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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Wednesday it is right that he has paid back more than 6,000 pounds (USD 8,000) worth of gifts and hospitality, following a row over freebies. For weeks, Starmer has faced criticism over the scale of the donations, which included clothes, eyeglasses and tickets to his beloved soccer team Arsenal, that he received over recent years. During the last parliamentary term from 2019 to 2024, Starmer received around 100,000 pounds worth of donations, substantially more than any other member of parliament. Though the donations were legal and properly filed with officials in the UK Parliament, the row has dented Starmer's popularity ratings. According to officials at his 10 Downing Street offices, Starmer has covered the cost of six Taylor Swift tickets at London's Wembley Stadium, four to a horse racing event and a clothing rental agreement with a high-end designer favoured by his wife, Victoria Starmer. We are now going to bring forward principles fo
The Rashtrapati Bhavan through a web portal will auction selected gifts presented to the President and former presidents on different occasions, an official statement issued on Friday said. In the first phase, around 250 exquisite gifts will be auctioned, it said. "The aim of this initiative is not only to increase citizen engagement but also to support noble cause. All proceeds from the auction will be donated to help children in need," the statement issued by the President's office said. The bidding will be open from August 5 to August 26. After the conclusion of the bidding period, the items will be delivered to the highest bidders. "Rashtrapati Bhavan will auction selected gift items, presented to the President and former Presidents on various occasions, through an online portal called E-Upahaar," it said. The portal was launched by the President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday, on the completion of two years of her presidency. Interested persons can place their bids on ...