10th Sustainable Development Report 2025

For Prelims: Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), Sustainable Development Report (SDR), 1987 Brundtland Commission Report, 1992 Rio Earth Summit, Paris Agreement on Climate Change, National Food Security Act, Saubhagya Scheme, UNFCCC, Green Bonds, UN, World Bank, IMF.  For Mains: Current status of SDGs implementation, Progress and challenges in SDGs implementation, Steps needed to fully realise SDGs.

Source: ET 

Why in News?

According to the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network's 10th Sustainable Development Report (SDR) 2025, India ranks 99th in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index, marking its first time in the top 100 out of 167 countries with a score of 67. 

• The score measures progress on a scale of 0 to 100 where 100 indicates a country has achieved all 17 goals and 0 means no progress has been made.
• This shows a significant improvement from its previous rankings (e.g.,109th in 2024, 112th in 2023) in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index.

What are Key Findings of the 10th Sustainable Development Report (SDR) 2025?

• Global SDG Progress Status: Projections show that only 17% of SDG targets are on track to be met by 2030, highlighting a significant slowdown in global progress.
  • This stagnation is driven by conflicts, structural vulnerabilities, and limited fiscal space, which continue to hinder effective SDG implementation.
• Top Performers: Nordic countries lead the SDGs rankings, with Finland (1st), Sweden (2nd), and Denmark (3rd); notably, 19 out of the top 20 countries are European.
  • East and South Asia have shown the fastest regional progress since 2015—India ranks ahead of Bangladesh (114th) and Pakistan (140th) but trails Bhutan (74th), Nepal (85th), Sri Lanka (93rd), and Maldives (53rd).
• Successes & Setbacks in SDGs: Most countries have made strong progress on basic services and infrastructure—notably in mobile broadband and internet use (SDG 9), electricity access (SDG 7), and reducing under-five and neonatal mortality (SDG 3). 
  • However, five targets have seen significant reversals since 2015: obesity rate (SDG 2), press freedom (SDG 16), nitrogen management (SDG 2), Red List Index (SDG 15), and corruption perception (SDG 16).

• Ranking on Multilateralism: Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago are the top 3 countries most committed to UN multilateralism. 
  • Brazil ranks highest among G20 nations (25th), and Chile leads Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries (7th), while the United States ranks last (193rd) for the second consecutive year due to its opposition to the SDGs and withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and World Health Organization (WHO).
• Strong Commitment to SDGs: A decade into Agenda 2030 (2015-25), 190 of 193 UN member states have participated in the Voluntary National Review (VNR) process, sharing their SDG progress and priorities. 
  • Only Haiti, Myanmar, and the United States have not participated.
• Global Financial Architecture: The report criticizes the broken Global Financial Architecture (GFA), highlighting that capital disproportionately flows to rich nations, neglecting emerging and developing economies (EMDEs).

What are Sustainable Development Goals?

• About: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) comprise 17 interconnected goals (169 targets) aimed at tackling major global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation.
  • They were adopted in 2015 by 193 UN Member States as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• Aim: The SDGs aim to foster peace, prosperity, and sustainability by 2030 through global cooperation. 
• Historical Background: The concept of sustainable development was first defined in the 1987 Brundtland Commission Report as development that meets present needs without compromising future generations.
  • In 2000, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were adopted to tackle poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation, and gender inequality, with targets set for 2015 based on 1990 levels.
  • In 2002, the Johannesburg Declaration at Rio+10 reviewed the outcomes of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit.
  • In 2012, the Rio+20 Summit laid the foundation for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and a more comprehensive global development agenda.
• Core Principles of SDGs: 
  • Universality: Applicable to all countries, developed and developing.
  • Integration: Goals are interlinked; progress in one supports others.
  • Leave No One Behind: Prioritizes marginalized and vulnerable groups.
  • Multi-Stakeholder Approach: Requires collective action by governments, businesses, civil society, and citizens.
• Monitoring: The Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR) assesses progress every 4 years.
• Supporting Agreements:
  • Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction strengthens disaster resilience
  • Addis Ababa Action Agenda for financing sustainable development
  • Paris Agreement on Climate Change for combating climate change.gle

Which Initiatives have Contributed to India’s Improved Ranking in SDG Performance?

SDG	Goal Title	Key Government Initiatives
SDG 1	No Poverty	Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) for affordable housing for the poor MGNREGA for guaranteed rural employment PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) for financial inclusion
SDG 2	Zero Hunger	Poshan Abhiyaan to tackle malnutrition National Food Security Act (NFSA) for subsidized food grains PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) for free food during Covid-19
SDG 3	Good Health & Well-being	Mission Indradhanush for child & maternal immunization Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) provide Rs 5 lakh health cover National Health Mission (NHM) 2013 for improved health
SDG 4	Quality Education	Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan for holistic school education National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 for digital & skill-based education DIKSHA Platform for online learning
SDG 6	Clean Water & Sanitation	Swachh Bharat Mission helped achieve ODF status Jal Jeevan Mission provide piped water supply Namami Gange for Ganga river rejuvenation
SDG 7	Affordable & Clean Energy	UJALA Scheme for LED distribution Saubhagya Scheme for universal electricity access
SDG 8	Decent Work & Economic Growth	Make in India boosts manufacturing Startup India promotes innovation Skill India Mission provides vocational training PM Internship Scheme offers internships to 1 crore students over 5 years
SDG 11	Sustainable Cities & Communities	Smart Cities Mission to develop 100 sustainable cities AMRUT for urban infrastructure improvement
SDG 13	Climate Action	National Action Plan on Climate Change (e.g., Green India Mission) International Solar Alliance (ISA) NITI Aayog SDG India Index
SDG 15	Life on Land	Project Tiger & Project Elephant for Wildlife protection CAMPA – Compensatory afforestation fund Soil Health Card Scheme for soil conservation National Afforestation Programme (NAP) for eco-restoration of degraded forests Biological Diversity Act, 2002 to conserve biological resources, ensure their sustainable use
SDG 16	Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions	Digital India and Police Modernisation for transparent governance
SDG 17	Partnerships for the Goals	International Big Cat Alliance to protect and conserve seven major big cat species CDRI (Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure) to promote resilient infrastructure development Quad Cancer Moonshot for cervical cancer prevention and treatment.

What Factors are Responsible for the Slow Progress in Achieving SDGs?

• Global Conflicts: Ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, and other regions have triggered the largest global displacement crisis, with over 120 million people forcibly displaced, significantly undermining progress toward SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
• Climate Finance Gap: The UNFCCC estimates that developing nations require USD 6 trillion by 2030 to meet climate goals; however, a severe funding shortfall threatens to derail progress on SDG 13 (Climate Action).
• Pandemic Setback: The Covid-19 pandemic severely disrupted global development, reversing progress on poverty eradication (SDG 1), weakening healthcare systems (SDG 3), and halting education access (SDG 4).
  • It also slowed clean energy investments in developing nations, hindering progress on SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
• Environmental Pressures: Escalating challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and deforestation are threatening ecosystems, with the IPCC warning that up to 99% of coral reefs could be lost at 2°C warming, severely impacting SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
• Disasters: Frequent natural disasters—including floods, heatwaves, and droughts—are taking a heavy toll, with Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and and landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) bearing 6.9% of global economic disaster losses between 2015 and 2022, further worsening poverty and vulnerability, thereby hindering progress on SDG 1 (No Poverty). 

What Strategies Can be Adopted to Achieve SDGs?

• Strengthen Global Governance: To advance the SDGs, it is essential to reform multilateral institutions like the UN, World Bank, and IMF to enhance support for SDG financing and policy alignment; promote SDG-based trade agreements that encourage fair and sustainable trade such as carbon-neutral supply chains.
  • Strengthen real-time SDG tracking, enable citizen audits (e.g., Uganda), and mandate ESG disclosures for corporate accountability.
• Increase Financing for SDGs: Expand mechanisms like Green Bonds and Blended Finance (mixing public and private funds), provide debt relief to developing nations to free up resources for SDG implementation and redirect harmful subsidies from fossil fuels toward renewable energy and healthcare.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Promote regenerative farming through agroecology to restore soil health and reduce emissions, and address the 30% global food waste by improving storage, transportation, and policies.
• Localize the SDGs: Empower local governments and communities to adopt and execute SDG-linked plans, develop district-level action plans with adequate funding and monitoring mechanisms, and promote community participation in both planning and accountability processes

Conclusion

India’s entry into the top 100 of the SDG Index highlights progress in poverty reduction, healthcare, and clean energy. However, global challenges like conflicts, climate finance gaps, and pandemic setbacks threaten progress. Achieving the 2030 Agenda requires urgent multilateral cooperation, financing reforms, local engagement, and focused implementation strategies.

Drishti Mains Question: Q. Evaluate the role of India’s flagship schemes in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). What more can be done to accelerate progress?

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)   Prelims  Q. The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE), a UN mechanism to assist countries transition towards greener and more inclusive economies, emerged at (2018)  (a) The Earth Summit on Sustainable Development 2002, Johannesburg.  (b) The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development 2012, Rio de Janeiro.  (c) The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 2015, Paris.  (d) The World Sustainable Development Summit 2016, New Delhi.  Ans: (b) Q. Sustainable development is described as the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In this perspective, inherently the concept of sustainable development is intertwined with which of the following concepts? (2010)  (a) Social justice and empowerment  (b) Inclusive Growth  (c) Globalization  (d) Carrying capacity  Ans: (d) Mains Q. Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” Comment on the progress made in India in this regard. (2018)

India’s Mining Sector Reforms

For Prelims: Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Acts, 2015, District Mineral Foundation (DMF), National Mineral Policy (NMP) 2019, PARIVESH Portal, Khanan Prahari App, National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET), National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM), M-Sand (Manufactured Sand), Forest Rights Act, 2006, Rare Earth Elements (REEs).                          For Mains: Reforms undertaken in India’s mining sector, Significance of India’s mining sector – scope and challenges. Steps needed to strengthen India’s mining sector.

Source: PIB 

Why in News?

In May 2025, India auctioned its first potash block, marking a milestone in mining sector reforms aimed at transforming India’s mining sector and driving economic growth.

What Reforms Have Been Taken to Transform India’s Mining Sector?

• Legal Reforms: Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Acts, 2015 introduced auction-based allocation to replace the discretionary system, ensured automatic extensions for captive mines, and created the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) for local area development.
  • The 2021 Amendment removed end-use restrictions to enable commercial coal mining, increased lease terms to 50 years, and introduced a Composite License for Exploration-Cum-Mining (CEMP) to attract private investment.
• National Mineral Policy (NMP) 2019: The National Mineral Policy (NMP) 2019 focuses on sustainable mining, private sector participation, ease of doing business, adoption of AI, drones, blockchain for transparency, and promotion of downstream industries for value addition.
• Coal Sector Reforms: Coal sector reforms allowed commercial coal mining (2020) by private players, promoted coal gasification and liquefaction for cleaner coal technologies, and ensured faster environmental approvals through the single-window clearance (PARIVESH Portal).
• Technological Advancements: Satellite imagery monitors illegal mining and ensures compliance, while the Khanan Prahari App lets citizens report such activities.
  • The National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) offers 12,000+ geological reports for public access, while drone surveys, Mining Tenement System (MTS), and faceless filings improve efficiency and transparency.
• Exploration Reforms: The National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) funds exploration projects, with private sector participation and the Exploration Licence (EL) regime creating opportunities for MSMEs and startups.
  • The National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM) was launched to secure lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements vital for the energy and tech sectors.
  • Offshore mineral mining initiated, expanding India’s role in the global resource supply chain.
• Sustainable Mining Initiatives: The Star Rating System rates mines on sustainable practices, mine closure plans are mandatory for environmental rehabilitation, and use of M-Sand (manufactured sand) is promoted to reduce river sand mining.

What is the Significance of India's Mining Sector?

• Economic Growth Driver: India’s mining sector contributed 1.97% to GVA in 2023-24, generating Rs 4 lakh crore for states through auctions and royalties that fund infrastructure and welfare schemes.
  • Odisha led with a 44.9% share, followed by Chhattisgarh (13.9%), Jharkhand (4.1%), and Maharashtra (3.9%).
• Industrial & Infrastructure Foundation: India produces 95 minerals including fuel, metallic, non-metallic, atomic, and minor minerals.
  • Metallic minerals (90.3%) like iron ore, bauxite, and copper support steel, aluminum, and electronics, while non-metallic minerals (9.7%) like limestone and phosphates aid cement, fertilizers, and chemicals.
• Employment & Rural Development: DMF Trusts use mining revenues to support healthcare, education, and livelihoods in mining-affected regions, while exploration licenses for MSMEs and startups create jobs in mineral-rich states.
• Energy Transition: Critical minerals (lithium, cobalt, rare earths) exploration reduces import dependence for EV batteries, renewables, and defense technology.
  • Potash mining boosts fertilizer self-sufficiency, enhancing food security.
• Global Competitiveness: Auction reforms and offshore mining attract private investment, positioning India in the global critical minerals supply chain.
  • KABIL's overseas acquisitions (e.g., Argentina for lithium) secure strategic resources.

What are the challenges in India's Mining Sector?

• Regulatory & Bureaucratic Hurdles: Delays in clearances for environmental, forest, and wildlife approvals, along with land acquisition issues involving tribal rights under the Forest Rights Act, 2006 and local resistance, slow down projects.
  • Frequent policy changes like iron ore export bans and shifts in royalty rates create regulatory uncertainty for investors.
• Illegal & Unsustainable Mining: Rampant illegal mining due to weak enforcement, especially in Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Goa, along with unregulated mining like rat hole mining, causes deforestation, water pollution, and soil erosion.
  • A nexus of politicians, bureaucrats, and mining mafias fuels corruption and disrupts legal operations.
• Low Exploration: Only 10% of India’s Obvious Geological Potential (OGP) has been explored, with under 1% of the global exploration budget spent in India, while reliance on obsolete mining techniques over automation, AI, and drone surveys lowers efficiency.
• Logistics Bottlenecks: Poor transport connectivity in mining belts (e.g., Odisha, Chhattisgarh), port constraints, and power shortages raise costs, cause delays, and disrupt mining operations.
• Dependence on Imports for Critical Minerals: In 2020, India imported 100% of its lithium, cobalt, nickel, and 60% of its graphite, all crucial for EVs and renewables, with heavy reliance on Chinese processed minerals.
  • In 2025, China’s export controls on rare earth elements (REEs) and magnets hampered Indian industries dependent on these imports.
• Social & Environmental Conflicts: Mining in forest areas like Niyamgiri Hills faces tribal displacement protests, causes water scarcity and conflicts with farmers, and suffers from poor DMF fund implementation for community rehabilitation.
  • Poor working conditions with frequent accidents (e.g., Meghalaya rat-hole mining deaths) and a skilled labour shortage hinder adoption of modern mining technology.

What Steps are Needed to Strengthen India's Mining Sector?

• Boost Exploration & Geological Data: Increase budget for exploration by raising funds for Geological Survey of India (GSI) and National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET), and promote private sector participation through incentives like tax breaks and revenue-sharing.
• Infrastructure & Logistics Development: Strengthen mine-to-plant connectivity with improved railways, roads, and pipelines in clusters like Odisha and Jharkhand, and expand port capacity at Vizag, Paradip, and Mormugao for mineral exports.
  • Develop dedicated mineral corridors and freight corridors for efficient coal and iron ore transport.
• Technology & Automation Adoption: Adopt AI, drones, satellite imaging, and geospatial mapping for better surveys, and create an open data portal with a national mineral database for investors.
  • Promote remote-controlled drilling, zero-waste mining, and invest in R&D for clean mining like coal gasification, hydrogen-based steel, and lithium extraction from brine.
• Sustainable & Responsible Mining: Enforce Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) norms with water recycling, carbon-neutral mining, and bio-reclamation, ensure mine closure funds for land restoration, and promote community-centric mining through effective DMF spending on healthcare, education, and livelihoods.
• Tackling Illegal Mining & Corruption: Strengthen surveillance with expanded satellite monitoring (Mining Surveillance System) and the Khanan Prahari App, impose harsh penalties on illegal miners and corrupt officials, and ensure whistleblower protection to expose mafia activities.
• Focus on Critical & Strategic Minerals: Secure global partnerships for lithium, cobalt, and rare earth assets in Africa, Australia, and South America, establish domestic refining plants for lithium and graphite, and implement a National Critical Minerals Policy to ensure supply for EVs, solar panels, and defense tech.

Conclusion

India's mining sector, revitalized by reforms like auctions, tech adoption, and critical mineral security, drives economic growth and self-reliance. However, challenges like illegal mining, import dependence, and environmental concerns persist. Strategic investments in exploration, infrastructure, and sustainability can transform mining into a pillar of Viksit Bharat while balancing ecological and social equity.

Drishti Mains Question: Q. Discuss the role of India’s mining sector in achieving national economic, energy, and food security. How can reforms strengthen its contribution?

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)   Prelims Q.With reference to the management of minor minerals in India, consider the following statements: (2019) Sand is a ‘minor mineral’ according to the prevailing law in the country State Governments have the power to grant mining leases of minor minerals, but the powers regarding the formation of rules related to the grant of minor minerals lie with the Central Government. State Governments have the power to frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only  (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (a) Q. What is/are the purpose/purposes of ‘District Mineral Foundations’ in India? (2016) Promoting mineral exploration activities in mineral-rich districts Protecting the interests of the persons affected by mining operations Authorizing State Governments to issue licences for mineral exploration Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only  (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (b) Mains Q. Despite India being one of the countries of Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss. (2021)

Strait of Hormuz

Source: TH

Why in News?

Under Operation Midnight Hammer, the US targeted three key Iranian nuclear facilities (Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow). In retaliation, Iran's parliament approved a proposal to close the Strait of Hormuz.

• The US strike utilized B-2 Stealth Bombers, GBU-57 bunker buster bombs (Massive Ordnance Penetrators), and Tomahawk missiles.

What are Key Facts About the Strait of Hormuz?

• About: It is a narrow sea passage (55–95 km wide) between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. 
  • It serves as a vital transit route for global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments from Persian Gulf countries.

• Global Energy Dependence: It is a critical artery for global oil transit, carrying about 20-25% of the world’s total oil supply. In 2024, approximately 20 million barrels per day passed through it. 
  • Major oil exporters using the Strait include Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, UAE, and Qatar, while over 80% of this oil is destined for Asian markets, primarily India, China, Japan, and South Korea.
• India’s Dependence: Approximately 40% of India’s crude oil imports and around 54% of its LNG imports pass through this strategic passage.
• Historical Flashpoints: While a complete shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz has no historical precedent, the region has witnessed significant disruptions. 
  • During the Iran-Iraq War (1980–88), both sides attacked oil tankers and cargo ships in the Gulf region dubbed as Tanker War. 
    
    • In 2019, Iran seized a British tanker and has repeatedly threatened to block the Strait during geopolitical tensions, notably in 2011–12 and after US sanctions post-2018.
• Alternate Routes and Pipelines: Saudi Arabia (via ARAMCO) and the UAE have pipelines bypassing the Strait, while Iran uses the Goreh-Jask pipeline and Jask terminal to export oil directly to the Gulf of Oman.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)  Q. Between India and East Asia, the navigation-time and distance can be greatly reduced by which of the following? (2011) Deepening the Malacca straits between Malaysia and Indonesia. Opening a new canal across the Kra isthmus between the Gulf of Siam and Andaman Sea. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only  (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2  (d) Neither 1 nor 2  Ans: (b) Q.Which one of the following can one come across if one travels through the Strait of Malacca?  (2010) (a) Bali  (b) Brunei (c) Java  (d) Singapore Ans: (d)

Thirst Waves

Source: TH

Global warming is making the air thirstier, causing higher evaporative demand that dries out land and plants—a phenomenon called thirst waves.

Thirst Waves

• About: Thirstwave, a term coined by researchers Meetpal Kukal and Mike Hobbins, refers to a period of three or more consecutive days with extreme atmospheric evaporative demand—reflecting how "thirsty" the air is for moisture.
• Causes: Thirst waves are influenced by temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and wind speed, unlike heatwaves, which are mainly driven by temperature and wind.
• Measurement: It is measured through Short-crop evapotranspiration that measures water loss from a well-watered 12-cm grass surface.
  • Rising evapotranspiration indicates higher temperatures, lower humidity, and increased wind speed and solar radiation.
• Impact: Stronger thirst waves lead to faster soil moisture loss, greater irrigation requirements, and a higher risk of crop stress and yield reduction.
• Thirstwaves & India: Studies show that evaporative demand is increasing in parts of India, including Northern India and the Western/Eastern Himalayas, driven by agricultural expansion and vegetation growth.
  • While in the past, higher humidity helped offset the impact of rising temperatures, future warming is expected to further raise evaporative demand.

Read More: Heatwaves as a Notified Disaster

State of Climate in Asia 2024 Report

Source: IE

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released the State of Climate in Asia 2024 report that revealed Asia warmed nearly twice as fast as the global average in 2024, marking its hottest or second-hottest year on record.

Key Findings:

• Unprecedented warming: Asia’s 2024 temperature was 1.04°C above the 1991–2020 average, with warming rates doubling since 1961–1990.
• Heatwaves: In India, extreme heat waves claimed over 450 lives, pushed temperatures to 45–50°C, and, along with storms, caused around 1,300 deaths due to lightning.
  • Marine heatwaves impacted around 15 million sq km, particularly the northern Indian Ocean and seas near Japan, China.
• Tropical Cyclones: In Asia, 29 tropical cyclones struck in 2024, with the deadliest being Cyclone Yagi (Philippines, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Macau, China, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar) 
  • The Indian subcontinent was hit by Cyclones Remal, Fengal, Dana and Asna.
• Glacial Retreat: Glaciers continued to lose mass, as 23 out of 24 glaciers in High Mountain Asia (Himalayas, Pamir Mountains, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush) showed decline, with Urumqi Glacier No. 1 (Tian Shan) recording its highest melt since 1959.
• WMO, headquartered in Geneva, is an intergovernmental body with 193 Member States and Territories, including India. 
  • It evolved from the International Meteorological Organization (IMO), founded after the 1873 Vienna Congress. 

Read More: State of the Global Climate 2023: WMO

Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan

Source: PIB

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched the Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA), the largest-ever tribal empowerment campaign, reaching over 1 lakh tribal villages across 31 States/UTs, including 207 PVTG districts.

• It follows a camp-based, community-driven model, involving district administrations, youth volunteers, CSOs, and tribal leaders.

Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA)

• About: A nationwide tribal empowerment campaign under Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, for tribal communities, especially in remote and  PVTG habitations.
  • November 15th was designated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas in 2021 to honor tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda and commemorate his 150th birth anniversary. 
  • Additionally, Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh (15th November 2024–15th November 2025) has been launched as a year-long celebration of tribal pride, identity, and progress
• 5 Pillars of DAJA:
  • Janbhagidari: Community-led participation
  • Saturation: Universal coverage of entitlements
  • Cultural Inclusion: Tribal languages, arts, and traditions integrated
  • Convergence: Coordination among ministries, CSOs, youth groups
  • Last-Mile Delivery: Reaching remote tribal habitations
• Objective: Achieve saturation of all central government welfare schemes like Aadhaar, Ayushman Bharat, PM-Kisan, PM Ujjwala Yojana, Jan Dhan, and tribal-specific entitlements. 
  • It also supports key initiatives like PM-JANMAN and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA). 
• Cultural Emphasis: Celebrates tribal heritage and honours Birsa Munda (Dharti Aaba), a symbol of tribal pride and resistance.

Other Schemes for Tribal Welfare: 

• Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) 
• Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas
• Van Dhan Vikas Kendras

Read More: Launch of Tribal Welfare Projects Under DAJGUA, EMRS and PM-JANMAN

India’s First Household Income Survey in 2026

Source: IE

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) will conduct India's first comprehensive Household Income Survey in 2026, through the National Sample Survey (NSS).

• The NSS is conducted by the Field Operations Division of the National Statistical Office (NSO), earlier known as the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO).

 All India Household Income Survey

• About: Household Income Survey is a large-scale statistical exercise aimed at collecting reliable data on income earned by households from various sources such as wages, salaries, business, agriculture, property, and remittances.
  • It aims to address the historic income-consumption mismatch by adopting global best practices from the USA’s Current Population Survey, Canadian Income Survey, and Australia’s Survey of Income and Housing. 
  • For the first time in India, it will assess the impact of technology on wages, with a special focus on informal sector earnings and technology-driven income generation.
• Objective: The Survey aims to capture accurate data on income levels, distribution patterns, and structural disparities to aid economic policymaking and welfare planning.
• Background: Since 1950, India has not conducted a nationwide income survey due to operational challenges and data inconsistencies, particularly the mismatch between reported income and consumption-savings data. 

National Statistical Office (NSO)

• NSO is the central statistical agency under MoSPI, formed in 2019 by merging the Central Statistics Office (CSO) and National Sample Survey Office (NSSO).
• NSO conducts key socio-economic surveys like the PLFS and Consumer Expenditure Survey, and prepares National Accounts Statistics.

Read More: Basic Economic Data, Strengthening India's Statistical System