INDIA’S PROGRESS IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS) 2024 REPORT
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY, INCLUSIVE GROWTH: THE HINDU
India has been ranked 99th out of 167 countries in the 2024 Sustainable Development Report by the UN-backed Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) — its first time among the top 100 since the rankings began in 2016.
Key Highlights of India’s SDG Performance
Overall Rank Progress
- Improved from 110th in 2016 to 99th in 2024 out of 167 nations.
- Shows gradual progress, but gaps in several SDG indicators remain.
SDG 1 – No Poverty
- India has shown positive strides in poverty reduction.
- Poverty estimated to have declined from 22% (2012) to ~12% (2023).
- However, lack of updated consumption data and outdated poverty lines raise concerns about accurate measurement.
SDG 2 – Zero Hunger
- Stunting among children is still high: 35.5% (NFHS-5), marginally down from 38.4%.
- Wasting improved slightly from 21% to 19.3%.
- Growing urban obesity among 15-49 age group raises new challenges.
SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
- India has nearly universal electricity coverage, but quality and reliability differ by region.
- Ranked 4th globally in renewable energy capacity (mainly solar and wind).
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, Infrastructure
- Success in mobile connectivity and digital financial inclusion (e.g., UPI).
- COVID-19 exposed rural-urban divide in digital access, impacting SDG 4 (Education).
SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
- Weakest area for India: poor performance in governance, rule of law, press freedom, and independence of institutions.
WHAT ARE SDGS?
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
- These goals aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030.
Key Features of SDGs
- Total Goals: 17
- Targets: 169 specific targets under the 17 goals
- Indicators: 232 measurable indicators to track progress
- Universality: Applicable to all countries — developed and developing
- Integrated: Balances social, economic, and environmental dimensions of development
India and SDGs
- NITI Aayog monitors India’s SDG performance through the SDG India Index (now the SDG National Indicator Framework).
- Various flagship schemes (e.g., Swachh Bharat, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, PM-KUSUM) are aligned with SDG targets.
Conclusion
While India has improved in key sectors like poverty reduction, clean energy, and digital inclusion, issues like malnutrition, governance, and rural-urban inequality require urgent attention to accelerate SDG progress.
PRACTISING EQUALITY IN CONSTITUTIONAL COURTS
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY, JUDICIARY: THE HINDU
Recently, the Supreme Court of India reviewed its process of selecting Senior Advocates, revisiting earlier rulings (Indira Jaising case) and directing High Courts to frame new rules, raising concerns over equality within the legal profession.
Background of the Issue
- The Advocates Act, 1961 under Section 16 allows courts to classify lawyers into Senior Advocates and regular Advocates.
- This classification is based on legal knowledge, experience, and standing at the bar.
- However, critics argue that this creates hierarchy and inequality among equals in the legal field.
Concerns About Legal Hierarchy
- This categorization has led to the rise of an elite group or legal oligarchy in India.
- Such a system mirrors concerns raised in the U.S., where a small group of lawyers had excessive influence on Supreme Court decisions.
- It affects access to justice, as wealthy clients prefer “star lawyers”, sidelining competent but lesser-known lawyers.
Supreme Court’s Judgments
- Indira Jaising v. Supreme Court (2017) upheld the classification but called for a transparent process.
- Jitender v. State of NCT of Delhi (2025) revisited the earlier ruling and criticized the point-based system as subjective.
- The Court did not strike down Section 16 or refer the issue to a larger bench, keeping the practice legally valid.
Unresolved Constitutional Questions
- Is it constitutionally valid to classify lawyers who have the same qualifications and licenses?
- Does this violate Article 14 (Right to Equality)?
- Can courts determine such distinctions in the absence of a clear and fair selection process?
Wider Impact on Legal Democracy
- Arbitrary designation creates “intellectual apartheid”, where only a select few are heard.
- It discourages judicial diversity, especially for women and marginalized lawyers.
- Public interest litigations may be influenced by a limited group of senior lawyers, harming representativeness.
Missed Opportunity for Reform
- The judiciary missed the chance to align the legal system with egalitarian values and social justice goals of the Constitution.
- Historical ties between the legal profession and India’s freedom movement underline the need for inclusiveness.
Conclusion
For justice to be fair and accessible, courts must democratize legal spaces, promote equal opportunity for all lawyers, and remove systemic biases in senior designation practices.
CHINA-LED TRILATERAL NEXUS AS INDIA’S STRATEGIC CHALLENGE
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
China recently hosted a trilateral meeting with Pakistan and Bangladesh in Kunming to enhance cooperation. This move is part of China’s broader strategy to form regional groupings that challenge India’s strategic influence in South Asia.
Background of Regional Alignments
- The India-China war of 1962 laid the foundation for regional rivalries.
- Since then, Pakistan and China have developed strong military and economic ties to counterbalance India.
- Pakistan depends heavily on China for financial support, military hardware, and diplomatic backing.
Security and Military Dimensions
- China has supported Pakistan’s narrative on issues like the Pahalgam terror attack (April 2025), calling India’s response through Operation Sindoor “regrettable”.
- During Operation Sindoor, Pakistan deployed various Chinese weapons, including radars, drones, and fighter aircraft.
- China has often shielded Pakistan at international forums, including the UNSC, from being labelled as a state sponsor of terrorism.
China’s New Trilateral Strategy
- China is pushing trilateral forums like China-Pakistan-Afghanistan and China-Pakistan-Bangladesh to:
- Increase its regional presence.
- Draw India’s neighbors away from its influence.
- Strengthen the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) by linking it to South Asian states.
India’s Strategic Response
- India has shown strong military responses to Pakistan’s terror activities (Uri 2016, Pulwama 2019, Pahalgam 2025).
- India’s diplomatic steps, like suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, restricting trade and port access, and targeting Pakistan’s military infrastructure, have weakened Pakistan’s standing.
- India has also actively engaged with regional governments, including Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the Maldives, to check Chinese influence.
Challenges with Bangladesh and Afghanistan
- Regime changes in Bangladesh and Afghanistan have tilted both countries closer to China-Pakistan.
- Pakistan is increasing its ties with Dhaka and Taliban-led Kabul through security and economic deals.
- This shift could lead to increased cross-border terrorism and reduced trust in India’s neighborhood.
Way Forward for India
- India must clearly assert its redlines and communicate the costs of antagonistic behaviour by neighbours.
- It must strengthen bilateral ties through economic aid, security pacts, and regional partnerships.
- India needs to stay focused on long-term strategic goals while countering short-term regional instability.
CONCLUSION:
India must remain vigilant against emerging regional alignments that threaten its strategic interests. Proactive diplomacy and strong neighbourhood ties are essential to counter China’s growing influence.
ASSAM & MIZORAM FRAME RULES TO TACKLE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
Two northeastern states — Assam and Mizoram — have taken strict steps to control illegal immigration from Bangladesh and Myanmar by tightening the rules for identification documents.
Context of the Issue:
Illegal immigration has long been a sensitive and politically important issue in the Northeast. Assam is focusing on curbing misuse of Aadhaar, while Mizoram is targeting the repeated cross-border movements of Myanmar nationals due to the ongoing civil unrest in Myanmar.
Measures Taken by Assam:
- Stricter Aadhaar Issuance Policy: From now on, only District Commissioners (DCs) will have the authority to issue Aadhaar to new adult applicants.
- This aims to prevent Bangladeshi nationals from illegally obtaining Aadhaar cards.
- 100% Aadhaar Coverage Already Achieved: Assam CM claimed that since Aadhaar coverage is already complete, any new application will be strictly scrutinized.
- Suspicious Aadhaar Penetration Rates: Some districts like Barpeta (103.74%) and Dhubri (103.48%) have more Aadhaar holders than their projected population.
- These areas have high concentrations of Bengali-speaking Muslims, raising concerns over illegal entries.
- NRC Linkage: Those who did not apply under the National Register of Citizens (NRC) are now being barred from obtaining Aadhaar since April 2024.
Measures Taken by Mizoram:
- Proposal to Seize Myanmar Nationals’ Identity Cards: CM Lalduhoma suggested collecting and retaining Myanmar-issued identity documents of frequent cross-border refugees.
- Humanitarian vs Security Balance: While acknowledging the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, the government wants to ensure refuge is not misused.
- Law-abiding refugees are welcome, but repeat entries and exits will attract strict action.
- Coordination with Centre: The proposal was discussed with MEAs Joint Secretary and Protector General of Emigrants, showing Centre-State collaboration.
Significance & Concerns:
- Highlights a tougher stance on border security and document verification in border states.
- Raises debate on humanitarian rights vs national security, especially in conflict-driven refugee cases.
- Assists in tackling issues like demographic changes, resource pressure, and internal security threats.
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IN ASSAM AND MIZORAM
Assam – Illegal Immigration from Bangladesh (Since 1971):
- Large-scale migration began after the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, causing demographic changes in districts like Dhubri, Barpeta, and Nagaon.
- Issue: Strain on resources, change in voter base, and ethnic tensions between locals and migrants.
Assam NRC Controversy (2019):
- The National Register of Citizens (NRC) was updated to identify illegal immigrants, with 19 lakh people excluded from the final list in August 2019.
- Issue: Many genuine citizens were left out while some illegal immigrants allegedly stayed in the list, creating legal and political challenges.
Mizoram – Myanmar Refugee Influx (Post-2021):
- After the 2021 military coup in Myanmar, over 35,000 refugees (mainly Chin communities) fled to Mizoram due to violence.
- Issue: While locals show solidarity due to ethnic ties, the state struggles with accommodation, identification, and border regulation.
Aadhaar & Identity Card Misuse (2024–2025):
- Assam in 2025 restricted Aadhaar issuance only through District Commissioners to prevent Bangladeshi migrants from misusing documents.
- Mizoram proposed in 2024 to confiscate Myanmar ID cards to control cross-border movement.
- Issue: Rising security concerns and misuse of welfare schemes by non-locals.
NRC (National Register of Citizens):
- NRC is an official record that lists all legal Indian citizens in a state, aimed at identifying and removing illegal immigrants, especially in border states like Assam.
- First created in 1951, the NRC was updated in Assam in 2015–2019 under Supreme Court supervision to detect illegal Bangladeshi migrants who entered after March 24, 1971.
- The final list, published in August 2019, excluded about 19 lakh people, leading to legal, humanitarian, and political challenges, including concerns over genuine citizens being left out.
Conclusion
These new steps by Assam and Mizoram reflect the rising concern over unchecked immigration and misuse of identity systems. A careful balance between national security and humanitarian care remains essential going forward.
FLASH FLOODS
TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY: THE HINDU
Flash floods in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district have claimed six lives, with rescue operations affected due to heavy rainfall and two persons still missing.
What are Flash Floods?
- Flash floods are sudden, intense floods that occur within a short period of time, often due to heavy rainfall, cloudbursts, or dam breaches.
- They have a rapid onset and can be highly destructive due to their speed and force.
Causes of Flash Floods:
- Intense Rainfall: When rainfall exceeds the land’s absorption capacity, it leads to surface runoff and flash floods.
- Cloudbursts: Sudden, heavy rainfall over a small area, often in hilly regions, causes violent flooding (common in Himalayas).
- Deforestation & Urbanisation: Reduced vegetation and increase in impermeable surfaces prevent water absorption, worsening floods.
- Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs): Melting glaciers in regions like Uttarakhand and Sikkim can suddenly burst, triggering floods.
Regions Prone to Flash Floods in India:
- Himalayan States: Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir face frequent flash floods due to steep slopes and cloudbursts.
- Western Ghats: States like Kerala and Maharashtra experience flash floods due to intense monsoons and altered drainage.
- Urban Areas: Cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru suffer urban flash floods due to poor drainage and heavy rainfall.
Impacts:
- Loss of Life & Livelihoods
- Damage to Infrastructure (roads, bridges, dams)
- Disruption in Rescue & Relief Operations
Way Forward:
- Early warning systems
- Eco-sensitive land use planning
- Afforestation and watershed management
- Strengthening disaster response capacity at the local level
BUYBACKS LESS ATTRACTIVE DUE TO TAX AND SEBI NORM CHANGES
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
Recently, share buybacks by listed companies in India have sharply declined in 2025 due to new tax rules and SEBI’s regulatory changes. These changes have made buybacks less beneficial for both companies and shareholders.
What is a Share Buyback?
- A buyback is when a company repurchases its own shares from the market or shareholders.
- It reduces the number of outstanding shares, improves earnings per share (EPS), and is often used when companies have surplus cash.
Recent Developments in 2025
- Only 4 buyback offers worth ₹186 crore were made till June 26, 2025.
- In contrast, there were 38 buybacks worth ₹8,000+ crore in 2024.
- This steep drop shows companies are moving away from this route.
Reasons for Decline
Taxation Rule Change
- Effective from October 1, 2024, buyback income is now taxed like dividends.
- Earlier: Companies paid 20% tax on buybacks.
- Now: Shareholders bear tax liability as capital gains—making buybacks less attractive for them.
SEBI Regulatory Changes
- SEBI phased out open market buybacks, effective from FY 2025.
- Companies are now only allowed to buy back shares through the tender offer route, which is more complex and less flexible.
- This has discouraged many companies from initiating buybacks.
Market Sentiment
- Despite bearish markets (Oct 2024–Mar 2025), where buybacks typically increase, the new norms reduced activity.
- Some companies may have rushed to finish buybacks before October 2024.
Conclusion
The combined effect of stricter SEBI norms and shifting tax burdens has led to a sharp decline in share buybacks. Companies now find the tender route less appealing, and shareholders are less incentivized under the new tax regime.
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE AND LINGUISTIC DIVERSITY IN INDIA
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The Department of Official Language recently completed 50 years since its inception in 1975. On this occasion, the union home minister emphasized the role of Indian languages in preserving the nation’s cultural and civilizational values.
India’s Linguistic Diversity
- India is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world.
- As per Census 2011, India has 121 recognised languages and over 1,600 spoken mother tongues.
- The country has 11 classical languages, including Tamil, Sanskrit, Odia, and recently added Marathi and Pali.
- Ancient scripts like Indus, Brahmi, and Kharosthi highlight India’s rich linguistic heritage.
Constitutional Provisions
- Article 343: Hindi (in Devanagari) is the official language of the Union; English continues for official purposes.
- Article 344: Provides for a language commission to promote Hindi.
- Article 345: Allows states to adopt their own official languages.
- Eighth Schedule: Lists 22 scheduled languages.
- Article 350A: Ensures primary education in the mother tongue for linguistic minorities.
- Right to conserve language and culture is a Fundamental Right (Article 29).
Education & Empowerment
- NEP 2020: Encourages teaching in the mother tongue till Grade 5 or 8.
- Major entrance exams like JEE/NEET/CUET now available in 13 Indian languages.
- DIKSHA and SWAYAM offer educational content in multiple Indian languages including Indian Sign Language.
Digital Inclusion
- Digital India: Since 2017, all phones sold in India must support Indian languages.
- Project Bhashini: Develops AI tools to promote digital use of Indian languages for wider access.
Threat to Minority Languages
- Over 50 languages have vanished in the past five decades.
- Many tribal and endangered languages still face extinction.
Language Promotion Institutions
- CIIL, Kendriya Hindi Sansthan, and Central Sanskrit Universities work to preserve and promote Indian languages.
- Campaigns like Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat help connect youth with India’s linguistic unity and diversity.
Conclusion
India’s multilingual culture is a core strength that must be preserved. Government efforts in education, digital access, and policy support are key to safeguarding linguistic diversity.
UNITED NATIONS AT 80, NEED FOR REFORM
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
June 26, 2025, marks 80 years since the signing of the UN Charter. The UN Secretary-General launched the UN80 Initiative to modernize the organization and address emerging global challenges.
Background of the UN
- The UN Charter was signed on June 26, 1945, after World War II, in San Francisco by 50 countries.
- It came into force on October 24, 1945, celebrated as United Nations Day.
- The Charter has a Preamble and 111 Articles arranged into chapters.
- Key aims: peacekeeping, human rights, development, and international cooperation.
UN Principal Bodies
- General Assembly
- Security Council
- Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
- Trusteeship Council
- International Court of Justice (ICJ)
- UN Secretariat
UN80 Reform Initiative – Core Areas
- Efficiency & Simplification: Cut duplication and bureaucracy, shift functions to lower-cost locations.
- Mandate Review: Use AI tools to filter and remove outdated mandates among 40,000 existing ones.
- Structural Realignment: Reshape institutions and streamline UN programme structure.
Why Reforms Are Needed
- Financial Stress: Many member states delay payments; only 75 paid 2025 dues on time.
- Overlapping Mandates: Outdated tasks hinder flexibility.
- New Global Challenges: Need for better tech governance, climate response, and conflict resolution.
- Lack of Trust: Rising geopolitical tensions have reduced global faith in the UN.
India’s Position
- Supports comprehensive UN reform, especially expanding the Security Council.
- Member of the G4 group (India, Brazil, Germany, Japan) pushing for representation of new powers and regions.
- Has served 8 times as a non-permanent member of the Security Council.
Challenges Ahead
- P5 resistance to sharing veto power.
- No consensus or binding reform text in Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN).
- Lack of financial clarity and oversight tools for reforms.
- Rise of regional blocs (BRICS, SCO, Quad) may divert focus from UN reforms.
Conclusion
The UN80 Initiative is a vital step to upgrade the United Nations for 21st-century needs. However, its success depends on political consensus, inclusive negotiations, and strong accountability.