UN Sustainable Development Report 2026

Why in News?

India ranked 94th out of 167 countries in the 2026 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index, achieving its
highest-ever position with an overall score of 68.3 out of 100, according to the Sustainable Development Report
2026 released by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).

What are the Key Findings of the Sustainable Development Report 2026?

Global

 Off Track for 2030: Globally, none of the 17 SDGs are on track to be achieved by 2030.
o Only about 16.5% of individual SDG targets are progressing on track, with nearly half making only marginal
progress and 15% actively reversing since 2015.
 Top Performers: Nordic countries continue to lead the global rankings, with Finland securing the top spot,
followed closely by Sweden and Denmark.
o At the bottom of the index are Chad, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan due to conflict and
instability.
 Most Stagnant Goals: The goals furthest off track globally are SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities),
SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
 Multilateralism Commitment: Barbados ranked first globally in its commitment to UN-based
multilateralism, whereas the US ranked last, largely due to its opposition to the 2030 Agenda and withdrawal
from international organizations.
India

 Major Global Mover: Since the SDGs were adopted in 2015, India has climbed 18 places (from 112th to 94th),
making it one of the fastest-improving major economies alongside China.
o However, it still lags behind South Asian neighbors like Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
 2030 Projections: Only 33.3% of India's SDG targets are on track to be achieved by 2030, while progress is
limited to 42.7% of targets, and 24% have worsened.
 The Hunger Crisis (SDG 2): Zero Hunger remains India’s most pressing challenge.
o Progress is stagnating, with child wasting rising to 19% (the highest globally), child stunting remaining severe
at 29.3%, and undernourishment rising to 12%.
 Widespread Structural Bottlenecks: India faces "major challenges" in 7 of the 17 goals, specifically SDG 2 (Zero
Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), SDG 14 (Life
Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
 Governance and Health Reversals: Under SDG 16, India's score on the Press Freedom Index has dropped
severely (from 59.51 in 2015 to 31.96 in 2026).
o In health (SDG 3), mortality linked to air pollution and non-communicable diseases has worsened.
 Deteriorating: India is deteriorating on two environmental SDGs—SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and
Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
 o The decline in SDG 13 is primarily driven by rising carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion and
cement production, with per capita CO₂ emissions reaching a record high of 2.21 tonnes.
 Areas of Success: The report highlights that India has made significant, notable progress globally in
expanding electricity access (SDG 7) and increasing mobile broadband and internet usage (SDG 9).

Project UNICORN: India and Japan's 1st-Ever Joint Defence Co-development Project

At the 16th India–Japan Annual Summit in New Delhi (July 2026), India and Japan announced their first-ever joint
defence co-development project to jointly manufacture the UNICORN (Unified Complex Radio Antenna) Mast for
the Indian Navy.

 This development follows the signing of a Memorandum of Implementation (MoI) between India and Japan in
Tokyo in 2024 for the co-development of the UNICORN Mast for future Indian Navy warships.
o The agreement is particularly significant as it makes India the second Asian country, after the Philippines, to
receive Japanese defence technology.
 UNICORN: It is an advanced, state-of-the-art system designed to integrate multiple communication systems and
scattered antennas into a single, unified radar mast.
o By consolidating numerous exposed antennas, the UNICORN mast significantly reduces a warship's radar
cross-section (RCS). This structural integration vastly improves the stealth characteristics and tactical evasion
capabilities of naval platforms.
o UNICORN is also known as Nora-50 and is one of the best-quality weapon-grade antennas in the world.
 'Make in India' Synergy: In a major boost to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, Bharat Electronics Limited
(BEL) will manufacture the UNICORN mast in collaboration with Japanese partners. Japan will contribute
advanced design expertise, while India will handle system integration and production. The mast will be
installed on future Indian Navy warships, strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.
 o The UNICORN Mast is expected to gradually replace the Indian Navy's existing Advanced Composite
Communication System (ACCS)-based external communication infrastructure, which is currently supported
by BEL's fourth-generation integrated data and voice communication system.
o Equipped with advanced stealth antenna technology, the UNICORN mast offers enhanced security, reduced
radar signature, and superior communication capabilities, making it better suited to the digitally contested
environment of modern naval warfare.
 Strategic Significance: This initiative deepens bilateral strategic trust. It directly enhances India's maritime
domain awareness and reinforces both nations' shared commitment to securing a free, open, and rules-
based Indo-Pacific region.

20th Statistics Day and SDGs-National Indicator Framework Progress

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) celebrated the 20th Statistics Day on 29th June
2026. The event was organized to commemorate the 133rd Birth Anniversary of Prof. P. C. Mahalanobis,
recognizing his invaluable contribution to the national statistical system.

 On this occasion, MoSPI also released the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – National Indicator
Framework Progress Report, 2026, tracking India's progress towards the SDGs.
What is National Statistics Day?

 National Statistics Day: The Government of India designated 29th June as 'Statistics Day' in 2007. It serves as an
annual tribute to the legacy of Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis.
 Objective: To create public awareness, especially among the youth, about the role of statistics in socio-economic
planning and policy formulation.
 Theme for 2026: “Unlocking the Potential of Administrative Data.” It highlights the shift towards utilizing data
generated through everyday government operations (like tax records, registries, and welfare enrollments) for
evidence-based policymaking, rather than relying solely on traditional, resource-heavy sample surveys.
Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis

 About: Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis (1893–1972) is widely regarded as the Father of Indian Statistics. His
visionary approach laid the foundation for India’s modern statistical architecture.
 Key Contributions:
o Institutional Builder: He founded the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in 1931 (declared an 'Institution of
National Importance' by Parliament in 1959). Furthermore, his vision directly led to the establishment of
the National Sample Survey (NSS) in 1950 and the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO).
 He also founded Sankhya, India's first statistical journal, in 1933.
o Architect of India's Economic Planning: He was a key member of the first Planning Commission of
independent India.
 He played a highly influential role in drafting India's Second Five-Year Plan (1956-1961), which was
fundamentally based on his renowned four-sector model (the Mahalanobis Model) that prioritized rapid,
heavy industrialization and capital investment.
 o Mahalanobis Distance: Formulated in 1930, he introduced Mahalanobis Distance, a metric used to find
the distance between a point and a distribution, widely used today in machine learning, cluster analysis, and
classification techniques.
o Large-Scale Sample Surveys: He pioneered the concept of using large-scale sample surveys for data collection,
proving that a well-designed sample could provide highly accurate estimates for a massive population at a
fraction of the cost of a census.
o Practical Governance and Flood Control: A fierce advocate for applied statistics, his innovative data analysis
was successfully utilized by the Indian Government to design effective flood prevention measures and yield
important meteorological discoveries.
 Global Recognition and National Honors: He served as the Chairman of the United Nations Subcommission on
Statistical Sampling (1947–1951), was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, London (1945), and was awarded
India's second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan, in 1968.

What are the Key Findings of the SDGs-National Indicator Framework Progress Report, 2026?

 SDG 1 - No Poverty): Multidimensional poverty declined from 24.85% (2015-16) to 14.96% (2019-21).
o The population covered by social protection floors rose from 22.0% (2019) to 65.3% (2026).
o Key drivers: PM Jan Dhan Yojana, Direct Benefit Transfers.
 SDG 2 - Zero Hunger: Child underweight (under 5 years) reduced from 35.7% (2015-16) to 31.8% (2023-24).
o Child stunting declined from 38.4% (2015-16) to 29.3% (2023-24).
o Key schemes: POSHAN Abhiyaan, and PM POSHAN.
 SDG 3 - Good Health & Well-Being: Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) improved from 122 (2015-17) to 87 (2022-
24) per 1,00,000 live births.
o Skilled health personnel birth attendance rose from 81.4% to 91.3% (NFHS-4 to NFHS-6).
o The under-five mortality rate declined from 43 (2015) to 28 (2024) per 1,000 live births. Neonatal mortality
rate fell from 25 (2015) to 18 (2024) per 1,000 live births.
o TB treatment coverage improved significantly from 71% (2020) to 92% (2024).
o Key drivers: National Health Mission, Ayushman Bharat, Janani Suraksha Yojana, Mission Indradhanush.
 SDG 4 - Quality Education: Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher secondary education rose from 48.32 (2015-16) to
48.32 (2024-25).
o Schools with internet facilities expanded from 46.30 (2015-16) to 84.20% (2024-25).
o Key enablers: Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, and National Education Policy 2020.
 SDG 5 - Gender Equality: Sex Ratio at Birth improved from 896 (2015-17) to 918 (2022-24).
o Female-to-male Labour Force Participation Rate ratio improved from 0.43 (2020-21) to 0.52 (2025).
o Women-exclusive SHGs in bank-linked SHGs grew from 88.92% (2015-16) to 96.00% (2025-26).
o Key enablers: Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, SHG network expansion, and Gender Budgeting.
 SDG 6 - Clean Water & Sanitation: Households with piped water supply (rural) rose from 48.15% (2021-22) to
81.81% (2025-26).
o Wastewater processed increased from 17.97% (2015-16) to 82.20% (2025-26)- a dramatic rise.
o Water-use efficiency score improved from 2.89 USD/m³ (2020) to 5.30 USD/m³ (2023).
 o Key missions: Jal Jeevan Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission, and Atal Bhujal Yojana.
 SDG 7 - Affordable & Clean Energy: 100% household electrification achieved.
o Renewable energy generating capacity grew from 64.04 watts per capita (2014-15) to 193.36 watts per capita
(2025-26) , nearly 300% increase.
o Energy intensity (primary energy per unit of GDP) declined from 0.2556 to 0.1329 MJ/Rupee (2015-16 to 2024-
25), reflecting improved energy efficiency.
o Key drivers: Saubhagya scheme, PM-KUSUM, PLI for Solar PV Modules.
 SDG 8 - Decent Work & Economic Growth: Unemployment rate declined from 6.1% (2017-18) to 3.1% (2025).
o Tourism growth rate stood at 15.01% (2023-24), reflecting sectoral recovery and expansion.
o Key drivers: Startup India, PM Mudra Yojana, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, e-Visa expansion.
 SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure: Manufacturing sector employment as a proportion of total
employment improved from 11.40% (2022-23) to 12.14% (2025).
o Population covered by at least 4G mobile network reached 99.51% (2025).
o Key enablers: BharatNet, Atal Innovation Mission, Startup India.
 SDG 10- Reduced Inequalities: Gini Coefficient for rural household expenditure improved from 0.28 (2011-12)
to 0.23 (2023-24), indicating lower inequality.
o Urban Gini Coefficient also improved from 0.36 (2011-12) to 0.28 (2023-24).
o The ratio of female-to-male professional and technical workers improved to 51.3% (2025), approaching parity.
o Key instruments: Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana , PM-KISAN, Accessible India Campaign, Direct Benefit
Transfers.
 SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities & Communities: Percentage of wards with 100% door-to-door waste collection rose
from 43 (2015-16) to 97 (2025-26).
o Percentage of waste processed rose from 17.97% (2015-16) to 82.20% (2025-26).
o India has adopted and implemented a national disaster risk reduction strategy aligned with the Sendai
Framework (2015-2030).
o Key initiatives: AMRUT, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), Smart Cities Mission.
 SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption & Production: Number of waste recycling plants installed grew from 829
(2019-20) to 3,236 (2025-26).
o Post-harvest storage losses of wheat and rice from central/state pool stocks declined nearly to zero (-0.02 in
2025-26), reflecting better storage management.
o Key policies: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks for plastic waste, e-waste, batteries and
tyres; circular economy promotion.
 SDG 13 - Climate Action: India has updated Nationally Determined Contribution (2031-2035) and long-term
strategies under the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement.
o Compliance of industries with environmental standards improved from 86.25% (2018) to 91.82% (2024).
o Guided by NAPCC and its eight national missions; all States/UTs have prepared or updated State Action Plans
on Climate Change.
 SDG 14- Life Below Water: Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) in fishing increased from 3.078 million tonne/year
(2015-16) to 5.311 million tonne/year (2025-26).
 o India is in compliance with international laws for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and marine
resources.
o Key interventions: Mangrove plantation, coral transplantation, shelterbelt development, artificial reefs, coral
reef monitoring.
 SDG 15 - Life on Land: Forest cover as a percentage of total geographical area increased from 21.34% (2019) to
21.76% (2023).
o The area of Ramsar (wetland) sites as a percentage of total wetland area more than doubled from 4.15% (2016)
to 8.66% (2026).
o Key programmes: Green India Mission, Project Tiger, Project Elephant, Nagar Van Yojana, National
Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan (2024–2030) aligned with Global Biodiversity Framework).
 SDG 16 - Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions: The number of judges increased from 1.33 per lakh population in
2016 to 1.55 in 2024, while the number of courts rose from 1.82 to 1.93 per lakh population during the same
period.
o Aadhaar coverage reached 95.67% in 2025–26, and India continues to maintain an independent National
Human Rights Institution in compliance with the Paris Principles.
 SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals: India's share in global merchandise exports increased from 1.62% in 2015
to 1.70% in 2024.
Share in global commercial services exports rose significantly from 3.11% to 4.35% during the same period,
reflecting the country's