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Ganga Rejuvenation: Projects, Standards, and Basin Strategy     1. Namami Gange began in June 2014 as an integrated mission for pollution abatement, conservation, and rejuvenation of National River Ganga. 2. The programme originally had ₹20,000 crore outlay up to March 2021, later extended to March 2026 with ₹22,500 crore. 3. For 2025–26, the National Ganga Plan has an outlay of ₹3,400 crore to expand treatment and improve water quality. 4. The stated aim includes achieving prescribed bathing standards through stronger sewage treatment and industrial discharge regulation by 2025. 5. The Ganga basin is India’s largest, covering about 27% land area and supporting nearly 47% of the population. 6. The basin spans more than 11 states, with around 65.57% land under agriculture and 3.47% under water bodies. 7. Despite high precipitation share, the basin remains highly water-stressed, reflecting low per-capita rainwater availability. 8. Rejuvenation vision emphasizes Aviral Dhara, Nirmal Dhara, and protection of geological and ecological integrity. 9. Basin management planning follows an integrated river-basin approach with multi-sectoral and multi-agency interventions. 10. Four intervention pillars include pollution abatement, ecological flow improvement, people–river connect, and research-policy support. 11. By 31 January 2025, 492 projects worth ₹40,121.48 crore had been initiated under the mission framework. 12. Of these, 307 projects were completed and operational, indicating substantial progress across multiple intervention areas. 13. Sewage infrastructure remains central: 206 projects were initiated with ₹33,003.63 crore sanctioned for implementation. 14. Sewerage outcomes include 127 completed projects that directly reduce untreated sewage inflows into the river system. 15. Biodiversity and afforestation actions include 56 projects with over ₹905.62 crore committed, and 39 already completed.     MCQ   1. With reference to the Namami Gange programme, consider the following statements: 1. It was approved as an integrated conservation mission in June 2014. 2. It was approved as a flagship programme by the Union Government. 3. Its twin objectives include pollution abatement and rejuvenation of the Ganga. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 2. The extended budgetary outlay of the Namami Gange Programme up to March 2026 is: (a) ₹20,000 crore (b) ₹22,500 crore (c) ₹3,400 crore (d) ₹40,121.48 crore 3. The financial outlay mentioned for the National Ganga Plan for the year 2025–26 is: (a) ₹905.62 crore (b) ₹3,400 crore (c) ₹22,500 crore (d) ₹33,003.63 crore 4. The Ganga River Basin is described as: (a) Covering about 47% of India’s land mass and supporting 27% population (b) Covering about 27% of India’s land mass and supporting about 47% population (c) Covering about 11% of India’s land mass and supporting about 65.57% population (d) Covering about 27% of India’s land mass and supporting about 27% population 5. As per the given description, the majority share of the Ganga basin land-use is under: (a) Water bodies (b) Agriculture (c) Forests (d) Urban settlements 6. The trio of terms most directly linked to the stated vision of Ganga rejuvenation is: (a) Jal Shakti, Swachhata, Sanitation (b) Aviral Dhara, Nirmal Dhara, Ecological integrity (c) Carbon neutrality, Circularity, Climate resilience (d) Flood control, Inland navigation, Hydropower 7. The Ganga River Basin Management Plan (GRBMP) is stated to be developed by: (a) A consortium of seven IITs (b) A consortium of seven IIMs (c) A consortium of seven Central Universities (d) A consortium of seven national laboratories 8. Match the following intervention pillars: List-I A. Nirmal Ganga B. Aviral Ganga C. Jan Ganga D. Gyan Ganga List-II 1. Pollution abatement 2. Improving ecology and flow 3. People–river connect 4. Research and policy support Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4 (b) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4 (c) A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4 (d) A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4 9. As of 31 January 2025, the total number of projects launched and their value were: (a) 307 projects worth ₹40,121.48 crore (b) 492 projects worth ₹40,121.48 crore (c) 492 projects worth ₹33,003.63 crore (d) 206 projects worth ₹40,121.48 crore 10. As of 31 January 2025, the number of completed and operational projects was: (a) 127 (b) 206 (c) 307 (d) 492 11. Consider the following statements: 1. Sewage infrastructure projects initiated were 206 in number. 2. Funds sanctioned for sewage infrastructure projects were ₹33,003.63 crore. 3. Completed sewerage projects were 127 in number. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 12. The recently approved project in Varanasi included interception and diversion of the Durga Drain and construction of a sewage treatment plant of: (a) 17 MLD (b) 60 MLD (c) 75 MLD (d) 127 MLD 13. The Varanasi project mentioned is stated to be based on: (a) DBOT model (b) EPC model (c) Hybrid annuity model (d) TOT model 14. The approved initiative to prevent untreated sewage from entering Varuna in Bhadohi includes STPs of capacities: (a) 60, 17 and 5 MLD (b) 20, 6.25 and 4.5 MLD (c) 17, 5 and 3 MLD (d) 75, 60 and 3 MLD 15. With reference to biodiversity and afforestation under the programme, consider the following statements: 1. 56 projects were undertaken with funding commitment over ₹905.62 crore. 2. 39 such projects have been successfully concluded. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2        

India’s Groundwater Revival: Recharge Gains, Quality Challenges, and Key Management Initiatives   “We must adopt the mantra of ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recharge, and Recycle’ to secure the nation’s water future” ~Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi     1. Total annual groundwater recharge increased by 15 billion cubic meters in 2024, while annual extraction declined by 3 billion cubic meters compared with 2017. 2. Dynamic groundwater assessment 2024 estimates total annual recharge at 446.90 BCM, extractable resources at 406.19 BCM, and annual extraction at 245.64 BCM for planning. 3. Improved groundwater conditions were recorded in 128 assessment units compared with 2023, reflecting benefits from water bodies, tanks, conservation structures, and better management locally. 4. Recharge from tanks, ponds, and water control systems rose by 0.39 BCM in 2024 relative to 2023, continuing an upward trend nationwide for resilience. 5. Between 2017 and 2024, recharge from tanks, ponds and water control systems increased by 11.36 BCM, from 13.98 to 25.34 BCM overall over time. 6. Assessment units in the Safe category rose from 62.6% in 2017 to 73.4% in 2024, indicating broader sustainability gains across regions in many basins. 7. Over-exploited assessment units declined from 17.24% in 2017 to 11.13% in 2024, signalling reduced stress on aquifers nationwide and improving allocation for users sustainably. 8. Groundwater quality threats include arsenic, fluoride, chloride, uranium, and nitrate, creating serious health risks through direct toxicity and long-term exposure pathways in drinking supplies. 9. Elevated electrical conductivity can indicate agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, or saline intrusion, while iron contamination may cause gastrointestinal issues, requiring careful monitoring and treatment. 10. Groundwater quality assessment uses data from over 15,200 monitoring locations and 4,982 trend stations, supporting identification of critical contamination areas nationwide for timely action. 11. About 81% of groundwater samples are suitable for irrigation; in North-Eastern states, 100% samples were rated excellent for irrigation quality, supporting productivity and livelihoods. 12. MGNREGS includes water conservation and water harvesting works, strengthening rural water security and supporting recharge through community-built infrastructure assets across villages, fields, and commons. 13. Jal Shakti Abhiyan, launched in 2019, is in its fifth phase as Catch the Rain 2024, promoting rainwater harvesting via convergence in rural areas. 14. Atal Bhujal Yojana targets water-stressed gram panchayats in 80 districts across seven states, focusing on participatory groundwater management and demand-side measures with local plans. 15. Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater proposes 1.42 crore recharge and rainwater harvesting structures to harness 185 BCM rainfall through interventions at scale. Ground Water Assessment and Management Initiatives These positive outcomes are the result of collaborative efforts between state and central governments. The Government of India has launched various initiatives to preserve water and ensure its availability for future generations. Key schemes include:   • Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS): Includes water conservation and water harvesting structures, enhancing rural water security. • 15th Finance Commission Grants: Provides financial assistance to states for rainwater harvesting and other water conservation activities. • Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA): Launched in 2019, now in its 5th phase (“Catch the Rain” 2024), focusing on rainwater harvesting and water conservation through convergence. • Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0: Supports rainwater harvesting via stormwater drains and promotes groundwater recharge through ‘Aquifer Management Plans’. • Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs Guidelines: Promotes rainwater harvesting and water conservation through UBBL (Delhi, 2016), MBBL (2016), and URDPFI Guidelines (2014). • Atal Bhujal Yojana (2020): Targets water-stressed Gram Panchayats in 80 districts across 7 states, focusing on participatory groundwater management. • Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY): Expands irrigation coverage and improves water use efficiency via Har Khet Ko Pani and water body rejuvenation components. • Bureau of Water Use Efficiency (BWUE): Set up under the National Water Mission on 20.10.2022 to promote improved water use efficiency across sectors. • Mission Amrit Sarovar (2022): Aims to create or rejuvenate 75 Amrit Sarovars in every district for water harvesting and conservation. • National Aquifer Mapping (NAQUIM): Completed for over 25 lakh sq. km, supporting groundwater recharge planning and conservation strategies. • Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater (2020): Plans for 1.42 crore rainwater harvesting and recharge structures to harness 185 BCM of rainfall. • CGWB Demonstration Projects: Implements artificial recharge projects under regulation schemes to enable replication by states in suitable hydro-geological settings. • National Water Policy (2012): Advocates rainwater harvesting, water conservation, and augmentation of availability through direct use of rainfall. • Watershed Development Component of PMKSY (WDC-PMKSY): Focuses on rainfed and degraded lands with soil conservation, rainwater harvesting, and livelihoods development. • National Water Awards (2018): Recognizes contributions to water conservation and management; 6th National Water Awards application deadline extended to 31 January 2025.     MCQ:   1. With reference to groundwater trends in 2024, consider the following statements: 1. Total annual groundwater recharge increased compared to the 2017 assessment. 2. Annual groundwater extraction declined compared to the 2017 assessment. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 2. As per the dynamic groundwater assessment 2024, the total annual groundwater recharge is assessed at: A. 245.64 BCM B. 406.19 BCM C. 446.90 BCM D. 15 BCM 3. As per the dynamic groundwater assessment 2024, the extractable groundwater resource is assessed at: A. 245.64 BCM B. 406.19 BCM C. 446.90 BCM D. 128 BCM 4. As per the dynamic groundwater assessment 2024, the annual groundwater extraction is assessed at: A. 245.64 BCM B. 406.19 BCM C. 446.90 BCM D. 25.34 BCM 5. Improvements in groundwater conditions in 2024, compared to 2023, were recorded in how many assessment units? A. 73 units B. 81 units C. 128 units D. 185 units 6. Recharge from tanks, ponds and water control systems (WCS) in 2024 increased by how much compared to 2023? A. 0.39 BCM B. 3.90 BCM C. 11.36 BCM D. 15.00 BCM 7. Recharge from tanks, ponds and WCS increased from 13.98 BCM in 2017 to 25.34