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India has entered the top 100 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index for the first time, ranking 99th out of 167 countries in the UN’s 10th Sustainable Development Report (SDR) 2025, with a score of 67/100.
This is a significant rise from 109th in 2024 and 112th in 2023.
Key Concepts & Terms
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| SDG Index | Measures a country’s overall progress towards achieving all 17 SDGs. |
| Sustainable Development | Development that meets present needs without compromising future needs. |
| Agenda 2030 | Global framework adopted in 2015 to achieve SDGs by 2030. |
| VNR (Voluntary National Review) | Self-assessment reports submitted by countries on SDG implementation. |
| Multilateralism | Cooperative alliance of multiple countries pursuing shared goals. |
SDR 2025: Key Findings
| Area | Insights |
|---|---|
| Global Progress | Only 17% of SDG targets are on track for 2030; progress has slowed. |
| Top Performers | Finland (1st), Sweden (2nd), Denmark (3rd); 19 of top 20 are European. |
| India’s Standing | Ranked 99th, ahead of Pakistan (140), Bangladesh (114), below Maldives (53). |
| Setbacks Globally | Reversals in obesity, press freedom, corruption perception, Red List Index. |
| Multilateralism Leaders | Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago; US ranked last for 2nd year. |
| GFA Criticism | Global capital favors rich nations, depriving EMDEs of needed finance. |
India’s Progress: Major Contributing Schemes
| SDG Goal | Focus Area | Flagship Initiatives |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1 | No Poverty | PMAY, MGNREGA, PMJDY |
| SDG 2 | Zero Hunger | Poshan Abhiyaan, NFSA, PMGKAY |
| SDG 3 | Good Health & Well-being | Ayushman Bharat, NHM, Mission Indradhanush |
| SDG 4 | Quality Education | NEP 2020, Samagra Shiksha, DIKSHA |
| SDG 6 | Clean Water & Sanitation | Swachh Bharat, Jal Jeevan, Namami Gange |
| SDG 7 | Clean Energy | UJALA, Saubhagya Scheme |
| SDG 8 | Decent Work & Growth | Make in India, Skill India, PM Internship Scheme |
| SDG 11 | Sustainable Cities | Smart Cities, AMRUT |
| SDG 13 | Climate Action | NAPCC, ISA |
| SDG 15 | Life on Land | Project Tiger, CAMPA, NAP |
| SDG 16 | Strong Institutions | Digital India, Police Modernisation |
| SDG 17 | Partnerships | CDRI, International Big Cat Alliance, Quad Cancer Moonshot |
Challenges to SDG Achievement
| Challenge Type | Impact |
|---|---|
| Conflicts & Displacement | 120 million forcibly displaced; worsens SDG 16 |
| Climate Finance Gap | $6 trillion needed by 2030; funding shortfall affecting SDG 13 |
| Pandemic Impact | Reverse progress in SDGs 1, 3, 4, 7 |
| Environmental Crises | Coral reef loss, biodiversity decline; impacts SDG 14, SDG 15 |
| Disaster Vulnerability | LDCs & LLDCs bore 6.9% of global disaster losses (2015–2022) |
Way Forward: Strategic Actions
| Strategy | Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Strengthen Governance | Reform IMF, World Bank; promote SDG-based trade; enhance ESG disclosures |
| Boost Financing | Green Bonds, blended finance, debt relief, end fossil fuel subsidies |
| Sustainable Agriculture | Promote agroecology; reduce food waste through logistics and policy changes |
| Localize SDGs | Empower local bodies; district-level SDG plans with public participation |
In a Nutshell (Mnemonic: “FINE-PACE”)
Financing reforms
Inclusive local participation
National schemes for poverty, health, and energy
Environmental commitments
Policy integration
Agenda 2030 monitoring
Cooperation in global governance
Empowerment through education and tech
Prelims Practice Questions
- Which of the following countries ranked highest in the 2025 SDG Index?
a) India
b) Sweden
c) Barbados
d) Finland - What is the score range of the SDG Index as per the UN Sustainable Development Report?
a) 1–10
b) 0–100
c) 0–10
d) 1–100 - Which of the following SDGs has seen a global reversal since 2015?
a) SDG 3 (Health)
b) SDG 9 (Industry)
c) SDG 15 (Life on Land)
d) SDG 4 (Education)
Mains Practice Questions
- Despite visible progress, the path to achieving SDGs by 2030 remains challenging. Discuss the structural and global factors hindering SDG achievement. (GS 2)
- Evaluate India’s SDG performance and explain how national policies and schemes have contributed to its improved global ranking. (GS 3 – Development)
Prelims Answer Key with Explanation
| Ques | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | d | Finland ranks 1st in 2025 SDR as per the report. |
| 2 | b | SDG Index uses a 0–100 scale to measure goal progress. |
| 3 | c | Red List Index under SDG 15 has seen significant reversals since 2015. |
