Daily Current Affairs MCQs : 29 February 2024 - Humanities/Arts MCQ

The Assam government has repealed the Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act, 1935, as announced in a recent cabinet meeting in Guwahati. The Act, utilized by 94 Muslim registrars for marriage and divorce registrations, will no longer be valid. Assam Tourism Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah revealed the decision, stating that Muslim marriage and divorce registrations will no longer be conducted under this Act. The government will offer a one-time compensation of two lakh rupees to the affected Muslim Marriage Registrars for rehabilitation.

The US Chamber of Commerce released the 12th edition of the International Intellectual Property (IP) Index, ranking 55 economies on their IP frameworks. India secured the 42nd position with a 38.64% overall score. The United States, the United Kingdom, and France topped the list, emphasizing the pivotal role of strong IP systems in economic development. The index evaluates the effectiveness of IP landscapes in fostering innovation and creative industries globally.

Chief Minister Prof Dr. Manik Saha inaugurated the 2nd State Level Shehri Samridhi Utsav in Agartala, organized by Tripura Urban Livelihood Mission. The event focuses on enhancing urban livelihood opportunities and empowering women in the region. Chief Minister Prof Dr. Manik Saha highlighted state government initiatives supporting women’s empowerment during the inauguration at Children’s Park, Agartala.

The Uttarakhand government plans to introduce the Uttarakhand Public and Private Property Damage Recovery Bill in the upcoming budget session. This legislation aims to hold rioters financially responsible for damages to both government and private property during protests or strikes. If enacted, Uttarakhand would be the third state, following Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, to implement such a law. The initiative aligns with the government’s agenda to uphold law and order and safeguard public and private assets from unlawful destruction.

Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation introduced Vantara, led by Anant Ambani, a comprehensive initiative for rescuing, treating, and rehabilitating animals. The program centers around a 3,000-acre sanctuary within the Green Belt of Reliance’s Jamnagar Refinery Complex in Gujarat, designed as a jungle-like haven. Vantara aims to provide a natural and enriching habitat for rescued animals, promoting their healing and thriving.

Former Attorney General Feleti Teo has been chosen as Tuvalu’s new prime minister by parliamentary members after a recent election spotlighted the nation’s ties with Taiwan. Teo, the sole nominee, was unanimously elected by 15 lawmakers without a vote. Following the January 26 election where the pro-Taiwan predecessor, Kausea Natano, lost his seat, Teo’s swearing-in ceremony and cabinet appointment are scheduled for later this week.

World NGO Day, celebrated annually on February 27, acknowledges the vital role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) globally. Over 89 countries and 6 continents participate. The day promotes active engagement in NGOs, advocates for collaboration between NGOs and public-private sectors, and raises awareness among the needy about the impactful work of NGOs. The 2024 theme, “Building a Sustainable Future: The Role of NGOs in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” emphasizes their crucial contribution to global sustainability.

Renowned Indian ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas passed away at 72 on February 26 at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, succumbing to a prolonged illness. Born on May 17, 1951, in Gujarat, Udhas rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s. Beyond his musical accomplishments, he was known for philanthropy, supporting causes like cancer awareness.

Bengaluru, known as the ‘garden city,’ faces its worst domestic water crisis. Over 30 localities receive water on a rotational basis every alternate day, with supply lasting only 30-45 minutes. The city, once abundant with 262 lakes, now has only 81 due to real estate development. The remaining lakes are at risk, impacting the city’s water supply. The reliance on the Krishna Raja Sagara reservoir is strained by a weak monsoon, leading to water shortages and skyrocketing tanker prices. Community involvement is crucial for lake preservation.

Solinas, a startup incubated at IIT Madras, developed India’s first septic tank cleaning robot, Homosep Atom, addressing manual scavenging issues. The DST-TBI-supported innovation reaches 16 cities, offering end-to-end solutions for sewer cleaning, reducing costs and promoting robotic cleaning. Solinas specializes in deep-tech, climate tech solutions, including miniature robots addressing water and sanitation challenges. Their technologies, like Endobot and Swasth AI, serve as diagnostic tools, identifying and mitigating water contamination, blockages, and sewer overflows, contributing to societal development and environmental sustainability.