Previous Year Question
Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): India's success is critical for the global success of Sustainable Development Goals.
Reason (R): India accounts for nearly one-sixth of the total world population.
Select the correct answer from the code given below:
Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
(A) is false, but (R) is true
(A) is true, but (R) is false
Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
Correct Answer: D
Detailed Solution
Assertion (A) is true. India plays an extremely important role in the global achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2015, the United Nations (UN) adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 Targets under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These goals aim to promote Poverty Eradication, Zero Hunger, Quality Education, improved healthcare, Gender Equality, Climate Action, and environmental protection. Due to India's large population and development needs, its progress toward achieving these goals significantly influences global achievements.
Reason (R) is also true. India accounts for approximately one-sixth of the world's total population. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), India's estimated population in 2025 was approximately 1.464 Billion (146.39 Crore), making it the world's most populous country. Because of India's substantial share of the global population, its progress in indicators such as poverty, nutrition, health, education, sanitation, and employment has a widespread impact on international development outcomes. For example, reducing poverty among millions of people in India makes an important contribution toward achieving the global poverty eradication goal.
For SDG Implementation in India, NITI Aayog functions as the principal coordinating institution, while the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) undertakes statistical monitoring through the National Indicator Framework (NIF). According to the SDG India Index 2023–24 published by NITI Aayog, India's overall SDG score increased from 57 in 2018 to 66 in 2020–21 and further to 71 in 2023–24. During this period, progress was recorded in several goals, including No Poverty (SDG 1), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), and Climate Action (SDG 13). The Index also provides a comparative assessment of achievements across States and Union Territories.
The importance of population in the global achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals is associated with the fact that SDG progress is measured through actual improvements in the living standards of millions of people. Large-scale improvements in access to healthcare, education, clean water, clean energy, and social protection in India can directly influence the achievement of global targets. The United Nations has also recognized India as critical to global SDG success. Additionally, India's development programmes and technological innovations can provide valuable experiences for other developing countries. Therefore, India's share of approximately one-sixth of the world's population is a major reason for its significant role in global sustainable development.