GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Context:

World Water Day, observed annually on March 22 since 1993, aims to raise awareness about freshwater issues. The theme for this year, "Water for Peace," underscores the significance of water in maintaining peace and stability globally.

Challenges of Water Crisis:

• Multifaceted Challenges: Factors such as rapid urbanization, industrialization, unsustainable agricultural practices, and climate change contribute to the global water crisis.
• Impact on Peace and Stability: Seventeen countries face 'extremely high' water stress, threatening peace and stability, according to the World Resources Institute.
• India's Water Scarcity: India faces water scarcity issues, with projections indicating a further decline in availability by 2025 and 2050.

Impacts on Ecosystems and Agriculture:

• Ecosystem Disruption: Water scarcity disrupts ecosystem functions, jeopardizing food and water security and ultimately undermining peace.
• Threat to Agricultural Sustainability: Groundwater depletion, exemplified by cases like Bengaluru and Punjab, poses a severe threat to agricultural sustainability.
• Vulnerability of Rainfed Regions: Rainfed regions in India, crucial for agricultural output, are vulnerable to water scarcity, impacting food production.

Water Crisis and its Implications:

• India's Water Crisis: Rapid urbanization, industrialization, unsustainable agricultural practices, and climate change have contributed to India's water scarcity issues. According to the World Resources Institute, India is categorized as water-stressed, with projections indicating further reduction in water availability by 2025 and 2050.
• Groundwater Depletion: Groundwater depletion is a severe concern in many Indian states, leading to negative consequences such as reduced agricultural productivity, ecosystem degradation, and social tensions. Instances like the depletion of the groundwater table in Bengaluru and other major cities highlight the urgent need for action.
• Impact on Peace: Water scarcity poses a threat to peace and stability, as seen in the case of 17 countries facing 'extremely high' water stress levels. Competition over limited water resources could exacerbate tensions, leading to conflicts and unrest.

Promoting Water Security and Peace:

• Role of Rainwater Harvesting: Implementing rainwater harvesting techniques, both in-situ and ex-situ, is crucial for augmenting water resources and enhancing resilience against drought and water scarcity. This approach aligns with initiatives like "per drop more crop" and "Gaon ka pani gaon mein" under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).
• Government Initiatives: The government's emphasis on water conservation and management through programs like Mission Amrit Sarovar and Jal Shakti Abhiyan is commendable. However, there's a need for a comprehensive protocol for the revival of water bodies and ponds to address the underlying issues effectively.
• Additional Interventions: Implementing measures such as groundwater monitoring, water quality reclamation, efficient irrigation techniques, community awareness campaigns, and promoting water-neutral practices are essential for ensuring long-term water security and fostering peace.

Context:

Understanding the Global Water Crisis:

• Persistent Scarcity: Approximately two billion people worldwide lack access to clean water, posing risks to both individual needs and collective prosperity.
• Historical Context: Throughout history, water has been central to the rise and fall of civilizations, often leading to conflicts such as the ancient tensions between Mesopotamian cities over fertile land and water resources.
• UN's World Water Day: The 31st World Water Day, themed "Leveraging Water for Peace" in 2024, highlights the importance of water diplomacy in addressing global water challenges.

Water Diplomacy in a Time of Extremities:

• Climate Change Impacts: Climate-related extremes like heatwaves and floods exacerbate water insecurity, particularly in regions like India where the monsoon's unpredictability affects agriculture, a key sector of the economy.
• Need for Cooperation: Improved cooperation on water-sharing and adherence to International Water Law principles are essential for sustainable water management and fostering regional stability.
• Inclusive Approaches: Involving indigenous communities, civil society, and academic networks in water diplomacy processes ensures equitable and effective governance of shared water resources.

Addressing Rural India's Water Needs:

• Rural Water Dependence: Seventy percent of India's rural population relies on water for livelihoods, primarily in agriculture, which accounts for 70% of global freshwater use.
• Potential of Water Investments: Increased water accessibility in rural areas can yield positive outcomes in health, education, and employment, besides addressing basic human needs.
• Role of Technology: Leveraging emerging AI technology in agriculture can promote efficient water use, crop management, and sustainability, contributing to rural development.

Transboundary Water Governance:

• Extent of Transboundary Waters: A significant portion of the world's freshwater resources lies in transboundary waters, including rivers shared among nations like India and its neighbours.
• Challenges and Progress: The worsening water pollution in South Asian rivers underscores the need for sophisticated cross-border water governance. Despite progress, only 24 out of 153 water-sharing nations have reached full cooperation agreements.
• Importance for Peace: Effective transboundary water cooperation is crucial for achieving the SDGs and fostering peace, offering benefits across various sectors and ecosystem services.

Context:

India entered a small club of countries capable of delivering nuclear warheads on a single missile. This greatly enhances India’s second strike capability and acts as a deterrence measure.

Technological Breakthrough:

• Introduction of MIRV on Agni-V: India's recent test of the Agni-V missile equipped with multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle (MIRV) technology marks a significant milestone in its nuclear weapons program.
• Mission Divyastra: Conducted under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this test underscores India's entry into the small club of countries capable of delivering multiple nuclear warheads on a single missile.
• Enhanced Strategic Capability: The indigenous avionics systems and high accuracy sensor packages of the MIRV system ensure improved precision and strengthen India's second-strike capability, crucial for maintaining deterrence.

Strategic Significance:

• Focus on China: The choice of MIRV on Agni-V is strategically aimed at addressing security concerns vis-à-vis China, given the missile's extended range and ability to penetrate missile defenses.
• Completion of Nuclear Triad: India's development of MIRV technology follows the declaration of INS Arihant's successful deterrence patrol, completing India's nuclear triad and enhancing its strategic deterrence posture.
• Escalation Dynamics: However, this advancement raises concerns about escalation dynamics in the region, especially with neighbouring countries like China and Pakistan also pursuing MIRV technology, leading to a potential arms race.

Future Implications and Challenges:

• Deployment on Submarine-launched Missiles: The deployment of MIRV on submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) is the logical next step, further enhancing India's nuclear capabilities and strategic flexibility.
• Regional Dynamics: The development of MIRV technology by India, China, and Pakistan intensifies regional security dynamics, requiring careful management to prevent unintended escalation.
• Cost and Technology Intensiveness: The pursuit of advanced nuclear capabilities entails significant costs and technological investments, posing challenges in terms of resource allocation and sustainability.