1.SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

India is critical in determining the success of the SDGs, globally. At the UN Sustainable Development Summit in 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted, “Sustainable development of one-sixth of humanity will be of great consequence to the world and our beautiful planet.

India’s premier think tank

NITI Aayog, the Government of India’s premier think tank, has been entrusted with the task of coordinating the SDGs, mapping schemes related to the SDGs and their targets, and identifying lead and supporting ministries for each target. In addition, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has been leading discussions for developing national indicators for the SDGs. State governments are key to India’s progress on the SDGs as they are best placed to ‘put people first’ and to ensuring that ‘no one is left behind

Supports to India

The UN Country Team in India supports NITI Aayog, Union ministries and state governments in their efforts to address the interconnectedness of the goals, to ensure that no one is left behind and to advocate for adequate financing to achieve the SDGs.

UN’s support to The Sustainable Development Goals in India

The 17 SDGs and 169 targets are part of a transformative agenda – the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by 193 Member States at the UN General Assembly Summit in September 2015, and which came into effect on 1 January 2016. At the core of this global agenda for 2030 is the principle of universality: ‘Leave No One Behind’.

Development in all its dimensions

Development in all its dimensions must include all people, everywhere, and should be built through the participation of everyone, especially the most vulnerable and marginalised. This comprehensive agenda recognises that it is no longer sufficient just to focus on economic growth, but on fairer and more equal societies, and a safer and more prosperous planet.

Brief History of SDGs goal

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.

Brief History of SDGs goal

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.

What are the 17 SDGs Goals

1. No Poverty

With a projected global poverty rate of 7% in 2030, the equivalent of 598,394,116 people, this UN goal aims to end poverty of all kinds.

Objectives

• SDG Goal 1 objectives include but are not limited to: end extreme poverty (those living on 1.25 dollars per day), reduce half the population living in poverty, implement protection systems, ensure equal rights to economic resources and basic services, reduce poverty-related vulnerability to climate change-induced extreme weather events, mobilize resources in developing countries, and create pro-poor and gender-sensitive policy frameworks by 2030. The COVID-19 conflict set back poverty reduction progress.

2. Zero Hunger

As of 2020, 2.37 billion people are without food or unable to eat a healthy balanced diet, hence the goal of zero hunger. “Zero Hunger” sets out to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. The global pandemic has only worsened global hunger, seeing as many as 161 million additional people will experience hunger as a result. Regarding women, 1/3 of those at a reproductive age experience Anaemia due to nutritional deficiencies.

Objectives

• SDG Goal 2 objectives include but are not limited to: end hunger, end all forms of malnutrition, double agricultural productivity and the income of small-scale food producers, bring resilience to agricultural practices and found sustainable food production systems, and maintain genetic food diversity.

3. Good Health and Well-Being

With a focus on increasing life expectancy and reducing common child and maternal diseases and killers, this goal targets ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages. The global pandemic has only made health disparities more apparent, halting and even reducing life-expectancy progress.

Objectives

• SDG Goal 3 objectives include but are not limited to: reduce maternal mortality, end preventable newborn and child death, end multiple disease epidemics, reduce premature mortality, prevent and treat substance abuse, halt traffic-related deaths and injuries, ensure universal health coverage and access, reduce pollution and contamination deaths.

4. Quality Education 

This goal ensures inclusive and equitable quality education and promotes lifelong learning for all. Sadly, COVID-19 reversed years of education gains, and many countries lack basic school infrastructure.

Objectives

• SDG Goal 4 objectives include but are not limited to: ensure free and quality primary and secondary education, give children access to early childhood development, ensure equal access for men and women to afford higher education choices, increase skills in youth, ensure gender equality, and promote sustainable development in education.

5. Gender Equality 

SDG 5 targets to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. The percentage of women who work in national parliaments, local governments, and in managerial positions is still significantly less than that of men. Not to mention 1 in 3 women are subject to violence at least once since the age of 15, and child marriage is still highly present.

Objectives

• SDG Goal 5 objectives include but are not limited to: end discrimination against women, eliminate all forms of violence against women, eliminate harmful practices, value unpaid care and domestic work, ensure equal opportunities for leadership, ensure access to feminine health care, and ensure equal rights.

OBJECTIVES

SDG Goal 15 objectives include but are not limited to: ensuring freshwater ecosystem health, sustainable management of forests, ensuring mountain ecosystem health, preserving natural habitats, shared benefits of genetic resource use, ending poaching and protected species trafficking, and integrating biodiversity values into national planning.

6. Clean Water and Sanitation

The availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation ensures safe water for drinking, sanitation, and hygiene, yet 2.3 billion people live in water-stressed countries.

Objectives

• SDG Goal 6 objectives include but are not limited to: provide equal universal access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene, reduce water pollution, increase water-use efficiency, integrate water-resource management, and protect ecosystems dependent on water.

7. Affordable and Clean Energy 

Almost 800 million people lack access to electricity and 1/3 of the population uses dangerous cooking systems. This puts into perspective why this goal aims to ensure affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy.

Objectives

• SDG Goal 7 objectives include but are not limited to: increase renewable energy use, improve energy use efficiency, enhance international cooperation regarding clean energy access, research, and technology, and to upgrade technology in developing countries for sustainable energy services.

8. Decent Work and Economic Growth 

Especially after the global pandemic, joblessness and unemployment is extremely prevalent, making this goal of promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth and productive employment and decent work ever more important.

Objectives

• SDG Goal 8 objectives include but are not limited to: sustain economic growth, increase economic productivity, improve resource efficiency, achieve full and productive employment, increase working youth population, end forced labor, protect labor rights, promote tourism, and grant access to financial institution access for all.

9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

Resilient infrastructure, inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and innovation is the objective of this sustainable development goal. Enhancing rural road connectivity, increasing research and development investment, and manufacturing high tech products helps stabilize infrastructure.

Objectives

• SDG Goal 9 objectives include but are not limited to: reliable infrastructure for all, sustainable industrialization, increased access of small-scale industries and enterprises in developing countries, rendering industries sustainable, and improving technology in all industries.

10. Reduced Inequalities 

This sustainable development goal focuses on reducing inequalities within and among countries. Income inequality, the refugee crises, and inequality indexes all show that certain areas and countries are highly more beneficial to live in than others. Living standards between countries are very unbalanced.

Objectives

• SDG Goal 10 objectives include but are not limited to: income growth for the bottom 40 percent of the population at a higher than national average rate, social, economic, and political inclusion, appropriate legislation policies to reduce inequality, wage and fiscal equality, better financial market and institution regulation, legitimate institutions that represent developing countries in global decisions, and safe migration.

11. Sustainable Cities and Communities

This goal promotes making cities and human settlements safer, resilient, and sustainable through use of national urban policies, more access to public spaces, convenient public transportation, and the reduction of slums.

Objectives

• SDG Goal 11 objectives include but are not limited to: safe and affordable housing for all, safe and affordable transport for all, sustainable urbanization and human settlement planning, protect cultures around the world, protecting the poor and vulnerable from death by natural disasters, monitoring air quality and waste management to reduce negative city impact, and to provide green public space

12. Responsible Consumption and Production 

Ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns, as a goal, aims to reduce climate change and negative environmental impacts.

Objectives

• SDG Goal 12 objectives include but are not limited to: implementing a 10-year framework program for sustainable development and consumption, achieving sustainable management, having food waste, managing chemicals and waste in an environmentally responsible way, reduce waste, encourage company sustainable practices, sustainable public procurement practices, and providing access to relevant sustainable development and harmony with nature information.

13. Climate Action 

Climate action is a goal involving the fight against climate change and its impacts. Rising greenhouse gas emissions, an average global temperature increase, and increased spending due to climate change are all negative results of climate change.

Objectives

• SDG Goal 13 objectives include but are not limited to: being prepared for climate related disasters, integrating climate policies into national policies, and raising climate awareness.

14. Life Below Water 

The Life Below Water goal focuses on conserving and sustainably using our oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. We, as a population, rely heavily on our oceans for food, tourism, recreational activities, and global trade. In fact, 3 billion people rely on the ocean for their livelihood. However, our oceans are under severe threat. Over half of key marine biodiversity areas are unprotected, and dead zones, zones lacking oxygen to support marine life, are rising. It is thus imperative we protect our oceans better.

Objectives

• SDG Goal 14 objectives include but are not limited to: preventing marine pollution, protecting marine and coastal ecosystems, minimizing ocean acidification through impact reduction, protecting the fishing market, conserving marine and coastal areas, and overfishing control.

15. Life on Land

This goal overall promotes the health of land life. It includes protecting, restoring, and promoting land ecosystems, managing forests sustainably. Combatting desertification and halting and reversing land degradation and biodiversity loss. With many species under threat and ever-increasing biodiversity loss, it is essential we take better care of land ecosystems.

Objectives

• SDG Goal 15 objectives include but are not limited to: ensuring freshwater ecosystem health, sustainable management of forests, ensuring mountain ecosystem health, preserving natural habitats, shared benefits of genetic resource use, ending poaching and protected species trafficking, and integrating biodiversity values into national planning.

16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions 

This goal involves reducing conflict, insecurity, and weak institutions by means of promoting peace and inclusivity for sustainable development and justice for all.

Objectives

• SDG Goal 16 objectives include but are not limited to: reduce violence and death rates, end all forms of violence against children, promote law at national and international levels, reduce financial crime, reduce corruption, develop transparent institutions, developing country participation in global governance institutions, legal identity for all, and ensuring public access to information and freedom rights.

17. Partnership for the Goals

This last goal aims to help realize strong partnership and global cooperation for the SDGs.

Objectives

• SDG Goal 17 objectives include but are not limited to: enhance developing country international support, enhancing international cooperation, promote environmentally sound technologies, rule-based and equitable multilateral trading system, increase developing country exports, enhance global economic stability, and coherent sustainable development policy.

What Is the 2030 Agenda?

The 17 goals came with the adaptation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which was adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015. These goals are associated with this agenda. The 2030 Agenda “is a plan of action for people, planet, and prosperity,” and the goals show the dedication of the UN to this plan of action.

2.Themes Of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav

The Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is an initiative by the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of independence.

The Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is an initiative by the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of independence. The celebration is marked by several themes, each focusing on different aspects of India’s journey over the last seven and a half decades. There are the key themes:

1. Vishva Guru Bharat

‘A guru is someone who has the power to see greatness even in the lowest man and has the power to raise it’. Since the beginning of civilization India has been the Guru for the whole world. When the whole world was groping in darkness India was teaching about the identity of man with the Supreme. People from all around the world converged to India to gain from its priceless wisdom. Indeed, the country that showed the whole world its academic brilliance through Sushrutha, Kanad, and Aryabhatta deserves to gain the same pedestal of being “Vishwa Guru” again. Now, that the world has openly adopted ‘Namaste’ as a way of greeting, Indian values have a treasure trove of beliefs that can change the entire world for betterment.

Believe in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam

From Ayurveda to Indian science, there’s more to India that the world needs to know, learn, and adopt. Bharat can become Vishva Guru also because of its message of great love and great compassion for all. We believe in ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, the world is one family. And now, is time that the entire world also imbibes the spirit.

2. India’s Rich Cultural Heritage

Indian word for culture is ‘Sanskriti’. From time immemorial, Indians have described their culture as ‘Human Culture’ (Manav Dharma/ Sanskriti). It has a universal appeal. The principle of ‘Unity in Diversity’ is the implicit law of nature, universe and life. People belonging to diverse communities, speaking different languages, having different food, performing different customs harmoniously co-exist in India. Thus, the soul of cultural heritage of India lies in the fact that it’s an all embracing confluence of religions, traditions, customs and beliefs. Over the years, numerous styles of art, architecture, painting, music, dance, festivals and customs have developed in India and this wide variety has made the Indian culture unparalled to which the entire world still looks up to. The cultural heritage of India still flourishes maintaining its original features together along with changes, a key indicator of its strength.

3. Atmanirbhar Bharat

The idea of self-reliant nation in every aspect is being achieved by the pioneering vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister. During the pandemic, India has demonstrated that it can cope up with dire situation. Aatmanirbharta also gives a financial cushion to several businesses and encourage entrepreneurs to produce maximum goods and services within the country. Within this year, India has not only started the world’s largest self-made vaccination drive, it is in fact exporting it to different nations as well.

Mantra of ‘vocal for local

The whole concept of self-reliance will reduce unemployment at many levels. India is a big and the fast growing market for a majority of the product categories and with the mantra of ‘vocal for local’, the promulgation of local brands, manufacturing and supply chain will provide a big boost to India’s economy.

4. Celebrating Unsung Heroes

During the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, events, exhibitions (online and offline), publications, and develop museums keeping the unsung or unacknowledged heroes of the Indian freedom struggle will be planned. Many freedom fighters do not find place in the conventional freedom movement storyline. More so, those from the tribal or marginalized sections of society. One such example is Veer Gundandhur, who led the tribals of Bastar in the freedom struggle. Then there are Velu Nachiyar, Bhikaji Cama, and many more whose contributions are yet to see the light of the day. The ideals of human resolve, kindness and selflessness will be celebrated and promoted during the course of the events.

“Dekho Apna Desh”

With the element of inclusion in the conventional storyline, local history shall find place under the “Dekho Apna Desh”. Every state and UT is planning events in accordance with this theme. Chief secretaries from every state and UT are planning two/three historical events of local importance. The idea of unsung heroes will be intricately linked to the Visit India Year 2022 wherein regional art, culture, heritage, wellness and yoga shall be promoted.

5. Ideas, Achievements & Resolve@75

The idea is to celebrate the notion of India – being the ‘best in class’ in social, political and economic realm – shared by every Indian. Patriotism shall fill the air while commemorating milestones achieved by the nation. We have traversed a long way since independence, and have a long way to go.

Achievements in different spheres

Achievements in different spheres, for instance Agriculture, Science and Technology, will be highlighted during the course of the events. The Aatmanirbhar Bharat Design Centre being developed as part of the Museum complex at Red Fort (Delhi) shall stress upon indigenous products coming from all the states and UTs. Furthermore, resolves igniting the challenger spirit in every citizen will be fostered, such as #RiseUp pledge cross the social media platforms. Programmes of similar nature will not just devote each individual towards the national building process, it will also aid Indians overcome challenges in their everyday life. Such an approach will further consolidate our achievements as a nation, and new dreams and opportunities will come to the fore.

6. Independence 2.0

Over the years, the notion of India has largely revolved around the diversity narrative. Keeping the larger vision for the nation in mind, both for contemporary times and for the future, emphasis now lies on local manufacturing (‘Made in India’ and ‘vocal’ about ‘local’). Before the nation approaches the global level, creation of world-class products promoting investments and value pricing remain the focus. This shall lead to establishment of a level-playing business ecosystem, keeping the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in mind. Not only will sustainability remain a key, increased participation of local craftsmen and artisans shall be witnessed as well.

India as ‘Nation of the Future

For a successful Independence 2.0, the sentiments of India’s rich cultural heritage will be tapped. All the aforementioned elements (such as Visva Guru Bharat, Aatmanirbhar Bharat) will be imbibed in spirit while implementing this vision. Along with imbibing ethos, marketing battles will also have to be fought in the fast evolving consumer world. Once this is achieved, then the same ethos will be carried at the globular stage – with Indian products competing across international categories. Thus, walking on the path towards the long awaited aspiration of India as ‘Nation of the Future‘.

3.Nelson Mandela Legacy Sit

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has inscribed several iconic South African sites associated with Nelson Mandela as World Heritage Sites.

In a momentous decision that celebrates the life and legacy of one of the world’s most revered leaders, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has inscribed several iconic South African sites associated with Nelson Mandela as World Heritage Sites. This recognition, announced during the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in New Delhi, marks a significant milestone in preserving the memory of South Africa’s journey from apartheid to democracy.

The Human Rights, Liberation and Reconciliation: Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites

A Collective Testament to a Nation’s Struggle

The newly recognized World Heritage property, officially named “The Human Rights, Liberation and Reconciliation: Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites,” encompasses 14 locations intricately linked to Nelson Mandela’s life and South Africa’s liberation struggle. These sites stand as powerful symbols of the country’s tumultuous history and its eventual triumph over oppression.

Key Components of the Legacy Sites

Among the 14 components are several locations of profound historical significance:

1. The Union Buildings in Pretoria, where Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa’s first democratically elected President
2. Constitution Hill in Johannesburg, a former prison turned home to South Africa’s highest judicial office, where both Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi were once incarcerated

These sites, along with the others included in the designation, embody the core values of human rights, liberation, and reconciliation that defined Mandela’s life and continue to inspire people worldwide.

Presidential Endorsement and National Pride

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his wholehearted approval of this UNESCO recognition. In a statement from his office, Ramaphosa emphasized the collective importance of these sites, stating, “Collectively, this serial property demonstrates the events and ideas that served as the core of South Africa’s liberation struggle, which continues to inspire humanity embracing reconciliation, a quarter century later.”

The President’s office also extended gratitude to UNESCO for honoring the country’s history and rich legacy, underscoring the global significance of South Africa’s journey to freedom and democracy.

Global Context and Additional Recognitions

Joining Prestigious Company

With this inscription, the Union Buildings now stand alongside other globally renowned landmarks on the UNESCO World Heritage List, including:

• The Kremlin
• Kasubi Tombs
• Taj Mahal
• The Vatican

This inclusion not only elevates the status of these South African sites but also places them within a global context of human achievement and cultural significance.

Middle Stone Age Sites

In addition to the Mandela Legacy Sites, UNESCO also recognized three Middle Stone Age sites in South Africa. This acknowledgment highlights the country’s significant contribution to our understanding of the origins of modern human behavior, further enriching South Africa’s cultural and historical importance on the world stage.

Implications and Responsibilities

Expanding South Africa’s World Heritage Footprint

The inclusion of these two serial properties brings South Africa’s total number of World Heritage Sites to an impressive 12. This expansion underscores the country’s rich historical and cultural tapestry, spanning from prehistoric times to the recent struggle for freedom and democracy.

Call for Preservation and Sustainable Development

The South African Presidency has issued a call to action, urging all South Africans, government spheres, management authorities, and heritage stakeholders to collaborate in protecting these treasured sites. The goal is twofold:

1. To ensure these sites contribute meaningfully to sustainable development in local communities
2. To promote the values of human rights, freedom, peace, and reconciliation that these sites embody

4.Tarang Shakti

Context: India hosted its first-ever multinational air exercise, “Tarang Shakti,” showcasing the capabilities of indigenously manufactured aircraft, including the Sarang helicopters and LCA Tejas.

• The exercise is being conducted in two phases.
• The exercise was a significant achievement, emphasizing India’s focus on “Aatmanirbharta” (self-reliance) and showcasing indigenous military capabilities.
• India’s Rafale, Sukhoi, and LCA Tejas aircraft were part of the first phase.