 Welcome to the Hindu News Analysis by Shankar Ayes Akrami. These are the news articles chosen for today's discussion. They are given along with the page number of different traditions. Link for the handwritten notes in PDF format and the time stamping for the discussed articles are given in the description box as well as the comment section for the benefit of the mobile viewers. Now let us take the first past problems question. Consider the following statements. In the case of all cereals, pulses and oil seeds, the procurement at minimum support price is unlimited in any state or union territory of India. Second statement. In the case of cereals and pulses, the MSP is fixed in any state or union territory at a level to which the market price will never rise. Which of the statements given above are correct? A. one only, B. two only, C. both one and two, D. neither one or two. First, let us see about MSP. MSP stands for Minimum Support Price. See, Minimum Support Price is the price set by the government for certain agricultural products at which the products would directly be bought from the farmers if the open market prices are less than the cost incurred. See, MSP is a form of government intervention to ensure the farmers against a steep decline in the prices of their goods and help them prevent losses. The government of India sets the MSP twice a year. This is done by the government to protect the farmers against a fall in prices in the air of bumper production. When the market price falls below the declared MSP, the government would purchase the entire quantity from the farmers at MSP. The Commission for Agricultural Cost and Prices, CACP, decides the MSP taking into following factors. The entire structure of the economy of a particular commodity or group of commodities, cost of production, change in input prices, input-output price parity, trends in market prices, demand and supply, inter-crop price parity, effect on industrial cost structure, effect on cost of living, effect on general price level, international price situation, parity between prices paid and prices received by the farmers, effect on issue prices and implications for subsidy. So, these are the factors. Now, let us see the crops covered under MSP. Cereals, Paddy, Wheat, Joer, Barley, Bajra, Ragi, Mace. When it comes to pulses, arar, gram, moong, lentil, urad, are the cereals covered under MSP. Oil seeds, groundnut, mustard, soybean, sesame, Niger seeds, sunflower seeds are covered under MSP. In addition to that, raw cotton, raw jute, cobra, de-est, coconut, sugarcane, virginia, flu, cure, tobacco, VFC, tobacco are also covered under MSP. We have seen about MSP. Now, let us assess the statement. The first statement, in the case of all cereals, pulses and oil seeds, the procurement at MSP is unlimited in any state or unit area of India. See, from the discussion, we know that not all cereals, pulses and oil seeds are covered under MSP. Also, the procurement of crops through MSP is open-ended. It is not unlimited since our buffer stock is limited. So, first statement is wrong. Now, let us move on to the second statement. In the case of cereals and pulses, the MSP is fixed in any state or unit territory at a level to which the market price will never rise. See, a minimum support price is only an indicative price. The market price can rise way above or way below MSP given a situation. For example, market factors of supply and demand may create a scenario where market price of cereals or pulses may rise higher than MSP. Also, market players are not legally bound to keep their prices lower or higher than MSP. So, this statement is also wrong. The answer is D, neither one nor two. Now, let us move on to the next question. Second question. If you withdraw 1 lakh rupees in cash from your demand deposit account at your bank, the immediate effect on aggregate money supply in the economy will be option A to reduce it by 1 lakh, to increase it by 1 lakh, to increase it by more than option D to leave it unchanged. See, this is a direct question from NCRTs. In NCRTs, you will be given the concepts. You have to apply the concept and use analytical thinking to solve this question. To solve this question, we need to understand the term called M3. M3 stands for broad money. See, the term broad money is commonly used to measure the money supply. M3 is equal to M1 plus net time deposits of commercial banks. This is the important formula. In this formula, M1 stands for currency which includes notes plus coins L by the public plus net demand deposits L by commercial banks. This is the formula for M1. What is demand deposit? See, demand deposit is a deposit of money that can be withdrawn without prior notice. For example, current account deposit is an example for demand deposit. Whereas, a time deposit is a deposit in a bank that cannot be withdrawn before a set date. We have seen the formula for M3. We have seen the formula for M1. We have seen about demand deposit. We have seen about time deposit. Now, let us go to the demand of the question. See, withdrawal of 1 lakh rupees in cash does not make any difference to the aggregate money supply. It will remain unchanged since the money supply includes both cash with public and demand deposits. So technically, you are exchanging the money within the parameters of M3. We are withdrawing the money from demand deposits and we are giving to the currency L by the public. So finally, the M3 remains unchanged. Let me explain this with an example. Imagine a house M3. In that house, there are three people. One person is currency L by the public, another person is demand deposit, another person is time deposit. In this case, we are withdrawing money from a person called demand deposit and we are giving to the person called currency L by the public. Though the exchange take place between these two person, the money inside the house M3 remains the same. That is the case which is followed here. So, withdrawing of cash from demand deposit and putting it with the public makes no changes in M3, which is the aggregate money supply. So, the answer is D to leave it unchanged. Now, let us take up this article. In a recent study by NIMS, it has been highlighted that vitamin D concentration in the body plays an important role in COVID disease recovery. NIMS stands for Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences. See, according to this study, it was found that the mortality rate out of COVID was significantly higher when the patient was vitamin D deficient. Whereas, it was almost zero when vitamin D levels were over 16 nanograms per milliliter. According to the study, this is due to the immune modulatory functions of vitamin D. Now, in this context, let us look into vitamin and vitamin D. What is vitamin? See, the term vitamin is used to describe certain organic compounds that are needed by the body but that cannot be manufactured by the body. They mainly serve as catalysts for certain reactions in the body. The amount of vitamins required by the body are very small. Vitamins are mainly obtained from our foods. See, vitamins are classified based on solubility. They are either fat soluble or water soluble. Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat soluble, whereas vitamin C and B are water soluble. So far, we saw about vitamins. Now, let us see about vitamin D in particular. See, vitamin D is also known as calciferol. It is a very important vitamin. The unique property of this vitamin is that the body can synthesize this vitamin when we are exposing ourselves to sunlight. This is a very important point. Now, let us look into some important functions of vitamin D. See, the most important function of vitamin D is that it plays a crucial role in body's use of calcium and phosphorus. Children especially need adequate amounts of vitamin D to develop strong bones and LTT. Also, vitamin D works by increasing the amount of calcium observed from the small intestine, helping to form and maintain bones. Vitamin D also plays an important role in immunity and controlling cell growth. So, these are some of the important functions of vitamin D. Now, let us see about food sources of vitamin D. The primary source of vitamin D are milk and dairy products, which are fortified with vitamin D. Vitamin D is also found in oily fish, for example, sardines and salmons. It is also found in cod liver oil. In addition to the food, vitamin D can be obtained through our skin, which produces vitamin D in response to sunlight. So, so far we have seen about vitamin D. It functions and sources. Now, let us see about deficiency of vitamin D. See, deficiency of vitamin D in growing children causes rickets. It also causes flattening of the back of the skull. Vitamin D deficiency in adults may result in a condition called osteomalacia and osteoporosis. Osteomalacia stands for muscle and bone weakness, whereas osteoporosis is known for loss of bone mass. In addition to that, vitamin D deficiency has been associated with increased risk of cancer, autoimmune disease, hypertension and infectious disease. See, a recently published data introduces a concern that some models and children may be more prone to developing vitamin D deficiency due to increased use of sunscreen. See, sunscreen blocks the sunlight. We know that sunlight plays an important role in vitamin D synthesis. So, by blocking the sunlight through sunscreen, we are minimizing the production of vitamin D. In addition to that, we live in inner cities and we wear clothes that cover most of our skin, which will also affect vitamin D production. Also, people who are living in northern climates, where there is little sun or also more prone to vitamin D deficiency. See, most of our foods are very low in vitamin D. So, a deficiency may develop with inadequate exposure to sunlight. How can we overcome vitamin D deficiency? We can overcome vitamin D deficiency by adding fortified foods to the diet such as milk. We can also include vitamin D supplements in our diet so that we can overcome vitamin D deficiency. With this, we have come to the end of the discussion. In this discussion, we saw about vitamin D, vitamin D, significance of vitamin D, sources of vitamin D, vitamin D deficiency and how to overcome it. Now, let us move on to the next article. Now, let us take up this article. It is about elephant corridors. So, let us learn about elephant corridors. The syllabus relevant to this article is displayed on the screen. Aspirants can go through it. See, the rising demand for land has led to the degradation and fragmentation of country's forest cover. Elephant habitats are a casualty of this destruction. See, Asian elephants travel between habitats by following traditional migratory routes. But over the past few decades, new infrastructure projects has cut across these corridors. In addition to that, village expansion has also affected these elephant corridors. So, elephant corridors have started to disappear. This has led to more human elephant conflicts. We can see a lot of incidents where elephants are ruining crops, destroying homes and causing tragic accidents because of the disappearance of elephant corridors. So, in order to overcome these hurdles, WTA, Wildlife Trust of India has joined hands with international partners to improve the elephant habitats and corridors. It is also planning to conduct survey of elephant corridors. First, let us know what is an elephant corridor. See, an elephant corridor is nothing but narrow strips of land that connect two large habitats of elephants. Elephant corridors are crucial elements to reduce animal fatalities due to accidents and other reasons. The movement of elephants through elephant corridors helps in enhancing the species and it also helps in enhancing survival and birth rate. These corridors are not only used by elephants but it is also used by other important wildlife species. See, the efforts of WTA has resulted in construction of about 110 elephant corridors across India. This has helped in passage of elephants through these corridors. In addition to that, Supreme Court of India has also joined the efforts to conserve the elephant corridors. For example, recently Supreme Court upheld the 2011 order of the Madras Eye Court on the Neil Grease elephant corridor, affirming the right of the passage of animals and the closure of resorts in that area. Apart from this, the Government of India's efforts under Gajiatra scheme aims to protect these corridors as well as elephant habitats. Now, look at this figure. There are 110 elephant corridors in India. 28 are present in South India, 25 are present in Central India, 23 are present in North-Eastern India, 23 are present in North and West Bengal, 11 are present in North-West India. Only 70% of the corridors are used regularly. 25% are used only occasionally. 29% of corridors in India are encroached. 66% of the corridors have highways passing through them. 22 corridors have railways passing through them. 4 corridors will have new railway lines. Between 1987 and June 2017, approximately 265 elephants were killed by train accidents in different parts of the country. Now, look at this India map in this figure. West Bengal has the highest number of elephant corridors. The number is 13. With this, we have come to the end of the discussion. In this discussion, we saw about elephant corridors, their significance, and the threat facing them. Now, let us move on to the next article. Now, our next news discussion is going to be based on this article. See, according to this article, Tamil Nadu police are put on high alert following the passing of Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill. So, in this light, let us see about Ambanthota Port, its significance and concerns. The syllabus covered by this news is displayed on the screen, as prints can go through it for reference. Now, let us see about Ambanthota Port. See, Ambanthota Port is a shipping port. It is also called Ruhunu Magampura International Port. This port is constructed by Sri Lankan Port Authority and funded by Exim Bank of China. So, China has funded this project. See, Ambanthota Port Project is one of the four port projects developed in Sri Lanka to boost the country's economy and to enhance trade. Ambanthota Port Project is a part of Ambanthota District Development, which also includes international airport, railways and highway networks, oil refinery and associative facilities. So, it's a comprehensive development. Currently, this port is in third phase of development and is expected to be completed by 2023. So, construction is going on. So far, we have seen about Ambanthota Port. Now, let us see about its significance. See, talking about its significance, Ambanthota Port is close to the Asian and European international shipping routes. For example, the port is close to the Suez Canal in the west and state of Malacca in the east. These shipping routes through Ambanthota are used by about 36,000 ships, including 4,500 oil tankers. But Sri Lanka has got only one major port, that is Port of Colombo, to handle the high volume of ships. So, Sri Lanka planned to build this port to reduce the high shipping traffic. Ambanthota Port is expected to handle 6,000 ships a year. See, despite high expectations, the Ambanthota Port started incurring losses. We all know that Sri Lanka got fund from China to build this port. Due to inadequate profits, Sri Lanka was unable to pay back the debt. So, what did Sri Lanka do? It handed over the majority share of Ambanthota Port to a Chinese state-owned company on a 99-year lease to raise US$1.2 billion. So, this means that the port will have substantial Chinese control. But there has been criticism of this move. Many experts believe China has delivered Sri Lanka into a debt trap. See, China is one of the biggest investors in various infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka. This is because Sri Lanka occupies a strategic position in the Indo-Pacific. The control of Ambanthota Port gives China a good position in the eastern Indian Ocean. Now, through passing of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill, Sri Lanka has given additional 269 hectares of reclaimed seafront to China. This will give China full control over the shipping lanes. Now, this Chinese permanent presence becomes a concern for India, especially amidst the strained India-China relations. Chinese presence in the eastern Indian Ocean will certainly inhibit India's Navy deployment option and will also neutralize the geographical advantage it enjoys in these waters. What should India do? India needs to adapt itself to the presence of China and should be prepared and respond accordingly. With this, we have come to the end of the discussion. In this discussion, we saw about Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill, Ambanthota Port, its significance and concerns. Now, let us move on to the next article. Now, let us take up this article. Recently, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court to invoke the National Security Act. The petition insisted to invoke the National Security Act against hoarding, profiteering, adulteration and black marketing of COVID-19 drugs and equipment. In this context, let us discuss the National Security Act. First, let us see the history of the act. Then, we shall discuss the important provisions about NSA. See the NSA Act as its roots in colonial era. In the year 1818, Third Bengal Regulation was enacted to empower the British government to arrest anyone for maintenance of public order without giving the person recourse to judicial proceedings. Also in the year 1919, the infamous Raulatat allowed confinement of a person without a trial. In post-independent India, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi introduced the controversial Maintenance of Internal Security Act, MISA, in 1971, which was similar to Raulatat. This act was repealed in 1977 and eventually the National Security Act 1980 was promulgated. So, this is the rough history of the National Security Act 1980. Now, let us see the key points under the National Security Act. See, the National Security Act empowers the government to detain a person if the authorities are satisfied that the person is a threat to national security. So, if a person is a threat to national security, then according to this act, the government can detain that person. In addition to that, the government can also prevent a person from disrupting the public order. This is called preventive detention. Both state and the center has the power to detain people according to this act. Also, a person can be detained by this act if he or she is a threat to India's relation with foreign countries. See, the National Security Act as a law is invoked to maintain public law and order. See, the National Security Act talks about preventive detention. So, let us see about the constitutional provisions regarding preventive detention. See, Article 22, Clause 3B of the Constitution, allows for preventive detention and restriction on personal liberty for reasons of state security and public order. So, preventive detention is constitutionally valid. In addition to it, Article 22, Clause 4 states that no law providing for preventive detention shall authorize a detention of a person for a longer period than three months. There are some exceptions where the preventive detention can be more than three months. See, the National Security Act is 40 years old. There have been instances where this act has been used arbitrarily without proper reason. So, there is an urgent read for reformation of this law to ensure democracy and fundamental rights to prevail. With this, we have come to the end of the discussion. In this discussion, we saw about National Security Act, its history and provisions of NSA Act. Now, let us move on to the next article. Now, let us take up this editorial. This news article is about the recent developments in governance of Union Territory of Lakshadev. See, there are protests happening in the Union Territory of Lakshadev. This is over a slew of administrative reforms announced in Lakshadev. In our last discussion dated 25th May 2021, we covered topics regarding the jogger fee and recent reforms that were announced by the administrator of Lakshadev. In today's discussion, we shall cover the polity, culture and other aspects regarding this Union Territory. The syllabus relevant to this article is displayed on the screen. Aspirants can go through it. First, let us discuss the appointment of administrator from the polity perspective. See, Union Territories are under the direct control of the president. This grants the center huge power to govern these Union Territories. See, Lakshadev has no legislature, and all powers to govern it are deposited with the administrator. The power of the administrator comes from Article 240b of the Constitution. As per this article, the president is empowered to promulgate regulations for peace, progress and good governance in Union Territories, including Lakshadev. These regulations have the force of an act of parliament. So, the president acts to the administrator in Lakshadev, and the administrator is the government of the Union Territory. See, last year, the central government appointed Praful Patel as the administrator of Lakshadev. This is considered a political act by many as the center drifted away from the tradition of making an IAS officer as the administrator of the Union Territory. Instead, the ruling party at the center appointed one of its party leaders as the administrator, instead of an IAS officer. Recently, Praful Patel recommended various regulations which have not been received well by the inhabitants of Lakshadev violence. As a result of this, people and opposition have protested against these regulations. The recent reforms are Lakshadev Animal Preservation Regulation, Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Regulations, Lakshadev Panjayat Regulation, Lakshadev Development Authority Regulation. These are some of the regulations announced by Praful Patel. We have already discussed these reforms in our previous session dated 25th May 2021. Aspirants can go through that video for better understanding. Now let us come back to the editorial. See, according to the editorial, such executive actions by the administrator is capable of changing the social, cultural, environmental and economic landscape of the entire Union Territory. This editorial also mentions a specially constituted body called Island Development Agency. Let us say about it. See, Island Development Agency, IDA, under the chairmanship of Honorable Union Home Minister was set up in June 2017. This agency oversees the comprehensive development of islands in the country. In addition to it, valuable recommendations are being made by IDA. These recommendations have helped significantly in planning and implementing suitable intervention effectively for islanders benefits. After discussing about IDA, the editorial highlights the cultural diversity, environmental and other aspects of the island. First, let us see about cultural aspects. See, the language spoken in Lakshadeep is Malayalam, except in few places like Minikoy, where the language called Mal is spoken. When it comes to the society, Lakshadeep islands follows matriarchal setup. When it comes to religion, Lakshadeep islands follow Islam of the Pristine Shafi School of Law. After discussing about the culture, the editorial discusses about the ecological character of Lakshadeep. See, the archipelago of Lakshadeep gives India a vast and exclusive economic zone, with three distinct ecosystems such as land, lagoon and ocean. Fishery is a primary occupation here. See, the author himself being a former administrator of the island, shares the experience in administration by mentioning about the island development authority, which was constituted in 1988. Accordingly, deliberation of this authority wanted Lakshadeep to be open to international tourism, not as a means of generating wealth for investors from the mainland, but to bring prosperity to the islanders. Adding to it, the author says that the plan for Lakshadeep required it to be people-centric and enrich the fragile coral ecology. See, the editorial rejects the Maldives model as a reference for development of Lakshadeep island. According to the editorial, it lists the issues and need of the hour, such as need to develop policies for enhancing employment opportunities, environment-friendly management of fisheries, sanitation, waste disposal, and widening access to drinking water. Also, the youth having acquired a modern education are preferring salaried jobs over pursuing traditional occupations. In addition to it, revenue from tourism has declined with the closure of resorts from litigations. So, according to the author of the editorial, these are the areas where the governments need to focus to find solutions to it. Unfortunately, none of these areas requires any of the measures announced by the administrator. See, according to the author, a clear policy must include conservation and natural resource management arrived at after wide consultation. So, people must be included in this consultation. The author also believes Maldives is not a suitable model for Lakshadeep. In addition to the above criticisms, the editorial disapproves the provisions of allowing the mining and exploitation of minerals resources in Lakshadeep, which should convert the islands into above-cement manufacturing. As a reply to Panjayat rules designed to restrict the population growth in a territory, the author shares a fact that according to National Health Family Survey 2019-20, the total fertility rate of island is 1.4, which is far behind the national average of 2.2. In addition to the above, the author finally highlights the facilities and the result of developmental administration in Lakshadeep, as a reply to the claim that there has been no development in Lakshadeep for the past 70 years. See, Lakshadeep today has rainwater harvesting facilities that was first introduced in government buildings on every island and it is now accessible in every room, so it has been developing for the past 70 years. Also, solar power covers 10% of lighting needs in the islands that makes Lakshadeep a pioneer in India's present flagship initiatives. In addition to that, all islands of the Lakshadeep have been connected by helicopter service since 1986. In addition to the above, a study by the National Institute of Oceanography found practical applications thereby helping a redesign of the tripods, reinforcing the beaches against sea erosion. This has also helped in ensuring piped water supply, especially designed to draw from freshwater lens. See, the island's total literacy is 91.85, which is higher than national average. Also, minicoid add among the country's first Navodaya Vidyalyas. When we are talking about poverty level, Lakshadeep has no poor people according to World Bank's poverty threshold. So, in conclusion, the author says that instead of intending to develop Lakshadeep like neighboring Maldives, a plan for Lakshadeep is required to be people-centric and enrich the fragile, coral ecology. With this, we have come to the end of the discussion of the article. Now, let us move on to practice-prillim's question. Practice-prillim's question. First question. With reference to Elephant Corridor, consider the following statements. They are exclusively used by elephants to go between habitats. Second statement. India is over 100 Elephant Corridors. Which of the statements given above are correct. A, 1 only. B, 2 only. C, both 1 and 2. D, neither 1 nor 2. See, as we saw in the discussion, the Elephant Corridors are also used by other wildlife. So, statement 1 is incorrect. Now, let us go to the assessment of second statement. See, India is about 110 Elephant Corridors. So, it is over 100 Elephant Corridors. This statement is correct. So, the answer is option B, 2 only. Now, let us move on to the second question. With reference to Vitamin D, consider the following statements. First statement. It is a fat soluble vitamin. Second statement. Deficiency of Vitamin D can cause rickets in adults. Which of the statements given above are not correct. See, it is not correct. Option A, 1 only. Option B, 2 only. Option C, both 1 and 2. Option D, neither 1 nor 2. See, as we saw in the discussion, Vitamin A, E, D and K are fat soluble vitamins. So, first statement is correct. Now, let us move on to the second statement. See, Vitamin D causes rickets. But rickets are caused in children, not in adults. So, second statement is wrong. Since the question demands not correct statements, the answer is option B, 2 only. Now, let us move on to the third question. Consider the following statements regarding the National Security Act, 1980. First statement. It powers only the central government to detain a person and state government has no such power. Second statement. Preventive detention is not dealt under the National Security Act. Which of the following statements given are correct. Option A, 1 only. Option B, 2 only. Option C, both 1 and 2. Option D, neither 1 nor 2. See, as discussed in the article, both the center and the state have the power to detain under the National Security Act. So, if the first statement is incorrect. Now, let us assess the second statement. See, the National Security Act can also prevent a person from disrupting public order. This is called as preventive detention. So, this statement is also incorrect. So, the answer is D, neither 1 nor 2. Means practice questions are displayed here. You can write your answer and post in the comment section below. With this, we have come to the end of the news analysis. If you like the video, click like, comment and subscribe. Thank you.