🟠 Topic 17: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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📌 Introduction

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a universal call to action adopted by all United Nations member states in 2015 to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes the SDGs, builds on the earlier Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The SDGs are holistic, inclusive, and interconnected, addressing economic, social, and environmental dimensions of development.

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🔹 What are the SDGs? 🌍

📖 Definition

The Sustainable Development Goals are a set of 17 global goals with 169 specific targets and indicators, covering poverty eradication, environmental sustainability, social justice, economic development, and global cooperation.

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🔹 17 Sustainable Development Goals

Goal	Objective
1	No Poverty – End all forms of poverty everywhere
2	Zero Hunger – End hunger and promote food security
3	Good Health and Well-being – Ensure healthy lives
4	Quality Education – Inclusive and equitable education
5	Gender Equality – Achieve gender equality and empower women
6	Clean Water and Sanitation – Ensure water availability and sustainable management
7	Affordable and Clean Energy – Ensure access to reliable, sustainable energy
8	Decent Work and Economic Growth – Promote sustainable economic growth
9	Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – Build resilient infrastructure
10	Reduced Inequality – Reduce inequality within and between countries
11	Sustainable Cities and Communities – Make cities inclusive and safe
12	Responsible Consumption and Production – Sustainable consumption patterns
13	Climate Action – Combat climate change
14	Life Below Water – Conserve marine resources
15	Life on Land – Protect terrestrial ecosystems
16	Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – Promote peaceful societies
17	Partnerships for the Goals – Strengthen global partnerships

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🔹 Key Features of SDGs

1️⃣ Universality – Applies to all countries, developed and developing alike.
2️⃣ Inclusiveness – Emphasizes leaving no one behind.
3️⃣ Interconnectedness – Progress on one goal influences others.
4️⃣ Measurability – Each goal has indicators to track progress.
5️⃣ Sustainability Focus – Balances economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity.

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🔹 Difference Between MDGs and SDGs

Parameter	Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)	Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Timeframe	2000-2015	2015-2030
Goals	8	17
Focus	Developing countries	Universal – all countries
Scope	Narrow – health, education	Comprehensive – economic, social, environmental
Monitoring	Limited indicators	Detailed, measurable targets

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🔹 India’s Approach to SDGs 🇮🇳

Institutional Framework

• NITI Aayog oversees SDG implementation and monitoring in India.
• States are encouraged to develop State-level SDG Vision Documents.

Monitoring Tool

• SDG India Index tracks state-wise progress across all 17 goals.
• It ranks states on a composite score reflecting progress on key indicators.

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Key Government Schemes Aligned with SDGs

Goal	Scheme
No Poverty	PM Garib Kalyan Yojana
Zero Hunger	POSHAN Abhiyan, PM Fasal Bima Yojana
Good Health	Ayushman Bharat
Quality Education	Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan
Gender Equality	Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
Clean Water	Jal Jeevan Mission
Clean Energy	Saubhagya Yojana, National Solar Mission
Economic Growth	Make in India, Startup India
Sustainable Cities	Smart Cities Mission
Climate Action	National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)

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🔹 SDG Performance – India’s Progress

• India’s 2023 SDG Score: ~66 out of 100 (moderate performance).
• Best performing states: Kerala, Himachal Pradesh.
• Lagging states: Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam.
• Areas of concern: Gender equality, climate action, quality education.

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🔹 Challenges in Achieving SDGs in India

1️⃣ Data Gaps and Measurement Issues – Inadequate real-time data collection systems in many states.
2️⃣ Regional Disparities – Northern states lag behind southern and western states.
3️⃣ Climate Change Vulnerability – Extreme weather events threaten agriculture, water resources, and livelihoods.
4️⃣ Urban Stress – Unplanned urbanization stresses housing, transport, and sanitation systems.

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🔹 Importance of Global Cooperation

• Achieving SDGs requires:
  • Global financing mechanisms.
  • Technology transfer.
  • International trade reforms.
• Global Climate Funds and South-South cooperation are essential for developing nations.

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🔹 Real-life Example – Kerala’s SDG Success 🌴

• Kerala excels in health, education, gender equality, and poverty reduction.
• Strong local governance, social infrastructure, and community participation have been key factors.

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📚 Practice MCQ

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1️⃣ Consider the following statements regarding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

1. SDGs were adopted at the United Nations General Assembly in 2015.
2. They replaced the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
3. They apply only to developing countries.
4. There are 17 goals and 169 targets under the SDGs.

Which of the above statements are correct?

✅ Options:
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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2️⃣ Which institution is responsible for SDG monitoring and implementation in India?

✅ Options:
(a) Finance Ministry
(b) NITI Aayog
(c) Ministry of External Affairs
(d) RBI

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3️⃣ Consider the following statements regarding SDG India Index:

1. It tracks the performance of all Indian states and UTs.
2. It is published by the NITI Aayog.
3. It evaluates progress on health, education, climate action, etc.
4. It ranks only rural areas.

Which of the above statements are correct?

✅ Options:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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4️⃣ Which of the following SDGs focuses on climate action?

✅ Options:
(a) Goal 10
(b) Goal 12
(c) Goal 13
(d) Goal 15

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5️⃣ Which Indian scheme contributes directly to SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation?

✅ Options:
(a) Skill India
(b) Startup India
(c) Jal Jeevan Mission
(d) Ayushman Bharat