India Isn't Fourth Most Equal Country, Electoral Roll Chaos in Bihar | The Wire Wrap
Earlier this week, several leading Indian newspapers carried headlines declaring India to now be the fourth most equal country in the world, according to the World Bank. The articles were based on a Press Information Bureau release, which claimed that India ranks fourth globally on income inequality. However, the PIB release has misread the World Bank’s brief – and none of the newspapers who released this news bothered to go back and check the source. Jahnavi Sen speaks to Himanshu, an economist at Jawaharlal Nehru University, and Pavan Korada, reporter at The Wire, about why these reports were wrong and also why the World Bank's data too is questionable.
The three also talk about the 'special intensive revision' of electoral rolls in Bihar, which is currently ongoing and supposed to end on July 25. While reports from the ground show confusion and chaos, with several people unable to provide the required documents listed by the Election Commission, the commission itself appears keen to portray a smooth picture.
July 9 was US President Donald Trump's deadline for countries to strike a trade deal with the US if they do not want to face hiked tariffs. He has now pushed this to August 1, since only three countries have finalised a deal. Negotiations with India have been on, but it's unclear where they stand. Himanshu explains why protecting India's farmers should be a priority for the government.
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