China National Space Administration (CNSA) declared the Queqiao-2 satellite launch a “complete success”.
Queqiao-2, or Magpie Bridge 2, weighs 1,200 kg and features a 4.2-meter parabolic antenna, facilitating communications between Earth and lunar probes until 2030.
It will support Chang’e-6, -7, and -8 missions, equipped with science payloads including EUC, GENA, and LOVEX. Two CubeSats, Tiandu-1 and Tiandu-2, with navigation and communication tech, will also orbit the Moon.
2. According to Plastic Overshoot Day Report, which country has one of the lowest per capita plastic waste production rates globally? – India
A recent report by Switzerland’s EA Earth Action reveals India as one of the top twelve contributors to 60% of the world’s mismanaged plastic waste.
Released on April 12, 2024, the Plastic Overshoot Day report highlights Eritrea as the worst in the Mismanaged Waste Index, with Bermuda at the bottom.
India’s per capita plastic waste production is the world’s lowest at 8 kg per year, yet its expected mismanaged waste in 2024 is “very high” at 7.4 million tons.
Science & Technology
3. What is ‘VA-ResNet-50’, recently seen in news? – AI tool which can predicts fatal heart rhythm
A study in Leicester led by Dr. Joseph Barker and Prof. Andre Ng used AI to detect ventricular arrhythmia (VA), a deadly cardiac disorder.
The AI tool, VA-ResNet-50, accurately identified VA 80% of the time, analyzing 270 adults’ ECGs from 2014 to 2022.
Ventricular arrhythmia, if untreated, can cause sudden death. Published in the European Heart Journal – Digital Health, the study highlights AI’s potential in diagnosing critical heart conditions.
Short News
Places in News
4. In which ocean is the famous Senkaku Island located? – Pacific Ocean
Appointments
5. Who has been appointed as Joint Director in CBI recently? – Anurag Kumar
Under an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Anurag Kumar (IPS) has been appointed as Joint Director in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Anurag has been appointed as Joint Director in CBI for a joint tenure of five years i.e. till February 24, 2027.
6. Who has been appointed as the new director of National Judicial Academy, Bhopal? – Justice Aniruddha Bose
Recently, Indian-American actor and ‘Mean Girls’ star Avantika Vandanapu was named South Asian Person of the Year by Harvard University.
19-year-old Avantika has been given this honour in recognition of her outstanding achievements and her impact in the international and Indian entertainment world.
Organisations & Institutes
8. The Ministry of Defence has issued a tender to which institution to buy LCA mark-1A fighter jets? – Hindustan aeronautics limited
World Art Day is celebrated every year on 15 April all over the world.
The day is celebrated with the aim of raising awareness about the diversity of artistic expressions and strengthening the relationship between artistic works and society.
World Art Day was officially established on April 15, 2012 during a meeting of the International Association of Art (IAA) in Mexico.
State Current Affairs
12. In which state was Bohag Bihu celebrated as New Year? – Assam
The BepiColombo mission, collaboration between ESA and JAXA, recently made a fleeting visit to Venus, offering surprising insights into atmospheric gas stripping.
Launched in 2018, it comprises two spacecraft headed to Mercury, aiming to study its magnetic field, composition, and geology.
Scheduled to reach Mercury in 2025, BepiColombo honors Italian mathematician Giuseppe “Bepi” Colombo.
It marks the second mission to orbit Mercury, promising unprecedented complexity in its investigations.
