RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha questions Govt on Hunger Index, Income inequality amidst economic growth
(RJD) MP
Manoj Kumar Jha
on Sunday questioned India's growth as the world's
fourth largest economy
would translate to progress and prosperity for every household in the country, which continues to battle persistent issues of hunger and
income inequality
.
The CEO of
Niti Aayog
BVR Subrahmanyam on Saturday said that India has overtaken Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy.
The RJD MP said, "The common citizen understands the economy better when progress and prosperity reaches every home. What will happen to the
hunger index
? Where are we on the inclusive growth index? Why is income inequality increasing so much? All these things should happen simultaneously."
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
15 Most Beautiful Female Athletes in the World
WomenSportOnline.com
Click Here
NITI Aayog Chief Executive Officer (CEO) BVR Subrahmanyam on May 25 said that India has overtaken Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy, citing data by the International Monetary Fund.
Addressing a press conference of the 10th NITI Aayog Governing Council Meeting on 'Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat 2047', Subrahmanyam stated that India's economy has reached the USD 4 trillion mark.
Live Events
According to the IMF's April edition of the World Economic Outlook report, the nominal GDP for fiscal 2026 is expected to reach around USD 4,187.017 billion. This is marginally more than the likely GDP of Japan, which is estimated at USD 4,186.431 billion. India was the fifth largest economy in the world till 2024.
Meanwhile, RJD leader Manoj Kumar Jha also termed as "astonishing" Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's comments on
Jawaharlal Nehru
.
Sarma had on Saturday while addressing the 10th Governing Council meeting of the NITI Aayog alleged that despite opportunities, Jawaharlal Nehru failed to include Chittagong into India and Indira Gandhi was unable to negotiate a broader and more secure geographical corridor to the Northeast.
"Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's recent statement is quite astonishing. He claims that Nehru failed to merge with India and Indira Gandhi failed to secure a more stable corridor. It's concerning that some scholars seem to lack a deep understanding of our country's history and its complexities. They appear to have a limited grasp of the events that have shaped our nation since 1947. As someone who has held positions in the past, one would expect a certain level of awareness and appreciation for the country's journey. However, the Chief Minister's statement suggests a rather narrow perspective, implying that India's history began in 2014, and that we had no army, government, or freedom fighters before that. This perspective is not only inaccurate but also worrisome," Jha said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
16 minutes ago
- Time of India
Social security shock: 50% pay cut hits millions of Americans, are you affected?
Social Security checks cut by 50% for overpayments: Millions of seniors face reduced benefits starting this month- Millions of seniors receiving Social Security payments are seeing a sudden and painful drop in their monthly checks. Starting this July, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has begun cutting monthly payments by 50% for around 2 million Americans who were overpaid by the agency — in some cases years ago. This isn't tied to the long-term funding concerns surrounding the program. Instead, it's part of a recent government effort to claw back overpayments made between 2015 and 2022. The decision comes after a shift in policy earlier this year, and while the SSA is legally obligated to recover overpaid funds, the impact on retirees—especially those on tight budgets—is already raising serious concern. Why are millions of Social Security beneficiaries suddenly seeing smaller checks? The SSA is now enforcing a 50% withholding rate on monthly Social Security checks for individuals who received overpayments during the period between 2015 and 2022. These overpayments may have resulted from unreported income changes or SSA miscalculations of benefits. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Maduya Unsold Cars In 2024 Are Almost Donated. See Price SUV Deals | Search Ads Search Now The SSA issues around $1.4 trillion annually to about 73 million Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. According to an August 2024 inspector general report, the agency still has $23 billion in uncollected overpayment balances, and it estimated that between 2015 and 2022, $72 billion in improper payments were made—most of them overpayments. How did we get here? What changed under the Trump administration? During the Biden administration, the SSA had reduced the clawback rate to 10% of a beneficiary's check, down from the previous 100%. This helped prevent financial hardship for seniors already living on tight monthly budgets. Live Events However, in March 2025, the Trump administration announced a return to the 100% withholding policy. After strong backlash from advocates and senior organizations, the rate was adjusted again in April to a more 'manageable' 50% withholding rate. That new rate officially kicked in this July, with deductions starting around July 24. Yet for many, even this 50% reduction can be crushing. Shannon Benton, Executive Director of the Senior Citizens League, said: 'Overpayments should be recouped, but we remain concerned about the impact of any recovery rate on the less financially stable retirees.' What are seniors expected to do if they can't afford the deduction? If you've received a notice from the SSA, you have options. Recipients have 90 days to appeal the overpayment. They can also request a lower monthly withholding rate by submitting Form SSA-634, known as the Request for Change in Overpayment Recovery Rate . That form can be faxed or mailed to your local SSA office. If repaying even a reduced amount is a hardship, and especially if the mistake wasn't your fault, you can request a waiver of repayment altogether. If you believe the SSA was wrong in claiming you were overpaid or that the amount is incorrect, you can also request a reconsideration. For those feeling overwhelmed or stuck, Benton urges reaching out to a Constituent Services staffer through your congressional representative. Every Member of Congress, regardless of political party, has staff who can help residents navigate issues with Social Security. Who is affected and when will the Social Security cuts begin? The Social Security benefit cuts are already starting to affect retirees this month. Roughly 2 million Americans are on the list to have their checks slashed by 50%, with deductions beginning on or around July 24. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead of Social Security, the withholding rate remains at 10% for now. It's unclear whether that will change, but so far, SSI beneficiaries are not being hit with the same level of reductions. Here's who may be impacted: Retirees and seniors who received excess benefits due to reporting errors. Disabled individuals receiving SSDI or SSI with unreported income changes. Spouses or dependents listed in error or with outdated information. More than 2 million Americans have already received overpayment notices, and millions more could be flagged if errors are found in previous records. Why is the SSA doing this now? Between 2015 and 2022 , the SSA mistakenly overpaid more than $72 billion , with $23 billion still uncollected . This new 50% clawback policy is aimed at reducing that backlog quickly — but it's drawing heavy criticism from advocacy groups. Critics say the policy disproportionately harms low-income seniors and people with disabilities who depend on Social Security for essentials like food, housing, and medication. What can retirees do now to protect their financial future? The best thing you can do is act quickly. If you've received a notice of overpayment, don't ignore it. Take advantage of the 90-day appeal window. Consider reaching out to local legal aid offices or financial counselors who specialize in government benefits. Staying informed is also key. Overpayments may not always be your fault. Mistakes on the agency's side are not uncommon, and many beneficiaries had no idea they were being overpaid in the first place. This new push by the SSA is likely just the beginning. The agency is under pressure to fix errors and recover funds, especially as long-term funding issues for Social Security loom in the next 8 years. What to do now if you're worried about Social Security cuts If you rely on your monthly Social Security benefits, this new rule could be devastating. Here's how to stay ahead: Check your SSA account : Log in at and review your payment history. Look for an official overpayment notice : If you haven't received one, you're likely not affected. Contact the SSA immediately : If you have questions or need to negotiate a repayment plan, don't delay. Seek legal or financial help : Many nonprofit organizations can help you navigate appeals and waivers. Are your Social Security benefits at risk? This 50% cut is real, and it's already impacting millions of Americans in July 2025. If you're receiving Social Security and have ever been overpaid — even unknowingly — your income could be slashed unless you take action fast. The best thing you can do right now? Stay informed, monitor your SSA messages, and respond quickly to any notices you receive. The 50% cuts to Social Security checks may feel like a sudden blow to many older Americans, but there are steps you can take. If you're affected, don't panic, but do act. Reach out to SSA, file your appeal if needed, and ask for help if it becomes unmanageable. The rules may be strict, but many seniors have successfully appealed or reduced their repayments—especially if they act fast. For many, this situation highlights a deeper issue: a system that's difficult to navigate and can leave vulnerable people paying for its mistakes. But knowing your rights and being proactive can make a big difference. FAQs: Q1: Why are Social Security checks being cut by 50% this month? Because the SSA is recovering overpayments made between 2015 and 2022. Q2: How can I stop the 50% Social Security deduction? You can appeal or request a lower rate using SSA Form SSA-634 .
Time of India
16 minutes ago
- Time of India
What will learning look like in the age of superintelligence? Sam Altman says intelligence may soon cost no more than electricity
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman In his recent blog titled The Gentle Singularity , OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reflects on how the arrival of digital superintelligence may reshape every dimension of human learning. The post is not a speculative essay filled with distant hypotheticals. Instead, it reads like a quiet alert from someone at the very center of what he calls a "takeoff. " One of the most significant areas poised for transformation, according to Altman, is learning itself. As artificial intelligence systems surpass human capability in increasingly complex domains, the role of the learner is expected to evolve. In Altman's view, we are now past the hard part. The breakthroughs behind tools like ChatGPT have already laid the groundwork. What follows is a period where these tools begin to self-improve, causing knowledge creation, experimentation and implementation to accelerate at a pace the world has never seen before. "Already we live with incredible digital intelligence, and after some initial shock, most of us are pretty used to it," Altman writes. That shift in perception is critical, what was once astonishing has quickly become mundane. In education, this means that the bar will keep moving. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo Learners may no longer be evaluated on their ability to recall information or apply frameworks but rather on their ability to collaborate with machines, interpret insights and define new problems worth solving. Here are six radical shifts Altman's vision suggests we may see in how learning functions in an age of superintelligence: Cognitive agents will become co-learners Altman notes that 2025 marks the arrival of AI agents capable of performing real cognitive work. Writing software, solving novel problems and simulating thought are no longer limited to humans. This doesn't mean the end of learning but a reorientation of it. Students, professionals and educators alike may find themselves working alongside these agents, not as passive users but as active collaborators. The process of learning may increasingly center around guiding, auditing and amplifying the work of intelligent systems. The pace of scientific understanding will compress One of the most profound claims in Altman's blog is that the timeline for scientific discovery could collapse dramatically. "We may be able to discover new computing substrates, better algorithms, and who knows what else," he writes. "If we can do a decade's worth of research in a year, or a month, then the rate of progress will obviously be quite different." This will directly affect how educational systems operate, curricula may have to update monthly instead of yearly. Students might prepare not for known fields but for capabilities that do not yet exist. Personalisation will become the baseline Altman envisions AI systems that feel more like a global brain — "extremely personalized and easy for everyone to use." Such systems could radically alter how learning journeys are shaped. Education may shift away from standardisation and towards deep customisation, where each learner follows a uniquely adaptive path based on their goals, context and feedback loops with intelligent systems. This could also challenge long-held norms around grading, pacing and credentialing. Creativity will remain human, but enhanced Despite machines taking over many cognitive tasks, Altman emphasises that the need for art, storytelling and creative vision will remain. However, the way we express creativity is likely to change. Learners in creative fields will no longer be judged solely by their manual skill or originality but by how well they can prompt, guide and harness generative tools. Those who embrace this shift may open entirely new modes of thought and output. Intelligence will become infrastructural In Altman's projection, 'As datacenter production gets automated, the cost of intelligence should eventually converge to near the cost of electricity.' Once data centers can build other data centers and robots assist in manufacturing robots, the cost of deploying intelligence could plummet. This repositions knowledge from something rare and scarce to something ambient. Learning may become less about access and more about intent, what one chooses to do with the world's near-limitless cognitive resources. The meaning of expertise may change As systems outpace human ability in certain domains, the role of the expert will evolve. According to Altman, many of today's jobs might appear trivial or performative to future generations, just as subsistence farming seems primitive to us now. Yet meaning will remain rooted in context. Learners will continue to pursue mastery, not because the machine cannot do it but because the act of learning remains socially and personally meaningful. The human impulse to know and contribute will not vanish, it will be redirected. Throughout the blog, Altman remains clear-eyed about the challenges. "There will be very hard parts like whole classes of jobs going away," he admits, but he is equally optimistic that the world will become so much richer, so quickly, that new ways of structuring society, policy and education will follow. Learning may become less of a race to gain credentials and more of a lifelong dialogue with intelligent systems that expand what it means to know, to build and to belong. "From a relativistic perspective, the singularity happens bit by bit, and the merge happens slowly," Altman writes. The shift may not feel disruptive day to day but its long arc will redefine how we learn, what we teach and how intelligence itself is understood in the decades to come. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
Time of India
18 minutes ago
- Time of India
Sugar sector milestone: Industry hits Rs 1.3 lakh crore mark; Union minister Pralhad Joshi says growth fuels rural prosperity & energy security
India's sugar sector has grown into a Rs 1.3 lakh crore annual industry, playing a key role in rural development, energy independence, and green fuel production, Union Food minister Pralhad Joshi said on Thursday. Speaking at the 'Cooperative Sugar Industry Conclave 2025' and 'National Efficiency Award Ceremony', Joshi credited policy reforms under Prime Minister Narendra Modi 's leadership for transforming the sector. 'Under the PM Shri @narendramodi ji's leadership, India's sugar sector has grown into a Rs 1.3 lakh crore industry (annually), driving rural prosperity, energy security and green power through reforms like record ethanol blending and Atmanirbharta in fuel,' Joshi said in a post on social media. He added that it was inspiring to see the sector's evolution shaping a sustainable, self-reliant future for the country, PTI reported. The conclave was organised by the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Limited, which was established in 1960 to support a vibrant cooperative sugar ecosystem. All cooperative sugar factories and state cooperative sugar federations across India are members of the federation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo A senior official noted that India's ethanol production capacity has expanded more than fourfold in the past 11 years to 1,810 crore litres annually. Ethanol blending in petrol has also climbed from 1.53% in 2013 to around 19% now, resulting in foreign exchange savings exceeding Rs 1.10 lakh crore and boosting returns for sugarcane and foodgrain farmers. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
