India's 7.8% GDP growth sparks data accuracy debate

India's unexpectedly strong 7.8% GDP growth for April-June has sparked a debate, with critics questioning the accuracy of the data and the government defending its figures. The growth beat analyst forecasts of 7.1%. Former finance ministry bureaucrat Subhash Chandra Garg and ex-central bank chief Raghuram Rajan have raised concerns, with Garg alleging inflation of growth due to a revised GDP base and Rajan noting weak job creation and investment. The government's February methodology change reduced nominal GDP for the same period last year, and critics say this understates inflation. India's statistics ministry held a news conference to rebut the criticism, defending the methodology shift as the result of wide consultations. The opposition has seized on the controversy, with a Congress official calling the figure "statistical gymnastics," amid broader pressure on the government over jobs and education issues.