CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -The United Nations’ FAO states that by 2025, 1.9 billion people will live in countries or regions with absolute water scarcity, and two-thirds of the world population could be under stress conditions.

Detailed explanation-2: -Qatar. Compared to all the countries in the world, Qatar is by far one of the most water-stressed countries. The need for water is extremely high, while water availability is scarce. This country is a desert without a single river to help sustain the population.

Detailed explanation-3: -“There are not many new areas facing high water stress but the stressed river basins will see even higher stress levels in future. The largest increases were found to be North Africa, Middle East and south and central Asia.” The US’s midwest region could also see moderate water stress by 2050, the study shows.

Detailed explanation-4: -Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh - the two largest states in terms of area and population - are among around a dozen states where the magnitude of water problem is not just large, but also complex. The other states facing the challenge include Karnataka, Bihar, Haryana, Gujarat and Maharashtra.