Context:
India has achieved its highest-ever rank in the 2026 UN SDG Index, rising to 94th among 167 countries with a score of 68.3. However, the report states that India remains off track to achieve several Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, with Zero Hunger emerging as a major challenge.
Explanation:
- The Sustainable Development Goals are 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
- The 17 goals cover poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, clean water, clean energy, decent work, industry and innovation, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities, responsible consumption, climate action, marine life, terrestrial life, peace and justice, and global partnerships.
- The UN SDG Index, published by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, measures countries’ progress towards achieving these goals.
- India has improved from 99th rank in 2025 to 94th rank in 2026, its best position since the SDGs were adopted.
- Despite progress, India faces major challenges in Zero Hunger, health, gender equality, sustainable cities, life below water, life on land, and peace and justice.
- Only about one-third of India’s SDG targets are expected to be achieved by 2030, while some indicators have stagnated or worsened.
- Hunger remains a key concern due to child stunting, child wasting, undernourishment and rising obesity.
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