Akhilesh Yadav claims 'Shivling' below Uttar Pradesh CM Adityanath's residence, demands its digging
Lucknow: Samajwadi Party (SP) President Akhilesh Yadav, on Sunday, made a remark questioning the Adityanath government's recent diggings at various locations in Uttar Pradesh after claims of ancient temples being discovered. In a press conference, he claimed that there was a 'Shivling' beneath the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister's official residence in Lucknow and suggested that it should be dug up as well.
Akhilesh's comments appeared to mock the state government's actions, particularly referencing the diggings in Sambhal and other areas.
He also criticised the state government for its failure to complete essential tasks ahead of the upcoming Mahakumbh at Prayagraj, which is set to begin on January 13. He stated, "Many important works are still incomplete, and this government is busy distributing invitation cards for the event."
Regarding a recent remark by a UP minister suggesting that Akhilesh take a holy dip at the Kumbh, Akhilesh dismissed it, asserting that he had attended the event multiple times and that people visit on their own, not as invited guests. He accused the government of attempting to divert attention from its failures.
In addition, Akhilesh demanded that elections in India be conducted using ballot papers instead of electronic voting machines (EVMs). He pointed to Germany's legal stance on the matter, highlighting that its Supreme Court had ruled in favour of using ballot papers.
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Trump says EU has until July 4 to approve last year's trade deal or it will face higher tariffs
Washington (AP): President Donald Trump has said in a social media post that goods from the European Union would face higher tariff rates if the 27-member bloc fails to approve last year's trade framework by July 4.
The announcement on Thursday appeared to be a deadline extension after the president said last Friday that EU autos would face a higher 25 per cent tariff starting this week. Trump made the updated announcement after what he described as a "great call" with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Still, the US president was displeased that the European Parliament had yet to finalize the trade arrangement reached last year, which was further complicated in February by the US Supreme Court ruling that Trump lacked the legal authority to declare an economic emergency to impose the initial tariffs used to pressure the EU into talks.
"A promise was made that the EU would deliver their side of the Deal and, as per Agreement, cut their Tariffs to ZERO!" Trump posted. "I agreed to give her until our Country's 250th Birthday or, unfortunately, their Tariffs would immediately jump to much higher levels."
It was unclear from the post whether Trump was implying that the tariff rates would jump on all EU goods or the increase would only apply to autos.
His latest statement indicates he might be backing away from his earlier threat on EU autos by giving the European Parliament several more weeks to approve the agreement.
Under the original terms of the framework, the US would charge a 15 per cent tax on most goods imported from the EU.
But since the Supreme Court ruling, the administration has levied a 10 per cent tariff while investigating trade imbalances and national security issues, aiming to put in new tariffs to make up for lost revenues.
