Smart Cities Mission 2.0: Focus on Net Zero Urban Centers
The Government of India has extended the Smart Cities Mission with a new focus on achieving Net Zero emissions in 100 cities.
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- Smart Cities Mission 2.0 aims to make 100 Indian cities 'Net Zero' by 2040.
- The mission is spearheaded by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India.
- Key focus areas include integrated waste management, electric mobility, and urban greening.
- This phase prioritizes environmental sustainability and climate resilience over basic infrastructure.
- Additional funding will be provided to cities demonstrating progress in reducing their carbon footprint.
- The mission aligns with India's commitments under the Paris Agreement and its NDCs.
- The original Smart Cities Mission was launched on June 25, 2015.
- Net Zero refers to achieving a balance between the greenhouse gases produced and those removed from the atmosphere.
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. |
| Banking (IBPS / SBI) | Medium | 2–4 | Banking awareness and general GK are separate sections — both draw from current affairs. |
Key Facts to Remember: Smart Cities Mission 2.0: Focus on Net Zero Urban Centers
- Smart Cities Mission 2.0 aims to make 100 Indian cities 'Net Zero' by 2040.
- The mission is spearheaded by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India.
- Key focus areas include integrated waste management, electric mobility, and urban greening.
- This phase prioritizes environmental sustainability and climate resilience over basic infrastructure.
- Additional funding will be provided to cities demonstrating progress in reducing their carbon footprint.
- The mission aligns with India's commitments under the Paris Agreement and its NDCs.
- The original Smart Cities Mission was launched on June 25, 2015.
- Net Zero refers to achieving a balance between the greenhouse gases produced and those removed from the atmosphere.
Practice Questions
Q1. What is the primary objective of the Smart Cities Mission 2.0 launched by the Government of India?
- To enhance digital connectivity and e-governance in 100 cities.
- To achieve 'Net Zero' emissions in 100 cities by 2040.
- To focus solely on affordable housing and slum redevelopment.
- To develop smart transportation networks across all state capitals.
Explanation: Smart Cities Mission 2.0 has shifted its primary focus to environmental sustainability and climate resilience, with the explicit goal of making 100 cities 'Net Zero' by 2040. While technology and infrastructure remain important, the core emphasis is now on reducing carbon footprint and adapting to climate change.
Q2. Which ministry is responsible for the implementation of the Smart Cities Mission 2.0?
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- Ministry of Power
- Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
- Ministry of Science and Technology
Explanation: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) is the nodal ministry responsible for the planning and implementation of the Smart Cities Mission, including its second phase, Smart Cities Mission 2.0.
Q3. By which year does the Smart Cities Mission 2.0 aim to achieve 'Net Zero' status for the targeted 100 cities?
- 2030
- 2035
- 2040
- 2050
Explanation: The ambitious target set by the Government of India under Smart Cities Mission 2.0 is to transform 100 cities into Net Zero urban centers by the year 2040. This aligns with global climate action goals.
Q4. Which of the following is NOT a key initiative under the Smart Cities Mission 2.0?
- Integrated waste management systems
- Development of electric mobility hubs
- Expansion of urban forests and green cover
- Focus on traditional industrial development
Explanation: Smart Cities Mission 2.0 emphasizes environmental sustainability and climate resilience. Key initiatives include waste management, electric mobility, and urban greening. Traditional industrial development is not a primary focus of this environmentally-oriented phase.
Q5. How does Smart Cities Mission 2.0 differ from the first phase of the Smart Cities Mission?
- It reduces the number of target cities from 100 to 50.
- It shifts focus from infrastructure and digital services to environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
- It removes the aspect of government funding, relying entirely on private investment.
- It exclusively targets rural areas instead of urban centers.
Explanation: The first phase of the Smart Cities Mission primarily focused on building core infrastructure and improving digital services. Smart Cities Mission 2.0 represents an evolution, placing a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and achieving Net Zero emissions in urban areas.
How to Prepare Current Affairs for Government Exams — Smart Cities Mission 2.0: Focus on Net Zero Urban…
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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