Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   100 % FDI in Space Sector Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Current Event Context: The Finance Ministry has notified amended rules under the Foreign Exchange Management Act to operationalise its earlier decision to allow up to 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) for the space sector. The new rules came into effect from April 16. Background:- The notification dated April 16 comes ahead of Tesla chief Elon Musk’s visit to India early next week where he is expected to meet space startups, make a push for his space venture Starlink’s plans and announce his electric vehicle (EV) investment plans. About FDI Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is defined as an investment in which a company takes controlling ownership of a business entity in another country. Therefore, foreign companies get directly involved with day-to-day operations in other countries. India gets FDI through two routes: (a) Automatic route: Under this route, the non-resident or Indian company does not require a prior nod from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) or the government of India for FDI. (b) Government route: Under this route, the government’s approval is mandatory. The company will have to apply through Foreign Investment Facilitation Portal, which facilitates single-window clearance. Key takeaways:  In February, the Union Cabinet had approved the amendment to the FDI policy for the space sector, allowing up to 100 per cent investment in certain categories. As per the latest Finance Ministry notification, 100 per cent FDI has been allowed for the space sector category of manufacturing and operation of satellites, satellite data products, and ground segment and user segment, out of which up to 74 per cent would be through the automatic route and government nod would be required for investment beyond 74 per cent. Under the earlier policy, any foreign investment in manufacturing and operating satellites is allowed only with government approval. Manufacturing of components and systems or sub-systems for satellites, ground segment and user segment will be fully under the 100 per cent automatic route. Automatic FDI has also been permitted up to 49 per cent for launch vehicles and associated systems or subsystems, and creation of spaceports for launching and receiving spacecraft. Government approval would be required for investments beyond 49 per cent. Ministry has also provided detailed definition of ‘Satellites – manufacturing and operation’, ‘Satellite data products’,  “launch vehicles and associated systems or sub-systems”, “spaceport” etc. Source: Indian Express Election Days Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Polity & Governance Context: Votes in the first phase of the Lok Sabha election will be cast on April 19. The most critical time in the election process includes the last day of the campaign period (72 hours before the poll), the non-campaign period (the last 48 hours), and the poll day. Candidates are afforded the opportunity to make a final impression on the electorate, while the period of “election silence” allows voters to take a reflective pause. Background: Several behind-the-scenes logistical and operational activities ensure that the elections are conducted smoothly. The scale of the exercise is immense — around 97 crore voters, 10.5 lakh polling stations, 1.5 crore polling officials and security staff, 55 lakh EVMs, and 4 lakh vehicles across the country — and timely and meticulous planning, rigorous implementation, and close supervision are essential to ensure free, fair, participative, and peaceful elections. The last 72 hours The monitoring of campaign expenditure includes the last check of candidates’ expenditure registers and strengthening the inspection teams. There are Flying Squads (FSs), Static Surveillance Teams (SSTs), Excise Teams, and a 24X7 District Control Room. The FSs operate in three shifts round the clock in each Assembly constituency, swiftly responding to complaints. They can seize cash or items intended as bribes, document evidence, and initiate legal proceedings. SSTs are stationed at critical locations, and focus on intercepting illicit goods such as liquor and large amounts of cash to deter malpractices and prevent undue influence. The District Election Officers (DEOs) collaborate with senior police officials to develop strategies to manage any potential disturbances during the critical 72 hours leading up to the close of the voting.This includes the sealing of borders to keep out anti-social and disruptive elements. The final assessment is made of the Assured Minimum Facilities (AMFs) at the polling stations, which include the provision of drinking water, shade, wheelchairs, clean toilets, etc for the comfort and convenience of voters. The last 48 hours Under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the election campaign halts during the “silent period” that lasts for 48 hours ending with the conclusion of the poll. The District Magistrate issues orders underSection 144 of the CrPC, 1973, prohibiting unlawful assemblies, public meetings, and the use of loudspeakers, and limiting gatherings to no more than five persons. Door-to-door campaigning is still permitted. This period also sees “area domination” activities by the Central Armed Police Forces, a restriction on opinion polls, and political advertisements through electronic and social media, and the enforcement of a ban on the sale of liquor. To ensure transparency at critical polling stations, measures including the deployment of micro-observers, video and still cameras, webcasting, and CCTV surveillance are implemented. On the day before polling, randomly-formed polling parties are dispatched to the polling stations with electronic voting machines (EVMs) and other election materials. They move with security personnel in designated vehicles. Reserve EVMs are allocated to the Sector Officers. The Polling Day The general restrictions on the poll day include using only one vehicle for the candidates, their agents, and party workers. However, using these vehicles to ferry voters to polling stations is considered a corrupt practice under Section 133 of the Representation of People Act (1951), attracting penal action under Section 123(5) of the Act. The use of mobile phones (except by officers on duty), canvassing, using campaign-related posters or banners, and loudspeakers or megaphones within 100 metres of a polling station are banned. Under Section 135(B) of the RP Act, employees are given a paid holiday on the poll date. Only persons entitled under

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   Report flags sweetened Nestle products Syllabus Prelims – Science Context: Nestlé’s products for babies in Asia, Africa and Latin America were found to contain added sugars, while the same products sold in Europe did not have it, according to a recent report. Background:- The report (‘How Nestlé gets children hooked on sugar in lower-income countries’) faulted Nestlé for employing different nutritional standards in its offerings, depending on the country it served. Nestlé also did not make the quantity of sugar content clear on the products’ packaging, it said. Key Takeaways Sugar is a simple carbohydrate.Some food items have sugar that is naturally occurring. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), it is “found in milk (lactose) and fruit (fructose). Any product that contains milk (such as yogurt, milk or cream) or fruit (fresh, dried) contains some natural sugars.” Free sugar or added sugar is added separately to a food item during preparation or processing. In 2015, the WHO’s guideline recommended that “adults and children reduce their daily intake of free sugars to less than 10% of their total energy intake.” WHO advises against the introduction of added sugars before the age of 2. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to increased overall energy intake in a person’s overall diet. It may be at the cost of food items having nutritionally adequate calories, eventually leading to an unhealthy diet. The risks of contracting non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, obesity and heart-related ailments, are then increased. Tooth decay is also associated with early exposure to sugar. A 2017 report from the WHO (‘Incentives and disincentives for reducing sugar in manufactured foods’) said, “The fact that sugar is a relatively cheap and abundant ingredient is not a direct incentive to use it, but means there is little incentive from the supply side not to use it.” Adding sugar to a food item often makes it more palatable, meaning consumers will opt for it repeatedly. Source: Indian Express Anti-Maoist operations Syllabus Mains – Internal Security Context: At least 29 alleged Maoists were killed in a gunfight with security forces in the forests of southern Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district on Tuesday (April 16). Background: The operation is the largest (in terms of Maoists’ bodies recovered) since the creation of Chhattisgarh in 2000, and among the biggest successes for security forces in their decades-long fight against left-wing extremism (LWE). What happened in the operation? The operation saw security forces push deep into the Maoist stronghold of Abujhmad (literally, “the unknown hills”) — a 4,000 sq km swathe of forest land in southern Chhattisgarh’s Bastarregion, mainly covering the districts of Narayanpur, Bijapur, and Dantewada, just south of  Only a small part of the forest falls in Kanker. The difficult terrain, absence of roads, and presence of LWE has meant that 90% of Abujhmad, bigger in terms of area thanGoa, remains unsurveyed by the government. These jungles are, thus, used both as safe havens and transit corridors by Maoists to travel betweenMaharashtra (to the west), Andhra Pradesh (to the south), Telangana (to the southwest), and Odisha (to the east) via Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district. LWE in Chhattisgarh Chhatisgarh is the only state in which Maoists continue to have a significant presence, and retain the capability to mount big attacks. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) website, there are 70 LWE-affected districts in the country. Of these, 15 are in Chhattisgarh alone. Of the 25 “Most LWE affected Districts”, seven are in Chhattisgarh, while eight are in Jharkhand. The government’s ‘final push’ against LWE Chhattisgarh, and to a lesser extent Jharkhand, is a part of the government’s “final push” against LWE. This has seen central forces such as CRPF setting up bases deeper inside Maoist strongholds such as the jungles of Abujhmad. In the past few years, more than two dozen bases have been set up in Abujhmad, with Kanker’s Rowghat jungles too seeing new camps. Criticism Critics say that there are major flaws in the government’s approach to tackling the Naxal problem. There is no overall strategic plan and the states have been tackling the challenge as per their perception and the political appreciation of its gravity. States consider LWE a national problem. The problem will not be conclusively dealt with until state forces take the lead in anti-Naxal operations and the central armed police forces play a subsidiary role only. India’s forest cover is being gradually denuded. Tribals inhabiting these forest areas were displaced in the process. Deprived of their land and any regular means of livelihood, many of them gravitated towards the Naxals. Source: Indian Express Cervical Cancer Syllabus Mains – Health Context: The first-ever Global Cervical Cancer Elimination Forum took place in Colombia last month. Background: The Forum aimed to catalyse governments, donors, civil society, and others to commit to cervical cancer elimination and galvanize the global community. Cervical Cancer: Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. When cancer starts in the cervix, it is called cervical cancer. It occurs most often in women over age 30 and is the fourth most common cancer in women globally. It is the second most common cancer among females in India. The main cause of cervical cancer is the persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Initiatives for the prevention of cervical cancer: The Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative (by the World Health Organization) has outlined the ‘90-70-90’ targets for each country by 2030 – 90% of girls fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by the age of 15; 70% of women screened by the age of 35, and again by the age of 45; 90% of women with pre-cancer treated and 90% of women with invasive cancer managed. The Union Government in India proposed it in the Interim Budget 2024-25. The programme will be for girls in the age group of 9 to 14 years for the prevention of cervical cancer. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV): HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that can affect the skin, genital area, and throat. In most cases, the immune system

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   Fall in household savings Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Economy Context: The fall in household savings has been at the heart of recent debates in India. The decline in household savings is brought about by a drastic reduction in net financial savings as the household net financial savings to GDP ratio attained a four-decade low.The sharp reduction in household net financial savings in 2022-23 has been associated with an overall fall in household savings despite marginal recovery in physical savings. Background:- The net financial savings of the household is the difference between its gross financial savings and borrowing. The gross financial savings of a household is the extent to which its financial assets change during a period. The financial assets of households typically comprise bank deposits, currency and financial investments in mutual funds, pension funds, etc. Though household borrowing includes credit from non-bank financial corporations and housing corporations, the bulk of the borrowing comprises credit from commercial banks. Key Takeaways In general, there are at least three distinct factors that can potentially bring about a reduction in household net financial savings: First, households typically finance their additional consumption expenditure by increasing their borrowing or depleting their gross financial savings. By financing higher consumption expenditure at any given level of disposable income, lower net financial savings provide stimulus for aggregate demand and output in this case. Secondly, when households finance higher tangible (physical) investment by increasing their borrowing or depleting their gross financial savings. The reduction in net financial savings in this case stimulates aggregate demand and output through the investment channel. Third, when interest payment of a household increases say due to higher interest rates, households can meet the increased burden through borrowing or through depleting gross financial savings thereby inducing a reduction in net financial savings. The first factor hardly played any role in the sharp reduction in gross financial savings in 2022-23 as the consumption to GDP ratio remained largely unchanged between 2021-22 (60.95%) and 2022-23 (60.93%). The second factor played only a limited role. While the gross financial savings to GDP ratio declined by 3 percentage points (7.3% to 5.3%) in 2022-23, household physical investment to GDP ratio increased only by 0.3 percentage point (12.6% to 12.9%) during the same period. Though higher borrowing is partly financed by interest income from financial assets, it can be largely attributed to higher interest payments of the household in the recent period. The share of household borrowing in household (disposable) income registered a sharp spike in 2022-23. Implication of higher debt burden The rise in household debt burden has two concerns for the macroeconomy. The first concern is about debt repayment and financial fragility. Since the repayment capacity depends on the income flow, a key criterion for evaluating a household’s debt sustainability is the difference between interest rate and the income growth rate. On the flip side, the interest payments from the households are the interest income of the financial sector. If households fail to meet their debt repayment commitments, then it reduces the income of the financial sector and deteriorates their balance sheets, which in turn can have a cascading effect on the macroeconomy if the latter responds by reducing their credit disbursement to the non-financial sector. The second concern pertains to the implication on consumption demand. Over and above disposable income, the consumption expenditure of the household can be affected by their wealth, debt, and interest rate. Reduction in household wealth can lead to lower consumption expenditure as households may attempt to preserve their wealth position by increasing their savings. Higher household debt can also reduce consumption expenditure in at least two ways. First, if higher household leverage is perceived as an indicator of higher default risk, then it may induce banks to indulge in credit rationing and reduce the credit disbursement. The consequent reduction in credit disbursement can adversely affect consumption. Second, higher debt can reduce consumption expenditure by increasing the interest burden, not to mention the effect of higher interest rates on consumption expenditure. Source: Hindu Rwanda Plan of the United Kingdom Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Current Event Context: The British parliament is set to finally approve a divisive law this week to pave the way for asylum seekers to be deported to Rwanda, but further legal hurdles could yet hold up or derail one of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s key policies. Background: The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak belongs to the Conservative Party.He has invested huge political capital in the Rwanda scheme whose success or failure might be crucial to his political party.He has promised that this scheme will stop migrants arriving without permission in the country. ‘About the Rwanda Plan’ Under a five-year agreement, the government said some asylum seekers arriving in the UK would besent to Rwanda, to have their claims processed there. If successful, they could be granted refugee status and allowed to stay. If not, they could apply to settle in Rwanda on other grounds, or seek asylum in another “safe third country”.No asylum seeker would be able to apply to return to the UK. Under the policy, anyone “entering the UK illegally” after 1 January 2022 could be sent to Rwanda, with no limit on numbers. Ministers have argued the plan would deter people from arriving in the UK on small boats across the English Channel. No asylum seeker has yet been sent to Rwanda – a small landlocked country central Africa – 4,000 miles (6,500km) from the UK. The first flight was scheduled to go in June 2022, butwas cancelled after legal challenges.Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has repeatedly said flights will take off by spring but refused to specify a date. What was the Supreme Court ruling and is Rwanda safe? In November 2023, the UK Supreme Courtruled unanimously that the Rwanda scheme was unlawful. It said genuine refugees would be at risk of being returned to their home countries, where they could face harm. This breachesthe European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which prohibits torture and

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   Indelible ink used in election Syllabus Prelims – Current Event Context: With the first phase of voting for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections beginning on April 19, the classic symbol of Indian polls is visible everywhere – a left hand with only its index finger extended, marked by a purple-black indelible ink. Background:- Devised as a method to prevent a person from casting more than one vote, the indelible ink has been used for decades in India. It has also travelled to other parts of the world to help in conducting elections. About the Indelible ink used in elections The Section 61 of Representation of the People Act (RoPA) of 1951 mentions the ink. It states that rules may be made under the Act “for the marking with indelible ink of the thumb or any other finger of every elector who applies for a ballot paper or ballot papers for the purpose of voting at a polling station before delivery of such paper or papers to him.” Why papers? Because before EVMs, ballot papers existed at polling stations. They contained the list of contesting candidates alongside their party symbols and names. Voters had to mark their preference on the paper and then drop it in ballot boxes to vote. Indelible ink contains silver nitrate. It is a colourless compound which becomes visible when exposed to ultraviolet light, including sunlight. The water-based ink also contains a solvent like alcohol to allow its faster drying. Silver nitrate is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula AgNO3.The higher silver nitrate’s concentration, say around 20 percent, the higher will be the ink’s quality, according to a report from the United Nations Development Programme. For up to 72 hours after application it can remain resistant to soap, liquids, home-cleansing, detergents, etc. The indelible ink was first manufactured at the ECI’s request by the government’s Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR). It was later patented by the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC), New Delhi. Mysore Paints & Varnish Ltd. has been licensed to manufacture the ink and has been in the business since 1962. Earlier called Mysore Lac & Paint Works Ltd, it was established in 1937 by Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar, then the Maharaja of Mysore. This Karnataka Government Undertaking is the sole manufacturer of the ink in India. Today, once a voter has her credentials checked at the polling booth, and before she casts her vote by pressing a button on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM), the indelible ink is applied on her finger. This has been the case for decades, although the mode of voting has changed. Currently, the indelible ink is exported to more than 25 countries that include Canada, Ghana, Nigeria, Mongolia, Malaysia, Nepal, South Africa and the Maldives. Source: Hindu Fourth global mass coral bleaching Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Environment Context: The fourth global mass coral bleaching event has been triggered by extraordinary ocean temperatures, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said on Monday (April 15). This could have serious consequences for ocean life and millions of people who rely on reefs for food, jobs, and coastal defence. Background: Since mid-March 2023, the average sea surface temperature (SST) has been abnormally high. What are corals and coral reefs? Corals are essentially animals, which are sessile, meaning they permanently attach themselves to the ocean floor. They use their tiny tentacle-like hands to catch food from the water and sweep into their mouth. Each individual coral animal is known as a polyp and it lives in groups of hundreds to thousands of genetically identical polyps that form a ‘colony’. Corals are largely classified as either hard coral or soft coral. It is the hard corals that are the architects of coral reefs — complex three-dimensional structures built up over thousands of years. “Unlike soft corals, hard corals have stony skeletons made out of limestone that are produced by coral polyps. When polyps die, their skeletons are left behind and used as foundations for new polyps,” according to NOAA. Coral reefs, also referred to as “rainforests of the sea”, have existed on the Earth for nearly 450 million years. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is the largest in the world, stretching across 2,028 kilometres. What is the significance of corals? Coral reefs have a crucial role in marine ecosystems. Thousands of marine species can be found living on one reef. For instance, the Great Barrier Reef contains over 400 coral species, 1,500 fish species, 4,000 mollusc species and six of the world’s seven sea turtle species. Research has shown that there could be millions of undiscovered species of organisms living in and around reefs. These massive structures also provide economic goods and services worth about $375 billion each year. More than 500 million people across the world depend on coral reefs for food, income and coastal protection from storms and floods. Coral reefs can absorb up to 97% of the energy from waves, storms, and floods, which prevents loss of life, property damage, and soil erosion. Therefore, the absence of coral reefs would not only result in severe ramifications for marine life but also for humans. What is coral bleaching? Most corals contain algae called zooxanthellae — they are plant-like organisms — in their tissues. Corals and zooxanthellae have a symbiotic relationship. While corals provide zooxanthellae a safe place to live, zooxanthellae provide oxygen and organic products of photosynthesis that help corals to grow and thrive. Zooxanthellae also give bright and unique colours to corals. Corals are very sensitive to light and temperature and even a small change in their living conditions can stress them. When stressed, they expel zooxanthellae and turn entirely white. This is called coral bleaching. Coral bleaching doesn’t immediately lead to the death of corals. They rather go under more stress and are subject to mortality. Coral bleaching reduces the reproductivity of corals and makes them more vulnerable to fatal diseases. If the bleaching is not too severe, corals have been known to recover. Global mass bleaching of coral

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   Sea Level Rise Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Environment Context: A quarter of the coastal land of China will sink below sea level within a century, putting hundreds of millions of people at risk of being flooded, due to land subsidence and climate change, according to a new study, published in the journal Science on Friday (April 19). Background:- The land subsidence in China is primarily a result of rapid urbanisation — activities such as excessive groundwater extraction and the weight of buildings lead to subsidence. The situation has been exacerbated by climate change, which is resulting in the rise of sea levels. Sea level rise isn’t just limited to China. It is a global issue that is projected to affect between 130 million to half a billion people depending on different temperature scenarios in the long run, according to a UN report. How fast is the global sea level rising? The global sea level has risen by about 8–9 inches or 21–24 centimetres since 1880, according to a report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The more worrying sign is that since 1993, the rate of increase has been accelerating. It has more than doubled from 0.07 inches or 0.18 centimetres per year in 1993 to the current rate of 0.17 inches or 0.42 centimetres per year. Global average sea level rose by about 0.3 inches or 0.76 centimetres from 2022 to 2023. Experts said there was a huge jump in global sea level between the two years mainly due to the development of El Niño, a weather pattern associated with warmer oceans, in June 2023. Now that El Niño is weakening, the rate of sea level rise is expected to slow down. How climate change is leading to sea level rise? The key driver behind rising sea levels is global warming. As temperatures across the world continue to soar, more and more glaciers and ice sheets are melting and adding water to the ocean. Global warming is also making the ocean warmer, which is leading to something called thermal expansion — when water becomes warmer, it expands in volume. This is contributing to sea level rise as well. Why does sea level rise matter? The most visible consequence of sea level rise will be the flooding of coastal areas. Take the example of coastal cities in India. A 2022 analysis by RMSI, a global risk management firm, found that some critical properties and road networks in Mumbai, Kochi, Mangalore, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, and Thiruvananthapuram will be submerged by 2050. Things are worse for island countries like Indonesia. In 2019, Indonesia announced that the country’s capital would be relocated from Jakarta, which is prone to flooding, to the province of East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo. The rise of sea level also leads to more intense storm surges — the rise in seawater level caused solely by a storm — flooding, and damage to coastal areas. That’s because higher sea level can allow more water inland during hurricane-related storm surges. With sea level rise, saltwater contaminates freshwater aquifers, many of which are used by communities for agricultural and drinking purposes. Source: Indian Express Earth Day Syllabus Prelims – Environment Context: Every year, April 22 is observed as Earth Day, an international event celebrated around the world to pledge support for environmental protection. Background: The year 2024 marks the 54th anniversary of the annual celebrations. About Earth DAY : Earth Day was first observed in 1970 when 20 million took to the streets to protest against environmental degradation. The event was triggered by the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill and other issues such as smog and polluted rivers. For over the next half century, Earth Day continued to play an important role in environmental activism. The landmark Paris Agreement, which brings almost 200 countries together to set a common target to reduce global greenhouse emissions, was signed on Earth Day 2016. In 2009, the United Nations designated Earth Day as International Mother Earth Day. According to earthday.org,Earth Day aims to “build the world’s largest environmental movement to drive transformative change for people and the planet.” The movement’s mission is “to diversify, educate and activate the environmental movement worldwide.” Earth Day is celebrated to remind each of us that the Earth and its ecosystems provide us with life and sustenance. This day also recognises a collective responsibility, as called for in the 1992 Rio Declaration, to promote harmony with nature and the Earth to achieve a just balance among the economic, social and environmental needs of present and future generations of humanity. This year, the theme is ‘Planet vs. Plastics’. The theme highlights the threat plastics pose to the planet and human health. It calls for an end to all plastic waste by demanding a 60% reduction in the production of plastics by the year 2040. Source: Indian Express Iran- Israel Conflict Syllabus Prelims & Mains – International Event Context: Iran launched a significant attack on Israel, deploying over 300 projectiles, including approximately 170 drones, cruise missiles, and over 120 ballistic missiles. Background: Tit-for-tat confrontation between Israel and Iran has sparked concerns about escalation dragging the Middle East into all-out war. What led Iran to attack Israel? In 2018, Israel hails US withdrawal from Iran’s nuclear deal with world powers after years of lobbying against the agreement, calling Trump’s decision “a historic move”. In 2020, Israel welcomed the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani, commander of the overseas arm of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, in an American drone strike in Baghdad. Iran strikes back with missile attacks on Iraqi bases housing American troops. In October 2023, Hamas (the Iran-backed terrorist group) launched a missile attack targeting Israel. In response, Israel conducted airstrikes on Gaza. In November 2023, Israel started conducting raids and attacking medical facilities as Hamas was reportedly operating from these hospital buildings and carrying out their warfare. In November 2023, The Iran-backed Houthi group, based in Yemen, landed their helicopter on the Galaxy Leader cargo vessel as it was passing

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   Ethylene Oxide Syllabus Prelims – Current Event Context: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) will conduct checks on products of spice brands MDH and Everest Group after authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore last week determined that four of their spice mixes contained high levels of carcinogen ethylene oxide. Background:- FSSAI doesn’t permit use of ethylene oxide in any food product. About Ethylene Oxide Ethylene oxide is a pesticide that has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, meaning there is sufficient evidence from human studies that it can cause cancer. It is used by the spice industry as a fumigant to reduce microbial contamination, such as E. coli and Salmonella. It is a colourless, highly flammable and very reactive gas that kills bacteria, viruses and fungi. It is an industrial chemical. Ethylene oxide can damage DNA during sterilisation procedures. While the risk from occasional, low-level exposure may be minimal, spices and spice blends like those flagged are commonly used in household cooking across multiple dishes. This can lead to chronic, persistent exposure over time, which has been linked to an increased risk of cancers like leukemia, stomach cancer and breast cancer. It can even lead to respiratory irritation and lung injury, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and shortness of breath. Ethylene oxide was banned by the European Union (EU) in 2011 for fumigation of food and animal feed during transport and storage. The use of ethylene oxide is now only permitted in disinfection and sterilisation of medical devices. Additional information Escherichia coli (E.coli) is a bacterial strain that is commonly found in the intestines of people and animals, fecal waste of cattle and humans. Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause food-borne illnesses known as salmonellosis. The World Health Organisation (WHO) identifies Salmonella as one of four key global causes of diarrhoeal diseases.Individuals who develop salmonellosis may show symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12-72 hours after contracting the infection. Source: Indian Express Ongoing Israel – Palestine Conflict Syllabus Prelims & Mains – International Event Context: Six months after the October 7 attack, Israel’s war to eliminate Hamas has resulted in the near-complete destruction of Gaza and a dire humanitarian crisis with the area on the verge of famine.Iran and its allies have militarily united behind the Palestinian cause and expanded the confrontation to other parts of the region. Background: The dynamics of war have drastically changed following the massive Iranian drone and missile attacks on military targets in Israel on April 14. This was in retaliation to Israeli aerial strikes on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Damascus on April 1 in which top Iranian generals were killed. Israel had not seen direct attacks by a state on its soil since 1991 when Saddam Hussein fired 42 Scud missiles. A volatile Middle East: The geopolitics of the region has already undergone a sea change since October 7 in four substantive ways: First, thawing of the hitherto icy Shia-Sunni relationship, with Hezbollah, Houthis and Iran (all Shia entities) extending open support to “Sunni” Palestinians, presenting regional unity via the Axis of Resistance, opposing US-Israel domination. The first signs of the Resistance surfaced early on in the war, with conflict with Hezbollah in northern Israel leading to the displacement of thousands of Israeli civilians who are yet to return. This active front is likely to simmer. Second, the war has expanded across the region, pushing the US to become the fulcrum of efforts to contain expansion and making it a primary target. Third, the Saudi-aligned Sunni Arab States have adopted the political and diplomatic route, advocating a ceasefire, supporting humanitarian assistance, and calling for a two-state solution while remaining in line with US-led initiatives. Fourth, the Yemen-based Houthis — a non-state actor devoid of a navy — have managed to successfully disrupt a critical sea lane of communication for five months, impairing trade substantively. Additional Information The expansion of the war has already caused economic distress to the Israeli economy .The Israeli economy has reportedly shrunk by 20 per cent in the last quarter of 2023. Two crucial Israeli ports, Eilat on the Red Sea and Haifa on the eastern Mediterranean have been sporadically attacked.  The Eilat port is said to be down to a quarter of its business, while Israeli media reports an acute shortage of labour in Israel, primarily on account of military conscription and volunteerism. Source: Indian Express GREEN FINANCING Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Economy & Environment Context: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) recently unveiled its Climate Strategy 2030 document which aims to address India’s need for green financing. Background: NABARD’s Climate Strategy 2030 is structured around four key pillars which include accelerating green lending across sectors, playing a broader market-making role, internal green transformation and strategic resource mobilisation. What is Green financing Green financing refers to any structured financial activity – a product or service – that has been designed to ensure a better environmental outcome. It encompasses a variety of loans, debt mechanisms, and investments aimed at promoting the development of green projects or minimizing the climate impact of regular projects. Purpose and Importance: Green finance aims to align financial activities with environmental goals. It plays a crucial role in achieving several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals by supporting sustainable development priorities. Examples of Green Finance Projects: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency: Funding projects related to clean energy sources and energy-saving technologies. Pollution Prevention and Control: Financing initiatives that reduce pollution and promote cleaner practices. Biodiversity Conservation: Supporting efforts to protect and preserve biodiversity. Circular Economy Initiatives: Investing in projects that promote resource efficiency and waste reduction. Sustainable Use of Natural Resources and Land: Financing projects that balance economic development with environmental conservation. Green Bonds: Green bonds are a common green finance instrument. They adhere to specific criteria, including the use of proceeds, project evaluation, proper management, and detailed reporting. The

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   Inheritance Tax Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Current Event , Mobilisation of resources Context: The chairman of Indian Overseas Congress, Sam Pitroda’s comments on the inheritance tax, have raised the spectre of wealth redistribution, almost four decades after the very same Congress party under Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had abolished it. Background:- India did have an inheritance (or death) tax once. The tax, which was known as estate duty, was introduced in 1953, and was abolished in 1985 by the government of Rajiv Gandhi. India also had a wealth tax and a gift tax, which were abolished in 2015 and 1998 respectively. Ways to tax wealth Taxes are levied on the flow of income on wealth or at the time of transfer of wealth or on the stock of wealth linked to the value of owned assets as a one-time levy. There can be a capital levy on income from wealth or ownership of assets resulting in capital gains, transfer taxes in the form of wealth tax, inheritance tax, estate tax, or gift tax at the time of transfer of wealth or assets. Taxes can also be levied on a combination of income and wealth.Biden Administration (USA) has proposed legislation for a ‘Billionaire Minimum Income Tax’ of at least 25% on their full income, including unrealised gains. The taxes in India The now abolished estate duty was inheritance tax with a threshold of Rs 1 lakh, and progressive rates from 5% to 40% on the principal value of the estate exceeding Rs 20 lakh. The Estate Duty Act, 1953 was amended in 1958 to change the definition of accountable person, lower the applicable threshold, and redefine slabs. Even after its abolition, the idea of inheritance tax remained alive and was part of official and unofficial discussions. In December 2018, then Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said at a public event that hospitals, universities, and other institutions in developed countries receive large endowments due to factors like inheritance tax, but this practice is not prevalent in India. The Narendra Modi government announced the abolition of wealth tax and its replacement with a surcharge on the super rich in the Budget for 2015-16. Jaitley said while wealth tax was 1% on assets of Rs 30 lakh and above (excluding equities, bonds, and first house), the total wealth collection in 2013-14 was only Rs 1,008 crore. An additional surcharge of 2% was levied on individuals with taxable income of Rs 1 crore and above, which was expected to bring revenues of Rs 9,000 crore. Wealthy taxpayers are seen as being sensitive to high rates of taxation, which often results in flight of capital and investment to tax havens or tax jurisdictions with favourable tax rates. Also, high tax rates do not make sense if the cost of collection and administration of these taxes are high compared to the revenues that arise. In the initial years of estate duty, collections were lower than the budgeted estimates. The high cost of collection and double taxation in various forms of wealth tax were cited as reasons for abolishing estate duty. In his Budget speech of 1985-86, then Finance Minister V P Singh said the existence of two separate laws for tax on property — wealth tax before death and estate duty after death — amounted to “procedural harassment” of taxpayers. “While the yield from estate duty is only about Rs 20 crore, its cost of administration is relatively high. I, therefore, propose to abolish the levy of estate duty in respect of estates passing on deaths occurring on or after 16th March, 1985,” Singh said. The issue with wealth tax was the same. “Should a tax which leads to high cost of collection and a low yield be continued or should it be replaced with a low cost and higher yield tax? The rich and wealthy must pay more tax than the less affluent ones. I have therefore decided to abolish the wealth tax and replace it with an additional surcharge of 2% on the super rich with a taxable income of over Rs 1 crore,” Arun Jaitley said in his Budget speech for 2015-16. The gift tax was abolished in 1998 citing lower revenues. Gift tax was, however, revived in a different form later. In his Budget speech in July 2004, then Finance Minister P Chidambaram said there was a need to plug a loophole to prevent money laundering. Thus, purported gifts from unrelated persons above the threshold of Rs 25,000 (later raised to Rs 50,000), were decided to be taxed as income. Gifts from blood relations, lineal ascendants and descendants, and gifts on occasions like marriage continued to be exempt. Source: Indian Express Womens Workforce Participation Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Rights Context: Participation of women in the workforce is a constitutional entitlement and denying mothers child care leave violates this, the Supreme Court said Monday. Background: A bench of Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud and J B Pardiwala was hearing a plea by an assistant professor in the Government College, Nalagarh, who was denied childcare leave (CCL) to attend to her child suffering from a genetic condition. Key Takeaways: Women government employees are eligible for two years of childcare leave (CCL) for two children till they reach the age of 18 years. The judgment highlighted that Article 15 of the Constitution not only restricts discrimination based on gender but also enables the states to make special provisions for women. In a country where care is perceived as the responsibility of women, the verdict makes it clear that the state and the employer have responsibilities to enable women to join and retain their employment. In India, women have little choice but to single-handedly manage the triple burden of housework, care work and paid work. Working women often face “marriage penalties” and “motherhood penalties” as they are often temporarily forced to withdraw from the workforce due to marriage and pregnancy. It is no surprise that the female workforce participation in India is barely

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   Effect of rising temperature on health Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Health & Climate Change Context: A study of 266 studies worldwide,  revealed that heat waves were associated with a 11.7 per cent increase in mortality. The highest specific risk was for stroke and coronary heart disease. Background:- Even as we must try energetically to mitigate the drivers of climate change and global warming, we must prepare adaptation plans. Heat Waves and Health The consequences of climate change, mostly mediated through global warming, adversely affect human, animal and plant health in several ways: Direct effects of heat exposure on the body; extreme weather events; water scarcity; vector-borne and water-borne infections; non-communicable diseases (strokes; heart attacks; diabetes; respiratory disease; cancers); mental health disorders; food and nutrition insecurity due to reduced yield and nutrient quality of crops. Health systems will face increased demand due to these and the movement of displaced climate refugees. They will also be affected by the adverse impact of extreme weather events on healthcare infrastructure, supply chains and personnel. Of these myriad threats, heat waves are of immediate concern as summer advances across the Indian Subcontinent.A heat wave represents a combination of heat and humidity. At any level of heat, its impact on human body is amplified if humidity is high in the ambient air. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) says that such “moist heat” stress has increased by 30 per cent between 1980 and 2020. Heat acts through dehydration, inability of the skin to cool the body through perspiration, dilatation of blood vessels and thickening of blood with increased risk of clot formation (thrombosis). Infants and young children are more vulnerable than adults, since their bodies have higher fluid content than grownups. Among adults, vulnerability is high among the elderly, persons with disabilities and in those with serious comorbidities. Women are more vulnerable than men. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) contribute to 65 per cent of deaths in India. The heat effects of climate change will only exacerbate the problem. As our population ages and cardiovascular risk factors rise in our population, every 1 degree centigrade rise in ambient temperature will compound the risk of serious cardiovascular events. Wildfires triggered by excessive heat release particulate matter (PM 2.5) and toxic chemicals (ozone, carbon monoxide, polycyclic aromatic compounds and nitrogen dioxide) can cause extensive inflammation, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease (heart attacks, strokes, heart rhythm abnormalities, pulmonary embolism, heart failure), respiratory disease, diabetes and pre-diabetes. Chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde (also present in wildfire emissions) increase the risk of cancer. Less immediate, but with a long lasting impact on health, is the impact on food systems which threatens nutrition security. Countries in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa currently grow staples (like rice and wheat) at the highest levels of heat tolerance. A further increase of 1 degree centigrade will lower their yield by 10 per cent. The crops will also be more deficient in zinc, protein and iron. Rising ocean temperatures will flood coastal agriculture while reducing fish yields. Loss of biodiversity will reduce access to nutritious “wild foods”. Heat will kill us not only through its effect on our skin but also our stomachs. There is a need to prepare for adaptation plans. These will include heat action climate-smart and climate resilient food and healthcare systems, and education of public and healthcare providers. Source: Indian Express Rise of a ‘new’ Japan Syllabus Mains – GS 2 Context: Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s address to the United States Congress earlier this month, and the developments from his summit meeting with President Joe Biden, announced the arrival of a new, assertive Japan to the world. Background: Japan has given up its post-War pacifism and is working to become a major military power. The turn is historic, and promises to transform the geopolitics of Asia and the world. A politically resolute and militarily strong Japan contributes to India’s objective of building a multipolar Asia in a multipolar world. Key Takeaways: After World War II, a defeated and chastened Japan adopted a policy of pacifism — it avoided building significant armed capability, limited its defence expenditure, and refused to participate in military conflicts anywhere.This pacifism was rooted in Japan’s determination to expiate its militarism and imperialism in the pre-War decades. Japan’s pacifism was compensated by its bilateral military alliance with the United States. Being a protectorate of the US in Asia, Japan was free to focus its energies on rebuilding its economy. Today, Japan is set to become a major military power, transform its famed civilian industrial capability into a military industrial complex, and turn from being a US protectorate into an American partner and a significant contributor to Asian and Indo-Pacific security. This is the second Japanese transition over the last decade. In the mid-2000s, Japan began to articulate ideas for a new security architecture in Asia. Take for instance the concept of the Indo-Pacific. The late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe first spoke about the strategic unity of the two oceans (Indian and Pacific) during his visit to India in 2007. Since then, Japan has invested enormous diplomatic, political, and financial resources to popularise this geopolitical construct that was eventually adopted by Australia, Indonesia, India, and the United States. In the second transition unfolding today, Japan is matching its strategic ideas with military resources and the political will to actively reshape the regional security order. Reasons behind the radical change in Japan’s reorientation in defence: A mix of external and internal factors have contributed to its Japan’s reorientation in the 21st century. On the external front, four elements have come together: the rise of China and its military assertion, especially on the territorial disputes with Japan; the deepening military bonds between Beijing and Moscow and the coordination of their policies in North East Asia; the growing military capabilities of North Korea; and the fears triggered by the Trump Administration that the US could withdraw its security protection to Japan and other Asian allies. Internally, this situation strengthened conservatives

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   Candidate elected unopposed Syllabus Prelims – Polity Context: On April 22, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party opened its tally in the Lok Sabha when its nominee for the Surat constituency in the western State of Gujarat, Mukesh Dalal, was elected unopposed. Background:- This happened because of the rejection of the nomination papers of the Congress candidates [main and substitute nominees] the previous day and the withdrawal of other nominees. How is a candidate declared elected before polling? Section 53 (3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 deals with the procedure in uncontested elections. According to this proviso, if the number of such candidates is less than the number of seats to be filled, the returning officer (RO) shall forthwith declare all such candidates to be elected. The RO’s actions are governed by Section 33 of the Act which pertains to the presentation of nomination papers and requirements for a valid nomination.The sub-section 4 says: “On the presentation of a nomination paper, the returning officer shall satisfy himself that the names and electoral roll numbers of the candidate and his proposer as entered in the nomination paper are the same as those entered in the electoral rolls”. In the given instance, three proposers of the Congress’ candidate for Surat, Nilesh Kumbhani, claimed in an affidavit to the district election officer (DEO) that they had not signed his nomination form. They did not also turn up before the DEO on April 21 to support the candidate’s nomination form. What is the scope for negative voting in the election system? There is ample scope in the system. While the NOTA (none of the above) option has been in force since 2013, the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, allows electors to decide not to vote through Rule 49-O. A remark to the effect that the elector has decided not to record his or her vote would have to be made in the “remarks column” against the entry relating to the elector in the Register of Voters by the presiding officer, after which the signature or thumb impression of the elector would have to be obtained against such a remark. The option of NOTA, introduced through the Supreme Court’s intervention, has been available on electronic voting machines (EVMs) since November 2013. This became a reality in the wake of a verdict given by a Bench of the Supreme Court comprising Chief Justice P. Sathasivam and Justices Ranjana Desai and Ranjan Gogoi in September 2013, while allowing a petition filed by the People’s Union for Civil Liberties. The then CJI, who wrote the judgment, said: “Giving right to a voter not to vote for any candidate while protecting his right of secrecy is extremely important in a democracy. Such an option gives the voter the right to express his disapproval of the kind of candidates being put up by the parties.” He expressed the hope that “gradually, there will be a systemic change and the parties will be forced to accept the will of the people and field candidates who are known for their integrity.” There is a difference between an elector exercising Rule 49-O and one using the NOTA option. In the case of the former, the likelihood of such an elector compromising his or her secrecy is high, as there is a procedure to be followed manually at a polling booth. However, in the case of the latter, there is no such issue. Source: Hindu Success of the INS Vikrant Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Current Event Context: On March 5, both aircraft carriers of the Indian Navy, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, showcased “twin carrier operations” with MiG-29K fighter jets taking off simultaneously from both and landing cross deck as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh looked on from onboard one of them. Background: An aircraft carrier is fundamental to command, control and coordination of operations from the sea and to project combat power ashore, over the seas or in the air. What does INS Vikrant signify? : The design work on the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC)-I, later christened Vikrant, began in 1999; however 2005-2006 were probably the most crucial years for the carrier and for India’s war shipbuilding. The crucial decision was on the warship grade steel, which till then was procured from Russia. After much brainstorming, it was decided that it would be developed and produced in India, a collaborative effort between the Steel Authority of India, the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy.DMR grade steel was developed. Vikrant is an engineering marvel. It has a total area in excess of 12,450 m2 which equals to about two and a half hockey fields. The 262m long and 62m wide ship is powered by four General Electric LM2500 engines generating 88 MW of power giving it a maximum speed of 28 Knots and an endurance of 7,500 nautical miles. Built at an overall cost of around ₹20,000 crore and 76% indigenous content, the ship has around 2,200 compartments, for a crew of around 1,600 that include specialised cabins to accommodate women officers and sailors. Vikrant can operate an air wing of 30 aircraft comprising MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, in addition to indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters and Light Combat Aircraft (Navy). It uses the STOBAR (Short Take-Off but Arrested Recovery) method to launch and recover aircraft for which it is equipped with a ski- jump to launch aircraft, and three ‘arrester wires’ for their recovery. Noting that among manufacturing activities, shipbuilding has one of the highest employment multipliers of 6.48, the economic Survey 2022-23 said that Vikrant alone engaged approximately 500 MSMEs, 12,000 employees from ancillary industries, and 2,000 CSL employees. While the present Vikrant was the first carrier built in the country, India has had a long history of operating carriers. The erstwhile 19,500 tonne Vikrant was India’s first carrier purchased from the U.K., which arrived in 1961 and played a vital role in the 1971 war. Then came the 28,700 tonne

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   Global Treaty on Plastic Waste Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Environment Context: On Tuesday (April 23), thousands of negotiators and observers from 175 countries arrived in Ottawa, Canada, to begin talks regarding the very first global treaty to curb plastics pollution.  Scheduled to run till April 29, this is the fourth round of negotiations since 2022, when the UN Environmental Assembly agreed to develop a legally binding treaty on plastics pollution by the end of 2024. The final round will take place in November this year, in South Korea. Background:- Plastic waste is everywhere, from the peak of Mount Everest to the floor of the Pacific Ocean, inside the bodies of animals and birds, and in human blood and breast milk. A global plastics treaty is urgently required to limit plastic’s contribution to climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Key Takeaways Since the 1950s, plastic production across the world has skyrocketed. It increased from just 2 million tonnes in 1950 to more than 450 million tonnes in 2019. If left unchecked, the production is slated to double by 2050, and triple by 2060. As plastic takes anywhere from 20 to 500 years to decompose, and less than 10% has been recycled till now, nearly 6 billion tonnes now pollute the planet, according to a 2023 study published by The Lancet. Much of this plastic waste leaks into the environment, especially into rivers and oceans, where it breaks down into smaller particles (microplastic or nanoplastic). These contain more than 16,000 chemicals which can harm ecosystems and living organisms, including humans. Plastic production and disposal are also contributing to climate change. According to a report by the OECD, in 2019, plastics generated 1.8 billion tonnes of GHG emissions — 3.4% of global emissions.Roughly 90% of these emissions come from plastic production, which uses fossil fuels as raw material. What can the treaty entail? Experts believe that the proposed treaty will be the most important environmental accord since the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change. While none of the treaty’s details have currently been finalised, experts believe that it can go beyond just putting a cap on plastic production in UN member states. The treaty can theoretically lay out guidelines on how rich nations should help poorer ones meet their plastic reduction target. It may also ban “particular types of plastic, plastic products, and chemical additives used in plastics, and set legally binding targets for recycling and recycled content used in consumer goods,” according to a report by the Grist magazine. The treaty can mandate the testing of certain chemicals in plastics. It can also have some details on just transition for waste pickers and workers in developing countries who depend on the plastic industry for a living. What are the roadblocks to the treaty? Some of the biggest oil and gas-producing countries, as well as fossil fuel and chemical industry groups are trying to narrow the scope of the treaty to focus just on plastic waste and recycling. Treaty negotiations, so far, have been deeply polarising. Since the first round of talks in Uruguay in November 2022, oil-producing nations like Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Iran have opposed plastic production caps, and are using myriad delay tactics (like arguing over procedural matters) to derail constructive dialogues. On the other end, there is a coalition of around 65 nations — known as the “High-Ambition Coalition” — which seeks to tackle plastic production. The coalition, which includes African nations and most of the European Union, also wants to end plastic pollution by 2040, phase out “problematic” single-use plastics, and ban certain chemical additives that could carry health risks. The US has not joined the HAC. While it has said it wants to end plastic pollution by 2040, unlike the HAC, it advocates that countries should take voluntary steps to end plastic pollution. Source: Indian Express Joe Biden’s comments offends Papua New Guinea Syllabus Prelims – Current Event Context: Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape criticised U S President Joe Biden for implying that his uncle was eaten by cannibals in New Guinea during World War II.Biden had said that after his uncle’s plane was shot down in New Guinea, “they never found the body because there used to be, there were a lot of cannibals, for real, in that part of New Guinea.” Background: The people of New Guinea have long tried to shed the cannibal label. While there have been documented cases of cannibalism among tribes on the island, the use of the stereotype has as much to do with European ideas on race and civilisation. Key takeaways : The Korowai tribe of New Guinea number between 2,000 and 4,000. Anthropologist Rupert Stasch wrote that “their spectacular treehouses, their limited possession of factory-made commodities such as cotton clothing, and their practice of cannibalism” make them “a perfect fit with Westerners’ stereotypes of ‘primitive’ humanity”. Although some anthropologists say the practice has been discontinued, the Korowai gained global notoriety as cannibals. But they themselves do not identify as such. “The Korowai have no knowledge of the deadly germs that infest their jungles, and so believe that mysterious deaths must be caused by khakhua, or witches who take on the form of men,” a 2006 Smithsonian Magazine article said. When a member of the tribe dies, his or her male relatives kill the khakhua responsible (the dying person names him). And then they eat him. As a Korawai man told the Smithsonian Magazine: “We don’t eat humans, we only eat khakhua.” Cannibalism in New Guinea has also been documented among the Fore (pronounced FOR-ay) people who live in the highlands of Papua New Guinea. This tribe of approximately 20,000 individuals (today) consumed human flesh as part of mortuary rituals till about the 1960s. For the Fore, this was an act of love and grief. “If the body was buried it was eaten by worms; if it was placed on a platform it was eaten by maggots; the Fore believed it was much better that the body