CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -It is supported by a US$450 million loan agreement signed between the Government of India and World Bank on Monday. The major objective of this agreement is to curb the declining level of groundwater, strengthen groundwater institutions and make stronger the efforts with groundwater in India.

Detailed explanation-2: -The correct answer is Tamil Nadu. The total replenishable groundwater resources in the country are about 432 cubic km. Ganga and the Brahmaputra basins have about 46 percent of the total replenishable groundwater resources.

Detailed explanation-3: -Agriculture is the largest user of fresh water resources, consuming 70% followed by industry (20 %) and municipalities account for remaining 10%.

Detailed explanation-4: -India is the largest user of groundwater globally, extracting more than the United States and China put together. Today, groundwater is the only source of water for most of India’s people, providing the bulk of water for farming and domestic use.

Detailed explanation-5: -Over 60 per cent of India’s total irrigation is now groundwater-fed. About 85 per cent of rural drinking water supply, too, relies on groundwater sources. Recognising that the unregulated use of groundwater is draining India dry, the Union government introduced two major initiatives in the last decade.