LIVE! US President Trump did not refuse to shake Merkel's hand

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Sun, 19 March 2017

US President Trump did not refuse to shake Merkel's hand

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21:29 US President Trump did not refuse to shake Merkel's hand

Donald Trump's spokesman has denied that the US president refused to shake hands with German Chancellor Angela Merkel as they say side-by-side in the White House last week. "I don't think he heard the question" posed by Merkel when she suggested they shake hands, in full view of press cameras, spokesman Sean Spicer told German weekly Der Spiegel.

The quote was translated into English from Der Spiegel's online German website.

The veteran German chancellor had arrived for her first meeting with Trump at a snowy White House hoping to reverse a chill in relations after Trump's incendiary election rhetoric, in which he called Merkel's acceptance of refugees a "catastrophic mistake" and suggested she was "ruining Germany."

The visit on Friday began cordially, with the pair shaking hands at the entrance of the White House. But later, sitting side-by-side in the Oval Office, Merkel's suggestion of another handshake went unheard or ignored by Trump -- an awkward moment in what are usually highly scripted occasions.

German media pointed to the incident as another marker of the meeting's general icy mood between the cautious German chancellor and impulsive US president.

In a frequently awkward joint press conference in the East Room, Trump and Merkel showed little common ground as they addressed a host of thorny issues including NATO, defence spending and free trade deals.

Former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday updated his Twitter bio to Socialist leader of India just before BJP firebrand leader Yogi Adityanath took oath as the current Chief Minister of the state.

Before getting dethroned from the chief minister's position, Akhilesh's Twitter bio read as 'The Chief Minister, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh'.

Following the Bharatiya Janata Party's victory in the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, Yogi Adityanath was elected as the next state chief minister.

The swearing-in ceremony of Adityanath and his cabinet took place earlier in the day.

Dinesh Sharma and Keshav Prasad Maurya were sworn-in as the deputy chief ministers of the state.

In the recently held polls in the state, BJP had bagged 312 seats, and its allies 13, taking the alliance's tally to 325 in the 403-member assembly.

A lot of problems, mainly violence and starvation, exist due to negligence and a "huge gap" between the rich and the poor, the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama said.

During his address on the "art of happiness", the monk said that harmony among different faiths exists in India, which is unique in world.

"All religions peacefully live together (in India). Occasionally, there are some problems mainly due to politicians...so that also is understandable. (There are) some mischievous persons in human beings (sic)," the Dalai Lama said in a lighter vein, evoking peals of laughter.

Acknowledging existence of strife, he said, "(In) today's world, (there are) lot of problems...from the major disasters (which are) beyond control. But many problems, mainly violence, killing and starvation, are due to negligence and (due to) a huge gap between the rich and the poor."

The Dalai Lama hailed the peaceful co-existence of various faiths in India.

The chairman of a US congressional committee on intelligence said Sunday that he has seen "no evidence" that US President Donald Trump's campaign colluded with Russia during the runup to the 2016 election.

Based on "everything I have up to this morning -- no evidence of collusion," said US Representative Devin Nunes, head of the House Intelligence Committee.

He made his remarks one day before FBI director James Comey is due to appear before his panel, facing lawmakers seeking answers about Trump's potential Russia ties and the president's extraordinary accusation of wiretapping by his predecessor.

Taking a dig at Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sushil Kumar Modi for not being invited in the swearing-in ceremony of Uttar Pradesh Cabinet government, Rashtriya Janata Dal party leader Lalu Prasad Yadav on Sunday mocked the former by saying, "Tum bhi kaan chhidva lo, sir chhilva lo, vesh badal lo. Shayad tumhara kuch bhala ho jaye. Zada dukhi mat hona, ye log tumhe shapath graham mei nahi bulaya."

Lalu's response came after the senior BJP leader tried to take a jibe at him by saying that Lalu is in a state of shock by BJP leader Yogi Aditynath's Chief Ministership.

"Yogi ke banne se itne sadme mei hai ki kya gaali de samajh nahi aa raha hai."

Modi's tweet came in the wake of Lalu Yadav's comments over Adityanath's ascension as the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh.

This is not the first time Sushil Modi has took potshots on Lalu Prasad Yadav. He had earlier mocked Lalu saying that by making his 'wife the chief minister and his sons ministers', he has not allowed anyone else in his party to come forward.

Domestic air passenger traffic surged by nearly 16 per cent to 86.55 lakh in February over the same period last year, according to the DGCA.

As per the data, Indian carriers together flew a total of 86.55 lakh passengers in February 2017 as compared to 74.76 lakh fliers in the same month of 2016, registering a growth of 15.77 per cent.

Significantly, in January, air passenger traffic had surged 25.13 per cent to 95.79 lakh.

According to data, budget carrier IndiGo ferried the highest number of passengers in February at 34.19 lakh, while rival carriers continued to see the highest seat factor across its flights.

Its load factor in February stood at 93.7 per cent in the reporting month, according to the DGCA data.

SpiceJet delivered the highest ontime performance from four metro airports at 81.1 per cent in February 2017, as per data.

19:23

JUST IN: All Delhi Metro stations in Delhi-NCR will remain open today and thereafter

18:56 UP's law and order top priority: New UP CM Yogi at 1st presser

Yogi Adityanath addresses the media after taking oath as Uttar Pradesh chief minister, thanks people for giving BJP a huge mandate.

Here are highlights:

>> Will work for development of Uttar Pradesh without any biases

>> Over last 15 years, UP has lagged behind in development race. People were fed up with rampant corruption, deteriorating law and order situation

>> Govt will work for all section of society without any partiality, for this administration will be made accountable and answerable

Manipur economic blockade which was in existence for the last 130 days is scheduled to be be lifted on Sunday night. Lifting of indefinite blockade was resolved in a tripartite talk, involving United Naga Council, government of India and Manipur government in Manipurs Senapati district.

The UNC had imposed the blockade since November 1, 2016 to protest the creation of 7 new districts by the then Congress government in October last year.

The economic blockade imposed by the UNC on the two national highways in Manipur has led to a shortage of essential commodities in the state.

It was imposed against the then O Ibobi Singh-led Congress governments decision to create seven new districts in the state.

18:19

Here's a list of all the chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh.

18:04

JUST IN: Indefinite economic blockade in Manipur will be lifted from today midnight

17:36 After meeting Haryana CM, Jat stir postponed

Jat quota stir planned from Monday onwards postponed by 15 days after Jat leaders met Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

Earlier in the day, All India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti Chairperson Yashpal Malik along with other leaders met the Haryana CM to hold talks on the quota issue.

The Jats were planning a mega march to Parliament on Monday, where they were planning to gherao Parliament.

In view of the planned march, prohibitory orders had been clamped in Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan to stop Jat protesters from entering Delhi and about 24,700 paramilitary personnel had been mobilised to maintain peace.

Besides quota, the Jats have been demanding release of people jailed during last years agitation, withdrawal of cases slapped during the protest and government jobs for the kin of those killed and injured while taking part in the stir.

Expelled Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh on Sunday said a 'rogi' (ill) Uttar Pradesh is blessed to have a chief minister like Yogi Adityanath and expressed confidence that corruption and nepotism would ward off from the state.

Heaping praise on the newly elected Uttar Pradesh chief minister, Singh, said, "I would like to congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Adityanath for the historic mandate."

"Saying Yogi Adityanath that he is antagonistic to other communities is a wrong estimation of his character. Yogi Aditnanath is leader for the youth and is very humble. Rogi Uttar Pradesh is blessed to have Yogi Aditynath," he added.

Singh applauded the Bharatiya Janata Party's decision to appoint two Deputy Chief Ministers for the state.

"It is very difficult to monitor such a big state as Uttar Pradesh. Hence appointing Keshav Prasad Maurya along with Dinesh Sharma as Deputy Chief Minister is a good step. Both of them are poplar for their honesty. I think from now on, hooliganism and anarchy will ward off from the state. The BJP will punish those who are corrupt," he said.

16:49 MDMK to boycott R K Nagar bypoll

MDMK Chief Vaiko today said his party would boycott the byelection to the state assembly from R K Nagar constituency. "We have unanimously decided to boycott the polls scheduled to be held on April 12. We will not campaign for any political parties also," Vaiko said.

16:17

PM Narendra Modi says he has immense confidence that Yogi Adityanath's team will leave no stone unturned in making UP into Uttam Pradesh.

15:54 All will feel safe in his rule: Murli Manohar Joshi on Yogi Adityanath

In the wake of Bharatiya Janata Party firebrand leader Yogi Adityanath's ascension to Uttar Pradesh chief minister, senior party leader Murli Manohar Joshi asserted there was no danger for any minority community under the former's rule.

"Koi khatra nahi hai, aap aaram se rahiye. (There is no danger; all will feel comfortable under his rule) That is my surety," he said.

Joshi further asserted the people of the state would see development in his constituency.

"Yogi Adityanath has brought a lot of development in his constituency. Be it schools or hospitals, he had made them all for the poor. I'm sure he will take up on the path of development for the state," he said.

Yogi Adityanath, a five-time Lok Sabha MP from Gorakhpur, was unanimously elected BJP Legislature Party leader at a meeting of the newly-elected MLAs in Lucknow last evening.

Senior party leader and Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu, who was the central observer at the Legislature Party meeting, said it was a watershed moment for the BJP and it has become a common man's party. He said, the mandate is for development, and against corruption and black money.

In the recently held polls in the state, BJP had bagged 312 seats, and its allies 13, taking the alliance's tally to 325 in the 403-member assembly.

A red flag from RSS, BJPs ideological mentor, spoiled telecom minister Manoj Sinhas chances at becoming the Uttar Pradesh chief minister.

BJPs 312 MLAs elected Gorakhpur MP Yogi Adityanath as their leader on Saturday, paving the way for his elevation as the chief minister.

As a tug of war played out between the contendersin Lucknow and DelhiBJP sources claimed that Sinha was edged out of the race much before it was claimed. Deliberations between the top BJP and RSS leaders after Holi saw him being dropped.

Sinha, also an ABVP activist during his BHU days, was not seen as suitable to take forward the ideological battle that the RSS was interested in.

RSS joint general secretary Krishna Gopal, who coordinates between the RSS and the BJP, was against the idea of Sinha becoming the chief minister. As RSS pracharak in Poorvanchal, when Sinha was an MP in the 90s, Gopal had a turf war with the Bhumihar leader.

Sinhas detractors in the RSS also claim that the perception about him having a soft corner for a particular caste worked against his favour. The RSS wanted a caste neutral leader, a source said.

A Deputy Superintendent of Police was among four policemen injured when Jat protesters clashed with police during their march towards Delhi, police said.

A Jat leader, however, claimed that police had lobbed tear gas shells and tried to disperse them when they were marching in a peaceful manner. He claimed a few protesters were also injured.

The clash took place in Dhani Gopal village on Sirsa-Hisar Delhi National Highway when police tried to stop tractor trolleys carrying protesters from heading towards the national capital, police said.

They said some stones were also pelted by the protesters as they clashed with the cops.

Police said that DSP rank officer Gurdial Singh and three constables were injured.

Police also said that two of its buses were damaged while some equipment of the electronic media was snatched allegedly by the protesters while they were covering the event.

14:48

As the oath taking ceremony continues, here are some of the names of the BJP members who have been sworn in as Cabinet ministers.

>> Surya Pratap Shahi

>> Swami Prasad Maurya

>> Suresh Khanna

>> Satish Mahana

>> Rajesh Agarwal

>> Rita Bahuguna Joshi

>> Dara Singh Chouhan

>> Dharam Pal Singh

>> SP Singh Baghel

>> Satyadev Pachauri

>> Rampati Shastri

>> Jaypratap Singh

>> Om Prakash Rajbhar

>> Brijesh Pathak

14:28

Dinesh Sharma takes oath as deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh

14:24 UPDATE: Yogi Adityanath takes oath as UP chief minister

Yogi Adityanath, the controversial mascot of hardline Hindutva, has been sworn in as the 21st chief minister of Uttar Pradesh.

The 44-year-old five term MP from Gorakhpur was elected as the CM on Saturday after the BJP won a resounding three-fourth majority in the key Hindi heartland state, making a comeback to power after 15 years.

The crowds have gathered, the big names of the Bharatiya Janata Party have arrived at the swearing-in ceremony of Yogi Adityanath as UP CM at Smriti Upvan.

Union ministers, BJP CMs and other big names have also gathered at the arena to witness the firebrand's swearing-in ceremony.

Former UP CM Akhilesh Yadav is also present at the ceremony.

14:04

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches Lucknow ahead of Yogi Adityanath's swearing-in ceremony as UP CM.

13:51 Akhilesh to attend Yogi Adityanath's swearing-in

While it was unknown if former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav would attend the swearing-in ceremony of Yogi Adityanath, it is now confirmed that Akhilesh is attending the ceremony.

According to reports, the Yogi Adityanath Cabinet will include six women ministers. The UP CM's cabinet will have 43 ministers, including Rita Bahuguna.

Reports also stated that Mohsin Raja will be the sole Muslim face in Yogi's team.

Reports added that Siddharth Nath Singh along with Shreekant Sharma will be also included in the cabinet.

However, Sangeet Som has been left out.

Amid speculation that the Sangh pushed for Yogi Adityanath's candidature as UP CM, the RSS today said it was a political decision and it had no say in the selection of chief ministers in BJP-ruled states.

Replying to a specific question on choosing Adityanath, a swayamsevak, as chief minister, RSS Joint General Secretary Bhagaiah told reporters it was a political decision.

When pointed out that BJP has elected Trivendra Singh Rawat, a RSS pracharak, as chief minister of Uttarakhand, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also an RSS man.

Bhagaiah said RSS was not pressurising in the selection of chief ministers.

Priest-turned politician Yogi Adityanath, the controversial mascot of hardline Hindutva, was yesterday named as next CM of Uttar Pradesh, in a move by the BJP that took many by surprise.

Film producer Chandrahasan, the elder brother of actor Kamal Haasan, died in London on Saturday night. The 82-year-old was at the residence of his daughter Anu Hasan, when he suffered a massive cardiac arrest.

Chandrahasan held the position of the executive producer at the Raaj Kamal International banner. He handled the production of films like Virumandi, Vishwaroopam, Thoongavanam among others. Before joining the showbiz, Chandrahasan was a practicing lawyer. He was also Kamals biggest strength and stood by the actor during various struggles including the Vishwaroopam ban.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah along with chief miisters of BJP-ruled states will be present at the swearing-in ceremony of UP's new chief minister, Yogi Adityanath, at Smriti Upvan on Sunday.

Preparation for the ceremony, which is to take place at 2.15 pm, is going on in full swing and more than 50,000 people are expected to attend the event.

So far, chief ministers of five states, governors of three states and more than a dozen Union ministers have confirmed their presence for the monumental event which will be hosted by UP governor Ram Naik. Invitations have been sent to all MPs as well.

It is yet unknown if now former CM Akhilesh Yadav would attend the ceremony.

The BJP's decision to appoint Hindutva hardliner Yogi Adityanath as Uttar Pradesh chief minister has drawn an avalanche of reactions from opposition parties. Expectedly, none of them are flattering.

Congress spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi said, "Congratulations UP! Hello media the man you called 'fringe' is now mainstream!."

In another tweet, she said, "Also the 'vikas ka mukhauta'. The mask is truly off.. bring on Shamshaan-Kabristaan, Diwali-Eid narrative".

Another senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid tweeted, "No more pretence! Yogi Adityanath to sit where Pantji, NDT, Bahugana et al once sat. Great test PM has put BJP trolls to. Explain this."

The Communist Party of India-Marxist accused the BJP of systematically playing communal card in India's biggest state, after the saffron party named Adityanath as UP CM.

"Selection of Adityanath is the culmination of Modi-Amit Shah brand of politics in the state where the BJP systematically played communal card," said the party's politburo member Md. Salim.

Brinda Karat termed Adityanath's selection as part of "RSS agenda".

"It is clearly the RSS agenda and UP is the new experimental field for it. Since it is the victory of RSS (in UP elections), it has chosen the CM."

Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy said: "The BJP is in majority and it is their prerogative as to whom they name as the Chief Minister. But it is evident that the BJP wants to pursue a strong Hindutva line in Uttar Pradesh."

11:47 Yogi Adityanath supporters celebrate

Supporters of Yogi Adityanath celebrate his elevation to the post of Uttar Pradesh chief minister.

The yogi will be sworn in today amid all the party's senior leaders.

Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu batting for Yogi said, "Yogi is an honest man, nobody can raise a finger on his commitment. Also, winning from the same seat five times isn't a small thing."

When asked about the two deputy CMs, Naidu said, "He openly requested me for two deputy CMs who would help him as Uttar Pradesh is a big state. The trio will be a good combination."

11:36 Pakistan violates ceasefire along LoC

Pakistani troops today violated the ceasefire twice by firing from automatic weapons along the LoC in Bhimbher Gali and Balakote sectors of Jammu and Kashmir, drawing retaliation from the Indian Army.

"There was unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army in Bhimbher Gali and Balakote sectors from 0600 hours to 0645 hours using 2 inch mortars and automatic weapons", a Defence Spokesman said today.

Army troops gave a befitting reply, the spokesman said.

This was the fifth ceasefire violation along the LoC in Poonch-Rajouri belt in the past 11 days.

On March 13, there was unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army in Poonch sector by using 82 mm mortars and automatic weapons.

On March 12, Pakistani troops had resorted to ceasefire violation by firing 82 mm mortars in Krishnagati sector along LoC in Pooch district.

On March 9, an Army jawan was killed on March 9 when Pakistani soldiers initiated indiscriminate and unprovoked firing on Indian Army posts along the Line of Control in Poonch sector.

Jat leader Yashpal Malik has confirmed that he is meeting Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar at 12 noon today.

Earlier, Khattar appealed to Jat protesters to 'have a dialogue with the government at 12 noon at Haryana Bhawan'.

Jat protesters had on Wednesday announced non-cooperation after Holi (March 13) and are taking their stir to Delhi from tomorrow.

They gave a call for the march to besiege Parliament and to hold dharnas on the Delhi border, blocking all highways, to press for their demands for reservation.

In view of the protest, Delhi police has issued traffic advisory while the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will suspend its train services to and from all stations outside Delhi from 11.30 p.m. on Sunday. -- ANI

10:19

Sushma Swaraj tweets:

I just spoke to Syed Nazim Ali Nizami in Karachi. He told me that they are safe and will be back in Delhi tomorrow.

09:12 Rock n' Roll legend Chuck Berry dies at 90

Rock n' Roll legend Chuck Berry has died at the age of 90, Missouri police said.

'The St Charles County Police Department sadly confirms the death of Charles Edward Anderson Berry Sr, better known as legendary musician Chuck Berry,' the department said in a Facebook post on Saturday.

Police responded to a medical emergency at a home in the area, which lies in the east of Missouri state near the city of St Louis.

First responders found an unresponsive man and were unable to revive him, the statement said.

Berry, a guitarist and singer, was known for such hits as Roll over Beethoven and Sweet Little Sixteen in the 1950s and 60s and helped shape the genre of Rock n' Roll. -- Agencies

IMAGE: Rock n' roll legend Chuck Berry performs during the Bal de la Rose in Monte Carlo in 2009. Photograph: Eric Gaillard/Reuters

09:01

Delhi Police issues traffic advisory in view of Jat agitation tomorrow, many routes to be completely closed for traffic from 8 pm today. -- ANI

08:30 Yogi Adityanath will be sworn-in at 2.15 pm today

Yogi Adityanath will take oath as Uttar Pradesh chief minister at 2.15 pm today in Lucknow.

Keshav Prasad Maurya and Dinesh Sharma will be sworn in as deputy chief ministers at the ceremony.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah and chief ministers of BJP-ruled states will be present at the event.

Earlier, CM designate Yogi Adityanath met governor Ram Naik to stake claim to form a government.

He then left for Gorakhpur after meeting Director General of Police Javeed Ahmad, Principal Secretary (Home) Devashish Panda and SSP Lucknow.

He asked his supporters not to create chaos in the name of celebrations.

"Disturbance shouldn't be created in the name of celebrations," he said, and ordered SSPs of all districts to take care of law & order.

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