Fri Dec 27 02:32:08 UTC 2024: **Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Passes Away at 92**

New Delhi, India – Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India, passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 92. He breathed his last at AIIMS hospital in New Delhi, according to a statement released by the hospital. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences following the announcement. Reports indicate Dr. Singh collapsed at home earlier on December 26th before being admitted to the hospital.

Dr. Singh, born on September 26, 1932, in the village of Gah, Punjab (now in Pakistan), had a distinguished career in academics and politics. He earned his undergraduate degree in economics from Panjab University, Chandigarh, and later implemented significant economic liberalization reforms during his time as Prime Minister. These reforms included opening India’s economy to global markets, ending the “License Raj,” promoting privatization, and attracting foreign investment.

Serving two consecutive terms as India’s 13th Prime Minister, Dr. Singh oversaw the implementation of landmark legislation such as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and the Right to Information Act (RTI). He is also remembered for the historic India-US civilian nuclear agreement. While his tenure also saw controversies like the 2G spectrum scandal and the Commonwealth Games scandal, he focused on infrastructure development and social welfare schemes during his second term.

Dr. Singh received numerous accolades including the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, and honorary doctorates from prestigious universities such as Cambridge and Oxford. He is survived by his wife, Gursharan Kaur, and three daughters. He had been battling age-related illnesses in recent times.

Read More