KATHMANDU, Oct 13: The findings of the 16th edition of the Global Hunger Index for 2023 were unveiled on Thursday. Notably, Nepal and Sri Lanka have shown remarkable improvements among South Asian nations, while the situation in India has raised concerns.

Nepal has made significant strides, securing the 69th position in the index, which encompasses data from 125 countries. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has claimed the 60th position, outperforming Nepal in South Asia. In contrast, India's ranking has plunged to 111th place, signaling a concerning level of hunger affecting the country.

The Global Hunger Index is compiled by a consortium known as the Alliance, primarily led by European non-governmental organizations. The study focuses on assessing malnutrition, particularly by analyzing the proportion of the population with inadequate calorie intake.

Nepal's progress is noteworthy, considering that it was ranked 81st in the 2022 Global Hunger Index. Over the past year, Nepal has made remarkable advancements from a previously perilous situation. In 2002, Nepal's circumstances were dire, but by 2015, the nation had already improved its ranking to 78th.

Taking the top position in the list is Belarus, with other South Asian nations falling behind Nepal. Bangladesh is ranked 81st, Pakistan at 102nd, India at 111th, and Afghanistan at 115th place.

However, India, upon learning of its deteriorating position relative to neighboring countries, voiced strong objections to the report. Indian authorities swiftly responded by denouncing the findings as invalid.

India's Ministry of Women and Child Development has gone so far as to assert that the report was created with malicious intent. Furthermore, India has claimed that the report fails to accurately evaluate the actual hunger situation within the country. The controversy surrounding the report's credibility continues to generate debate and discussion.

 
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