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India Climbs SDG Ranks

India Climbs SDG Ranks

28-06-2025

Why in the News?

  1. India has been ranked among the top 100 countries for the first time in the Sustainable Development Report 2025.
  2. This report is published by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).
  3. However, concerns remain over its performance in governance and institutional quality.

Key Highlights

  1. The SDG Index ranks countries based on progress toward all 17 SDGs using official and comparable data sources.
  2. India ranked 99th out of 167 countries in the SDG Index 2025.
  3. It is an improvement from 109th rank out of 166 countries in 2024.
  4. India achieved progress in 12 out of 17 SDGs.
  5. It showcased improvements in poverty reduction, health, education, and clean energy access.
  6. However, performance remains weak in governance-related indicators, such as press freedom, judicial independence, and political stability.
  7. SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) is a key concern area.
  8. India has shown poverty reduction and basic services expansion but needs to improve institutional capacities to sustain long-term gains.

About SDGs:

  1. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals.
  2. Adopted by all UN Member States in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
  3. They are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030.
  4. Aim of SDGs: Sustainable and Equitable future
  5. List of 17 SDGs:

Goal

SDG Goal

What it Means

1

No Poverty

End extreme poverty everywhere.

2

Zero Hunger

End hunger and ensure everyone has access to nutritious food.

3

Good Health and Well-being

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all.

4

Quality Education

Provide inclusive and quality education for all.

5

Gender Equality

Achieve equality for women and girls.

6

Clean Water and Sanitation

Ensure clean water and proper sanitation for all.

7

Affordable and Clean Energy

Access to reliable, modern, and clean energy.

8

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Promote jobs and economic growth that benefits everyone.

9

Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

Build resilient infrastructure and promote innovation.

10

Reduced Inequalities

Reduce inequality within and among countries.

11

Sustainable Cities and Communities

Make cities safe, inclusive, and environmentally friendly.

12

Responsible Consumption and Production

Use resources wisely and reduce waste.

13

Climate Action

Take urgent steps to combat climate change.

14

Life Below Water

Protect oceans, seas, and marine life.

15

Life on Land

Protect forests, wildlife, and ecosystems on land.

16

Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Promote justice, peace, and effective institutions.

17

Partnerships for the Goals

Work together globally to achieve all the goals.

 

Significance of SDGs

  1. Global Vision for Development: SDGs provide a unified framework for countries to work toward common goals, ensuring global progress and cooperation.
  2. Balance of Economic, Social, and Environmental Goals: Ensure inclusive economic growth while protecting society and nature.
  3. Guidance for Policy and Planning: Help governments and organizations align policies with global development priorities.
  4. Encourages Global Partnerships: SDG 17 stresses international cooperation, sharing resources, knowledge, and technologies.
  5. Measure of Progress: Provide clear indicators to track development and hold governments accountable.
  6. Subnational Planning: SDGs serve as a framework for state-level performance monitoring in India, helping NITI Aayog align development efforts.

Challenges And Way Forward

Challenges

Way Forward

Weak performance in SDG 16 (institutional strength, governance)

Strengthen rule of law, enhance press freedom, protect judicial independence

Regional disparities in SDG performance

Focused development in backward regions; targeted schemes for lagging states

Lack of transparency and accountability in governance

Promote open data, citizen participation, and independent oversight mechanisms

High income and wealth inequality

Strengthen redistributive policies, better taxation, and targeted social protection programs

Poor quality of basic public services in some areas

Invest in health, education, and social infrastructure in underserved regions

Slow institutional reforms

Speed up administrative and legal reforms to improve efficiency and trust in public institutions

Conclusion

  1. India's upward movement in the SDG rankings signals notable progress in key development goals, like reducing poverty and expanding basic services.
  2. However, without improving governance, institutional integrity and inclusiveness, this progress may not be sustainable.
  3. A stronger emphasis on SDG 16 and improved trust in public institutions is essential.
  4. India needs not only climb higher in global indices but also secure meaningful and equitable development for all.

Ensure IAS Mains Question

Q. Despite significant progress in achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), India's performance in governance and institutional quality remains a concern. Critically examine the challenges and suggest measures to strengthen SDG 16 for inclusive and sustainable development. (250 words)

 

Ensure IAS Prelims Question

Q. Consider the following statements about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

  1. The SDGs were adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.
  2. There are 17 SDGs which are integrated and indivisible.
  3. Goal 13, Climate Action, specifically aims to combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.
  4. The SDGs are legally binding on member states and require annual reporting on progress.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. 1, 2 and 3 only
  2. 1 and 2 only
  3. 1, 2 and 4 only
  4. All of the above

Answer: b

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The SDGs were adopted in 2015 by all UN member states as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030.

Statement 2 is correct: There are 17 SDGs, and they are integrated and indivisible, balancing the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of development.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Goal 13 (Climate Action) focuses on combating climate change and its impacts, not specifically on desertification or biodiversity. Those are part of:

  • Goal 15: Life on Land (which addresses desertification, land degradation, and biodiversity loss).

Statement 4 is incorrect: The SDGs are not legally binding. While countries are expected to take ownership and establish national frameworks, there is no legal obligation or enforcement mechanism. Voluntary national reviews are encouraged, but annual reporting is not mandatory.

 

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