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Tue, 25 February 2020
Trump concludes India visit, emplanes for US
Timeline Refresh
22:54 Trump concludes India visit, emplanes for US
Concluding his jam-packed maiden two-day visit to India, United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday night emplaned for his country from New Delhi.
The US President participated in a host of engagements over the course of his nearly-36-hour-long trip, including a roadshow, visit to the Taj Mahal, addressing a mammoth crowd at the 'Namaste Trump' event at Ahmedabad, among others.
During the visit, India and the United States further strengthened their defence cooperation, with the two countries giving a nod to an agreement under which India will get $3 billion of advanced military equipment including Apache and MH-60 Romeo helicopters.
In the final engagement of the visit, the US President participated in a banquet dinner hosted by his Indian counterpart Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Several Indian dignitaries including Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Ministers of several states, among others were also present at the dinner. -- ANI
22:35 Special CP appointed to control Delhi violence
IPS officer S N Shrivastava has been appointed as the new Delhi Police Special Commissioner (Law and Order) after the Union Home Ministry repatriated him from the Central Reserve Police Force on Tuesday night to take control of the situation in the wake of communal violence in the city, officials said.
An order issued by the Home Department of the Delhi government said the 1985-batch AGMUT cadre officer is being appointed to the new post with 'immediate effect'.
The CRPF, where Shrivastava was serving as the Special Director General (Training), also issued an order reliving the officer after the Home Ministry ordered his 'premature repatriation' from the paramilitary force.
Officials said Shrivastava, who served the Delhi Police in various capacities in the past, has taken over the new charge and is already interacting with police officials and meeting cops on ground to control the violence that has engulfed parts of north-east Delhi since the last two days and has claimed eleven lives, including that of a policeman.
Shrivastava, who holds a B Tech and LLB degree, is also tipped to take over as the new Delhi Police chief after incumbent Amulya Patnaik's extended tenure ends on February 29.
He is scheduled to retire in June next year. -- PTI
22:32 Women protesters vacate road outside Jafrabad metro station
Women who were protesting against the citizenship amendment act outside Jafrabad metro station in New Delhi vacated the road on Tuesday evening, police said.
They were protesting at the spot since Saturday night against the new citizenship law and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
Police, along with locals, vacated the road after the area witnessed violence in the last couple of days, a senior police officer said.
"As the situation escalated since Sunday, police and locals vacated the road outside the Jafrabad metro station. We also asked the outsiders, who were creating issues in the area, to leave," Naushad, one of the protesters, said.
There is a protest already going on near the main Seelampur road against the citizenship act. -- PTI
22:27 Trump, Melania leave from Rashtrapati Bhavan
United States President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump leave after attending dinner banquet hosted by the President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
PM Narendra Modi also present. -- ANI
22:07 3 borders adjoining northeast Delhi sealed, liquor shops closed
Amid violence over the amended citizenship law, the district administration in Ghaziabad has sealed three borders adjoining northeast Delhi and shut down bars and pubs in Ghaziabad, officials said on Tuesday.
District Magistrate Ajay Shankar Pandey told PTI that Section 144 of Code of Criminal Procedure has been imposed in the district.
Section 144 of CrPC prohibits the assembly of four or more people in an area.
Officials said Laal Bagh, DLF embankment road of Loni and Tulsi Niketan borders of Sahibabad which are adjacent to northeast Delhi have been barricaded, adding people have been advised not to use these routes to travel to Delhi.
All the liquor vends and bars will remain closed from 4 to 10 pm whereas all bars in hotels and pubs will be shut in the district, Pandey said.
Forces have been deployed in all the sensitive areas, he added. -- PTI
21:37 CBSE defers board exams for NE Delhi centres
JUST IN: CBSE postpones Class 10, 12 exams in northeast Delhi scheduled on Wednesday, exams to be held in remaining areas as per schedule, say officials.
Meanwhile, private and government schools in violence affected North East Delhi will continue to be closed on Wednesday, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia announced on Tuesday.
Sisodia, who is also the education minister of Delhi, said all internal examinations have been postponed by schools.
"In violence affected North East district, schools will be closed tomorrow as well. Internal examinations have been postponed. Have requested CBSE to postpone the board exam as well," Sisodia tweeted. -- PTI
20:42 Trumps meet PM, Vice Prez during state banquet
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and other Union ministers at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
They also met Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, Telangana CM K Chandrashekar Rao, Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal and Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar. -- ANI
20:12 Trumps attend state dinner at Rashtrapati Bhavan
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump with President Ram Nath Kovind and First Lady Savita Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhawan during a state banquet hosted by Kovind in the honour of the visiting President.
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner are also present.
"India deeply committed to strategic partnership with the US," says President Kovind to Trump.
"A lot of productive work has been done in the last two days; we are working on major trade and military deals," Trump said.
"Coming to India tremendous learning experience," Trump said. -- ANI/PTI
19:58
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump received at Rashtrapati Bhawan by President Ram Nath Kovind and First Lady Savita Kovind.
A dinner banquet will be hosted by President Kovind in the honour of the US President. -- ANI
19:56 Trumps reach Rashtrapati Bhavan for banquet
United States President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump reach Rashtrapati Bhawan for a banquet hosted by President Ram Nath Kovind in their honour. -- ANI
19:53 HC asks CBSE to shift exam centres in NE Delhi
Safety of children cannot be put at risk, the Delhi high court said on Tuesday and asked the Central Board of Secondary Education to decide at the earliest on rescheduling Wednesday's board exam at one of the centres in the north-east Delhi where violence related to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act have claimed 10 lives.
Justice Rajiv Shakdher asked the CBSE to take the decision as soon as possible on the exam and convey it to all concerned.
The court will hear the matter again on Wednesday morning.
The court was hearing a plea by private school, Bhai Parmanand Vidya Mandir at Surya Niketan in East Delhi, and some of its class X and XII students saying the centre allotted to them by the CBSE was 16 km away their school and situated in Chandu Nagar-Karawal Nagar road, one of the violence hit areas.
They said it was hard for them to reach at the Centre due to violent clashes and riots in area which have claimed 10 lives so far.
They urged the court to direct the CBSE to change the examination centre from New Sandhya Public School to a centre located in east Delhi district with proper infrastructure and security.
Class X students are to appear for English exam on Wednesday, while class XII students have 'Web Application' and 'Media' paper.
The court said it was of a prima facie opinion that the exam cannot be held at the Chandu Nagar Centre in view of the inputs given by the senior police officials.
The Registrar General of the high court informed the judge that as per the inputs of police officials of the concerned area, the situation is tense.
The court said it was looking at the issue from the aspect of children's safety which cannot be put at risk.
The school, in the petition, said around 550 students in class X and XII are registered with it for taking the board examination.
The plea, filed through advocate Kamal Gupta, said the 'violent clashes and riots have posed a serious threat and danger to the life of the students and their parents, in as much as they have no option but to reach the centre come what may be the situation of the area around the centre; reaching the centre not only involves mental agony, trauma and stress for the students and their parents, but also poses grave and palpable threat to the life and limb'.
The plea said when the school had come to know about the Centre allotted to it, they had written to CBSE pointing out that the examination centre is 16 km away from the school and the time taken to reach there is more than 40 minutes. -- PTI
19:22 Dal Raisina on menu for Trump banquet
President Ram Nath Kovind will host a special dinner for his US counterpart Donald Trump at 7.30 pm tonight. Trump's wife and First Lady of the US Melania Trump and daughter Ivanka Trump will also be present at the special dinner, which will be hosted at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
A widespread menu offering an array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies has been specially curated for the banquet dinner. The expansive menu boasts of Indian delicacies, but the American taste has been kept in mind.
The dinner will start with salmon fish tikka, aloo tikki, spinach chaat and a variety of soups. An orange-based dish, amuse-bouche, is also likely to be part of the spread.
As for the main course, Rashtrapati Bhavan's famous Dal Raisina will be there. Considering Donald Trump's fondness for meat, there will be mutton biryani and a mutton raan dish. He will also be served dum guchchi matar (a morel mushroom dish cooked with peas) and mint raita.
For the desserts, the US President and his family will relish hazelnut-apple with vanilla ice cream and malpua with rabdi.
Donald Trump will fly back to the US with his entourage after the dinner, ending his two-day state visit.
19:19 Curfew imposed; Delhi cops fire tear gas
Delhi Police's Special CP Pravir Ranjan said that curfew has been imposed in violence-affected regions in North East Delhi - Maujpur, Jafrabad, Chand Bagh, Karawal Nagar.
Meanwhile, Police fires tear gas in Delhi's Chand Bagh to dispense rioters.
18:42 Toll in Northeast Delhi clashes climbs to 10
The Delhi Police has just announced that 10 people have died in the northeast Delhi violence, which broke out on Monday evening.
One head constable is among the 10 who have been killed in the clashes.
The Delhi police also said that it has filed 11 FIRs over the violence.
MS Randhawa, Delhi Police PRO added, "I deny that there is any deficiency of police force. Sufficient forces have been deployed in the Northeast district. CRPF, RAF and additional resources of Delhi police are also active."
18:27 Police conduct flag march in Bhajanpura, Khureji Khas as fresh violence erupts
The police conducted flag march in northeast Delhi's Bhajanpura and Khureji Khas on Tuesday after the areas witnessed arson and stone pelting.
A battery shop was set on fire in Bhajanpura. The shop was vandalised and burnt batteries were strewn on the road.
Rakesh Kumar, a local, said the incident took place at around 3.30 pm.
"We do not know how the situation escalated. We are worried about our safety. My family is scared after seeing such a thing near our house," he said.
Special Commissioners of Police Satish Golcha and Praveer Ranjan led the flag march.
"We are taking appropriate actions. The required force is being used. Tear gas and mild lathicharge has been used to control the crowd. We will detain the miscreants and appropriate action will be taken against them," Golcha, who is the Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order northern range), said.
"The stone pelting has currently stopped in the area. We will be here till the situation comes under control. If required, we will deploy extra force," he added.
The death toll in the violence over the amended citizenship law that has rocked northeast Delhi rose to nine on Tuesday, GTB Hospital authorities said.
-- PTI
18:14 PM Modi and I discussed Muslims: Trump
US President Donald Trump addresses a press conference in Delhi. The US shares a great relationship with India, probably the best we have had. We had a great trip, we have a great relationship with PM Modi. We had a great time. We had great meetings... This is a tremendous country. I think they like us more than they ever liked us. There is a great relationship between the Prime Minister and myself.
Religious freedom: We talked about religious freedom and PM Modi said he believes in religious freedom. India has really worked hard to ensure for religious freedom. Individual attacks in the country are India's business.
Terrorism from Pakistan: The president says he has offered to help India on Pakistan. He said the two leaders discussed terrorism and he offered to mediate between India and Pakistan. "PM Modi strongly against terrorism. He is a very religious, calm, but very strong and he will take care of it. I have good equation with Pakistan PM Imran Khan, they are working to control cross-border terrorism. I said I will do whatever I can do to help because my relationship with both gentlemen (PM Modi & Pak PM) is so good. They (Pakistan) are working on Kashmir. Kashmir has been a thorn in lots of people's sight for a long time. There are two sides to every story. We discussed terrorism at length today."
CAA: I don't want to discuss the Citizenship Amendment Bill. I want to leave that to India and hopefully they will make the right decision for their people.
Taliban peace deal: We are working on a peace deal deal with the Taliban. India would like to see it happen. Everyone is happy even people who are against me 99.9% of the time. People are really happy to see a peace deal being struck. Other administrations have been trying to do something.
Islamic fundamentalism: Nobody has done more than I have. I don't think anyone has done more than I have. Iraq and Syria had Islamic terror and I gave the orders and now we have finished the caliphate. We killed Baghdadi and Soleimani and Bin Laden and Al Qaeda. Russia, Iran, Iraq should do the same. We are down to a small force in Iraq and Afghanistan. The predominant number of soldiers in Syria are there to guard the oil wells.
Hate crimes in India and legislations that discriminates against Muslims: We discussed Muslims, hate crimes and Christians. We talked about religious liberty and he gave me a very powerful answer. He said India has 200 million Muslims, up from 14 million.
17:18 TV attacked in northeast Delhi, one serious
A journalist with JK 24X7 news received a bullet injury and two reporters from NDTV were beaten and punched by rioters in northeast Delhi, which was wracked by fresh violence on Tuesday. Akash sustained a bullet injury while covering the communal clashes in Maujpur locality and is in hospital where his condition is serious, said a tweet from JK 24X7 channel.
NDTV said its journalist Arvind Gunasekar was hit by rioters while he was at one of the spots in northeast Delhi and lost a tooth. His fellow reporter, Saurabh, who tried to shield him, was punched, it said. Many other journalists took to social media to share tales of how they were heckled and some alleged they were questioned about their religious identity.
On Monday, too, reporters had a tough time covering the violence with many of them threatened and heckled. The death toll in the violence in northeast Delhi has climbed to nine, according to GTB hospital authorities. -- PTI
17:14 What do you do as First Lady, kids ask Melania
How big is America? Is it very far? These were some of the questions posed by kindergarten students to US First Lady Melania Trump, who visited a Delhi government school on Tuesday. The First Lady, who spent over an hour at Sarvodaya Co-Educational Senior Secondary School in south Delhi, also interacted with students from different grades. At an activity room for kindergarten students, the First Lady, joined the tiny tots who were engaged in clay modelling. Encouraged by their mentor about what would they like to ask the First Lady, an excited girl asked, "How big is America?". "Is United States very far?," asked another girl.
Smiling at the questions, the First Lady answered their queries and asked them what they were making with clay. Moving to the another group of students, who were playing with building blocks, the First Lady joined them in the activity. "What do you do as the First Lady?," asked an excited girl.
The First Lady also meditated with class 4 students in their "Happiness Class". "I am feeling very relaxed," she said after the brief meditation as part of "mindfulness" activity of the 'Happiness Class'. The 'Happiness Class' was started by the Aam Aadmi Party in 2018.
As part of the programme, students are taught various activities, including meditation, street plays, basic obedience and aims to reduce anxiety and stress levels among children. Melania Trump arrived in India on Monday with US President Donald Trump, who is on a two-day visit to the country. PTI
16:59 Delhi violence death toll rises to 9
PTI reports that the death toll in the violence in north-east Delhi has risen to nine from the earlier reports of seven. GTB Hospital authorities said that four people were declared brought dead by doctors at the hospital on Tuesday, they said.
Thirty-five injured people were also brought to the hospital, the authorities added. "Fifty per cent of those injured sustained bullet injuries," a doctor at the hospital said.
On Monday, the violence claimed lives of five people, including Delhi Police head constable Ratan Lal.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia meet those who have been injured in the Delhi violence and have been admitted at Guru Teg Bahadur hospital. Kejriwal on Tuesday paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat and expressed concern over the violence which took place in the capital in the past two days."The entire country is worried about the violence that took place in Delhi in the past two days. There has been a loss of lives and properties. If violence increases it will affect everyone. All of us are here to offer our prayers to Gandhi Ji who was a follower of non-violence," said Kejriwal while speaking to reporters.He further made an appeal to the citizens to maintain peace and harmony.Kejriwal was accompanied by Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and other Aam Aadmi Party leaders.
16:42 Egypt's ex-prez Hosni Mubarak dies
Egypt's former President Hosni Mubarak, who was ousted in 2011, dies at 91, weeks after undergoing surgery. Mubarak ruled Egypt for 30 years until he was ousted following mass protests against his rule in 2011. He was jailed for years after the uprising, but was freed in 2017 after being acquitted of most charges.
16:21 India, US hold talks in five major categories: FS
India and the US held talks in five major categories - security, defence, energy, technology and people to people contact, with President Donald Trump assuring India highest consideration for collaboration in defence sector, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said on Tuesday.
"On security and defense there was an understanding that we have a strong strategic partnership, that is now referred to as comprehensive strategic global partnership. This is a partnership that has encompassed an extraordinary increase in both exchanges as well as cooperation in various security domains.
"The PM and President said there was useful and comprehensive discussion on trade, there was an appreciation that it increased steadily year on year over the last few years. US exports to India had a fairly dramatic increase. There was a noticeable decline in adverse trade balance from 30 billion dollars a few years ago to 25 billion dollars today. The adverse trade balance is gradually eroding with the greater amount of acquisitions that we are making from US.
"On the trade side, the two leaders decided that we would conclude the ongoing discussions as soon as possible and give it a legal framework and the text could be finalized with legal vetting as soon as possible.
"From our side, the issue of H-1B visa was raised. It was pointed that Indian professionals contribute significantly to the development of high tech sector in the United States," Shringla said.
Shringla told reporters that the two countries have also decided to set up working groups on curbing narcotics trafficking and reinvigorating homeland security, he told reporters.
"President Trump has assured highest consideration to India for procurement, technology and joint collaboration in defence sector," he said. Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks for five hours to arrive at a slew of agreements, Shringla said. PTI
15:39 Delhi violence: Police reveals identity of dead and injured
The death toll in the northeast Delhi violence has climbed to seven, a senior police official on Tuesday.
A Delhi Police head constable, Ratan Lal, was among the seven killed in the violence that erupted on Monday over the amended citizenship law. One of the deceased was identified as Vinod Kumar, 45, a resident of Ghonda who was brought dead to the Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital, according to hospital authorities. One of the other deceased was identified as Mohammad Furkaan, they said. The identity of the other deceased is yet to be ascertained.
Among those injured, two people, including a minor who suffered gunshot injuries and were referred to other hospitals in the city from the Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital. They were identified as Danish, 12, and 30-year-old Zulfikar, the authorities said. The others, who were brought to the hospital, were discharged while 14 were referred to either GTB Hospital or Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital. -- PTI
Image: IPS Association tweeted condolences saying, HC #RatanLal performed his duty with utmost dedication & made supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. He will be a shining example to keep duty above everything else in service of nation. May his noble soul rest in peace and his family gets courage to bear this irreparable loss.
15:33 Violence continues unabated in northeast Delhi's Maujpur area
Violence continued unabated in Maujpur area of northeast Delhi on Tuesday, with two groups of people out on the road armed with rods and sticks. An angry mob raising incendiary slogans set ablaze a motorcycle in Maujpur, a PTI reporter witnessed.
A fire brigade was also seen rushing to the spot. Security personnel tried to disperse the people from both sides who were armed with rods and sticks. They also resorted to stone-pelting. However, the crowd was more than the security personnel deployed in the area. Media personnel were also heckled and driven away from the spot.
Seven people, including a police head constable, were killed as violence spiralled over the amended citizenship law on Monday. According to police sources, 48 police personnel and 98 civilians were injured in the communal clashes at Jaffrabad, Maujpur, Chandbagh, Khureji Khas and Bhajanpura. Three firemen also received injuries while dousing flames in the area.
-- PTI
Image: A paramilitary personnel shows his injury to his colleague as they try to stop demonstrators from pelting stones at Maujpur in New Delhi on Monday.
15:12 Mob of 200 attacked: Delhi's night of terror
Stone pelting again starts, between two groups near Bhajanpura chowk in North-East Delhi.
Yesterday, residents recounted the terror of angry mobs running riot in the Bhajanpura-Yamuna Vihar area with an elderly man pleading with folded hands before the rioters to spare him as he returned from a hospital where his grandson is undergoing treatment.
"I was returning from Ganga Ram Hospital where my grandson is admitted. It was really difficult reaching back home. I had to plead with folded hands with both the groups who were present on the roads after every few steps.
"Only I know how I managed to return home," the elderly man, a resident of C Block in Yamuna Vihar, told PTI.
A petrol pump was also set on fire in Bhajanpura on Monday.
Locals said mobs spilled on main roads, interior lanes and bylanes in residential areas, while the security personnel were deployed only on the main road, which leads to Bhajanpura, Rohini one side and Loni, Ghaziabad via Gokalpuri flyover on the other.
"The force is inadequate. Also, they are there but not doing anything...I fail to understand why," said another Yamuna Vihar resident said, requesting anonymity. Mobs went on a rampage at market places, set shops on fire even as large groups gheraoed homes of some people, attacking their main gates with sticks and stones.
"A family's house in my neighbourhood was targeted by a mob of around 200 in the night. They kept calling us and others for help. They called up police also. But nobody could help them. "This morning they showed me a footage of the attack caught in their CCTV camera and it is terrifying. Everyone here is scared," a prominent resident of Yamuna Vihar said requesting anonymity as he "feared" giving out his name could lead his "family into trouble".
At least seven people, including a police head constable, have died since Monday as mobs went on a rampage in Maujpur, Jaffrabad, Babarpur, Bhajanpura, Yamuna Vihar, Chandbagh areas in northeast Delhi. -- PTI
14:40 What India bought for US$ 3 bn from Trump
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that India and US expanded their defence cooperation as New Delhi agreed to purchase more than USD 3 billion of advanced American military equipment including Apache and MH-60 Romeo helicopters.
He also said that the deals will "enhance" joint defence capabilities between the two countries.
"Earlier today, we expanded our defence cooperation with agreements for India to purchase more than USD 3 billion of advanced American military equipment, including Apache and MH-60 Romeo helicopters -- finest in the world. These will enhance our joint defence capabilities," said Trump, during a joint conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi following US-India delegation-level talks.
The Cabinet Committee on Security had given its nod to the acquisition of the choppers, designed for hunting submarines and conducting search and rescue operations at sea, just days ahead of Trump's visit.
The US had in April last year approved the sale of these choppers under its Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme.The Lockheed Martin-built helicopters would replace India's ageing fleet of British-made Sea King choppers.The MH-60 Romeo choppers are being acquired by the Navy after several failed attempts to replace their Sea King fleet.
The last deal was scrapped after the Defence Ministry and America's Sikorsky Aircraft failed to agree on the price of the choppers.Due to the long delays in the acquisition of multi-role helicopters, Indian Navy adopted the government-to-government route for acquiring these choppers to save time instead of going in for the multi-vendor tender route. -- ANI
14:29 Melania picks designer who dressed Jackie O
Melania, who on Monday paid homage to Indian textile heritage by accessorising her white Herve Pierre jumpsuit with a green silk and golden metallic embroidered sash discovered by the designer in an early 20th century textile document, donned a white shirt-dress by veteran Venezuelan fashion designer Carolina Herrera. More importantly, the motifs on the dress are lotuses; may be a touch of soft diplomacy there?
She wore Herrera's bow-detailed embroidered cotton-silk dress and paired it with a red belt and white stilettoes. Herrera has been a favourite of almost all the first ladies of the US. She has also dressed Jacqueline Lee Kennedy Onassis, Laura Bush and Michelle Obama. Dongre has previously dressed dignitaries such as British royal Kate Middleton, Belgium's Queen Mathilde, Canada's first lady Sophie Greogoire Trudeau and former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton. PTI
14:17 Ivanka Trump wears a handwoven silk sherwani
For her engagements on Day Two of her India visit, US President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka chose an off-white sherwani by Indian designer Anita Dongre. The sherwani is made out of handwoven silk from Murshidabad and Ivanka paired it with matching trousers and white buckled flats. Take a look
14:16 Go and control situation in Delhi: Owaisi to MoS Home
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Tuesday hit back at Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, G Kishan Reddy, and said that the latter should go and control the situation in Delhi.
"He (G Kishan Reddy) should go back to Delhi, why is he here in Hyderabad? He is the MoS Home. He should go and control the situation in Delhi. He must douse the fire there. Seven people have died already," Owaisi said.
Reddy on Tuesday criticised Owaisi for alleging that the Delhi Police sided with "rioters" to pelt stones, saying, "he has made the statement irresponsibly" and added, "Owaisi had given such provocative statements in the past."
Seven persons lost their lives in the clashes that took place yesterday after protests related to the CAA took a violent turn at various places in the North-East District of Delhi. Over 100 have also been injured in the clashes."I believe that this whole thing cannot be called a communal riot. It started because of an ex-BJP MLA. He stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the concerned DCP, who is an IPS officer, and openly gave an ultimatum," Owaisi said.
He added, "Why is the government quiet on it? And if the government believes that a foreign dignitary is coming to India, if you had specific information why didn't you have enough police forces? Why didn't you impose curfew immediately? Why did you allow that entire tyre market to be burned down? That is why I say that this is not a communal riot." -- ANI
Image: Shahrukh, the suspect who opened fire at police personnel during violence in Northeast Delhi on Monday, has been detained.
14:04 Court to hear plea on Delhi violence tomorrow
The Delhi High Court agreed to hear on Wednesday a petition seeking an independent judicial inquiry into the violence that ensued in Maujpur, Jaffrabad and adjoining area in North-East Delhi during protests over Citizen Amendment Act.
Advocates Sneha, Nabila, Fazal Abdali on Tuesday mentioned the matter before a division bench of Justice GS Sistani and Justice AJ Bhambhani, which agreed to list the matter for hearing on Wednesday.
Activist Harsh Mander, through the plea, sought an independent judicial inquiry, compensation for the deceased persons among other things.
The plea sought the arrest of some prominent political personality alleging their hate speech inciting the public for violence, etc.
The petition also sought direction for the constitution of an SIT consisting of officers from outside Delhi and headed by an officer of integrity and repute, capable of acting in an independent manner.
It further demanded direction to the Union of India to request the army to maintain law and order in Delhi.
The petition claimed that the communal attacks that took place in Delhi in the northeast Delhi areas in which "at least 10 persons were killed in cold blood by the Delhi Police and members of organizations connected to the party in power at the Centre".
It claimed that after provocative hate speeches were given by three prominent politicians linked to the assailants, the assailants carried out multiple brutal assaults on the unarmed persons who were protesting against the CAA."Apart from the 10 persons killed, more than 160 were injured, many of them seriously. Houses, shops and properties were burnt by the assailants with the police standing by watching with unconcern. In many cases, the police were themselves the assailants," it added.
It further sought directions to Delhi Police to book BJP Leader Pravesh Verma and Anurag Thakur for their recent "hate speeches". -- PTI
13:50 India-US ink three MoUs
India and the US on Tuesday inked three MoUs, including one in the energy sector, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that the two countries have decided to take Indo-US ties to comprehensive global partnership level. The other two MoUs are in the fields of energy and health.
The unprecedented and historic welcome given to Trump in India will be remembered, Modi said and added that the relations between the two countries are not merely confined to governments but are people-driven.
"Defence cooperation between two countries is reflective of rising strategic partnership between India and US. We also agreed on new mechanism to contain drug trafficking" the Prime Minister said.
In his brief remarks at the start of official talks, Modi welcomed the US president and thanked him for taking time out for the visit to India. President Trump, in turn, said the last two days in India were amazing, especially the event at the Motera stadium in Ahmedabad.
"It was a great honour for me. I would imagine they (the people) were there maybe more for you than for me... 125,000 people were inside. Every time I mentioned your name, there were cheers. People love you," Trump told Modi in front of the media.
13:39 Melania 'inspired' by Happiness Curriculum
US First Lady Melania Trump on Tuesday said she was inspired by the Happiness Curriculum after attending a 'Happiness Class' at a south Delhi government school. "Thank you for welcoming me. This is my first visit to India. People here are so welcoming and kind," she said. She said it is "very inspiring" that students begin their day with practising mindfulness and connecting with nature". "A healthy, positive example has been set for educators to ensure a promising future," she said. PTI
13:36 Gambhir calls for strict action against Kapil Mishra
BJP leader and East Delhi MP Gautam Gambhir on Tuesday called for stringent action against his party leader, Kapil Mishra, for making inflammatory statements, even as the national capital witnessed violence on Monday that led to the death of seven people.
Speaking to ANI, the cricketer-turned-politician said, "No matter who the person is, whether he is Kapil Mishra or anyone else, belonging to any party, if he has given any provoking speech then strict action should be taken against him."
On Sunday, Mishra had issued an ultimatum to the Delhi Police to clear the streets of the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protesters.
Mishra tweeted (roughly translated from Hindi) stating, "Giving a three-day ultimatum to Delhi Police to clear the roads in Jaffrabad and Chand Bagh of protesters. Don't try to reason with us after this, because we won't pay heed."
He also attached a video with his tweet and wrote, "We will maintain peace until Donald Trump is in India. After that, we refuse to listen to even the police if the roads are not cleared.... we will be forced to hit the streets."
After coming in the limelight for his remarks, Mishra on Monday appealed to the people of Delhi to maintain peace and stop the violence."I appeal to everyone to stop the violence, which will not lead to any solution. Whether it is the people who are supporting CAA or those who are against it, I appeal to everyone to maintain peace. Delhi's brotherhood should remain intact," Mishra had told ANI.
The areas in North-East Delhi have been witnessing violent protests over the past two days leading to seven deaths and over a hundred injured in these clashes between pro and anti CAA protestors. - ANI
13:33 How are you Sue-Chin, Vaughan asks Tendulkar
As President of the United States, Donald Trump referred to Sachin Tendulkar as 'Soo-chin' at the Namaste Trump event in Ahmedabad's Motera Stadium, former England skipper Michael Vaughan mocked the POTUS over him mispronouncing the master blaster's name.
"How are you today Sue Chin @sachin_rt!!! #Face with tears of joy #DonaldTrumpIndiaVisit," Vaughan tweeted.
On Monday, Trump gave a special mention to Indian cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. However, the visiting President was not able to pronounce Sachin's name and ended up saying -- "Soo-chin Tendulkar".
Earlier, ICC also posted a video in which Sachin's name can be seen replaced by Soo-chin Tendulkar in the official record book.The 'Namaste Trump' event was based on the lines of the 'Howdy Modi' programme that was addressed by Narendra Modi and Trump during the Prime Minister's trip to Houston last September.
13:19 HM said restoring peace is priority: Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday said the meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah was positive and all parties have stressed on restoring peace in the national capital. "Meeting with HM Amit Shah was positive and it was decided that all parties will take steps to restore peace," he told reporters after the meeting. "The police are doing their bit and HM has assured that whatever force is needed, will be provided," Kejriwal said.
Shah on Tuesday held a meeting to discuss the prevailing situation in the national capital after violence in northeast Delhi over the amended citizenship law left seven people, including a head constable, dead.
Delhi's Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, Kejriwal, Commissioner of Police Amulya Patnaik, Congress leader Subhash Chopra, BJP's Manoj Tiwari and Ramvir Bidhuri attended the meeting. PTI
13:14 Fresh violence in northeast Delhi, toll rises to seven
Fresh violence broke out in parts of northeast Delhi with mobs pelting stones, vandalising shops and threatening locals on Tuesday, a day after seven people were killed in violent clashes over the amended citizenship law.
Smoke was seen in some places and streets, including in the epicentre of the trouble Maujpur, were littered with stones, bricks and burnt tyres, testimony to the spiralling violence and bloodshed that took on a communal taint on Monday and injured about 150 people.
Schools were shut with exams being postponed and fearful residents stayed indoors as the area smouldered with tension. Prohibitory orders, banning the assembly of more than four persons, were imposed on Monday and will continue to be in force till March 24.
A resident in Maujpur said he has seen a riot like situation such as this for the first time in 35 years. "The area had always remained peaceful," he told PTI, requesting anonymity. According to police sources, 48 police personnel and 98 civilians were injured in Monday's clashes between pro and anti CAA groups at Jaffrabad, Maujpur, Chandbagh, Khureji Khas and Bhajanpura.
Three firemen also received injuries while dousing flames in the area. The death toll in the violence climbed to seven -- six civilians and Delhi Police head constable Ratan Lal -- on Tuesday, a senior police official said. While Lal died of injuries sustained during stone pelting in Chand Bagh, it is not yet clear what killed the others.
With US President Donald Trump in the city, Delhi Police ramped up security in the area. It is being assisted by paramilitary personnel. Officials said police personnel are talking to local peace committees in a bid restore amity. "Mischief-makers are being dealt with strictly on the spot," a senior official said. There have been no arrests yet. -- PTI
Image: Visuals from Khajuri Khas and Bhajanpura, where violence and arson were reported yesterday. Police deployed in the area and section 144 has been imposed.
13:09 Mumbai on high alert after violence in Delhi
Mumbai has been put on a high alert in the wake of violent clashes in the national capital between pro and anti CAA protestors that has so far claimed the lives of seven people, including a police official.
Maharashtra Home Ministry officials said, "Mumbai has been put on a high alert after recent incidents of violence in Delhi. State Police has taken precautionary measures to maintain law and order."
"Other than the designated area in Azad Maidan, no permission will be granted for any other protest in Mumbai," the statement said.
As many as seven persons were killed and over 100 injured in violent clashes in the North-East district of the national capital on Monday. The violence occurred after clashes took place between pro and anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protesters at various places in the area.
A statement from the Delhi Police said, "A total of seven deaths were reported - one police personnel and six civilians have lost their lives." -- ANI
Image: Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a meeting with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Lt Governor Anil Baijal, Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik, Congress leader Subhash Chopra, BJP leaders Manoj Tiwari and Rambir Singh Bidhuri.
13:03 People here love you, Trump tells PM
US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks at Hyderabad House this morning. The Prime Minister and President Trump spoke to the press briefly at Hyderabad House.
"I welcome you (US President Donald Trump) and the US delegation to India. I know that you are busy these days, still, you took out time for the visit to India. I am grateful to you for this," PM Modi said.
President Trump said, "The last two days, especially yesterday at the stadium, it was a great honour for me. People were there maybe more for you (PM Modi) than for me. 1,25,000 people were inside. Every time I mentioned you, they cheered more. People love you here. "
Restricted and delegation-level talks between Trump and Modi are on at Hyderabad House after which PM will host a lunch for the Trumps.
After the talks, the two sides will seal defence deals worth around USD 3 billion.
Earlier, Trump was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Modi welcomed Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The US president also received a tri-services guard of honour at the presidential palace.
The Trumps, who also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial Rajghat here, arrived in Ahmedabad around noon on Monday for the first leg of their 36-hour India visit.
The US president was feted at the world's largest cricket stadium in the "Namaste Trump" event and was cheered by tens of thousands of people.
From Ahmedabad, he and his delegation travelled to Agra where they visited the Taj Mahal. The US president arrived in the national capital around 7.30 pm on Monday.
12:36 HM chairs meet with Kejriwal on Delhi violence
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday chaired a meeting with Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik and other political leaders regarding the violence and prevailing situation in North East Delhi areas.
Congress leader Subhash Chopra, BJP leaders Manoj Tiwari, Rambir Singh Bidhuri and others are also present in the meeting.As many as seven persons were killed and over 100 injured in violent incidents reported from the North-East district of the national capital on Monday, police said.
The violence occurred after clashes took place between the pro and anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protesters at various places in the area on Monday.
A statement from the Delhi Police said, "A total of seven deaths were reported - one police personnel and six civilians have lost their lives."
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also held a meeting late Monday night with senior Delhi Police officers and top Home Ministry officials on the prevailing law and order situation in the national capital. -- ANI
Image: Latest visuals from Bhajanpura, where violence and arson were reported yesterday. Police deployed in the area and section 144 has been imposed.
12:19 SC to hear on March 5 Centre's plea seeking to execute Nirbhaya convicts separately
The Supreme Court will hear on March 5, a petition, filed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, seeking directions to execute the death row convicts in the Nirbhaya gangrape and murder case separately.
A three-judge bench, headed by Justice R Banumathi and also comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan and Navin Sinha, said, we will hear the petition on March 5 at 3 pm.
This comes as a fresh death warrant has been issued for the four death row convicts -- Vinay Sharma, Akshay Thakur, Pawan Gupta, and Mukesh Singh -- in the case for their hanging at 6 am on March 3.
Additional Solicitor General KM Natraj, appearing for the Union of India today, submitted to the apex court that the Delhi High Court had given a week's time to execute the death warrants.
The Centre had moved the top court after the Delhi High Court had rejected its petition.
The Delhi High Court had, on February 5, stated that the death warrant of all convicts in the Nirbhaya case should be executed together.
The Delhi High Court had observed that Delhi prison rules do not state whether when the mercy petition of one convict is pending, the execution of the other convicts can take place and from the trial court to Supreme Court all convicts have been held by a common order and a common judgment.
Meanwhile, a Delhi court on Saturday dismissed an application filed by Vinay Sharma, one of the four death row convicts in Nirbhaya case, seeking specialised medical treatment for his claimed "grievous head injury, fracture in his right arm, insanity, mental illness and schizophrenia".
12:12 Melania visits Kejriwal's Happiness Class
The school was decked up with floral garlands and motifs, welcoming the US First Lady.
First Lady Melania Trump is at the Sarvodaya Co-Educational Senior Secondary School in Moti Bagh. She was given a traditional welcome, aarti and tika, by tots dressed up in finery.
Floral rangolis were also drawn at multiple places in the school and a student band was waiting to welcome her. Amid massive security, children were seen rehearsing just outside the gate of the institution.
The US First Lady will attend a session of the 'Happiness Class' here. "@FLOTUS will attend happiness class in our school today. Great day for our teachers, students and Delhiites. For centuries, India has taught spirituality to the world. Am happy that she will take back the msg of happiness from our school," Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted.
The children were dressed in bright-coloured sarees and traditional dresses like 'ghagra-choli' to welcome Melania Trump. Some of them were carrying bagpipes and several other musical instruments.
"Welcome to our school @FLOTUS! We hope you would have a great time here in #HappinessClass It's just 18 months old initiative but early results have made us confident that @HappinessDelhi is the ultimate solution to all violence & hate in mindsets that we are facing worldwide," tweeted Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who also holds the education portfolio.
The 'Happiness Class' was started by the Aam Aadmi Party in 2018. As part of the programme, students are taught various activities, including meditation, street plays, basic obedience and aims to reduce anxiety and stress levels among children. PTI
11:52 Violence in Maujpur was intended to spoil India's image: JDU leader
Janata Dal-United leader Ajay Alok on Tuesday said that violence in Maujpur, wherein seven people, including a police head constable, lost their lives, was intended to spoil India's image in front of the world.
"With Donald Trump visiting India, this kind of violence was intended to destroy India's image to the world. However, I am sure that the culprits will soon be found as the security forces have been challenged," Ajay Alok told ANI.
He also said that the joint press conference to be held today evening by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump will give new heights to their friendship.
On the Supreme Court Judge Deepak Kumar's statement saying that criticism of any institution, be it legislative, executive, judiciary or the armed forces, by anyone cannot be termed as anti-national, Ajay Alok said, "Protesting against the Central government is definitely not anti-national but indulging in anti-national activities or giving such slogans cannot be tolerated." -- ANI
Image: Alok Kumar, Joint Commissioner of Police said, "We are continuously taking action and forces have been deployed in Brahampuri, Maujpur, Chand Bagh, and other areas. We are dispersing any gathering and peace committees are holding talks with people to maintain peace.
11:44 Kejriwal appeals for peace, to meet HM at noon
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's address to citizens on the incidents of violence in northeast Delhi yesterday:
"I will meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah at 12 pm. I appeal to all Delhites to maintain peace.
"We are worried about the violence in northeast Delhi. Several policemen and civilians were injured and some have lost their lives. Several houses were set ablaze and shops were damaged. It is very unfortunate.
"MLAs of the affected areas informed me that there is a severe shortage of police force and police can't take action till they receive orders from the top. I have also asked the District Magistrates to go on a peace march with police in these areas.
The hospital authorities have been asked to be prepared and provide quality medical aid to the injured coming there.
The fire department has been asked to coordinate with the police and reach the affected areas on time."
Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said earlier today that strict action would be taken against people involved in the violence in Delhi yesterday. "Since two months there has been a dharna but the Centre gave a chance for peaceful demonstrations and protests. But yesterday's violence won't be tolerated. Today the US President is in Delhi. I request the political parties to respect it. There can be talks regarding any issue."
11:27 Ladies in white -- Melania, Ivanka keep it simple
As US President Donald Trump kick-started day 2 of his India visit on Tuesday, his wife Melania Trump and daughter Ivanka Trump both opted for white outfits for engagements of the day.
On arrival at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the First Lady stepped out of the 'The Beast' wearing a midi collared white dress with a skater hemline. The outfit had colourful flower motifs printed on it in hues of red, blue, yellow and green. A red belt made the look edgier for Melania while she finished it off with white pointed pumps.
Keeping with her trademark look, she left her hair loose with waves at the ends and a middle parting.
President's daughter Ivanka, on the other hand, chose a more formal attire for the second day of her India visit.
Ivanka arrived at the ceremonial reception in an off-white buttoned knee-length coat. She wore matching trousers and silver metallic heels. Just like her Ahmedabad look, Ivanka kept her hair poker straight with a middle partition.
Donald Trump sported his signature red tie for the day along with his staple black suit and a pin of the American flag on the left lapel.
The President received a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday and later visited the Rajghat along with First Lady Melania.
On Monday noon he had addressed the 'Namaste Trump' event with the Prime Minister at Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad, where he hailed India-US ties. -- ANI
Image: US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump plant a sapling at Raj Ghat.
11:23 Trumps at Hyderabad House
One for the album: US President Donald Trump meets PM Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House, First Lady Melania Trump also present.
11:22 Trump's message at Rajhat
The US President, always erudite and known for writing beautifully constructed sentences, pens this message in the Visitor's Book at Rajghat. "The American people stand strongly with a sovereign and wonderful India - The vision of the great Mahatma Gandhi. This is a tremendous honor!"
And this is what former US President Barack Obama wrote in the visitor's book at Rajghat during his 2015 visit to India. "What Dr Martin Luther King Jr said then remains true today. The spirit of Gandhi is very much alive in India today. And it remains a great gift to the world. May we always live in the spirit of love and peace- among all people and nations."
11:14 PM, Trump to hold talks at Hyderabad House now
US President Donald Trump and PM Modi are now at Hyderabad House where they will hold restricted and delegation-level talks. Prime Minister Modi will host a lunch for the US president following the talks. In the afternoon, Trump is expected to attend certain private events at the US Embassy, including a round table with industry representatives.
11:10 Anti-CAA violence: PC says people paying price for putting in power insensitive people
Condemning the violence in Delhi, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Tuesday said people are paying the price for putting in power "insensitive and shortsighted" leaders.
He said the amendment to the CAA should be abandoned forthwith and the government should listen to the voices of the anti-CAA protesters by keeping the CAA in abeyance till the Supreme Court gave its verdict.
A head constable was among seven people killed and at least 50 others, including several paramilitary and Delhi Police personnel, were injured as violence spiralled over the amended citizenship law in northeast Delhi on Monday.
Frenzied protesters torched houses, shops, vehicles and a petrol pump, besides hurling stones.
Chidambaram said the violence in Delhi on Monday and the loss of lives are most shocking and deserve the strongest condemnation. "The people are paying the price for putting in power insensitive and shortsighted leaders," he said.
"India has lived with the Citizenship Act 1955 without the amendment. Why does the Act need an amendment now? The amendment (CAA) should be abandoned forthwith. "Even now it is not too late. The government should listen to the voices of the anti-CAA protesters and declare that the CAA will be kept in abeyance until the Supreme Court pronounced on its validity," he said on Twitter.
The Congress leader said his party had warned that CAA was "deeply divisive" and should be repealed or abandoned. "Our warning fell on deaf ears," he said. -- PTI
Image: A person being beaten with sticks in north-east Delhi yesterday. Pic: Reuters
10:58 Trumps sign visitor book at Rajghat
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump write in the visitor's book at Raj Ghat.
10:55 Northeast Delhi violence: Death toll climbs to 7
The death toll in the northeast Delhi violence climbed to seven, a senior police official on Tuesday. A Delhi Police head constable, Ratan Lal, was among the seven killed in the violence that erupted on Monday over the amended citizenship law. Till Monday, authorities had said at least four people, including Lal, were killed in the violence. They said that the death toll has increased to seven on Tuesday.
Shahrukh, the suspect who opened fire at police personnel during violence in North-East Delhi on Monday, has been detained, Delhi Police sources said.
On Monday, the police had identified the man in a red T-shirt, who had opened fire at the police, as Shahrukh.
Five people, including one Head Constable of Delhi Police, lost their lives in the clashes between pro and anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protesters that took place at various places in North-East District of Delhi on Monday.
Shahdara Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Amit Sharma was also injured during clashes between two groups in Delhi's Gokulpuri. He underwent a surgery on Monday night and is now safe and out of danger.
Image: An injured policeman outside the Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, in New Delhi on Monday
10:50 Trumps pay tribute at Rajghat
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat. With them is union minister Hardeep Puri.
10:37 PM at Hyd House, Trump heads to Rajghat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Hyderabad House. US President Donald Trump will meet him here shortly after visiting Rajghat.
Tuesday's talks between Modi and Trump are likely to send across a clear message of growing congruence of interests between India and the US on major geopolitical developments in the region and beyond, particularly when China has been expanding its military and economic clout.
10:33 Trump's visit: Traffic in parts of Delhi to be affected due to security measures
The Delhi Traffic Police has urged commuters to plan their travel as they may experience delays owing to traffic restrictions in place for US President Donald Trump's visit, officials said on Tuesday. Trump, who arrived in the national capital on Monday night, is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including his family members.
According to an advisory issued by the Delhi Traffic Police, traffic is likely to remain heavy in Moti Bagh, Chanakyapuri, India Gate, areas around ITO, Delhi Gate and the adjoining areas of central and New Delhi on Tuesday. In the evening, traffic is likely to remain heavy in the areas of Chanakyapuri, RML Hospital roundabout, Dhaula Kuan, Delhi Cantonment, Delhi-Gurgaon Road (NH 48) and adjoining areas.
10:27 Ceremonial welcome for Trump at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, Indian Ambassador to US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu and the three service chiefs were also present at the occasion.
Trump will now visit Rajghat to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. He will also hold talks with Modi.
The US President who arrived in Ahmedabad on Monday noon, had addressed the 'Namaste Trump' event with the Prime Minister at Motera Stadium, where he hailed the India-US ties. He had also held a roadshow with Modi besides visiting the Sabarmati Ashram.On Monday, while addressing a mammoth crowd of nearly over a lakh people at the mega-event in Ahmedabad, the visiting dignitary had lauded the bilateral ties shared between India and the United States and also called for opportunities for strengthening in near future.
He also announced that America will sign deals with India worth USD 3 billion for the supply of choppers to the Indian military and deepen further cooperation to eradicate cross-border terrorism in South Asia.
10:24 That's funny!
President Ram Nath Kovind, his wife Savita Kovind and PM Narendra Modi receive US President Donald Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
10:17 Guard of honour for Trump at Rashtrapati Bhavan
President Kovind and the first lady, The Trumps, the PM, at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Trump is given a ceremonial welcome and is led by Ashish Thakur of the 5th battalion of the Gorkha Rifles.
After the guard of honour, the President introduces Trump to the line-up of Indian officials including the three service chiefs. HM Amit Shah is conspicuous by his absence.
Trump in turn, introduces the President Kovind and the first lady to their officials.
10:05 President Trump arrives at Rashtrapati Bhavan
PM Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind and the First Lady (ours not Melania Trump) await US President Donald Trump's arrival at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Trump and the First Lady will accorded a ceremonial welcome.
From here, they will go to Rajghat to pay homage at the 'samadhi' of Mahatma Gandhi.
This will be followed by restricted and delegation-level talks between Trump and Modi at Hyderabad House.
Prime Minister Modi will host a lunch for the US president following the talks.
In the afternoon, Trump is expected to attend certain private events at the US Embassy, including a roundtable with industry representatives.
In the evening, the US president will meet President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
A banquet will be hosted by Kovind. President Trump would depart from India later on Tuesday evening.
Trump will also hold an unscheduled presser at 5 pm.
09:56 Modi-Trump meeting important to US national security & global economy: lawmakers
The meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump is important to America's national security interest and global economy, a group of US lawmakers has said.
Senator Ted Cruz, who was the runner-up for the Republican presidential nomination in the 2016 election, said on Monday that India is a friend, an ally and the largest democracy on Earth.
"Trump and Modi meeting is important to US national security and the global economy. Last year I was proud to welcome PM Modi to Texas, where I reaffirmed my commitment to the India-US friendship," Cruz said in a tweet.
Congressman Pete Olson said "great to see" Trump being welcomed by India, one of America's biggest partners in both trade and diplomacy.
"I look forward to seeing what comes out of this historic visit, including a new US-India military partnership!" Olson said in a tweet. Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy told Fox News how Trump's warm welcome in India exemplifies the strong bond the countries share, and how the world is safer because of it.
"To have this relationship (with India) changes the course of history going forward. I give this president a great deal of credit... this creates a much bigger bond, and so for the president to do this and build with (Prime Minister) Modi, this makes the world stronger...," McCarthy said.
"A strong India-US relationship on trade and defence is vital to combatting Chinese influence around the world. It is right for our nation to push India to set a higher standard on human rights and religious freedom as we work together on key issues," said Senator James Lankford.
As the US continues to expand its relationship with India, particularly in trade, the US "must also talk about" human rights and religious freedom, he said. "The Senate spoke with one voice in 2015 that religious freedom should be part of trade negotiations," Lankford said.
The first day of President Trump's visit to India projected a strengthened US-India partnership, a growing strategic and defence relationship and a much-needed and showy boost for both leaders, who have recently faced serious domestic political challenges, said Persis Khambatta, managing director of consulting firm South Asia BGA. -- PTI
Image: US President Donald Trump's daughter and senior advisor Ivanka Trump arrives at Rashtrapati Bhavan ahead of the ceremonial reception of the US President.
09:52 Delhi 'very tense', fresh incidents of violence
A fresh incident of stone pelting occurred between two groups in Brahampuri area on Tuesday, a day after five people including four civilians and one head constable lost their in the clashes that took place after protests related to the Citizenship Amendment Act took a violent turn at various places in North-East District of Delhi.
Five people, including one police head constable, lost their lives and 105 got injured in the clashes in North-East Delhi on Monday.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also held a meeting on late Monday night with senior Delhi Police officers and top Home Ministry officials on the law and order situation in Delhi.
Adding that the situation is 'very tense', Delhi police said that they are continuously receiving calls related to incidents of violence from North-East Delhi.
"The situation is very tense. We are continuously receiving calls related to incidents of violence from North-East Delhi. Commissioner of Police held a meeting at Seelampur DCP Office last night," Delhi police said.
The Commissioner of Police also held a meeting at Seelampur DCP Office on Monday night.Meanwhile, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, in a tweet, said that five metro stations including Jaffrabad, Maujpur-Babarpur, Gokulpuri, Johri Enclave and Shiv Vihar stations on the Pink Line Metro will remain closed and trains are being terminated at Welcome Metro Station."Jaffrabad, Maujpur-Babarpur, Gokulpuri, Johri Enclave and Shiv Vihar remain closed. Trains are being terminated at Welcome metro station," Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) tweeted. -- ANI
Image: A demonstrator seen with a gun during clashes between anti-CAA protestors and supporters of the Citizenship act, at Jafrabad in North-East Delhi on Monday. Pic: ANI
09:33 Delhi violence: Kejriwal to meet all party MLAs
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday said he is "very worried" about the prevailing situation in certain parts of the city and called an urgent meeting of all party MLAs of the violence-hit areas.
Violence spiralled over the amended citizenship law in northeast Delhi, turning it into a battlefield on Monday with frenzied protesters torching houses, shops, vehicles and a petrol pump, and hurling stones.
In a tweet, the chief minister also urged everyone to shun violence.
"Am v worried abt prevailing situation in certain parts of Del. All of us together shud make all efforts to restore peace in our city. I again urge everyone to shun violence (sic)," he tweeted.
"Am meeting all MLAs (of all parties) of affected areas along wid senior officials in a while," Kejriwal added.
Sources said the meeting will take place at the chief minister's residence at 10.30 am.
A head constable was among four people killed and at least 50 others, including several paramilitary and Delhi Police personnel, were injured in the violence. -- PTI
09:29 3 firemen injured in violence-hit northeast Delhi
Three firemen were injured as the Delhi Fire Service attended to 45 calls from violence-hit northeast Delhi, said a senior fire department officer on Tuesday.
On Monday, the department received 45 calls and in attending to those, a fire tender was pelted with stones while another was torched by protesters.
Three firemen sustained injuries, he added.
Violence spiralled over the amended citizenship law in northeast Delhi on Monday with frenzied protesters torching houses, shops, vehicles and a petrol pump, besides hurling stones.
A head constable was among four people killed and at least 50 others, including several paramilitary and Delhi Police personnel, were injured in the violence. -- PTI
09:18 Shah reviews situation in Delhi after clashes
Union home minister Amit Shah reviewed the prevailing situation in New Delhi in the wake of violence in parts of northeast Delhi in which at least four people, including a head constable, were killed, officials said on Tuesday.
The meeting was held late Monday night after Shah's return from Ahmedabad, where he had attended the 'Namaste Trump' event addressed by United States President Donald Trump.
Shah reviewed the law and order situation in Delhi and directed officials to restore normalcy at the earliest, a home ministry official said.
Those who attended the meeting included Union home secretary Ajay Bhalla, Director of Intelligence Bureau Arvind Kumar, Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik, among others.
A head constable was among four people killed and at least 50 others, including several paramilitary and Delhi Police personnel, were injured as violence spiralled over the amended citizenship law in northeast Delhi on Monday.
Frenzied protesters torched houses, shops, vehicles and a petrol pump, besides hurling stones. -- PTI
09:01 Trump to visit Rajghat, hold talks with PM
United States President Donald Trump will have a packed schedule today in New Delhi, on the last leg of his India visit.
The US President will get a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan at 10:00 am followed by a visit to Rajghat where he will pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.
The US President will lay the wreath at Rajghat and observe one-minute of silence.
Trump will hold restricted and then delegation-level bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Hyderabad House.
This will be followed by the signing of agreements between the two sides and press statement by both the leaders.
Among others, the two sides will sign deals worth $3 billion for the supply of choppers for the Indian Army and Navy.
Trump had himself confirmed this during his address at the "Namaste Trump" event in Ahmedabad on Monday.
"I am pleased to announce that tomorrow our representatives will sign deals to sell over USD 3 Billion, in the absolute finest state of the art military helicopters and other equipment to the Indian armed forces," Trump had said.
Meanwhile, US First Lady Melania Trump will be visiting a Delhi government school in South Moti Bagh where she will review the "Happiness Class" programme implemented by the government of the capital city.
After meeting kids, she is expected to attend 'Happiness Classes' started by the Delhi government.
As a part of the programme, students are taught various activities including meditation, street plays, basic obedience aimed at reducing anxiety and stress levels among children.
In the evening, the US President will hold a presser before he drives to Rashtrapati Bhavan again for meeting President Ram Nath Kovind.
He will aslo attend the state banquet hosted in his honour by President Kovind.
Later, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu will also call on the visiting US President.
Trump is scheduled to depart at 10:00 pm tonight. -- ANI
08:17 Schools in northeast Delhi to be closed today
All government and private schools in violence-affected North East Delhi will be closed today, deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said.
Sisodia also spoke to HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' and requested him to postpone the board examination for the particular district.
"There will be no internal examinations in violence-affected North East district and all private and government schools will be closed. Have spoken to HRD minister requesting him to postpone the board exams in the district," Sisodia tweeted.
CBSE spokesperson Rama Sharma said there is no examination centre in North East Delhi for exams on Tuesday.
"It is informed that as per schedule tomorrow there are exams only for class XII in four vocational subjects in 18 centres in Western part of Delhi. There are no centres in the north east part of Delhi for exams scheduled tomorrow," she said.
07:34 5 Delhi Metro stations to remain shut today
Five Delhi Metro stations in the north-east Delhi district where violence broke out on Monday will remain closed on Tuesday, metro officials said.
Jaffrabad, Maujpur-Babarpur, Gokulpuri, Johri Enclave and Shiv Vihar stations on the Pink Line Metro will remain closed and trains are being terminated at Welcome Metro Station.
"Jaffrabad, Maujpur-Babarpur, Gokulpuri, Johri Enclave and Shiv Vihar remain closed. Trains are being terminated at Welcome metro station," Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) tweeted.
Earlier on Monday, four people including a head constable of Delhi police lost their lives in clashes between pro and anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protesters at various places in the district.
07:30 AAP leaders call off dharna following assurance
After waiting for over two hours outside Lt Governor Anil Baijal's residence, Delhi ministers Gopal Rai, Imran Hussain and AAP MLAs on Monday night met a top police officer who assured them that sufficient police personnel will be deployed in the violence-hit northeast Delhi areas.
The legislators had camped outside the LG's house seeking an appointment with Baijal for the deployment of sufficient police force in the areas hit by violence over the Citizenship Amendment Act.
Special Commissioner of Police Rajesh Khurana met the AAP MLAs as the representative of the LG and assured them that adequate security will be deployed in the vulnerable areas, Rai, who is the Delhi environment minister, said on Twitter.
Rai said they are leaving for now and if any incident takes place, AAP MLAs will go to the LG's house again.
The AAP legislators who camped outside the LG's house for over two hours included Dilip Pandey, Sanjeev Jha and Akhilesh Pati Tripathi.
A head constable was among four people killed and at least 50 others, including several paramilitary and Delhi police personnel, were injured as violence spiralled over the amended citizenship law in northeast Delhi on Monday.
Frenzied protesters torched houses, shops, vehicles and a petrol pump besides hurling stones.
01:12 2 more Indians on board cruise test positive
Two more Indian crew members on board a cruise ship moored off the Japan coast have tested positive for coronavirus, taking the total number of infected Indians on the vessel to 14, the Indian embassy here said on Monday.
The mission also expressed hope that the last groups of results expected to be announced on Tuesday and Wednesday will not have any more Indian nationals included in it.
A total of 138 Indians, including 132 crew and 6 passengers, were among the 3,711 people, on board the Diamond Princess ship when it docked at the Yokohama port, near Tokyo, on February 3.
It was quarantined after a passenger who disembarked last month in Hong Kong was found to be the carrier of the disease.
'PCR test results announced today, from the samples collected earlier, included 02 Indian crew members, onboard #DiamondPrincess, testing positive for #COVID?19. Total number of Indian crew members tested positive so far is 14 - responding well to treatment,' the embassy tweeted on Monday.
The embassy 'hopes that the last groups of results expected to be announced tomorrow and day-after will not have any more Indian nationals included in it, enabling the Embassy to further facilitate Indian nationals onboard' the ship, it added.
On Sunday, the mission said 12 Indians, who were earlier tested positive for the COVID-19, are responding well to treatment.
The ship has the largest cluster of COVID-19 cases outside China.
Two former passengers of the ship have also died. -- PTI
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