UPSC Daily Current Affairs - 11th December 2025
Source: Deccan Chronicle
Relevance:
GS Paper 2: Welfare Schemes, Women & Child Development, Governance, Service Delivery
GS Paper 3: Digital Infrastructure, ICT in Governance
Why in News?
The Andhra Pradesh Government has announced the distribution of 5G smartphones to 58,204 Anganwadi workers to improve real-time service delivery for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children. The initiative, costing ₹75 crore, aims to address issues caused by outdated and malfunctioning 4G devices provided earlier.
Background
- Anganwadi workers form the backbone of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).
- Previous 4G smartphones were not functioning effectively, causing delays in reporting, monitoring, and scheme implementation.
- The state aims to enhance efficiency through the adoption of digital governance tools.
Key Highlights of the Initiative
Distribution of 5G Smartphones
- 58,204 Anganwadi workers will receive 5G-enabled devices.
- Beneficiaries include workers, supervisors, and block coordinators.
Cost & Implementation
- Total project cost: ₹75 crore.
- Devices will support real-time entries on nutrition, health monitoring, and other ICDS services.
Coverage
- 1.25 lakh staff work across 55,204 Anganwadi centres in Andhra Pradesh.
- Upgraded devices will benefit nearly all major functionaries in the system.
Objectives of the Programme
- Enhance digital data reporting for maternal and child health indicators.
- Improve implementation of PM POSHAN, ICDS, Poshan Tracker, and state welfare schemes.
- Enable faster grievance redressal and real-time monitoring by supervisors.
- Reduce manual errors and improve transparency.
Significance of the Initiative
- Promotes Digital Governance in rural service delivery.
- Strengthens maternal and child nutrition monitoring.
- Supports e-governance capacity building among frontline workers.
- Enhances AP’s ranking in national service delivery assessments.
Achievements Highlighted
- AP’s Women and Child Welfare Department secured A++ rank and 4th position nationally for service delivery.
- Honorarium for Anganwadi workers increased from ₹1,200 to ₹2,200 under CM Chandrababu Naidu.
Challenges in Anganwadi Service Delivery
- Digital literacy gaps among workers.
- Poor network connectivity in remote areas.
- High workload and administrative burden.
- Insufficient incentives and delayed reimbursements.
Need for Digital Strengthening
- Mobile-based reporting tools such as Poshan Tracker require reliable devices.
- 5G phones improve:
- Live data uploads
- GPS-enabled attendance
- Photograph-based verification
- Access to dashboards for supervisors
- Ensures transparency and accountability.
Way Forward
- Provide ongoing digital literacy training to Anganwadi workers.
- Ensure network coverage in rural/tribal areas.
- Integrate 5G devices with AI-based monitoring tools.
- Consider extending scheme eligibility to ASHA workers & Anganwadi teachers, as proposed.
CARE MCQ
Q. Andhra Pradesh’s initiative to distribute 5G smartphones to Anganwadi workers primarily aims to:
(a) Improve telemedicine outreach
(b) Enhance digital reporting and service delivery in ICDS
(c) Facilitate online education for rural communities
(d) Promote e-commerce opportunities for SHGs
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- The phones are meant for real-time reporting, maternal-child health monitoring, and scheme implementation.
- Not meant for telemedicine, education, or e-commerce.
Source: Economic Times
Relevance: GS Paper 3 – Environment, Pollution, Conservation, Climate Change
Important Key Concepts for Prelims and Mains:
For Prelims:
- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Global Environment Outlook (GEO-7), Net-zero by 2050
For Mains:
- Key findings of GEO-7, Impacts of Environmental Degradation, Transformative Actions Recommended by GEO-7, India’s Strategic Priorities
Why in News?
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released the 7th Global Environment Outlook (GEO-7) during UNEP’s 7th session in Nairobi. The report warns that the planet is approaching irreversible ecological thresholds and calls for urgent systemic transformation across economic, energy, food, and environmental systems.
What is GEO-7?
GEO-7 is UNEP’s flagship environmental assessment providing:
- A scientific overview of global environmental trends
- Risks arising from climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and unsustainable production
- Policy pathways to prevent environmental collapse
- It is considered the world’s most authoritative environmental “health check.”
Key Highlights of GEO-7
Rising Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- GHG emissions have risen 1.5% every year since 1990.
- Global temperatures touched 1.55°C in 2024 — highest ever.
- Extreme weather events have intensified across continents.
Severe Biodiversity Loss
- 1 million of the world’s 8 million species face extinction.
- 20–40% of global land is degraded, affecting over 3 billion people.
Economic Impacts
- Climate disasters cost USD 143 billion annually (20-year average).
- Air pollution caused USD 8.1 trillion in health-related losses in 2019.
- 9 million premature deaths per year linked to pollution.
Plastic & Chemical Crisis
- 8,000 million tonnes of plastic waste generated globally.
- Chemical exposure leads to USD 1.5 trillion in annual health damages.
Cost of Action vs Inaction
- Strategic environmental investments = USD 20 trillion/year by 2070.
- Inaction risks ecosystem collapse, GDP contraction, food shortages, and mass displacement.
- Founded: 5 June 1972
- HQ: Nairobi, Kenya
- Mandate: Global environmental leadership, science-based policy guidance
- Major Reports: Emission Gap Report, Frontiers, Global Environment Outlook
- Key Campaigns: Beat Pollution, World Environment Day
Impacts of Environmental Degradation
Crossing Critical Tipping Points
- Likely breach of 1.5°C by early 2030s
- 2.0°C by 2040s leading to irreversible ecosystem collapse
Economic Breakdown
- 4% drop in global GDP by 2050
- 20% drop by 2100, causing unemployment and poverty
Loss of Fertile Land
- Every year, fertile land equivalent to Colombia or Ethiopia is lost
- Threatens water, food security, livelihoods, and stability
Decline in Nutrition
- 3.4% fall in per-capita food availability by 2050
- Higher risks of famine and undernutrition
Transformative Actions Recommended by GEO-7
Economy & Finance
- Adopt comprehensive wealth metrics (beyond GDP).
- Price environmental externalities correctly.
- Require USD 8 trillion annual investment till 2050 for climate & biodiversity goals.
Materials & Waste
- Shift to circular production and traceable supply chains.
- Encourage circular consumer behaviour.
Energy Transition
- Deep decarbonisation of energy systems.
- Improve efficiency across industry, transport, and buildings.
- Ensure sustainable supply of critical minerals.
- Prevent 9 million future deaths by reducing air pollution.
Food Systems Transformation
- Promote healthy, sustainable diets.
- Reduce food loss & waste sharply.
- Improve agricultural circularity.
- Potential benefits:
- 200 million lifted out of undernutrition
- 100 million out of extreme poverty
Environment & Nature-Based Solutions
- Scale ecosystem restoration, protect natural habitats.
- Strengthen climate adaptation using NbS (mangroves, wetlands, forests).
Collaborative Governance
- Requires joint action by governments, private sector, civil society, academia, and Indigenous communities.
- Policies must operate together, not in isolation.
India’s Strategic Priorities
Green GDP & Wealth Accounting
- Implement a national Green GDP or Inclusive Wealth Index.
- Integrate natural capital valuation into policymaking.
Circular Economy Mission
- Launch a national mission with sector-wise targets (plastics, e-waste, textiles, construction).
- Mandate recycled content and develop markets for secondary raw materials.
Subsidy Rationalisation
- Gradually phase out fossil fuel subsidies.
- Redirect support toward renewables, EVs, organic farming, and mass transit.
Scaling Nature-Based Solutions
- Integrate NbS into public infrastructure budgets:
- Mangroves for coastal protection
- Wetlands for water security
- Urban greens for public health
Climate-Resilient Development
- Align State Action Plans with GEO-7 priorities.
- Strengthen disaster preparedness and adaptation financing.
Conclusion
The Karnataka Bill is a pioneering attempt to explicitly legislate against hate speech and hate crimes in India. Its success depends on precise definitions, strong safeguards against misuse, balanced enforcement, and complementary social, educational, and technological strategies. Hate speech is not just a legal challenge—its deeper roots lie in societal attitudes and political polarisation, requiring holistic solutions.
UPSC PYQ
Q. The ‘Common Carbon Metric’, supported by UNEP, has been developed for (UPSC 2021)
(a) assessing the carbon footprint of building operations around the world
(b) enabling commercial fanning entities around the world to enter carbon emission trading
(c) enabling governments to assess the overall carbon footprint caused by their countries
(d) assessing the overall carbon foot-print caused by the use of fossil fuels by the world in a unit time
Ans: (a)
CARE MCQ
Q. ‘Beat Pollution’ and ‘World Environment Day’ are flagship global campaigns coordinated by:
(a) UNDP
(b) UNESCO
(c) UNEP
(d) WHO
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Both are UNEP-led campaigns to raise global environmental awareness.
Source: The Indian Express, The Hindu
Relevance: GS-III – Indian Economy, Agriculture, International Trade; GS-II – India–U.S. Relations,
Important Key Concepts for Prelims and Mains:
For Prelims:
- India’s Rice Export Share, Aromatic Rice Varieties (Basmati/Jasmine/Hom Mali), US Rice Import Composition, Premium vs. Non-Premium Rice, West Asia Basmati Market, Africa Non-Basmati Market, Dumping (WTO Definition), Tariff Measures & Trade Remedies
For Mains:
- Agricultural Trade Dynamics, Political Economy of Tariffs, India–US Trade Relations, Export Market Diversification, Global Food Supply Chains, Trade Asymmetry & Dependence, Price Sensitivity in Food Imports, Farmer-Centric Trade Policies
Why in News?
US President Donald Trump recently claimed that India is “dumping rice” in the US and harming American farmers. He further stated that tariffs could “solve the problem in two minutes.” The remark was made during a White House roundtable with US farmers, attended by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
This assertion triggered debate on whether India actually dumps rice in the US market and how such tariffs may affect Indian exporters.
Trump’s Claim and Political Context
At a White House farmers’ roundtable, Trump asserted that India and Thailand were “dumping” rice in the U.S. market, promising to “fix the issue with tariffs.”
Experts argue that the statement is driven by domestic electoral pressures, especially after Trump announced a $12 billion farm relief package.
India’s Dominance in Global Rice Markets
Production & Exports
- Indian rice production (2024–25): 150 million tonnes
- Share of global output: 28%
- India exported: 198.65 lakh tonnes (19.86 MT)
- Export value: $12.95 billion
- Controls ~40% of global rice trade
Reasons for India’s dominance
- Competitive pricing
- Strong monsoon
- High-yield seeds
- Expanded irrigation
- Removal of export restrictions
India supplies rice to 172 countries, plans expansion to 26 more, including:
Philippines, Indonesia, UK, Mexico.
Global Rice Production: India vs USA
| Country | Production (2024–25) | Rank | Notes |
| India | 150 million tonnes | #1 globally | World’s largest producer & exporter |
| USA | 7.05 million tonnes | #13 globally | Small producer, but significant exporter |
Despite low production, the U.S. exports more rice (3 mt) than it imports (1.6 mt).
India–US Rice Trade: What the Data Shows
The U.S. Imports Premium Rice, Not Cheap Dumped Varieties
The U.S. imports primarily aromatic, specialty rice:
| Variety | Price per tonne |
| Thai Hom Mali | $1,125 |
| Thai Jasmine | $690–700 |
| Indian Basmati (2% broken) | $880–900 |
| U.S. white/parboiled rice (4% broken) | $560–675 |
Dumping means exporting at very low or below-cost prices — which is NOT the case here.
Will New US Tariffs Hurt Indian Exports?
Impact is likely minimal, because:
1. India’s rice exports are massive overall
- 2024–25 exports: 22.5 million tonnes
- 2025–26 projection: 25 million tonnes
2. US share in Indian rice exports is very small
Basmati (2024–26 April–March)
- Total exported: 60.65 lt ($5,944.49m)
- Exported to US: 2.74 lt ($337.10m)
Non-basmati
- Total exported: 141.30 lt ($6,527.98m)
- Exported to US: 0.61 lt ($54.64m)
Current Fiscal (Apr–Oct)
- Basmati to US: 1.75 lt ($177.41m)
- Non-basmati to US: 0.36 lt ($29.05m)
The US is a minor market for Indian rice, especially non-basmati.
USA’s Rice Imports (2018–24): India’s Share
- 2018 → 23.3%
- 2020 → 23.6%
- 2022 → 25.5%
- 2023 → 26.6%
- 2024 → 26.1%
This proves:
India is a major supplier of U.S. imported rice
But the U.S. is a minor market for India
Where Does Indian Rice Actually Go?
Basmati Exports
Mainly to West Asia:
- Saudi Arabia
- Iraq
- Iran
- UAE
US consumption of Basmati is dominated by Indian companies like LT Foods, whose “Royal” brand holds 55% market share in North America.
Non-Basmati Exports
Mainly to West Africa, especially:
- Benin
- Togo
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Liberia
- Sierra Leone
- Guinea
- Senegal
The US is practically irrelevant as a non-basmati market
CARE MCQ
Q. In the context of India’s rice exports, consider the following statements:
- West Asia is a major consumer of Indian basmati rice.
- Africa is the primary destination for Indian non-basmati rice.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
Statement 1 – Correct
West Asia—including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, and the UAE—is the largest importer of Indian basmati rice. These countries account for the bulk of India’s basmati exports due to strong cultural, culinary, and trade linkages.
Statement 2 – Correct
Africa—especially West African nations such as Benin, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Senegal—is the biggest market for Indian non-basmati rice. These countries import affordable, non-aromatic rice varieties in large quantities.
