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The Hindu
9 hours ago
- Health
- The Hindu
No time to rest: on India's ranking and the Sustainable Development Report
India has been ranked among the top 100 countries in the Sustainable Development Report for the first time since this data began to be published by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) since 2016. The SDSN is an independent body under the aegis of the UN, whose publications are tracked by policymakers and governments. In 2016, India was ranked 110th out of 157 countries, making steady progress to reach 99 this year out of an expanded basket of 167 nations with better metrics and more granular comparisons. But it is no time to rest on this laurel. India must look at why this incline, by 11 points, was not achieved any sooner and the gaps to focus on. From a developmental perspective, the SDSN ranks India as having fared better in poverty reduction (SDG 1) even as India's poverty estimation continues to be mired in controversy due to a lack of publicly available consumption expenditure data since 2018 and the poverty line (Rangarajan line ~₹33/day rural, ₹47/day urban) not having been updated. Proxy data suggest a considerable poverty reduction, almost halving between 2012 (22% based on NSSO data) and 2023 (World Bank – 12%). But SDG 2 (zero hunger) has remained a cause for concern. It also reveals the wide disparity between income groups and rural and urban areas on access to a nutritious diet. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) estimates that over a third of Indians (35.5%) were stunted (NFHS-5, 2019-21), only marginally better than 38.4% (NFHS-4, 2015-16). Similarly, wasting, which is low weight for height, reduced from 21.0% to 19.3%. Obesity in the working age population (15-49 years) has almost doubled between 2006 and 2021, and concentrated in wealthier urban areas. Electricity access (SDG 7) is another indicator where India has done well. While the country has achieved near universal household electrification in the past two decades, the quality of power and duration vary vastly based on regions and urban/rural fault lines. It is, however, laudable that India today ranks as the fourth largest renewables capacity deployer, mainly solar and wind. And while India has bettered its score in infrastructure provision (SDG 9), noteworthy additions being rapid mobile penetration and financial inclusion through UPI-linked digital payments gateways, COVID-19 revealed the stark difference between rural and urban Internet penetration, which must be addressed to achieve even higher educational outcomes (SDG 4). It is telling, however, that throughout the Modi years, India's performance in governance, the rule of law, press freedom and strong and independent institutions (SDG 16) has been lagging.
TimesLIVE
20-06-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
UJ ranked best university in sustainable development in Africa
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has been ranked as the best university in sustainable development in Africa and 23rd in the world. This is according to the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Ratings, which assess universities against the UN's sustainable development goals (SDGs). Western Sydney University in Australia was ranked number one in the world for four consecutive years, followed by Manchester University. The University of Pretoria came in at number 63 in the world. UJ is now ranked among the top 30 universities in the world out of 2,318 institutions evaluated. It ranked in the global top 100 for ten SDGs, with three in the top 10. This includes ranking number two in the world for SDG 1 (no poverty); number four for SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth); and number four for SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals). UJ vice-chancellor and principal Prof Letlhokwa Mpedi said this was a testament to the university's commitment to reimagining higher education as a driver of change. 'These results not only underscore UJ's steadfast commitment to sustainable development, equity and impactful partnerships but also highlight the university's growing influence in tackling global challenges through research, teaching and community engagement,' Mpedi said. 'Our ranking reflects the focused efforts driven by our strategic plan 2035, which is built on three key pillars: societal impact and sustainability, global footprint and partnerships, and technology for the future. These pillars guide our trajectory over the next decade and underpin our dedication to creating a more just, equitable and sustainable future for all.' In a separate global ranking, the university was named the third best university in South Africa after the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). 'Together, the two results signal UJ's rising reputation and consistent excellence across multiple global performance metrics.'
The Star
18-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
USM, UM among world's top for SDG impact
PETALING JAYA: Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has emerged as Malaysia's highest-ranked institution in the Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings 2025. It sits in joint 14th position with National Taiwan University in the overall ranking, up from 18th place last year. Coming in second is Universiti Malaya (UM), at joint 25th position with King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Sunway University are the other two Malaysian universities that made their way into the top 100 of the rankings. UKM climbed to joint 53rd while Sunway University ranks 81st, up from the 201–300 band. Malaysia tops three of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with USM taking first place for SDG 1 (no poverty), SDG 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions), and joint first with UM for SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals). In addition, UM leads the Asia region in sixth place for SDG 14 (life below water), and ranks joint seventh globally for SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), and 12th for SDG 15 (life on land). Other Malaysian universities also stood out in individual categories. Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) ranks 18th for SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), while Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) achieved 41st place for SDG 10 (reduced inequalities). Additionally, UKM earned 26th position for SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production). The seventh edition of the University Impact Rankings was released on Wednesday (June 18) by THE, publisher of the globally recognised THE World University Rankings. The rankings are the only global performance tables that assess universities against the UN SDGs across four broad areas - research, stewardship, outreach and teaching. Universities are ranked across 18 tables: one overall ranking and 17 tables representing each individual SDG. A record 2,526 universities ranked globally from 130 countries, with Asian universities claiming more than half of the rankings for the first time. THE chief global affairs officer Phil Baty said: "Universities worldwide are stepping up to help the world take on its most pressing grand challenges, from the climate crisis to delivering economic growth to supporting peace and justice across the world. "Asia is leading the way on the sustainability agenda. "Asia's clear dominance of the rankings in terms of overall representation, and so many outstanding individual university performances including several world number-one positions for individual SDGs, shows that when it comes to universities' social and economic impact, the world will increasingly look to Asia." For more information, visit
New Indian Express
16-06-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Cleaner fuel push in rural India needs more energy
Women's access to clean energy and gender equality are intrinsically related, as transition to clean energy provides greater opportunities for women to improve their economic and physical well-being. The gender-energy nexus is central to the framework of the global sustainable development goals, notably those linked to poverty (SDG 1), health and well-being (SDG 3), education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), climate change (SGD 13), and most importantly, affordable and clean energy (SDG 7)—for the promotion of gender equality. Yet, 2.4 billion people globally lack access to clean energy for cooking and rely on wood, charcoal, coal, animal waste, etc, as highlighted by a 2023 UN Women report titled 'Gender equality in the sustainable energy transition.' Women bear a substantial burden of this energy poverty, which is inextricably linked to other time and labour-consuming activities, as well as their safety. Indoor air pollution (IAP), a major contributor to environmental pollution, disproportionately affects women and children due to their greater exposure to such environments. The World Health Organization reported 3.2 million deaths per year due to IAP in 2020. In India, the number stands at 5,00,000 deaths per year, with women and children making up a significant proportion of the number both globally and in India. Further, women spend a considerable amount of their time on unpaid and care work, including time spent in forest and firewood collection across different geographical regions, which limits their employment opportunities. The Time Use Survey, 2024 released recently by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI),reported the amount of time spent in unpaid domestic activities by women has reduced from 315 minutes in per day 2019 to 305 minutes in 2024. A total of 140 minutes per day was spent on caregiving activities in 2024. The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) has the potential to be a significant game changer in reducing women's time spent on unpaid and care work, and in ameliorating health inequities.
Indian Express
21-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
International Tea Day 2025: Know the date, history, theme and significance
Tea, produced from the Camellia sinensis plant, is the world's most popular drink after water. While the precise location of the tea plant's growth is uncertain, it is generally believed that tea originated in northeast India, north Myanmar, and southwest China, according to UN. The General Assembly decided to designate May 21 as International Tea Day, reiterating the Intergovernmental Group on Tea's call to focus more on increasing demand, particularly in tea-producing countries. This year, it will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, on the theme, Tea for Better Lives, highlighting tea's contribution to livelihoods, sustainability, and health. Tea cultivation and processing enable the alleviation of extreme poverty (SDG 1), combat hunger (SDG 2), empower women (SDG 5), and ensure the long-term use of terrestrial ecosystems (SDG 15). 🍵 Tea is more than a drink. It's a culture, a way of life. In the tea sector, women play a vital role, which should be acknowledged. On #InternationalTeaDay, let's explore, inspire and inform so that new opportunities for women-owned businesses can be developed. — Food and Agriculture Organization (@FAO) May 19, 2025 International Tea Day aims to promote and strengthen collective measures to execute activities that support the sustainable production and consumption of tea. This day provides an opportunity to honour tea's cultural heritage, health advantages, and economic significance while striving to ensure its production is sustainable 'from field to cup' to ensure it benefits people, cultures, and the environment for generations.
