Checking corruption is not an easy task: CM
Bengaluru, June 11: Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said that he knew that he would not continue for a long time as the CM if he tried to check corruption instantly.
Speaking to reporters here on Monday, the CM said that he is taking all steps to control the corruption in a staged manner. “When I have been to Sringeri Mutt, the Swamiji asked me to stop corruption. But I have informed him that it is not so easy to check corruption”, he recalled.
The corruption starts right from the transfer of employees and officials. Corruption is more rampant in Vidhana Soudha. There are some middlemen in the third floor of the Vidhana Soudha and their duty is to get their transfers done. He has already directed the officials to work honestly, he said.
“There is a coalition government in the state and the media has been reporting that the coalition government did not take off in the state. But I don’t have any fear. The JDS-Congress coalition government will complete full five-year term. I don’t know how and who create such stories. Please don’t give false reports. I cannot do politics making my father Deve Gowda idle at home”, he said.
“ I have not come to power to make money. I don’t know how many days I would live. I have undergone surgery two times. I have got the power for people. Because of the blessings of the God and elders, I became Chief Minister. Many people have thought that I would go with the BJP if the circumstances warranted for coalition government. In fact, I have got the offer from the BJP. But, there is a difference between last time and this time”, he said.
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Trump unveils fast-track ‘Gold Card’ visa scheme for wealthy foreigners
Washington: President Donald Trump has introduced a new visa programme that offers wealthy foreigners an expedited path to US citizenship in exchange for a minimum payment of $1 million. Announcing the initiative on social media on Wednesday, Trump described the offering, called the Trump Gold Card, as a “direct path to citizenship for all qualified and vetted people.”
According to the scheme’s official website, the Gold Card is aimed at individuals who can demonstrate they will provide a “substantial benefit” to the United States. The programme promises residency in “record time” and requires a $1 million fee as proof of that benefit. Businesses sponsoring foreign employees will need to pay $2 million, with additional charges depending on the applicant’s circumstances. A “platinum” version with special tax incentives is expected to be introduced for $5 million.
Applicants must also pay a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee before their documents are reviewed.
BBC reported that the scheme has drawn criticism from Democrats since its first announcement earlier this year, who argue that it unfairly prioritises the wealthy. When Trump initially outlined the plan, he likened the visa to a green card but stressed that it targeted “high-level” professionals. “We want people that are productive,” he said, adding that those who can pay $5 million “are going to create jobs.”
The launch of the programme comes at a time when the administration has sharply intensified its immigration crackdown. The US has increased fees for work visas and expanded efforts to deport undocumented migrants. Immigration applications from 19 countries, mostly in Africa and the Middle East which are covered under the administration’s travel ban remain paused.
The government has also halted decisions on asylum cases and announced a review of thousands of approvals issued during President Joe Biden’s tenure. In September, Trump signed an order introducing a $100,000 fee for new applicants to the H-1B programme for skilled workers, prompting concern among international students and technology companies. The White House later clarified that the fee applies only to applicants currently living outside the United States.
