UPSC Prelims 2017 · Question 98 of 99

UPSC Prelims 2017 question on National Nutrition Mission

Which of the following are the objectives of the ‘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. 1 and 2 only
  2. 1, 2 and 3 only
  3. 1, 2 and 4 only
  4. 3 and 4 only
Show answer

Answer: A. 1 and 2 only

Verdict

The answer is 1 and 2 only. The National Nutrition Mission aims to create awareness about malnutrition and to reduce anaemia, but not to promote millets or eggs.

Analysis

Statements 1 and 2 are CORRECT. The Mission comprises an information, education and communication campaign against malnutrition and a multi sectoral nutrition programme, with objectives including creating awareness among pregnant women and lactating mothers, promoting healthy lactation practices and balanced nutrition, and improving maternal and child undernutrition in high burden districts, which encompasses reducing anaemia. Statements 3 and 4 are INCORRECT. Promoting consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice, or of poultry eggs, are dietary and agricultural policy objectives pursued through other programmes.

Source

Press Information Bureau release and press reporting on the Mission.

How to crack it

Distinguish a nutrition mission's objectives from specific dietary prescriptions, because a mission operates through awareness, service delivery and convergence rather than by endorsing particular foods. Statements naming specific commodities are usually borrowed from agricultural or food security programmes. Ask what instrument the mission actually holds, and if it cannot deliver the stated objective through that instrument, the statement is out.

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