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Unemployment Rate (UR) and ‘persons with disabilities’ (PwD) and its significance for the UPSC Exam? Why are topics like None of the above (NOTA), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) important for both preliminary and main exams? Discover more insights in the UPSC Exam Notes for May 16, 2025 |
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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on May 16, 2025
Daily Insights and Initiatives for UPSC Exam Notes: Comprehensive explanations and high-quality material provided regularly for students
Unemployment at 5.1%, women labour force rises: PLFS data
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Significance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Economy and Unemployment
Context:
The unemployment Rate (UR) in current weekly status (CWS) in India among persons of age 15 years and above was 5.1% in April, as per the first monthly bulletin of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) released here
Read about:
Unemployment Rate (UR)
Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)
Key takeaways:
- According to the inaugural monthly bulletin of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), published by the Union Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation using a revised methodology, the unemployment rate (UR) in India for individuals aged 15 and above stood at 5.1% in April under the current weekly status (CWS).
- Male unemployment was slightly higher at 5.2%, while the female rate was recorded at 5%. In rural regions, the overall unemployment rate was 4.5%, compared to 6.5% in urban areas.
- Notably, urban females aged between 15 and 29 faced a significantly higher unemployment rate of 23.7%. The updated survey approach now includes data collection from rural locations as well.
- During the same period, the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for individuals aged 15 and above was reported at 55.6%. This rate was higher in rural areas at 58%, whereas it was 50.7% in urban regions.
- The Worker Population Ratio (WPR) for those aged 15 and above was 55.4% in rural areas and 47.4% in urban locations, with a national average of 52.8% in April.
Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)
- The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) is a comprehensive nationwide survey conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
- It was introduced in 2017 as a replacement for the earlier system of quinquennial (five-yearly) Employment-Unemployment Surveys conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO). The PLFS was designed to provide more frequent and timely estimates of key employment and unemployment indicators in India.
- One of the main objectives of the PLFS is to estimate various labour market indicators such as the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), Worker Population Ratio (WPR), and Unemployment Rate (UR), based on both short-term and long-term measures.
- It aims to assess these indicators not only on an annual basis but also quarterly for urban areas and, under a revamped system, monthly for specific indicators. This makes the PLFS a valuable tool for understanding trends and dynamics in the Indian labour market with greater regularity and granularity.
- The PLFS introduces two reference periods for measuring employment and unemployment: the Usual Status (US), which refers to a person’s activity status during the last 365 days preceding the survey, and the Current Weekly Status (CWS), which considers a person’s status over the seven days before the survey. This dual reference period helps policymakers capture both chronic and short-term employment patterns.
- The survey also collects data on the nature of employment (such as self-employed, regular wage/salaried workers, and casual labour), industry of work, educational qualifications, and working hours, among other variables. It covers both rural and urban areas, and its revamped methodology enhances the representation of under-reported groups and regions.
- With its improved frequency and methodology, the PLFS serves as a crucial evidence base for planning, policy formulation, and monitoring of employment-related programs and interventions in India. It also aligns the country’s data practices more closely with international standards in labour statistics
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Answer (B)
Based on the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2017–18, the correct statements regarding the employment situation in India are:
However, the third statement is incorrect. In 2017–18, a significantly higher proportion of rural female workers were engaged in agriculture. Specifically, the share of agriculture in the rural female workforce was approximately 73.2% during that period |
What legal protections exist for persons with disabilities (PwDs)?
- India’s Constitution, through its Preamble, Fundamental Rights, and Directive Principles of State Policy, along with specific disability laws, places an obligation on the state to modify its legal and institutional frameworks to ensure that persons with disabilities can enjoy equal rights and opportunities.
- To reinforce these constitutional promises and fulfill obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the Indian government introduced the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.
- This law is rooted in a ‘social-barrier’ model, recognizing that disability is not just a result of individual impairments but also of societal, physical, and psychological obstacles that hinder full participation in everyday life.
- A key provision of this Act—Section 42—requires the government to make all forms of media (print, electronic, and audio) accessible. It specifically calls for features like audio descriptions, sign language interpretation, and captions in electronic content, and it mandates that digital devices and interfaces follow universal design principles.
Is KYC mandatory?
- Yes, Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols are a legal requirement. As per the Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002 and the accompanying 2005 Rules, banks and financial bodies are required to confirm customer identities, maintain transaction records, and report relevant information to the Financial Intelligence Unit to combat illicit finance and money laundering.
- As a result, digital KYC processes have become essential for accessing various services—such as bank and investment accounts, mobile SIMs, pensions, and insurance—as well as for receiving government benefits like Aadhaar-based direct transfers and national scholarships.
- To streamline this process, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its 2016 Master Direction on KYC, laid out a structured framework known as Customer Due Diligence (CDD). Clause 18 of this guideline introduced the Video-based Customer Identification Process (V-CIP), allowing for online identity verification via secure, live video calls.
- Verification steps include uploading a selfie, signing a document digitally or physically, scanning or photographing completed forms, entering a one-time password (OTP), and reading a randomly displayed code on the screen—all within a short time window.
How do current KYC systems affect persons with disabilities?
- People with visual impairments—including acid attack survivors with facial injuries and those who are blind or have low vision—have approached the courts seeking inclusive digital identity verification methods.
- They argue that the current procedures for digital KYC, e-KYC, and video-KYC are exclusionary and inaccessible for many PwDs. Petitioners have requested that bodies like the RBI, SEBI, and the Department of Telecommunications be directed to introduce disability-inclusive alternatives.
- At present, financial institutions are allowed to design their own KYC verification steps. Common methods like blinking to confirm presence, reading out on-screen codes, or taking selfies while writing a code, inherently exclude users with visual impairments.
- Despite the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Accessibility Standards released in 2021 and 2022, many KYC platforms remain non-compliant.
- They lack basic features like screen reader cues for camera positioning, audio feedback for lighting and focus, or prompts to help distinguish between the front and back of documents.
- Moreover, thumbprints—often used by visually impaired individuals—are not accepted as valid signatures, nor can PAN cards be issued with them. Biometric systems based on Aadhaar further deepen the problem, as scanners typically do not support accessibility tools such as self-verification or text-to-speech.
- Because of these limitations, visually impaired individuals are often asked to complete verification in person or face rejection due to ambiguous technical reasons. The RBI’s Master Direction prohibits any form of prompting or assistance during the KYC process, leaving many users without needed support.
What has the Supreme Court said?
- The Supreme Court has consistently affirmed that accessibility for PwDs is not optional but a constitutional necessity. In the 2024 Rajive Raturi vs. Union of India judgment, the Court held that accessibility is central to the right to life, dignity, and freedom of movement under Article 21 of the Constitution.
- It echoed similar sentiments during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, where it stressed that digital registration platforms must be fully accessible to avoid excluding disabled users.
- In the current case, the Court ruled that digital inaccessibility violates both international obligations under the UNCRPD and domestic disability rights legislation. Referring to the principle of substantive equality, the bench directed that digital KYC procedures be reformed with accessibility as a core requirement.
- The Court also observed that the digital divide impacts a broader group—beyond PwDs—including rural residents, senior citizens, people from economically weaker sections, and linguistic minorities.
- Citing Articles 14, 15, 21, and 38, the Supreme Court concluded that digital accessibility is integral to the right to life and liberty. It ordered that all digital systems be made inclusive, especially to serve the needs of marginalized communities
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Answer (C)
The Fundamental Duties of citizens are listed in Article 51A of the Indian Constitution. Among the options given:
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The Introduction and Role of NOTA in Indian Elections
The ‘None of the Above’ (NOTA) option was introduced into the Indian electoral process in 2013, following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the People’s Union for Civil Liberties. This PIL advocated for a mechanism that would allow voters to exercise their right to reject all candidates while maintaining the confidentiality of their choice not to vote for anyone. However, in practice, the secrecy of a voter's choice when selecting NOTA has not always been guaranteed.
Does NOTA Serve a Purpose in Indian Democracy?
- Although the percentage of voters selecting NOTA has been relatively low in both national and state elections, its significance cannot be dismissed. For instance, when only one candidate contests in a constituency and wins unopposed, it deprives voters of an opportunity to express discontent—something NOTA would enable.
- Critics argue that even though NOTA hasn’t garnered massive support, it holds symbolic importance and encourages electoral accountability.
- The Election Commission (EC), however, has stated that NOTA hasn’t had a substantial impact due to its low usage in past elections. Despite that, it still serves as a democratic tool that can push the political system toward greater responsiveness.
The Election Commission’s Stand
- The EC has firmly opposed the idea of making NOTA a mandatory option in constituencies with unopposed candidates. It presented data showing that uncontested elections have become extremely rare.
- Since the first general election in 1952, only nine candidates have been elected unopposed, and since 1971, there have been just six such cases in Lok Sabha elections.
- The EC has argued before the Supreme Court that introducing mandatory NOTA in these rare instances would require changes to the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961—changes that would need legislative action rather than judicial intervention.
- Moreover, the EC emphasized that, due to the infrequency of uncontested polls, holding elections with NOTA in these cases would not be a significant burden. Given the scale at which the EC already conducts elections across the country, facilitating a NOTA-inclusive vote in a handful of constituencies should not require disproportionate resources.
Are NOTA Voters Insignificant?
- It is true that, numerically, NOTA votes have averaged just over 1% in the three Lok Sabha elections since its introduction—2014, 2019, and 2024. However, considering the vast electorate in each parliamentary constituency (around 25 lakh voters), even this small percentage reflects a notable number of voices.
- In several state assembly elections, similar patterns have emerged. For instance, in the 2015 Bihar Assembly elections, 2.48% of the electorate chose NOTA, followed by 1.8% in Gujarat during the 2017 polls.
- While NOTA votes were slightly higher during the first election after its introduction in some states, there has been a general decline over time, although the trend is not strictly consistent.
Suggestions for Reform
- Some electoral reforms could enhance the relevance and impact of NOTA. One idea is to establish a minimum percentage of votes a candidate must secure—relative to the constituency size—to be declared the winner. Another approach could be to formally recognize NOTA votes.
- For instance, if a predefined percentage of voters select NOTA, it could trigger a re-election. Such reforms would give real weight to the NOTA option and ensure that voter disapproval is taken seriously within the democratic process
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Answer (D)
Let’s analyze each statement:
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1.In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the ‘Additional Protocol’ with the ‘International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’? (UPSC CSE 2018)
(a) The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards.
(b) The military nuclear installations come under the inspection of IAEA.
(c) The country will have the privilege to buy uranium from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
(d) The country automatically becomes a member of the NSG.
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Answer (a)
When India ratified the Additional Protocol with the IAEA in 2014, it was part of the commitment made under the India–US Civil Nuclear Agreement. The Additional Protocol gives the IAEA greater access and oversight to verify that India’s civilian nuclear facilities are not being used for military purposes.
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- India is expected to firmly maintain that any future negotiations to amend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) must be strictly bilateral, without any third-party involvement. As such, India is unlikely to accept mediation or assistance from external actors like the World Bank in facilitating the treaty’s revision.
- One of India’s main concerns is the current dispute resolution process under the IWT. Presently, there is a lack of clarity, with differing interpretations between India, Pakistan, and the World Bank.
- India prefers a clearly defined and structured system, ideally a tiered mechanism, over the existing arrangement that allows both a neutral expert and an arbitration court to address similar matters — a situation that arose during disputes over the Kishanganga and Ratle hydropower projects.
- The IWT, signed on September 19, 1960, came after nearly a decade of negotiations between India and Pakistan. It comprises 12 Articles and eight Annexures (A–H). The treaty grants India unrestricted use of water from the Eastern Rivers — the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi — while Pakistan is allocated the waters of the Western Rivers — the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.
- Recently, Pakistan’s Water Resources Secretary, Syed Ali Murtaza, reportedly responded to India’s notification of its Cabinet’s decision to suspend the treaty and expressed readiness to discuss India’s specific concerns. However, he also questioned the legitimacy of suspending the treaty, noting that the agreement lacks any formal exit clause.
- Murtaza’s willingness to engage holds significance, as Pakistan had not openly responded to India's earlier notices — issued in January 2023 and September 2024 — calling for a review and amendment of the treaty. Pakistan’s shift appears to follow India's decision to put the IWT on hold in the aftermath of the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
- Within Pakistan, discussions on how to respond are reportedly underway, especially now that tensions have eased following a brief but intense military escalation.
- India’s strategic interests include building infrastructure such as dams and reservoirs to better manage and utilize water resources, including for electricity generation. Pakistan, on the other hand, seeks to prevent these developments, viewing them as changes to the status quo.
- The military confrontation, including India's retaliatory Operation Sindoor targeting terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, ceased with a mutual agreement to halt all military operations by land, sea, and air starting from 5 p.m. on May 10. Nevertheless, India continues to pursue diplomatic pressure tactics, with the suspension of the IWT remaining its most significant measure
(a) Chenab
(b) Jhelum
(c) Ravi
(d) Sutlej
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Answer (d)
Among the given rivers — Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, and Sutlej — the Chenab, Jhelum, and Ravi all eventually flow into the Chenab river before it meets the Indus. However, the Sutlej flows directly into the Indus. Here’s how the river system works:
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In December 2021, the Indian government launched a ₹76,000 crore incentive programme for semiconductors, under which it pledged to cover 50% of a facility’s capital expenditure as a subsidy. The proposals approved recently will each benefit from this 50% government contribution. Additionally, initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for smartphones and laptops also provide subsidies based on a company’s sales performance.
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The semiconductor incentives are designed to enhance all components of the ecosystem—ranging from ATMP (Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging) units, OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test) plants, to full-fledged chip manufacturing foundries.
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Semiconductors are intricately engineered components vital to the functioning of modern electronics by enabling data processing, storage, and communication. According to a study by the Semiconductor Industry Association, the sector sees significant investment—22% of its annual revenue goes into R&D, while 26% is directed toward capital expenditure—highlighting the capital-heavy and high-barrier nature of chip fabrication.
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A new chip plant, requiring ₹3,706 crore in investment, will receive about ₹1,500 crore from the government under the semiconductor incentive programme. It will manufacture display driver chips for devices such as mobile phones, laptops, automobiles, and PCs. Designed for a monthly output of 20,000 wafers, the facility aims to produce 36 million chips every month.
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This marks Foxconn’s second attempt to enter India’s semiconductor space. Its earlier collaboration with Vedanta in 2022 failed to take off due to the absence of a suitable technology partner, leading to the venture's dissolution in 2023.
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The new facility will be located near Jewar Airport in Uttar Pradesh, within the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority zone. It will be the first such project in the state under the India Semiconductor Mission. Gujarat will host four other plants, including a fabrication unit and three assembly facilities, while Assam will have one assembly and packaging plant under development.
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Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that production is expected to begin by 2027. The facility is projected to meet nearly 40% of India’s domestic demand for these chips, with the remainder to be exported to Foxconn’s international units.
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Foxconn, known for assembling Apple iPhones in India, initially partnered with Vedanta to establish a chip fab, which had been seen as a milestone for India’s chip ambitions.
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Despite the setback from the Vedanta-Foxconn joint venture, the Indian government has successfully attracted five semiconductor manufacturing and assembly projects. So far, the country has drawn investments totaling $18 billion under the first phase of the India Semiconductor Mission
1.Consider the following statements about India’s Semiconductor Mission 2025:
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The mission aims to establish semiconductor manufacturing units including fabs, ATMP (Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging), and OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Testing) facilities across India.
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The government provides up to 50% subsidy on capital expenditure to promote semiconductor manufacturing plants under this mission.
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The mission focuses exclusively on the design and development of semiconductor software and not on hardware manufacturing.
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India has already attracted investments worth over $18 billion under the first phase of the Semiconductor Mission.
Which of the above statements are correct?
A) 1, 2, and 4 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) All of the above
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Answer (A)
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Appointment and tenure of members (Article 316): The Chairman and other members of a Public Service Commission are appointed by the President for the Union or Joint Commissions, and by the Governor for State Commissions.
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Each member of a Public Service Commission serves a term of six years starting from the date they assume office, or until they reach the age of 65 in the case of the Union Commission.
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According to an order from the Department of Personnel and Training, Dr. Ajay Kumar was appointed as Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) under Article 316(1) of the Indian Constitution, with his tenure beginning from the day he takes office.
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Members serve for either six years or until they turn 65, whichever comes first.
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Dr. Kumar, an IAS officer from the 1985 Kerala cadre batch, retired as Defence Secretary in 2022, and his term as UPSC Chairman is expected to last until October 2027, when he reaches 65.
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During his time as Defence Secretary, Kumar oversaw the creation of the Chief of Defence Staff position in 2020 and the launch of the Agniveer scheme in 2022.
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An alumnus of IIT Kanpur, Kumar completed his PhD in business administration at the Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota.
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His profile highlights his role in implementing significant Digital India projects under Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, including UPI—the world’s largest digital payment system—Aadhaar, the largest biometric digital ID system globally, as well as myGov, a government e-marketplace, Jeevan Pramaan, and several other initiatives
Article 315: Public Service Commissions for the Union and the States
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Provides for the establishment of a Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and State Public Service Commissions for each state.
Article 316: Appointment and Term of Office of Members
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The Chairman and other members of the UPSC and State PSCs are appointed by the President (for UPSC) and Governor (for State PSCs).
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Members hold office for 6 years or until the age of 65 (whichever is earlier).
Article 317: Removal and Suspension of a Member
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Specifies the grounds and procedure for removal or suspension of PSC members, including reasons like misbehavior or insolvency.
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Removal requires an inquiry and a report by the Supreme Court.
Article 318: Power to Make Regulations as to Conditions of Service of Members and Staff
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Empowers the President or Governor to make regulations regarding the recruitment and service conditions of PSC members and staff.
Article 319: Prohibition as to Reappointment
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A Chairman or member who has been removed or resigned cannot be reappointed.
Article 320: Functions of Public Service Commissions
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Lists the functions of PSCs, including conducting examinations, advising on appointments, promotions, and disciplinary matters.
Article 321: Power to Extend Functions of Public Service Commissions
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Parliament or State Legislatures can extend PSCs’ functions to include services under other local authorities or corporations.
Article 322: Expenses of Public Service Commissions
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The expenses of PSCs are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India or respective State Funds.
Article 323: Reports of Public Service Commissions
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PSCs must present an annual report on their work to the President or Governor, who then lays it before Parliament or State Legislature
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Answer (A)
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| Subject | Topic | Description |
| Polity | Citizenship | Citizenship Amendment Act |
| Polity | Special Provision for Scheduled Caste(SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) | Special Provision for Scheduled Caste(SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) |
| Economy | International Monetary Fund (IMF) | International Monetary Fund (IMF) |
| Environment | Evolution of Life | Evolution of Life |
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