On May 21, 2025, Delhi experienced a dramatic weather shift. The “feels-like” temperature soared to 50.2°C due to high humidity and heat, followed by a sudden dust storm, heavy rain, and hail in the evening. This abrupt change caused significant disruptions, including uprooted trees, power outages, and flight delays.
Joining the panel of experts, Head of Climate Change and Sustainability, Abinash Mohanty, says that such extreme weather patterns are becoming more frequent due to climate change, emphasising the urgent need for comprehensive heat action plans and public health measures to protect vulnerable populations.
M.K. Padma Kumar is involved in developing strategies and managing operations for the IPE Global Group.
He has over 25 years of experience in the development sector, working in civil society organisations and international development agencies like DANIDA and DFID. As the Head of State Partnerships at the DFID India, he was responsible for developing partnerships, programme design, management and strategic oversight of all programmes implemented in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha. He has managed various development programmes. His expertise lies in driving operational, financial and programmatic transformations. Before DFID, he was associated with Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), Help Age and World Wildlife Fund.
He holds a Master’s degree in Business Management with specialisation in Human Resource Management and Finance. He is extensively trained in Project Cycle Management, Grant Management, Performance Management, Leadership Skills and Change Management.
