Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2026

Why in News?

The Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2026, released on October 14, ranked India 100th among 122 countries, with a score of 24.1, placing it in the serious hunger category. The report was released under the theme “No Security Without Food Security.”

About the Global Hunger Index

The Global Hunger Index measures and tracks hunger and undernutrition across countries using four indicators:

1. Undernourishment: The share of the population whose habitual food consumption is insufficient to meet dietary energy requirements.
2. Child stunting: The share of children under five whose height is low for their age, indicating chronic undernutrition.
3. Child wasting: The share of children under five whose weight is low for their height, often reflecting acute undernutrition.
4. Under-five mortality: The mortality rate among children below five years of age, reflecting multiple factors, including inadequate nutrition and healthcare.

A higher GHI score indicates a more severe hunger situation.

India’s Performance in GHI

India’s GHI score has improved over the long term, but hunger remains a serious concern.

Year	India’s GHI score
2006	37.0
2012	28.8
2018	25.8
2026	24.1

• Long-term improvement: India’s score declined from 37 in 2006 to 24.1 in 2026, indicating an improvement in the measured hunger indicators.
• Persistent challenge: Despite this progress, India remains in the serious hunger category.
• Declining child stunting: The share of children under five affected by stunting fell from 50% in 2000 to 29.3% in 2026.
• Nutrition concerns: Chronic undernutrition and repeated illness can affect children’s physical growth and development.

Organisations Behind the Report

The GHI 2026 was released jointly by:

• Welthungerhilfe: A German humanitarian and development organisation.
• Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV): Based at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany.
• Helvetas: A Swiss development organisation.

CLICK HERE: UPSC PRELIMS & MAINS CURRENT AFFAIRS BASED WEEKLY TEST (ENG & HINDI)

CLICK HERE FOR GS TIMES PRAHAR UPSC GS MAINS TEST SERIES 

CLICK HERE: DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ (FOR ALL EXAMINATIONS)