Why in News?

A massive flash flood in Nepal’s Rasuwa district, bordering China’s Tibet region, caused large-scale destruction. At least 157 people were reported killed, while more than 400 people were missing or out of contact, including 133 Indians. The Bhotekoshi River swept through villages and damaged roads and bridges.

Possible Trigger

The exact trigger was not conclusively established. The India Meteorological Department indicated that a Western Disturbance moving eastwards towards the Himalayan region may have contributed to the preceding weather conditions. Nepal was also investigating whether an earthquake-triggered landslide or avalanche caused the sudden surge of water.

UPSC Concept — Flash Flood

A flash flood is a sudden and rapid rise of water in a river or drainage channel. Intense rainfall, cloudbursts, landslides and avalanches can contribute to such flooding.

Why in News?

Thiruvathira, also known as Kaikottikali, was performed in Kerala during the Thiruvonam celebrations. It is a traditional group dance primarily performed by women.

Key Features

• Associated with Kerala’s Onam celebrations.
• Performed mainly by women in a circular formation.
• Traditionally performed around a Nilavilakku.
• Includes singing, rhythmic clapping and coordinated movements.
• Associated with the worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
• Traditionally linked with marital well-being and womanhood.

Onam — Important Facts

Onam is Kerala’s major harvest festival associated with the return of King Mahabali. It is celebrated during Chingam, the first month of the Malayalam calendar. The ten-day celebration begins with Atham and culminates in Thiruvonam.

Why in News?

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare highlighted the high cost of healthcare, particularly in private hospitals. Its 176th Report, tabled on 7 August 2026, made 368 recommendations.

Major Concerns

• High out-of-pocket expenditure
• Affordability of private healthcare
• Information asymmetry between providers and patients
• Need for greater accountability and regulation

Core Concept — Information Asymmetry

Healthcare providers generally possess more information than patients regarding diagnosis, tests and treatment options. This information gap can make it difficult for patients to independently assess whether additional tests or procedures are necessary.

Way Forward

• Standardised treatment and package rates
• Transparent pre-treatment cost estimates
• Stronger regulatory oversight
• Protection of vulnerable patients
• Greater public investment with balanced private participation

Why in News?

India and China have continued efforts towards maintaining peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and normalising bilateral relations.

Strategic Context

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed efforts undertaken over the previous two years to maintain peace along the LAC. The talks assume significance as India prepares to host the BRICS Summit on 12 September.

Why Transparency Matters

Progress on the boundary dispute is important, but diplomatic engagement also requires public confidence. Agreements reached without sufficient public visibility may generate suspicion.

Why in News?

Climate change is increasingly threatening India’s food security through rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, floods, droughts and water scarcity. These risks can affect the entire food chain from production to storage and transport.

India’s Food Security Journey

India has transformed from dependence on food aid in the 1960s into a major food-producing country, supported by procurement, irrigation, storage, price support and the Public Distribution System.

Foodgrain production exceeded 350 million tonnes in 2024–25, including record rice and wheat output. The PDS, supported by digitisation and the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC), has expanded the reach and portability of food entitlements.

Major Challenge

The traditional rice-wheat system has supported food security but has also contributed to regional concentration of procurement and groundwater stress in some areas.

Climate-Resilient Solutions

• Climate-resilient seeds
• Micro-irrigation and watershed development
• Precision farming and digital advisories
• Weather-indexed insurance
• Flood-resilient warehouses
• Better cold-chain infrastructure
• Climate-informed procurement and buffer-stock management

Why in News?

Wetlands, including urban lakes, cover nearly 6% of the planet’s surface and are highly productive ecosystems. They contribute to carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, climate regulation and human well-being.

Major Causes of Lake Degradation

• Unplanned urbanisation: Encroachment caused by rapid expansion and land pressure.
• Pollution: Untreated sewage, industrial effluents and municipal solid waste.
• Institutional apathy: Weak enforcement and fragmented governance.

Why Urban Lakes Matter

Healthy lakes function as natural urban infrastructure by helping cities manage flooding, heat stress, water scarcity and biodiversity loss.

Government Initiatives

• Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
• Jal Shakti Abhiyan
• Mission Amrit Sarovar

Way Forward

• Integrate water bodies into city master plans.
• Legally protect lake boundaries and catchments.
• Take strict action against encroachment.
• Create unified and accountable governance.
• Institutionalise citizen participation.
• Treat lakes as ecological infrastructure rather than vacant land.