United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD): PIB Notes
In News: India to Chair UNCTAD’s Ninth Session of Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Consumer Protection
- India will chair UNCTAD’s Ninth Session of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Consumer Protection.
About the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
- UNCTAD is a permanent intergovernmental body established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1964.
- It supports developing countries in accessing the benefits of the global economy more effectively.
- UNCTAD provides economic analysis, consensus-building and technical assistance for sustainable development.
- It helps countries utilise trade, investment, finance and technology for inclusive development.
- UNCTAD functions as part of the United Nations Secretariat.
- It reports to the UN General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council.
- UNCTAD has 195 member nations, including India.
- The headquarters of UNCTAD is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
Functions of UNCTAD
- UNCTAD helps countries address macro-level development challenges through policy support.
- It promotes international trading system integration for developing countries.
- It encourages economic diversification to reduce dependence on commodities.
- It assists countries in limiting exposure to financial volatility and debt.
Important Reports Published by UNCTAD
- Trade and Development Report analyses global trade and development trends.
- World Investment Report examines international investment flows and policies.
- Least Developed Countries Report focuses on challenges faced by least developed countries.
Pandavani: PIB Notes
About Pandavani
- Pandavani is a traditional folk narrative and musical performance art originating from Chhattisgarh.
- The term Pandavani literally means the story or voice of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata.
- It combines storytelling, music, acting and improvisation into a vibrant oral tradition.
- It presents the moral, philosophical and human dimensions of the Mahabharata through dramatic performances.
Origins and Historical Background of Pandavani
- Pandavani originated from the oral traditions of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha.
- It developed to help common people understand the Mahabharata through simple storytelling.
- The tradition evolved during the 16th and 17th centuries alongside the Bhakti movement.
- Early performers belonged to farming communities and reflected rural customs through their performances.
Styles of Pandavani
- Vedamati Style: The performer sits and narrates the story in a composed and devotional manner.
- Kapalik Style: The performer stands and enacts different characters through expressive and theatrical narration.
- Kapalik Style was popularised globally by renowned Pandavani artist Teejan Bai.
Key Features of Pandavani
- The main performer narrates multiple characters through voice modulation, expressions and gestures.
- Musical accompaniment includes tambura, tabla, harmonium, manjira and kartal.
- The tambura also serves as a symbolic prop representing weapons used by epic characters.
- Performers often include local humour and contemporary references through improvisation.
- The narration is delivered in the Chhattisgarhi dialect with expressive body movements and facial expressions.
