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21 June 2026

International Yoga Day events and controversies

The Supreme Court ruling on the Mekedatu project is a significant legal development regarding inter-state water disputes and federal water management, while the Yoga Day controversies are of marginal relevance as they lack a direct constitutional or policy-based question.

2 min read 2 questions 2 prelims

Notes

  • International Yoga Day (June 21) is promoted as an initiative for health, mental stability, and emotional well-being.
  • Proponents cite over 300 research papers suggesting a 20-minute daily yoga practice can improve life expectancy and quality of life by 70%.
  • Yoga has been adopted by over 193 countries globally.
  • Controversies regarding state-mandated participation in Yoga Day events highlight tensions between public health promotion and individual choice/religious observance.
  • The Mekedatu project is a proposed balancing reservoir on the Cauvery river in Karnataka, intended for drinking water supply to Bengaluru and 400 MW hydroelectric power generation.
  • The Supreme Court ruled (Nov 13, 2025) that the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) are the competent bodies to examine the project's feasibility.
  • The Supreme Court held that states cannot interfere with water usage by another state unless it reduces the quantity of water specifically allocated to them.
  • Karnataka is mandated by the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal award (modified by the Supreme Court in 2018) to release 177.25 tmcft of water annually to Tamil Nadu at Biligundlu.

Questions

  1. Discuss the constitutional and ethical implications of state-mandated participation in health and wellness initiatives in educational institutions. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. Analyze the role of inter-state water dispute resolution mechanisms in India, with specific reference to the legal framework governing the Cauvery river basin and the role of expert bodies like the CWC and CWMA. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Which of the following bodies is primarily responsible for examining the technical feasibility of the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project according to the Supreme Court?

  2. Under the current legal framework for the Cauvery river, what is the annual water release obligation for Karnataka at the Biligundlu point in a normal water year?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-06-21/international-yoga-day-events-and-controversies