World Bank Report: Cities to Create Jobs, Lose Billions by 2030

Current Context: The World Bank report titled “Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India” was officially released on July 22, 2025.

• According to this, Indian cities are poised to become economic powerhouses, generating 70% of new jobs by 2030.
• But this growth comes with a climate warning: urban flooding could cost India $5 billion annually by 2030, rising to $30 billion by 2070 if no action is taken.

Key Highlights:

• Urban population to nearly double to 951 million by 2050, requiring 144 million new homes.
• Pluvial flooding (rain-related) and urban heat island effects are major risks due to rapid urbanization and concrete expansion.
• Heat-related deaths could double to 300,000 annually by 2050, but adaptation measures like cool roofs and green spaces could save 130,000 lives.
• $2.4 trillion investment needed by 2050 for climate-resilient infrastructure.
• Cities with greater autonomy under the 74th Constitutional Amendment have shown better resilience and resource mobilization.

Question:

Q.1 As per the World Bank’s report titled “Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India”, what percentage of new jobs are expected to be generated by Indian cities by 2030?
a) 50%
b) 60%
c) 70%
d) 80%

Answer: c) The report estimates that Indian cities will generate 70% of new jobs by 2030, making urban centers key drivers of economic growth.