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World Bank’s Banga flags jobs gap, inequality in podcast with Kamath
He warns that a shortfall in job creation for a rapidly growing young population could deepen inequality and strain global economic stability.
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Malvika Choudhary - Sat, 18, Apr 2026
- 13:31 EDT
- 19
Ajay Banga / Screengrab from the trailer
Ajay Banga, president of the World Bank, warned of a widening global jobs gap and rising inequality in a trailer released for an upcoming podcast episode hosted by Nikhil Kamath.
In the preview of People by WTF, Banga said the global economy faces structural pressures, including income inequality and limited employment opportunities for a rapidly expanding young population.
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He noted that about 1.2 billion people are expected to reach working age in the coming years, while only around 400 million jobs are projected to be available.
“So, income inequality is going to continue to go up,” Banga said in the trailer, adding that failure to generate employment could turn a demographic advantage into a destabilizing force.
The conversation also touched on global economic uncertainty, with references to trade tensions, currency concerns and interest rate conditions. Banga indicated he is less pessimistic about the outlook, while acknowledging the challenges.
Reflecting on career trajectories, Banga said “life is 50% luck,” but added that many people “leave their luck on the station platform,” underscoring the role of initiative and adaptability. He also highlighted the value of contingency planning and improvisation, referring to “plan B and plan C” and the concept of “jugaad.”
On India’s tourism sector, Banga said the country receives fewer than 20 million visitors annually, calling the figure low given its geographic and cultural diversity.
Banga, who previously led Mastercard as chief executive, now heads the World Bank Group, which was established after World War II to address global poverty and support economic development.
The full episode is expected to be released soon.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
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