Ramchander Rao: 'To Insult Vande Mataram Is Patriotism?'

In an interview with India Today, former Chief Economic Advisor KV Subramanian strongly defended India's GDP calculation methodology and dismissed claims questioning recent growth figures. Responding to criticisms raised regarding revisions in the GDP series, he stated, "that 2.6% claim is absolutely bogus" and explained that revisions follow international standards like double deflation. Subramanian addressed concerns raised by former CEA Arvind Subramanian and others about a trust deficit in official data, arguing that economic indicators like double-digit growth in passenger vehicles, bank credit, and capital expenditure support strong economic expansion. He emphasized that methodological revisions occur globally and urged that GDP data analysis remain grounded in economics rather than politics.

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.