Sustainable Development and Inclusive Growth is part of Economic and Social Development. Below are notes on 63 sub-topics, followed by practice MCQs from State PSC and UPSC papers (coming soon).

Addressing Income and Regional Inequalities

  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were announced by the United Nations General Assembly in September 2015.
  • There are 17 SDGs in total.
  • SDG 10 specifically focuses on "Reduced Inequalities" (within and among countries).

Disaster Resilience and Climate Change Adaptation

  • According to World Bank, approximate percentage loss of GDP due to disasters (1996-2000) was 2.25%.

Environmental Sustainability: Climate change, pollution control, resource management

  • The Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) explains the relationship between economic growth and environmental degradation, positing that degradation initially increases, then decreases after a certain level of economic development.
  • Arguments against immediately stopping coal mining in India include the lack of sufficient alternate energy sources and the severe adverse impacts on livelihoods of millions and industrial operations.
  • During the mid-1980s, significant negative aspects of development discussed included degradation of natural resources, environmental pollution, and displacement & rehabilitation of masses.
  • The Government of India's new model for Sustainable Development of Rivers is known as 'Arth Ganga'.
  • The UNEP Adaptation Gap Report 2023 indicates that adaptation finance needs in developing countries are estimated to be 6 to 10 times higher than current finance flows.
  • 'Net zero' refers to a condition where the emission of greenhouse gases is balanced by their removal from the atmosphere on a permanent basis.
  • India aims to achieve 'net zero' emissions by the year 2070.
  • According to the World Tourism Organization (WTO), sustainable tourism should make optimal use of environmental resources, maintaining essential ecological processes and helping to conserve natural heritage and biodiversity.
  • Sustainable tourism (WTO) also emphasizes respecting the sociocultural authenticity of host communities, conserving their living culture, heritage, and traditional values.
  • The concept of organic livestock production has gained momentum due to concerns for insecticide and pesticide residues in milk and other animal products.

Financing Sustainable Development: Domestic and International mechanisms

  • BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes is managed by the World Bank.

Global Partnerships and International Agreements on Sustainability

  • Third International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD3): July 2015, Addis Ababa.
  • Adoption of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Sustainable Development Agenda): September 2015, New York.
  • Paris Agreement on Climate Change: December 2015, Paris.
  • 'Decade of Sustainable Energy for All' (2014-2024): Initiated by the United Nations.

11th Five Year Plan (2007-2012)

Theme was "Faster and More Inclusive Growth".

11th Five Year Plan's Strategy for Inclusive Growth

Included infrastructure development, significant increase in education and health allocations, and huge investment in power generation.

Indian Science Congress, 2015 Theme

"Science and Technology for Human Development".

Green Economy and Circular Economy models

  • Green economy: potential to add over 54 million jobs globally by 2030.
  • Pandemic prevention: estimated additional investment of $15 billion per year globally.
  • Human Development Index (HDI): over 90% of countries saw a drop in HDI value in either 2020 or 2021.
  • Coal phase-out: economic gains from phasing out coal could amount to 1.7% of global GDP annually.

Poverty Alleviation and Employment Generation Strategies

  • SDG 1 aims to eradicate extreme poverty.
  • UN measures extreme poverty as living on less than $1.25 per day.

Sustainable Development (SD) Definition

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Origin of SD Definition

Brundtland Report (1987), titled "Our Common Future," by the World Commission on Environment and Development (WECD).

Basic Goals of SD

Economic efficiency, equality, and inclusive growth; improving present conditions without affecting future needs; ensuring quality of life for present and future generations.

Core Principle of SD

Conservation of natural resources for future generations, minimizing their degradation, and saving energy and resources without sacrificing present comfort.

Components/Indices of SD

Ecological (environmental), Social and Cultural, and Economic aspects.

SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)

    • Established by the United Nations.
    • Total number: 17.
    • Number of targets: 169.
    • Adopted: September 2015 at UN General Assembly Summit.
    • Target Achievement Year: 2030.
    • "The Club of Rome" did not propose SDGs in 1972 (they published "The Limits to Growth").
    • "Live with Happiness" is not a universal principle of this agenda.

Inclusive Growth Definition

Growth that includes everyone, regardless of economic class, ensuring all people participate and benefit equitably, and not excluding any section of society. It focuses on equal access to opportunities for all.

Characteristics of Inclusive Growth

    • Takes a long-term perspective.
    • Focuses on productive employment and equitable income distribution.

Necessities for Inclusive Growth

Development of infrastructure facilities, revival of agriculture, increased availability of social services (education, health).

10th Five Year Plan (2002-2007)

Target growth rate of 8%.

11th Five Year Plan (2007-2012)

Emphasized "Faster and more inclusive growth." Objectives for inclusive growth included reduction of poverty, extension of employment opportunities, and reduction in gender inequality.

12th Five Year Plan (2012-2017)

Main objective was "Faster, Sustainable and More Inclusive Growth."

      • Targets included: Real GDP Growth Rate of 8%, Agriculture Growth Rate of 4% (5% was not the target), Manufacturing Growth Rate of 10%, Increase in green cover by 1 million hectare every year.
      • Zero Fiscal Deficit by 2015 was NOT an objective.

Interrelation of HDI and SDG

There is a positive relation between Human Development Index (HDI) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) ranking of Indian States, as underlying dimensions of SDG targets are closely related to education and health aspects.

Sustainable Tourism Objective

To manage tourism and environment while maintaining cultural integrity and ecological processes.

Stockholm Declaration, 1972

Focused on Environment Protection.

Brundtland Report (1987)

Popularised the concept and definition of Sustainable Development. (Not known as "The Limits to Growth".)

Rome Declaration, 1996

Subject was Food Security.

Beijing Declaration, 1995

Subject was Gender Justice.

Doha Declaration, 2001

Subject was Public Health (related to TRIPS agreement).

Rio Earth Summit, 1992

Produced Agenda 21, related to Sustainable Development.

Rio+20 Earth Summit (2012)

Outcome declaration titled "The future we want."

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

India achieved the target of Eradicating Extreme Poverty and Hunger by 2015.

Inclusive Wealth Report

Released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Neemrana

A model of sustainable economic development, located in Rajasthan.

United Nations Decade 2019-2028

Declared as the United Nations Decade of Family Farming.

India's "Amrit Kaal" (Union Budget 2022-23) Goals

Focus on growth and all-inclusive welfare, promoting technology-enabled development, development of infrastructure, emphasis on investment, and bringing innovations in technological development.

  • Non-optimal resource utilization is NOT an ingredient of sustainable development; it is contrary to it.

Renewable Energy Transition and Energy Efficiency

  • Interim Union Budget (FY25) Green Energy proposals include: Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for solar energy projects, setting up 100 MT coal gasification & liquefaction capacity by 2030, optional blending of Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for transport and Piped Natural Gas (PNG) for domestic purposes, and setting up a payment security system for expanding the bio-manufacturing system.
  • Modhera (Gujarat) was dedicated as India's first Battery Storage and Solar Power-based 'Suryagram' on Oct 9, 2022.
  • National Bioenergy Programme was launched on Nov 2, 2022.
  • Vayumitra and Jalmitra Skill Development Programmes, under the Human Resource Development Scheme, were launched in 2022.
  • PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahaabhiyan) aims to provide energy/water security, de-dieselise the farm sector, and generate additional income for farmers through solar power.
  • The National Policy on Biofuels, 2018 (amended 2022) goals include: setting up second generation (2G) bio refineries, developing new feedstock for biofuels, developing new technologies for biofuel conversion, creating suitable environment for biofuel generation and blending, and reinforcing/ increasing ethanol/biodiesel supplies and production.
  • PM-KUSUM Scheme was launched in 2019 by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE).
  • The 'Development of Solar Cities' programme targets a minimum 10% reduction in projected demand of conventional energy at the end of five years.
  • Conservation of energy resources includes using power-saving devices and greater use of public transport.
  • India advanced its target of 20% ethanol blending in petrol from 2030 to 2025-26 as per National Biofuel Policy updates.
  • Production of biofuels by units located in Special Economic Zones (SEZ)/Export Oriented Units (EOU) is included under the Make in India programme.
  • Kuteer Deep Program is related to Solar photovoltaic (PV).

Role of Technology and Innovation in Sustainable Development

  • NITI Aayog’s Indian Innovation Index 2020 (2nd edition):
    • Karnataka topped major states category.
    • Delhi topped Union Territories category.
    • Gujarat ranked second in major states category.

Gender Equality (SDG 5)

Contributes to achieving peaceful/resilient communities, sustainable development, and economic growth.

Health (SDG 3)

  • "Good Health and Well-being" (SDG 3) improvement in India is significantly due to a decline in Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR).
  • World Toilet Organization (WTO): Not a UN agency. Initiates World Toilet Summit, World Toilet Day, World Toilet College to inspire action against the global sanitation crisis. It does not primarily grant funds for ending open defecation.

Education (SDG 4)

  • "Quality Education" (SDG 4) measures: Making education free and compulsory, improving basic school infrastructure, and embracing digital transformation.
  • Samagra Shiksha Scheme aligns with SDG 4 by aiming for quality education with an equitable and inclusive classroom environment.
  • Nutrition
  • United Nations 'Nutrition Promotion Campaign': Co-ordinated by Afshan Khan.
  • Objective: To eradicate malnutrition by 2030.
  • Implementation: In countries suffering from malnutrition globally.

National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)

  • Part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
  • Aims to make Indian agriculture more productive, sustainable, remunerative, and climate resilient.

NMSA Sub-missions/Components

    • Rainfed Area Development (RAD)
    • Soil Health Management (SHM) - includes Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme.
    • On-Farm Water Management (OFWM)
    • Climate Change and Sustainable Agriculture: Monitoring, Modelling & Networking (CCSA: MMN)
    • Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) - promotes organic farming.

Programmes NOT part of NMSA's sub-missions

    • Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) - is a separate Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
    • Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PM-KSY) - is a separate Centrally Sponsored Scheme.

Zero Hunger Programme (India)

  • Focuses on agriculture, nutrition, and health interventions in the farm sector.
  • Dedicated farm-based programme, synchronized with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 (End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture) to end hunger by 2030.
  • Launched as a pilot initiative in three districts (e.g., Koraput - Odisha, Thanjavur - Tamil Nadu, Thane - Maharashtra).
  • An initiative of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF).

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Overview

    • Adopted by 193 UN Member States in

2015.

    • Replaced Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) (2000-2015). MDGs had 8 goals, one of which was to reduce the world's population suffering from lack of safe drinking water by 50%.
    • Aims to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all by 2030.
    • Total 17 Goals and 169 Targets.
    • Also known as Global Goals.
    • Originated from the Rio +20 Declaration (June 2012), which decided on features like poverty eradication, fighting inequality, gender equality, health and educational reforms, ocean and forest protection, and world partnership for sustainable development.
    • Central principle: "Leave no one behind," emphasizing disaggregated data.
    • Common global commitments for all countries, irrespective of development status.
    • Not an SDG target: Space Research, Flexible citizenship rights for better labor markets, Ban on terrorist organizations.
  • The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1.

No Poverty

      • SDG 1 targets poverty

ending in all its forms

everywhere, using indicators

like the proportion of people

living below the national

poverty line.

      • MGNREGS

contributes

directly to SDG 1. Zero Hunger 2.

      • SDG Target 2.2: End all forms of malnutrition.
      • The world is not on track to achieve zero hunger by 2030; burden of malnutrition remains a challenge.
      • MGNREGS contributes directly to SDG 2. Good Health and Well-being 3.
      • SDG Target 3.1: Reduce global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births.
      • SDG Target 3.3: End the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases.
      • SDG Target 3.7: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services. Quality Education 4.
      • The concept of global citizenship embedded in SDG 4 refers to values & principles, not flexible citizenship rights for better labor markets. Gender Equality 5.
      • MGNREGS contributes directly to SDG 5. Clean Water and Sanitation 6.
      • Targets water availability for all and its permanent management up to 2030. Affordable and Clean Energy 7. Decent Work and Economic Growth 8. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure 9. Reduced Inequalities 10.
      • Achieving SDG 10 requires financial system reform that promotes equitable pay and decent work for young people.
      • MGNREGS contributes directly to SDG 10. Sustainable Cities and Communities 11. Responsible Consumption and Produc12. tion
      • 'Mission LiFE' (Lifestyle for Environment) aims to influence government and industrial policy to support both sustainable consumption and production.
      • Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) is primarily addressed under SDG 12, not SDG 14. Climate Action 13. Life Below Water 14. Life on Land 15. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions 16. Partnerships for the Goals 17.
  • India's Performance and Monitoring

NITI Aayog is the nodal institution for implementation and monitoring of SDGs in India.

and

monitoring of SDGs in India.

    • National Indicator Framework (NIF) Developed by NITI Aayog for facilitating monitoring of SDGs in India. It includes

302 indicators to measure all 17 SDGs.

    • SDG India Index
      • Released by NITI Aayog.
      • Comprehensively documents the progress made by India's States and Union Territories towards implementing the 2030 SDG targets.
      • Includes all

17 SDGs for each State/UT.

      • "Reduced unemployment" is not an explicitly listed SDG goal within the index, though related to SDG 8.
      • Categories of States' performance based on index score

Aspirant

0 – 49

Performer

50 – 64

Front-runner

65 – 99

Achiever

100

SDG India Index 2018

      • Front runners:

Kerala and Himachal

Pradesh.

      • SDG 1: No Poverty; SDG 2: Zero Hunger; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
      • SDG India Index 2019-20
      • Tamil Nadu stood

second.

      • Uttar Pradesh was grouped under the Performer category.
      • SDG India Index & Dashboard 2020-21 (Version 3.0)
      • India's overall score improved to

66 in 2020-21 from 60

in 2019-20 and 57 in

2018-19.

      • Despite 2020-21 being a pandemic year, India performed well on eight of the 15 SDGs.
      • Top State

Kerala (score 75).

      • Front Runner in SDG-14 (Life Below Water): Odisha.
      • Bottom States Assam, Jharkhand,

Bihar (Bihar had the

bottom-most position).

      • Uttarakhand's rank in 2020 was 4th.
      • Madhya Pradesh composite score in 2020 was 62.
      • Uttar Pradesh composite score in 2020-21 was 60.
      • States NOT among top five/ten include Gujarat, Punjab, Sikkim. Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Tamil Nadu were among top performers.
      • SDG Urban Index and Dashboard 2021-22
      • Top three cities: Coimbatore, Chandigarh, Shimla. Indore was

not among the top

three.

    • India's Global Ranks
      • 2016 Sustainable Development Goal Index:

110th.

      • 2017 Sustainable Development Goal Index: 116th.
      • Sustainable Development Report 2023: 112th.
    • India's Significance India's success is critical for the global success of SDGs because India accounts for nearly

one-sixth of the total world population.

    • MGNREGS Recognized as 'core of the core' scheme, contributes directly to SDG 1, SDG 2, SDG 5, and SDG 10.

Challenges

The average SDG Index score declined globally in 2021 compared to 2020, partly due to slow or non-existent recovery in poor and vulnerable countries. (Statement that US, Brazil, Russian Federation exhibit most support among G20 for 2030 Agenda is incorrect).

4. Poverty, Unemployment, and Inequality in India

Global Sustainable Development Report (quadrennial)

First one titled "The Future is Now: Science for Achieving Sustainable Development".

Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN)

Publishes The World Happiness Report.

Sustainable Urbanization and Smart Cities

  • Sustainable Urbanization aims for cities that are livable, equitable, resilient, and environmentally sound.
  • Smart Cities utilize technology and data for improved urban services, infrastructure, and quality of life.
  • Key benefits of a Green City include effective land use and efficient resource utilization (e.g., water, energy, waste).
  • NITI Aayog's 'Sustainable Development Goals Urban Index and Dashboard 2021-22', released in November 2021, ranked Shimla in the first place.