India's progress on hunger and poverty after 2014 presents a mixed picture, with significant strides in some areas alongside persistent challenges in others. The government has launched various initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation and food security, but the scale of the problem and external shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic have complicated the trajectory.

Progress on Poverty Reduction:

1. Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) Reduction: India has shown significant progress in reducing multidimensional poverty. According to NITI Aayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index reports (based on NFHS data), India lifted a substantial number of people out of multidimensional poverty between 2015-16 and 2019-21. The MPI value and the proportion of the population living in multidimensional poverty have decreased considerably across states, particularly in rural areas.
2. Government Schemes and Financial Inclusion: Several flagship schemes have contributed to poverty reduction:
   • Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): Financial inclusion through bank accounts has enabled direct benefit transfers (DBT) for various schemes, reducing leakages and empowering the poor.
   • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): Providing affordable housing to the urban and rural poor has improved living standards.
   • Ujjwala Yojana: Providing LPG connections to rural households has reduced health hazards from traditional cooking fuels and improved quality of life.
   • Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Improved sanitation facilities, particularly in rural areas, have positively impacted health and dignity.
   • PM-KISAN: Direct income support to farmers has provided a safety net for agricultural households.
   • MGNREGA: Continues to provide rural employment and income support, acting as a crucial safety net.
3. Economic Growth: Sustained, albeit uneven, economic growth has contributed to job creation and income generation, lifting many out of absolute poverty.

Challenges in Poverty Reduction:

1. Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic and associated lockdowns led to job losses, reverse migration, and economic slowdown, pushing many vulnerable households back into poverty or increasing their precarity. While government relief measures helped, the long-term impact is still being assessed.
2. Rising Inequality: Despite poverty reduction, income and wealth inequality have remained high or even widened, raising concerns about the inclusiveness of growth.
3. Informal Sector Vulnerability: A large proportion of the workforce remains in the informal sector, lacking social security and vulnerable to economic shocks, making sustained poverty reduction difficult for this segment.
4. Data Gaps: The absence of recent official consumption expenditure surveys makes it challenging to accurately assess consumption-based poverty trends.

Progress on Hunger and Malnutrition:

1. Food Security Programs: The National Food Security Act (NFSA) continues to provide subsidized food grains to a large portion of the population through the Public Distribution System (PDS). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) provided free food grains, significantly mitigating potential hunger.
2. Nutrition Interventions: Programs like the Mid-Day Meal Scheme (now PM POSHAN), Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission) aim to improve nutritional outcomes, especially among children and women.

Challenges in Hunger and Malnutrition:

1. Global Hunger Index (GHI) Rankings: India's performance in the Global Hunger Index has been a consistent concern, with the country often ranking low (e.g., 111 out of 125 countries in 2023), indicating a serious level of hunger. While the government has questioned the methodology, the underlying issues of malnutrition remain.
2. High Prevalence of Malnutrition: Despite food availability, India continues to grapple with high rates of stunting, wasting, and anemia among children and women. NFHS-5 (2019-21) showed some improvements but also highlighted persistent challenges.
3. Hidden Hunger: Micronutrient deficiencies (e.g., iron, Vitamin A) are widespread, affecting health and productivity.
4. Dietary Diversity: Access to and consumption of diverse and nutritious diets (beyond staple grains) remains a challenge for many poor households.
5. Food Waste and Supply Chain Issues: Significant food loss occurs in the supply chain, impacting overall food availability and access.
6. Impact of Climate Change: Climate change poses a growing threat to agricultural productivity and food security, potentially reversing gains.

In conclusion, post-2014, India has made commendable progress in lifting millions out of multidimensional poverty and strengthening its food security net. However, the battle against hunger and malnutrition, particularly addressing the quality of nutrition and the structural vulnerabilities of the informal economy, remains a significant challenge. The COVID-19 pandemic further underscored the fragility of these gains, necessitating continued robust policy interventions and targeted programs to ensure inclusive and sustainable progress.