India

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India, the seventh-largest country globally and the second most populous, boasts a population exceeding 1.36 billion people. Nestled between the towering Himalayas and the Indian Ocean, India’s diverse landscape encompasses a myriad of ecosystems and cultures. From mountainous terrains to expansive plains, coastal regions, desert landscapes, and island groups, the country’s geography is a tapestry of varied climates, abundant biodiversity, and natural resources. Approximately 43% of India’s population relies on agriculture as their primary source of employment, reflecting the country’s agrarian roots. However, the contribution of agriculture to the GDP has been diminishing, constituting 16% in 2019, while the services sector dominates with a 49.4% share, and industry contributes 24.8%. Challenges facing the Indian government encompass ensuring equitable and environmentally sustainable growth, fostering the rapid creation of high-quality jobs, and addressing pressing environmental concerns such as land degradation, air pollution, and unsustainable groundwater use. Strengthening the implementation of flagship government programs is also paramount. Despite economic progress, a significant portion of the population, estimated at 14% as of 2018, suffers from undernourishment, indicating persistent challenges in ensuring food security and nutrition for all.