John F. Kennedy vs Manmohan Singh

Kennedy authorized the CIA-backed invasion of Cuba by exiles at the Bay of Pigs, which failed disastrously. The event embarrassed the U.S., strengthened Castro's position, and pushed Cuba closer to the Soviet Union.

Kennedy signed an executive order establishing the Peace Corps, sending American volunteers abroad to assist with development. The program promoted U.S. soft power and cultural exchange, becoming a lasting legacy of his administration.

Kennedy confronted the Soviet Union over the installation of nuclear missiles in Cuba. He imposed a naval blockade and negotiated a peaceful resolution, securing the removal of missiles in exchange for a pledge not to invade Cuba and removal of U.S. missiles from Turkey.

Kennedy delivered a speech at Rice University, committing the U.S. to landing a man on the moon before the end of the decade. This galvanized the Apollo program and the Space Race against the Soviet Union.

Kennedy was assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald while riding in a motorcade in Dallas, Texas. His death shocked the world and led to the passage of the Civil Rights Act and other legislation under his successor, Lyndon B. Johnson.

Manmohan Singh became the 13th Prime Minister of India, leading the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) coalition. He was the first Sikh to hold the office and served two full terms until 2014.

During Singh's tenure, India experienced an average GDP growth rate of over 8% per year, lifting millions out of poverty. The growth was driven by economic reforms initiated in the 1990s and global demand.

Singh's government enacted NREGA, guaranteeing 100 days of wage employment per year to rural households. The program became one of India's largest social welfare schemes, reducing rural poverty but facing implementation challenges.

Singh's government finalized the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement, ending India's nuclear isolation and allowing civilian nuclear trade. The deal faced political opposition but was passed after a confidence vote.

Singh's government was embroiled in the 2G spectrum allocation scandal, with allegations of underpricing leading to revenue loss. The Supreme Court later cancelled 122 licenses, and the scandal damaged the government's reputation.