State PCS - Maharashtra (MPSC)

• 08 Apr 2026

Yoga Mahotsav–2026

Why in News? 

The Ministry of AYUSH began the 75‑day countdown to International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 by organising Yoga Mahotsav–2026 in Maharashtra, which entered the Asia Book of Records for the largest collective Trikonasana practice.  

Key Points 

• Event: The Yoga Mahotsav–2026 was held in Lonar, Buldhana district, Maharashtra as part of preparatory celebrations ahead of IDY 2026. 
  • Nearly 5,000 participants practising the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) together set a record in the Asia Book of Records for the largest collective Trikonasana performance. 
• Significance: The mass participation highlighted the growing global embrace of yoga for promoting unity, health, and well‑being. 
• Flagship Initiatives: The programme showcased AYUSH flagship initiatives such as Yoga for Air Travel, “10 Yoga Protocols for Non‑Communicable Diseases,” and the Yoga 365 campaign aimed at integrating yoga into everyday life. 
• IDY 2026 Outlook: Over the past eleven editions, International Day of Yoga has become one of the largest global movements for holistic health.  
  • The 12th edition in 2026 will focus on addressing non‑communicable diseases, geriatric health, and exploring new intersections like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and yoga. 

Read More: International Day of Yoga, AYUSH, Artificial Intelligence 

World Health Day 2026

Why in News? 

World Health Day was observed on 7 April 2026 with the theme “Together for Health: Stand with Science”, highlighting the importance of science-based solutions to strengthen global health systems. 

Key Points 

• Observance: World Health Day is celebrated every year on 7 April to mark the founding of the World Health Organization in 1948. 
• Theme 2026: Together for Health: Stand with Science.. 
• Objective: The day aims to raise awareness about key global health issues and encourage governments, institutions, and communities to support science-driven health policies. 
• Campaign: The campaign highlights how scientific cooperation helps protect the health of people, animals, plants, and the planet. 
• Focus: The campaign strongly promotes the One Health approach, which recognises the interconnected health of humans, animals, and ecosystems. 
• Major Global Events: 
  • International One Health Summit 2026 (7 April) – Hosted by the Government of France under the French G7 Presidency. 
  • Inaugural Global Forum of WHO Collaborating Centres 2026 (7–9 April) – Brings together nearly 800 scientific institutions from over 80 countries. 
• Campaign Goals: 
  • Stand with science by engaging with evidence, facts, and science-based guidance to protect health. 
  • Rebuild trust in science and public health. 
  • Support science-led solutions for a healthier future. 
• World Health Organization (WHO): 
  • The WHO was established on 7 April 1948. 
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland. 

Read More: WHO, G7