India lifted an estimated 496 million people out of extreme poverty between 2011 and 2023, according to the World Bank’s October 2026 Poverty and Equity Brief. The proportion living in extreme poverty fell from 27.1% to 2.6%, while poverty below the $4.20-a-day threshold declined from 57.7% to 16.1%. The World Bank attributed the progress to consumption growth, rising employment, particularly among women, and expanded food subsidies. However, it flagged persistent regional inequalities, youth unemployment and stagnant real earnings. Around 57% of India's poor remain concentrated in a belt stretching from Uttar Pradesh to West Bengal. The report cautioned that estimates could change as new economic and labour-market data emerge. (PC: X)

India lifted an estimated 496 million people out of extreme poverty between 2011 and 2023, according to the World Bank’s October 2026 Poverty and Equity Brief. The share fell from 27.1 per cent to 2.6 per cent, while poverty under the lower-middle-income threshold of $4.20 a day declined from 57.7 per cent to 16.1 per cent. The World Bank attributed the improvement to consumption growth, rising employment, particularly among women, and expanded social transfers, including food subsidies. It projected poverty at the $4.20 threshold could fall to 12.1 per cent by 2028, while cautioning that estimates may change. Multidimensional poverty indicators improved, though regional and employment-related challenges remain. (PC: X)

A helicopter operated by private company Trans Bharat Aviation crashed near Chai village in the Joshimath area of Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on Friday, killing all six people onboard. The aircraft was travelling from Badrinath to Dehradun when it crashed into a hillside near the JP Power House, around 2:20 pm. Those onboard included one pilot and five passengers. District officials said rescue teams rushed to the crash site following the incident. The helicopter was reportedly returning to Dehradun from Badrinath, although authorities had not confirmed whether it had been operating a flight from the Badrinath shrine. The circumstances surrounding the crash were not immediately known.

India has recorded a significant decline in extreme poverty, falling from 27.1% in 2011 to 2.6% in 2023, according to the World Bank’s October 2026 Poverty and Equity Brief. An estimated 496 million people moved out of poverty during this period. The report attributed the improvement to rising household consumption, increased employment, particularly among women, and expanded government welfare schemes, including food subsidies. Poverty under the lower-middle-income threshold of $4.20 per day also declined from 57.7% to 16.1%. However, youth unemployment, stagnant real earnings and regional inequalities remain major challenges. (PC: NDTV)

The Madras High Court on Friday issued notices to the Centre and Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) co-convenor Saurav Das over a public interest litigation seeking an investigation into his nationality and background. The petitioner, Chennai-based businessman R. Ganesh Kumar, alleged that Das had concealed his identity and sought verification of his citizenship. The plea also demands cancellation of his passport and Aadhaar card if he is found to be a foreign national. Additionally, it seeks blocking of his X and Instagram accounts over allegedly derogatory remarks against the judiciary. The court has sought responses within six weeks. (PC: Reuters)

The Madras High Court on Friday issued notices to the Centre and Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) co-convenor Saurav Das over a public interest litigation seeking an investigation into his nationality and background. The petitioner, Chennai-based businessman R. Ganesh Kumar, alleged that Das had concealed his identity and sought verification of his citizenship. The plea also demands cancellation of his passport and Aadhaar card if he is found to be a foreign national. Additionally, it seeks blocking of his X and Instagram accounts over allegedly derogatory remarks against the judiciary. The court has sought responses within six weeks. (PC: Reuters)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Friday announced a five-year relaxation in the upper age limit for candidates applying for government jobs through direct recruitment. The decision follows requests from competitive examination aspirants seeking additional opportunities to secure government employment. According to an official government release, the five-year concession will be provided over and above existing age relaxations available to reserved categories, including BC, MBC, SC, ST and destitute widows. The revised age limit will come into effect from October 30, 2026, and remain applicable for five years, benefiting thousands of job aspirants.

An Indian Navy Rafale Marine fighter jet successfully landed on India's indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant for the first time on October 29. The aircraft completed the historic landing on its maiden attempt, marking a major milestone in India's naval aviation capabilities. The ongoing trials are aimed at preparing the French-origin fighter for operational service with the Indian Navy. India has ordered 26 Rafale Marine aircraft from France to strengthen its carrier-based combat capabilities. The jets are expected to enhance maritime security, air defence and strike operations, significantly strengthening India's naval power. 

Punjab's political controversy over drug trafficking has intensified after Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia raised allegations concerning police involvement in the illegal 'chitta' (heroin) trade. The controversy has drawn attention to the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government and its handling of Punjab's drug crisis. Majithia has repeatedly questioned the government's actions against drug trafficking and alleged political misuse of investigations. The latest allegations have triggered renewed political exchanges between the ruling AAP and opposition leaders. However, the specific police-related allegations require independent verification and should not be treated as established facts. 

A helicopter returning from Badrinath in Uttarakhand reportedly went missing after losing contact while flying near Joshimath on October 30. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. Authorities are expected to coordinate search and rescue operations to locate the missing helicopter and establish the circumstances surrounding its disappearance. Further details regarding the helicopter's operator, number of passengers, crew members and possible cause of the communication failure are awaited. The incident highlights the challenges of helicopter operations in Uttarakhand's mountainous Himalayan terrain, particularly in unpredictable weather conditions.