India ranks 100th in Global Hunger Index 2026 with "serious" score of 24.1
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Poverty, hunger & nutrition· Prelims + Mains·
Food security and malnutrition indicators: a key GS2 Social Justice and health topic.
Why in news
The Global Hunger Index 2026 ranked India 100th among 122 countries with a 'serious' score of 24.1, highlighting persistent malnutrition despite long-term improvements.
Background
The Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2026 measures four indicators: undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting, and under-five mortality. India's score improved from 37 in 2006 to 24.1 in 2026, yet it remains in the 'serious' category.
Facts for Prelims
- FactIndia's GHI score in 2026 is 24.1, ranking it 100th among 122 countries.
- FactChild stunting in India fell to 29.3 per cent in 2026 from 50 per cent in 2000.
- FactChild wasting in India rose to 19 per cent in 2026 from 15 per cent in 2012.
- FactUndernourishment in India fell to 9.8 per cent in 2026 from 18.4 per cent in 2000.
- FactUnder-five mortality in India declined to 2.7 per cent in 2026 from 9.2 per cent in 2000.
Prelims practice question
What is the percentage of child wasting in India as recorded in the Global Hunger Index 2026?
- (a)28 per cent
- (b)22 per cent
- (c)19 per cent
- (d)25 per cent
Show answer
Answer: (c) 19 per cent — The note states that child wasting in India rose to 19 per cent in 2026.
For Mains
Q. Critically analyze the persistent challenges in addressing child wasting and stunting in India despite significant improvements in undernourishment and mortality rates.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Nutritional disparity: Uneven progress in child wasting compared to consistent declines in undernourishment.
- Data-policy gap: Need for localized interventions to address acute undernutrition (wasting) vs chronic stunting.
- Structural barriers: Persistence of 'serious' hunger category despite long-term improvements in national nutrition indicators.
Keywords: Global Hunger Index · Child Stunting · Child Wasting · Undernourishment · Food Insecurity · Nutritional Indicators
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