KV Subramanian: 'That 2.6% Claim Is Absolutely Bogus'

A massive search and combing operation is underway in the Pir Panjal forests of Yusmarg in Budgam district following specific intelligence inputs about foreign terrorists hiding in the area. Contact was established between security forces and terrorists on Thursday evening, resulting in the killing of one foreign terrorist. Arms and ammunition were recovered from the encounter site as operations continue to track down other terrorists. All roads leading to the site have been sealed, and Yusmarg remains closed to tourists following the Pahalgam terror attack. Security forces suspect the slain terrorist may have links to the Pahalgam attack.

In an exclusive interview with Rajdeep Sardesai, former Chief Economic Advisor Dr. Arvind Subramanian analyzes the debate surrounding India's first quarter 7.8% GDP growth numbers. Addressing criticisms raised by former finance secretary Subhash Garg, Subramanian argued that while the government may be technically directionally right on some indicators, it faces a deeper systemic challenge. He said, "The elephant in the room is that the government has a huge trust deficit." Subramanian highlighted past discrepancies in economic data, COVID mortality statistics, and delayed census figures, stating that the burden of proof now rests entirely on the government. He emphasized that genuine economic growth should align with ground realities such as employment generation, wage growth, and private investment. To rebuild credibility, he urged the Ministry of Statistics to release complete methodological details and acknowledge past overestimations.

A national debate has emerged over India's first-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) growth figures of 7.8 percent, following criticisms raised by former Finance Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg.

On Shri Krishna Janmashtami, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced his government's resolve to develop a grand temple complex in Mathura and Vrindavan on the lines of Ayodhya's Ram Temple and Varanasi's Kashi Vishwanath Dham. Speaking during celebrations at the birthplace of Lord Krishna, the Chief Minister stated that efforts are underway to create grandiose premises to ensure devotees face no hurdles. The announcement sparked discussions around the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections and the long-standing Krishna Janmabhoomi dispute involving 13.37 acres of land. In a debate on India First, petitioner's counsel Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain detailed the legal maintainability and historical documentary evidence regarding the temple's demolition in 1670. Representatives from the Bharatiya Janata Party, Samajwadi Party, and the All India Imam Association presented contrasting viewpoints on the legal proceedings, civilisational faith, historical records, and the broader political narrative surrounding Mathura.