Correct Answer :   NASA

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NASA recently launched a groundbreaking space mission from New Zealand, deploying the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System spacecraft aboard Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket. This innovative spacecraft utilizes solar energy for propulsion, marking a significant leap in space exploration technology.

Mission Overview :

The spacecraft, equipped with a solar sail, was launched from New Zealand at 3:30 am IST and is set to orbit 1,000 kilometers above Earth. Upon deployment, the sail will measure approximately 80 square meters, harnessing sunlight to navigate through space.

Key Objectives :

The primary objective of the mission is to demonstrate the effectiveness of solar sail propulsion, paving the way for future missions with reduced reliance on heavy propulsion systems. Through a series of pointing maneuvers, the mission aims to showcase the orbit-raising and lowering capabilities solely using the pressure of sunlight on the sail.

Correct Answer :   Reliance Jio

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Reliance Jio, the telecom leader in India, has outpaced China Mobile to become the world’s largest mobile operator by data traffic consumption. With a subscriber base of 481.8 million, including 108 million on its True5G Standalone network, Jio’s dominance underscores its position in the global telecom market.

Staggering Growth and Milestones :

In its quarterly results announced on Monday (22nd April 2024), Jio revealed remarkable achievements, including reaching a total data traffic of 40.9 Exabytes in the January-March quarter, representing a 35.2% year-on-year increase. A significant portion of this traffic, 28%, originates from its 5G subscribers, indicating a swift adoption of next-generation connectivity.

Unprecedented Subscriber Base and 5G Penetration :

Jio’s subscriber base stands at 481.8 million, a figure that reinforces its stronghold in the Indian telecom landscape. Notably, the company boasts the world’s second-largest 5G subscriber base, with 108 million users on its network. This substantial 5G penetration underscores Jio’s preparedness for the future of telecommunications.