Why in the News?

The 64th National Exhibition of Art (NEA), organized by the Lalit Kala Akademi, India’s National Academy of Art, was inaugurated in New Delhi.

About Lalit Kala Akademi:

Establishment: Located in New Delhi, as an autonomous organisation.
Inauguration: Launched on 5 August 1954 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the then Minister for Education.
Legal Status: Granted statutory status in 1957 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
Funding: Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
Structure: Operates through the General Council, Executive Board, and various Committees.
Regional Centres: Present in Chennai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Bhubaneswar, and Garhi (New Delhi).
Functions:
- Scope of Work: Promotes modern, contemporary, folk, and tribal visual arts of India.
- Art Collection: Maintains a permanent collection of Indian visual art.
- International Role: Facilitates global cultural exchange through international cultural agreements.

National Exhibition of Art: Annual flagship event since 1955, showcasing artists from across India.
64th Edition (2025): Held from 5 August to 15 September at Kamani Auditorium and Lalit Kala Art Galleries, New Delhi.
Triennale India: Major international art exhibition featuring global artists.
Print Biennale India: Dedicated to printmaking; 3rd edition scheduled for 2025–26.
Artist Promotion: Provides platforms for both emerging and established artists; strengthens India’s soft power through cultural diplomacy.

[UPSC 2009] Consider the following statements:

1. The National School of Drama was set up by Sangeet Natak Akademi in 1959.

2. The highest honour conferred by the Sahitya Akademi on a writer is by electing him its Fellow.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2* (d) Neither 1 nor 2