Daily Current Affairs : 13-October-2023
India’s recent Global Hunger Index (GHI) ranking has raised alarms globally. In 2023, India plummeted to 111th place out of 125 countries from its previous position at 107th in 2022. This drastic fall is a matter of significant concern, shedding light on the country’s acute hunger crisis.
Key Findings: India’s Hunger Crisis in Numbers
The GHI 2023 report unveiled crucial statistics about India’s hunger situation:
- India boasts the world’s highest child-wasting rate at a staggering 18.7%, indicating severe undernutrition among children.
- India’s GHI score stands at 28.7, categorizing the nation’s hunger level as “serious.”
- Alarming rates of undernourishment (16.6%) and under-five mortality (3.1%) persist in the country.
- An astonishing 58.1% of women aged 15 to 24 suffer from anaemia, highlighting the deep-rooted health challenges.
Comparison with Neighboring Countries
India’s neighboring nations fare better in the GHI:
- Pakistan ranks 102nd,
- Bangladesh ranks 81st,
- Nepal ranks 69th,
- Sri Lanka secures the 60th position.
Government’s Response: Rejecting the GHI
It’s noteworthy that the Indian government rejected the GHI, labeling it a flawed measure of hunger. According to the government, the index fails to portray India’s actual position accurately.
Understanding Global Hunger Index
The Global Hunger Index is a vital tool that comprehensively measures and tracks hunger globally, regionally, and nationally. Key aspects of the GHI include:
- Three Dimensions of Hunger: The index evaluates insufficient food availability, nutritional deficiencies in children, and child mortality due to undernutrition.
- Three Indicators: The GHI uses three equally weighted indicators: food energy deficiency, underweight prevalence in children under five, and under-five mortality rate.
- Scoring System: Countries receive scores on a 100-point scale, with 0 being the best and 100 being the worst possible score.
GHI 2023: A Global Perspective
The GHI 2023 report paints a worrisome global picture:
- The world’s 2023 GHI score is 18.3, considered moderate, albeit less than a point lower than the 2015 score of 19.1.
- Despite advancements until 2015, global progress against hunger has stagnated.
- Since 2017, undernourishment prevalence has risen, with the number of undernourished people soaring from 572 million to approximately 735 million.
Important Points:
- India’s GHI Ranking (2023):
- India fell to 111th place out of 125 countries from 107th in 2022.
- Child-wasting rate in India is the highest globally at 18.7%, indicating acute undernutrition.
- Key Statistics:
- India’s GHI score: 28.7, classified as “serious” hunger level.
- Undernourishment rate: 16.6%, under-five mortality rate: 3.1%.
- 58.1% of women aged 15-24 suffer from anaemia.
- Comparison with Neighbors:
- India’s neighboring countries (Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka) have better GHI rankings.
- Government’s Response:
- Indian government rejected the GHI, labeling it a flawed measure of hunger.
- Global Hunger Index Overview:
- Measures hunger comprehensively at global, regional, and national levels.
- Evaluates food availability, child nutrition, and undernutrition-related child mortality.
- Uses three indicators: food energy deficiency, underweight prevalence in children under five, and under-five mortality rate.
- Global Hunger Index 2023:
- Global GHI score: 18.3, moderately serious, slightly lower than 2015’s score of 19.1.
- Progress against hunger stagnated globally since 2015.
- Undernourished people increased from 572 million to around 735 million since 2017.
Why In News
India’s ranking in the Global Hunger Index 2023 fell to 111 out of 125 countries from 107 in 2022, indicating a concerning trend in the nation’s efforts to address food security challenges. This decline underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures and international cooperation to tackle hunger and malnutrition effectively.
MCQs about India’s Alarming Global Hunger Index 2023 Ranking
-
What is India’s ranking in the Global Hunger Index 2023?
A. 102nd
B. 111th
C. 69th
D. 81st
-
Which age group in India has the highest prevalence of anaemia according to the GHI 2023 report?
A. Children under five
B. Adults above 30
C. Women aged 15-24
D. Elderly above 60
-
What is the main reason cited by the Indian government for rejecting the GHI 2023 report?
A. Inaccurate data collection
B. Political bias
C. Flawed measure of hunger
D. Lack of transparency
-
What does the Global Hunger Index evaluate?
A. Only food availability
B. Food availability, child nutrition, and undernutrition-related child mortality
C. Only child mortality
D. Only child nutrition
Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions
