The Golden Age Report
- Shaurya Saurabh
- 30 minutes ago
- 4 min read
No Jargon Only Data
80 crore people get free grains and ration, courtesy of the supreme leader. Car sales in India are experiencing a downturn, with a notable decline in the small car segment. This trend is impacting major automakers like Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai, courtesy of the supreme leader. Health and life insurance come with 18% GST. Courtesy of the supreme leader. Private school fees, particularly in urban areas, have experienced substantial increases in the past decade, with a 2024 report by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) revealing a surge of over 169% in urban private unaided schools, courtesy of the supreme leader.
Unending Fee Hike: While higher education saw a lower percentage growth, graduate degree prices increased by 5.8% and postgraduate (PG) and higher course fees increased by 13.19% during the same period. After a dip during the pandemic, education inflation has risen again and currently hovers around 11-12% annually, courtesy of the supreme leader.
Leaving Citizenship: In 2024, 2,06,378 Indians gave up their citizenship. This marks the third consecutive year where the number of renunciations exceeded 2 lakh. The highest number of renunciations between 2011 and 2024 was recorded in 2022, with 2.3 lakh citizenship renunciations. Courtesy of the supreme leader.
Wealth Inequality: Top 1% control disproportionate wealth: India is among the most unequal countries globally in terms of wealth distribution. The wealthiest 1% of the adult population in India owned 40.1% of the total wealth in 2022-23. This is the highest level recorded since the 1960s. In contrast, the bottom 50% of the population collectively own a much smaller share, around 6.4%, courtesy of the supreme leader.
GDP: India's manufacturing % of GDP (based on Macro trends data in USD): 2004-2014: Averaged 16.3%, ranging 15.1-17.3%. 2014-2023: Averaged 14.4%, ranging 12.9-15.6%. 2024 data not yet available. Trend shows slight decline post-2014. Courtesy of the supreme leader.
From the Trump Administration: Initial Tariff: A 25% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods came into effect on August 7, 2025. Additional Tariff: On August 6, President Trump announced a further 25% tariff, bringing the total tariff rate to 50%. This additional tariff is expected to take effect on August 27, 2025. Courtesy of the supreme leader.
Rising Anemia: The prevalence of anemia among women (ages 15-49) actually increased from 53% to 57% between NFHS-4 and NFHS-5. This is significantly higher than the prevalence rate observed among men of the same age group (25%). Child Wasting Rate: India has the highest child wasting rate in the world at 18.7%, notes the 2023 Global Hunger Index. Stunting Rate: 34.7% of children fewer than 5 are stunted, higher than the average for the Asia region. Regional Disparities: Some states, particularly those with higher poverty rates, such as Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh, continue to have very high rates of under nutrition. Courtesy of the supreme leader.
On Inequality: 1947 (post-Independence): In the interwar colonial era leading up to independence in 1947, the top 1% held roughly 20-21% of the national income. However, by 1947, the income share of the top 1% had dropped to around 12.5%. This period saw a move towards socialist policies aimed at reducing inequality. Today (2022-2023): Income Inequality: The income share of the top 1% in India has reached an all-time high of 22.6% in 2022-23. This is higher than during the inter-war colonial period. Wealth Inequality: The wealth share of the top 1% stood at 40.1% in 2022-23, which is the highest level since wealth data began to be collected in 1961. The top 10% of the population holds 77% of the total national wealth. Comparison to Colonial Era: Financial analysts like Hardik Joshi argue that this level of disparity surpasses the wealth controlled by colonial elites during the British Raj. Courtesy of the supreme leader.
Failure of Make in India: Launched in 2014, and aimed for 25% manufacturing GDP share and 100M jobs by 2025. As of now, GDP share stagnates at 16 -17%, jobs created 20M (promised 100M) amid rising unemployment (7.8%). Trade deficit widened to $73B. Courtesy of the supreme leader. According to IMF's April 2025 projections, India's nominal GDP per capita is $2,880, ranking 142nd globally (out of 195 countries). Courtesy of the supreme leader.
On unemployment: India's unemployment rate post-2014 fluctuated: 5.4% in 2014, rose to 7.7% by 2018 (per Statista), peaked at 8% in 2020 amid COVID, and then fell to 4.2% in 2024 and 5.6% in mid-2025 (Trading Economics). Critics highlight high youth unemployment (17-40%) and discouraged workers, with job growth lagging demographic needs despite recovery. Sources: Statista, Forbes India. Courtesy of the supreme leader.
Democracy: Since 2014, India's Press Freedom Index rank declined from 140th to 161st in 2023, per RSF, improving to 151st in 2025 amid ongoing issues like media harassment and censorship. V-Dem data shows democratic backsliding, reclassifying India as an electoral autocracy by 2019, with eroded freedoms of expression and civil society under. Courtesy of the supreme leader.
In conclusion, India’s golden age is well and truly alive, and kicking (those who question it). Any resemblance to any living human being is purely coincidental.
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