Current Affairs for IAS Exams - 25 May 2015

Current Affairs for IAS Exams – 25 May 2015

Although India is set to become water scarce country by 2025 due to demand-supply mis-match, the water sector is expected to see investment of $13 billion from overseas players in the next few years, a new study has said.
“With increasing household income and increasing contributions from the service and industrial sectors, the water demand in the domestic and industrial sectors increasing substantially,” says a study conducted by EA Water, a leading consulting firm in water sector.
Nearly 70 per cent of country’s irrigation and 80 per cent of domestic water use comes from groundwater, which is rapidly depleting.
However, overseas players from Canada, Israel, Germany, Italy, United States, China and Belgium see big investment opportunity worth $13 billion in the domestic water sector. “The industry is expected to receive Rs. 18,000 crore in the next three years,” the report said.
The country provides huge opportunities across the spectrum in infrastructure development for water supply and wastewater management.
The industrial market is going to be the big opportunity till 2020, with growth in wastewater recycling and industrial water treatment, the report said.
Maharashtra is emerging as a hub for the water sector. Over 12 international companies have already set up design and engineering centres in Mumbai and Pune.

The United States led criticism of Russia’s new law targeting “undesirable” NGOs, which activists fear will stifle critical voices at international rights groups working in the country.
Under the law signed by President Vladimir Putin on Saturday evening, Russian prosecutors will be able to target foreign groups whose “undesirable activities” are deemed to threaten “state security”.
Such groups and their publications risk being banned in Russia, having their bank accounts blocked and violators face fines or prison terms of up to six years.

Pakistan pulled off a sensational last-over win by two wickets in the second Twenty20 international against Zimbabwe in Lahore to take the two-match series 2-0.
With 12 needed off the last over, No. 10 Bilawal Bhatti hit a six and four besides taking a double to help Pakistan overhaul a stiff 176-run target in 19.4 overs. Opener Mukhtar Ahmed hit his second consecutive fifty during his 40-ball 62.
Zimbabwe was lifted to 175 for three by Sean Williams who hit a rapid 32-ball 58 not out.