Art and Culture: Chapter - Awards And Recognition
1. Languages and Literary Awards
EARLIEST MODERN MARATHI EVIDENCE
Earliest modern Marathi evidence: 739 CE copper-plate inscription, Satara.
About Marathi:
- Marathi is one of the prominent Indo-Aryan languages spoken predominantly in Maharashtra.
- The earliest known inscription in Marathi dates back to 739 CE, found in Satara.
- It evolved from Maharashtri Prakrit, which was the vernacular of the region.
- Marathi has a rich literary tradition spanning over a millennium.
BENGALI & ASSAMESE
Both languages originate from Magadhi Prakrit, the official language of the Magadha Court in East India.
About Bengali & Assamese:
- Both Bengali and Assamese originate from Magadhi Prakrit, the official language of the Magadha Court in East India.
- Scholars date their origins between the 6th and 12th centuries.
- Their recognisable modern form emerged in the Second millennium CE.
- Bengali is the 2nd most spoken language in India after Hindi (2011 Census) and the 7th most spoken language globally.
- Marathi, Telugu and Tamil are the 3rd, 4th and 5th (respectively) most spoken languages in India (2011 census).
PRAKRIT
Prakrit refers to a group of closely-related Indo-Aryan languages, not a single language.
About Prakrit:
- Prakrit refers to a group of closely-related Indo-Aryan languages, not a single language.
- These were vernacular languages spoken by the masses.
- They became the medium for popular heterodox religions in the first millennium BCE.
PALI
Pali, meaning "lines or series," is a reference to Pali being the language of the series of Buddhist texts.
About Pali:
- Pali, meaning "lines or series," is a reference to Pali being the language of the series of Buddhist texts.
- Traditionally linked to Magadhi Prakrit, some scholars see Pali as a mix of multiple Prakrits (including more western dialects), which were combined and partially Sanskritised.
- Pali is the language of the Theravada Buddhist canon, the Tipitaka ("three baskets"):
- Vinaya Pitaka: Monastic discipline.
- Sutta Pitaka: Buddha's teachings.
- Abhidhamma Pitaka: Philosophical and doctrinal analysis.
ABOUT OFFICIAL LANGUAGES
Part XVII of the Constitution: Includes Articles 343–351, contains provisions for the official language of the Union.
Constitutional Provisions:
- Part XVII: Includes Articles 343–351, contains provisions for the official language of the Union, the states, the judiciary and for inter-governmental communication.
- Article 343(1): Hindi in Devanagari script is the Union's official language, with the international form of Indian numerals for official purposes.
- Article 343(2): English continued for Union official purposes for 15 years post-Constitution commencement (January 26, 1950).
- Article 343(3): Parliament could legislate English or Devanagari numerals' continued use after the 15-year period.
Legal Provisions:
- Official Languages Act, 1963: Section 3 extended English for Union official purposes and parliamentary use beyond January 26, 1965.
Eighth Schedule of the Constitution: Linked to Articles 344(1) and 351.
- Languages Included (22): Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Bodo, Santhali, Maithili and Dogri.
- Timeline of Additions:
- Original (1950): 14 languages.
- 1967: Sindhi added.
- 1992: Konkani, Manipuri and Nepali added.
- 2004: Bodo, Dogri, Maithili and Santhali added.
Knowledge Nugget: Global Craft City Tag
Context: Recently, Srinagar has earned the World Craft City (WCC) tag from the World Crafts Council (WCC).
More on News:
- The WCC checked out clusters where artisans were busy crafting local items, like Pashmina shawls, carpets, and papier mache.
About the World Craft City (WCC)
- Establishment: 2014.
- Organising Institution: The World Crafts Council International (WCCI).
- Country of Establishment: Kuwait.
- Objective: To recognize the efforts of local governments, artisans, and communities in enhancing culture, economy, and society.
- Legal Status: It is affiliated to UNESCO under Consultative Status.
- Criteria to grant cities WCC Status: How well crafts have been preserved, Initiatives for artisans, Adherence to age-old practices.
About World Crafts Council International (WCCI):
- It is a non-profit organisation based in Kuwait, dedicated to recognizing and preserving traditional crafts globally.
- The WCC was founded in 1964.
- Objective: The WCCI aims to promote, preserve, and evolve handicrafts globally.
Context: Recently, Srinagar has earned the World Craft City (WCC) tag from the World Crafts Council (WCC).
More on News:
- The WCC checked out clusters where artisans were busy crafting local items, like Pashmina shawls, carpets, and papier mache.
About the World Craft City (WCC)
- Establishment: 2014.
- Organising Institution: The World Crafts Council International (WCCI).
- Country of Establishment: Kuwait.
- Objective: To recognize the efforts of local governments, artisans, and communities in enhancing culture, economy, and society.
- Legal Status: It is affiliated to UNESCO under Consultative Status.
- Criteria to grant cities WCC Status: How well crafts have been preserved, Initiatives for artisans, Adherence to age-old practices.
About World Crafts Council International (WCCI):
- It is a non-profit organisation based in Kuwait, dedicated to recognizing and preserving traditional crafts globally.
- The WCC was founded in 1964.
- Objective: The WCCI aims to promote, preserve, and evolve handicrafts globally.
2. Major Awards and Honours
SANGEET NATAK AKADEMI AWARDS
Context: Recently, the President of India conferred Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards and Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna).
More on News:
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards (2022, 2023): 94 eminent artists (two joint awards) in the field of performing arts.
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna): 7 eminent artists (one joint fellowship).
About Sangeet Natak Akademi:
- It is the apex body in the field of performing arts in India for the preservation and promotion of the vast intangible heritage of India's diverse culture expressed in forms of music, dance and drama.
- Established: 1953.
- Ministry: It is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture.
- The honour of Akademi Fellowship carries a purse money of Rs. 3,00,000 while the Akademi Award carries a purse money of Rs 1,00,000, besides a Tamrapatra and Angavastram.
- Award categories: Music, dance, Theatre, Traditional Dance/Puppetry and overall contribution to performing arts.
- Eligibility: Open to all regardless of nationality, race, caste, religion, creed or sex. A deceased person cannot be considered for Akademi ratna and Akademi Award. Individuals must be at least 50 years old to be eligible for the Akademi Ratna, and a minimum age of 35 years is required for the Akademi Award.
The Sangeet Natak Akademi confers classical status on eight Indian dance forms:
- Bharatanatyam: Tamil Nadu
- Kathak: Northern India
- Kathakali: Kerala
- Kuchipudi: Andhra Pradesh
- Manipuri: Manipur
- Mohiniyattam: Kerala
- Odissi: Odisha
- Sattriya: Assam
JNANPITH AWARD
Context: Recently, renowned Urdu poet Gulzar and Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya have been named the recipients of the 58th Jnanpith Award (2024).
More on the News:
- This is the second time the Jnanpith Award has been given to Sanskrit and the fifth time for Urdu.
About Jnanpith Award:
- The Jnanpith Award is the highest literary award in India given annually for outstanding contributions to Indian literature.
- The award was established in 1961 and first awarded in 1965. The First Jnanpith Award was given to G. Sankara Kurup, a Malayalam writer, in 1965. The First woman to be awarded the Jnanpith Award was Bengali writer Smt. Ashapurna Devi who was awarded in 1976.
- The Award acknowledges contributions made in both English (since 2013) and Indian languages (Constitutionally recognized 22 Scheduled Languages).
- It is open to only Indian citizens and is not awarded posthumously.
- Honour: The prize carries a cash award of Rs 21 lakh, a citation, and a bronze replica of Vagdevi (Saraswati), the goddess of learning.
BHARAT RATNA
Context: President Droupadi Murmu confers highest civilian honour on 5 luminaries.
More on News:
- List of Awardees: Former Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh, Former Deputy PM L.K. Advani, Indian Agronomist M.S. Swaminathan and Former Bihar CM Karpoori Thakur.
About Bharat Ratna:
- Established: Instituted in 1954, the Bharat Ratna is India's highest civilian award.
- Recommendations: Made by the Prime Minister to the President, without any formal recommendations required.
- Annual Limit: A maximum of three awards are conferred each year, with exceptions in 1999 (5 awards) and 2024 (5 awards).
- Award Features: Medallion: A peepal leaf-shaped design with "Bharat Ratna" inscribed on the front and the State Emblem of India with "Satyameva Jayate" on the reverse. Certificate: The recipient also receives a sanad (certificate). Minted: Alipore Mint, Kolkata.
- First Recipients: In 1954, C. Rajagopalachari, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, and C. V. Raman were the first honorees.
- Posthumous Awards: Initially not allowed, posthumous awards were introduced in 1966 with Lal Bahadur Shastri being the first.
- Recipients: While generally for Indian citizens, exceptions have been made for Mother Teresa, Abdul Ghaffar Khan, and Nelson Mandela.
About the Awardees:
P.V. Narasimha Rao:
- A prominent freedom fighter, academician, and literary figure.
- Served as the 9th Prime Minister of India (1991-1996) and Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh (1971-1973).
- He spearheaded efforts to dismantle the licence raj and improve the competitiveness of Indian industries.
- He laid the foundation for trade liberalization in 1991, aiming to integrate India's economy with global markets.
Chaudhary Charan Singh:
- An Indian politician and freedom fighter, he served as the 5th Prime Minister of India and 5th Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
- A follower of Mahatma Gandhi, he participated in the non-violent struggle for independence and was imprisoned for 12 years in 1930 for defying the salt laws.
- He initiated several key agricultural reforms, the Debt Redemption Bill of 1939, providing relief to rural debtors, and the Land Holding Act of 1960, which aimed to standardize land holdings across the state.
- His efforts to ensure fair prices, loan waivers, and income security for farmers earned him widespread admiration.
- Kisan Diwas, observed on his birth anniversary, celebrates his contributions to the agricultural community.
M.S. Swaminathan:
- In the 1960s, he introduced high-yielding seeds, modern irrigation, and efficient fertilizer use, achieving food self-sufficiency.
- He invited Dr. Norman Borlaug, which led to the introduction of the Mexican dwarf wheat variety.
- The Swaminathan Report outlined recommendations on farmer competitiveness, agricultural productivity, food security, and credit, addressing key concerns in the farming sector.
- Advocated for Minimum Support Prices (MSP) to be at least 50% above production costs, a key demand of farm unions.
- He founded the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) in 1988 to promote sustainable agriculture and rural development.
- It played a key role in the global recognition of the Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere and Kuttanad as significant agricultural heritage sites.
- International Awards: Ramon Magsaysay Award (1971), Albert Einstein World Science Award (1986), World Food Prize (1987).
- National Awards: Padma Shri (1967), Padma Bhushan (1972), Padma Vibhushan (1989), S.S. Bhatnagar Award (1961), Indira Gandhi Prize (2000).
L.K. Advani:
- Born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi, during pre-Partition India.
- Elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1970, marking the start of significant political engagement.
- Co-founded the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1980, shaping its rise in Indian politics.
- Served as Deputy Prime Minister of India from 2002 to 2004.
- Played a pivotal role in economic reforms, infrastructure development, and the landmark 1998 nuclear tests.
Karpoori Thakur:
- Humble Beginnings: Born in 1924 into the marginalized Nai (Barber) community, he dedicated his life to uplifting the underprivileged.
- Jan Nayak Legacy: Known as 'Jan Nayak' (People's Leader), he actively participated in the Quit India Movement, enduring imprisonment for several months.
- Leadership in Bihar: Served as Bihar's Chief Minister twice, from December 1970 to June 1971 and December 1977 to April 1979.
- Champion of Backward Classes: Implemented the Mungerilal Commission report, introducing job reservations for backward classes in Bihar.
- Sampoorna Kranti Pioneer: Collaborated with JP Narayan to launch the transformative 'Sampoorna Kranti' (Total Revolution) movement, advocating non-violent societal change.
P.V. Narasimha Rao:
- A prominent freedom fighter, academician, and literary figure.
- Served as the 9th Prime Minister of India (1991-1996) and Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh (1971-1973).
- He spearheaded efforts to dismantle the licence raj and improve the competitiveness of Indian industries.
- He laid the foundation for trade liberalization in 1991, aiming to integrate India's economy with global markets.
Chaudhary Charan Singh:
- An Indian politician and freedom fighter, he served as the 5th Prime Minister of India and 5th Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
- A follower of Mahatma Gandhi, he participated in the non-violent struggle for independence and was imprisoned for 12 years in 1930 for defying the salt laws.
- He initiated several key agricultural reforms, the Debt Redemption Bill of 1939, providing relief to rural debtors, and the Land Holding Act of 1960, which aimed to standardize land holdings across the state.
- His efforts to ensure fair prices, loan waivers, and income security for farmers earned him widespread admiration.
- Kisan Diwas, observed on his birth anniversary, celebrates his contributions to the agricultural community.
M.S. Swaminathan:
- In the 1960s, he introduced high-yielding seeds, modern irrigation, and efficient fertilizer use, achieving food self-sufficiency.
- He invited Dr. Norman Borlaug, which led to the introduction of the Mexican dwarf wheat variety.
- The Swaminathan Report outlined recommendations on farmer competitiveness, agricultural productivity, food security, and credit, addressing key concerns in the farming sector.
- Advocated for Minimum Support Prices (MSP) to be at least 50% above production costs, a key demand of farm unions.
- He founded the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) in 1988 to promote sustainable agriculture and rural development.
- It played a key role in the global recognition of the Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere and Kuttanad as significant agricultural heritage sites.
- International Awards: Ramon Magsaysay Award (1971), Albert Einstein World Science Award (1986), World Food Prize (1987).
- National Awards: Padma Shri (1967), Padma Bhushan (1972), Padma Vibhushan (1989), S.S. Bhatnagar Award (1961), Indira Gandhi Prize (2000).
L.K. Advani:
- Born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi, during pre-Partition India.
- Elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1970, marking the start of significant political engagement.
- Co-founded the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1980, shaping its rise in Indian politics.
- Served as Deputy Prime Minister of India from 2002 to 2004.
- Played a pivotal role in economic reforms, infrastructure development, and the landmark 1998 nuclear tests.
Karpoori Thakur:
- Humble Beginnings: Born in 1924 into the marginalized Nai (Barber) community, he dedicated his life to uplifting the underprivileged.
- Jan Nayak Legacy: Known as 'Jan Nayak' (People's Leader), he actively participated in the Quit India Movement, enduring imprisonment for several months.
- Leadership in Bihar: Served as Bihar's Chief Minister twice, from December 1970 to June 1971 and December 1977 to April 1979.
- Champion of Backward Classes: Implemented the Mungerilal Commission report, introducing job reservations for backward classes in Bihar.
- Sampoorna Kranti Pioneer: Collaborated with JP Narayan to launch the transformative 'Sampoorna Kranti' (Total Revolution) movement, advocating non-violent societal change.
GALLANTRY AWARDS
Context: President approves 103 Gallantry awards, including nine posthumous, to Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces personnel.
More on News:
- The awards include four Kirti Chakras (three posthumous), 18 Shaurya Chakras (four posthumous), one Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry), 63 Sena Medals (Gallantry) with two posthumous, 11 Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry), and six Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry).
Gallantry Awards Comparison Table:
| Name | Estb. | Description | Order of Precedence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Param Vir Chakra | 1950 | India's highest military decoration awarded for displaying distinguished acts of valor during wartime. | 1st |
| Maha Vir Chakra | 1950 | Second-highest military award for acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy. | 2nd |
| Vir Chakra | 1950 | Third-highest wartime gallantry award for acts of bravery in the battlefield. | 3rd |
| Ashoka Chakra | 1952 | Highest peacetime gallantry award, given for acts of valor and self-sacrifice away from the battlefield. | 4th |
| Kirti Chakra | 1952 | Second-highest peacetime gallantry award for courageous acts not in direct combat. | 5th |
| Shaurya Chakra | 1952 | Third-highest peacetime gallantry award for bravery and self-sacrifice. | 6th |
3. International and Other Awards
NOBEL PRIZE IN LITERATURE
Context: The Nobel Prize in Literature 2024 was awarded to Han Kang for her intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life.
More on News:
- Among her other works are The Vegetarian, Human Acts and We Do Not Part.
About Nobel Prize:
- The Nobel Prize is awarded in the name of Alfred Nobel, the Swedish inventor, engineer, and industrialist.
- He lay the foundation in 1895 when he wrote his last will, leaving much of his wealth to the establishment of the prize.
- Since 1901, the Nobel Prize has been honoring men and women from around the world for outstanding achievements in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and for work in peace.
- The Nobel Prize in Literature is awarded by the Swedish Academy, Stockholm, Sweden.
- It is not awarded posthumously.
NOBEL PEACE PRIZE
Context: The Nobel Peace Prize 2024 is awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, an organisation of survivors from the 1945 atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
About Nihon Hidankyo:
- They won the Nobel Prize for their efforts to create a world free of nuclear weapons.
- The movement was led by atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, known as Hibakusha.
- In 1956, local Hibakusha associations and victims of nuclear tests in the Pacific formed the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organisations.
- This organization is abbreviated to Nihon Hidankyo in Japanese.
- The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by a committee elected by the Norwegian Parliament (Stortinget).
RASHTRIYA VIGYAN PURASKAR (RVP)
Context: The President of India presented the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar-2024 at an award ceremony held at Gantantra Mandap, Rashtrapati Bhavan.
About Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (First Edition):
- Award Presentation: Announcements are made on National Technology Day (May 11). Awards are presented on National Space Day (August 23).
- Eligibility: Open to scientists, technologists, and innovators working in government or private organizations in India who have made distinguished contributions through path-breaking research, innovation, or discovery. Individuals of Indian origin residing abroad with exceptional contributions benefiting Indian communities or society are also eligible.
- Selection Process: Awardees are selected by a 17-member panel headed by the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India.
- Awards Presented: 33 awards were given in four categories: Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva, and Vigyan Team.
- Vigyan Ratna Award: A maximum of three awards will be awarded to recognise lifetime achievements and contributions in the field of science and technology. Prof. Govindarajan Padmanabhan, a pioneer in molecular biology and biotechnology research in India.
- Vigyan Shri Award: A maximum of 25 awards will be awarded to recognise outstanding contribution in the field of Science and Technology.
- Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award: A maximum of 25 awards will be given to recognize and encourage the talent of young scientists.
- Vigyan Team Award: A maximum of three awards may be awarded to a team of three or more scientists / researchers / innovators who have made exceptional contributions while working in a team. The Chandrayaan-3 team for their groundbreaking research in space exploration.
- Event Date: The awards will be presented on 23rd August, the first National Space Day, commemorating the Chandrayaan-3 moon landing.
Knowledge Nugget: 96th Academy Awards (Oscars) 2024
Context: The 96th Academy Awards ceremony was held in Hollywood, Los Angeles.
About the 96th Academy Awards:
- Organiser: The Academy Awards are organised by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).
- AMPAS was established in 1927.
- The first ceremony was held in 1929, with subsequent ceremonies broadcast on Radio (1930) and Television (1953).
- The term "Oscar" is a registered trademark of the AMPAS, commonly used to refer to the awards globally.
Context: The 96th Academy Awards ceremony was held in Hollywood, Los Angeles.
About the 96th Academy Awards:
| Awards | Winners |
|---|---|
| Best Picture | Oppenheimer |
| Best Actor | Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer) |
| Best Actress | Emma Stone (Poor Things) |
| Best Director | Christopher Nolan (Oppenheimer) |
| Best Supporting Actor | Robert Downey Jr (Oppenheimer) |
| Best Supporting Actress | Da'Vine Joy Randolph (The Holdovers) |
| Best Original Song | Billie Eilish & Finneas O'Connell (What Was I Made For? from Barbie) |
- Organiser: The Academy Awards are organised by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).
- AMPAS was established in 1927.
- The first ceremony was held in 1929, with subsequent ceremonies broadcast on Radio (1930) and Television (1953).
- The term "Oscar" is a registered trademark of the AMPAS, commonly used to refer to the awards globally.
RAMON MAGSAYSAY AWARD
Context: Japan's filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, has been awarded the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award 2024.
About Ramon Magsaysay Award:
- Established in 1957, it is Asia's highest honor, recognizing individuals with extraordinary dedication to serving the people of Asia, regardless of background.
- It is awarded annually on August 31st, the birthday of Ramon Magsaysay, the third President of the Philippines.
- It is often referred to as Asia's equivalent of the Nobel Prize.
- Other Recipients: Farwiza from Indonesia, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuong from Vietnam, Karma Phuntsho from Bhutan, and The Rural Doctors Movement (RDM) from Thailand.
SASTRA-RAMANUJAN AWARD
Context: The 2024 SASTRA Ramanujan Prize has been awarded to Alexander Dunn of the Georgia Institute of Technology, U.S.
More on News:
- Alexander Dunn has achieved several breakthroughs in the study of modular forms, half-integral weight forms, metaplectic forms and their connections to prime numbers and integer partitions.
About SASTRA Ramanujan Prize:
- It is an annual award given to a young mathematician who has made outstanding contributions to areas of mathematics since 2005.
- The award is given by the Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA).
- The award is presented on the birth anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan, December 22, at the SASTRA University campus in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu.
- The age limit is 32, honoring Ramanujan's remarkable achievements in that short period.
Contributions of Srinivasa Ramanujan:
- Srinivasa Ramanujan made major contributions to mathematics, focusing on the analytical theory of numbers and elliptic functions.
- His work extended to partitioning whole numbers, hypergeometric series, and Euler's constant.
- He compiled 3,900 formulas and equations, including a groundbreaking infinite series for Pi.
- The Ramanujan Number (1729) is the smallest number expressible as the sum of two different cubes in two ways:
1729 = 103 + 93 (1000 + 729)
1729 = 123 + 13 (1728 + 1)
- National Mathematics Day is celebrated on 22nd December in India.
- Srinivasa Ramanujan made major contributions to mathematics, focusing on the analytical theory of numbers and elliptic functions.
- His work extended to partitioning whole numbers, hypergeometric series, and Euler's constant.
- He compiled 3,900 formulas and equations, including a groundbreaking infinite series for Pi.
- The Ramanujan Number (1729) is the smallest number expressible as the sum of two different cubes in two ways:
1729 = 103 + 93 (1000 + 729)
1729 = 123 + 13 (1728 + 1)
- National Mathematics Day is celebrated on 22nd December in India.
DADASAHEB PHALKE AWARD
Context: Actor-politician Mithun Chakraborty has been named as the recipient of the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024.
About the Award:
- The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is the highest film award in India, given annually by the President of India.
- The Directorate of Film Festivals (DFF), a wing under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, instituted this award in 1969 to honour personalities of Indian cinema.
- The Award comprises a 'Swarna Kamal', a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, a certificate, a silk roll, and a shawl.
- The winner is selected by a committee consisting of eminent personalities from the Indian film industry.
- The Dadasaheb Phalke Award honours contributions to both Hindi and regional cinema, including Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, and Bengali industries.
- The first recipient of the award was Devika Rani, recognized as "the first lady of Indian cinema."
About Dadasaheb Phalke:
- Dada Saheb Phalke directed India's first full-length silent feature film, Raja Harishchandra (1913).
- He is regarded as the father of Indian cinema.
- He was an Indian producer, director, and screenwriter.
High-Yield Interactive UPSC Quiz (Chapter 2 Focus)
Q1. With reference to the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, consider the following statements:
1. The original Constitution included 14 languages in the Eighth Schedule.
2. Sindhi was added to the Eighth Schedule in 1967.
3. Bodo, Dogri, Maithili and Santhali were added in 2004.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer: D. All three statements are correct. The Eighth Schedule originally had 14 languages, Sindhi was added in 1967, and Bodo, Dogri, Maithili and Santhali were added in 2004.
Q2. Consider the following pairs of gallantry awards and their correct descriptions:
1. Param Vir Chakra - India's highest military decoration for wartime valor.
2. Ashoka Chakra - Highest peacetime gallantry award.
3. Kirti Chakra - Third-highest peacetime gallantry award.
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
Correct Answer: B. Pairs 1 and 2 are correctly matched. Kirti Chakra is the second-highest peacetime gallantry award, not the third. Shaurya Chakra is the third-highest peacetime gallantry award.
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the Sangeet Natak Akademi:
1. It was established in 1953 as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture.
2. The Akademi confers classical status on eight Indian dance forms.
3. The Akademi Fellowship carries a purse money of Rs 1,00,000.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer: B. Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The Akademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna) carries a purse money of Rs 3,00,000, while the Akademi Award carries Rs 1,00,000.
Q4. With reference to the Bharat Ratna award, consider the following statements:
1. It was instituted in 1954 as India's highest civilian award.
2. A maximum of five awards can be conferred each year.
3. Posthumous awards were introduced in 1966 with Lal Bahadur Shastri being the first recipient.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer: B. Statements 1 and 3 are correct. The annual limit is a maximum of three awards, with exceptions made in 1999 and 2024 when five awards were conferred.