What was the category of India as per the Global Hunger Index score in 2024 that shows the severity of hunger in a country?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is: (A) Serious

• In the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024, India was placed in the "Serious" category.

• India's GHI score indicated a high level of hunger and undernutrition, reflecting issues such as child wasting, child stunting, undernourishment, and child mortality.

• This category falls between "Moderate" and "Alarming" on the GHI severity scale.

• The GHI 2024 ranked India at 111 out of 125 countries.

• India scored 28.7 on the index, which falls in the "Serious" category (scores between 20.0–34.9).

• Child wasting rate in India remains high at 18.7%, one of the highest in the world.

• The report is published jointly by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe, both global humanitarian organizations.

• India's performance was worse than neighbours like Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan in GHI 2024.

• GHI Categories:

  • Low (≤9.9)

  • Moderate (10.0–19.9)

  • Serious (20.0–34.9)

  • Alarming (35.0–49.9)

  • Extremely Alarming (≥50.0)

• The Government of India has criticised the methodology of the GHI, citing over-reliance on child nutrition indicators and limited data sources.

• The GHI uses four indicators: Undernourishment, Child Wasting, Child Stunting, and Child Mortality.

• Despite significant food grain production, issues such as distribution inefficiencies, poverty, sanitation, and maternal health contribute to persistent hunger levels.

• Programmes like Poshan Abhiyaan, PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) aim to address undernutrition.