World Development Information Day – 24 October 2026
23-10-2026 · English
Topics: International & Important Days · 23 October 2026 Current Affairs (UPSC / TNPSC / SSC / RRB)
News
World Development Information Day is observed every year on 24 October. Its aim is to draw the attention of world public opinion to development problems and to strengthen international cooperation to solve them. On the recommendation of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the UN General Assembly proclaimed the Day by resolution 3038 (XXVII) on 19 Dec 1972; it was first observed on 24 Oct 1973. Its coinciding with UN Day stresses the central place of development in the UN's work.
Key facts
| Proclaimed | UNGA resolution 3038 (XXVII), 19 Dec 1972 |
| First observed | 24 Oct 1973 |
| Proposed by | UNCTAD (set up 1964; HQ Geneva) |
| Why 24 Oct | UN Day; 24 Oct 1970 – adoption of the International Development Strategy for the Second UN Development Decade |
| SDGs | 2015 – 17 goals, 169 targets; deadline 2030 |
| SDG India Index | NITI Aayog – since 2018; latest (4th) edition 2023–24: India 71; Tamil Nadu 78 (3rd) |
Background
- History: from the 1960s the UN declared 'Development Decades'; the 'International Development Strategy' for the Second Development Decade (the 1970s) was adopted on 24 Oct 1970. Since spreading information on development and public awareness were seen as vital to the Strategy's success, this Day was created.
- UNCTAD: set up in 1964 at its first conference in Geneva as a permanent body of the UN General Assembly; first Secretary-General Raúl Prebisch. Its flagship publications include the 'World Investment Report'; the 'G-77' group of developing countries was also formed at the 1964 UNCTAD conference.
- After the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs, 2000–2015, 8 goals) ended, the UN adopted the '2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development' on 25 Sept 2015 – 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with 169 targets. Goal 1 – no poverty; Goal 14 – life below water.
- India: NITI Aayog has released the 'SDG India Index' since 2018 – a tool of competitive federalism among States. The 4th edition (2023–24, July 2024) used 16 goals and 113 indicators; India's score rose 57 (2018) → 66 (2020–21) → 71. Bands: 0–49 Aspirant, 50–64 Performer, 65–99 Front Runner, 100 Achiever.
Tamil Nadu link: in NITI Aayog's SDG India Index 2023–24, Uttarakhand and Kerala (79 each) shared the top spot; Tamil Nadu was third with 78 – a 'Front Runner'. Goa and Himachal Pradesh (77 each) followed. This is the latest edition released so far.
Source: UNGA resolution 3038 (XXVII); Wikipedia; ETV Bharat, 13 July 2024; Drishti IAS, 15 July 2024; UN India
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