Smart Cities Mission 2.0 Focuses on Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
The Union Government has extended the Smart Cities Mission with a new focus on sustainable and climate-resilient urban planning.
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- Smart Cities Mission 2.0 (SCM 2.0) prioritizes climate resilience, circular economy, and 'sponge city' concepts.
- An additional 50 cities will be selected through a competitive process to join the mission.
- Existing 100 smart cities will receive funding for 'green' and climate-resilient projects.
- Key project areas include integrated waste management, water body rejuvenation, and electric public transport expansion.
- SCM 2.0 aims to address increasing urban flooding and heatwave events in Indian cities.
- The original Smart Cities Mission was launched on June 25, 2015.
- The mission seeks to enhance the livability and sustainability of Indian urban centers against climate change impacts.
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | Medium | 2–4 | Miscellaneous GK including appointments, books, summits, and records appears in SSC. |
| UPSC / State PCS | Low | 2–5 | UPSC focuses on depth, not breadth. General items are tested only when they have policy relevance. |
| State PCS / PSC | Medium | 3–5 | Miscellaneous GK is tested across all state exam categories. |
| Railway (RRB NTPC / Group D) | Medium | 2–4 | Miscellaneous GK about India and the world is standard in Railway papers. |
Key Facts to Remember: Smart Cities Mission 2.0 Focuses on Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
- Smart Cities Mission 2.0 (SCM 2.0) prioritizes climate resilience, circular economy, and 'sponge city' concepts.
- An additional 50 cities will be selected through a competitive process to join the mission.
- Existing 100 smart cities will receive funding for 'green' and climate-resilient projects.
- Key project areas include integrated waste management, water body rejuvenation, and electric public transport expansion.
- SCM 2.0 aims to address increasing urban flooding and heatwave events in Indian cities.
- The original Smart Cities Mission was launched on June 25, 2015.
- The mission seeks to enhance the livability and sustainability of Indian urban centers against climate change impacts.
Practice Questions
Q1. What is a primary new focus area of the Smart Cities Mission 2.0?
- Digital infrastructure enhancement
- Affordable housing development
- Climate resilience and circular economy
- Expansion of traditional public transport
Explanation: The Smart Cities Mission 2.0, launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, has shifted its priority from foundational infrastructure to critical areas like climate resilience, the principles of a circular economy, and the adoption of 'sponge city' concepts to address contemporary urban challenges.
Q2. How many additional cities are planned to be selected under the Smart Cities Mission 2.0?
- 25
- 50
- 75
- 100
Explanation: Under the Smart Cities Mission 2.0, a competitive selection process will be undertaken to identify and include an additional 50 cities into the mission's fold, thereby expanding its reach and impact across India.
Q3. Which of the following is NOT a key project area emphasized in Smart Cities Mission 2.0?
- Integrated waste management
- Rejuvenation of water bodies
- Expansion of electric public transport
- Construction of new international airports
Explanation: Smart Cities Mission 2.0 focuses on projects like integrated waste management, rejuvenation of water bodies, and expansion of electric public transport to enhance sustainability and resilience. The construction of new international airports is not a stated priority of this mission.
Q4. The concept of a 'sponge city' aims to:
- Improve digital connectivity within cities.
- Enhance a city's ability to absorb and manage rainwater.
- Promote the use of solar energy for public lighting.
- Develop underground transportation networks.
Explanation: The 'sponge city' concept is integrated into SCM 2.0 to improve urban water management by enhancing a city's natural capacity to absorb, store, and reuse rainwater, thereby mitigating urban flooding and aiding groundwater recharge.
Q5. When was the original Smart Cities Mission launched in India?
- June 25, 2014
- June 25, 2015
- June 25, 2016
- June 25, 2017
Explanation: The original Smart Cities Mission, a flagship initiative by the Government of India, was launched on June 25, 2015, with the objective of developing 100 cities into sustainable and citizen-friendly urban centers.
How to Prepare Current Affairs for Government Exams — Smart Cities Mission 2.0 Focuses on Climate-Resil…
For general current affairs, read the PIB (Press Information Bureau) daily digest. It covers government announcements that directly map to exam questions.
Maintain a 'Monthly Top 50' list — the 50 most important facts from the month. Revise this before every mock test.
Focus on news from the last 6–8 months before your exam date. Older news rarely appears unless it was a landmark event.
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