National Nutrition Week 2026

Why in the News?

India celebrates 'National Nutrition Week' annually from September 1 to 7 to generate awareness regarding balanced nutrition, healthy lifestyle, and eradicating malnutrition. The country currently faces the "double burden of malnutrition"—struggling simultaneously with undernutrition/anemia and rising obesity/lifestyle disorders.

Key Features / Major Points:

History & Origin: National Nutrition Week was first initiated in India in 1982 by the central government to build a healthy and productive human resource base.

Critical First 1,000 Days: The period from pregnancy to a child's 2nd birthday (1,000 days) is defined as crucial for preventing stunting and cognitive deficits.

Dual Burden Challenge: While undernutrition, stunting, and anemia persist among women and rural children, over-nutrition and obesity are rapidly increasing in urban sectors.

Strategic Government Schemes: Key interventions include 'POSHAN Abhiyaan', 'Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0', and real-time digital tracking via the 'Poshan Tracker App'.

Static GK Facts:

Ministry of Women and Child Development: Union Minister: Annpurna Devi | Headquarters: New Delhi.

POSHAN Abhiyaan (PM's Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment): Launched: March 8, 2018 (from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan).

Hidden Hunger: A condition where an individual's caloric intake is sufficient, but the diet lacks essential micronutrients (iron, zinc, vitamins).

One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):

Q: During which dates is National Nutrition Week observed annually in India?

A: September 1 to 7

Q: In which year was National Nutrition Week first launched in India?

A: 1982

Q: From which place in Rajasthan was the POSHAN Abhiyaan launched on March 8, 2018?

A: Jhunjhunu