HIV-AIDS - GS questions based on daily current affairs

1)   The recently revived HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2014 lists various grounds on which discrimination against HIV positive persons is prohibited. Which of the following is/are not among those?

1) Employment denial or termination
2) Denial or discontinuation of rental property
3) Denying provision of insurance


a. 3
b. 1, 3
c. 1, 2
d. All are among those
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: All are among those

Explanation:
The Bill lists various grounds on which discrimination against HIV positive persons and those living with them are prohibited. These include the denial, termination, discontinuation or unfair treatment with regard to:

  • employment,
  • educational establishments,
  • health care services,
  • residing or renting property,
  • standing for public or private office, and
  • Provision of insurance (unless based on actuarial studies).
  • The requirement for HIV testing as a pre-requisite for obtaining employment or accessing health care or education is also prohibited.


2)   Which of the following is true regarding the recently revived HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2014?

1) Separate Budgetary provisions have been made for purpose of this act.
2) A mandatorily separate Ombudsman will be appointed to inquire into complaints related to the violation of the Act and penal actions.


a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation:

  • There are no financial implications of the Bill. Most of the activities are being already undertaken or can be integrated within the existing systems of various Ministries under training, communication and data management, etc.
  • The Bill makes provision for appointment of an ombudsman by State Governments to inquire into complaints related to the violation of the Act and penal actions in case of non-compliance.
  • The Ombudsman need not be a separate entity, but any existing State Government functionary can be deputed or given additional charge.


3)   Which of the following is true regarding the recently revived HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2014?

1) Every HIV infected or affected person of any age has the right to reside in a shared household and enjoy the facilities of the household.
2) A person between the ages of 12 to 18 years can be considered competent to act as a guardian of another sibling below 18 years of age.


a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Only 2

Explanation:

  • Every HIV infected or affected person below the age of 18 years has the right to reside in a shared household and enjoy the facilities of the household.
  • The Bill also provides for Guardianship for minors.
  • A person between the age of 12 to 18 years who has sufficient maturity in understanding and managing the affairs of his HIV or AIDS affected family shall be competent to act as a guardian of another sibling below 18 years of age to be applicable in the matters relating to admission to educational establishments, operating bank accounts, managing property, care and treatment, amongst others.
  • The Bill requires that "No person shall be compelled to disclose his HIV status except with his informed consent, and if required by a court order".
  • Establishments keeping records of information of HIV positive persons shall adopt data protection measures.