UPSC Mains 2016 GS1 Q18 — Indus Water Treaty

• A concise factual summary of the 1960 treaty's core division of rivers (Western vs Eastern).
• Impact of climate change and melting glaciers on the sustainability of the treaty's terms (Ecological).
• Analysis of underutilized potential in hydro-power and irrigation versus the cost of maintaining the status quo (Economic).
• The evolution of the treaty from a technical agreement to a strategic tool in 'water diplomacy' following border tensions (Political).
• The 2023 notice for modification and its relevance to current geopolitical realities.

• Spending 100+ words simply listing the names of rivers and historical dates instead of focusing on the 'implications'.
• Treating the treaty as a static document while ignoring recent developments like India’s notice to Pakistan for modification.
• Neglecting the 'ecological' aspect by only focusing on war, terrorism, and political rhetoric.
• Failing to mention the World Bank’s role as a signatory and its mediation challenges in the current climate.

Allocate 30-40 words for the 'account' (background/river division). Devote 120 words equally across the three implications (40 each for ecological, economic, and political). Use the final 40 words to synthesize how changing bilateral relations (like the shift from 'patience' to 'modification') redefine the treaty's future.