Food Security and Nutrition — Current Affairs 2026

Current Affairs Connections

Recent developments and news linked to Food Security and Nutrition.

Global Hunger Index 2023 Report: India Ranks 111th, Government Questions Methodology

October 2023

The release of the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2023 report, which placed India at 111th position out of 125 countries with a 'serious' hunger level, generated significant debate. The Indian government strongly contested the ranking, citing methodological flaws, particularly concerning the 'undernourishment' indicator which it argued was based on a small sample size and not reflective of the country's efforts. From a UPSC perspective, this event highlights the ongoing challenge of measuring hunger, the complexities of international comparisons, and the government's defense of its food security initiatives. Aspirants should be prepared to critically analyze both the GHI methodology and India's counter-arguments, along with the actual progress and persistent challenges in food security.

UPSC Angle: Mains GS-II (Social Justice, Government Policies), GS-III (Economy, Agriculture). Prelims: GHI indicators, India's ranking, organizations involved. Focus on critical analysis of data and policy implications.

Government Extends Free Food Grains under NFSA for One Year, Integrating PMGKAY

January 2023

In a significant policy decision, the Union Cabinet announced that it would provide free food grains to all 81.35 crore beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) for one year starting January 1, 2023. This move effectively subsumed the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), which provided additional free rations during the pandemic, into the NFSA framework. This decision aims to ease the financial burden on the poor and ensure continued food security, demonstrating the government's sustained commitment to welfare measures. For UPSC, this illustrates the evolution of social safety nets and the government's adaptive policy responses to economic challenges.

UPSC Angle: Mains GS-II (Social Justice, Government Schemes), GS-III (Economy, Subsidies). Prelims: NFSA provisions, PMGKAY details, beneficiary numbers, policy changes and their impact.