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  • Defence Sector – DPP, Missions, Schemes, Security Forces, etc.

    Arms deals: India moves away from Russia; Pakistan from the U.S

    27 May 2025 | Explained | Security Issues
    Mains Paper 3: External State & Non-State Actors: Challenges To Internal Security.

    Why in the News?

    Recently, India’s Operation Sindoor has put the spotlight on the evolving nature of India and Pakistan’s defence procurement strategies.

    What is the situation of India’s defence import pattern?

    • Russia’s share in Indian defence imports has decreased from 96.5% in the 1990s to 75% in the 2020s.
    • India now imports over 9% from France, 5.5% from the UK, nearly 5% from Israel, and 3% from the US. Over 55% of India’s air-power weapons in the 2020s have come from France, the UK, and Israel, indicating greater reliance on Western technology in a critical combat domain.

    Why is India moving away from Russia?

    • Strategic Diversification: To avoid overdependence on a single supplier, India is diversifying defence partnerships. Eg: India’s growing defence ties with France (e.g., Rafale jets) and the U.S. (e.g., Apache helicopters, Predator drones).
    • Technological Advancement and Reliability: Western nations and Israel offer more advanced, precise, and reliable weapon systems. Eg: Israeli-origin SkyStriker drone used in Operation Sindoor reflects a shift toward high-tech partners.
    • Geopolitical and Logistical Concerns: Sanctions on Russia post-Ukraine war have raised concerns about timely deliveries and spare parts. Eg: India faces delays in Russian S-400 missile system deliveries due to global sanctions and supply chain disruptions.

    What types of foreign weapons did India and Pakistan use during Operation Sindoor?

    • India’s Use of Israeli and Russian Weapons: India deployed Israeli-origin weapons like the SkyStriker drone and Russian-made systems such as the Pechoraand OSA-AK missiles. Eg: The SkyStriker was used for precision strikes, while Pechora missiles were used for air defence.
    • Pakistan’s Use of Chinese and Turkish Systems: Pakistan used Chinese-origin PL-15 missiles and Turkish-origin Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Eg: PL-15, a long-range air-to-air missile, reflects Pakistan’s military dependence on China.

    Why is China now the dominant arms supplier for Pakistan?

    • Strategic Partnership and Regional Alignment: China and Pakistan share a strong geopolitical alliance, rooted in regional rivalry with India. Eg: The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has strengthened military and economic ties.
    • Decline of U.S. Defence Cooperation: Pakistan’s ties with the United States have weakened, especially due to shifting U.S. strategic priorities and concerns over terrorism. Eg: The U.S. share in Pakistan’s arms imports dropped from 67% in the 2000s to 0.85% in the 2020s.
    • Cost-Effective and Tailored Equipment: China offers affordable, adaptable military technology suited to Pakistan’s needs. Eg: Weapons like the JF-17 fighter jet and HQ-9 air defence systems are co-developed or exported specifically for Pakistan.

    Who leads the global arms export market?

    • United States – Global Leader: The United States dominates global arms exports, accounting for over 65% of the world’s exports in the 2020s. Eg: U.S. exports advanced systems like F-35 fighter jets, Patriot missile systems, and drones to allies worldwide.
    • Russia – Declining Influence: Russia’s share has significantly dropped to around 5% due to factors like the Ukraine war, sanctions, and reduced trust. Eg: Former major buyers like India have reduced reliance on Russian defence supplies.
    • China – Minimal Global Share but Focused Exports: China holds less than 2% of global exports but plays a critical regional role, especially with Pakistan. Eg: Nearly 33% of China’s limited arms exports go to Pakistan, highlighting strategic alignment rather than market dominance.

    What is the situation of Indian arms exports? 

    • Emerging Exporter with Limited Share: India is still a minor player in the global arms export market, contributing less than 1% of total global arms exports. Eg: India exports light arms and defence equipment to countries like Vietnam, Myanmar, and African nations.
    • Focus on Indigenous Defence Systems: India is boosting domestic production under initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and Defence Export Policy 2020, aiming to become an exporter. Eg: Systems like Akash missile, Pinaka rocket launcher, and BrahMos (jointly developed with Russia) are promoted for export.

    Way forward: 

    • Accelerate Indigenous Defence Manufacturing: Expand R&D investment and incentivize private sector participation to develop cutting-edge technologies and reduce reliance on imports. Eg: Fast-tracking indigenous programs like AMCA fighter jet and integrating startups under iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence).
    • Forge Strategic Export Alliances: Target defence exports through strategic partnerships and defence diplomacy, focusing on friendly nations in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Eg: Boost exports of systems like BrahMos and Akash missiles through government-to-government deals and defence expos.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2020] What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

    Linkage:  The article talks about the “India and Pakistan Arms Procurement Trends” explicitly notes that India has been gradually reducing its dependence on Russia and increasingly turning to Western countries such as the U.S., France, and the U.K., as well as Israel, for its arms imports.

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  • Waste Management – SWM Rules, EWM Rules, etc

    GEDA invites tenders for Solar Waste recycling to tackle growing e-waste in Gujarat

    27 May 2025 | Explained | Enviro & Biodiversity
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    As India nears 500 GW renewable capacity by 2030, solar waste will surge. Gujarat’s GEDA launches a recycling framework to set standards, promoting sustainable waste management alongside solar growth.

    What is Gujarat aiming to achieve with this solar waste recycling initiative?

    • Standardised Protocols: GEDA aims to formulate robust, eco-friendly, and enforceable protocols for handling solar and electronic waste.
    • Research-Driven Framework: The tender invites organisations to conduct feasibility studies and material recovery experiments, focusing on valuable materials like silicon, silver, copper, aluminum, and rare metals.
    • Focus on PV Technologies: The initiative spans across multiple technologies—crystalline silicon, CdTe, CIGS, and TOPCon cells—each requiring specialised recycling approaches.
    • Dismantling and Worker Safety: It includes drafting of guidelines for safe dismantling, regulatory compliance, and worker safety.

    Why is Gujarat suitable for this initiative?

    • Solar Manufacturing Hub: Gujarat has the highest number of solar module manufacturers in India, creating a large volume of solar waste needing recycling. Eg: Numerous solar factories in Gujarat produce panels, which eventually generate recyclable waste.
    • Large-scale Solar Projects: The state hosts many big solar power plants, leading to significant quantities of end-of-life solar panels. Eg: Gujarat’s extensive solar farms produce damaged or old panels that require eco-friendly disposal methods.
    • Government Support: Gujarat’s proactive policies and agency initiatives foster effective recycling infrastructure and standards. Eg: GEDA’s tender for solar waste recycling research demonstrates the state’s commitment to clean energy sustainability.

    How serious is the solar waste crisis in India?

    • Rapid Growth of Waste: From 100 kilotons in FY2023, India’s solar waste is projected to grow to 340 kilotons by 2030, according to CEEW’s 2024 report.
    • Long-Term Projection: The volume is expected to increase 32-fold between 2030 and 2050.
    • Panel Lifespan Ending: Panels installed during India’s solar boom (2010–2020) are now nearing the end of their 20–25 year lifespan.
    • Infrastructure Deficit: India currently lacks a national solar waste policy, making Gujarat’s move even more critical.

    What are the challenges for India in recycling of E-waste?

    • Informal Sector Dominance: A large portion of e-waste recycling is handled by informal workers using unsafe methods, leading to health risks and environmental damage. Eg: Informal dismantling often involves burning or acid baths to extract metals, releasing toxic fumes.
    • Lack of Infrastructure: Insufficient formal recycling facilities and technology gaps limit efficient and eco-friendly processing of complex e-waste. Eg: Many regions lack certified recycling plants capable of handling advanced electronics like smartphones and solar panels.
    • Weak Enforcement and Awareness: Poor enforcement of regulations and low public awareness hinder proper e-waste collection and disposal. Eg: Consumers often discard e-waste with regular trash due to lack of knowledge or convenient drop-off options.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian government? 

    • Implementation of E-Waste Management Rules: The government has enacted regulations like the E-Waste (Management) Rules to ensure proper collection, recycling, and disposal of electronic waste. Eg: Mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requires manufacturers to take back and recycle e-waste from consumers.
    • Promoting Formal Recycling Infrastructure: Encouraging the development of certified recycling units with environmentally sound processes to handle e-waste safely. Eg: Setting up authorized e-waste recycling centers that use safe dismantling and recovery techniques.
    • Awareness and Capacity Building: Conducting campaigns and training programs to educate stakeholders, including consumers and informal sector workers, about e-waste hazards and management practices. Eg: Government and NGOs organizing workshops for informal recyclers to transition into formal, safer e-waste handling roles.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Policy Enforcement and Infrastructure: Ensure strict implementation of e-waste and solar waste management regulations while investing in advanced, formal recycling infrastructure to enable safe, efficient, and large-scale recovery of valuable materials.
    • Promote Stakeholder Collaboration and Awareness: Enhance coordination between government agencies, industry, and informal workers through capacity building, incentives, and public awareness campaigns to foster sustainable recycling practices and support circular economy goals.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2013] What are the legal provisions for management and handling of hazardous wastes in India? What are the strategies to pollution control?

    Linkage: The GEDA initiative addresses the recycling of both solar waste and electronic waste (e-waste). E-waste often contains hazardous materials, requiring specialized processing. This question directly probes the legal and strategic framework for managing hazardous waste and controlling pollution, which is highly relevant to the challenges posed by growing e-waste and the need for a robust, eco-friendly recycling framework as envisioned by GEDA.

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Africa

    Time for a new India-Africa digital compact

    26 May 2025 | Explained | International Relations
    Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the News?

    Africa Day (May 25) marks the anniversary of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963.In this context, India’s pivot towards digital diplomacy in Africa marks a significant evolution in South-South development cooperation.

    What is the goal of Africa’s Digital Strategy?

    • Accelerate socio-economic development by placing digital innovation at the center of growth — e.g., promoting e-governance, digital education, and telemedicine through national digital platforms.
    • Enable inclusive and sustainable development by encouraging governments to adopt digital solutions aligned with continental initiatives — e.g., the Smart Africa Alliance supports digital transformation across sectors like health, education, and finance.

    How is India supporting Africa’s digital shift?

    • Sharing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): India is sharing scalable and affordable DPI models like Aadhaar (digital ID), UPI (digital payments), and DIKSHA (digital education). Eg: In 2024, the Bank of Namibia partnered with NPCI to develop a UPI-like payment system.
    • Technical Collaboration and Capacity Building: India is collaborating with African countries for technical implementation and skills development. Eg: Togo partnered with IIIT-Bangalore to develop a national digital ID system using India’s open-source technology.
    • Academic and Institutional Support: India is investing in long-term educational infrastructure to build digital talent. Eg: IIT Madras opened its first overseas campus in Zanzibar, offering courses in AI and Data Science.
    • Tele-education and Telemedicine Platforms: Early initiatives like the Pan-African e-Network (2009) provided digital healthcare and education through satellite and fiber-optic systems. Eg: Enabled real-time learning and consultation from Indian institutions across several African nations.
    • Promoting Open-Source and Inclusive Models: India promotes DPI as digital public goods, making them open-source and adaptable, unlike proprietary systems. Eg: Ghana linked its payment system to India’s UPI to facilitate fast and inclusive financial transactions.

    Why is India’s digital diplomacy seen as distinct from that of countries like China or the U.S.?

    • Public Good and Open-Source Model: India promotes its digital platforms as Digital Public Goods (DPGs)—open-source, scalable, and designed for inclusive access, unlike the proprietary models of the U.S. or surveillance-heavy systems of China. Eg: India’s open-source Modular Open-Source Identification Platform adopted by Togo shows its focus on affordability and public benefit.
    • Co-development and Capacity Building: India emphasizes partnership over patronage, focusing on skill-building and co-creating solutions rather than just exporting tech or infrastructure. Eg: The IIT Madras campus in Zanzibar trains African students in AI and Data Science, linking digital growth with education and job creation.
    • Respect for Local Priorities: India’s approach is non-impositional, engaging with African countries based on their needs without attaching strategic conditions, unlike U.S. or China’s often interest-driven engagements. Eg: Countries like Ghana and Zambia adopted India’s DPI voluntarily because it suited their national digital goals—not due to debt obligations or geopolitical pressure.

    What challenges block Africa’s digital growth?

    • High Cost of Digital Access: Expensive data and devices make it difficult for many people, especially in low-income and rural areas, to access digital services. Eg: In several African countries, mobile data costs over 5% of average monthly income, limiting internet usage.
    • Digital Divide and Inequality: There is a significant rural-urban gap in internet connectivity and a gender gap in digital access and literacy. Eg: Women in sub-Saharan Africa are 37% less likely than men to use mobile internet, widening socio-economic disparities.
    • Weak Energy Infrastructure: Reliable electricity is essential for digital services, but many African regions lack consistent power supply, slowing digital infrastructure deployment. Eg: In countries like Nigeria, frequent power outages disrupt digital services and internet reliability.

    Way forward: 

    • Enhance Affordable Access: Invest in low-cost internet infrastructure and subsidize digital devices to bridge the digital divide, especially in rural and underserved communities.
    • Strengthen Energy and Digital Infrastructure: Expand renewable energy solutions and resilient digital networks to ensure reliable connectivity and power for sustained digital growth.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2015]  Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pros and cons. Critically examine.

    Linkage: The emergence of a digital partnership and the idea of an India-Africa digital compact are manifestations of this increasing interest. Examining the pros and cons of such engagement would involve considering various aspects, including digital collaboration.

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  • Trade Sector Updates – Falling Exports, TIES, MEIS, Foreign Trade Policy, etc.

    Trade deals will bring opportunities for Indian agriculture. But there will also be challenges

    26 May 2025 | Explained | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

    Why in the News?

    India achieved record exports of $820.93 billion in FY25, rising 6.5%, but faced growing trade deficits as agriculture lagged, growing only 2.3% yearly despite employing half the workforce.

    What was India’s trade performance in FY25?

    • Total exports (goods + services) reached $820.93 billion, marking a 6.5% increase over FY24.
    • Merchandise exports contributed $437.42 billion (53% of total exports), while services exports contributed $383.51 billion (47%).
    • Imports grew by 6.85% to $915.19 billion, with merchandise imports at $720.24 billion (79%) and services imports at $194.95 billion (21%).
    • The trade deficit widened to $94.26 billion from $78.39 billion in FY24.
    • The trade-to-GDP ratio stood at a robust 41.4%, reflecting India’s deeper integration with global markets.

     

     

    How will Trade deals bring opportunities for Indian agriculture? 

    • Reduced Dependence on Price-Sensitive Markets: Trade deals open new and stable markets for Indian agricultural exports, reducing over-reliance on traditional destinations and shielding against price volatility. Eg: The India-UK FTA could boost exports of premium products like Basmati rice, tea, spices, and processed foods to the UK, which is a high-value market with established Indian diaspora demand.
    • Boost Processed Agricultural Exports: Trade agreements typically reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers, enhancing competitiveness of value-added and processed agri-products, which fetch higher margins. Eg: Under the India-UK FTA, processed foods and marine products can gain better access, enhancing India’s earnings from exports of ready-to-eat meals, seafood, and organic food products.

    Why did agri-export growth slow down over the last decade?

    • Frequent Export Bans and Restrictions: Domestic policies often imposed export bans or curbs on essential commodities like rice, wheat, sugar, and onions to control inflation, disrupting export momentum. Eg: Restrictions on broken rice exports and duties on Basmati rice led to a 27% fall in rice export volume in FY24.
    • Global Price Fluctuations: Agri-exports are heavily influenced by global price trends — when world prices fall, Indian exports lose competitiveness and earnings. Eg: Rice export values declined despite volume recovering after lifting restrictions, due to price volatility.
    • Declining Productivity and Competitiveness: Lack of investment in research, technology, and resource-efficient farming practices lowered growth compared to earlier periods of rapid expansion. Eg: Average annual agri-export growth dropped from 20% (FY05–14) to just 2.3% (FY15–25).

    How did rice export restrictions impact trade and prices?

    • Export Volume Decline: Restrictions like export bans, duties, and minimum export prices caused a sharp drop in rice export volumes. Eg: Rice exports fell by 27% from 22.3 million metric tonnes (MMT) in FY23 to 16.3 MMT in FY24.
    • Global Price Spike: Reduced supply due to restrictions pushed up global rice prices, affecting international markets. Eg: Imposition of export duties and minimum export price (MEP) on Basmati rice led to a spike in global rice prices.
    • Value Impact Less Severe than Volume: Despite the fall in export volume, the value of exports dropped only slightly because of higher prices. Eg: Rice export value fell by only 6% even as volumes dropped 27%, showing price effects cushioned revenue loss.

    What are the environmental risks of rice exports?

    • Water Resource Depletion: Rice cultivation requires large amounts of water, which can strain local water supplies. Eg: In regions like Punjab, intensive rice farming has led to groundwater depletion and lowered water tables.
    • Methane Emissions: Flooded rice paddies emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. Eg: In Southeast Asia, vast rice fields are significant sources of methane emissions impacting global warming.
    • Soil Degradation and Pollution: Continuous rice farming with chemical fertilizers and pesticides can degrade soil quality and contaminate water bodies. Eg: Excessive use of agrochemicals in rice fields in Vietnam has caused soil salinization and river pollution.

    What is the status of edible oil imports? 

    • 2022–23 (November–October): India imported approximately 16.5 million metric tons of edible oils, marking a 17% increase from the previous year. This surge was driven by lower import duties on key oils like palm, soybean, and sunflower oils.
    • 2023–24 (November–October): Imports declined by about 3.1%, totaling 15.96 million metric tons, due to higher domestic oilseed production and reduced demand amid rising global prices.

    The recent reduction in edible oil imports is very small. So, we need to take more steps to further cut down these imports.

    How can India cut edible oil import dependence?

    • Increase Domestic Oilseed Production: Boost cultivation of oilseeds like groundnut, mustard, sunflower, and soybean through better seeds, irrigation, and farmer support. Eg: The “Oilseeds Production Mission” aims to raise domestic output and reduce imports.
    • Promote Sustainable Farming Practices: Encourage crop diversification and intercropping to improve yields and soil health, reducing reliance on imported oils. Eg: States like Madhya Pradesh have successfully adopted intercropping mustard with wheat to increase oilseed production.
    • Develop Processing Infrastructure: Invest in modern oil extraction and refining units to enhance local processing capacity and reduce post-harvest losses. Eg: Setting up mega oilseed processing clusters in regions like Rajasthan to strengthen the supply chain and self-reliance.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Oilseed Ecosystem: Enhance productivity through quality seeds, MSP support, and targeted R&D under national missions like the Oil Palm and Oilseeds Mission.
    • Build Agro-Processing Capacity: Invest in decentralized, modern oilseed processing units to reduce wastage, improve value addition, and boost farmer income.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2023] What are the direct and indirect subsidies provided to farm sector in India? Discuss the issues raised by the World Trade Organization(WTO) in relation to agricultural subsidies.

    Linkage: Agricultural subsidies are a key area of contention in international trade negotiations, particularly within the WTO. Trade deals often involve discussions around reducing or reforming subsidies, which presents both a challenge (potential reduction of support for farmers) and an opportunity (creating a more level playing field or accessing new markets if other countries also reduce subsidies) for Indian agriculture.

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  • Monsoon Updates

    A Good Monsoon

    24 May 2025 | Explained | Geography
    Mains Paper 1: Salient Features Of World’S Physical Geography

    Why in the News?

    This May has been unusually wet, with India getting 68.4% more rain than normal. Also, there have been no extreme temperatures or major heatwaves across most parts of the country.

    What caused the wet and cool May in India?

    • Above-Normal Rainfall: India received 68.4% more rainfall than usual for May, making it one of the wettest months in recent times. Eg: 27 out of 36 meteorological subdivisions saw over 20% surplus rain.
    • Frequent Moisture-Laden Winds: Western disturbances from the Mediterranean and incursions from the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea brought continuous showers. Eg: These weather systems caused intermittent thunderstorms across northern and eastern India.
    • Suppression of Heatwaves: Each thunderstorm cooled temperatures, preventing the buildup of heatwaves. Eg: No major heatwave was reported across central and north India during May.

    Why is the formation of heat lows over northwest India important for the monsoon?

    • Creates Suction for Moist Winds: Heat lows act like a vacuum, pulling moisture-laden southwesterly winds from the Indian Ocean into the Indian subcontinent. Eg: Strong heat lows over Rajasthan help trigger early monsoon onset over central India.
    • Drives Monsoon Circulation: These low-pressure areas initiate and sustain the monsoon trough, which is essential for widespread rainfall. Eg: Absence of heat lows can delay or weaken the monsoon across northwest and central India.
    • Influences Rainfall Intensity and Spread: Proper heat low development ensures uniform and timely rainfall, crucial for agriculture. Eg: Weak heat lows in 2015 contributed to a patchy and deficient monsoon season.

    How do El Niño and IOD affect the monsoon?

    • El Niño Weakens Monsoon Winds: El Niño leads to warmer Pacific Ocean waters, which suppresses the Indian monsoon by weakening the low-pressure system over the subcontinent. Eg: The 2015 El Niño caused a 14% rainfall deficit in India.
    • Positive IOD Strengthens Monsoon: A positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) brings warmer waters near Africa and cooler waters near Indonesia, enhancing monsoon winds and rainfall over India. Eg: In 2019, a strong positive IOD offset El Niño’s impact, resulting in above-normal rainfall.

    What would be the impact of monsoon on food inflation? 

    • Good Monsoon Boosts Crop Yields: Adequate rainfall ensures timely sowing and healthy harvests, leading to better food availability and stable prices. Eg: A normal monsoon in 2022 helped moderate cereal price rise.
    • Reduces Dependency on Imports: Sufficient domestic production of staples like wheat and pulses lowers the need for costly imports, helping control food inflation. Eg: In 2024, surplus wheat stock due to good rainfall reduced price pressure.
    • Stabilises Rural Demand and Supply Chains: A healthy monsoon supports rural incomes, improving supply consistency and reducing volatility in food prices. Eg: Strong kharif output in 2021 led to a drop in vegetable prices.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Climate-Responsive Agriculture: Promote drought- and flood-resistant crop varieties and expand irrigation to reduce dependence on erratic monsoons.
    • Enhance Weather Forecasting and Storage Infrastructure: Improve real-time weather alerts and expand warehousing to minimize post-harvest losses and stabilize food prices.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2024] What are the causes of persistent high food inflation in India? Comment on the effectiveness of the monetary policy of the RBI to control this type of inflation.

    Linkage: Understanding the dynamics of food inflation, as required by this question, is essential for appreciating the significant positive economic contribution that a favorable monsoon can make by potentially increasing agricultural output and stabilizing food prices.

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  • North-East India – Security and Developmental Issues

    NE to be gateway for trade with Southeast Asia: Modi

    24 May 2025 | Explained | International Relations
    Mains Paper 2: India & Its Neighborhood – Relations

    Why in the News?

    The Prime Minister said on Friday that the eight states of India’s Northeast are now leading in development and growth, and he encouraged investors to explore opportunities there.

    What did the Prime Minister describe the Northeast region as, and why?

    • Frontrunner of Growth: PM  described the Northeast as no longer a “frontier region”, but a “frontrunner of growth”. Eg: Hosting of the Rising Northeast Summit to attract investment and highlight regional potential.
    • Gateway to Southeast Asia: This aligns with the idea of Northeast as a growth leader because its strategic location makes it a natural gateway for trade with Southeast Asia. Eg: Projects connecting Northeast with Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam under the Act East Policy.
    • Powerhouse of Energy: It is a frontrunner because it is rich in natural resources, making it a “powerhouse of energy”. Eg: Assam’s tea industry and Arunachal Pradesh’s hydroelectric potential.
    • Cultural and Economic Diversity: The region leads in development because its cultural and economic diversity fosters innovation in tourism, crafts, and trade. Eg: Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival promotes both culture and economic activity.
    • Ashta Lakshmis (Eight Goddesses of Wealth): PM called the eight states “Ashta Lakshmis” because each contributes uniquely to India’s prosperity, reinforcing its status as a growth frontrunner. Eg: Government initiatives like NESIDS aim to unlock each state’s economic strengths.

    Why did the Directorate General of Foreign Trade order the closure of land ports with Bangladesh?. 

    • To Provide a Level Playing Field for the Northeast: Goods entering via Bangladesh were bypassing local supply chains, hurting Northeast producers and manufacturers. Eg: Cheaper Bangladeshi products undercutting Assam’s handicrafts and processed food sectors.
    • To Boost Internal Supply Chains and Manufacturing: Closure of land ports encourages the development of local industries and competitive manufacturing within the Northeast. Eg: Promoting local textile and bamboo industries in Tripura and Mizoram to supply regional demands.
    • Strategic Economic Repositioning: Part of a broader effort to reorient the Northeast as a commercial and trade hub within India and toward Southeast Asia. Eg: Integrating Northeast into projects like India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway for long-term trade advantage.

    Which sectors are identified as key economic strengths of the Northeast region?

    • Bio-economy and Natural Resources: The region is rich in bamboo, tea, and petroleum resources. Eg: Assam is a major hub for tea production; Arunachal Pradesh is emerging in bamboo-based industries.
    • Tourism and Eco-tourism: Scenic landscapes, cultural diversity, and biodiversity promote sustainable tourism. Eg: Meghalaya’s living root bridges and Sikkim’s eco-tourism model attract both domestic and international tourists.
    • Sports and Youth Potential: High sports participation and talent make it a center for sports development and allied industries. Eg: Manipur and Mizoram produce national-level athletes in football, boxing, and weightlifting.

    How is India planning to connect the Northeast with Southeast Asia?

    • Infrastructure Development Projects: India is building roads and highways to enhance cross-border connectivity. Eg: The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway aims to link the Northeast to Southeast Asia by road.
    • Multilateral and Bilateral Linkages: Strategic projects are underway to connect Northeast India with ASEAN countries. Eg: Projects to directly connect Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos to India are in progress.
    • Transforming the Region into a Trade Gateway: The Northeast is being positioned as the “gateway for trade” with Southeast Asia. Eg: Investment in border trade hubs and logistics parks in states like Manipur and Mizoram supports trade facilitation.

    Way forward: 

    • Accelerate Infrastructure & Connectivity Projects: Ensure timely completion of highways, rail links, and trade corridors to integrate the Northeast with ASEAN markets and boost regional trade.
    • Promote Local Industries & Skill Development: Strengthen regional supply chains by supporting local entrepreneurship, MSMEs, and skill training aligned with emerging sectors like eco-tourism, agri-business, and clean energy.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2016] Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario.

    Linkage: The “Look East Policy” was the predecessor to the current “Act East” policy. The Act East Policy, which emphasizes the Northeast as a gateway for trade and connectivity with Southeast Asia, is essentially a more action-oriented evolution of the Look East Policy.

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  • Forest Conservation Efforts – NFP, Western Ghats, etc.

    Why India needs stable urban forests

    23 May 2025 | Explained | Enviro & Biodiversity
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

     The Kancha Gachibowli forest in Hyderabad, a rare green space in the city, became the centre of a major legal and environmental fight when the Telangana government planned to turn 400 acres of it into an industrial area.

    What is the significance of urban forests like Kancha Gachibowli in Indian cities?

    • Improve Air Quality and Public Health: Urban forests absorb pollutants like PM 2.5 and PM 10, helping reduce toxic urban air. Eg: Kancha Gachibowli helps combat air pollution in Hyderabad, which often faces high pollution levels.
    • Mitigate Climate Change and Urban Heat: They reduce the urban heat island effect and help control flooding by managing stormwater runoff. Eg: Kancha Gachibowli acts as a natural cooler and flood controller amid Hyderabad’s expanding concrete areas.
    • Support Biodiversity and Provide Recreation: Urban forests preserve habitats for endangered birds and animals and offer residents nature-sensitive spaces for relaxation. Eg: Kancha Gachibowli provides green space and supports local wildlife in the middle of the city.

    Why did the Telangana government face criticism for its decision regarding Kancha Gachibowli?

    • Threat to Urban Forest Land: The government decided to allocate 400 acres of Kancha Gachibowli forest for industrial development, risking the loss of one of Hyderabad’s last urban forests. Eg: This move put 100 acres of trees at risk, which were actually felled before intervention.
    • Allegations of Ignoring Public Concerns: The government claimed ownership over the forest and accused protesting students of being misled by real estate interests, downplaying genuine environmental concerns. Eg: Students and activists protested to protect the forest but were dismissed by the state government.
    • Judicial Reprimand for Environmental Damage: The Supreme Court took notice of the deforestation and reprimanded the Telangana government, highlighting the environmental insensitivity of the decision. Eg: The court ordered action after 100 acres were cut down, signaling the need to protect urban green spaces.

    How do urban forests help in improving the environment and public health in cities?

    • Mitigate Pollution and Improve Air Quality: Urban forests sequester carbon and absorb pollutants like PM 2.5 and PM 10, which are major causes of air pollution in cities. Eg: One hectare of trees can remove around one ton of air pollutants annually, helping reduce Delhi’s alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 494.
    • Reduce Urban Heat Island Effect: Trees provide shade and cooling, lowering temperatures in concrete-heavy urban areas and combating the urban heat island effect caused by extensive construction and vehicle emissions. Eg: Cities like Bengaluru and Chennai with more green cover experience less extreme heat compared to heavily built-up areas.
    • Control Stormwater and Prevent Flooding: Urban forests help manage stormwater runoff, reduce soil erosion, and prevent flooding, thus protecting urban infrastructure and residents. Eg: Urban green spaces reduce flood risks during heavy rains by absorbing excess water, unlike paved surfaces which increase runoff.

    What role have judicial interventions played in protecting urban forests in India?

    • Broadened Legal Protection: The Supreme Court’s Godavarman case (1996) expanded the definition of forests, mandating all States to identify and map forest areas, including urban forests, thereby bringing them under legal protection. Eg: In 2004, the apex court directed States to conduct a comprehensive forest inventory to enhance conservation efforts.
    • Prevented Tree Felling through Stay Orders: Courts have intervened to stop indiscriminate tree felling in urban areas when public protests or petitions were filed, safeguarding ecologically significant areas. Eg: In 2020, the Supreme Court issued a stay on the tree felling in Aarey Forest, Mumbai, after public outcry and legal petitions.
    • Ensured Government Accountability: Judicial interventions have held governments accountable for environmentally insensitive development and upheld the Right to a Healthy Environment under Article 21. Eg: In 2024, the Supreme Court reprimanded the Telangana government for felling trees in Kancha Gachibowli, directing restoration efforts.

    What is the goal of the Nagar Van Yojana?

    The Nagar Van Yojana, launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in 2020, aims to:

    • Promote and develop urban forest spaces to enhance green cover and biodiversity in rapidly urbanising areas. Eg: It seeks to create eco-friendly urban ecosystems for better living environments.
    • Create 1,000 urban forests by 2027 across Indian cities, contributing to climate resilience, air purification, and recreation. Eg: As per the India State of Forest Report 2023, the scheme has already added 1445.81 km² of tree and forest cover.
    • Involve local communities in forest development and maintenance to ensure sustainable urban forestry and public participation. Eg: Civic bodies and citizen groups are encouraged to adopt and care for these green spaces.

    Way forward: 

    • Legally Safeguard Urban Forests: Enact clear legal protections for urban forests like Kancha Gachibowli by integrating them into city master plans and forest laws to prevent diversion for non-forest use.
    • Strengthen Community Participation: Empower local communities and civic bodies to co-manage and monitor urban forests through citizen-led initiatives, ensuring long-term conservation and accountability.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2015] “Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so?

    Linkage: The Urban forests can serve as a safeguard against toxic urban air by absorbing pollutants. This question focuses on the critical issue of urban air pollution, highlighting the need for mechanisms like urban forests to improve air quality.

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  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    New drugs arrive on the block, but AMR threats continue

    23 May 2025 | Explained | Science Tech
    Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    AMR is rapidly becoming one of the greatest public health threats, contributing to 2.97 lakh deaths in India in 2019 alone, as reported by the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation.

    What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?

    • AMR occurs when microorganisms (like bacteria) evolve to become resistant to antibiotics designed to kill them. This makes infections harder to treat, leading to increased mortality and healthcare complications.
    • Globally, AMR contributed to 1.27 million deaths and in India to 2,97,000 deaths in 2019 (IHME report).

    Why is it a growing concern globally?

    • Rising Deaths Due to Resistant Infections: AMR causes infections that are harder to treat, leading to increased mortality. Eg, globally AMR contributed to 1.27 million deaths in 2019, and it is projected that by 2050, up to 10 million people could die annually due to resistant infections if no action is taken.
    • Limited New Antibiotics Development: There has been a major decline in new antibiotic discovery over the past 30 years, leaving fewer effective treatment options. Eg, India’s development of Nafthromycin was the first new antibiotic in three decades, highlighting the global innovation gap.
    • Widespread Misuse and Overuse of Antibiotics: Over-prescription and use of antibiotics in humans, livestock, and agriculture accelerate resistance. Eg, in India, antibiotics are often sold without prescriptions, promoting resistance and reducing drug effectiveness.

    What is Nafthromycin? 

    • Nafthromycin, marketed as ‘Miqnaf’, is a new antibiotic developed in India by Wockhardt, with support from BIRAC.
    • It treats Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP). It is a once-a-day, three-day treatment with a 97% success rate.
    • India’s first indigenously-developed antibiotic in 30 years and the first globally in this class.

    What is the role of Nafthromycin in fighting antimicrobial resistance (AMR)?

    • Provides a New Effective Treatment Option: Nafthromycin is India’s first indigenously developed antibiotic in 30 years, offering a powerful new drug to treat infections like Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP) with a 97% success rate. Eg: This helps overcome resistance to older antibiotics like azithromycin.
    • Supports Antibiotic Stewardship by Reducing Overuse of Existing Drugs: By providing an effective alternative, Nafthromycin can reduce reliance on existing antibiotics that have become less effective due to resistance, helping slow down the spread of AMR.

    Why is the misuse and overuse of antibiotics a major cause of AMR in India?

    • Over-the-counter sales without prescription: Antibiotics are often sold without a prescription, leading to improper and unnecessary use. Eg: People buying antibiotics directly from pharmacies for viral infections like common cold, where antibiotics are ineffective.
    • Use of antibiotics in livestock and agriculture: A large portion of antibiotics is used in animals to promote growth or prevent disease, which contributes to resistant bacteria spreading to humans. Eg: Use of colistin in poultry farming, which was recently banned in India to curb resistance.
    • Self-medication and lack of awareness: Many people self-medicate with antibiotics or do not complete prescribed courses, promoting resistance.  

    What are the healthcare gaps in the treatment of AMR?

    • Shortage of Trained Medical Personnel in AMR Management: There is limited awareness and training among healthcare providers on rational antibiotic use and infection control practices. Eg: A study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) found that in community clinics in tier-2 cities, over 50% of doctors were unaware of the national treatment guidelines for infections.
    • Lack of Diagnostic Infrastructure: Many primary and secondary healthcare centers in India lack adequate microbiology labs to accurately identify bacterial infections and their resistance profiles. Eg: In rural districts of Uttar Pradesh, absence of lab support leads doctors to prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics blindly, increasing resistance risks.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian Government? 

    • National Action Plan on AMR (NAP-AMR): A comprehensive plan aligned with WHO’s Global Action Plan to tackle AMR using a One Health approach (human, animal, and environment sectors). Eg: The plan prioritizes awareness, surveillance, infection prevention, and rational antimicrobial use. States like Kerala and Delhi have developed their own State Action Plans on AMR in alignment with NAP-AMR.
    • Establishment of Surveillance Networks: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) set up the Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance & Research Network (AMRSN) to track resistance patterns across hospitals. Eg: AMRSN collects data on AMR trends in pathogens like Klebsiella pneumoniae and E. coli from over 30 hospitals, helping inform national policy.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Regulation and Stewardship: Enforce strict controls on antibiotic sales and promote antimicrobial stewardship in hospitals and clinics.
    • Invest in Surveillance and Public Awareness: Expand AMR surveillance networks and run sustained awareness campaigns to educate public and healthcare providers.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2014] How do you explain the factors responsible for the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved.

    Linkage: The core issue of “drug-resistant diseases” which is Antibiotic Resistance (AMR). The article talking about the key factors for AMR, such as misuse and overuse of antibiotics across various sectors, including non-prescription sales in countries like India. It also discusses the need for monitoring and control mechanisms like responsible global stewardship, patient education, public awareness, innovation, regulation, and government leadership in stewardship.

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Pakistan

    India-Pakistan tensions put strain on struggling Western Border Districts

    22 May 2025 | Explained | Security Issues
    Mains Paper 3: Border Area Security Challenges

    Why in the News?

    Most western border districts, except in Gujarat, had little or no growth in exports and saw slow poverty reduction. Now, recent tensions and shelling between India and Pakistan are hurting the economy in these 22 districts.

    What causes slower poverty reduction in border districts?

    • Geopolitical Tensions and Hostile Neighbours: Constant threats such as cross-border shelling along the LoC disrupt livelihoods, infrastructure, and public services. Eg: In Jammu & Kashmir, border districts face frequent disruptions due to tensions with Pakistan, limiting economic stability and job opportunities.
    • Limited Economic and Industrial Activity: Border districts often lack a strong industrial base or service sector, leading to low income-generation and underemployment. Eg: In Rajasthan and Punjab, several border districts showed slower poverty reduction than State averages due to stagnant economic growth.
    • Inadequate Infrastructure: Poor roads, communication networks, and market access hinder economic integration and development. Eg: Eastern States like Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland face challenges due to remote terrain and limited connectivity, contributing to persistent poverty.
    • Declining Development Fund: Post-pandemic, central funding under schemes like the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) has declined sharply. Eg: After FY20, both western and eastern border areas experienced reduced support, slowing poverty reduction efforts.
    • Landlocked and Isolated Geography: Many border districts, especially in the Northeast, are landlocked and rely on external transport hubs, limiting local trade and economic activity. Eg: In Assam, 75% of border districts had a slower decline in poverty than the State average between 2015–16 and 2019–21.

    Why are exports stagnant in most border districts except Gujarat?

    • Lack of Industrial and Export Ecosystem: Most border districts lack industrial clusters, export-processing zones, and supply chain infrastructure, which hampers export activity. Eg: Border districts in Punjab, Rajasthan, and Jammu & Kashmir contribute only 0.3% to India’s total exports, showing minimal export potential.
    • Geopolitical and Security Constraints: Tensions with neighboring countries and border insecurities restrict cross-border trade and deter investment in export-oriented industries. Eg: Frequent cross-border shelling along the LoC in J&K and Rajasthan affects trade operations and discourages private sector involvement.
    • Gujarat’s Strategic Advantage and Policy Support: Gujarat benefits from a coastal location, developed infrastructure, and proactive industrial policies, enabling strong export growth. Eg: Border districts in Gujarat increased their export share from 1.9% in FY22 to 3% in FY24, in contrast to stagnation elsewhere.

    Which border districts performed better economically?

    • Gujarat is the  only western border State where all border districts saw a faster decline in poverty than the State average.
    • Eg: export share from border districts rose from 1.9% (FY22) to 3% (FY24) — indicating successful economic activity.

    Why did the government’s support to border areas decline?

    • Reallocation of Resources Post-Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic shifted national priorities toward healthcare, urban welfare, and fiscal recovery, resulting in reduced focus on border-specific programmes. Eg: Post FY20, schemes like the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) faced budget cuts as funds were redirected to pandemic-related needs.
    • Security-Centric Approach Over Development: In sensitive regions, the government adopted a more security-focused strategy, often at the cost of developmental spending in border districts. Eg: In J&K and Punjab, heightened defence and surveillance measures took precedence, sidelining economic initiatives and local development schemes.
    • Administrative and Logistical Challenges: Border areas, especially in the Northeast, face issues like difficult terrain, poor connectivity, and limited administrative reach, deterring consistent support. Eg: In Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, implementation hurdles led to underutilization of allocated funds, reducing the impact of central schemes.

    Way forward: 

    • Targeted Development & Infrastructure Boost: Prioritise region-specific infrastructure (roads, logistics hubs, digital connectivity) and promote border-based industrial clusters to generate employment and improve trade potential.
    • Revive and Expand BADP with Integrated Planning: Strengthen the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) with post-pandemic funding revival, and ensure convergence with state schemes for holistic socio-economic upliftment of border districts.

    Mains PYQ:

     [UPSC 2024] Examine the conflicting issues and security challenges along the border. Also give out the development being undertaken in these areas under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) and Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme.

    Linkage: The security problems along the border, such as India-Pakistan tensions and cross-border shelling, as seen in the “India’s Border Districts”. It also explores how development programmes address these issues, directly linking security challenges with economic and development concerns in border regions. It clearly connects border tensions with the economic struggles in these areas.

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  • Poverty Eradication – Definition, Debates, etc.

    Analyzing Poverty Levels in India by Comparing various Surveys

    22 May 2025 | Explained | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: Inclusive Growth & Issues

    Why in the News?

    A recent study titled ‘Poverty Decline in India after 2011–12: Bigger Picture Evidence’ shows that poverty in India fell from 37% in 2004-05 to 22% in 2011-12. However, poverty declined by only an additional 18% until 2022-23, and officials have not released any poverty estimates after 2011-12.

    What are the three methods used to estimate post-2011 poverty in India?

    • Alternative NSSO Surveys: Using different socio-economic surveys like the Usual Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (UMPCE) from NSSO rounds after 2011-12, despite comparability issues with earlier surveys. Eg: Estimates based on UMPCE suggest poverty between 26-30% in 2019-20.
    • Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) Scaling: Scaling consumption data from the 2011-12 Household Consumption Expenditure Survey using the growth rate of PFCE from National Accounts Statistics (NAS) to estimate consumption trends. Eg: Used by economist Surjit Bhalla and colleagues in 2022.
    • Survey-to-Survey Imputation: Filling data gaps by linking related surveys (e.g., consumption surveys with employment surveys) through imputation models, often at the State level for better accuracy. Eg:  The recent study titled ‘Poverty Decline in India after 2011–12: Bigger Picture Evidence’ study using NSSO Employment-Unemployment Surveys with Consumer Expenditure Surveys to estimate poverty decline to about 18% in 2022-23.

    Note: Surjit Bhalla is an Indian economist, author, and columnist who served as Executive Director for India at the International Monetary Fund.

    How much has poverty declined post-2011–12, and how does it compare with the earlier period?

    • Sharp slowdown: Poverty fell from 37% (2004–05) to 22% (2011–12), a 15-point drop, but only to 18% by 2022–23, a mere 4-point reduction in over a decade.
    • Absolute poverty numbers: Number of poor declined from 250 million to 225 million in 10 years — a decline of only 10%, compared to a much faster fall earlier.
    • GDP correlation: GDP growth slowed from 6.9% (2004–12) to 5.7% (2012–23), consistent with slower poverty reduction.

    Why has the poverty reduction slowed since 2011-2012?

    • Slower GDP Growth: Average GDP growth declined from 6.9% (2004-05 to 2011-12) to 5.7% (2011-12 to 2022-23), correlating with slower poverty reduction.
    • Declining Real Wage Growth: Growth in rural wages slowed down significantly — from 4.13% annually before 2011-12 to 2.3% after 2011-12.
    • Rising Agricultural Workforce with Lower Productivity: After a decline in agricultural workers till 2017-18, 68 million workers joined agriculture post-2017-18, leading to lower agricultural productivity and wages, which hampers poverty reduction.

    How do the Poverty trends vary across Indian States? 

    • Significant Poverty Reduction: Some states have shown marked improvement in reducing poverty levels after 2011-12. Eg: Uttar Pradesh has notably decreased its poverty rate during this period.
    • Slow Progress: Historically poor states continue to struggle with slow poverty reduction due to persistent socio-economic challenges. Eg: Jharkhand and Bihar have experienced much slower declines in poverty rates.
    • Stagnation: Several large and economically important states have seen poverty reduction stagnate, with little change over the years. Eg: Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh show almost no improvement in poverty reduction post-2011-12.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian Government? 

    • Implementation of Social Welfare Schemes: The government has launched various targeted welfare programs to support the poor and vulnerable groups. Eg: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for affordable housing.
    • Focus on Employment Generation: Programs aimed at creating jobs, especially in rural areas, to increase income and reduce poverty. Eg: Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
    • Financial Inclusion Initiatives: Efforts to increase access to banking and financial services for the poor. Eg: Jan Dhan Yojana, which promotes opening of bank accounts for the unbanked.
    • Agricultural Support and Reforms: Policies to improve farmers’ incomes and agricultural productivity to support rural livelihoods. Eg: PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, providing direct income support to farmers.
    • Health and Education Programs: Investments in healthcare and education to improve human capital and break the cycle of poverty. Eg: Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme for poor families.

    Way forward: 

    • Rural Wage & Productivity Growth: Boost rural wages and agricultural productivity by implementing reforms, improving access to technology, and providing skill development to increase income and reduce poverty sustainably.
    • Data Accuracy & Monitoring: Improve data collection and real-time monitoring of poverty indicators to ensure precise measurement, enabling better-targeted policies and effective poverty alleviation programs.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2015] Though there have been several different estimates of poverty in India, all indicate reduction in poverty levels over time. Do you agree? Critically examine with reference to urban and rural poverty indicators.

    Linkage: Estimates consistently show a reduction in poverty over time rather than the underlying surveys or methodologies used to produce them, answering this question effectively would require knowledge that various estimates exist, often derived from different data sources or approaches.

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