UPSC QUIZ 10.08.2023

Explanation:

• Astronomers recently discovered a surprising, rare example of an "Einstein Cross" splitting and amplifying light from the distant depths of the universe.
• In this, a giant elliptical galaxy about 6 billion light-years away from Earth distorts and quadruples a bright beam of light coming from a background galaxy located behind it and about 11 billion light-years away from our planet. Divides into parts and makes a cross.

Why are these so rare

• It turns out that gravitational lensing happens everywhere in the universe, mostly in the form of so-called “weak lensing”.
• Creating an Einstein Cross requires a precise alignment of the lensing body and light source and astronomers refer to this as “strong gravitational lensing”.

Explanation:

• Ministry of Education has released the State of Elementary Education in Rural India - 2023 report, highlighting the Prevalence of Smartphone Usage among students.
• The report was based on a survey conducted by the Development Intelligence Unit (DIU), a collaboration between NGO Transform Rural India and Sambodhi Research and Communications.
• The survey gathered responses from 6,229 parents of schoolchildren aged 6–16 in rural communities across 21 States.

Explanation:

• Indian Prime Minister has laid the foundation stone for the Redevelopment of 508 railway stations across India as a part of Amrit Bharat Stations Scheme, spreading across 27 states and union territories.
• The extensive redevelopment project, estimated to cost more than RS 24,470 crores, aims to transform railway stations into modern, well-equipped hubs.

Amrit Bharat Stations Scheme

• The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme aims to redevelop 1309 stations nationwide.
• The redevelopment will provide modern passenger amenities along with ensuring well-designed traffic circulation, inter-modal integration, and signage for the guidance of passengers.
• The Scheme was launched in February 2023 by the Ministry of Railways

Explanation:

• In order to avert the danger of frequent floods of Yamuna river in Delhi and surrounding areas, the Haryana government has decided to construct a dam. This strategic initiative is not only aimed at mitigating the effects of floods but also has several other benefits.
• The primary objective behind the decision of the Haryana government to build the dam is to stop the devastating floods caused by the Yamuna River. These floods continue to pose a major threat to the city of Delhi and areas adjacent to the river in Haryana. By building dams, the authorities aim to regulate and manage water flow, thereby protecting lives and properties.
• The dam project, with its lofty goals of flood prevention and management, comes with a substantial estimated cost. The Haryana government is all set to invest a huge amount of Rs 6,134 crore to execute this infrastructure initiative.

Explanation:

• The steel industry, which is the cornerstone of modern infrastructure and development, is now in the news for its environmental impact.
• In a strategic move towards a greener and more sustainable future, the government has unveiled a comprehensive plan that revolves around the formation of 13 task forces, each aimed at addressing key challenges and opportunities within the industry.
• These initiatives have come in response to the urgent need to decarbonise the steel sector and promote environment-friendly practices.
• The government's commitment to sustainability is evident in the setting up of 13 task forces, comprising industry experts, academia, think tanks and various ministries.
• These task forces have a common goal: to deliberate on strategies and recommendations that can move the steel industry down a more environmentally conscious path.