India Overtakes Japan in GDP, But Where's the Wealth?

India has started the new year by passing Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy. The milestone, based on nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP), is a source of national pride for government and business leaders. However, economists are urging caution. They warn that the headline GDP number does not automatically mean greater prosperity for India's 1.4 billion people. The critical question remains: can the world's fastest-growing major economy turn rapid expansion into better lives for its citizens? GDP growth alone cannot create enough jobs, raise incomes, or reduce the country's significant inequality. The achievement highlights a global economic shift. Yet for India, the harder task of spreading wealth still lies ahead.