India has ranked 101 on the latest Global Hunger Index rankings (GHI), trailing behind many countries in the South Asian region including Pakistan and Nepal.

As the numbers present a grim picture of the hunger crisis that has exacerbated with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in India, the government has termed the findings “shocking” and said they were based on “flawed” methodology.

The Wire speaks to economist and social scientist Jean Dreze to decode the value of the rankings and the credibility of the government’s stance.

The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.