Latest news with #IWT
News18
10 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Pakistan's 3 Regions See 20% Drop In River Water Flow As India Keeps IWT On Hold
Last Updated: Adding to Pakistan's woes, India plans to link the waters of Indus and Chenab with the Beas and build a 160-km long tunnel to take the water to the heartland till Gangasagar River flows have now dropped significantly in all three major regions of Pakistan, in a direct fallout of India controlling the flow after putting the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance on April 23. Pakistan now desperately awaits the monsoon for some relief. As per Pakistan's official data reviewed by CNN-News18, the cusecs flow of water as on June 20 in Pakistan is almost 20 per cent down compared to same date last year. In the Punjab region of Pakistan, the water flow on June 20 stands at 1,10,500 cusecs, down 20 per cent from 1,30,800 cusecs on June 20 last year. Not just Punjab, water flow is down in the key region of Sindh now. The water flow in Sindh is at 1,33,000 cusecs, down from 1,70,000 cusecs on the same date last year. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, the water flow is down to 2,600 cusecs on June 20 from 2,900 cusecs on the same day last year. The situation in Pakistan is clearly grave, especially for the late Kharif season from June till September. Pakistan had anticipated a 21% water shortage due to India's steps in the Kharif season — the shortage has now almost reached that level, the latest data shows. India is planning to link the waters of Indus and Chenab with the Beas and build a 160-km long tunnel to take the water to the heartland till Gangasagar. This could make the situation even more difficult for Pakistan in the days to come. PAKISTAN'S REQUESTS In a statement last month, Pakistan said a 'crisis had been created by Indian short supplies in Chenab River", and this would lead to shortages in the Kharif season. Pakistan has so far sent four letters expressing concerns over the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and urging India to reconsider the decision. India has made it clear that the treaty would remain in abeyance and that 'water and blood cannot flow together". Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on May 27 that the people of India had a right to water. 'Should they get their rightful share of water or not? And I haven't done much yet. Right now, we have said that we have kept it (Indus Waters Treaty) in abeyance. They are terrified there, and we have started cleaning by opening the dam a little bit; we are removing the rubbish that was there," the PM had said in Gujarat. WHY THE TREATY WAS PUT IN ABEYANCE India and Pakistan signed the Indus Waters Treaty in 1960, with the World Bank as an additional signatory. The pact sought to divide the water of the Indus river and its tributaries equitably between the two countries. Under the treaty, water from three eastern rivers—Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej—was allocated to India, and that from the three western rivers—Chenab, Indus, and Jhelum—to Pakistan. The treaty also permitted both nations to use the other's rivers for certain purposes, such as small hydroelectric projects that require little or no water storage. 'I want to tell the new generation how the country has been ruined. The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960. If you go into its details, you will be shocked. It has even been decided that the cleaning work of the dams built on other rivers of Jammu and Kashmir will not be done. Desilting will not be done. The gates downstream for cleaning will not be opened. These gates were not opened for 60 years, and the water that should have been filled with 100% water gradually reduced to 2-3%," the PM had said. About the Author Aman Sharma Aman Sharma, Executive Editor - National Affairs at CNN-News18, and Bureau Chief at News18 in Delhi, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Minister's More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : india Pakistan Indus Waters Treaty news18 specials Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 20, 2025, 13:24 IST News india Pakistan's 3 Regions See 20% Drop In River Water Flow As India Keeps IWT On Hold | Exclusive
Business Recorder
17 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
KHCL seeks LoS extension for $2.5bn Kohala hydropower project till Sept 2027
ISLAMABAD: Kohala Hydro Company Limited (KHCL) has requested an extension of its Letter of Support (LoS) for the $2.5 billion, 1,124 MW run-of-the-river Kohala Hydropower Project until September 30, 2027. The extension is aimed at ensuring the continued establishment of Pakistan's existing use of water rights under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). In a letter to the Managing Director of the Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB), KHCL CEO Liu Yonggang emphasized that the IWT, signed in 1960 between Pakistan and India with World Bank mediation, grants Pakistan rights to use the waters of the Western Rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. Specifically, Article III (1) and (2) of the Treaty affirms Pakistan's right to utilize the waters of the Jhelum River for hydroelectric power generation. The IWT outlines the rights and obligations of both countries concerning the use of these rivers. Article III (4), read in conjunction with Annexure D, stipulates that any storage works by India on Jhelum tributaries, where Pakistan has agricultural or hydroelectric use, must be designed to avoid adversely affecting Pakistan's existing uses. Kohala Hydropower Project: Chinese co urges Pakistan govt to extend LoS KHCL argues that timely development of the 1,124 MW Kohala Hydropower Project is strategically essential for Pakistan to establish and protect its prior rights to the use of water from the Jhelum tributary. Continuation of the LoS and the Water Use Agreement with KHCL, it asserts, will help secure Pakistan's rights under the Treaty. According to the CEO, the project—being developed by a Chinese state-owned enterprise—is fully aligned with Pakistan's sovereign rights under the IWT. The letter also draws reference to the legal dispute between Pakistan and India over the Kishenganga Dam Project. In that case, the Court of Arbitration (COA) under the IWT evaluated whether India's diversion of water from one tributary to another was lawful. The COA sided with India, ruling that only those Pakistani uses existing at the time of notification were protected. Pakistan's future or planned uses, such as the Neelum-Jhelum project (which was not operational at the time), were not deemed protected. Based on this precedent, KHCL stresses that any delay in advancing the Kohala HPP could jeopardize Pakistan's ability to assert and protect its water rights, thereby opening the door for further Indian upstream interventions. The company contends that the IWT mandates Pakistan to develop infrastructure on the Western Rivers to safeguard its riparian rights, provided that existing use—whether agricultural or hydroelectric—is clearly established. International customary law, such as the 1997 UN Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses, also underscores the importance of recognizing 'existing and planned uses' of water in equitable utilization. KHCL further argues that the project's inclusion under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) adds vital geopolitical and economic significance. The involvement of Chinese state-owned enterprises brings international weight and enhances deterrence against any unauthorized alteration of the water regime by India. Given recent tensions, including India's unilateral and illegal suspension of the IWT and attempts to weaponize water from the Western and Eastern rivers, KHCL emphasized the need for Pakistan to respond proactively. The PPIB Board, in its 144thmeeting held on September 18, 2024, approved the extension of the LoS for the Kohala HPP until September 30, 2027. KHCL has since fulfilled all PPIB-mandated conditions, including the timely submission of a $5.62 million performance guarantee. KHCL has now urgently requested the issuance of a formal notification of the LoS extension to avoid loss of project momentum and to formally establish Pakistan's existing hydroelectric use on the Jhelum tributary—critical for protection under the IWT, unlike in the Neelum-Jhelum case. In view of the legal, strategic, and economic factors, KHCL has reiterated its request to PPIB for immediate issuance of the formal LoS extension notification, to secure Pakistan's water rights and broader national interests. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
NDTV
a day ago
- Health
- NDTV
Japanese Walking Technique Is The Latest Health Trend For All The Right Reasons: 10 Notable Health Benefits
The Japanese Walking Technique, specifically referred to as Interval Walking Training (IWT), is a scientifically-backed fitness method developed by Japanese researchers to improve cardiovascular and metabolic health. It involves alternating short bursts of fast walking (at about 70–85% of your maximum effort) for around 3 minutes, followed by 3 minutes of slow, relaxed walking, repeated in cycles for about 30 minutes total. This on-off style of walking is highly effective for boosting stamina, burning calories, and improving heart and lung function. Unlike regular walking, IWT introduces intensity variation that challenges the body to adapt and recover repeatedly, making it a low-impact yet powerful workout that is particularly suitable for all age groups, including seniors. In this article, we share a list of benefits you can achieve from this walking technique. 10 Notable health benefits of the Japanese walking technique (IWT) 1. Improves cardiovascular health IWT strengthens the heart by increasing and lowering heart rate through intervals, much like HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training). This helps lower blood pressure and improves overall heart efficiency, reducing the risk of heart disease. 2. Increases endurance and stamina By regularly switching between fast and slow walking, IWT trains your body to recover quickly and sustain longer periods of physical activity. Over time, this boosts aerobic capacity and overall energy levels. 3. Enhances metabolic function IWT can significantly improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. It helps manage blood sugar levels effectively, making it beneficial for people with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes. 4. Promotes fat loss The burst of fast-paced walking increases calorie burn, while the recovery phase keeps the metabolism elevated. Studies in Japan have shown that participants practicing IWT lost more body fat compared to those doing only moderate-paced walking. 5. Builds lower body strength The fast walking intervals engage muscles in the legs, glutes, and hips more intensively. This repeated engagement strengthens the lower body, improves joint function, and enhances balance. 6. Supports mental well-being The physical exertion followed by short recovery gives a sense of rhythm and achievement. This has been linked to reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression and boosts in mood and cognitive sharpness. 7. Reduces risk of age-related decline IWT has shown to increase physical performance in older adults. It improves walking speed, reaction time, and balance, reducing the risk of falls and promoting healthy aging. 8. Lowers risk of lifestyle diseases Japanese studies have associated IWT with lower incidence of hypertension, obesity, and high cholesterol. By improving multiple health markers, IWT acts as a preventive tool for chronic illnesses. 9. Improves lung capacity The repeated effort required during fast intervals enhances oxygen intake and respiratory strength. This can benefit people with mild respiratory concerns and those looking to improve VO2 max (a measure of aerobic fitness). 10. Time-efficient and sustainable Unlike intense gym workouts, IWT requires no equipment and can be done in parks or sidewalks. With just 30 minutes a day, 3–4 times a week, it delivers measurable results without being too demanding, making it highly sustainable in the long run. It's absolutely healthy and is even used in clinical settings in Japan to treat and prevent lifestyle-related diseases. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
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First Post
3 days ago
- Business
- First Post
Another blow to Pak? How 113-km canal will divert waters from Indus river system to 3 Indian states
India is planning to build a 113 km-long canal to redirect the surplus flow of the three western rivers of the Indus water system from Jammu and Kashmir to Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. A feasibility study is reportedly underway. This comes amid New Delhi's efforts to utilise its share of waters from the Indus river system, preventing the flow to Pakistan read more A view of Baglihar Dam, also known as Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project, on the Chenab river which flows from Kashmir into Pakistan, at Chanderkote in Jammu region May 6, 2025. File Photo/Reuters India has intensified efforts to better utilise its share of the waters from the Indus River system. As per reports, New Delhi is conducting a feasibility study to construct a 113 km-long canal to divert the surplus flow of the three western rivers of the Indus system from Jammu and Kashmir to its other northern states. The move comes amid tensions between India and Pakistan. After the April 22 Pahalgam massacre, New Delhi suspended the decades-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). India blames Pakistan for the terror attack, a charge denied by Islamabad. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Prime Minister Narendra Modi previously vowed that Pakistan would not get water from rivers that India controls. 'Pakistan will have to pay a heavy price for every terrorist attack … Pakistan's army will pay it. Pakistan's economy will pay it,' Modi said at a public event in Rajasthan in May. Let's take a closer look. India to build 113 km-long canal India is carrying out a feasibility study to build a 113 km-long canal for redirecting surplus flows from Jammu and Kashmir to Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. As part of New Delhi's plan for inter-basin water transfers, the canal will divert water from the Indus River system, reported Times of India (TOI). According to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), India controls the eastern rivers of Sutlej, Ravi and Beas, while Pakistan controls the western rivers — Jhelum, Chenab, and Indus. The deal was brokered by the World Bank between New Delhi and Islamabad on September 19, 1960. The proposed canal will link Chenab with Sutlej, Ravi and Beas rivers, ensuring the full use of the eastern rivers under the Indus Waters Treaty. The step will also facilitate India to utilise its entire allocated share in the western rivers, stopping the additional flow of water to Pakistan, as per the newspaper report. The plan is in its initial stages, with the construction of the canal expected to be finished in the next three years, sources told NDTV. It is also being mulled to connect the canal to the Yamuna River, which would increase the length of the structure to 200 kilometres. If this happens, the water can then be transported to Gangasagar in Rajasthan via Yamuna. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On Saturday (June 14), Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, 'Indus waters will be taken to Rajasthan's Ganganagar through canals within three years.' He further warned that Pakistan will be left 'craving for every drop of water'. The Chenab-Ravi-Beas-Sutlej link could connect the existing canal structures at 13 locations across Jammu, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, carrying water to the Indira Gandhi canal (Sutlej-Beas), TOI reported, citing sources. ALSO READ: After Baglihar, India may halt water flow from Kishanganga dam: Will Pakistan run dry? How the canal will benefit Indian states The proposed canal, which will divert water from J&K, is expected to benefit India's northern places, such as Haryana, Punjab, Delhi and Rajasthan. 'This internal reallocation would strengthen India's water resilience in the face of climate variability and changing rainfall patterns,' Uttam Sinha, senior fellow Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), told TOI. India tightens control on Indus water system After putting the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 'in abeyance', India has taken several measures to prevent the flow of water from the country to Pakistan. India has halted water flow to Pakistan through the Jammu and Kashmir's Baglihar dam on the Chenab River. It also began flushing and desilting of the reservoir of the Salal dam, the run-of-the-river hydroelectric project on the Chenab River. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Labourers walk on a bridge near the 450-megawatt hydropower project located at Baglihar Dam on the Chenab river which flows from Kashmir into Pakistan, at Chanderkote, about 145 km north of Jammu October 10, 2008. File Photo/Reuters India is mulling extending the length of the Ranbir canal on the Chenab to 120km. 'There is also a proposal to double the length of the existing Ranbir canal, drawing water from the Chenab, from 60 km to 120 km. Efforts will also be made based on the feasibility report to use Pratap canal to its full capacity,' an official was quoted as saying by TOI. This comes after PM Modi directed officials to speed up planning and execution of projects on the Chenab, Jhelum and Indus rivers — which come under Pakistan's control, Reuters reported last month. India is reportedly considering expanding the capacity of hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir, from 3,360 megawatts (MW) to 12,000 MW. The Centre also plans to revive the multipurpose project on the Ujh river in J&K for irrigation and hydro power to better utilise Indus river waters. With inputs from agencies
Tom's Guide
4 days ago
- Health
- Tom's Guide
10,000 steps or Japanese walking? We ask the experts if you should be walking further or faster
Walking workouts are all the rage right now, with the Japanese walking workout making headlines for it's promise to burn fat and lower blood pressure. (You can read what happened when I tried Japanese walking for a week here.) But should you be focusing on walking further, or walking faster if you want to get fitter and stronger? To find out more, we asked an expert. As always, when it comes to taking on a new workout routine, remember to always seek guidance from a qualified professional if you're returning from an injury, or pregnancy. The Novablast 5 are our favorite running shoes overall. They come in a variety of colors, are great for runners or walkers of all levels, and deliver an impressive mix of comfort, responsiveness, and versatility. The answer to this question depends on your goals and how much time you have to play with, explains Alex Kirkup-Lee, a personal trainer from Gymshark. If you're looking to boost your cardiovascular fitness and endurance, heading out for a longer walk might be the best option. 'Steady-state walks are great for building a consistent routine and fat-burning, especially if you have an hour or so available to spend.' In order to get the most out of your workout, you'll need to ensure you're walking at a decent pace. This will vary depending on your age and fitness level, but as a general rule, you should be walking at an effort of around four or five out of ten. (One of the best fitness trackers can help you maintain a steady pace.) You should be able to sustain the effort for the entire walk and keep your heart rate raised. You shouldn't be out of breath — as a maker, you should be able to hold a conversation with someone walking next to you, but this isn't a relaxed stroll. The Japanese Interval Walking Training (IWT) method is nothing new — you're simply mixing intervals of faster-paced walking with low-intensity walks. Studies have found IWT has several health benefits. After three months of doing a 30-minute interval walk three times a week, participants had lower blood pressure and cholesterol, increased leg strength, and more aerobic capacity than those who walked continuously at a moderate pace for the same time. 'If you're short on time, picking up the pace during shorter sessions, like intervals, can be more effective in less time, as it raises your heart rate quicker and helps you burn more calories. This makes the walk feel more like a workout,' Kirkup-Lee says. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. 'If you're looking to build muscle through walking, adding inclines and wearing a light backpack or weighted vest can help to engage your glutes and legs, strengthening and toning the lower body over time,' says Kirkup-Lee. Rucking is all the rage at the moment, but you don't need expensive equipment to give it a go — simply grab one of the best adjustable dumbbells and put it in a comfortable backpack to increase the intensity of your walks. Or head to the gym and try the 12-3-30 treadmill workout. 'While walking alone won't build muscle mass in the same way as weight training, it can still contribute to muscle definition, especially when paired with varied terrain and additional load.' The truth is, walking further and walking faster is ideal. 'I've found that mixing longer walks with shorter, faster-paced ones around your weekly routine can give you the best of both worlds,' Kirkup-Lee explains. Slower, longer walks, where your heart rate stays in zone 2 (a level of heart rate training categorised as 60 to 70 percent of your heart rate max), can help you build fitness and strengthen your heart. At the same time, shorter, faster walks will boost your metabolism and burn more calories. In order to use walking for weight loss, you'll want to ensure you're in a calorie deficit, burning more calories than you consume. One of the best ways to track this is to wear one of the best fitness trackers. Ultimately, walking is a fantastic way to boost your physical and mental health, so the best walking workout will be the one you enjoy the most. Consistency is key, so whether that's longer hikes with a friend or a shorter fartlek walking workout around the park, find what works for you and your body, and get walking!
