Current Affairs Quiz 20 October 2023

Answer: C
Niemann-Pick Disease Overview:
• Niemann-Pick Disease is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the accumulation of sphingomyelin in lysosomes within cells, which results in dysfunctional metabolism of sphingolipids.
• The disease encompasses three primary recognized forms: Niemann-Pick Types A, B, and C.
• Affected areas of the body include the brain, nerves, liver, spleen, bone marrow, and, in severe cases, lungs.
• Symptoms are related to the progressive loss of nerve and brain function, impacting various organs.
• While it can occur at any age, it mainly affects children.

Causes:
• Niemann-Pick Disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning that both copies of the gene must be defective to cause the disease.
• In most cases, parents of an affected child are carriers, having one copy of the altered gene but not displaying symptoms due to the presence of a functional copy.
• If both parents are carriers, each pregnancy has a 25% chance of producing an affected child.

Symptoms:
• Common symptoms include enlargement of the liver and spleen (Hepatosplenomegaly), low blood platelet levels (Thrombocytopenia), slurred speech (dysarthria), difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia), abnormal posturing of limbs, trunk, and face (dystonia), voluntary rapid eye movements (supranuclear gaze palsy), and a gradual loss of intellectual abilities, leading to dementia and seizures.

Classification:
• Types A and B: These are caused by mutations in the SMPD1 Gene, resulting in a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme acid sphingomyelinase, which normally breaks down the lipid sphingomyelin.
• Type C: Niemann-Pick disease, type C (NPC), is caused by mutations in NPC1 or NPC2 genes, impacting proteins used to transport lipids. It is further classified into C1 (95% of type C cases) and C2.

Treatment:
• There is no specific treatment known for Niemann-Pick Types A and B. However, the focus is on managing symptoms to improve the quality of life for affected individuals.

Answer: D

Answer : c

What is Enhanced Access and Service Excellence (EASE)?
• First launched in January 2018 jointly by the government and PSBs, Enhanced Access and Service Excellence aim at institutionalizing clean and smart banking. It was commissioned through Indian Banks’ Association and authored by the Boston Consulting Group.
• EASE is based on the recommendations made at the PSB Manthan held in November 2017.
• EASE Reforms Index: The Index measures performance of each PSB on 120+ objective metrics. The goal is to continue driving change by encouraging healthy competition among PSBs.
• PSBs have done well and come out of Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) despite service extended during the pandemic. PCA is a framework under which banks with weak financial metrics are put under watch by the RBI.
• PSBs have recorded phenomenal growth over four quarters since the launch of EASE 3.0 Reforms Agenda in February 2020.

Answer: C

Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS)
• RRTS is an integrated, mass transit network with semi-high-speed rail connectivity at its core.
• Its purpose is to promote balanced and sustainable urban development by improving connectivity and accessibility across the National Capital Region (NCR).

Origin:
• The concept of RRTS emerged from an Indian Railways study conducted in 1998-99.
• This study highlighted the potential for an RRTS network connecting various NCR locations through rapid commuter trains.
• In 2006, the proposal gained traction as Delhi Metro lines expanded to NCR towns like Gurgaon, Noida, and Ghaziabad.
• The National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB) adopted the concept as it developed the Functional Plan on Transport for NCR-2032.
• NCRPB identified and recommended eight RRTS corridors to connect NCR towns through high-speed rail-based commuter transit services.

Ans. D

Contempt of Courts Act of 1971 defines contempt of court as civil contempt or criminal contempt.
· Civil contempt refers to the wilful disobedience of an order of any court.
· Criminal contempt includes any act or publication which:
1. ‘scandalises’ the court, or
2. prejudices any judicial proceeding, or
3. interferes with the administration of justice in any other manner

Article 129 states that the Supreme Court shall be a court of record and shall have all the powers of such a court including the power to punish for contempt of itself.