What does 'deflator' mean in this economics editorial?

A deflator is a statistical figure used to remove the effect of price changes and convert values into real terms. In Hindi: अपस्फीतिकारक. MoSPI abandoned the Wholesale Price Index as its deflator in favour of the new Producer Price Index.

What is the meaning of 'bolstered'?

Bolstered means supported, strengthened, or reinforced. In Hindi: समर्थित / मज़बूत किया गया. The editorial says the contrary argument is bolstered by the fact that GST revenues have grown slower.

Is this editorial vocabulary useful for IBPS PO and SBI PO exams?

Yes. The vocabulary, Hindi and English meanings, and the 30-question Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary quiz are designed at IBPS PO Mains level and are useful for SBI PO, RRB PO, RBI Grade B and SSC English preparation.

What is the main argument of this editorial?

It argues that while the latest IIP data show strong industrial growth, they raise doubts about the composition of that growth, the timing and transparency of a major methodology change by MoSPI, and inconsistencies with other measures such as the Eight Core Sectors index and slowing GST revenue, so the dataset raises more questions than it answers.