UPSC Prelims 2009 Q3: Current Affairs – Awards & Honours
To integrate cultural leaders into its meetings,
which one of the following gives the "Crystal Award"?
- (a) Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation
- (b) International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
- (c) World Health Organization
- (d) World Economic Forum
Answer: (d) World Economic Forum
Explanation
Who gives the "Crystal Award" to cultural leaders
A notable global economic forum recognizes cultural figures through a specific award.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation | Incorrect | APEC focuses on regional economic cooperation, not this specific cultural-leader award |
| (b) International Bank for Reconstruction and Development | Incorrect | The IBRD is a development-finance institution, unrelated to this award |
| (c) World Health Organization | Incorrect | WHO focuses on global health, not this cultural recognition |
| (d) World Economic Forum | Correct | The World Economic Forum (WEF) gives the Crystal Award to artists and cultural leaders, to integrate their perspectives into its annual meetings |
WEF's Crystal Award:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Given by | World Economic Forum |
| Purpose | Recognize artists/cultural leaders, integrating culture into WEF discussions |
| Context | Typically presented at the annual Davos meeting |
Answer: (d) World Economic Forum.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. APEC is a regional economic grouping, unrelated to this cultural award.
- (b) Incorrect. The IBRD is a development finance body, not a cultural-recognition institution.
- (c) Incorrect. WHO deals with global health matters, not this award.
- (d) CORRECT. The World Economic Forum presents the Crystal Award to cultural leaders at its annual meetings.
Key point
The World Economic Forum gives the 'Crystal Award' to artists and cultural leaders, to integrate cultural perspectives into its annual Davos meetings.
Remember
World Economic Forum: gives the 'Crystal Award' to cultural leaders/artists.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the WEF's cultural recognition award with unrelated economic/health institutions.
- Not knowing the Crystal Award's specific purpose of integrating cultural leaders into WEF discussions.
- Mixing up WEF with other international forums like APEC.
Exam tip
Crystal Award = World Economic Forum's recognition for cultural leaders, presented at Davos. A specific, often-tested award-institution pairing.
Sources
- World Economic Forum — Crystal Award: recipients and purpose
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — World Economic Forum