Government Defends 7.8% GDP Growth Amid Credibility Debates

The Indian government is defending its 7.8% GDP growth figure for the first quarter, which exceeded forecasts despite ongoing concerns regarding youth unemployment and exam paper leaks.

Economists attribute the growth to a 12% rise in exports and a 12% increase in gross fixed capital formation, supported by a 1.5% reduction in interest rates since early 2025.

Critics, including opposition leaders, label the data as 'statistical gymnastics' due to methodology revisions, while cumulative rainfall as of August 27 remains 13% below the long-period average.