**Discuss the role of local governance in the UPSC syllabus.**

Local governance plays a significant role in the UPSC syllabus, particularly within the context of Indian Polity and Governance. It encompasses the three-tier system of governance, including panchayati raj institutions at the rural level and urban local bodies in cities. Understanding local governance is essential for grasping the decentralization of power and the democratic process in India. Aspirants are expected to know the constitutional framework, functioning, and challenges faced by local bodies. Additionally, contemporary issues such as disaster management, rural development, and municipal governance connect local governance to current affairs, making it relevant for both prelims and mains exams.