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International Day of Yoga 2026 Countdown Continues in Kerala with Holistic Wellness Programme for Women

21 May 2026 Source

Exam Summary

As part of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 countdown, a special 'Yoga for Menopause – A Holistic Wellness Module' program was organized in Kottayam, Kerala. The event, a collaboration between YWCA Kalathipady and the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga under the Ministry of Ayush, highlighted the role of yoga and Ayurveda in supporting women's health during menopause. It featured thematic sessions on integrating yogic practices, pranayama, mindfulness, and Ayurvedic principles (like Vata imbalance and dhatu kshaya) to promote physical comfort, emotional balance, and stress reduction, aligning with India's vision of integrating traditional wellness systems into community health.

GS Paper II: Social Justice (Health, Welfare Schemes & Social Policies)

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Exam Themes

Prelims Takeaways

  • The Ministry of Ayush promotes traditional Indian medicine systems like Yoga and Ayurveda.
  • The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga is a key institution under the Ministry of Ayush.
  • International Day of Yoga (IDY) is an annual observance promoting yoga for health and well-being.
  • Yoga and Ayurveda are being integrated into public health initiatives, including for specific demographic health concerns like women's health during menopause.
  • Specific yogic practices (asanas, pranayama) and Ayurvedic concepts (Vata imbalance, dhatu kshaya) are recognized for their health benefits.

Elimination Traps

  • Confusing the specific 'Yoga for Menopause' program with the broader objectives or history of International Day of Yoga.
  • Overstating the role of the YWCA compared to the governmental Ministry of Ayush in this national initiative.
  • Misinterpreting the scientific basis or specific health claims related to yoga and Ayurveda for menopause without further research.

Static Concepts

  • Yoga
  • Ayurveda
  • Menopause
  • Traditional Indian medicine systems
  • Holistic wellness
  • Pranayama
  • Asanas (Tadasana, Baddha Konasana, Balasana, Setu Bandhasana, Viparita Karani, Shavasana)
  • Nadi Shodhana
  • Bhramari
  • Vata imbalance
  • Dhatu kshaya

Probable Question Areas

Question areas
  • Role and initiatives of the Ministry of Ayush in promoting traditional Indian medicine.
Question areas
  • Significance and objectives of the International Day of Yoga.
Question areas
  • Benefits of Yoga and Ayurveda for women's health or specific health conditions.
Question areas
  • Government policies and programs for integrating traditional wellness systems into public health.
Question areas
  • Key institutions involved in the promotion and research of Yoga and Ayurveda in India.
Conceptual Recurrence

Related Prelims PYQs

Ranked by topic match, theme match, recency, and recurring UPSC patterns.

UPSC Prelims 2016 Social Issues & Schemes

‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to -

  1. A. Immunization of children and pregnant women
  2. B. Construction of smart cities across the country
  3. C. India’ own search for Earth-like planets in outer space
  4. D. New Educational policy
Explanation
Correct answer
A. Immunization of children and pregnant women

Mission Indradhanush launched by the Government of India pertains to immunization. Specifically, it's a special immunization program that aims to - Increase full immunization coverage - Mission Indradhanush targets children under two years old and pregnant women to ensure they receive all the recommended vaccines for protection against vaccine-preventable diseases. - Focus on low-coverage areas - Improve routine immunization By focusing on these aspects, Mission Indradhanush aims to improve overall child health and reduce the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases in India. Hence, option A is the correct answer.

Social Justice & Development Indian Polity & Governance Welfare Schemes & Social Policies
UPSC Prelims 2024 Social Issues & Schemes

With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) Yojana, consider the following statements:

1. The entry age group for enrolment in the scheme is 21 to 40 years.
2. Age specific contribution shall be made by the beneficiary.
3. Each subscriber under the scheme shall receive a minimum pension of ₹ 3,000 per month after attaining the age of 60 years.
4. Family pension is applicable to the spouse and unmarried daughters.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A. 1,3 and 4
  2. B. 2 and 3 only
  3. C. 2 only
  4. D. 1, 2 and 4
Explanation
Correct answer
B. 2 and 3 only

With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) Yojana, here's the breakdown of the statements: * Statement 1:  Incorrect. The eligible age group for enrolment in the scheme is 18 to 40 years, not 21 to 40 years. This allows younger workers to join early and contribute for a longer period. * Statement 2: Correct. Beneficiaries are required to make age-specific monthly contributions, which increase with age. For instance, contributions start at ₹55 for an 18-year-old and go up to ₹200 for a 40-year-old. * Statement 3: Correct. Subscribers will receive a minimum pension of ₹3,000 per month after attaining 60 years of age. This provides social security for workers in the unorganized sector. * Statement 4: Incorrect. Family pension is available only to the spouse, who will receive 50% of the pension amount after the subscriber's death. Unmarried daughters are not eligible for this benefit.

Indian Economy Social Justice & Development Welfare Schemes & Social Policies
UPSC Prelims 2023 Social Issues & Schemes

Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojana:
1. It is safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments.
2. Its objective is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality among poor pregnant women.
3. It aims to promote institutional delivery among poor pregnant women.
4. Its objective includes providing public health facilities to sick infants up to one year of age.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

  1. A. Only one
  2. B. Only two
  3. C. Only three
  4. D. All four
Explanation
Correct answer
B. Only two

Statement 1 is incorrect: Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is a 100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the National Health Mission (NHM). It is a central intervention implemented by states, not an intervention of the State Health Departments. Statement 2 is correct: The primary objective is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality by encouraging safe, institutional births. Statement 3 is correct: The scheme provides a cash incentive to mothers to promote institutional delivery, particularly among those from BPL, SC, and ST households. Statement 4 is incorrect: While care for sick infants is a priority under the National Health Mission, the provision of free facilities for sick infants up to one year of age is specifically a feature of the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) launched in 2011. JSY, launched in 2005, is primarily a conditional cash transfer scheme for delivery.

Social Justice & Development Welfare Schemes & Social Policies
UPSC Prelims 2024 Social Issues & Schemes

With reference to the 'Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan', consider the following statements:

1. This scheme guarantees a minimum package of antenatal care services to women in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy and six months post-delivery health care service in any government health facility.
2. Under this scheme, private sector health care providers of certain specialities can volunteer to provide services at nearby government health facilities.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A. 1 only
  2. B. 2 only
  3. C. Both 1 and 2
  4. D. Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Correct answer
B. 2 only

* Statement 1: Incorrect. The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) provides a minimum package of antenatal care (ANC) services only during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. It does not cover post-delivery health care services for six months. The focus is on ensuring safe pregnancies through early detection and management of high-risk cases. * Statement 2:  Correct. Under PMSMA, private sector health care providers (such as gynecologists, radiologists, and physicians) can volunteer to provide free services at nearby government health facilities on the 9th of every month. This public-private partnership enhances access to specialized care for pregnant women.

Social Justice & Development Welfare Schemes & Social Policies
UPSC Prelims 2024 Social Issues & Schemes

Operations undertaken by the Army towards upliftment of the local population in remote areas to include addressing of their basic needs is called:

  1. A. Operation Sankalp
  2. B. Operation Maitri
  3. C. Operation Sadbhavana
  4. D. Operation Madad
Explanation
Correct answer
C. Operation Sadbhavana

Operation Sadbhavana is a unique initiative undertaken by the Indian Army in Jammu & Kashmir and the North East regions. It focuses on winning the hearts and minds of the local population through various developmental activities and assistance. This includes providing education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and promoting skill development initiatives. _Let's look at the other options:_ * Operation Sankalp was launched by the Indian Navy to ensure maritime security in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. *  Operation Maitri refers to the Indian Armed Forces' humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations to assist friendly countries. A notable example was the aid provided to Nepal during the 2015 earthquake. *  Operation Madad is the Indian Navy's effort to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief during natural calamities, both within India and to neighboring countries.

Social Justice & Development Indian Polity & Governance Welfare Schemes & Social Policies
UPSC Prelims 2018 Economy

With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013 consider the following statements:
1. The families coming under the category of 'below poverty line (BPL)' only are eligible to receive subsidised grains.
2. The eldest woman in a household, of age 18 years or above, shall be the head of the household for the purpose of issuance of a ration card.
3. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a take-home ration' of 1600 calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A. 1 and 2
  2. B. 2 only
  3. C. 1 and 3
  4. D. 3 only
Explanation
Correct answer
B. 2 only

Statement 1 is incorrect: In 2013, NFSA was enacted to provide food security to 67% of the population in the form of highly subsidized food grains at Rs. 2 and 3 per Kg for wheat and rice respectively. Beneficiaries are identified using Socio-economic Caste Census (SECC) methodology so even non-BPL will also benefit. Statement 2 is correct: Under the NFSA, to issue ration cards the eldest woman of a household aged 18 years or above would be considered as head. Hence, this statement is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect: Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a nutritious take home ration of 600 Calories and a maternity benefit of at least Rs 6,000 for six months, says the official act.

Indian Polity & Governance Social Justice & Development Welfare Schemes & Social Policies
UPSC Prelims 2017 Social Issues & Schemes

Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’?

1. To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers.
2. To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women.
3. To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice.
4. To promote the consumption of poultry eggs.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. A. 1 and 2 only
  2. B. 1, 2 and 3 only
  3. C. 1, 2 and 4 only
  4. D. 3 and 4 only
Explanation
Correct answer
A. 1 and 2 only

The National Nutrition Mission, also known as Poshan Abhiyaan, has several objectives. - The first objective is to create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers. - The second objective is to reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women. These two objectives are clearly stated in the mission's goals. Hence, statements 1 & 2 are correct. However, the promotion of the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice, and the promotion of the consumption of poultry eggs are not explicitly stated as objectives of the mission. Hence, statement 3 & 4 are incorrect.

Social Justice & Development Welfare Schemes & Social Policies
UPSC Prelims 2017 Social Issues & Schemes

Consider the following in respect of ‘National Career Service’:

1. National Career Service is an initiative of the Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India.
2. National Career Service has been launched in a Mission Mode to improve the employment opportunities to uneducated youth of the country.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

  1. A. 1 only
  2. B. 2 only
  3. C. Both 1 and 2
  4. D. Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Correct answer
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Statement 1 is incorrect. The National Career Service is not an initiative of the Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India. It is actually implemented by the Directorate General of Employment, Ministry of Labour & Employment. Statement 2 is incorrect. The National Career Service has indeed been launched in a Mission Mode, but it is not specifically targeted at improving the employment opportunities for uneducated youth of the country. It is a comprehensive platform providing a wide array of employment and career related services to all citizens of India, aiming to bridge the gap between jobseekers and employers, candidates seeking training and career guidance, and agencies providing training and career counselling.

Indian Economy Social Justice & Development Welfare Schemes & Social Policies Labor & Demographic Economics
UPSC Prelims 2022 Social Issues & Schemes

Consider the following statements:

1. The India Sanitation Coalition is a platform to promote sustainable sanitation and is funded by the Government of India and the World Health Organization.
2. The National Institute of Urban Affairs is an apex body of the Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs in Government
of India and provides innovative solutions to address the challenges of Urban India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A. 1 only
  2. B. 2 only
  3. C. Both 1 and 2
  4. D. Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Correct answer
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Statement 1 is incorrect. The India Sanitation Coalition was launched on June 25, 2015, at FICCI, New Delhi. ISC is a multi-stakeholder platform that brings together the private sector, government, financial institutions, civil society groups, media, donors/bilateral/multilateral, experts, etc., to work in the sanitation space to drive sustainable sanitation through a partnership model. It is not funded by WHO. Statement 2 is incorrect. The National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) is India’s premier urban think tank, shaping the urban narrative since its establishment in 1976, it not an apex body. It is an autonomous body under the Societies Registration Act.

Social Justice & Development Indian Polity & Governance Welfare Schemes & Social Policies Constitutional & Statutory Bodies
UPSC Prelims 2016 Social Issues & Schemes

Regarding ‘Atal Pension Yojana’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It is a minimum guaranteed pension scheme mainly targeted at unorganized sector workers
2. Only one member of a family can join the scheme
3. Some amount of pension is guaranteed for the spouse for life after the subscriber’s death.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. A. 1 only
  2. B. 2 and 3 only
  3. C. 1 and 3 only
  4. D. 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Correct answer
C. 1 and 3 only

Statement 1 is Correct: Atal Pension Yojana is a minimum guaranteed pension scheme primarily targeted at unorganized sector workers in India. It encourages saving for retirement through regular contributions during their working years. Statement 2 is Incorrect: There is no restriction on the number of family members who can join the Atal Pension Yojana scheme. As long as they meet the eligibility criteria (age 18-40 and savings bank account), multiple members within a family can enroll. Statement 3 is Correct: Atal Pension Yojana provides a pension benefit for the spouse after the subscriber's death. The spouse becomes the nominee and receives a pension, though the specific amount might differ depending on the chosen pension plan by the subscriber. Hence, option C is the correct answer.

Indian Economy Social Justice & Development Welfare Schemes & Social Policies