According to a recent World Bank report, India has emerged as the fourth most equal country globally in terms of income distribution, with a Gini Index score of 25.5. This ranking places India ahead of major economies such as the United States and China, as well as all G7 and G20 nations. The report highlights a significant reduction in extreme poverty in India, which fell to 2.3% in 2022-23 from 16.2% in 2011-12, resulting in approximately 171 million people moving out of extreme poverty over this period. India ranks just behind Slovakia, Slovenia, and Belarus in income equality. The World Bank classifies India’s inequality level as moderately low, nearing the low inequality category. This progress is attributed to strong social welfare programs and economic growth. However, some economists and political critics have expressed skepticism, noting that the Gini Index figure is based on consumption data rather than income data, which may present a more optimistic view than the ground reality. Despite these critiques, the government and several analysts view the report as a milestone in India's efforts to bridge income inequality and promote inclusive growth.