Based on the scoring on SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) India Index, the NITI Aayog has classified various States into certain categories. Which one of the following is not one of the categories?

The NITI Aayog's SDG India Index classifies States and Union Territories into four distinct categories based on their composite scores. These categories are: 'Aspirant' for scores between 0–49, 'Performer' for scores between 50–64, 'Front-Runner' for scores between 65–99, and 'Achiever' for a perfect score of 100 [3]. While the index tracks the 'fastest moving' states—such as Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand—based on their score improvements over time, 'Fast runners' is not a formal classification category used in the index's scoring framework [4]. The index serves as a principal tool for measuring national and sub-national progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, evolving from its first edition in 2018 to more comprehensive versions covering all 17 goals. Therefore, 'Fast runners' is the incorrect category among the options provided.

Sources

1. [1] https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1723952
2. [2] https://www.undp.org/india/press-releases/niti-aayog-releases-second-edition-north-eastern-region-district-sdg-index-2023-24
3. [3] https://employmentnews.gov.in/newemp/MoreContentNew.aspx?n=Editorial&k=70256
4. [4] https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2032857