As India celebrates its 74th Republic Day, the parade takes center stage, with millions watching the spectacle unfold. The President’s flag hoisting marks the beginning. But it’s the vibrant jhankis that capture the nation’s story, showcasing achievements, and spotlighting city developments. This year, we turn the focus on how cities have been represented in the parade and explore their evolving role in this grand tradition.

Tamil Nadu's ‘Friends of Library’ scheme is transforming public libraries by bringing books directly to neighborhoods. With just one library for every 80,000 urban residents, access to reading material remains limited. Could digital libraries be the solution to this challenge? And, is there room for more community spaces that promote learning and personal growth? The future of public libraries might look quite different.

A small town on shaky ground—Joshimath is sinking, and its residents are caught in a nightmare. Despite early warnings dating back decades, cracks now split homes apart, forcing evacuations and sparking protests. Locals blame unchecked construction, ignored reports, and the burden of rapid urbanisation. As authorities scramble to respond, the question looms: can Joshimath be saved, or is it too late to turn the tide?

Vadodara’s longest flyover promises smoother commutes, but is building flyovers the answer to urban traffic woes? While the city joins others in embracing elevated roads, critics argue that flyovers merely shift congestion rather than solve it. Some cities around the world are reimagining mobility by prioritising pedestrian-friendly and green public spaces instead. Is it time for a rethink on how cities tackle traffic management?

Kullu is set to develop a new city forest, joining a growing list of urban areas embracing greener initiatives under the Nagar Van Yojna. While projects like Pune’s Warje urban forest have transformed neglected spaces into thriving ecosystems, challenges like pollution, maintenance, and funding still loom large. Can urban forestry truly counterbalance the environmental challenges faced by cities today?

Auto-rickshaws are a lifeline for urban commuters in India, but lack of dedicated stands often turns convenience into chaos. As cities like Rajouri, Mangaluru, and Gurugram push for structured boarding zones, the debate continues: can designated auto-rickshaw stands really improve traffic flow and commuter experience? Or is there more to the puzzle of urban transport management in smaller cities?

India's pollution challenge is in the spotlight again, with debates over data credibility and global comparisons. While the Yale Environmental Performance Index ranked India last among 180 countries, Indian authorities question its methodology. Meanwhile, AQI data paints a grim picture, with Bihar cities topping pollution charts. As standards evolve, is it time for a more reliable and context-specific ranking system for Indian cities?

Delhi’s 13th Pride Parade brought thousands together in a march for inclusion and a celebration of diversity. Yet beyond the colourful marches, how inclusive are Indian cities in practice? From Chennai’s pioneering steps to Kerala’s progressive policies, the push for LGBTQIA+ inclusion is gaining ground. As new indices shed light on workplace equality and urban inclusivity, are cities keeping pace with evolving societal expectations?

In smaller Indian cities, public transport often struggles to meet the demands of commuters. From Srinagar to Hyderabad, limited bus fleets and unreliable services are a recurring issue, especially during peak times. As the challenges grow, the question arises: how can cities revamp their transport systems to make public transport a reliable choice for everyone? Ensuring a sufficient and consistent fleet could be the first step.

Thane’s recent tree census revealed more than 60% increase in tree numbers and greater diversity in species. While some states have legislated tree censuses, in places like Delhi and Surat, citizens have taken matters into their own hands. This not only tracks tree cover but also help protect heritage and rare species, engaging communities in the process. Could this grassroots approach help cities rethink their relationship with nature?

India recorded its hottest March in history this year, with extreme heat events claiming more lives each year. In response, cities like Ahmedabad have pioneered Heat Action Plans (HAPs) that have significantly reduced fatalities. These plans, tailored to local needs, aim to prevent heat-related deaths, with strategies ranging from early warnings to cool roof initiatives. Is your city prepared for the heat, or is it still waiting for action?

Women make up nearly half of India’s population, yet their representation in state assemblies remains minimal. Despite some regional political parties setting benchmarks for inclusivity, most still fall short. With upcoming state elections, calls for greater female representation are louder than ever. Can inclusive governance in terms of gender become more than just a promise? Or will it continue to be an unfulfilled ambition?

Prolonged monsoons have triggered a surge in dengue cases across several states, with cities like Kolkata witnessing an alarming rise. While some regions struggle to contain the outbreak, cities like Hoshiarpur offer hope with proactive health measures, including fogging, awareness drives, and strict monitoring. As urban health challenges grow, how are local governments stepping up to safeguard public health during disease outbreaks?

Citizen surveys are emerging as a crucial tool for urban development, from healthcare to transportation. From Kochi's bus route modifications to Noida’s efforts in last-mile connectivity, cities are actively seeking public input. These efforts mark a positive step, especially toward inclusive mobility. But the challenge lies in ensuring genuine public participation and translating feedback into actionable changes. Are these surveys genuinely influencing urban mobility plannin

Potholes aren’t just a nuisance; they’re turning Indian roads into death traps. From Madhubani’s pond-sized craters to Bengaluru’s “historical landmark” pothole, the issue seems far from resolved despite hefty maintenance budgets. While rain often takes the blame, poor road construction adds another layer to the story. Can innovative solutions proposed by the authorities finally pave the way to safer roads?

With India’s small cities now making the list of most polluted places, solutions can’t just focus on the usual suspects. Indore’s plan to power city buses with Bio-CNG from organic waste could set a new standard—if waste segregation doesn’t derail it. As more cities consider similar approaches, can clean fuel truly become the future of urban transport, or will practical hurdles keep it from taking off?

Taxes may be the most straightforward way to fund development, but local governments often struggle with limited financial resources. While municipal bonds offer a lifeline, the path hasn’t always been smooth; some bonds have fallen short of expectations. However, with greener alternatives on the rise, local governments are exploring innovative ways to finance development. As cities rethink their financial strategies, could strengthening bond collection become the game-change

Noida’s twin towers came crashing down after years of persistent legal battles: a testament to how collective citizen efforts can challenge unlawful construction. While cities like Coimbatore proactively form ward committees and area sabhas, others like Mangalore still need a push from residents. As urban local bodies navigate public participation, can these invited spaces truly bridge the gap between local governance and community voices?

Despite being the backbone of daily commutes, buses in Indian cities often run half-empty. Yet, Bhubaneswar’s Mo Bus service is defying the trend by seamlessly bringing together tech and accessibility to attract riders. As cities like Delhi and Surat look for ways to boost ridership, could Mo Bus hold the secret to getting more people on board? Or is the key to better urban mobility something more?

With cities increasingly drowning in their own runoff, urban flooding has become a common sight from Chennai to Belagavi. As traditional drainage systems fall short, the innovative concept of "Sponge City" offers a fresh perspective, making urban spaces more absorbent to manage excess water. While the vision sounds promising, can concrete-dense cities really transform into water-soaking sponges?