India Ranks 105th in Global Hunger Index 2024

Why in the news?

India, with a GHI score of 27.3, falls under the “serious” hunger category, trailing behind neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka in the 2024 Global Hunger Index.

India Ranks 105th in Global Hunger Index 2024

Highlights of the 19th GHI Score in 2024:

  • India ranks 105th in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024, categorised as having “serious” hunger levels.
  • Theme: “How gender justice can advance climate resilience and zero hunger.”
  • Global hunger score: 18.3, slight improvement from 18.8 in 2016.
  • Vulnerable populations: 2.8 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet.
  • Regions facing hunger: Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, especially Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan.
  • Challenges: Achieving SDG 2, gender disparity, climate change, armed conflict, and economic instability.
  • Success stories: Mozambique and Nepal improved GHI scores since 2016.
  • Call to action: Urgent coordinated efforts to address hunger, gender inequality, and climate crises.

Key Indicators and SDG Concerns:

  • The report measures hunger using undernourishment, child stunting, wasting, and child mortality.
  • Achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger by 2030 appears unlikely, as many countries continue to struggle with extreme levels of hunger and food insecurity.

What is the The Global Hunger Index (GHI) ?

  • The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is an annual report measuring hunger across global, regional, and national levels.
  • Created in 2006, it was initially co-published by IFPRI and Welthungerhilfe, with Concern Worldwide joining in
  • Since 2018, it is jointly published by Welthungerhilfe and Concern Worldwide. 

GHI aims to:

  • Raise awareness of global hunger issues.
  • Facilitate comparison of hunger levels between countries.
  • Highlight regions with the most severe hunger problems.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times