Reference:

• The United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network has released the Sustainable Development Report (SDR), 2025, according to which India has secured a place in the top 100 for the first time.

Key Points:

• The 2025 SDR includes a total of 193 UN member countries, and their progress on all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been assessed and ranked.
• Only 17% of SDG targets are likely to be achieved on time by 2030.
• The 2025 edition is the 10th edition of the SDR, featuring new indicators and tracking which countries have made the most progress since 2015.
• Major barriers: Conflict, structural vulnerabilities, and limited financial resources are significant obstacles in effective SDG implementation.

Global Scenario:

• Top-ranked countries: Finland (1st), Sweden (2nd), Denmark (3rd). 19 out of the top 20 countries are from Europe.
• Asia’s progress: Countries in East and South Asia have shown the fastest progress since 2015, including Nepal, Cambodia, Philippines, Bangladesh, and Mongolia.
• Lowest-ranked countries: Conflict-ridden and resource-poor nations like South Sudan, Yemen, Somalia, and Chad are at the bottom.

India’s Historic Achievement:

• Ranking: India has entered the top 100 for the first time, securing the 99th position.
• Score: India scored 66.95 (some sources mention 67).
• Previous rankings: 109th in 2024, 112th in 2023, 121st in 2022, and 120th in 2021.

Neighbouring Countries of India:

India’s Key Areas of Progress:

• SDG 1 (No Poverty):

– According to NITI Aayog’s National Multidimensional Poverty Index 2023, poverty reduced from 24.85% (2015-16) to 14.96% (2019-22).

– 135 million people moved out of poverty, indicating India is on track to achieve SDG 1.2 (halving poverty by 2030) ahead of schedule.

• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being):

– Access to health services improved significantly.

– Schemes like Ayushman Bharat expanded health insurance coverage, reducing maternal and infant mortality.

• SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation):

– Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, piped water access in rural areas increased.

– Millions of households received tap connections since 2019.

• SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy):

– Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana provided clean LPG connections, improving energy access and environmental sustainability.

• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth):

– India promoted the digital economy and startup ecosystem, boosting employment and economic growth.

• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities):

– Over 4 crore houses have been built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, improving urban and rural housing.

Challenges for India:

• SDG 2 (Zero Hunger):

– Dual challenges of malnutrition and obesity remain.

– Rural malnutrition rates are concerning, and food waste policies need improvement.

• SDG 13 (Climate Action):

– Climate change and natural disasters (floods, droughts, heatwaves) have impacted progress.

– States like Bihar, Telangana, Rajasthan, UP, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, and Jharkhand saw score declines.

• SDG 15 (Life on Land):

– Deforestation and biodiversity loss are major concerns.

– Need for inclusive and transparent monitoring systems.

• SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions):

– Issues like press freedom and corruption need improvement.

• Financial Barriers:

– Limited fiscal space and structural weaknesses constrain SDG financing.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):

• The SDGs are a group of 17 global goals set by the United Nations in 2015, aimed at ensuring a better, just, and sustainable future for all countries by 2030.
• These goals address poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, clean water, clean energy, economic growth, inequality, climate change, and environmental protection, among other global challenges.

List of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):