International Day for the Eradication of Poverty – 17 October 2026

16-10-2026 · English

Topics: Awards, International & Important Day · 16 October 2026 Current Affairs (UPSC / TNPSC / SSC / RRB)

News

The UN observes 17 October every year as the 'International Day for the Eradication of Poverty'. Theme for 2026–2028: 'United for Peace and Human Rights'; 2026 focus: 'Safe Homes for All'. Over 2.8 billion people face some form of housing inadequacy. The UN commemoration was held at UN Headquarters, New York, on 16 Oct 2026, highlighting the Doha Political Declaration of the World Social Summit and the right to an adequate standard of living.

Key facts

Background

• History: on 17 Oct 1987 a gathering in Paris honoured victims of extreme poverty; a commemorative stone was unveiled with the words of Father Joseph Wresinski, founder of ATD Fourth World: 'Wherever men and women are condemned to live in extreme poverty, human rights are violated.'
• India – multidimensional poverty: NITI Aayog discussion paper (Jan 2024) – 24.82 crore people escaped multidimensional poverty between 2013-14 and 2022-23; the headcount fell from 29.17% to 11.28%. MPI – 3 dimensions (health, education, standard of living), 12 indicators.
• Economy: in June 2025 the World Bank raised the international extreme poverty line from $2.15 to $3.00 a day (2021 PPP). Constitution: Articles 38 and 39 (Directive Principles) – reducing inequalities of income.

Tamil Nadu link: per NITI Aayog's National MPI 2023, Tamil Nadu's headcount fell from 4.76% (2015-16) to 2.20% (2019-21), against the national 24.85% to 14.96%. Kerala is lowest (0.55%).

Source: UN DESA (social.desa.un.org) – IDEP 2026 page; UN press note (res. 47/196); NITI Aayog MPI 2023 (The South First); NITI Aayog discussion paper, Jan 2024

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