PIB Summary- 11th March, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) Fellowships and Awards 

Context

Recently, the President of India presented Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) Fellowships and Awards for the years 2022 and 2023 in New Delhi.

Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship:

• Prestigious Honour: The Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna Sadasyata) stands as the most prestigious honor conferred by the SNA.
• Eligibility Criteria: Established individuals in the fields of music, dance, and drama are considered, with a stipulation that individuals below 50 years of age are not ordinarily considered for this fellowship.
• Fellowship Benefits: The Akademi Fellowship includes a purse of Rs. 3.00 lakhs, a Tamrapatra (copper plaque), and an Angavastram (shawl).
• Recommendation Process: Recommendations for the fellowship are received from current fellows of the Akademi and members of the General Council.
• Seat Expansion: Initially comprising 30 seats, the General Council amended rules in 2010, adding 10 more seats over five years, with two seats added annually.

Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards:

• Rich History: With a history spanning over 70 years, the SNA Awards honor practitioners, gurus, and scholars in music, dance, and drama, representing the nation’s highest achievements in these art forms.
• Inception: Awards in Hindustani and Carnatic music were instituted in 1951, pre-dating the establishment of the Akademi and initially known as Presidential Awards.
• Award Components: Each award includes a purse of Rs. 1.00 lakh, a Tamrapatra (copper plaque), and an Angavastram (shawl).
• Annual Conferment: Currently, 41 awards are conferred annually, and over 1298 artists have been honored with Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards.

Sangeet Natak Akademi:

• Establishment: Established in 1953, the SNA is the apex body dedicated to preserving and promoting India’s rich intangible heritage expressed through music, dance, and drama.
• Founding Chairman: Created by a resolution of the Ministry of Education in 1952, Dr. P.V. Rajamannar served as its first Chairman.
• Management Structure: Oversight is provided by the General Council, with the Chairman appointed by the President of India for a five-year term.
• Office and Autonomy: The registered office is located at Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi, operating autonomously under the Ministry of Culture.
• Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar: Recognizing excellence in artists under 40 in dance, music, and theatre, this award was introduced in 2006.
• Cultural Heritage Preservation: More than 100 rare art forms facing extinction are revived through training programs under the name ‘Kala Deeksha’ by the Akademi.

School Soil Health Programme

Context

Recently, the Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Union Minister for Rural Development inaugurated School Soil Health Programme, New Delhi.

School Soil Health Programme:

The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, in collaboration with the Department of School Education and Literacy, has initiated a pilot project focused on the School Soil Health Programme.
Key Features:

• Pilot Project Implementation: Initiated with collaboration from the Department of School Education and Literacy, the pilot project established 20 soil labs in Kendriya and Navodaya Vidyalaya schools in rural areas.
• Study Modules and Training: Specialized study modules were developed, and training sessions were conducted for both students and teachers.
• Customized Mobile Application: A mobile application tailored for the school programme was introduced, featuring a dedicated portal segment documenting all student activities.
• Scaling Up to 1000 Schools: Following the successful pilot, the programme has been expanded to include 1000 schools, encompassing Kendriya Vidyalaya, Navodaya Vidyalaya, and Eklavya Model Schools.
• Lab Setup by NABARD: The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, facilitated by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), will establish soil labs in these schools.
• Student-led Soil Sampling and Testing: Students from the enrolled schools will actively collect soil samples, perform tests in the on-site labs, and generate Soil Health Cards.
• Farmers’ Education: Following the card generation, students will take the initiative to educate farmers about the recommendations provided in the Soil Health Cards.

Significance of School Soil Health Programme:

• Hands-on Learning Opportunities: The programme offers students the opportunity to conduct experiments, analyze soil samples, and explore the rich biodiversity within the soil.
• Skill Development: Through practical engagement, students will develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness of ecosystems.

India EFTA- Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement

Context

The India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement symbolize strategic economic ties, impacting trade, investment, and geopolitical dynamics, which are relevant for UPSC aspirants.

Background

• India recently signed a significant Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), comprising Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein. This agreement marks India's first Free Trade Agreement with these nations.

Key Points

• The TEPA involves a substantial $100 billion investment commitment aimed at fostering economic growth and creating around 1 million jobs in India over a span of 15 years.

India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA)

• India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) inked a significant Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) on March 10, 2024.
• The pact involves Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein, marking India's premier Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with four developed European nations.
• TEPA includes a momentous commitment of $100 billion in investments and the creation of 1 million jobs in India over the next 15 years.
• The comprehensive agreement encompasses 14 chapters, focusing on diverse aspects like market access, rules of origin, trade facilitation, investment promotion, and intellectual property rights.
• EFTA vows to boost investments to increase foreign direct investments by $100 billion in India, aiming to foster 1 million direct jobs.
• EFTA provides access to 92.2% of tariff lines covering 99.6% of India's exports, while India offers access to 82.7% of tariff lines covering 95.3% of EFTA exports.
• Protected sectors include pharma, medical devices, and processed food, with mutual recognition agreements in professional services.
• The agreement emphasizes sustainable development, transparency, and efficiency in trade procedures, supporting Indian exporters and bolstering the "Make in India" initiative.
• TEPA offers Indian companies a chance to integrate into EU markets, particularly via Switzerland, fostering economic growth and technological collaboration.
• TEPA is anticipated to boost India's exports, create job opportunities, and enhance technology collaboration and access to cutting-edge technologies.

Potential Benefits of TEPA

• Economic Growth: TEPA facilitates economic growth by encouraging bilateral trade and investments between India and EFTA countries.
• Job Creation: The agreement's $100 billion commitment aims to generate 1 million jobs in India over the next 15 years.
• Market Access: EFTA and India offer significant access to each other's tariff lines, fostering trade.
• Diversification of Markets: Indian exporters gain access to vast European and global markets, enhancing trade diversification.
• Services Sector Opportunities: TEPA stimulates services exports, particularly in IT, business services, education, and audio-visual services.
• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): Commitments address concerns about generic medicines and patents, showcasing a robust IPR regime.
• Sustainable Development: The agreement underlines India's commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection.
• Empowerment of Indian Exporters: TEPA empowers Indian exporters by providing access to inputs and creating a conducive trade environment.

Comparison: European Commission vs. European Council

• European Commission: Represents the EU in trade negotiations.
• European Council: Participates in legislating matters related to EU economic policies.