Latest News

NHPC Limited has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh for the development of the 3,097 MW Etalin Hydroelectric Project, one of the largest proposed hydropower projects in India.

About Etalin Hydroelectric Project

Location

The Etalin Hydroelectric Project is located in the Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh. It is planned on the Dri and Talo rivers, both of which are important tributaries of the Dibang River.

With an installed capacity of 3,097 MW, it is among the largest hydropower projects proposed in India.

Project Design

The project will be developed as a combination of two Run-of-the-River (RoR) hydropower schemes.

It involves the construction of concrete gravity dams on both the Dri River and the Talo River. The water from these dams will be channelled to an underground powerhouse located near the confluence of the two rivers, close to Etalin village.

The project is expected to generate approximately 12,752 GWh (Gigawatt-hours) of electricity every year, contributing significantly to India's renewable energy generation.

Ecological Significance

The project area lies within one of the richest biogeographical provinces of the Himalayan region and is recognised as one of the world's mega-biodiversity hotspots.

The region is home to exceptionally rich biodiversity, including several endemic, rare, and threatened species of plants and animals. Because of its ecological importance, the project has attracted considerable attention regarding environmental conservation.

Indigenous Communities

The project area is predominantly inhabited by the Idu-Mishmi tribe, one of the major indigenous tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh.

The Idu-Mishmis have a close cultural and traditional association with the forests and rivers of the Dibang Valley, making their participation and rehabilitation important aspects of the project.

Implementation and Execution

The project is being developed by NHPC Limited (formerly known as the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation), India's premier public sector company in the hydropower sector.

It will be implemented under the Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) model.

Under this arrangement, NHPC will finance, construct, own, operate, and maintain the project before transferring it to the Government after the completion of the concession period.

The company will operate the project for a lease period of 40 years from the Commercial Operation Date (COD).

What is a Run-of-the-River (RoR) Hydropower Project?

A Run-of-the-River (RoR) project generates electricity by utilizing the natural flow of a river without creating a large storage reservoir.

Such projects generally have a smaller environmental footprint than conventional storage dams because they require limited water storage. However, electricity generation depends largely on the seasonal flow of the river.

What is a Concrete Gravity Dam?

A Concrete Gravity Dam is a type of dam that resists the pressure of water primarily through its own weight.

Its massive concrete structure allows it to remain stable against the force exerted by the stored water, making it suitable for large hydropower projects.

What is the BOOT Model?

The Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) model is a form of Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

Under this model, the developer constructs the project, owns and operates it for a specified concession period to recover its investment, and finally transfers ownership to the government after the lease period ends.

Significance of the Project

The Etalin Hydroelectric Project is expected to strengthen India's renewable energy capacity, improve energy security, and contribute to the country's clean energy transition.

It will support the economic development of Arunachal Pradesh by creating employment opportunities, improving infrastructure, and promoting regional development.

At the same time, its location within a biodiversity hotspot highlights the need to balance development with environmental conservation and the protection of indigenous communities.

Latest News

The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) celebrated its 23rd Foundation Day on 19 June, highlighting its important role in strengthening India's internet infrastructure, promoting digital connectivity, and supporting the country's Digital India vision.

About National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI)

The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) is a not-for-profit organisation established under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India.

It has been incorporated under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, which governs non-profit organisations working for public welfare.

NIXI was created to improve the efficiency of India's internet ecosystem by ensuring that domestic internet traffic remains within the country, thereby reducing dependence on international networks.

Aim of NIXI

The primary aim of NIXI is to promote internet penetration across India and strengthen the country's digital infrastructure.

It seeks to provide faster, more secure, and cost-effective internet services by enabling internet service providers and digital content providers to exchange domestic internet traffic locally instead of routing it through foreign servers.

Functions of NIXI

Internet Traffic Exchange

The principal function of NIXI is to facilitate the exchange of domestic internet traffic among Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), cloud service providers, and organisations having their own Autonomous System (AS) Number.

By ensuring that domestic internet traffic is exchanged within India, NIXI reduces network latency, lowers bandwidth costs, improves internet speed, and enhances cybersecurity.

Management of .IN and .Bharat Domain Names

NIXI is responsible for managing India's country code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD), namely .IN, as well as the multilingual .भारत (.Bharat) domain names.

These domain names help strengthen India's digital identity and promote the use of Indian languages on the internet.

Internet Exchange Services

NIXI operates a nationwide network of Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) where multiple internet service providers can directly exchange internet traffic without relying on international routing.

This improves the overall efficiency, speed, and reliability of internet services across the country.

IP Address Allocation through IRINN

NIXI manages the Indian Registry for Internet Names and Numbers (IRINN), which allocates IPv4 and IPv6 internet protocol addresses to Indian organisations.

IRINN also provides technical support and promotes the adoption of IPv6, the next-generation internet addressing system.

Major Initiatives

NIXI plays a central role in building a secure, resilient, and inclusive internet ecosystem that supports India's rapidly expanding digital economy.

It currently operates 79 Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) across the country, ensuring efficient internet connectivity in different regions.

To promote digital inclusion, NIXI also supports domain name registration in 22 Indian languages, making the internet more accessible to non-English-speaking users.

Significance of NIXI

NIXI has significantly improved India's internet infrastructure by enabling domestic internet traffic to remain within national boundaries.

This reduces dependence on international gateways, improves internet speed, lowers operational costs for service providers, enhances data security, and strengthens India's digital sovereignty.

It also supports major government initiatives such as Digital India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Startup India, and the expansion of India's digital economy.

Latest News

The Indian Army is set to participate in the multinational military exercise Khaan Quest 2026, which will be held in Mongolia. The exercise aims to strengthen international military cooperation, enhance peacekeeping capabilities, and improve interoperability among participating armed forces under the framework of the United Nations (UN).

About Exercise Khaan Quest

Exercise Khaan Quest is an annual multinational joint military exercise hosted by the Mongolian Armed Forces and co-sponsored by the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM).

The exercise is designed to improve interoperability, coordination, and cooperation among the armed forces of participating countries while conducting United Nations Peace Support Operations (PSOs) under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.

It also provides a platform for participating militaries to exchange best practices, operational experiences, tactics, techniques, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) required for multinational peacekeeping missions.

Objectives of Exercise Khaan Quest

The primary objective of Exercise Khaan Quest is to strengthen the ability of participating countries to conduct joint peacekeeping operations in conflict and post-conflict areas under the mandate of the United Nations.

The exercise also seeks to improve mutual understanding, coordination, and operational compatibility among multinational armed forces while enhancing preparedness for humanitarian and peace enforcement missions.

Additionally, it promotes military diplomacy, regional security cooperation, and confidence-building among participating nations.

Background

Exercise Khaan Quest began in 2003 as a bilateral military exercise between the United States and the Mongolian Armed Forces.

Recognising its growing importance in international peacekeeping, the exercise was expanded into a multinational peacekeeping exercise in 2006.

Since then, it has become one of the most important multinational military exercises in the Indo-Pacific region, with participation from several countries contributing troops to UN Peacekeeping Operations.

The previous edition of the exercise was conducted in Mongolia in 2025.

Exercise Khaan Quest 2026

The 2026 edition marks the 23rd edition of Exercise Khaan Quest.

It is scheduled to be conducted from 20 June to 3 July 2026 at the Five Hills Training Area, located near Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia.

India is participating with a contingent of 40 Army personnel, including troops from a battalion of the JAT Regiment along with personnel from other Arms and Services of the Indian Army.

Major Activities during the Exercise

The exercise focuses on realistic United Nations Peacekeeping Operations through extensive field training and joint tactical exercises.

Participating troops will undertake joint planning, establish static and mobile checkpoints, conduct cordon and search operations, perform area domination patrols, and practise the evacuation of civilians from hostile environments.

Training also includes Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) drills, combat first aid, casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), and coordination during multinational operations.

These activities help improve operational readiness and strengthen cooperation among participating armed forces.

Significance for India

India's participation in Exercise Khaan Quest reinforces its commitment to United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, where India has been one of the largest troop-contributing countries.

The exercise provides Indian soldiers with valuable exposure to multinational operational environments, enabling them to learn advanced peacekeeping techniques and improve interoperability with foreign militaries.

It also strengthens India's defence relations with Mongolia, the United States, and other participating countries while supporting India's vision of a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region.

About Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter

Exercise Khaan Quest is conducted in accordance with Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, which authorises the UN Security Council to take measures to maintain or restore international peace and security.

Under this chapter, the Security Council may impose economic sanctions, establish peacekeeping operations, or authorise the use of military force whenever there is a threat to peace, breach of peace, or an act of aggression.

Most robust United Nations Peacekeeping Operations are carried out under the authority of Chapter VII.

Importance of UN Peacekeeping Operations

United Nations Peacekeeping Operations help maintain peace in conflict-affected regions by monitoring ceasefires, protecting civilians, supporting humanitarian assistance, assisting in post-conflict reconstruction, and strengthening local governance institutions.

India has played a significant role in UN peacekeeping by contributing over 2.9 lakh peacekeepers to more than 50 UN missions since 1948, making it one of the largest contributors in the history of UN peacekeeping.

Latest News

Scientists have discovered a new species of forester moth, Mimeusemia kali, in Kali Tiger Reserve of Karnataka, located in the Western Ghats. This discovery is significant because it represents the first addition to the genus Mimeusemia in nearly 30 years, highlighting the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats.

About Mimeusemia kali

Mimeusemia kali is a newly identified species of forester moth belonging to the genus Mimeusemia under the Noctuidae family, one of the largest families of moths.

The species was discovered in the Kali Tiger Reserve in Karnataka, a biodiversity-rich landscape of the Western Ghats, which is recognised as one of the world's biodiversity hotspots.

The discovery is particularly important because it is the first new species added to the Mimeusemia genus in almost three decades, contributing to scientific knowledge about insect diversity in India.

Key Features of Mimeusemia kali

The new species is distinguished from other closely related moths by its unique external appearance, specialized reproductive structures, and distinct genetic characteristics, which confirmed it as a separate species.

Like other forester moths, it is brightly coloured and is primarily active during the daytime (diurnal), although some individuals may also be seen at dusk and are occasionally attracted to artificial light.

About Forester Moths

Forester moths belong to the family Noctuidae, one of the largest moth families in the world.

Unlike most moths that are active only at night, many forester moths are day-flying insects, making them resemble butterflies in behaviour.

Their bright colours often serve as a warning to predators and make them easily distinguishable from many other moth species.

Key Facts about Moths

Moths are winged insects belonging to the order Lepidoptera, the same order that includes butterflies.

There are nearly 160,000 known species of moths, making them far more numerous than butterflies.

Moths are found across almost every habitat on Earth except the polar regions, demonstrating remarkable adaptability.

Their size varies greatly, with wingspans ranging from about 4 mm to nearly 30 cm.

Compared to butterflies, moths generally possess stouter bodies, broader wings, and often have duller colours, although several species such as the Atlas Moth and Luna Moth display striking colours and patterns.

One of the easiest ways to distinguish moths from butterflies is through their antennae. Moths usually have feathery or comb-like antennae, whereas butterflies possess thin antennae ending in club-shaped tips.

The wings, legs, and body of moths are covered with tiny dust-like scales, which easily detach when handled.

Although most moths are nocturnal, a number of species, including forester moths, are active during the day.

Ecological Importance of Moths

Moths play an important ecological role by acting as pollinators for many wild and cultivated flowering plants.

They also form a vital part of the food chain, serving as prey for birds, bats, reptiles, amphibians, and other insects.

While the larvae (caterpillars) of some moth species are considered agricultural pests, many species contribute significantly to maintaining ecosystem balance and biodiversity.

About Kali Tiger Reserve

Location

Kali Tiger Reserve, formerly known as the Dandeli–Anshi Tiger Reserve, is situated in the Uttara Kannada (North Canara) district of Karnataka within the Western Ghats.

It is one of India's most important protected forests and forms part of the globally recognised Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot.

Protected Areas

The reserve comprises two major protected areas:

• Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

• Anshi National Park

Together, these protected areas create an extensive habitat for numerous wildlife species.

Boundaries

The reserve shares its northern boundary with Bhimghad Wildlife Sanctuary, which is further connected to the Radhanagari and Koyna Wildlife Sanctuaries in Maharashtra.

On the western side, it shares boundaries with five protected areas in Goa, creating an important wildlife corridor across the Western Ghats.

River

The Kali River, one of the major rivers of Uttara Kannada, flows through the reserve and provides the primary source of water for the region.

The tiger reserve derives its name from this river.

Vegetation

The reserve is dominated by moist deciduous forests and semi-evergreen forests, while dense evergreen forests occur in the western regions and deep valleys.

This diverse vegetation supports a wide variety of plant and animal life.

Flora

The reserve possesses rich floral diversity with economically and ecologically important species such as teak, silver oak, eucalyptus, bamboo, and numerous medicinal plants.

Fauna

Kali Tiger Reserve supports an impressive diversity of wildlife, including the Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Asian Elephant, Gaur (Indian Bison), Dhole (Wild Dog), Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Sambar Deer, Spotted Deer, Hanuman Langur, and Bonnet Macaque.

The reserve also harbours one of the highest populations of the Great Indian Hornbill in the Western Ghats.

It is additionally famous for sightings of the rare Black Panther, which is a melanistic form of the leopard.

Significance of the Discovery

The discovery of Mimeusemia kali highlights the exceptional biodiversity of the Western Ghats and demonstrates that many insect species remain undiscovered.

It also reinforces the importance of protected areas such as Kali Tiger Reserve in conserving India's rich biological heritage and promoting scientific research.

Latest News

Recently, the Prime Minister of Japan emphasized bilateral cooperation with Italy in the ambitious project to construct a bridge across the Strait of Messina, which will connect mainland Italy with the island of Sicily.

About the Strait of Messina

The Strait of Messina is a narrow strait located in southern Italy within the Mediterranean Sea. It separates mainland Italy (Calabria Region) from the island of Sicily, making it one of the few important straits that lie entirely within a single country.

The strait derives its name from the city of Messina, situated on the northeastern coast of Sicily.

It serves as a vital maritime passage by connecting the Tyrrhenian Sea in the north with the Ionian Sea in the south, both of which are parts of the Mediterranean Sea.

Geographical Features

The Strait of Messina extends for about 32 km in length. At its narrowest point, it is only about 3.1 km wide, making it one of the narrowest important sea passages in Europe.

The strait has an average depth of about 90 metres, while its maximum depth reaches nearly 250 metres.

Its narrow shape and varying depth create strong tidal currents, whirlpools, and rapid water movements, making navigation challenging.

Marine Characteristics

The Strait of Messina possesses a unique marine ecosystem because of the continuous mixing of waters from the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Ionian Sea.

The alternating currents, together with abundant phosphorus and nitrogen nutrients and relatively low water temperatures, support a rich diversity of marine life.

The strait functions as an important migration corridor for several species of fish, marine organisms, and other aquatic life moving between different parts of the Mediterranean Sea.

Importance for Bird Migration

Every year, thousands of migratory birds cross the Strait of Messina while travelling between Africa and their breeding grounds in Europe.

Because of this, the region is recognised as one of the most significant bird migration routes in the Mediterranean.

Historical and Mythological Importance

The Strait of Messina was greatly feared by ancient sailors because of its dangerous rocks, strong currents, and whirlpools.

In Greek mythology, these hazards were personified as two sea monsters:

• Scylla, who lived on one side of the strait.

• Charybdis, who created massive whirlpools on the opposite side.

Sailors attempting to pass through the narrow channel had to avoid both dangers, giving rise to the famous expression "between Scylla and Charybdis," meaning being caught between two equally dangerous situations.

Economic and Strategic Importance

The Strait of Messina is one of Italy's most important maritime routes, facilitating the movement of passenger ferries, commercial ships, and regional transport between Sicily and mainland Italy.

The proposed Messina Bridge aims to provide a permanent road and rail connection between the two landmasses, improving transportation, trade, tourism, and regional economic development.

The strait is also strategically important because it connects different parts of the Mediterranean Sea, making it significant for maritime navigation.

Why is the Strait of Messina Important?

The Strait of Messina is important because it:

• Connects the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Ionian Sea.

• Separates Sicily from mainland Italy.

• Serves as a major maritime navigation route.

• Supports a rich marine ecosystem with high biodiversity.

• Functions as an important fish and bird migration corridor.

• Holds immense historical, mythological, and strategic significance.

Why in News?

The recent initiatives such as "City Economic Regions (CERs)" announced in the Union Budget 2025–26 and the proposal of an Urbanisation Premium Grant by the 16th Finance Commission have brought renewed attention to India's hidden urbanisation and the urgent need for better urban governance.

What is Urbanisation in India?

• Urbanisation refers to the process through which an increasing proportion of the population shifts from rural areas to urban areas, leading to the expansion of cities and towns. According to the 2011 Census, nearly 31.16% of India's population lived in urban areas, contributing almost two-thirds of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

• Reports by NITI Aayog indicate that India's urban population will continue to grow rapidly over the coming decades, making cities the primary centres of economic growth, employment, innovation, and investment.

• Urbanisation takes place through several processes. It occurs because of the natural increase in the population of existing cities, migration from rural to urban areas, physical expansion of cities into nearby villages, and the reclassification of rural settlements into urban settlements. However, official statistics often fail to adequately capture the expansion of cities and the conversion of villages into urban settlements.

What is Hidden Urbanisation?

• Hidden Urbanisation refers to the phenomenon where many settlements have become economically and functionally urban, but continue to be officially classified as rural areas because they have not been administratively recognised as urban. As a result, India's actual level of urbanisation is considerably higher than the figures reported in official Census data.

• The main reason for this hidden urbanisation is that India follows an administrative definition of urban areas rather than a functional or economic definition. Consequently, a settlement may exhibit all the characteristics of a city but still remain governed as a village.

How are Urban Areas Classified in India?

Statutory Town

A Statutory Town is a settlement that has been officially declared as an urban area by the State Government under a specific law. Such towns are administered by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) such as Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, Cantonment Boards, or Notified Area Committees. Their urban status depends entirely on legal or administrative notification, irrespective of their population or economic characteristics.

Examples of Urban Local Bodies

• Municipal Corporation

• Municipality

• Cantonment Board

• Notified Area Committee

Census Town

A Census Town is identified as an urban area only for statistical purposes by the Census of India. Despite possessing urban characteristics, it continues to be governed by a Gram Panchayat unless the State Government officially converts it into a Statutory Town.

A settlement is classified as a Census Town only when it satisfies all three conditions prescribed by the Census of India. It must have a population of more than 5,000, a population density of at least 400 persons per square kilometre, and at least 75% of the male main working population must be engaged in non-agricultural activities.

Because these settlements continue to be governed as villages, they often face serious deficiencies in urban planning, municipal governance, and civic infrastructure.

Why is Urbanisation Hidden in India?

One of the major reasons behind hidden urbanisation is the delay in administrative reclassification. Although many villages have acquired urban characteristics, they continue to remain under rural administration because the process of converting them into municipalities is extremely slow.

Another important reason is the delay in conducting the 2021 Census, which has resulted in outdated urban statistics and prevented accurate estimation of India's urban population.

The rapid expansion of peri-urban areas has also contributed significantly to hidden urbanisation. These areas, located on the outskirts of cities, are witnessing rapid industrialisation, residential development, and commercial activities. Although they function as urban economies, they continue to be officially classified as rural settlements.

Additionally, India's dependence on traditional Census definitions fails to capture functional urban regions, where economic activities extend far beyond municipal boundaries.

Major Issues Arising from Hidden Urbanisation

Data Gap and Weak Policy Planning

Since official statistics underestimate the actual urban population, government policies are often based on incomplete data. This affects urban planning, infrastructure development, public service delivery, and financial resource allocation, resulting in inefficient policymaking.

Fragmented Urban Governance

India's major economic regions often extend across multiple municipalities and villages, but governance remains fragmented among different administrative bodies.

For example, Kozhikode in Kerala has expanded well beyond its municipal limits, while the Indore–Pithampur–Dr. Ambedkar Nagar region in Madhya Pradesh has evolved into a single integrated economic region despite being administered by several local authorities.

This fragmentation creates serious challenges in planning transport, housing, industries, and public utilities.

Poor Urban Governance

Many Census Towns continue to be governed by Gram Panchayats, which are primarily designed to administer rural areas. As a result, these rapidly growing urban settlements do not receive adequate municipal services such as water supply, drainage, sanitation, waste management, street lighting, and urban planning.

Infrastructure Deficit

Peri-urban regions generally suffer from inadequate civic infrastructure because they are not officially recognised as urban. Basic facilities such as roads, sewerage systems, drinking water supply, solid waste management, public transport, and digital infrastructure remain insufficient despite increasing urban populations.

Fiscal Mismatch

Urban Local Bodies are expected to provide services to rapidly growing populations, but they often receive insufficient financial resources. The mismatch between increasing responsibilities and limited financial capacity reduces the effectiveness of urban governance.

Policy Recognition of India's Emerging Urban Reality

City Economic Regions (CERs)

The Union Budget 2025–26 introduced the concept of City Economic Regions, recognising that economic growth extends well beyond municipal boundaries. These regions acknowledge the importance of urban agglomeration economies, where multiple cities, towns, and peri-urban areas function as a single integrated economic unit.

Recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission

The 16th Finance Commission has recommended increasing the share of grants allocated to Urban Local Bodies from 36% under the 15th Finance Commission to 45%. It has also proposed an Urbanisation Premium Grant worth ₹10,000 crore.

This grant aims to encourage the merger of peri-urban villages into Urban Local Bodies, facilitate a smooth transition from rural to urban administration, and strengthen municipal governance and infrastructure.

Way Forward

India requires a time-bound mechanism for converting eligible Census Towns into Statutory Towns after every Census so that administrative boundaries reflect actual economic realities. Municipal laws should minimise discretionary delays in this conversion process.

A dedicated financial support mechanism should also be created for rapidly growing peri-urban areas, similar to the AMRUT Mission, to improve urban infrastructure and strengthen governance.

Further, India should begin estimating the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of functional city regions rather than restricting calculations to municipal boundaries. Such estimates can be prepared using data from GST, Annual Survey of Industries (ASI), Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE), and satellite imagery.

Finally, Urban Local Bodies should be empowered with greater financial autonomy, institutional capacity, and administrative authority so that they can effectively manage India's rapidly expanding urban population.

Conclusion

India's urban transformation is taking place much faster than official statistics indicate. The growing gap between administrative boundaries and functional economic regions has significant implications for planning, infrastructure development, fiscal transfers, and urban governance. Recognising the true extent of urbanisation through timely conversion of Census Towns into Statutory Towns, improving fiscal support for peri-urban regions, and strengthening Urban Local Bodies will be essential for achieving sustainable, inclusive, and evidence-based urban development in the coming decades.

Why in News?

The National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6), based on data collected during 2023–24, has been released. The survey presents India's latest health and nutrition indicators, showing significant improvements in healthcare access and immunisation, while highlighting continued challenges in child nutrition, feeding practices, and diet quality.

About National Family Health Survey (NFHS)

The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) is a large-scale, multi-round survey conducted across India to assess the country's health, nutrition, fertility, mortality, family planning, and maternal and child health indicators.

The survey is conducted under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), while the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, serves as the nodal agency for its implementation with technical assistance from national and international organizations.

The findings of NFHS provide crucial inputs for designing, monitoring, and evaluating public health programmes and policies.

Major Findings of NFHS-6

Improvements in Child Nutrition

The survey indicates that stunting among children below five years has declined by about 3 percentage points compared to NFHS-5, reflecting gradual improvement in long-term nutritional status.

However, wasting, which indicates acute malnutrition, has shown only a marginal improvement, while severe wasting has declined slightly.

The reduction in stunting is encouraging because it reflects improvements in maternal health, sanitation, drinking water, healthcare services, and dietary intake, all of which influence child growth over a long period.

Significant Progress in Healthcare Access

NFHS-6 records substantial improvements in the accessibility of healthcare services across the country.

Nearly 90% of all births now take place in health institutions, with about 58% occurring in public healthcare facilities.

Almost 91% of deliveries are attended by trained healthcare professionals, ensuring safer childbirth.

The survey also reveals that 95% of pregnant women received at least one antenatal care (ANC) visit, indicating wider coverage of maternal healthcare services.

Similarly, about 87% of children aged 12–23 months are now fully immunised, largely due to the dedicated efforts of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs). Private healthcare institutions account for only a small proportion of immunisation services.

These improvements demonstrate the positive impact of government initiatives aimed at strengthening primary healthcare, maternal health, immunisation, and public health infrastructure.

Persistent Challenges in Child Feeding Practices

Despite major improvements in healthcare services, feeding practices remain one of the weakest components of child nutrition in India.

Only about half of all newborns are breastfed within the first hour of birth, despite the high rate of institutional deliveries.

Among children aged 6–8 months, only 60% receive complementary foods such as solid or semi-solid food at the appropriate age.

More concerning is the finding that only 15% of children between 6 and 23 months receive an adequate diet, indicating widespread nutritional deficiencies during the most critical stage of growth.

This gap between better healthcare access and poor feeding practices represents one of the most important findings of NFHS-6.

Importance of the First 1,000 Days

The period from the beginning of pregnancy until a child's second birthday, commonly referred to as the First 1,000 Days, is regarded as the most critical stage for physical growth, brain development, and cognitive ability.

Scientific evidence shows that the majority of brain development occurs during the first five years, while stunting generally develops before the age of two years.

Although this period is extremely important, NFHS-6 does not provide separate data for children aged 0–2 years, limiting the ability to formulate targeted nutrition interventions.

Role of Annaprasana in Child Nutrition

The traditional Indian ceremony of Annaprasana, during which a child is introduced to solid food for the first time, generally takes place between six and twelve months of age.

Delayed introduction of complementary food after this period can contribute significantly to growth faltering, stunting, and malnutrition.

Therefore, nutrition awareness programmes should integrate traditional cultural practices such as Annaprasana to encourage timely complementary feeding.

The Growing Processed Food Challenge

NFHS-6 and household expenditure surveys reveal a gradual shift in food consumption patterns.

Many households are spending less on cereals while increasing expenditure on processed foods, packaged beverages, dairy products, and convenience foods.

Although this creates an impression of greater dietary diversity, it often results in diets that are high in calories but poor in essential nutrients.

According to the ICMR–National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) dietary guidelines, a balanced diet should include millets, pulses, fruits, vegetables, nuts, milk, and animal-source foods. However, such nutritious diets remain unaffordable for many low-income households.

As a result, families increasingly depend on cheap processed foods, leading to what experts describe as the Nutrition Transition Trap, where traditional healthy diets are replaced by energy-dense but nutrient-poor foods.

Maternal Time Poverty: An Overlooked Challenge

Another major factor contributing to poor child nutrition is maternal time poverty.

Although NFHS-6 reports that around 30% of women participate in paid employment, this figure does not capture the large amount of unpaid work performed by women, particularly in rural areas.

Many women spend considerable time in agriculture, livestock rearing, domestic work, and household responsibilities, leaving them with limited time for breastfeeding and childcare.

In the absence of crèche facilities, working mothers often leave young children with elderly family members or older siblings, particularly girls, reducing opportunities for proper feeding and care.

Recommendations for Improving Child Nutrition

Strengthening Frontline Health Workers

The skills of Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) in collecting and analysing child growth data should be improved so that nutritional problems can be identified at an early stage.

District-level nutrition experts and data analysts should support ASHAs, ANMs, and AWWs in interpreting growth data and planning timely interventions.

Use of Digital Technology

Digital platforms should complement face-to-face counselling by providing practical guidance on breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and locally available nutritious foods for mothers and frontline workers.

Behaviour Change Communication

Nutrition awareness campaigns should be based on local cultural traditions, including Annaprasana, to promote timely introduction of complementary foods.

Joint training programmes involving ASHAs, AWWs, and ANMs should strengthen counselling skills and improve family awareness regarding infant feeding.

Multi-sectoral Convergence

Child nutrition should become a regular agenda in Gram Sabha and Panchayat meetings.

Local governments should prioritise investments in Anganwadi Centres, safe drinking water, sanitation, and nutrition services.

The focus of POSHAN Abhiyaan should shift from treating severe malnutrition alone to preventing growth faltering through early identification and intervention.

Expansion of Crèche Facilities

Crèches should be recognised as essential social infrastructure because they enable mothers to participate in economic activities while ensuring proper childcare, nutrition, and early learning.

Successful community-based crèche models developed by several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) should be expanded nationwide.

Greater Involvement of Fathers

Encouraging fathers to actively participate in childcare, feeding, and household responsibilities can significantly improve child nutrition and reduce the burden on mothers.

Conclusion

The findings of NFHS-6 present a picture of two contrasting realities. On one hand, India has made remarkable progress in institutional deliveries, maternal healthcare, immunisation, and healthcare accessibility. On the other hand, poor feeding practices, inadequate complementary nutrition, unhealthy dietary patterns, and maternal time poverty continue to undermine child nutrition.