Heatwaves, lightning now a natural calamity in NDRF protocol, says Centre

The Centre included heatwaves and lightning in the list of notified natural calamities for the 2026-31 period. Minister Nityanand Rai said this move helps states use NDRF funds for relief. Climate expert Anjal Prakash said, "It's an important step, given India's rising exposure and fragmented response to it."