Daily Current Affairs Quiz: February 28, 2024

Notes:
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.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
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.