The article “Storm beneath the waters” discusses the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960, a significant water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, which has faced challenges following the Pahalgam terror attack. Initially hailed as a model of cooperation, the treaty allocated water rights to the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India and the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan. However, recent tensions, including New Delhi’s demand for bilateral modification after the attack, signal its decay. The treaty’s implementation has been strained by disputes over projects like the Kishanganga and Ratle dams, with India invoking provisions for review. Historical context reveals Pakistan’s concerns over water security, especially after the 1947 partition and the 1965 war. The Mangla Dam, a key Pakistani project, underscores the treaty’s economic importance. Despite its success in averting major conflicts, the IWT faces modern challenges, including terrorism and cross-border tensions, prompting calls for renegotiation to address contemporary needs.
Passage 1: Origins and Significance of the Indus Waters Treaty
The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed in 1960, stands as a landmark agreement between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank to resolve water disputes post-partition. After the 1947 division, tensions arose over the Indus River system, leading to negotiations that culminated in this treaty. It allocated the eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—to India, while Pakistan gained rights to the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. This division aimed to ensure equitable water distribution, a critical need given the region’s agricultural dependence. The treaty was seen as a diplomatic triumph, surviving conflicts like the 1965 and 1971 wars. However, the Pahalgam terror attack in 2023 marked a turning point, prompting India to demand bilateral modification. New Delhi argued that terrorism linked to the treaty’s implementation justified a review. Despite its resilience, the IWT’s original framework struggles to address modern security and developmental challenges, highlighting the need for adaptation.
Passage 2: Challenges and Tensions Post-Pahalgam
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) has shown signs of decay, with India seeking a bilateral overhaul. The attack, linked to cross-border militancy, led New Delhi to question the treaty’s relevance, especially regarding water projects like Kishanganga and Ratle dams. Pakistan, reliant on the western rivers, views these projects as threats to its water security, escalating tensions. The treaty’s neutral expert and arbitration mechanisms have been invoked, but disputes persist. Historically, the IWT weathered wars and political upheavals, with the Mangla Dam symbolizing Pakistan’s economic gains. Yet, the 2023 invocation under Article XII(3) reflects India’s push for modification due to terrorism’s impact. Critics argue the treaty’s rigidity hampers flexibility, while supporters note its success in preventing water wars. The ongoing dialogue underscores the delicate balance between cooperation and conflict in the region.
Passage 3: Historical Context and Key Projects
The Indus Waters Treaty’s roots trace back to the 1947 partition, when water sharing became a contentious issue. The World Bank mediated talks, leading to the 1960 agreement after years of negotiation. A pivotal moment was the construction of the Mangla Dam, inaugurated in 1967, which boosted Pakistan’s irrigation and power generation. India’s eastern river rights supported projects like the Bhakra Dam, enhancing its agricultural output. The treaty’s durability was tested during the 1965 war, yet it held firm. However, recent decades have seen strain, with the Pahalgam attack in 2023 prompting India to seek revisions. The Kishanganga and Ratle dam disputes highlight Pakistan’s concerns over reduced water flow. Despite its historical success, the IWT faces pressure from terrorism, population growth, and environmental changes, necessitating a reevaluation to meet current demands.
Passage 4: Future Prospects and Current Stance
In 2023, India’s invocation of the Indus Waters Treaty’s review clause has sparked debate about its future. The treaty, once a model of cooperation, now grapples with security threats and developmental needs. Pakistan opposes changes, fearing water shortages, while India cites terrorism as a justification for modification. The World Bank’s role as a mediator remains crucial, though arbitration efforts have yielded mixed results. The Mangla Dam’s legacy contrasts with ongoing tensions over new projects like Ratle and Kishanganga. Experts suggest a renegotiated treaty could address climate change and population pressures, but political will is lacking. The 2025 deadline for resolution looms, with both nations entrenched in their positions. Whether the IWT evolves or collapses depends on diplomatic efforts, balancing historical agreements with modern realities in a region prone to conflict.
MCQs for Passage 1
- When was the Indus Waters Treaty signed?
a) 1947
b) 1960
c) 1971
d) 2023
Answer: b - Which rivers were allocated to Pakistan?
a) Ravi, Beas, Sutlej
b) Indus, Jhelum, Chenab
c) Ganges, Yamuna
d) Brahmaputra
Answer: b - What prompted India to demand modification?
a) Economic issues
b) Pahalgam terror attack
c) Water scarcity
d) Political elections
Answer: b - What was the treaty’s original purpose?
a) Military alliance
b) Equitable water distribution
c) Trade agreement
d) Energy sharing
Answer: b - Which organization brokered the treaty?
a) United Nations
b) World Bank
c) IMF
d) Asian Development Bank
Answer: b - What challenge does the treaty face today?
a) Lack of funding
b) Modern security issues
c) Overpopulation
d) Technological limits
Answer: b
MCQs for Passage 2
- What event led to India seeking a treaty overhaul?
a) 1965 War
b) Pahalgam terror attack
c) Mangla Dam dispute
d) Water shortage
Answer: b - Why is Pakistan concerned about Indian dams?
a) Increased water flow
b) Threat to water security
c) Energy loss
d) Flood risks
Answer: b - Under which article was the review invoked?
a) Article IX
b) Article XII(3)
c) Article V
d) Article II
Answer: b - What symbolizes Pakistan’s economic gains?
a) Kishanganga Dam
b) Mangla Dam
c) Ratle Dam
d) Bhakra Dam
Answer: b - What do critics say about the treaty?
a) It is too flexible
b) It lacks rigidity
c) It hampers flexibility
d) It is outdated
Answer: c - What balances cooperation and conflict?
a) Military action
b) Ongoing dialogue
c) Economic sanctions
d) Trade agreements
Answer: b
MCQs for Passage 3
- When did the partition trigger water disputes?
a) 1947
b) 1960
c) 1971
d) 2023
Answer: a - Which dam was a key Pakistani project?
a) Bhakra Dam
b) Mangla Dam
c) Kishanganga Dam
d) Ratle Dam
Answer: b - What tested the treaty’s durability?
a) 1971 War
b) 1965 War
c) Pahalgam attack
d) Economic crisis
Answer: b - What concerns Pakistan about new dams?
a) Reduced water flow
b) Increased power
c) Flood control
d) Irrigation benefits
Answer: a - Who mediated the original treaty talks?
a) United Nations
b) World Bank
c) Pakistan Government
d) Indian Parliament
Answer: b - What pressures the treaty today?
a) Technological advances
b) Terrorism and climate change
c) Trade disputes
d) Cultural differences
Answer: b
MCQs for Passage 4
- In which year did India invoke the review clause?
a) 2020
b) 2023
c) 2025
d) 2019
Answer: b - What does Pakistan fear from treaty changes?
a) Water shortages
b) Energy surplus
c) Economic growth
d) Political stability
Answer: a - What role does the World Bank play?
a) Funding dams
b) Mediation
c) Enforcing rules
d) Trade negotiation
Answer: b - Which dams are sources of current tension?
a) Bhakra and Mangla
b) Ratle and Kishanganga
c) Sutlej and Jhelum
d) Ravi and Chenab
Answer: b - What is a proposed focus for renegotiation?
a) Military cooperation
b) Climate change
c) Trade policies
d) Cultural exchange
Answer: b - What depends on diplomatic efforts?
a) Economic sanctions
b) Treaty’s evolution or collapse
c) Military action
d) Water wars
Answer: b
20 Vocabulary Words with Synonyms and Antonyms
- Abeyance – Synonyms: Suspension, pause; Antonyms: Continuation, enforcement
- Bilateral – Synonyms: Mutual, reciprocal; Antonyms: Unilateral, one-sided
- Contention – Synonyms: Dispute, conflict; Antonyms: Agreement, harmony
- Culminated – Synonyms: Concluded, peaked; Antonyms: Began, started
- Decay – Synonyms: Deterioration, decline; Antonyms: Growth, improvement
- Diplomatic – Synonyms: Tactful, polite; Antonyms: Rude, hostile
- Equitable – Synonyms: Fair, just; Antonyms: Unfair, biased
- Invocation – Synonyms: Calling, appeal; Antonyms: Rejection, dismissal
- Landmark – Synonyms: Milestone, turning point; Antonyms: Minor event, setback
- Mediated – Synonyms: Negotiated, arbitrated; Antonyms: Ignored, opposed
- Modification – Synonyms: Adjustment, alteration; Antonyms: Preservation, retention
- Overhaul – Synonyms: Revamp, renovation; Antonyms: Neglect, deterioration
- Reliance – Synonyms: Dependence, trust; Antonyms: Independence, disbelief
- Renegotiation – Synonyms: Reconsideration, revision; Antonyms: Acceptance, finality
- Resilience – Synonyms: Durability, strength; Antonyms: Weakness, fragility
- Strain – Synonyms: Tension, pressure; Antonyms: Ease, relaxation
- Triumph – Synonyms: Victory, success; Antonyms: Defeat, failure
- Upheaval – Synonyms: Disruption, turmoil; Antonyms: Stability, peace
- Vulnerability – Synonyms: Weakness, exposure; Antonyms: Strength, protection
- Yielded – Synonyms: Produced, gave; Antonyms: Withheld, retained
Poem by Robert Frost: “The Road Not Taken”
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
MCQs for “The Road Not Taken”
- What setting is described at the beginning?
a) A dark forest
b) A yellow wood
c) A mountain path
d) A riverbank
Answer: b - Why did the speaker hesitate?
a) Unable to choose a path
b) Fear of the dark
c) Lack of time
d) Bad weather
Answer: a - What literary device is used in “wanted wear”?
a) Personification
b) Metaphor
c) Alliteration
d) Simile
Answer: a (Personification gives the path human-like desire.) - What does the speaker plan to do with the first road?
a) Travel it immediately
b) Keep it for another day
c) Ignore it forever
d) Share it with others
Answer: b - What emotion is implied by the word “sigh”?
a) Joy
b) Regret or reflection
c) Anger
d) Excitement
Answer: b - What is the poem’s central theme?
a) Nature’s beauty
b) Individual choice and its impact
c) Travel adventures
d) Friendship
Answer: b
Poem by John Keats: “Ode to a Nightingale”
My heart aches, and a drowsy numbness pains
My sense, as though of hemlock I had drunk,
Or emptied some dull opiate to the drains
One minute past, and Lethe-wards had sunk:
’Tis not through envy of thy happy lot,
But being too happy in thine happiness,
That thou, light-winged Dryad of the trees,
In some melodious plot
Of beechen green, and shadows numberless,
Singest of summer in full-throated ease.
O, for a draught of vintage! that hath been
Cool’d a long age in the deep-delved earth,
Tasting of Flora and the country green,
Dance, and Provençal song, and sunburnt mirth!
O for a beaker full of the warm South,
Full of the true, the blushful Hippocrene,
With beaded bubbles winking at the brim,
And purple-stained mouth;
That I might drink, and leave the world unseen,
And with thee fade away into the forest dim:
MCQs for “Ode to a Nightingale”
- What sensation does the speaker feel at the start?
a) Joy
b) Aches and numbness
c) Excitement
d) Fear
Answer: b - What is compared to the nightingale?
a) A flower
b) A light-winged Dryad
c) A river
d) A cloud
Answer: b - What literary device is used in “beaded bubbles winking”?
a) Metaphor
b) Personification
c) Simile
d) Hyperbole
Answer: b (Personification gives bubbles human-like action of winking.) - What does the speaker desire to drink?
a) Water
b) Vintage or Hippocrene
c) Hemlock
d) Opiate
Answer: b - What mood is created by the reference to Lethe?
a) Happiness
b) Forgetfulness or death
c) Anger
d) Hope
Answer: b - What is the poem’s main theme?
a) Nature’s beauty
b) Escape and longing
c) War and conflict
d) Love and romance
Answer: b
