Opposition calls Ram Mandir CEO a govt man. Faith in trust under lens? Panel debates

The Indian government's announcement of a 7.8% GDP growth rate for the first quarter has triggered political debate and economic analysis. The Congress party questioned the data's accuracy, pointing to past revisions and raising concerns regarding unemployment, inflation, and methodology. In response, the BJP defended the figures as evidence of economic resilience despite global headwinds. Economists Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Surjit Bhalla, and Nilkanth Mishra examined the technical nuances behind the revised series and base-year changes, dismissing allegations of political data manipulation and noting that revisions stem from standard global accounting practices and informal sector estimations. During an editorial discussion, Ahluwalia and Bhalla analyzed GDP growth trajectories, employment figures, and key structural policy challenges. Ahluwalia noted that achieving the Viksit Bharat 2047 target demands sustained high growth alongside extensive reforms, while Bhalla addressed employment data, stating salaried jobs have expanded steadily since 2011. Both economists advocated for trade liberalisation, recommending lower import tariffs and engagement with multilateral trade pacts to boost competitiveness.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar travelled to Kyiv and met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his team to discuss the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Addressing the media, the External Affairs Minister defended India's procurement of resources, stating that the challenges of providing energy for 1.4 billion people must be understood amidst a difficult global energy situation. He stated that the conflict will not be resolved by purchasing or withholding oil, minerals, metals, or fertilisers, but through dialogue, diplomacy, and negotiation. Reaffirming India's stance that this is not an era of war and solutions do not emerge from the battlefield, he echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message that endless war must give way to the end of war. He also noted that India remains ready to assist if required. India Today journalists highlighted how Indian national interests remain paramount, while also discussing escalating tensions in Eurasian and West Asian conflict theatres, including risks faced by Indian seafarers in the Caspian Sea.

A major political debate has broken out over the appointment of retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra as the Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The discussion features sharp exchanges between Bharatiya Janata Party national spokesperson Sanju Varma, Congress spokesperson Pankhuri Pathak, political analyst Ashutosh, and political commentator Sujata Pandey. Congress leaders raised questions regarding the administrative appointment and demanded a forensic audit into allegations of financial misappropriation and donation theft. Defending the appointment, the BJP and panelists emphasized the decorated military career of the former Western Air Command chief and accused the opposition of double standards by highlighting unresolved financial irregularities at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. Panelists also debated the scope of authority granted to the new CEO to restore institutional transparency and devotee confidence.

The newly appointed CEO of the Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra, has commenced duties by attending his first briefing on administration and accounts at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra office. The former Western Air Command chief and Operation Sindoor veteran stated that his initial priority is understanding his responsibilities before drafting a roadmap. Key challenges outlined include restoring devotee trust following the Chanda Chori controversy, securing offerings, enhancing financial transparency, and upgrading CCTV, security, and crowd management. However, his appointment has triggered political friction. Congress leader Rashid Alvi and MP Imran Masood questioned appointing a military veteran over saints, alleging RSS influence and raising questions over Operation Sindoor. IUML leader Harris Biran termed the move questionable, alleging it serves as a distraction. The Bharatiya Janata Party countered the opposition remarks, accusing critics of having a Dimagi Naxal mindset and insulting the armed forces.