ICMR Research, Nutrition Standards & POSHAN Abhiyaan
Nutritional well-being forms a vital cornerstone of human capital development in India, scientifically steered by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and its premier institution, the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) in Hyderabad. ICMR-NIN formulates the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) and Nutrient Requirements for Indians, incorporating balanced proportions of macronutrients and essential micronutrients like iron, iodine, and vitamin A. The government's flagship programme, POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission) and POSHAN 2.0, targets stunting, wasting, underweight prevalence among children, and anaemia among adolescent girls and lactating mothers. Synergistic initiatives like Anaemia Mukt Bharat, rice fortification, and Fortified Foods combat hidden hunger across vulnerable demographics.
Key Concepts & Examination Highlights
- The National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), founded in 1918 and based in Hyderabad, is a premier research institute under ICMR.
- POSHAN Abhiyaan (Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition) was launched in March 2018 from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan.
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) uses the '+F' logo to designate fortified staple food products.
- Anaemia Mukt Bharat utilizes the 6x6x6 strategy targeting six beneficiary groups through six interventions and six institutional mechanisms.