UPSC Notes

Child Nutrition and Early Childhood Development

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

Directly relates to human development indicators, public health, social justice, and the effectiveness of government welfare programs. It's a fundamental aspect of India's demographic dividend and future workforce health.

Child nutrition and early childhood development are critical for a child's physical and cognitive growth, impacting lifelong health and productivity. Breastfeeding is recognized globally as one of the most effective interventions for child survival and healthy development, providing essential nutrients and immunity during the crucial first 1000 days of life.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Golden Hour

Initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour after birth.

Colostrum

The first milk, rich in antibodies and nutrients, acting as the infant's first natural vaccine.

Exclusive Breastfeeding

Only breast milk for the first six months, meeting all nutritional and hydration needs.

Continued Breastfeeding

Along with age-appropriate complementary foods, up to two years and beyond.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaWelfare Schemes & Social Policies

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Ministry of Women and Child DevelopmentImplements
Ministry of Health and Family WelfareSupports
Anganwadi CentresDelivers services
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Policy measures

Quick revision

  • Breastfeeding is a key intervention for child survival and healthy development.
  • First 1000 days (pregnancy to 24 months) are critical for child development.
  • Colostrum is the 'first vaccine', rich in antibodies.
  • Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, continued up to 2 years with complementary foods.
  • Promoted under POSHAN Abhiyaan by MoWCD.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Welfare Schemes & Social Policies

World Breastfeeding Week 2026 is being observed across the country from 1st to 7th August

05 Aug 2026 · Breastfeeding is crucial for child survival, brain development, immunity, and overall well-being, especially during the first 1000 days. Key practices include early initiation (Golden Hour), colostrum feeding, exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and continued breastfeeding with complementary foods.

Read article

Related topics

Current topic

Child Nutrition and Early Childhood Development

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Child Nutrition and Early Childhood Development in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Child Nutrition and Early Childhood Development

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’? 1. To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactatin...

2017·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojana: 1. It is safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments. 2. Its object...

2023·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

Which of the following statements with respect to the Revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) is/are correct ? 1. The period of its implementation is ...

2026·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

Which of the following statements with regard to the persons with disabilities in India is/are correct ? 1. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, an ...

2026·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

With reference to the 'Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan', consider the following statements: 1. This scheme guarantees a minimum package of antenat...

2024·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

Consider the following statements about Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) : 1. MPI is calculated using Alkire-Foster methodology. 2. MPI calculated by NI...

2026·Economy
Solve

With reference to ‘Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. This init...

2016·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017? 1. Pregnant women are entitled for three months pre-...

2019·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

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