@KnowledgeisKeytoSuccess

1- What is the Hague Service Convention and why is it important?
The Hague Service Convention is a multilateral treaty established in 1965 to ensure defendants in foreign jurisdictions receive timely notice of legal proceedings in civil and commercial matters. It streamlines the process of serving legal documents internationally, requiring member states to designate a central authority to process service requests. This is crucial for international legal cooperation and fairness in cross-border litigation. As of February 2025, 84 states, including India and the U.S., are parties to the Convention.

2- How does India handle service requests under the Hague Service Convention?
India acceded to the Hague Service Convention with reservations. It mandates that all service requests be processed through the Ministry of Law and Justice, its designated central authority, and be in English or accompanied by an English translation. India expressly prohibits the use of alternative service methods, such as diplomatic or consular channels (except for serving nationals of the requesting country). The Ministry can reject requests if they compromise sovereignty or security, but not solely based on jurisdiction claims or lack of a right of action under domestic law. Once processed, the service is treated as an Indian court summons. The process typically takes 6-8 months.

3- What is Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) and why is it essential for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV)?
Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) is a combination of medications used to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV attacks CD4 cells, which are crucial for the immune system. ART cannot cure HIV, but it significantly reduces the viral load, allowing the body to produce more CD4 cells and maintain a healthy immune system. This reduces the likelihood of serious infections and extends the lifespan and improves the quality of life for PLHIV. Recent Supreme Court directives highlight concerns about ART drug stockouts, transparency, and quality, underscoring the need for robust and reliable ART programs.

4- What is the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and what are its key objectives?
The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) is the first international treaty negotiated under the World Health Organization, entering into force in 2005. It aims to protect present and future generations from the health, social, environmental, and economic consequences of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke. Key objectives include protecting public health policies from tobacco industry interference, adopting price and tax measures to reduce tobacco demand, protecting people from tobacco smoke, regulating tobacco product contents and disclosures, and regulating packaging and labeling. India ratified the FCTC in 2004.

5- What are General Anti-Avoidance Rules (GAAR) and what purpose do they serve?
General Anti-Avoidance Rules (GAAR) are anti-tax avoidance laws designed to curb tax evasion and tax leaks. Implemented in India in 2017 as part of the Income Tax Act, 1961, GAAR targets aggressive tax planning and arrangements primarily intended to avoid tax. It empowers tax authorities to treat transactions as "impermissible avoidance arrangements" (IAA) and re-compute income and tax implications, particularly in cases where transactions, though legally compliant on the surface, contravene the object, spirit, or purpose of tax legislation.

6- What is the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and what is its role in protecting animal welfare?
The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) is a statutory advisory body established in 1962 under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Its mandate is to promote animal welfare and protect animals from unnecessary pain and suffering. Headquartered in Ballabhgarh (Haryana), the AWBI advises state and central governments on animal welfare issues, provides financial assistance to animal welfare organizations, and addresses complaints of cruelty to animals. The central government is planning to revise AWBI's guidelines for more effective implementation.

7- What is the Lunar Trailblazer mission and what are its primary goals?
The Lunar Trailblazer is a NASA mission with the primary goal of finding and mapping water on the Moon's surface. The spacecraft, launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, will orbit the Moon at an altitude of approximately 100 km, collecting high-resolution images of targeted areas to determine the form, distribution, and abundance of water. It carries two key instruments: the High-resolution Volatiles and Minerals Moon Mapper (HVM3) and the Lunar Thermal Mapper (LTM), which will work together to identify water in its various forms, map lunar surface temperatures, and analyze mineralogy.

8- What is the significance of Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary and what biodiversity does it protect?
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary (IWL), established in 1976 in Kerala, covers 77 sq. km. of forests surrounding the Idukki Arch Dam. Its terrain is characterized by steep mountains, valleys, and hills, with altitudes ranging from 450 to 1272 m. The sanctuary is home to diverse flora and fauna, including elephants, bison, sambar deer, and various bird and snake species. Recent surveys have identified new bird, butterfly, and odonate species within the sanctuary. It also protects the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and is notable for its West Coast Tropical Evergreen forests and significant waterbody from the Idukki reservoir.