mapping of abadi areas for precise demarcation. CORS Network established for ground control and geo-referencing accuracy. GIS-based tools like “Gram Manchitra” aid in Gram Panchayat Development Planning (GPDP). Real-time Online Monitoring System ensures transparency and tracking of progress. Empowerment and Impact Legal ownership enables economic independence: property used as collateral for loans. Women and marginalized communities gain secure tenure and dignity. Reduces rural-urban migration by creating local economic assets. Drives financial inclusion and supports the PM SVANidhi scheme, MGNREGA asset planning, etc. Global Recognition Recognized as a model for digital land governance at the International Workshop on Land Governance (March 2025) with 22 participating nations. Showcased at India International Trade Fair 2024 as a successful use-case of drones, GIS, and e-governance for rural empowerment. Components of SVAMITVA Drone Surveys: Core activity for accurate land records. IEC Campaigns: Ensure awareness and community participation. Digital Infrastructure: Mapping tools, dashboards, and GIS-based village planning. Capacity Building: Training for Panchayat officials and surveyors. Challenges and Way Forward Scalability and sustainability of digital land records. Need for capacity building at grassroots for data management. Integrating SVAMITVA with other schemes like Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP). Expanding land use planning and real-time mapping for agriculture, waste management, and infrastructure development. Conclusion SVAMITVA is not just a land mapping scheme, but a tool for transforming rural India. It symbolizes Atmanirbhar Bharat by enabling economic resilience, inclusive growth, and participatory governance at the grassroots. With continued innovation and policy synergy, it can pioneer land governance reform globally. India: Fastest-Growing Major Economy Introduction The IMF’s April 2025 World Economic Outlook (WEO) reaffirms India’s position as the fastest–growing major economy for both 2025 and 2026. Projected GDP growth rates: 6.2% in 2025 6.3% in 2026 Despite a slight downward revision from the January 2025 update, India’s growth remains robust amid global economic uncertainty. Relevance : GS 3(Indian Economy) Significance of IMF’s WEO Projections The WEO is a flagship biannual IMF report tracking global and country-specific economic trends. The April 2025 edition indicates: Global growth downgraded due to: Heightened trade tensions Rising tariff barriers Increased policy uncertainty Global GDP projected at: 2.8% in 2025 3.0% in 2026 In this subdued global climate, India stands out for its stable macroeconomic trajectory. India’s Economic Strengths Resilient private consumption, especially in rural sectors, underpins India’s growth. Effective fiscal and monetary policies have buffered external shocks. Structural reforms have improved ease of doing business, credit access, and infrastructure readiness. India in Global Comparison China’s growth forecast for 2025 reduced to 4.0% (from 4.6% earlier). US growth for 2025 revised down by 90 basis points to 1.8%. India’s projected growth is more than double that of advanced economies, reinforcing its status as a global economic engine. Underlying Drivers of India’s Growth Demographic dividend: A young, dynamic workforce fuels innovation and productivity. Digital transformation: Initiatives like Digital India, UPI, and ONDC have revolutionized financial inclusion and commerce. Infrastructure development: Massive capital expenditure on roads, railways, renewable energy, and urban development. Startup ecosystem & FDI: India ranks among the top startup hubs and continues attracting record foreign investments. Macroeconomic stability: Low inflation (relatively), manageable fiscal deficit, and strong forex reserves. Challenges & Risks Ahead Global headwinds: Trade fragmentation Geopolitical uncertainties (Middle East, Taiwan Strait, etc.) Sluggish global demand Domestic concerns: Persistent youth unemployment Rising income inequality Vulnerabilities in agriculture due to climate change Need for deeper reforms in labour and land markets Policy Implications & Road Ahead Sustaining momentum requires: Continued infrastructure push Enhancing skilling and education Promoting green growth and energy transition Deepening financial markets and credit access Strategic focus on innovation (AI, biotech, space economy) can create new growth frontiers. IMF’s reaffirmation enhances India’s global credibility, boosting investor confidence. Conclusion India’s projected high growth amid global turbulence reflects strong fundamentals, policy resilience, and a rising global role. It positions India as a key contributor to global GDP growth, while opening up avenues for bilateral and multilateral economic leadership. The outlook serves as a call for consolidating gains, accelerating inclusive development, and embracing long-term sustainability.

Content: Unity and resolve Talking mode Responding to the terror attack in Pahalgam Unity and resolve Context: Pahalgam Terror Attack 26 civilians, mainly tourists, were killed in a brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. Islamist terrorists identified and killed victims based on religious identity. The attack has shocked the nation’s conscience and drawn international attention to the persistent threat of cross-border terrorism. Relevance : GS 3(Internal Security) Practice Question :The recent Pahalgam terror attack reflects the persistent threat of cross-border terrorism and attempts to disrupt India’s internal social fabric. In this context, discuss the need for a multidimensional response combining security, diplomacy, and social integration. (250 words) Strategic Implications for Kashmir Since 2019, the Indian government has: Promoted infrastructure development Enhanced connectivity and governance Aimed for economic integration of Kashmir with mainland India However, such attacks undermine tourism—a key pillar of the region’s economic revival. Geopolitical Dimension The attack is a continuation of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, rooted in: Two-nation theory Instrumentalisation of religious identity to produce unrest India must: Isolate Pakistan diplomatically Highlight its state-sponsored terror machinery at international fora Internal Priorities: Safeguarding Social Harmony Terrorism thrives on creating internal discord—communal disharmony serves enemy objectives. India must: Resist polarisation Strengthen interfaith unity Uphold constitutional values of secularism and fraternity Communication Strategy: Four-Level Outreach To Kashmiris – Assure them of justice, security, and continued development. To Indian citizens – Reinforce national unity . To Pakistan – Convey zero tolerance for cross-border terrorism. To global community – Reaffirm India’s status and highlight Pakistan’s role. Realism and National Interest India’s approach must be: Firm yet pragmatic Action–oriented. Aligned with long-term strategic interests. Need for swift justice delivery, intelligence-led counterterrorism, and community engagement. Conclusion: The Way Forward National response should blend firmness, unity, and strategic clarity. Acts of interfaith solidarity and citizen heroism offer a counter-narrative to terrorism. India’s internal cohesion is its strongest defense; the tragedy must not be allowed to divide but to unite in collective resolve. Talking mode Backdrop of the Visit U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance’s visit to India marks the first visit by an American VP in over a decade (since Joe Biden in 2013). Notably, the visit coincided with the terror attack in Pahalgam, yet Vance chose to continue his engagements, signaling solidarity and resilience in Indo-U.S. relations. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) Practice Question :The recent visit of U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance to India reflected both symbolic resilience and emerging frictions. Critically analyse the evolving contours of Indo-U.S. relations with reference to trade, defence, energy cooperation, and strategic autonomy. (250 words) Substance of the Bilateral Talks While the visit held significant symbolic value, substantive outcomes remained limited. The key formal outcome was the finalization of the Terms of Reference for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). Discussions also touched upon: The upcoming Quad Summit The broader Indo-Pacific strategy Prospects of a potential visit by President Trump later in the year Trade: Underlying Tensions and Aspirations In his Jaipur address, VP Vance emphasized a “rebalancing” of global trade rather than initiating trade confrontation. However, the U.S. expectations raise concerns: Removal of non-tariff barriers, especially in agriculture and dairy, where India has deeply rooted socio-economic and cultural sensitivities. These sectors involve livelihoods, food security, and religious values, making any significant liberalization politically delicate. Defence and Strategic Technology Transfer Vance reaffirmed the U.S. view of India as a reliable defence partner. Offered co-production of F-35 fighter jets, which could be a strategic leap for India. However, India must carefully assess: Dependency on American supply chains Autonomy in foreign policy amid increasing geopolitical alignments Energy Diplomacy: Opportunities and Dilemmas The U.S. pitched a return to fossil fuel diplomacy, with emphasis on oil and LNG exports to India. While potentially beneficial for energy security, this approach raises concerns regarding: India’s net-zero targets Its commitments under the Paris Agreement The need for green transition pathways Nuclear Liability: A Recurring Sticking Point The U.S. reiterated its long-standing demand to amend India’s nuclear liability law. This request is rooted in the concerns of American firms over legal exposure in the event of a nuclear accident. However, amending the law would face: Domestic political resistance Public memory of the Bhopal disaster Concerns over corporate accountability and sovereign legal autonomy India’s Current Stance: Too Passive? Observers note that India adopted a “listening posture”, refraining from asserting its strategic or economic interests. On key global issues — from Ukraine to Middle East conflicts to supply chains — India has remained measured and non-committal. This strategic passivity may be counterproductive in negotiations where U.S. demands are growing more pointed. What India Must Do India should recalibrate its engagement with greater clarity and assertion by: Protecting core interests: Firm stance on agricultural and dairy sovereignty Maintaining public-interest safeguards in nuclear energy Aligning energy cooperation with climate goals Seeking reciprocal gains: Tech transfer and defence autonomy in strategic platforms Fair visa policies and Indian student protections, especially after recent mass revocations Market access for Indian services and products Strategic Messaging Going Forward Balance firmness with friendship: India’s value to the U.S. spans Indo-Pacific stability, QUAD cohesion, and counter-China strategy. Assert that strategic partnerships must be mutually beneficial — not transactional or asymmetrical. Use leverage judiciously, framing India’s asks as contributing to shared democratic and regional goals. Responding to the terror attack in Pahalgam Nature and Timing of the Attack Not random; but strategic: The Pahalgam attack is a calculated political act, not a desperate or random terrorist strike. Targeting peace optics: Timed with the onset of the tourist season and the visit of U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance, it aims to disrupt normalcy and international diplomacy. Cross-border terror signature: Pattern suggests Pakistan’s military-intelligence nexus, using proxy outfits like The Resistance Front. Relevance : GS 3(Internal Security) Practice Question : “Terrorist attacks like the one in Pahalgam aim to fracture the peace narrative in Kashmir.” Analyze how such acts impact regional integration and internal stability in India.(250 Words) Symbolism of Location Baisaran (‘mini Switzerland’): A peaceful, family-oriented tourist site — the attack desecrates the image of Kashmir as a safe haven. Psychological impact: Strikes at both human lives and national morale, undermining growing public confidence in visiting Kashmir. Intelligence and Security Lapses Massive failure in surveillance: Despite being a known tourist and pilgrimage hub, Pahalgam was inadequately secured. Technological gaps: Absence or inefficiency of drones and electronic surveillance infrastructure is alarming. Parallel to Kargil: Though smaller in scale, the societal impact could be comparably significant. Proxy Warfare and ISI Link The Resistance Front = Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy: Denial-based warfare continues under Pakistan’s ISI patronage. Strategic environment: Lack of accountability for Pakistan emboldens repeated terrorism under a façade of plausible deniability. Instruments of Response Diplomatic isolation: Pressure Pakistan on platforms where it seeks legitimacy (e.g., OIC, UN). Reconsider trade & water-sharing: Economic pressure through treaties like Indus Waters Treaty can be explored. Covert capabilities: Develop and deploy intelligence-led, precise counter-terror operations across the LoC. Historical Pattern Consistent behavior: From Kargil (1999) to Pulwama (2019), Pakistan’s army has exploited internal unrest to trigger confrontations. Strategic denial doctrine: All attacks show asymmetric warfare under strategic ambiguity. Re-establishing Deterrence Beyond symbolic response: India must raise the cost of cross-border terror, both overtly and covertly. Protect the tourism-recovery narrative: Attacks like Pahalgam are direct assaults on economic integration and peacebuilding. Reintegrating Kashmiris: The local population is not complicit; youth want jobs, peace, not militancy. Internal and External Response Coordination Domestic strategy: Invest in education, infrastructure, and political dialogue to reinforce internal unity. International coordination: Leverage diplomatic moments like Vance’s visit to mobilize global action before, not after, terror acts.

Content: Indus treaty with Pak. put on hold Indian astronomers throw light on curious case of missing dark matter in a distant galaxy Is India witnessing judicial despotism? Ministry introduces new competency-based curricula for 10 healthcare professions Study reports lipids also guide evolution, not just DNA, proteins Experts seek ‘right to cool’ for informal sector workers Indus treaty with Pak. put on hold Context : Pahalgam Terror Attack Incident: 26 civilians (mainly tourists) were brutally killed in Pahalgam, Kashmir. Targeting: Victims reportedly identified and killed based on religious identity. Cross-border links: Intelligence inputs indicated links between the attackers and terror groups based in Pakistan. National Response: India perceives this as a continuation of Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) ,GS 3(Internal Security) Five-Pronged Indian Response Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) Put On Hold What is IWT: A 1960 agreement between India and Pakistan about sharing water from the Indus River. India’s Decision: India suspended cooperation under the treaty until Pakistan stops supporting cross-border terrorism. Why It Matters: The suspension could affect Pakistan’s water supply, as it heavily depends on the Indus river. Closing the Attari Check Post Action: India closed the Attari check post, a key border crossing. Deadline: Pakistanis in India with valid visas must return by May 1. Impact: This stops people and goods from crossing the border through this route. Cancelling Pakistan’s SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) Action: All visas given to Pakistani nationals under the SAARC scheme are cancelled. Deadline: Pakistani nationals in India must leave within 48 hours. Reason: Prevents any misuse of travel benefits by people with terrorist links. Diplomatic Actions Action: Pakistan’s defence officials in India are asked to leave (persona non grata). India’s Response: India will withdraw its own defence officials and reduce staff in Pakistan’s embassy. Effect: This cuts down diplomatic presence in both countries. Why This Matters Water Pressure: India can use the control over water sharing as leverage against Pakistan. Escalation Risk: This move might increase tensions, but it also sends a strong message to Pakistan. Pakistan’s Role: India wants Pakistan to stop supporting terrorism or face consequences. Previous Similar Actions Past Actions: After earlier attacks (like in Uri and Pulwama), India took similar steps, including military strikes. International Involvement: The World Bank, which monitors the IWT, may get involved if Pakistan challenges this decision. Indian astronomers throw light on curious case of missing dark matter in a distant galaxy Context: Indian astronomers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have found the reason behind the strange lack of dark matter in the galaxy NGC 1052-DF2. Relevance : GS 3(Science and Technology) Background: Dark Matter’s Role: Dark matter is believed to be a key component in galaxy formation. Galaxy’s Unusual Nature: NGC 1052-DF2 is an Ultra-diffuse galaxy (UDG), which has been found to be deficient in dark matter, contradicting standard galaxy formation models. Previous Studies: Earlier models suggested that the dynamical mass of the galaxy is around 340 million solar masses, while the stars alone account for about 200 million solar masses. This indicates that the galaxy has a significant lack of dark matter compared to spiral galaxies like the Milky Way. Surprising Findings: The mass within the galaxy’s observed extent is primarily composed of stars, with dark matter being less than expected. This finding challenges the established understanding of dark matter’s role in forming hierarchical structures in the universe. New Learnings: Galaxy Formation: The study raises questions about how galaxies can form with minimal dark matter and what astrophysical processes regulate this. Nature of Dark Matter: The findings may offer clues about the true nature of dark matter itself. Model Construction: K. Aditya, the lead astronomer, constructed new models to address the discrepancies in mass estimations of NGC 1052-DF2. The models examined different types of dark matter halos, particularly focusing on “cuspy” halos (which have higher densities in the central regions). The results showed that models with no dark matter closely resemble models with a “cuspy” dark matter halo, further questioning the traditional view of dark matter’s role. Implications: This study challenges our current understanding of galaxy formation and dark matter, offering new perspectives on both. The results could reshape future research on dark matter and its relationship with galaxy evolution. Is India witnessing judicial despotism? Judicial Review and Judicial Activism: Judicial review is a critical aspect of India’s constitutional structure, inferred from Article 13, even though not explicitly mentioned in the constitution. It ensures that laws violating the constitution are void and is part of the basic structure of the Constitution. Judicial activism and judicial review are two sides of the same coin, with activism stepping in during extreme cases for safeguarding rights. Relevance : GS 2(Judiciary) Judicial Powers and Accountability: Critics argue that recent Supreme Court judgments show a rise in judicial powers without accountability. Critics question the motives behind certain decisions, particularly with powers under Article 142, which allows the court to ensure “complete justice.” However, such powers have been used judiciously in landmark cases like the Ram Janmabhoomi judgment and mob lynching guidelines, supporting democracy and public welfare. Opposition’s Criticism of Judicial Review: Judicial review has faced criticism from those in power, as unelected judges quashing laws of elected governments . However, most constitutional scholars argue that judicial review, especially on matters related to fundamental rights or federalism, is necessary for upholding constitutional supremacy. Supreme Court’s Relationship with Government: Despite occasional setbacks for the government, like the NJAC ruling and the electoral bond scheme, the Supreme Court has mostly upheld government decisions during the Modi era. The court’s actions on issues like demonetization, same-sex marriage, and the Citizenship Amendment Act reflect its alignment with the executive in many cases. The Role of Courts in Democracy: The judiciary’s role is not to replace the legislature but to ensure the constitution is upheld and people’s rights are protected. Fair criticism of judges is welcome, but attributing motives or blaming them for violations of the separation of powers is not justified. Judiciary’s Responsibility and Limits: Judiciary should not take over governance but should act when there is a violation of constitutional rights or when governance fails to deliver justice. Article 142 has not been used recklessly; the court has remained cautious in its interventions, ensuring democracy and constitutional integrity are preserved. Governors and Constitutional Oversight: Judicial oversight has prevented unelected Governors from assuming unconstitutional powers. The court’s intervention in the Tamil Nadu case, where it set timelines for Governor actions, reflects its responsibility in upholding democratic functioning, without amending the constitution. The judiciary’s role is to keep all government organs within constitutional limits. Conclusion: Judicial review is an essential mechanism to preserve democracy, constitutional supremacy, and citizens’ rights. While the judiciary must not overstep its bounds, its interventions are sometimes necessary to ensure that the constitutional structure is upheld, especially in exceptional cases of misuse of power by the executive or legislature. Ministry introduces new competency-based curricula for 10 healthcare professions Introduction of New Curricula: The Union Health Ministry launched new competency-based curricula for 10 allied healthcare professions in collaboration with the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP). Relevance : GS 2(Education) Professions Covered: The curricula cover professions such as: Physiotherapy Applied psychology and behavioural health Optometry Nutrition and dietetics Dialysis therapy technology Radiotherapy technology Medical radiology and imaging technology Anaesthesia and operation theatre technology Health information management Physician associates Purpose: Uniformity: Aimed at standardizing training across the country for allied healthcare professionals. Global Competence: Designed to create globally competent professionals to address the increasing prevalence of diseases and rising demand for allied services. Health Secretary’s Statement: Benchmarking Quality: The revision is seen as a step towards ensuring the consistency and high quality of healthcare professional training. International Perspective: India is preparing its healthcare professionals for a global workforce, ensuring that the training aligns with international standards. Impact on Healthcare: Holistic Healthcare Role: The curricula will enhance roles in preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative healthcare. Industry Alignment: Aimed at aligning educational outcomes with industry needs, improving skill-based training effectiveness. Career Mobility: Enhances career mobility and professional recognition for allied health professionals. Regulatory Mechanisms and Capacity Building: Emphasis on establishing strong regulatory mechanisms and building capacity to ensure successful implementation of the new curricula. Global and National Significance: The curricula not only focus on India’s healthcare needs but also aim to prepare professionals to contribute globally. Study reports lipids also guide evolution, not just DNA, proteins Context : The study from Swasti Raychaudhuri’s lab at CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, examines the interaction between lipids and membrane proteins, particularly respiratory complex 1 (RC1) Relevance : GS 3(Science ,Technology ,Research ) RC1 Complex and Lipid Interaction: RC1 is essential for cellular energy production during respiration and is made up of proteins that interact with the lipid-rich mitochondrial inner membrane. Mutations in RC1 that affect lipid interaction were identified, indicating that lipid-protein interactions are crucial for the complex’s stability and function. Lipid Variety and Evolution: Researchshoweddifferences in lipid structures between plants and animals, particularly in the kinkiness of lipid tails, which affects membrane flexibility. Plant lipids, rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, have greater structural flexibility, likely a response to environmental stresses like heat and drought. Proteins co-evolve with lipids to maintain functionality, as shown in the study’s finding that human and plant RC1 complexes can only interact with their respective lipids. Lipid-Protein Co-evolution: This study supports the concept of lipid-protein co-evolution, particularly in mitochondrial membranes. Lipids may influence protein functionality and evolution, demanding a broader perspective in evolutionary biology. Implications for Human Health: Lipids’ role in cell function, including cholesterol regulation (via drugs like statins), needs further understanding to optimize medical treatments. Lipid-protein interactions also have implications for controlling pathogen entry into cells, offering potential new avenues for disease prevention and treatment. Challenges in Lipid Research: Lipids are complex molecules that vary in structure and composition, influenced by diet and environmental factors. Current research tools are not fully equipped to study lipids’ complexities, hindering deeper exploration into their role in biology and evolution. Conclusion: The study calls for a shift in how scientists view lipids, moving beyond traditional models to explore their evolutionary and medical significance. Further research into lipids can enhance both our understanding of evolution and improve health outcomes, especially in the context of diseases related to lipid metabolism. Experts seek ‘right to cool’ for informal sector workers Urgent Measures for Informal Workers: Climate experts have proposed several immediate actions to protect informal sector workers during extreme heat, including: Paid heat leave for workers affected by high temperatures. Free water ATMs at labor hubs to ensure access to hydration. Legal recognition of the ‘right to cool’ to guarantee cooling infrastructure and thermal comfort. Relevance :GS 2(Social Justice) Impact on Informal Sector Workers: Over 80% of Delhi’s informal workers, including street vendors, construction laborers, and ragpickers, are at risk due to extreme heat. Women in the informal workforce are disproportionately affected by heat-related health issues and income loss. Economic Impact of Heat: A GreenpeaceIndia report revealed that: 61% of street vendors lose more than 40% of their daily income during extreme heat. 75% of street vendors lack access to cooling infrastructure, highlighting significant disparities in working conditions. Health Risks: Extreme heat exacerbates cases of dehydration, heatstroke, and chronic illnesses such as kidney damage among informal workers. Urgent intervention is needed to address these health risks, especially during increasing heatwave days predicted for summer. Gender-Sensitive Urban Planning: With 82% of working women in India engaged in informal labor, there is a strong need for gender-responsive urban planning. Facilities such as shelters, drinking water stations, and public amenities must be designed to be accessible and welcoming to women, ensuring equitable protection against extreme heat. Policy Recommendations: Experts call for a ‘right to cool’ under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which would ensure access to shaded bus stops, cooling shelters, and thermal comfort for all. City-level heat action plans should be created with enforceable measures, including: Non-negotiable paid time off during extreme heat. Water stations and cooling shelters on red-alert days. Proposed Solutions: Installation of shaded canopies in high-traffic areas made from heat-reflective materials. Deployment of mobile cooling stations equipped with fans and basic first-aid facilities to provide immediate relief. Setting up water ATMs near labor hubs to ensure informal workers stay hydrated. Call for Equitable Cooling Access: Experts emphasize that cooling disparities must be addressed as a basic human right, with particular attention to vulnerable populations like informal workers and women.