India ranks 105th in Global Hunger Index 2024, labelled as 'serious'

With a Global Hunger Index (GHI) score of 27.3, India's performance remains concerning, particularly when compared to its South Asian neighbours such as Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, which fall into the "moderate" category.

In Short

• India ranks 105th in the Global Hunger Index 2024
• GHI score places India in 'serious' hunger category
• India' performance remains concerning as compared to Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka

India has been ranked 105th out of 127 countries in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024, placing it in the "serious" category for hunger levels. The GHI, a tool used to measure and track hunger globally, is based on indicators like undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting, and child mortality. The index is published by Concern Worldwide, an Irish humanitarian organisation, and Welthungerhilfe, a German aid agency.

With a GHI score of 27.3, India's performance remains concerning, particularly when compared to its South Asian neighbours such as Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, which fall into the "moderate" category. India is listed alongside countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan, which also face severe hunger challenges.

The report reveals alarming statistics: 13.7 percent of India's population is undernourished, 35.5 percent of children under five are stunted, 18.7 percent suffer from wasting, and 2.9 percent of children die before their fifth birthday. These figures reflect deep-rooted issues related to undernutrition, unhealthy environments, and inadequate access to essential nutrients.

The Global Hunger Index 2024 calls for more decisive action to address hunger in India and warns that without significant progress, the hunger crisis in the world's poorest countries could persist for decades.

(With inputs from PTI)