In many countries, serving in the military is not just a choice but a legal duty for citizens, especially young adults. This system, called compulsory military service or conscription, ensures that a nation always has trained personnel ready to protect its borders. The rules, duration, and eligibility vary from country to country, but the goal is the same—strengthening national security and preparing citizens for emergencies.

India’s Military Recruitment System

In India, joining the armed forces has always been a matter of choice, not obligation. The Army, Navy, and Air Force together have about 14.5 lakh personnel, all serving voluntarily. The Indian Army alone has over 11.5 lakh active soldiers, making it the second-largest standing army in the world after China.

What the Law Says About Conscription in India?

The Indian Constitution (Article 23) allows the government to introduce mandatory military service—also called conscription—if it is ever needed for national security or public welfare. However, India has never used this provision, even during times of war.

Why India Does not enforce Mandatory Services?

Experts say India’s large population ensures a steady flow of volunteers, so compulsory service is unnecessary. The country prefers a professional, highly trained force over short-term conscripts. This approach focuses on skill, experience, and long-term readiness.

Countries with the Mandatory Military Services

Some nations require their citizens to serve in the military due to security needs or national policies. Here is the list of countries with the mandatory military services:

Key Difference Between India and Others

While countries like Russia, Israel, and South Korea require compulsory service, India stands out for maintaining an all-volunteer military. This tradition reflects the country’s strong recruitment rates and confidence in its defense capabilities without forcing citizens into service.

Mangoes are delicious, juicy fruits enjoyed by people everywhere. They are grown in many countries, and some of these countries sell them to other nations through exports. This trade helps farmers earn a good income and boosts the country’s economy. Every year, certain countries export huge quantities of mangoes. In this article, we will find out which are the top 5 mango-exporting countries in the world.

Worldwide Mango Production

The world produces around 61 million tonnes of mangoes every year. This number is growing steadily, with an average yearly growth rate of about 1.9%. Mangoes are mainly grown in tropical and warm countries and their demand keeps increasing due to their sweet taste and health benefits.

Top-5 Mangoes Exporting Countries in the World in 2025

Mangoes are one of the most loved tropical fruits across the globe. While many countries grow mangoes, only a few lead the world in exporting them. The most exporting nations of mangoes have strong mango industries and supply millions of people with fresh, juicy mangoes every year.

Here are the top-5 mangoes exporting countries in the world in 2025:

• Mexico
• Peru
• Netherlands
• Brazil
• India

Mexico, World’s Largest Mango Exporter

Mexico is the number one mango exporter in the world, sending out over 450,000 metric tonnes each year. Its close location to the United States helps in quick and fresh deliveries. Popular mango varieties like Ataulfo (buttery and sweet) and Tommy Atkins (long sheld life) are widely exported. Mexico also has a year-round mango season, which makes it a strong player in the global market.

Peru

Peru exports more than 25,000 metric tonnes of mangoes annually. Most of these mangoes are sent to Europe and the United States. The Kent mango, grown mostly in northern Peru, is very popular due to its sweet taste and low fibre. Peru is also known for following strict organic faming rules, which makes its mangoes more appealing to health-conscious buyers.

Netherlands

The Netherlands does not grow many mangoes itself, but it plays a big role in exporting them. Each year, it re-exports over 200,000 metric tonnes of mangoes that it imports from countries like Brazil and Peru. The port city of Rotterdam has excellent cold storage and transport facilities, making the Netherlands a major distribution center for mangoes across Europe.

Brazil

Brazil exports over 150,000 metric tonnes of mangoes every year. The most common varieties are Palmer and Tommy Atkins. The São Francisco Valley in northeast Brazil is the country’s key mango-growing region. Brazil mainly exports to European markets, where its mangoes are in high demand due to their quality and volume.

India

India is the largest producer of mangoes in the world, but it exports less than others because of high local demand. Event then, it exports over 120,000 metric tonnes every year. The main markets include the Middle East, the U.K. and the U.S. India is famous for premium varieties like Alphonso, Kesar and Banganapalli, which are prized for their taste and aroma.

Some countries in the world face greater challenges in development due to low income, weaker education and health systems, and high vulnerability to economic or environmental crises. The United Nations classifies such nations as Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to provide them with special support and global assistance, helping them improve living conditions, strengthen their economies, and work towards sustainable growth.

How the UN Decides LDC Status?

A country is placed in the LDC category based on three main criteria:

• Low Gross National Income (GNI) per person – showing low earnings.
• Low Human Assets Index (HAI) – poor health, education, and basic services.
• High Economic and Environmental Vulnerability Index (EVI) – high risk from economic changes or environmental disasters.

Top-10 Least Developed Countries in 2025

Afghanistan, with the GNI per capita of $437, stands as the least developed country by 2025, followed by Angola, Bangladesh and Benin.

Here is the list of top-10 least developed countries in 2025:

Afghanistan

With an income per person of only about $380, Afghanistan struggles due to decades of war, political instability, and a damaged economy. Being landlocked adds to its economic difficulties, making it dependent on aid and vulnerable to regional issues.

Angola

Although Angola earns from oil, the benefits have not reached most of its people. Its economy depends too much on global oil prices, and it scores low in education and healthcare, keeping it on the LDC list.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh is making strong progress and is set to leave the LDC group in November 2026. Until then, it stays on the list to ensure a smooth shift to self-reliance while keeping its recent growth steady.

Benin

Benin’s income has crossed the LDC limit at $1,316, but its education and health scores remain low. The economy relies heavily on a few farm exports, which makes it vulnerable to price changes.

Burkina Faso

With an income of about $853 per person, Burkina Faso faces political unrest, security problems, and climate challenges like drought. Agriculture is its main industry, but it is fragile and slow to grow.

Burundi

Burundi is one of the poorest countries in the world, with weak education, healthcare, and almost no economic variety. Political instability further slows down any progress.

Cambodia

Cambodia is on track to leave the LDC category in 2027. It has improved in both income and human development but still remains in a preparation phase to ensure stability after graduation.

Central African Republic

This country has an income of about $473 per person and has been badly affected by years of conflict. It faces a major humanitarian crisis, with very low health and education levels.

Chad

Chad earns mainly from oil and farming, but both are highly affected by global market changes and climate problems. Political unrest also continues to harm its development.

Comoros

Chad earns mainly from oil and farming, but both are highly affected by global market changes and climate problems. Political unrest also continues to harm its development.

Future Outlook

The 2025 LDC list has not changed much, but big changes are expected soon. According to a UN General Assembly decision, Bangladesh, Laos, and Nepal are set to leave LDC status in November 2026. This shows strong progress in their development plans and a better economic future. The UN explains that a country can graduate from the LDC group if it meets two out of three key criteria in two consecutive reviews, with graduation happening at least three years later.

Uttar Pradesh, known for its rich culture and traditions, is also one of the largest and most connected states in India. With hundreds of railway stations and trains linking it to every corner of the country, the state plays a key role in India’s railway network. Recently, UP witnessed a remarkable development in its railway services that promises to offer passengers improved facilities and a world-class travel experience.

Railway Network in Uttar Pradesh

UP has an extensive railway network that reaches almost every corner of the state. More than 550 railway stations operate here, making it one of the most well-connected states in the country.

• Over 230 stations fall under the North Central Railway Zone.
• More than 170 stations are part of the North Eastern Railway Zone.

From these stations, numerous important trains run daily to different states, ensuring smooth travel for millions of passengers.

First Private Railway Station of Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh now has its first privately run railway station – Gomti Nagar Railway Station in Lucknow. It is one of the busiest stations, with 6 platforms and about 76 trains every day. Private management has been introduced to improve facilities, cleanliness, and passenger comfort, so that travelers can enjoy better services and a world-class experience while using the station.

How will the Private Management Work?

Even though the station’s upkeep will be managed by a private company, the Indian Railways will still handle the most critical functions:

• Ticket sales
• Train operators
• Passenger safety

The private operator will take care of:

• Cleanliness and maintenance
• Security inside the station premises
• Parking facilities
• Other passenger-friendly services

This step is expected to improve the overall experience for travelers by making the station cleaner, safer and more comfortable.

Nine-Year License for the Private Operator

The Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) has been given the responsibility to invite bids from interested operators:

• Companies will first get three years to make improvements and upgrades to the station.
• After that, they will receive a nine-year license to operate and manage it.
• The license agreement states that 15% of the project license fee will go to RLDA, while 85% will go to Indian Railways.

Inauguration of UP’s First Private Railway Station

The upgraded Gomti Nagar Railway Station was inaugurated earlier by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This privatization move is part of Indian Railways’ broader plan to improve passenger facilities and modernize stations across the country.

With these changes, passengers traveling through Gomti Nagar can look forward to cleaner platforms, better amenities, improved security and a smoother travel experience.