Current Affairs 1 February 2022

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

GoI Approves Sale of NINL to Tata Steel Long Products for Rs 12,100 Crore

The government of India (GoI) approved the sale of 93.7 percent stake in Neelachal Ispat Nigam Limited (NINL) to Tata Steel Long Products (TSLP) Limited, at an enterprise value of Rs 12,100 crore.

• This is the 1st instance of privatisation of a public sector steel manufacturing enterprise in India.

Key Points:
i.The NINL has an integrated steel plant with a capacity of 1.1 MT, at Kalinganagar, Odisha. It is a joint venture of 4 CPSEs (Central Public Sector Enterprises), namely MMTC, NMDC (National Mineral Development Corporation), BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited), MECON, and two Odisha government state PSEs, namely OMC (Odisha Mining Corporation) and IPICOL (Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Limited). 
ii.The Odisha government has 32.47 percent stake in NINL through IPICOL and OMC, whereas the MMTC holds the 49.78 percent share.
iii.GoI does not hold any equity in the company. On the request of the Boards of selling shareholder PSEs and Govt of Odisha, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) ‘in-principal’ approved strategic disinvestment of NINL in 2020.
About Tata Steel Long Products (TSLP) Limited:
Headquarters – Keonjhar, Odisha
Managing Director – Ashish Anupam
>> Read Full News

GSI Approves India’s First Geo Park in Madhya PradeshOn 30th January 2022 The Geological Survey of India (GSI), Ministry of Mines, approved the setting up of India’s 1st geopark at Lamheta village, on the banks of the Narmada river in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh (MP).
About the GSI funding:
i.The GSI has sanction Rs. 1.30 crore for the formation of Geopark in 5 acres of land at the Lamheta village which is located 20 km away from the Jabalpur district headquarters

• The estimated cost of this project is Rs 35 crore and any additional funds can be sanctioned if required.

About Geopark:
i.Definition : A geopark is a unified area that protects the geological heritage and promotes sustainable, well-being of the people living in that area.
ii.This geopark to be formed in MP is already in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) geo-heritage tentative list for the conservation of the natural heritage.

• Several dinosaur fossils had been found in the Narmada valley, particularly in the Bhedaghat-Lameta Ghat area of Jabalpur, MP.
• In 1828, the 1st dinosaur fossil was collected from the Lameta Bed by Indian Civil Service (ICS) officer William Sleeman.

iv.MP will also establish a science centre at the cost of Rs 15.20 crore, shared by the Centre and the state (MP) (Rs 8.65 crore will be financed by state government and remaining Rs 6.55 crore will be provided by National Science Museum, Kolkata) at Bhedaghat, Jabalpur, MP that is known for white marble rock formations and also a famous tourist hotspot.

• This project will be established on a 7 acres area which has already been transferred by the Jabalpur district administration to the MP Science and Technology Council.

About UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp):
i.UNESCO Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development. 
ii.A UNESCO Global Geopark uses its geological heritage, in connection with all other aspects of the area’s natural and cultural heritage, to enhance awareness and understanding of key issues facing society, such as using our earth’s resources sustainably, mitigating the effects of climate change and reducing natural disasters-related risks.
 About Madhya Pradesh (MP):
Governor – Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel 
National Park – Sanjay National Park, Kanha national park, Madhav National Park.
Wildlife Sanctuaries – Dubri Wildlife Sanctuary, Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary

Spituk Gustor Festival 2022 Begins in LadakhSpituk Gustor Festival, a two day annual celebration of Ladakhi culture and traditional heritage began on 30th January 2022 in Leh and Ladakh Union Territory (UT).  The 2022 festival is celebrated on 30th & 31st January.

• On the same day, the Geluk Pa Order of Tibetan Buddhism founded by Je Tsongkhapa (1357-1419) is also commemorated, an annual winter festival that aims at increasing brotherhood and friendship among believers.

About Spituk Gustor Festival:
i.It is a celebration of peace and prosperity that is celebrated at the Spituk Monastery in Leh and Ladakh UT.

• The locals believe that after this festival, the harsh winter weather starts getting warmer and pleasant.

ii.The two-day festival is observed during the 28th and 29th days of the 11th month of the Tibetan Calendar.
Major Attractions:
i.The main attraction of the festival was the colourful mask dance locally called Chams performed by the monks of the monastery depicting different deities such Mahakala (Gonbo), Paldan Lhamo (Shridevi), White Mahakala, Protector Deity.

• The mask dance begins with Serskam followed by Hashang Hatuk, Six Arms Mahakala, Paldan Lhamo, Shawa, Janak Chams.

ii.A large Thangka (painting) of Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of Gelukspa Sect of Mahayana Buddhism was displayed in the courtyard during the festival for the general public.
iii.The festival ends with the burning of evil effigies that represents the ultimate exister is good, not evil. 
About Ladakh:
Lieutenant Governor –  R. K. Mathur
Festival – Hemis Festival, Dosmoche Festival, Matho Nagrang Festival
Dance – Kathok Chenmo, Kompa Tsum-Tsag, Spao Dance

Torgya Festival begins in Arunachal Pradesh at Tawang MonasteryOn 30th January 2022, the three days long Torgya Festival of the Monpa tribal community of Arunachal Pradesh began at Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh.

• This year is the ‘Dungyur Torgya’ festival, which marks special occasion as every 3rd year, the festival is organised on a broader level with the name Dungyur Festival during which Dalai Lama offers blessings (also known as Tse-Boom) to other lamas by sending Feb Jum which is a holy item to be used in rituals.

About Torgya Festival:
i.This is a festival comprising oral and dance performances portraying the mythical events which are believed to have taken place in the past.
iiThe main attractions of the festival is the ‘Sha-na Cham’, the ritual dance performed by monks to showcase the Choe-gyal Yap & Yum Tsa-Munde deity.

• Monastic masked dances are performed in Cham-lang, courtyard of the Tawang Monastery.

iii.The other popular dances the Pha Chan and the Losjker Chungiye are performed by artists with colourful costumes and masks.

• Each dance represents a myth and costumes and masks represent animal forms such as cows, tigers, sheep, monkeys and so forth.

Highlights:
i.The first day of the festival is called Torgya and involves worship of the image created 16 days prior to the festival, which is done in honour of Lama Tsongkhapa.

• The image is created at 3 feet (0.91 m) height and 2 feet (0.61 m) width which is exclusively crafted by 14 lamas of the monastery with the ingredients involving  ghee, barley, milk and molasses.

ii.On the last day of the festival, Tseril which is a type of sweet made by barley, sugar, and molasses is made and distributed among lams after performing prayers.

• They also drink a local beer named Tse-Chang to wrap the festival on a fun note.

About Arunachal Pradesh:
Governor – B. D. Mishra
Festival – Boori Boot Festival, Dree Festival, Nechi Dau Festival
Folk Dance – Aji Lamu, Chalo, Hiirii Khaniing

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

Chennai Super Kings Becomes India’s 1st Unicorn Sports Enterprise

Four-time Indian Premier League (IPL) winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has become the country’s 1st sports Unicorn with its market cap having touched a high of Rs 7,600 crores and its share in the grey market trading in the Rs 210-225 price band.

• Currently, CSK has a market cap more than its parent entity, India Cements. On January 29, 2022, India Cements’ market cap stood at Rs 6,869 crores.

Key Points:
i.Reasons behind increase in market cap: Winning of 4th IPL title in Dubai, and addition of two new franchises to the upcoming season at record prices.
ii.CVC Capital acquired the rights for the Ahmedabad franchise for Rs 5,625 crore and the Sanjiv Goenka-led RPSG (RP-Sanjiv Goenka) Group bought the Lucknow franchise (Lucknow Super Giants) for Rs 7,090 crore.
iii.The shares of Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited (CSKCL), which controls CSK, had hit an all-time high in the unlisted market on October 26, 2021, increasing from Rs 110-120 per share to crossing the Rs 220-mark in trade within a week.
What is Unicorn?
Unicorns are privately held start-up companies having a valuation of more than USD 1 billion.
Additional info – Currently, India has the 3rd largest number of Unicorns in the world. As per the Global Unicorn Index 2021 report released by the Hurun Research Institute, India ranked at 3rd (by adding 33 ‘unicorns’ in 2020) by displacing the United Kingdom (UK) to the 4th spot. 
About Indian Premier League (IPL):
It is an annual Twenty20 cricket league usually held in a two-month window between March and May. Founded by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)
The league came into existence in 2008 with 8 franchises. The league’s format is similar to that of the Premier League of England and the National Basketball Association (NBA) in the United States.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS     

Brand Finance Global 500 2022: Apple Retains Most Valuable Brand Title

According to Brand Finance’s annual report titled “Global 500 2022: The annual report on the world’s most valuable and strongest brands”, Apple has retained its title as the World’s Most Valuable Brand in 2022. The valuation of Apple has increased by 35%(USD 355.1 billion) and the report states that Apple has become the first brand to reach a market valuation of USD 3 Trillion.

• Following Apple, Amazon and Google have been named among the top three most valuable brands. 

Highlights:
i.TikTok has become the World’s fastest-growing brand with 215% growth in its valuation in 2022. 
ii.China’s WeChat(ranked 13) has been named the strongest Brand for the 2nd year. WeChat has scored 93.3 out of 100 and an elite AAA+ rating. 
Note:
Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft has topped Brand Finance Brand Guardianship Index 2022 of the world’s top 250 CEOs. 
Key Points:
i.United States(US) and China dominated the claiming two-thirds of brand value in ranking and India sees the fastest growth over course of COVID-19 pandemic among the top nations up 42%. 
ii.India’s Tata Group(ranked 78th) is among the top 100 most valued brands globally. Tata group has ranked 77th in 2021 ranking. The company’s valuation has increased 12% in 2022. 
iii.Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has slipped from 229 in 2021 to 236th in 2022 and Mahindra Group has ranked 364th in the ranking.    

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS        

Sergio Mattarella Re-elected as Italian President for a Second TermItaly’s current president Sergio Mattarella, whose 7-year term (from 2015) is ending on 3rd February 2022 has been re-elected for the second term in office.

• In 2013, Giorgio Napolitano (Mattarella’s predecessor) was the 1st to serve a second term since Italy became a republic in 1946, but he resigned after two years in 2015.

Presidentship of Italy:
i.The president is very powerful in position as he would be often called upon to resolve political crises in Italy, the euro zone’s third-largest economy and appoints prime ministers.
ii.Unlike in the United States or France, where heads of state get elected by voting, in Italy, 1,009 parliamentarians and regional representatives choose via a secret ballot.
About Italy:
Prime Minister – Mario Draghi
Capital – Rome
Currency – Euro

SPORTS

110th Australian Open Tennis 2022: Rafael Nadal Won Record 21st grand slam Men’s Singles Titlei.Rafael Nadal claimed his record-breaking 21st Grand Slam Men’s Singles Title at the first Grand Slam of 2022 i.e. the 2022 Australian Open was held at Melbourne Park, Melbourne in Australia on January 17-30, 2022. Organized by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), it was the 110th edition of the Australian Open, and the 54th in the Open Era. 
ii.Men’s Singles– Rafael Nadal Parera of Spain by defeating Russia’s Daniil Sergeyevich Medvedev  by 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5
iii.Women’s Singles– Ashleigh Barty of Australia by defeating the United States’ Danielle Rose Collins by 6–3, 7–6
Static about Grand Slam events:
Grand Slam tournaments (also called majors) are 4 most important annual tennis events. The 4 Grand Slam events are Australian Open, Wimbledon, French Open & US Open. They are hosted by the International Tennis Federation.
Australian Open

• It takes place at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia. Usually takes place in the Month of January. It was founded in 1905.
• It is the 1st Grand Slam event of the ATP & WTA Calendar
• Type of surface – Hard Court

Wimbledon
It takes place at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, United Kingdom (UK). It is the Oldest Tennis Tournament, founded in 1877.

• It usually takes place around the months of June-July
• Type of Surface – Grass

French Open
It is also known as Roland Garros and takes place at the Roland Garros Stadium, Paris, France. It was founded in 1891.

• It usually takes place in the months of May-June.
• Type of Surface – Clay

US Open
It takes place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York, USA. It was founded in 1881. It is the 4th & Final Grand Slam Tournament of the WTA & ATP Calendar.

• Usually takes place in the months of August-September.
• Type of Surface – Hard Court

>> Read Full News

Netherlands Cricketer Ben Cooper Announced Retirement from International cricketNetherlands cricketer, Benjamin Nicolas Cooper (Ben Cooper) (29 years old), announced his retirement from international cricket. He is one of the Netherlands top run-scorer in Twenty20 (T20) Internationals shortest format of the game.
About Ben Cooper:
i.Ben Cooper was born on 10th February 1992 in Lismore, New South Wales. 
ii.He has represented cricket teams of Australia, Netherlands, and Amsterdam Knights. 
iii.He made his ODI Debut in August 2013.He also played First Class Cricket representing Netherlands.
iv.He has scored 1,239 runs from 58 T20I matches and he has featured in 13 ODI matches and scored 187 runs. 
v.He has played 71 white-ball internationals for the Netherlands and has scored 1426 runs.

OBITUARY

2022 Padma Shri recipient Baba Iqbal Singh passed away

On 29 January 2022, renowned Indian socio-spiritual leader of the Sikh Community, Baba Iqbal Singh passed away at the age of 95 years in Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh (HP). Notably, for his Social Works, he was also named in the 2022 list of Padma Shri Awardee selected by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
i.Baba Iqbal Singh was born on May 1, 1926 in Bharyal Lehri, Punjab. 
ii.He served as the president of Kalgidhar Society/Trust and Chancellor of Eternal University, run under the Baru Sahib Organization. 
iii.Baba Iqbal Singh, started his Social Works in 1986, after his retirement from the post of Director of Agriculture in Himachal Pradesh.
Awards: 

• Sikh Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016
• Shiromani Panth Rattan in 2018 by Takht Sri Harmandir Ji. 
• Padma Shri in 2022 for contributions in social work.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

JK Lt Governor releases book titled “Prakrtik, Vaidik avem Jaivik Kheti” published by Chudamani Sanskrit Sansthan

A  new book titled “Prakrtik, Vaidik avem Jaivik Kheti- Graameen Udyamita Ka Naya Swaroop” released by Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), Manoj Sinha at the Raj Bhavan in Jammu. The book was published by Chudamani Sanskrit Sansthan, Basohli, Kathua and was released as a souvenir.
i.The research-oriented souvenir is a significant contribution to the advancement of Sanskrit in J&K. 
ii.It comprises research papers of scholars of Sanskrit and agricultural science from across India and will increase awareness among people about Vedic farming. 
Popular Historic Sanskrit Books:

• “Arthashastra” by Chanakya (also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta)
• “Ashtadhyayi” by Panini
• “Shakuntala” by Kalidasa

Kiran Bedi Authored a New Book Titled “Fearless Governance”Kiran Bedi, Former Lieutenant(Lt) Governor of Puducherry and retired IPS officer, authored a new book titled “Fearless Governance” featuring her memories and ground realities as the Lt Governor of Puducherry from 2016 and 2021 and her experience of 40 years in the Indian Police Service(IPS). 
The book is published by Diamond Books.

• In the new book the author, Kiran Bedi, demonstrates the practices of responsible governance and leadership.

About Kiran Bedi:
i.Kiran Bedi was the first woman to join the officer ranks of the Indian Police Service. 
ii.She has served as the 24th Lt Governor of Puducherry.
iii.She is the founder of 2 foundations Navjyoti and India Vision Foundation. 
iv.“Yes Madam, Sir” directed by Megan Doneman, is the biopic of Kiran Bedi. 
v.She was honoured with the Ramon Magsaysay Award and the Nehru Fellowship in 1994. 
Other Books:

• Himmat Hai
• Galti Kiski Bhag 2
• I Dare: Kiran Bedi (Marathi Edition)
• Creating Leadership
• Mudde Aur Darshti Kone

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Leprosy Day observed on January 30 2022 

i.The last Sunday of January is celebrated annually as World Leprosy Day (WLD). This year it is observed on January 30, 2022 on the theme ‘United for Dignity’. 
ii.It should be noted that in India, WLD is celebrated annually as Anti Leprosy day on January 30 i.e.  on the death anniversary of the Father of Nation, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi aka Mahatma Gandhi.
iii.This international day celebrate people who have experienced leprosy or Hansen’s disease, raises awareness of the disease, and call for an end to leprosy-related stigma and discrimination.
Static:
In 1955, the Government of India initiated the leprosy control programme which was revised as National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) in 1983 following the introduction of Multi Drug Therapy (MDT) in 1982.
>> Read Full News

World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2022 – January 30

World Health Organisation (WHO)’s World Neglected Tropical Diseases(NTD) Day(WNTDD) is annually observed across the globe on 30th January to create awareness about the Neglected Tropical Diseases(NTD) and to focus on strengthening the interventions to promote equitable health services for all.

• 30th January 2022 marks the observance of the 3rd WNTDD. 

The theme of World NTD Day 2022 is ‘Achieving health equity to end the neglect of poverty-related diseases.
About World Health Organisation (WHO):
Director General– Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Headquarter– Geneva, Switzerland
>> Read Full News

Martyrs Day 2022 – January 30

Martyrs Day, also known as Shaheedi Diwas, is annually observed across India on 30th January to pay respect to the martyrs who lost their lives during India’s freedom struggle. The day also marks the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

• 30th January 2022 marks the 74th Anniversary of the Martyrdom Day of Mahatma Gandhi. 

Shaheedi Diwas or Martyrs Day is observed across India on two days 30th January and 23rd March.

• 23rd March pays homage to the freedom fighters, Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar, who were hanged to death by the British. 

>> Read Full News

Anti-Untouchability Day – 30th January 2022

The Government of Tamil Nadu(TN) observed the Anti-Untouchability Day on 30th January 2022 to mark the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. 

• MK Stalin, Chief Minister(CM) of TN administered the pledge against untouchability to Ministers, Senior officials and staff at the Secretariat in Fort St George in Chennai, TN. 

All India Anti Untouchability League:
i.The All India Anti Untouchability League was founded by Mahatma Gandhi on 30th September 1932 to eradicate untouchability in India, working for Harijan or Dalit people and upliftment of Depressed Class of India.
ii.The society was renamed Harijan Sevak Sangh (‘Servants of Harijan Society’).

STATE NEWS

IREDA & Goa Shipyard Ltd Signs MoU for Rooftop Solar Power Projects

Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) to provide its techno-financial expertise to set-up a rooftop solar power project.

• The MoU was signed by Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman & Managing Director (CMD), IREDA and Bharat Bhushan Nagpal, CMD, GSL.

Under the MoU:
i.IREDA will assist GSL to set-up a rooftop solar power project in Vasco da Gama, Goa which is the headquarters of GSL.

• Through the set-up GSL will be able to bring down the expenditure on electricity and reduce its carbon footprint

ii.IREDA will also extend its techno-commercial expertise to GSL for Environmental & Social (E&S) rooftop solar and other Renewable Energy (RE) projects as per the internationally accepted E&S standards.
iii.IREDA has already set up a Business Development and Consultancy division to manage the increasing demand of the RE sector

• Under the Business Development and Consultancy division, this is the 7th MoU signed by IREDA.

Note – The Government of India (GOI) aims to produce 40 GigaWatts (GW) of solar power through rooftop solar by the end of 2022.
Other IREDA MoUs:
IREDA had entered into few MoUs to extend its Techno-Financial expertise for Green Energy projects with Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN), National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO) Limited , North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) Limited , Brahmaputra Valley Fertiliser Corporation Limited (BVFCL), and Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited (THDCIL).
About Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA):
IREDA is a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy
Establishment – 1987 (as Non-banking Financial Company)
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
Chairman & Managing Director (MD) – Pradip Kumar Das
About Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL):
GSL is a PSU under the Ministry of Defence
Establishment – 1957
Headquarters – Vasco-da-gama, Goa
Chairman & Managing Director (MD) – Bharat Bhushan Nagpal

Punjab Chief Electoral Officer unveils ‘Shera’ as its Elections Mascot 

On 30 January 2022, the Chief Electoral Officer’s (CEO) office of Punjab unveiled its election mascot, “Shera” (Lion). It aims  to increase voter awareness, participation and promote ethical voting in the Punjab Assembly polls that is scheduled on 20 February 2022.
Highlights: 
i.The mascot  “Shera”, depicting a lion. It represents the rich cultural heritage of Punjab. Posters, effigies and huge cut-outs of “Shera” will be used to spread awareness and promotion.
ii.It is promoted under the Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) project of Election Commission of India (ECI).

• SVEEP project was started in 2009, as the flagship program of the ECI for voter education.

Note– National Voters’ Day  is celebrated on 25th January every year since 2011 to mark the formation of ECI.
About Punjab:
Total Assembly Constituencies – 117
Dance- Jhoomer, Malawi, Julli
Ramsar site- Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary, Ropar Lake

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