TGPSC Daily Current Affairs - 11th December 2025
Source: THE HINDU
Relevance:
TGPSC Paper–III: Indian Society, Constitution & Governance
Important Key Concepts for Prelims and Mains:
For Prelims:
- Telangana State Election Commission (TSEC), Article 243K & 243ZA, EPIC & ERONET, Model Code of Conduct (MCC), Unanimous Elections
For Mains:
- Grassroots Democracy, Electoral Transparency, Women’s Political Participation, Administrative Accountability, Strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)
Why in News?
The first phase of the second ordinary Telangana Gram Panchayat Elections-2025 is being held today, December 11, across the State. Polling is scheduled from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with counting of votes beginning at 2:00 p.m. This phase marks an important step in strengthening grassroots democracy, as lakhs of rural voters participate in selecting local leadership for the next five years.
Overview of the First Phase of Elections
According to the Telangana State Election Commission (TGSEC), over 5.61 lakh voters will decide the outcome for:
- 12,960 candidates contesting for 3,834 Sarpanch posts
- 65,455 candidates contesting across 27,628 ward seats
Initially, 4,236 Gram Panchayats (GPs) and 37,440 wards were notified for polling in this phase. However, due to unanimous elections, polling will now be conducted in:
- 3,836 GPs
- 27,960 wards
| Category | Number |
| Total Voters | 56,19,430 |
| Male Voters | 27,41,070 |
| Female Voters | 28,78,159 |
A noteworthy trend is that female voters outnumber male voters, reflecting rising participation of women in local governance—a significant development for rural political empowerment in Telangana.
Unanimous Elections and Reduction in Contested Seats
A total of:
- 395 Sarpanches
- 9,331 ward members
have been unanimously elected in the first phase. The Commission has taken written declarations from unanimously elected candidates as part of its intensified efforts to curb the auctioning of posts, which has been a recurring concern in Panchayat elections.
Logistics and Administrative Preparedness
State Election Commissioner I. Rani Kumudini announced that:
- 45,086 ballot boxes
- 37,562 polling stations
have been arranged for smooth conduct of polls. Reinforcing the importance of electoral participation, the Commission has urged all eligible citizens to exercise their franchise responsibly.
Senior officials, including Additional DGP Mahesh M. Bhagwat, reviewed law and order arrangements. District administrations have been instructed to maintain strict vigilance at distribution centres, polling stations and sensitive locations.
| Telangana State Election Commission (TSEC)
Constitutional Basis
Appointment
Powers & Functions
Difference Between ECI and TSEC
|
Approved Photo Identity Cards for Voters
In the absence of an EPIC, voters may use any of 18 approved identity documents, including Aadhaar, Driving Licence, Passport, PAN Card, Ration Card with photo, MNREGA job card, Pension documents with photo, SC/ST/BC certificates with photo, and others.
However, the voter’s name must appear in the marked electoral roll.
Electoral Photo Identity Card
What is EPIC?
- The Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) number is a 10-digit alphanumeric unique voter identification number issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
- Introduced in 1993 under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 to curb voter impersonation and electoral fraud.
How is it Issued?
- Generated and managed through ERONET (Electoral Roll Management System).
- ERONET is a centralized, web-based platform used by election officials for:
- Voter registration
- Correction of entries
- Migration and deletion
- Standardizing electoral rolls across states
- Supports multiple languages and scripts, ensuring uniform roll management.
Why is EPIC Important?
- Acts as a unique identifier linking a voter to:
- Their photograph
- Constituency
- Polling station
- Helps prevent duplication, impersonation, and fraudulent voting.
- Errors or mismatches in EPIC data can result in voter disenfranchisement or manipulation.
Model Code of Conduct Enforcement: FIRs & Seizures
Since the MCC came into effect on November 25, 2025:
- 3,214 FIRs have been registered
- Seizures worth ₹7.54 crore have been made
- ₹1.7 crore in cash
- ₹2.84 crore worth of liquor
- ₹2.22 crore worth narcotics
These actions indicate a heightened enforcement effort to curb electoral malpractice, inducements, and unlawful campaigning.
District-level Reviews and Staff Accountability
District Collectors, acting as District Election Authorities, inspected polling material distribution centres.
- Sangareddy Collector P. Pravinya instructed staff to strictly follow checklists.
- Vikarabad Collector Prateek Jain suspended 14 Presiding Officers for failing to report for poll duty.
These measures underline the Commission’s emphasis on accountability and discipline during the election process.
Phase-wise Election Schedule for 2025
| Phase | Date | GPs Notified | Wards Notified |
| Phase 1 | December 11 | 4,236 | 37,440 |
| Phase 2 | December 14 | 4,333 | 38,350 |
| Phase 3 | December 17 | 4,159 | 36,452 |
| Total | — | 12,728 | 1,12,242 |
Unanimous Elections Trend
- 1,204 Sarpanches were unanimously elected in the Telangana Gram Panchayat Elections-2025.
- This number is significantly lower than the 2,134 unanimous Sarpanch elections in 2019, indicating reduced consensus or increased electoral competition.
- For the 2025 elections, 12,728 Gram Panchayats were notified for polling.
- After accounting for unanimous selections, 11,499 Gram Panchayats will go to polls.
- 21 Gram Panchayats will not face elections due to no nominations or invalid nominations.
- Out of 1,12,242 notified wards, 25,551 Ward Members were unanimously elected.
- 368 wards received no valid nominations.
- Elections will be held in 86,269 wards across the State.
- The Election Commission collected written declarations from all unanimously elected candidates as part of a multi-layered mechanism to curb post-auctioning and ensure transparency.
Conclusion
The first phase of the Telangana Gram Panchayat Elections-2025 marks a crucial milestone in deepening democratic processes at the village level. With enhanced administrative arrangements, strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, and significant voter participation—particularly by women—the election reflects a maturing grassroots governance framework.
As the State moves toward the second and third phases on December 14 and 17, the focus remains on ensuring a transparent, peaceful, and participatory electoral exercise that upholds the integrity of local self-governance.
CARE MCQ
Q. Under which Constitutional Articles is the Telangana State Election Commission empowered to conduct elections?
(a) Articles 324 and 325
(b) Articles 243K and 243ZA
(c) Articles 280 and 282
(d) Articles 243C and 243M
Correct Answer: (b) Articles 243K and 243ZA
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.
