CROPIC Initiative: Overview and Details

In News: CROPIC (Collection of Real Time Observations & Photo of Crops) is a new initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare aimed at transforming crop monitoring and loss assessment in India using field photographs and artificial intelligence (AI)-based models.

Key Features

• Purpose: CROPIC is designed to collect real-time crop information via field photographs, which will be analysed using AI to monitor crop health, assess mid-season losses, and automate crop loss assessment and compensation under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).

Data Collection:

• Farmers and field coordinators will use a dedicated CROPIC mobile application to take geotagged photographs of crops 4-5 times during their growth cycle.
• These photos will be crowd-sourced directly from the field and uploaded via the app.

Cathepsin B

In News: Researchers at the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB) have discovered that reducing the activity of a cellular protein called Cathepsin B (Cat B) helps preserve the ovarian reserve in female mammals. 

• Cathepsin B is a lysosomal cysteine protease involved in protein turnover, antigen processing, and apoptosis—processes crucial for tissue regulation. 
• The ovarian reserve refers to the finite pool of egg cells (oocytes) that female mammals possess, which naturally declines with age, leading to reduced fertility.
• The NIAB team used both live mouse models and cultured goat ovaries to study the effects of Cat B. 
• Their findings revealed that inhibiting Cathepsin B activity preserves the quantity and quality of oocytes, effectively slowing down reproductive aging. 
• Mechanistically, Cathepsin B plays a key role in regulating cell death pathways—specifically apoptosis and autophagy—during follicular development.
• Inhibiting Cat B not only increased the number of follicles but also upregulated the IGF1R and AKT-mTOR pathways, which are associated with improved oocyte survival and mitochondrial function.

Shipki La

In News: Recently, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh released border tourism sports at Shipki-La.

• • Location: A high-altitude motorable mountain pass (3,930 m) in Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh, at the India-China border.

• Strategic & Cultural Significance:
• • Situated at the historical Silk Route, mixing geopolitical significance, cultural heritage, and Himalayan landscapes.
  • Historically served as a trade route between India and Tibet, until it was closed for trade in 2020.
• The Sutlej River (Tibetan name: Langqen Zangbo) enters India through this pass.
• Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Potential: Shipki La has been proposed by the Himachal Pradesh government as the perfect path for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, pending approval from the Centre.

Lokpal

In News: The Full Bench of Lokpal of India has adopted a new motto “Empower Citizens, Expose Corruption”.

• Lokpal is an anti-corruption authority or ombudsman in India that was established to address grievances concerning corruption in public places of work.
• Legal Status: The Lokpal isn’t a constitutional body but a statutory body created through rules Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act 2013.
• Chairperson: Retired Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge.
• Appointment of Lokpal: Appointed by a selection committee along with Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India (CJI), Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha & One Eminent Jurist (appointed by way of the above individuals).
• Tenure: The Lokpal is appointed for a 5-year term or till they acquire the age of 70 years.
• Powers and Functions: To look at and prosecute corruption cases against public servants, including government officers, ministers, and the Prime Minister (besides on matters associated with national security).

Download as PDF