New Delhi: Social activist Anna Hazare expressed his condolences on the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, describing him as a staunch opponent of corruption. However, his remarks have drawn criticism from social media users, who questioned why Hazare led a protest against Singh’s government if he held such views.
“Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh always prioritised the welfare of the nation and society. Death is inevitable, but the contributions and work he did for the country are immense. He provided a new direction to the Indian economy. I met him in 2010 during his tenure, and he discussed the anti-corruption movement with me. He took immediate decisions regarding the Lokayukta Act against corruption. Though he is no longer with us physically, his memories will remain with us forever,” Hazare said.
In 2011, Hazare’s anti-corruption movement created a massive stir across the country. The protest, which began on April 5, 2011, and concluded on December 23 of the same year, sparked widespread dissatisfaction among citizens against the Manmohan Singh-led government. The movement played a significant role in the Congress-led UPA's defeat in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
Following Hazare's statement, social media users criticised him, asking why he protested against Singh's administration if he believed Singh opposed corruption.
"Manmohan Singh Was Against Corruption, Always Thought Of Nation": Anna Hazare https://t.co/Ij6YuCuBoW#ManmohanSingh #AnnaHazare pic.twitter.com/KkKLKVIwpo
— NDTV (@ndtv) December 27, 2024
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Washington (AP): President Donald Trump has said in a social media post that goods from the European Union would face higher tariff rates if the 27-member bloc fails to approve last year's trade framework by July 4.
The announcement on Thursday appeared to be a deadline extension after the president said last Friday that EU autos would face a higher 25 per cent tariff starting this week. Trump made the updated announcement after what he described as a "great call" with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Still, the US president was displeased that the European Parliament had yet to finalize the trade arrangement reached last year, which was further complicated in February by the US Supreme Court ruling that Trump lacked the legal authority to declare an economic emergency to impose the initial tariffs used to pressure the EU into talks.
"A promise was made that the EU would deliver their side of the Deal and, as per Agreement, cut their Tariffs to ZERO!" Trump posted. "I agreed to give her until our Country's 250th Birthday or, unfortunately, their Tariffs would immediately jump to much higher levels."
It was unclear from the post whether Trump was implying that the tariff rates would jump on all EU goods or the increase would only apply to autos.
His latest statement indicates he might be backing away from his earlier threat on EU autos by giving the European Parliament several more weeks to approve the agreement.
Under the original terms of the framework, the US would charge a 15 per cent tax on most goods imported from the EU.
But since the Supreme Court ruling, the administration has levied a 10 per cent tariff while investigating trade imbalances and national security issues, aiming to put in new tariffs to make up for lost revenues.
