3rd March 2025

Explanation - The Waqf Act of 1995 provides for the establishment of both Central and State Waqf Boards. These boards are responsible for the general superintendence, administration, and control of waqf properties. The Waqf Act of 1995 does not allow the permanent transfer of waqf property to private individuals. Waqf properties are meant to be held in perpetuity for religious or charitable purposes, and any transfer or sale of such properties is strictly regulated. Unauthorised transfer of waqf property is illegal under the Act. The Waqf Act mandates that the income generated from waqf properties must be utilised for religious, pious, or charitable purposes as defined by the Act. This includes the maintenance of mosques, madrasas, and other religious and charitable institutions.

Explanation - Implementing measures to reduce tobacco demand and supply — This provision is included in the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) to address the global tobacco epidemic effectively. It encourages countries to adopt various measures to reduce both the demand for and supply of tobacco products, which may include imposing higher taxes, implementing smoke-free policies, and promoting tobacco cessation programs. Prohibition of all forms of tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship — The FCTC emphasises the need to protect people from the influence of tobacco industry marketing. It includes provisions that require parties to ban all forms of tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship to reduce tobacco consumption and discourage tobacco use among the population, especially the youth. Providing guidelines for the regulation of tobacco packaging and labeling — The FCTC provides guidelines to regulate tobacco packaging and labeling, intending to increase public awareness of the health risks associated with tobacco use. This may include mandatory health warnings and pictorial warnings on tobacco product packages to inform consumers about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption. Encouraging the establishment of tobacco industries in low-income countries to boost their economies is incorrect. The FCTC does not encourage the establishment of tobaccoo industries; rather, its primary focus is on promoting public health and reducing tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke.

Explanation - The AWBI was established in 1962 under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale was its first chairperson. The AWBI's mandate is to promote animal welfare and protect animals from unnecessary pain or suffering. The headquarters of the AWBI is in Ballabhgarh, Haryana, and it advises both central and state governments on animal welfare issues. The AWBI does not have the authority to directly prosecute offenders; it advises state authorities to take action as per the law. The Board consists of 28 members, including representatives from government organisations, animal rights activists, and parliamentarians, with each member serving a 3-year term.

Explanation - Human immunodeficiency virus or HIV is an infection that attacks the immune system by destroying the body’s immune cells called CD4, which help it respond to infection. Once HIV attacks the CD4 cells, it starts replicating and destroying the cells, weakening the body’s immune system and making it more prone to certain “opportunistic infections” that take advantage of the weak immune system. Bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids and breastmilk can be carriers for HIV. It can be transmitted through unprotected sex, transfusion of contaminated blood, sharing needles and syringes, and from a mother with HIV to her infant during pregnancy. Typically, the time between HIV transmission and AIDS diagnosis is 10-15 years, although it may occur sooner.