Consumption inequality in India has decreased in 2023-24 across both rural and urban areas, as revealed by the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey. The Gini coefficient fell to 0.24 for rural areas and 0.28 for urban areas. Average monthly per capita consumption expenditure increased in all major states, with Odisha and Punjab showing the highest growth. The urban-rural gap narrowed in 11 states, with Kerala having the lowest gap. Food constitutes 47% of rural households' consumption, with significant variations across states.

Sixty-seven people are feared dead after an American Airlines jet collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport. The jet, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, was en route from Wichita, Kansas, while the helicopter was on a training flight with three soldiers. Recovery efforts have found 28 bodies so far, and officials believe there are no survivors. Investigations are ongoing, with questions raised about the preventability of the crash, which is the deadliest US air disaster since 2001.

Six pilgrims returning from the Maha Kumbh died in two separate road accidents in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, raising the total death toll to 28 since the event began. In one incident, three devotees from UP were killed in a collision with a UPSRTC bus in Jaunpur. Earlier in the week, other accidents claimed lives, including a family of four from Delhi. In another accident on the Purvanchal Expressway, three individuals from East Champaran also lost their lives. The series of accidents highlights the dangers faced by pilgrims traveling to and from the religious gathering.

Despite a recent stampede, the flow of devotees at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj remained strong, with nearly 2 crore participants bathing at Sangam by the end of Thursday. The administration ensured smooth operations with shuttle buses and maintained alertness to prevent inconvenience. Many devotees expressed their determination to participate in the holy event, attributing their journey to the call of Mother Ganga. While the number of devotees returning from the mela was higher than those arriving, the atmosphere remained enthusiastic and organized, with ample space for everyone.