Poverty Falls, India Strikes, Microsoft Exitsa

India has achieved a significant milestone on the economic front as the national poverty rate has reportedly declined from 16.2% to just 2.3%. This sharp drop marks a historic achievement, credited to consistent policy reforms, expansion of social welfare programs, digital inclusion, and rural development initiatives. For a country that once battled widespread poverty, this news places India on the global map as a model of sustainable and inclusive growth. Economists suggest that India’s poverty alleviation strategy can now be studied as a successful blueprint for other developing nations.

Amid this good news, India is also taking a tough stance in international trade. After the United States imposed higher tariffs on several Indian exports, India is preparing to impose retaliatory tariffs on select American goods. According to government sources, the list of affected products will be finalized soon, and the move is aimed at protecting Indian economic interests. The message is clear: India is no longer hesitant to respond to trade imbalances and is positioning itself as a confident, assertive global player.

In another major international development, Microsoft has officially shut down its operations in Pakistan. The tech giant cited growing economic instability, lack of a consistent digital policy, and rising operational risks as reasons for its exit. This move comes as a significant blow to Pakistan’s IT and job sectors, which were already under pressure. Experts believe that companies like Microsoft are now more inclined to invest in stable, growing markets like India, further strengthening India’s position as a preferred tech destination in the region.

Together, these developments reflect a broader transformation in India’s global image. No longer seen only as a developing country, India is now emerging as a self-reliant, economically powerful nation that is reducing poverty, standing firm in trade disputes, and attracting global corporations. These achievements signal a shift toward a more confident and strategic India, ready to shape international policy and regional dynamics.