The Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024 is a yearly report that measures hunger and malnutrition levels in countries around the world. Created by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe, the GHI provides a score from 0 to 100, where 0 indicates no hunger and 100 represents extreme hunger. The 2024 GHI report includes data from 127 countries and emphasizes India’s position and challenges in combating hunger.
India’s Ranking in the GHI 2024
India ranks 105th out of 127 countries in the 2024 Global Hunger Index, placing it in the “serious” hunger category. India’s GHI score is 27.3, indicating a severe level of hunger. The report highlights several key indicators that contribute to India’s GHI score:
| Key Indicators | Percentage |
| Undernourishment | 13.7% |
| Child Stunting | 35.5% |
| Child Wasting | 18.7% |
| Child Mortality | 2.9% |
Key Indicators Explained
- Undernourishment: 13.7% of India’s population does not have enough calories in their diet.
- Child Stunting: 35.5% of children under five are too short for their age due to chronic undernutrition.
- Child Wasting: 18.7% of children under five are too thin for their height, indicating acute malnutrition.
- Child Mortality: 2.9% of children die before the age of five, often due to a mix of poor nutrition and unhealthy living conditions.
Global Context
The 2024 GHI report shows that 733 million people globally face hunger daily, while 2.8 billion cannot afford a healthy diet. Conflicts in countries like Gaza and Sudan worsen food crises, highlighting a severe issue in regions affected by war.
Challenges and Projections
Achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of Zero Hunger by 2030 is increasingly difficult without significant efforts. The gap between the right to food and the reality of hunger remains a serious concern.
Initiatives by the Indian Government to Combat Hunger
The Indian government has launched various initiatives to address hunger:
| Government Initiative | Description |
| Mid Day Meal Programme | Provides meals to improve school attendance and nutrition for children. |
| National Food Security Act, 2013 | Ensures subsidized food grains for a large portion of the population. |
| Poshan Tracker | A tool to monitor child nutrition status and track undernutrition among children. |
| Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) | Offers free food grains to those in need during economic disruptions. |
| Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 | Focuses on tackling malnutrition among women and children through key interventions like supplementary nutrition. |
Global Hunger Index Rankings for 2024
Top 10 Performers
| Country | Ranking |
| Belarus | 1 |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 2 |
| Chile | 3 |
| China | 4 |
| Costa Rica | 5 |
| Croatia | 6 |
| Estonia | 7 |
| Georgia | 8 |
| Hungary | 9 |
| Kuwait | 10 |
Worst Performers
| Rank | Country |
| 121 | Niger |
| 122 | Haiti |
| 123 | Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| 124 | Madagascar |
| 125 | Chad |
| 126 | Yemen |
| 127 | Somalia |
India’s Neighboring Countries Ranking
| Country | Ranking | GHI Score |
| China | 4 | 8.2 |
| Thailand | 52 | 18.6 |
| Sri Lanka | 56 | 19.5 |
| Nepal | 68 | 23.1 |
| Myanmar | 74 | 25.6 |
| Indonesia | 77 | 26.3 |
| Bangladesh | 84 | 28.1 |
| Pakistan | 109 | 34.2 |
| Afghanistan | 116 | 36.2 |
Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024- Summary
- India ranks 105th in the 2024 Global Hunger Index.
- GHI score of 27.3 indicates severe hunger levels.
- Key indicators: Undernourishment at 13.7%, child stunting at 35.5%, child wasting at 18.7%, and child mortality at 2.9%.
- Global hunger affects 733 million people daily; 2.8 billion cannot afford a healthy diet.
- Government initiatives aim to combat hunger and improve nutrition.
Get more details of India’s Ranking in Global Hunger Index 2024
Also Read Latest Current Affairs 2024
The GHI measures hunger levels and malnutrition across countries.
It indicates India faces serious hunger challenges.
The GHI uses undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting, and child mortality.
Over 733 million people face hunger every day.
India has programs like the Mid Day Meal Programme and the National Food Security Act.
Without strong actions, hunger levels are unlikely to decrease significantly.
It indicates a serious level of hunger in the country.