Today's School Announcements (August 14, 2025): Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister, Headed to Russia; Keep Informed on Domestic, Foreign, Sports, and Relevant Education Updates
In the daily news at school assemblies, students are learning about the Indus Waters Treaty, a six-decade-old agreement between India and Pakistan that is currently under severe strain.
The word of the day is "Persevere," meaning to continue doing something or trying to achieve something despite difficulty or delays. An example given is, "Even when facing tough challenges, remember to persevere and never give up on your dreams." This sentiment seems particularly fitting as we delve into the complexities of the Indus Waters Treaty.
As of mid-August 2025, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty following a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir attributed by India to Pakistan. Pakistan denies involvement but has responded sharply, warning that any attempts by India to stop or divert water flows governed by the treaty would be considered an "act of war" and met with full force.
India's suspension of cooperation under the treaty was first initiated in April 2025 after the Pahalgam attack. Since then, India has accelerated hydropower projects on the western rivers (Chenab, Jhelum, Indus) that Pakistan depends on, raising environmental and geopolitical concerns.
Pakistan has welcomed recent rulings by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) related to Indian hydropower projects, stipulating strict compliance with treaty provisions. However, India has rejected the PCA's jurisdiction, insisting disputes should be resolved through the treaty’s neutral expert mechanism. This disagreement has deepened tensions.
Pakistan’s leadership has issued strong warnings, emphasizing water's critical importance for its 240 million people, and considering any interference with water flows as a direct threat. The region faces environmental challenges: receding Himalayan glaciers, changing monsoon patterns, and flash floods intensify water scarcity risks in Pakistan, impacting food security and social stability—further complicating India-Pakistan water disputes.
China has supported Pakistan’s position, condemning India’s suspension of the treaty as coercive and signaling potential leverage over water flows from shared rivers such as the Brahmaputra, which further escalates regional geopolitical stakes.
In other news, India's Gulveer Singh breaks his own national record in the men's 3000m event at the Gyulai Istvan Memorial in Budapest. Meanwhile, UPI transactions in India reach a historic high of 1,946.79 crore in July 2025, with a total payment value of Rs 261 lakh crore. Shubman Gill tops the ICC ODI rankings with 784 points, with Rohit Sharma in second place, showcasing India's dominance in batting and global talent.
Stay informed about world happenings, for knowledge is power. The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.
References: 1. The Diplomat 2. Al Jazeera 3. The Hindu 4. The Express Tribune 5. The Wire
Pursuing further education and self-development can provide valuable insights into the complexities of global geopolitics, as demonstrated by the ongoing Indus Waters Treaty crisis between India and Pakistan. Persevering in understanding this situation can equip us to contribute to finding potential solutions, considering the dire implications for the regional stability and the 240 million people in Pakistan dependent on the Indus river system.
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