Biden's doctor affirms President's mental acuity amidst his reelection decision
Washington D.C.: Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the physician to President Joe Biden, defended the President's mental acuity on Thursday, describing it as "excellent." This statement comes shortly after Biden announced his decision not to seek reelection, a move that surprised many.
In an encounter with the New York Post on the White House driveway, O'Connor was asked about the health of the 81-year-old President. "It's excellent," O'Connor responded. When questioned about whether this might change before the end of Biden's term, O'Connor replied, "I hope not."
The New York Post further inquired about the President's mental cognition. "It's excellent," reiterated O'Connor, who has not briefed the press since Biden took office more than three years ago. When asked why no cognitive test had been performed, O'Connor stated, "We don't need to. He's here every day."
Speculation had arisen concerning a possible connection to Parkinson's disease following reports that an expert on the condition visited the White House eight times over eight months, meeting at least once with Biden's physician. However, O'Connor dismissed these rumors, affirming, "No, he's good."
Earlier this month, the White House refuted claims that Biden was being treated for Parkinson's, describing such assumptions as "incorrectly assumed and insinuated."
Biden's decision to step down came after a challenging debate with Republican candidate Donald Trump on June 27. He officially withdrew from the race on Sunday, citing concerns over his mental acuity and health. Biden is the first U.S. President to step down so late in the election cycle and under such circumstances.
Vice President Kamala Harris has assumed the position, becoming the first woman Vice President in American history. Her nomination is set for August 19 during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
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CM Siddaramaiah writes to CMs of 8 states on unfair devolution of taxes by Centre
Bengaluru, Sep 11: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said he has written to the Chief Ministers of eight states regarding the "unfair" devolution of taxes by the Union government, and has invited them to a conclave in Bengaluru to collectively deliberate on the issues of "fiscal federalism".
He said he has written to the Chief Ministers of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana, and Punjab.
"States with higher GSDP (Gross State Domestic Product) per capita, like Karnataka and others, are being penalised for their economic performance, receiving disproportionately lower tax allocations. This unjust approach undermines the spirit of cooperative federalism and threatens the financial autonomy of progressive states," he said in a post on 'X' with "#OurTaxOurRight" hashtag.
"I have invited them to a conclave in Bengaluru to collectively deliberate on the issues of fiscal federalism at a juncture when the Finance Commission needs to make a directional shift & create incentives for growth and better tax mobilisation," he said.
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Siddararamaiah has also posted the letter written to CMs of other states on 'X'.
"As you are aware the 16th Finance Commission has begun its deliberations. The previous Finance Commissions have laid excessive emphasis on equity at the cost of efficiency and performance. As a result, states with higher GSDP per capita and higher contribution to the gross tax revenues of the union are progressively receiving lower shares of the central fiscal transfers," he said.
Stating that during the visit of the 16th Finance Commission to the State of Karnataka, during 29-30, August 2024, he underscored the need to carefully examine the impact of high emphasis given to equity on resource devolution to well performing states, he said, "I have emphasised that the reduction in central financial transfers to well performing states is placing severe limitations on their ability to invest in physical and human infrastructure."
The taxpayers of states, which are net donors to the divisible pool, also expect a fair share of their taxes to come back to them, he said, adding that the Finance Commission therefore needs to carefully balance equity with efficiency and performance.
Pointing out that states with a strong contribution to the country's GDP and Gross Tax Revenue, help build the nation in more ways than one, Siddaramaiah said, therefore, there is an urgent need to balance equity with efficiency and performance for a stronger Union, both politically and economically.
"It is, therefore, important that states which are receiving smaller shares in horizontal devolution, compared to their contributions to the Gross Tax Revenues of the Union, need to articulate a coordinated set of proposals before the Commission," he said.
"It is my pleasure to invite you to a conclave in Bengaluru to discuss these issues further. I will send a separate invitation indicating the dates once we firm up the schedule," he added.
I have written to the Chief Ministers of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana, and Punjab regarding the unfair devolution of taxes by the Union government.
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) September 11, 2024
States with higher GSDP per capita, like Karnataka and others, are being penalized… pic.twitter.com/SLqpNwVPDA
