Why in the News?
In March 2026, the World Bank released a landmark report titled “New Water-Food Nexus Framework” ahead of World Water Day. The report warns of a “Global Water Bankruptcy,” stating that current water management can sustainably support food for only 3.4 billion people, far short of the 10 billion projected by 2050.
Economic Impact of Productivity:
- A 10% increase in agricultural productivity can lead to a 2.5–3% reduction in poverty.
- Expanding irrigation in rainfed areas could potentially create 245 million jobs globally.
Global Water Bankruptcy:
- The UN and World Bank warn that water crises are no longer “temporary” but a structural state of bankruptcy.
- South Asia (including India) is flagged for overexploiting resources, while Sub-Saharan Africa is noted for underusing available water.
The “New Water-Food Nexus Framework”:
- The report categorizes nations into four quadrants to guide policy:
- Water-secure food exporter: Abundant water, exports calories (e.g., Brazil).
- Water-secure food importer: Has water but relies on trade for food.
- Water-stressed food exporter: High water risk but remains a major exporter (India falls here).
- Water-stressed food importer: Lacks water and relies on imports (e.g., Middle East).
| [2023] Consider the following statements: Statement-I: According to the United Nations’ ‘World Water Development Report, 2022’, India extracts more than a quarter of world’s groundwater withdrawal each year. Statement-II: India needs to extract more than a quarter of the world’s groundwater each year to satisfy the drinking water and sanitation needs of almost 18% of world’s population living in its territory. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct |
