So Sorry: Donald Trump's Exit Puzzle

Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra, former Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Air Force's Western Air Command, has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The appointment follows allegations of donation theft and financial mismanagement within the Shri Ram Mandir Trust, prompting a transition from a volunteer-led model to professional executive administration. Selected from over 5,800 applicants through an artificial intelligence-enabled and manual screening process, Air Marshal Mishra will manage day-to-day operations, ensure statutory compliance, and oversee future development of the temple complex. As CEO, his responsibilities include coordinating with state and central agencies, improving facilities for pilgrims, and restoring public trust while preserving traditional temple rituals. Mishra, an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and recipient of the Sarvottam Yuddha Seva Medal, previously commanded fighter squadrons and served in major operations.

A debate on India's economic growth numbers features BJP National Spokesperson Sanju Verma and Congress National Spokesperson Brajesh Kalappa. Defending the official 7.8% real GDP growth figure for Q1 FY27, Sanju Verma dismissed claims by former finance secretary Subhash Garg regarding a 2.6% growth rate, arguing that comparing new series data with old series data is misleading. She cited strong economic indicators, including a 23.4% rise in capital expenditure, robust auto sales, credit expansion, and rising GST collections. In response, Brajesh Kalappa questioned the credibility of the numbers, pointing to negative stock market reactions, rising unemployment, falling purchasing power, and stagnant job creation. Kalappa also challenged the rationale behind changing GDP calculation parameters and questioned why public advisories against spending on gold or foreign travel were being issued if the economy was booming. The discussion concluded with heated exchanges over base year revisions, international credit ratings, and political commentary surrounding India's economic performance.

India recorded a 7.8 per cent GDP growth in the first quarter, surpassing the Reserve Bank of India forecast and retaining its position as the fastest-growing major economy. However, the headline growth figures faced scrutiny over base year revisions and calculation methodology, triggering a political debate between the government and the opposition. The Ministry of Finance clarified that estimates were reviewed using the 2022-23 series. Meanwhile, the Japan Credit Rating Agency upgraded India's sovereign rating from BBB+ to A-, citing sustained economic growth, financial sector stability, improving expenditure quality, effective economic policies, robust consumption, and fiscal consolidation.

In Peddabondapalli village in Andhra Pradesh's Parvatipuram Manyam district, the Mandala Parishad Primary School continues to function with just one teacher and a single student. Second-grader Mekala Aravind is the sole remaining pupil after another student left. Teacher Gora Naidu continues daily lessons alongside a midday meal and sanitation staff member. Villagers recall the school once being full, but falling enrolment and migration have emptied its classrooms, raising fears of its closure amid shrinking student numbers in rural government schools.