India economy

India Overtakes Japan as 4th Largest Economy, But Challenges Remain

India has recently surpassed Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, with a GDP of approximately $4.18 trillion. The nation’s economic review projects India to potentially reach $7.3 trillion by 2030, possibly becoming the third-largest economy in the world within the next three years. Growth, fueled by strong domestic demand, is expected to continue with a revised growth forecast of 7.3% for the 2025–26 financial year. Although India faces challenges like a wide GDP per capita gap and the need to create more jobs for its young population, the government remains optimistic about sustained expansion, with plans to reach a high middle-income status by 2047.

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India’s Extreme Poverty Rate Plummets: A Controversial Victory

India’s extreme poverty rate dramatically decreased from 27.1% in 2011-12 to 5.3% in 2022-23, lifting approximately 269 million people out of extreme poverty. This reduction, based on World Bank data using a $3.00 per day poverty line, was widespread across rural and urban areas. States such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh significantly contributed to this decline. The substantial decrease is attributed, in part, to government initiatives like the PM Awas Yojana and Direct Benefit Transfer.

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India’s Economy Surges to Fourth Largest, but Inequality and Civic Issues Remain

India’s economy has surpassed Japan’s, securing its position as the world’s fourth largest with a USD 4 trillion valuation, according to NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam. This achievement, based on IMF data, positions India behind only the US, China, and Germany. Further growth is projected, potentially making India the third largest economy within 2.5 to 3 years. A second round of asset monetisation is also planned for August.

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World Bank: India Lifts 171 Million from Extreme Poverty in a Decade

Between 2011-12 and 2022-23, India significantly reduced extreme poverty, lifting 171 million people above the $2.15-a-day international poverty line. This dramatic decrease, impacting both rural and urban areas, saw India transition to lower-middle-income status. Five populous states drove much of this reduction, though poverty remains concentrated in these regions. Positive employment trends, including lower urban unemployment and increased female employment, are offset by high youth and graduate unemployment, along with a persistent gender gap in paid work.

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