UPSC Daily Current Affairs| Prelim Bits 13-06-2025
iasparliament
June 13, 2025
CROPIC (Collection of Real Time Observations & Photo of Crops)
Prelims : Current events of National Importance | Technology | Agriculture
Why in News?
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare plans to launch CROPIC.
It is a study to gather crop information using field photographs and AI-based models.
Crops will be photographed 4-5 times during their cycle, and the pictures will be analysed to assess their health and potential mid-season losses.
Seasons -The study will be carried out for two seasons, kharif 2025 and rabi 2025-26.
CROPIC is an initiative under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
Purpose - It has a dual purpose of monitoring crop health and stress, and automation of crop loss assessment and payment of claims to affected farmers.
The study envisages the collection of field photographs during the crop season using the CROPIC mobile app.
Developed by - Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
The photographs from the field will be crowd-sourced directly from farmers.
Then, they will be analysed for information including crop type, crop stage, crop damage and its extent.
CROPIC will use an AI-based cloud platform for photo analysis and information extraction, and a web-based dashboard for visualisation.
Timeline -CROPIC will be rolled out initially in at least 50 districts per season.
These districts will be well distributed in different agro-climatic zones, covering the 3 major notified crops in each district for each season, initially.
Notified crops are those covered under insurance schemes like PMFBY.
Benefits -It will assist in creating a rich directory of crop signatures, and will also lead to automation of loss assessment and compensation to eligible farmers under PMFBY.
This initiative is part of digital innovations in agriculture for fostering financial resilience.
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
It is a crop insurance scheme designed to protect farmers against crop losses due to various natural calamities, pests, and diseases.
Aim - To provide financial support, stabilize farmer income, and encourage the adoption of modern agricultural practices.
Key Features - PMFBY provides insurance coverage for a wide range of crops, including rice, wheat, pulses, and commercial crops.
The scheme offers low premium rates, with the government bearing the balance premium to ensure full insurance coverage.
PMFBY utilizes technology like satellite imagery and remote sensing for crop area estimation, yield estimation, and loss assessment.
The scheme streamlines the claims process, making it easier for farmers to access insurance benefits.
Prelims : Current events of National Importance | Science
Why in News?
Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) would be postponed indefinitely after a liquid oxygen (LOX) leak in SpaceX's Falcon-9 rocket.
Axiom-4 Mission– It is the 4th mission planned by US-based spaceflight company Axiom Space to the International Space Station.
Agency - Axiom Space.
It uses a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.
The mission is commercial and isn’t part of the regular resupply missions NASA undertakes to the ISS.
It aims to facilitate commercial activities in space, including scientific research, technological development, and space tourism.
It consists of a crew of 4 people - Peggy Whitson, Shubhanshu Shukla (Indian), Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, and Tobir Kapu.
Reason for delay -Falcon-9 rocket’s engines leaking liquid oxygen (LOX).
Liquid oxygen (LOX) is oxygen in its liquid state, a cryogenic fluid produced by cooling oxygen gas to its boiling point of -183°C (-297°F).
If LOX is exposed to warmer conditions, the oxygen will turn into gas and not be usable as fuel.
Falcon 9 engines combust a mix of rocket-grade kerosene and LOX to generate thrust, meaning a LOX leak is a serious issue.
Detectability issue -When it leaks, LOX flashes to an invisible vapour almost instantly and can be blown away by winds or fans nearby.
Detecting it often entails time-consuming, labour-intensive work.
Many joints in the components associated with storing and pumping LOX are insulated with foam or are located in nooks, and can’t physically reach them.
Materials contract at cryogenic temperatures (around 90 K), so a hole may appear closed at ambient temperature but open at cryogenic temperatures.
So once a hole has been fixed, engineers may need to repeat tests at both warm and cold conditions or test with liquid nitrogen to mimic operating conditions.
Testing with LOX itself can be hazardous.
Fortunately, experts have been working with cryogenic engines for long enough to know which tools to use and which processes to follow once the leak has been identified.
They include visual inspection, bubble tests, helium signature tests, flow-meter tests, ultrasonic microphones, and thermal imaging.
Prelims : Current events of National Importance | History
Why in News?
Archaeologists from the University of Kerala have unearthed a 5,300-year-old settlement near Lakhapar village in western Kachchh, Gujarat.
The excavation has revealed an Early Harappan habitation site, located near the now-quiet Gandi River, once a perennial water source.
It provides critical habitation context to those burials, suggesting a dynamic, interconnected cultural landscape in the arid Kachchh desert.
Architecture- The excavation uncovered structural remnants, walls made of local sandstone and shale, indicating well-planned construction activities.
Pottery- It has the presence of pottery from both Early and Classical Harappan phases, dating back to around 3300 BC.
Among these finds is the extremely rare Pre-Prabhas Ware, previously known from only 3 sites across Gujarat.
Pre-Prabhas Ware refers to a distinct ceramic tradition found in Gujarat during the Early Harappan period, characterized by Fine Red Ware, Coarse Gray or Red Ware, Fine Gray Ware, and Black and Red Ware.
The presence of this distinct ceramic tradition at Lakhapar points to a culturally unique group within the larger Harappan civilization.
Burial site – Theydiscovered a human burial in the vicinity of the settlement.
The skeleton, though poorly preserved, was interred directly in a pit with no visible architecture or markers and accompanied by Pre-Prabhas Ware pottery.
This is the 1st known burial to include this rare ware, hinting at a previously undocumented ritual practice or subgroup within the Early Harappan population.
Discovered Artefacts- Semiprecious stone beads made of carnelian, agate, amazonite, and steatite; shell ornaments, copper and terracotta objects and lithic tools.
Of particular note are Rohri chert blades, which indicate connections with the Sindh region.
Animal remains -Cattle, sheep, goats, fish bones, and edible shell fragments, suggest that inhabitants relied on both animal husbandry and aquatic resources.
Samples have also been collected for archaeobotanical analysis to understand plant use and ancient diet.
Lakhapar bridges that critical gap, offering a rare glimpse into both the living and the dead of the same cultural group.
Prelims : Current events of National Importance | Environment
Why in News?
The environment minister recently announced that the Delhi government has undertaken a project to develop India’s first electronic waste (e-waste) eco park in north Delhi’s Holambi Kalan.
The facility will be built under a design, build, finance, operate, and transfer (DBFOT) model.
It will be on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis for a concession period of 15 years.
It will be designed to process up to 51,000 tonnes of e-waste, including all 106 categories of waste listed under the E-Waste Management Rules, 2022.
Construction of the park is expected to be completed within 18 months, to process 25% of e-waste within 5 years.
It is expected to generate over Rs. 350 Crore in revenue.
The project is expected to create thousands of green jobs while reducing pollution and conserving resources.
The park will also have dedicated zones for dismantling, refurbishing, plastic recovery, and a second-hand electronics market.
Circular Economy & Sustainable Development – This project embodies the principles of a circular economy by minimizing waste, conserving resources, and creating a closed-loop system for electronic goods.
It aligns with India's sustainable development goals.
Green Jobs & Skilling – It will formalize the informal e-waste sector by establishing training centres to upskill workers, ensuring safer practices and creating thousands of "green jobs."
National Benchmark – As one of four planned facilities nationally, it will serve as a model for other states, aiming to process 25% of Delhi's e-waste within five years.
Environmental Impact – It directly tackles the hazards of improper e-waste disposal, reducing pollution (soil, water, air) from toxic elements and conserving valuable metals.
The orange and yellow alerts announced by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which are crucial, especially during intense weather phenomena like the active southwest monsoon currently affecting Kerala.
Yellow Alert (Be Aware):
About – This is a cautionary alert, indicating that weather conditions are potentially adverse and could cause minor disruptions to daily activities.
Rainfall Criteria – For rainfall, a Yellow Alert is typically issued when 24-hour rainfall is expected to be between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm (heavy rain).
Action Advised – People are advised to "Be Aware" of the weather situation, stay updated with forecasts, and be prepared for possible inconveniences like localized flooding in low-lying areas or traffic congestion.
It's a signal to exercise caution, but doesn't necessarily call for immediate drastic action.
Orange Alert (Be Prepared):
About – An Orange Alert signifies a higher level of threat, indicating a strong likelihood of severe weather conditions that could cause significant disruption and damage.
Rainfall Criteria – For rainfall, an Orange Alert is typically issued when 24-hour rainfall is expected to be between 115.6 mm and 204.4 mm (very heavy rain).
Current Situation in Kerala:
As per the latest reports, the active southwest monsoon in Kerala has already brought heavy to very heavy rainfall, with Sengulam Dam in Idukki recording a significant 14 cm.
Given the continuing active monsoon conditions expected for the next seven days due to an upper air cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal, the IMD has issued:
Orange Alert for Kannur and Kasaragod districts for Thursday, indicating a high likelihood of very heavy rain and urging residents to be prepared.
Yellow Alert for most other districts, excluding Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, and Alappuzha, advising isolated heavy rain and the need for caution.
Economy
Additional Surveillance Measures (ASM) framework
The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has recently placed the shares of BSE Ltd (Bombay Stock Exchange) under the Additional Surveillance Measures (ASM) framework.
Additional Surveillance Measures (ASM) framework – Is a crucial regulatory tool used by the Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and stock exchanges (like NSE and BSE) to protect investors and maintain the fairness and integrity of the market.
It's designed to curb excessive speculation and volatility in certain stocks.
Objective – The primary goal of ASM is to alert investors to unusual price movements and discourage speculative trading that isn't backed by fundamental factors.
It aims to prevent market manipulation and safeguard retail investors from potential losses.
Triggering Factors – Stocks are placed under ASM if they show unusual price or volume variations, high volatility, or other suspicious trading patterns.
Categorization: ASM has two categories:
Short-Term ASM – For immediate, rapid fluctuations.
Long-Term ASM – For sustained unusual activity. (BSE shares were recently placed under the long-term list).
Agriculture
Community Seed Banks (CSBs)
Community Seed Banks are increasingly in focus as a crucial mechanism for climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation in agriculture.
Core Role: Safeguard diverse crop varieties and build agricultural resilience.
Effective Models: Driven by local ownership, often led by women's SHGs and individual farmers.
Sahaja Samrudha's Approach – Evolved from simple exchange to structured conservation and production.
Uses Participatory Variety Selection (PVS) to identify best-performing varieties.
Trained producers multiply chosen seeds; others are conserved for biodiversity.
Revenue from organic grain sales funds future operations.
Successfully promotes climate-resilient crops like millets.
Solutions – Separate conservation from multiplication roles.
Government Support (Crucial) – Formal recognition for "custodians of biodiversity."
Subsidies for conservation and storage.
Integration into national seed distribution systems.
Overall Impact – Transforms local economies, ensures food security through local ownership and support.
National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)
The Union Cabinet's recent approval of the NMNF highlights a significant national push for sustainable, chemical-free agriculture.
Approval & Budget – Recently approved by the Union Cabinet with 24.81 billion rupees allocated.
Scope – Aims to cover 10 million farmers and 0.75 million hectares across 15,000 clusters.
Objective – Promote natural, chemical-free farming, reducing farmer dependence on chemical inputs.
Key Features – A Centrally Sponsored Scheme focused on capacity building for farmers transitioning to natural farming.
Emphasizes on-farm bio-inputs and livestock-integrated models.
Includes setting up Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs) and Natural Farming Model Demonstration Farms.
Focuses on peer-to-peer learning and farmer-led extension, utilizing tools like Participatory Videos (PVs).
Aims to establish common standards, farmer-friendly certification, and a national brand for natural produce.
Benefits – Reduced input costs, improved soil health, enhanced biodiversity, nutritious food, and a healthier environment.
Participatory Videos (PVs)
With the approval of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), Participatory Videos (PVs) are gaining prominence as they are seen as an innovative, farmer-centric approach to overcome traditional challenges.
Participatory Videos (PVs) – Also known as community videos.
Engage farmers and communities in creating their own content (user-generated).
Document experiences, share knowledge, and voice perspectives to drive social change.
Empower marginalized communities, build confidence, and foster creative expression.
Serve as powerful tools for local training and communication.
History of PVs – Originated in the late 1960s with the "Fogo Process" in Canada.
Relevance in Natural Farming – Crucial for a farmer-led extension system in natural farming.
Sensitize farmers quickly through peer-to-peer learning.
Support learning in three ways:
Horizontal Learning – Farmers share practical experiences within and across villages.
Vertical Learning – Farmers share experiences with government authorities, who can respond via video.
Exchange Learning – Facilitate dynamic information exchange through discussions and feedback.
Scientific research shows farmers are seven times more likely to adopt practices when exposed to PVs.
The Way Forward
Integrate PVs – Embed them into existing natural/sustainable farming schemes (e.g., NMNF, PKVY).
Capacity Building – Train farmers, local youth, and extension workers in video production (smartphones, editing, storytelling).
Dissemination – Utilize platforms like WhatsApp, YouTube, and social media.
Digital Library – Curate categorized PVs for wide access (e.g., MANAGE, ASCI).
Rural PV Entrepreneurs – Support progressive farmers, SHG members, and youth to become PV entrepreneurs.
Environment
Women Entrepreneurs Leading the Fight Against Climate Change (The WECCA Project)
A recent study highlights the critical and often overlooked role of women entrepreneurs as strategic actors in climate change adaptation, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
Countering the narrative of vulnerability – While women are often framed as highly vulnerable to climate change, the WECCA project's new research suggests they are actively leading efforts in climate resilience.
Demonstrating sustainable adaptation – The project's findings indicate that businesses led by women are more likely to adopt sustainable, long-term adaptation strategies (like diversifying income) compared to male-led businesses, which may resort to short-term, unsustainable "coping" mechanisms.
Highlighting the impact of support – The research shows that when women-led businesses receive financial or technical adaptation assistance, they not only catch up with male-led counterparts but also often outperform them.
This suggests a high return on investment for supporting women in this area.
Policy implications – The findings strongly advocate for governments and donors to develop targeted policies and programs that empower women entrepreneurs, recognizing their potential to drive inclusive and climate-resilient development.
Ongoing relevance – Climate change impacts are increasing, making the need for effective adaptation strategies more urgent.
The WECCA project offers a unique and valuable perspective on how to achieve this by focusing on a historically underserved but highly capable demographic.
Forest Rights Act (FRA) Cells
For the first time since the Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006, the Union government is directly funding dedicated structures, FRA Cells which can facilitate the law's implementation.
Central Funding – Sanctioned under the Dharti Aba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyaan (DAJGUA) scheme.
These cells are funded by the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs but will operate under the direction of State governments.
Purpose – Their primary aim is to "facilitate" and "assist" the implementation of the FRA.
This includes helping claimants and Gram Sabhas prepare paperwork for claims, assist with data management and expedite pending claims.
No Decision-Making Role – Officials emphasize these cells will not interfere with the statutory decision-making bodies (Gram Sabhas, Sub-Divisional, or District Level Committees) established under the FRA.
Addressing Pendency – The initiative comes as a significant number of FRA claims (14.45% of 51.11 lakh, with over 42% rejections) remain pending across States.
Concerns Raised – Activists worry these cells, being outside the FRA's direct legal framework, could create a "parallel mechanism," potentially leading to confusion and overlapping functions with existing committees.
Focus Areas – High numbers of cells are sanctioned in States like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana.
