Daily Current Affairs : 30-July-2024

India and the USA have recently signed their first Cultural Property Agreement (CPA), aimed at preventing the illegal trafficking of Indian antiquities to the US. This agreement is an important step in protecting India’s rich cultural heritage and ensuring that valuable artefacts are not illicitly exported or sold.

Background and Purpose

The new agreement aligns with the 1970 UNESCO Convention, which works to stop the unlawful trade of cultural property. This international treaty encourages countries to take measures to prevent the illicit import, export, and transfer of cultural items. By signing this agreement, both India and the US are committing to safeguarding cultural artefacts and promoting ethical practices in handling such objects.

Repatriation of Antiquities

India has made significant efforts to bring back its stolen or illegally exported artefacts over the years. Since 1976, India has successfully repatriated 358 antiquities, with 345 of these returned since 2014, mostly from the US. This highlights the importance of international cooperation in the fight against the illegal trade of cultural property.

  • 358 Antiquities Repatriated: Since 1976.
  • 345 Returned Since 2014: Majority from the US.

In 2023, the US offered to return 1,440 artefacts to India, with about 300 of them classified as “antiques.” This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need to protect cultural heritage and ensure artefacts are returned to their rightful owners.

A Faster, Smoother Process

One of the key goals of the new agreement is to streamline the repatriation process. The agreement aims to make it easier and faster for stolen or illegally trafficked Indian antiquities to be returned to their home country. This will not only help in protecting India’s heritage but also improve the transparency and effectiveness of the repatriation system.

Strengthening Global Cooperation

India’s new agreement with the US places it alongside 29 other countries that have similar bilateral agreements with the United States. This strengthens global cooperation in safeguarding cultural heritage and encourages other nations to take steps toward the protection of their own valuable artefacts.

Important Points:

  • First Cultural Property Agreement (CPA): India and the US signed their first agreement to prevent the illegal trafficking of Indian antiquities to the US.
  • Alignment with UNESCO 1970 Convention: The agreement supports the 1970 UNESCO Convention, which aims to stop the illicit trade of cultural property globally.
  • Efforts in Repatriation: Since 1976, India has repatriated 358 antiquities, with 345 of them returned since 2014, mostly from the US.
  • US Offer in 2023: The US offered to return 1,440 artefacts to India, with around 300 deemed eligible as “antiques.”
  • Streamlining the Process: The agreement aims to make the repatriation process faster and more efficient for stolen or illegally trafficked Indian antiquities.
  • Global Cooperation: India now joins 29 other nations with similar agreements with the US, strengthening international cooperation to protect cultural heritage.
  • Focus on Ethical Practices: Both countries commit to safeguarding cultural artefacts and promoting ethical handling of such objects.

Why In News

India and the US signed their first Cultural Property Agreement (CPA) to prevent and curb the illicit trafficking of Indian antiquities to the US, marking a significant milestone in international efforts to protect cultural heritage and ensure the return of stolen artefacts to their rightful owners.

MCQs about India-US Agreement to Curb Trafficking of Antiquities

  1. What is the primary goal of the Cultural Property Agreement (CPA) signed between India and the US?
    A. To promote tourism between India and the US
    B. To facilitate the sale of antiquities in the US
    C. To prevent and curb the illicit trafficking of Indian antiquities to the US
    D. To create a new cultural exchange program between India and the US
    Correct Answer: C. To prevent and curb the illicit trafficking of Indian antiquities to the US
    Explanation: The CPA is specifically designed to prevent the illegal trade and trafficking of Indian antiquities into the US, safeguarding India’s cultural heritage.
  2. How many antiquities has India successfully repatriated since 1976?
    A. 345
    B. 358
    C. 1,440
    D. 300
    Correct Answer: B. 358
    Explanation: India has repatriated a total of 358 antiquities since 1976, with 345 of these returned after 2014, mainly from the United States.
  3. What is one of the key goals of the new agreement between India and the US?
    A. To increase the sale of Indian artefacts in the US
    B. To streamline the process of repatriating illegally trafficked antiquities
    C. To encourage cultural exchange between India and the US
    D. To create a museum of Indian antiquities in the US
    Correct Answer: B. To streamline the process of repatriating illegally trafficked antiquities
    Explanation: One of the main goals of the agreement is to make the repatriation process faster and more efficient, ensuring that stolen or trafficked antiquities are returned to India more quickly.
  4. How many countries, including India, have bilateral cultural property agreements with the US?
    A. 100
    B. 29
    C. 50
    D. 15
    Correct Answer: B. 29
    Explanation: India’s agreement with the US places it alongside 29 other countries that have similar bilateral agreements to protect cultural property and prevent illegal trafficking.

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