Sonia, Rahul pay tribute to Nelson Mandela on birth centenary
New Delhi, July 18: Former Congress President Sonia Gandhi and her successor Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday paid tributes to South African anti-apartheid revolutionary Nelson Mandela on his birth centenary.
In a letter to the African National Congress, Sonia Gandhi described Mandela as a man of "indomitable spirit and extraordinary courage".
"For me personally, it was an immense privilege to meet him, and to experience his magnetic charisma, the warmth of his personality, and the strength of his convictions.
"...I and my colleagues at Indian National Congress, join you and your comrades in the ANC in celebrating Madiba's (Mandela's) life and in saluting his memory," she said.
Rahul Gandhi also recalled his meeting with the South African leader, saying: "We spoke at length about the need for a nation to forgive its oppressors and to heal, but to never forget the oppression unleashed on it.
"...he told me that it was India's freedom struggle and the life of Mahatama Gandhi that had helped shape his beliefs."
Gandhi wrote that Mandela's birth centenary is also a time to remember the historic, cultural, and political bonds between the people of South Africa and India.
"These bonds were further strengthened during the struggle for South African independence and in the long years that Madiba was in prison, when the INC stood shoulder to shoulder with the ANC in solidarity against oppression, apartheid and colonial exploitation," he said.
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US rules out use of nuclear weapons against Iran
Washington DC: The White House has reportedly ruled out the use of nuclear weapons against Iran, even as uncertainty continues over ongoing peace negotiations and a deadline set by US President Donald Trump approaches.
Issues bout a possible escalation had increased after US Vice President JD Vance said that the United States has “tools in our toolkit that we so far haven’t decided to use” in dealing with Iran.
His remarks came amid rising tensions and ahead of a deadline linked to peace efforts.
The situation has attracted attention as Trump warned Iran that its “whole civilization will die tonight tonight” if an agreement is not reached by Tuesday at 8 pm.
This statement led to speculation about the possibility of extreme military measures, including a nuclear strike.
Following Vance’s comments, the White House issued a clarification distancing itself from such interpretations. In a post on X, it said, "Literally nothing @VP said here 'implies' this, you absolute buffoons." In a later statement, it added that “only the president knows” what action will be taken regarding Iran.
Literally nothing @VP said here "implies" this, you absolute buffoons https://t.co/7JU3wXMaWX
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 7, 2026
