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Thu, 21 January 2021
Farmers' stir: Haryana cops cancel all leave
Timeline Refresh
23:56 Farmers' stir: Haryana cops cancel all leave
In the wake of the farmers' ongoing agitation and their plan to hold a tractor rally on Republic Day, the Haryana Police on Thursday decided to cancel leave of its personnel till further orders.
The farmers protesting against the new farm laws have stuck to their demand to take out a tractor rally on Delhi's busy Outer Ring Road on January 26, which is celebrated as Republic Day in India.
According to a Haryana Police order, "In view of the ongoing farmers' agitation in the state, it is directed that leave of all kinds, except in emergent circumstances with the prior approval of competent authority, are stopped forthwith till further orders."
Farmer unions have been holding tractor rallies at many places in Punjab and Haryana to mobilise people for their planned tractor parade in Delhi on Republic Day.
The unions had announced that they would hold the parade on Delhi's Outer Ring Road as part of the protest against the new agri-marketing laws enacted by the Centre.
Haryana Police sources said the decision to cancel leave of policemen was also taken in the wake of a large number of farmers from Punjab and Haryana planning to move to Delhi for the tractor rally.
-- PTI
23:39 Sri Lanka resumes commercial flights after 10-month hiatus
The Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka on Thursday informed that Bandaranaike International Airport and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport will resume commercial flights after a hiatus of nearly ten months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Colombo Page, the first flight after reopening the airport for commercial flights arrived at the Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport at 7:40 am today.
The first flight that arrived was an Oman Airlines flight from Muscat, Oman with 50 passengers, who were directed to quarantine on arrival, Colombo Page reported.
The airport has been opened with a series of health guidelines issued by the country's Ministry of Health, including hotel room reservations, PCR tests, and places to visit.
After the opening of the airport, residents, dual citizens, and foreign tourists will be able to visit the island without any hindrance, Colombo Page reported.
-- ANI
22:49 Agri min meets Amit Shah ahead of talks
A day before the government's crucial 11th round of talks with protesting farmers, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Thursday night met senior BJP leader and Home Minister Amit Shah, sources said.
The meeting followed a statement from the umbrella body of agitating unions, Sanyukt Kisan Morcha, that it has rejected the government's offer to put on hold the three contentious farm laws for one to 1.5 years and set up a joint committee to reach an amicable solution.
However, some farmer leaders said a final decision is yet to be taken on the proposal and the next course of action will depend on Friday's meeting with the government.
Tomar has been leading the government side in the negotiations along with Railways, Commerce and Food Minister Piyush Goyal and Minister of State for Commerce Som Parkash, who is an MP from Punjab.
Protesting farmer unions on Thursday rejected the government's proposal to suspend three farm laws for 18 months, and said they want nothing but a complete repeal of all these contentious legislations.
"In a full general body meeting of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha today, the proposal put forth by the government yesterday, was rejected. A full repeal of three central farm acts and enacting a legislation for remunerative MSP for all farmers were reiterated as the pending demands of the movement," the Samkyukt Kisan Morcha said in a statement.
-- PTI
22:25 Trump heads to golf course on first day out of White House
A convoy of black SUVs at spotted at the Florida resort of Donald Trump suggests the ex-US president spent his first day as a civilian much in the same way he spent his days as commander-in-chief.
With Joe Biden spending his first night in the White House watching firework displays and signing executive orders, the images posted to Twitter from reporter Rob Crilly indicate Trump spent his first morning out of the Oval Office on the greens.
22:06 Sasikala tests positive for Covid-19
Day after being admitted to a hospital in Bengaluru, VK Sasikala tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday. She will soon be shifted to trauma care ward.
Sasikala, a close aide of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, was admitted to the Government Bowring Hospital on Wednesday after she complained of fever and breathlessness.
Sasikala, lodged at the Parappana Agrahara Prison here, was sentenced to four years imprisonment in February 2017 in the Rs 66 crore disproportionate assets case.
Her illness comes at a time when she is just a week away to walk free from the prison on January 27.
21:45 Fire at Serum Institute very tragic and unfortunate : Pawar
NCP president Sharad Pawar on Thursday termed the fire at the Serum Institute of India in Pune as very tragic and unfortunate and condoled the death of five people in the incident.
Five men died after a fire broke out in a five-storeyed under-construction building in the Serum Institute of India's Manjari premises, police said.
All were construction workers whose bodies were recovered by fire brigade personnel from the fifth floor, police said, adding nine others were evacuated from the spot.
The news of the fire at the Serum Institute in Pune is very tragic and unfortunate.
"My condolences to families of those who lost their loved ones. I wish speedy recovery to the injured, Pawar tweeted.
-- PTI
21:23 Bird Flu outbreak: Govt issues dos and don'ts
In view of the bird flu scare, regulator FSSAI on Thursday advised people not to eat half-boiled eggs and undercooked chicken, and ensure proper cooking of poultry meat as it came out with a detailed set of guidelines.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has also urged consumers and food businesses "not to panic" and ensure proper handling and cooking of poultry meat and eggs for safe consumption as outlined in the guidance document.
Outbreak of bird flu or avian influenza has been confirmed in 'poultry birds' in six states -- Kerala, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Punjab. In India, bird flu is spread mainly by migratory birds coming into the country during winter months between September and March.
In a statement, the FSSAI said it has issued the guidance document titled 'Safe handling, processing and consumption of poultry meat and eggs during bird flu outbreak' suggesting precautions to be taken at retail meat shops, and by consumers and those hanlding/ processing poultry meat.
According to the regulator, bird flu is an infection caused by avian influenza viruses. These flu viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them. However, bird flu is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, including chicken and ducks, very sick and kill them.
Further, the regulator advised consumers not to purchase eggs/ poultry meat sourced from bird flu infected areas and avoid going to open markets that sell poultry in infected areas. For retail shops, the FSSAI asked them not to bring any live or slaughtered/ dead poultry birds from the avian influenza outbreak areas and also not allow it to enter into the food chain.
20:56 Kamala Harris' Jamaican heritage
As a child growing up in Jamaica, I often heard it said, by my parents and family friends: memba whe yu cum fram. To this day, I continue to retain the deep social awareness and strong sense of identity which that grassroots Jamaican philosophy fed in me. As a father, I naturally sought to develop the same sensibility in my two daughters. Born and bred in America, Kamala was the first in line to have it planted. Maya came two years later and had the advantage of an older sibling as mentor. It is for them to say truthfully now, not me, what if anything of value they carried from that early experience into adulthood. My one big regret is that they did not come to know very well the two most influential women in my life: Miss Chrishy and Miss Iris (as everybody called them). This is, in many ways, a story about these women and the heritage they gave us.
Read full HERE
20:50 Farmers reject proposal to hold laws for 1.5 yrs
Farmers protesting against the controversial farm sector laws have decided to hold out for a complete scrapping of the laws, rejecting the Centre's new proposal of putting them on hold for 18 months while negotiations continue with a fresh committee.
The government had put forward the proposal yesterday at the 10th round of negotiations with the farmers' unions.
The farmers had given no immediate reply. Several of them said that the government has become unnerved by their plans for a big tractor rally on Republic Day.
20:29 Another fire breaks out at Serum Institute
Another fire broke out again in one of the compartments of the building at Serum Institute of India, in Pune.
A fire fighting operation is underway. More details are awaited. This comes after a fire had broken out at SII's Manjari Plant earlier today, in which five people died and six were rescued from an under-construction building.
"Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will visit the unit of Serum Institute of India in Manjari, Pune, where the fire mishap took place, to inspect and take stock of the situation tomorrow at noon," said Office of the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said that the initial fire was caused by some ongoing welding work at the site.
-- ANI
20:13 145 people infected with UK variant of COVID-19 in India: Govt
The number of people who have tested positive for the UK variant of COVID-19 in India has climbed to 145, the Union Health Ministry said on Thursday.
All these persons have been kept in single room isolation in designated health care facilities by respective state governments, the ministry had said earlier.
Their close contacts have also been put under quarantine. Comprehensive contact tracing has been initiated for co-travellers, family contacts and others.
Genome sequencing on other specimens is going on, the ministry said.
The situation is under careful watch and regular advice is being provided to the states for enhanced surveillance, containment, testing and dispatch of samples to INSACOG (Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium) labs.
"The total number of persons found infected with the UK strain of COVID-19 is 145," the ministry said on Thursday.
The presence of the new UK variant has already been reported by several countries, including Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, Italy, Sweden, France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Japan, Lebanon and Singapore.
-- PTI
19:49 PM expresses sorrow over 5 deaths at Serum
Five workers were killed in the major fire broke out at a plant of the Serum Institute of India in Manjri area of Pune on Thursday afternoon. The fire is now under control.
Ten fire tenders and a team of the National Disaster Response Force were rushed to the spot to douse the fire that broke out around 2.45 pm. The cause of the fire at the Serum Institute plant is not yet known.
PM Modi mourns the death of five workers at Serum Institute. Anguished by the loss of lives due to an unfortunate fire at the @SerumInstIndia. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives. I pray that those injured recover at the earliest," PM Modi said in a tweet.
19:31 Sergio Aguero tests positive for Covid-19
Sergio Aguero has tested positive for Covid-19, with the Manchester City striker confirming that he is currently self-isolating and experiencing symptoms.
After a close contact, I've been self-isolating and the latest test I took was positive for COVID 19. I had some symptoms and I'm following doctor's orders for recovery," Aguero tweeted.
19:14 Won't let Centre forcibly evict refugees: Mamata
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday asserted that she would not allow 'forcible displacement' of any refugee from land owned by central government organisations, amid reports that eviction notices have been put up at several such places.
She said that her government would hand over pattas (land certificates) to all such refugees.
"We have got information that at some places in Bankura and Habra, central government organisations have put up eviction notices. But our government would not allow any such thing. We will give them (refugees) dalil (official document) in accordance with their merit," Banerjee said at the state secretariat, following a cabinet meeting.
The chief minister said that her dispensation has regularised 213 refugee colonies over the last two years, and issued a total of 2,79,000 pattas.
"We are clearly stating that such evictions will not be allowed. Refugees who have been staying on those estates for several years will receive the pattas. Matuas (Bangladeshi refugees) have already been given pattas, and those who have not received them so far, will get them soon," she said.
She stated that her cabinet has also given its nod to grant freehold rights to the unauthorised inhabitants of Kolkata Municipal Corporation's ward number 109.
"Not a single colony will be left out. We are doing it for everyone, be it those living on state government land, on private property or on land belonging to central government organisations, like the railways," the TMC supremo underlined.
All refugee colonies in the state, including those in the city's Jadavpur, Behala, Dhakuria, Sonarpur, Ballygunge, and Beleghata areas, will get such rights, she said.
The cabinet, overwhelmed by the response to the ruling dispensation's flagship programme 'Duare Sarkar' (government at doorsteps), has agreed to extend its timeline for another phase to ensure that more and more people get to avail the benefits of state-run schemes, Banerjee said.
The drive, which has touched lives of at least two crore people so far, will be renewed for its fifth phase for 14 days, starting January 27.
The fourth phase is scheduled to end on January 25.
"With so many people taking interest in the programme, and considering the fact that some have come to know about the initiative only later, we have decided to extend it for phase-5, which will start from January 27 and continue till February 8," Banerjee explained.
The cabinet also sanctioned old age and widow pension for at least 15 lakh people, who had applied for it, she said, adding that the disbursement process will start from Friday.
The CM, following the cabinet meeting, inaugurated an initiative, under which her government will transfer Rs 10,000 to bank accounts of the nine lakh students of Class 12 in government schools and madrasas for purchasing smartphones, computers or tablets.
"The money would be transferred to designated bank accounts in seven days. Students can purchase tablet computers or smartphones of their choice and continue their online education," she said after interacting with some of them over a virtual platform.
Every student receiving the assistance will also get a letter undersigned by her, Banerjee said. -- PTI
18:56 Army jawan killed in Pak firing along LoC
An Army jawan was killed when Pakistan violated the ceasefire and resorted to firing on forward positions along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Thursday, officials said.
The Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked firing along the LoC in the Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch, the officials said.
The Indian Army responded to the enemy fire in a befitting manner, they added.
Havaldar Nirmal Singh of the 10 JAK Rifles unit of the Army was critically injured in the firing and subsequently succumbed to his injuries, the officials said.
Singh was a brave, highly-motivated and sincere soldier, a defence spokesperson said, adding that the nation will always remain indebted to him for his supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty. -- PTI
18:47 Street in Delhi to be named after Sushant
A stretch of road in Andrews Ganj in south Delhi will soon be named after the late actor Sushant Singh Rajput as the area's civic body has cleared a proposal for it, officials said on Thursday.
Sushant, who would have turned 35 on Thursday, was found dead at his Bandra residence in Mumbai on June 14 last year.
His fans and admirers took to social media to remember the actor whose untimely demise was followed by a high-profile investigation.
SDMC's Congress councillor Abhishek Dutt in September 2020 had moved the proposal to name the road after the actor.
"It was cleared by the SDMC House in its meeting yesterday," a senior official said.
The Andrews Ganj councillor in the Bharatiya Janata Party-led South Delhi Municipal Corporation had sent the proposal to the civic body's road naming and renaming committee.
In the written proposal to the committee, Dutt had said that a large number of people living in the area abutting Road No 8 hail from Bihar, and had claimed 'they have been demanding' to name the stretch from Andrews Ganj to Indira Camp as 'Sushant Singh Rajput Marg'.
So, it is proposed that Road No 8 be named after the actor in his memory, Dutt had said. -- PTI
18:12 5 found dead as Serum Institute fire doused
Five people have died in the fire which started at the Serum Institute of India's (SII) Manjri plant on Thursday afternoon. The fire has been brought under control.
"Four people were evacuated from the building but when it came under control, five bodies were found by our jawans," Pune Mayor Murlidhar Mohol said.
"The five people who died, were perhaps the workers at the under-construction building. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained but it is being speculated that welding, that was going on at the building, caused the fire," Mohol said.
"Fire at the Serum Institute of India building is under control, the
cooling process is underway," said Prashant Ranpise, Chief fire officer,
Pune Municipal Corporation.
Adar Poonawalla, the Chief executive officer (CEO) of SII, who had earlier expressed his gratitude for the concern shown by the people, offered condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the incident.
'We have just received some distressing updates; upon further investigation we have learnt that there has unfortunately been some loss of life at the incident.
'We are deeply saddened and offer our deepest condolences to the family members of the departed,' Poonawalla said.
Poonawalla had tweeted earlier, 'Thank you, everyone, for your concern and prayers. So far the most important thing is that there've been no lives lost or major injuries due to fire, despite a few floors being destroyed.'
'I would like to reassure all governments & the public that there would be no loss of #COVISHIELD production due to multiple production buildings that I had kept in reserve to deal with such contingencies at @SerumInstIndia. Thank you very much Pune City Police and Fire Department,' SII CEO had said in another tweet.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said it seems that the fire was caused by an electric fault. -- ANI
17:41 PM to meet vaccine recipients in Varanasi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with beneficiaries and vaccinators of the COVID-19 inoculation drive in Varanasi on Friday via video conferencing. The participants in the interaction will share their first hand experience of vaccination, the Prime Minister's Office said on Thursday.
The interaction follows Modi's continuous dialogue and discussion with scientists, political leaders, officials and other stakeholders to proactively ensure smooth conduct of the world's largest vaccination drive, it added. Varanasi is Modi's Lok Sabha constituency.
He had launched the nationwide inoculation drive on January 16 with over three crore healthcare and frontline workers prioritised to get the jabs initially. PTI
17:34 Clinton, Bush and Obama record rare joint video wishing Biden success
Former US presidents Bill Clinton, George W Bush and Barack Obama have recorded a rare joint video through which they sent their wishes to President Joe Biden while rooting for his success in leading the country out of the challenges faced by it.
In the video, which was aired on Wednesday night, the three former commanders-in-chief talk about the peaceful transition of power while standing in the amphitheatre at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia where they accompanied the newly installed 46th President of the United States to a ceremony where he paid his respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
It is a "free-flowing conversation," focusing on "the majesty of the passage of power, importance of upholding democracy and staying civically engaged, according to NBC News. Good evening America, obviously there is a personal element to see my former vice president become the 46th president and to see Kamala Harris as our first woman vice president. "Inaugurations signal a tradition of a peaceful transfer of power that is over two centuries old," Obama, 59, said.
Bush, 74, said: the fact that the three of us are standing here talking about a peaceful transfer of power speaks to the institutional integrity of our country. America's a generous country, people of great hearts. All three of us were lucky to be the president of this country. This is an unusual thing. We are both trying to come back to normalcy, deal with totally abnormal challenges and do what we do best, which is try to make a more perfect union.
It's an exciting time, Clinton, 74, America's 42nd president from 1993 to 2001, said. Obama, who was the 44th president of the United States from 2009 to 2017 with Biden as his deputy, said: We have got to not just listen to folks we agree with but folks we don't. One of my fondest memories of the inauguration, was the grace and generosity that President Bush showed me, and Laura Bush showed Michelle. "It was a reminder that we can have fierce disagreements and yet recognise each other's common humanity and that as Americans we have more in common than what separates us," Obama, a Democrat, said.
Bush, a Republican who was the 43rd president of the US from 2001 to 2009, said that Americans love their neighbours like they liked to be loved themselves. A lot of there is division in our society, they don't.
"Everybody needs to get off their high horse and reach out to their friends and neighbours and try to make it possible. I'm glad you're there. And I wish you well, Clinton said. They sent Biden well wishes, saying they were rooting for his success. They also noted that they would be available to guide the new administration towards accomplishments.
17:24 SC panel starts consultation on agri laws
The Supreme Court-appointed panel on the new agri laws on Thursday started its consultation process and interacted with 10 farmer organisations from eight states, including Uttar Pradesh.
The apex court had on January 11 stayed the implementation of the three laws, against which farmers are protesting at Delhi borders for nearly two months now, till further orders and appointed a four-member panel to resolve the impasse.
Currently, there are three members in the panel as the fourth, Bhartiya Kisan Union president Bhupinder Singh Mann, has recused himself from the committee. The panel, in a statement, said that the interaction was held through video conference with various farmer unions and associations on Thursday.
Ten farmer organisations from Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharasthra, Odisha, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh participated in discussions with committee members, it said.
"The farmers' unions participated in the discussion and gave their frank opinion including suggestions to improve the implementation of Acts," the statement said.
The participating farmer bodies were asked to give their views on the Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.
President of Maharasthra-based Shetkari Sanghatana Anil Ghanwat and agri-economists Ashok Gulati and Pramod Kumar Joshi are the three members of the panel. PTI
ONGC was the top loser
17:06 Sensex breaches 50k-mark, ends lower on profit-booking
The BSE Sensex scaled the 50,000-mark for the first time on Thursday on growth optimism and global cues, but succumbed to profit-booking in fag-end trade to finish in the red. Weighed by selling in banking, finance and IT counters, the 30-share BSE index ended 167.36 points or 0.34 per cent lower at 49,624.76.
Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty slipped 54.35 points or 0.37 per cent to close at 14,590.35. ONGC was the top loser in the Sensex pack, shedding 4 per cent, followed by Bharti Airtel, SBI, IndusInd Bank, NTPC, Sun Pharma and ITC. On the other hand, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Auto, Reliance Industries (RIL), Bajaj Finserv and Asian Paints were among the gainers, climbing up to 2.72 per cent.
Market heavyweight RIL spurted 2.09 per cent after stock exchanges cleared Future Retail's Rs 24,713 crore deal to sell its retail assets to the billionaire Mukesh Ambani-led conglomerate, with certain riders. "Sensex at 50,000 is great news not only for the market and investors but for the economy also.
Sector-wise, the BSE telecom, realty, metal and healthcare indices lost up to 2.64 per cent, while consumer durables, energy and capital goods finished higher.
17:01 New party launched in Bengal
West Bengal: Pirzada Abbas Siddique, the founder of Furfura Sharif Ahale Sunnatul Jamat, launches Indian Secular Front (ISF) in Kolkata.
16:52 For you, dad
Cricketer Mohammed Siraj today paid tribute to his late father at a graveyard in Hyderabad. Siraj's father passed away while he was in Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
16:34 SII fire will be doused in an hour: Pune top cop
Update on the fire at the Serum Institute of India: Pune Police Commissioner says, "Fire broke out at Manjri plant. Production wasn't done there but preparation was on to begin it at a later stage. Fire fighting op is on, building has been vacated but we're re-checking. Fire will be doused in an hour. No problem at vaccine plant/storage."
A fire broke out today at an under construction facility of Serum Institute of India in Pune. It is unlikely to impact the Covishield vaccine making process as the fire broke out in a facility away from the place where the COVID-19 vaccines are made, sources said.
The Serum Institute, the "world's largest maker of vaccines", is producing millions of doses of the Covishield coronavirus vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University.
Manjari, the complex where the fire broke out, is a few minutes drive from the facility where the Covid vaccines are produced.
16:13 10 fire tenders at SIII
Fire fighting operation underway at the under-construction building at Serum Institute of India in Pune, where a fire broke out this afternoon. At least 10 fire tenders present at the spot. Vaccines and the vaccine manufacturing plant are safe.
Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray is in touch with Pune Municipal Commissioner and is taking complete on-ground updates. He has directed state machinery to coordinate and ensure that situation is under control.
SII CEO Adar Poonawala poses with the first shipment of Covishield vaccine
15:45 SII vaccines, manufacturing plant safe from fire
Update: Fire continues to rage at the fourth and fifth floors of SEZ3 building inside Terminal Gate 1 of Serum Institute of India in Pune. The site where the fire broke out, is an under-construction building at Serum Institute of India, Pune. The vaccine and vaccine manufacturing plant are safe.
SII makes the Covishield Covid-19 vaccine and is the largest maker of vaccines in the world. The SII has a 100 acre facility in Pune, the fire is raging in just one building.
More importantly, its not the building where the vaccines are stored or made.
15:21 UP police team in Mumbai, serves notice to Tandav director
A team of Uttar Pradesh Police arrives at the residence of the director of web series Tandav, Ali Abbas Zafar to serve him notice. The UP police team is in Mumbai to pursue cases filed against the show, which is accused of "insulting Hindu Gods".
The makers of Tandav, a political thriller starring Saif Ali Khan and Dimple Kapadia, have been forced to drop some parts after a backlash over some scenes. The Uttar Pradesh government said the web series makers would have to pay for hurting religious sentiments.
15:14 Fire at Serum Institute, maker of Covid vaccine
Breaking news: Fire breaks out at Terminal 1 gate of Serum Institute of India in Pune. Other reports say the fire is at an under construction building at SII. More details awaited.
15:01 Farmers-cops meet on tractor rally inconclusive
The second round of meeting between the police and farmer unions regarding the proposed January 26 tractor rally by them remained inconclusive on Thursday as the farmers stuck to their demand of taking out the rally on Delhi's busy Outer Ring Road.
Taking to reporters after the meeting, Swaraj Abhiyan leader Yogendra Yadav said the police wanted the farmer leaders to take out their tractor rally outside the national capital.
"We will do our parade peacefully inside Delhi. They wanted us to hold the tractor rally outside Delhi, which is not possible," Yadav, who is actively participating in the ongoing agitation against the Centre's new farm laws, said.
Sources said police officers tried to convince the protesting farm unions to hold their tractor rally on the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway instead of the Outer Ring Road, but in vain.
A farmer leader, who attended the meeting with the police, said, "The government wants us to take out our rally outside Delhi, but we want to hold it inside Delhi. No decision was taken in today's meeting." Joint Commissioner of Police (Northern Range) S S Yadav coordinated the meeting held at Mantram Resort near the Singhu border.
The meeting was also attended by Special Commissioner (Law and Order-Western Zone) Sanjay Singh, Special Commissioner of Police (Intelligence) Dependra Pathak and other senior officers from Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh police. A similar meeting was held on Wednesday between the union leaders and officers of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana police at Vigyan Bhawan to discuss the route and arrangements of the proposed rally on January 26. However, the farmer unions had rejected a suggestion by the police officers to hold the rally on the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal Expressway instead of Delhi's busy Outer Ring Road, sources said. -- PTI
14:14 Rs 5L for kin of dead farmers at protest: Punjab
A compensation of Rs 5 lakh each has been given to the families of four farmers from Ludhiana who lost their lives while participating in the ongoing protest against the Centre's agricultural reforms, a senior officer said on Thursday.
Braving cold weather conditions and rain, thousands of farmers, mainly from Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, are protesting at various border points of Delhi for over a month now against the three farm laws. Several farmers participating in the agitation have died due to different reasons including heart attack and road accidents.
"On the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, Rs 5 lakh compensation is being provided to the families of farmers who unfortunately lost their lives during the protest against the Centre's farm laws," said Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Varinder Kumar Sharma. Till date, he said, five farmers from Ludhiana district have lost their lives while participating in the agitation.
While Rs 5 lakh compensation has already been provided to families of four farmers from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, the case of the fifth farmer is under process, he added. -- PTI
14:11 Sasikala moves hospitals
Former Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa's aide, Sasikala being brought out of Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital where she was taken to from Bengaluru Central Jail after she complained of fever. Sasikala is now being taken to Victoria Hospital in the city
DG CRPF, Dr AP Maheshwari
13:38 CRPF gets 14 drones for red zone Naxal areas
In a step that will add more strength to the force, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will soon deploy more powerful and technologically advanced drones in Naxal-affected areas of the country.
These drones can fly longer and will be able to capture full high-definition quality videos.
According to a CRPF official, 14 new drones will be used in red zone areas including Sukma, Dantewada, and Bijapur in Chhattisgarh in the next three months.
"Micro UAV A410 is a vertical take-off and landing small RPAs (remotely piloted aircraft) for a quick deployment from confined locations with 60 minutes endurance," said the CRPF, while giving details about the drone.
"It provides autonomous operation from take-off to landing with the digital encrypted communication link. It has a full-HD camera and reliable aerial imaging for surveillance and security operations," the CRPF further said.
According to an official, these drones will be different from old ones as they are faster and have almost 20 minutes more endurance.
"Old drones have a range of 4 kilometres but these drones can travel 5 kilometres. Old drones have also 40-50 minutes of endurance but these have 60 minutes. These drones will give strength to CRPF in red zones in capturing locations and positions of Naxals. Encounters will be easy to operate," the official said. -- ANI
13:31 Kerala Assembly discusses no-trust motion against Speaker
The opposition UDF on Thursday moved a no-confidence motion in the Kerala Assembly against Speaker P Sreeramakrishnanin the wake of allegations against him in the dollar smuggling case and over extravagance in the various construction activities taken up in the House complex.
Though the ruling Left front initially objected to the resolution citing technical reasons, the House later decided to discuss the matter. Minutes before the beginning of the presentation of the motion, Sreeramakrishnan left the Speaker's dais and deputy speaker P Sasi began to preside over the proceedings.
M Ummer (IUML) presented the motion seeking the removal of the Speaker. He said the resolution was not for personal or political reasons but to protect the dignity of the House.
"Serious allegations are cropping up against the Speaker every day. It is said that he will be questioned by the central agencies after the culmination of the ongoing assembly session," Ummer said.
The Speaker's alleged personal connections with the gold smuggling accused and his participation in an inaugural function of a workshop related to them had brought disgrace to the House, he said. He also alleged that various construction activities carried out in the Assembly complex recently were not transparent. -- PTI
12:51 Politics being done on Covid vaccine safety: Govt
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on the Covid-19 vaccine drive and its safety. "The message is clear that vaccine is completely safe and effective. The said adverse events or side effects surfacing are common and it can be seen after any vaccination.
"Government does not want people who are hesitant to take vaccine to suffer any disadvantage. Everyone should get equal protection just like our doctors.
"The vaccination will be the last nail in the coffin of COVID19. It is unfortunate that some people are spreading misinformation about the vaccination for political reasons. This has developed vaccine hesitancy in a small group of people."
TMC leader Firhad Hakim
12:31 BSF threatening voters at border: TMC to CEC
The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal on Thursday met the full bench of the Election Commission of India and alleged that the BSF is threatening people in the border areas of the state to cast their votes in favour of a particular political party.
The Border Security Force (BSF) is yet to issue a reaction to the TMC's allegation. The full bench of the ECI, led by Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora, arrived in the state on Wednesday evening on a two-day visit ahead of the assembly polls, the dates of which are yet to be announced.
"We have informed the CEC and other ECI officials that the BSF is threatening voters in border areas. We have received inputs that officers of the paramilitary force are visiting various villages and asking people to cast their votes in favour of a particular political party.
"This is a dangerous situation and the ECI must look into it," TMC secretary-general Partha Chatterjee told reporters after meeting the ECI delegation here. The ECI officials are meeting the representatives of various political parties before holding discussions with officials of central and state regulatory agencies. -- PTI
12:14 Arthritis drug no better than standard care for severe COVID-19
Treating severe COVID-19 patients with the arthritis drug tocilizumab along with standard care is no better than standard care alone in improving clinical outcomes at 15 days, says the results of a trial which was stopped early due to increased number of deaths among those receiving the drug. The findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal The BMJ, noted that there was an increased number of deaths at 15 days in severe COVID-19 patients receiving tocilizumab -- contradicting earlier observational studies suggesting a benefit of the drug.
However, the scientists, including those from Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo in Brazil, said these contradictory effects need to be assessed in future studies. They explained that the drug blocks a specific part of the immune system -- interleukin 6 -- that can go into overdrive in some COVID-19 patients.
While tocilizumab was thought to help lessen the body's inflammatory response to the virus and avert dire consequences of the disease, the study said the drug's effects are not well defined.
In the research, the scientists conducted a clinical trial comparing tocilizumab plus standard care with standard care alone in patients admitted to hospital with severe or critical COVID-19.
Their findings are based on 129 adults (average age of 57 years) with confirmed COVID-19 at nine hospitals in Brazil between 8 May and 17 July 2020. The patients received supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation and had abnormal levels of at least two molecules linked to inflammation in their blood. They were randomly divided into two groups -- 65 who received tocilizumab plus standard care, and 64 who received standard care alone.
Other factors, such as underlying conditions and use of other medication, were taken into account and all patients were monitored for 15 days, the study noted. By day 15, the scientists said 18 patients in the tocilizumab group and 13 in the standard care group were receiving mechanical ventilation or died.
They said death at 15 days occurred in 11 patients in the tocilizumab group compared with two in the standard care group. Since the increased number of deaths in the tocilizumab group raised safety concerns, the trial was stopped early, the researchers added. In both groups, they said deaths were attributed to COVID-19 related acute respiratory failure or multiple organ dysfunction.
ASHA workers are paid an abysmal Rs 1500 pm
11:57 ASHA worker hospitalised after vaccination
A Ferozepur-based Asha worker has reported complications after she was administered the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine in a civil hospital in Punjab on Tuesday, reports India Today.
Identified as Bindiya, the 35-year-old woman had complained of breathlessness after getting the shot. She was admitted to the Civil Hospital in Ferozepur on Wednesday, and she is now under observation.Bindiya said that she had gone to her home after getting the vaccine dose. Later in the day, there was a sudden drop in her blood pressure. She was taken to a private clinic, but was later referred to the government hospital.
Emergency medical officer, Ferozepur, Dr Shashi Bhushan told India Today that her condition is stable. "She was vaccinated on Tuesday, and she later reported problems in breathing. She spent Tuesday night at her home, and was admitted to Civil Hospital on Wednesday. She is undergoing treatment, and we cannot say at this stage that it was a side-effect of the vaccine."
11:47 Illegal construction:HC rejects Sood's plea against BMC notice
The Bombay High Court on Thursday dismissed an appeal and interim application filed by Bollywood actor Sonu Sood against a BMC notice over alleged illegal construction carried out by him at his residential building in suburban Juhu.
Justice Prithviraj Chavan said the court was dimissing the appeal and application. Sood's lawyer Amogh Singh sought a time of 10 weeks to comply with the notice issued by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), and requested the court to direct the civic body to not initiate demolition action. The court, however, refused and said the actor had ample opportunity in the past.
Sood approached the high court earlier this month, challenging an order of a city civil court that dismissed his suit against the BMC's notice over the alleged illegal construction carried out by him.
The actor, in an interim application, had sought an order from the high court restraining the BMC from taking any coercive action against his residential property in Juhu area. As per the BMC, Sood had carried out structural changes in the six-storey residential building 'Shakti Sagar' and converted it into a hotel without taking requisite permissions. PTI
PM at SII in November with the Poonawalas
11:28 PM to get vaccinated in second phase
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be vaccinated in the second phase of the Covid inoculation drive launched last week, sources told NDTV today. All Chief Ministers will also receive vaccines. The vaccine drive was launched on January 16 with health workers receiving jabs of two vaccines - Serum Institute of India's Covishield and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin. Nobody can choose between the two vaccines, the government has said.
11:23 One final shoutout from Thunberg
This, from environmentalist Greta Thunberg: "He seems like a very happy old man looking forward to a bright and wonderful future. So nice to see!"
Former US president Donald Trump and climate activist Thunberg have been at loggerheads ever since he exited the Paris Climate agreement.
Police Joint CP SS Yadav
10:52 Tractor rally: Police meeting with farmers today
A meeting between senior police officers and farmers will take place today on the farmers' Republic Day tractor rally. Police Joint CP SS Yadav arrives at Mantram Resort near Singhu border for a meeting with farmers on their Republic Day tractor rally.
The Centre on Wednesday withdrew its plea seeking an injunction against the proposed tractor rally on January 26 by farmers protesting against the new farms laws after the Supreme Court said "it is a police matter".
10:47 Sasikala stable
Update on Sasikala's health: J Jayalalithaa's former aide and companion was hospitalised today for fever and breathlessness. TTV Dhinakaran, Sasikala's nephew said, "I've reliable info that Sasikala's health is stable, doctors are looking after her. She is being monitored properly. She needs oxygen due to some secondary infections. Doctors still deciding on whether CT scans are required or not."
Sand artist Sudarshan Patnaik on the new US presidency
10:26 On Day 1, Biden signs 15 executive orders
On day one in office, US President Joe Biden has signed 15 executive orders, reversing some of the key foreign policies and national security decisions of his predecessor Donald Trump.
The executive orders ranged from rejoining the Paris agreement on climate change, halting America's withdrawal from the World Health Organisation, revoking Muslim travel ban and stopping immediate construction of Mexico border wall.
"I'm proud of today's executive actions, and I'm going to start by keeping the promises I made to the American people. A long way to go. These are just executive actions. They are important, but we're going to need legislation for a lot of the things we're going to do," Biden told reporters in the Oval Office of the White House as he signed the first lot of executive orders on Wednesday.
The president said he will be signing a number of executive orders over the next several days of the week. "And I'm going to start today on the compounding crisis of COVID, along with the economic crisis following that, and climate crisis, racial equity issues," he said.
His first executive order was launching his 100-day masking challenge, asking Americans to mask up for 100 days. Biden is doing his part as well, issuing a mask mandate that will require anyone visiting a federal building or federal land or using certain modes of public transportation to wear a mask, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said.
Biden also officially appointed a COVID-19 response coordinator, a position and team that he had already previously announced but made it official today to create a unified national response to the pandemic. He re-established the national security team responsible for global health, security and bio-defence. -- PTI
SII's Covishield vaccine being dispatched to Bangladesh
10:22 India reports 15,223 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours
India reports 15,223 new COVID-19 cases, 19,965 discharges, and 151 deaths in last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry. Total cases: 1,06,10,883, Active cases: 1,92,308, Total discharges: 1,02,65,706, Death toll: 1,52,869, Total vaccinated: 8,06,484.
Don't drop your guard, 1,52,869 people dead due to Covid-19. It can happen to anyone. Stay safe.
10:11 Dues to MSMES to be paid in 45 days: Gadkari
In order to boost micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector and strengthen the Atmanirbhar Bharat programme, the Central Government is looking forward to bringing a law that will make it mandatory to pay the dues of MSMEs within 45 days, said Union Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday.
Addressing the members from All India Association of Industries, Gadkari said, "All MSME receivables should be paid within 45 days. Delayed payment is a major problem faced by MSMEs. We are thinking to bring a law to protect their interests."
The Minister said the government is looking forward to introducing legislation mandating public sector undertakings to settle the dues of MSMEs within 45 days of sale. -- ANI
10:08 HDFC to sell 24.48% stake in Good Host for Rs 232.81 crore
Mortgage lender HDFC Ltd has signed an agreement to sell its 24.48 per cent stake in Good Host, a company engaged in the business of managing student housing facilities, for Rs 232.81 crore, according to a regulatory filing. "The corporation has today entered into a share purchase agreement for sale of 47,75,241 equity shares of Re 1 each, representing 24.48 per cent of the issued and paid-up share capital of Good Host, "Housing Development Finance Corporation Ltd (HDFC) said in the late night regulatory filing on Wednesday. HDFC said the aggregate sale consideration for the sale shares is Rs 232.81 crore which is subject to various customary adjustments as agreed between the parties, and the final sale consideration shall be calculated accordingly.
09:32 Sasikala hospitalised with fever
Just days before her release, from a prison in Bengaluru, V K Sasikala, close aide of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, was on Wednesday admitted to the Government Bowring Hospital after she complained of fever and breathlessness, jail sources said.
Earlier she underwent treatment at the jail hospital but later taken to the Bowring Hospital for a second opinion, sources added.
The expelled AIADMK leader arrived in an ambulance and was taken inside the hospital in a wheelchair, the sources said.
09:27 In 1990 the Sensex was at 1000 points
BSE tweets this interesting graph of the Sensex from Harshad Mehta days. Take a look
09:23 Sensex hits 50,000-mark on global cues
Sensex hit the 50,000-mark at pre-open on global cues on Thursday. At 09:02 IST, the Sensex was up 211.40 points or 0.42% at 50,003.52, and the Nifty was up 146 points or 1.00% at 14,790.70. The markets are said to be reacting to the strong cues coming from global markets with Joe Biden being sworn in as the President of the United States.
09:02 Mumbai police summon Kangana in Javed Akhtar defamation case
Mumbai police have summoned Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut in a defamation case filed by veteran writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar, an official said.
Kangana has been asked to appear before the Juhu police in Mumbai on Friday, the police official said.
Akhtar filed a criminal complaint against Kangana in November last year before the Andheri metropolitan magistrate for allegedly making defamatory and baseless comments against him in television interviews.
He claimed that she dragged his name while referring to a "coterie" existing in Bollywood, in TV interviews after the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput in June last year.
The complaint said Kangana had falsely claimed that Akhtar threatened her to keep silent about her alleged relationship with actor Hrithik Roshan. It noted that Kangana's remarks had tarnished Akhtar's public image.
The court on January 17 allowed the police time till February 1 to file a report of their probe into the defamation complaint. -- PTI
08:50 India's Ambassador to US attends Biden's inauguration ceremony
India's Ambassador to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu attended the historic inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the Capitol.
"We look forward to working with President Biden's administration in deepening our comprehensive global strategic partnership in a range of areas," Sandhu said after the inauguration ceremony on Wednesday.
The shared values of democracy, pluralism and the rule of law between India and the United States provide a firm foundation for a vibrant partnership in the days ahead, he said.
"President Biden's own commitment to this relationship in his previous roles as Vice President and Senator will be a guiding light," Sandhu said.
Because of COVID-19 restrictions only a limited number of foreign dignitaries were invited to attend the 59th inauguration for the peaceful transition of power from Donald Trump to Biden.
"It was an honour to represent India at the inaugural ceremony of the 46th President of the United States Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) sent congratulatory tweets today to the President and the Vice President on the assumption of office," Sandhu said.
The Indian Embassy in US tweeted pictures of Sandhu attending the ceremony. -- PTI
08:42 Biden signs order to end Trump's Muslim travel ban
United States President Joe Biden on Wednesday has ended the 'Muslim travel ban', which blocked travel to the United States from several predominantly Muslim and African countries.
Hours after taking the office, Biden on Wednesday signed 17 executive orders memorandums and proclamations including ending the Muslim travel ban.
He has directed the State Department to restart visa processing for individuals from the affected countries and to develop ways to address the harm caused to those who were prevented from coming to the United States because of the ban, The New York Times reported.
Implemented in 2017 during Trump's first week in office, the Muslim Ban initially restricted travel from seven Muslim-majority nations: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.
The ban faced several legal challenges, but the Supreme Court in 2018 upheld the final version of the measure.
The Muslim travel ban so far restricts citizens from 12 countries -- Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Nigeria, Myanmar, Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Sudan, Tanzania and North Korea -- and some Venezuelan officials and their relatives from obtaining a broad range of US visas, NPR reported.
With another executive order, Biden has bolstered the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that protects from deportation immigrants brought to the United States as children, often called Dreamers.
Another executive order revoked the Trump administration's plan to exclude non-citizens from the census count, and another overturns a Trump executive order that pushed aggressive efforts to find and deport unauthorised immigrants.
Biden has also halted construction of Trump's border wall with Mexico.
The order includes an "immediate termination" of the national emergency declaration that allowed the Trump administration to redirect billions of dollars to the wall. -- ANI
Image: US President Joe Biden prepares to sign a series of executive orders at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office just hours after his inauguration. Photograph: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
08:17 Biden's 1st foreign leader call will be to Trudeau: WH
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be the first foreign leader to receive a call from newly sworn-in United States President Joe Biden, announced the White House.
The call will likely take place on Friday to establish a rapport and discuss the Biden administration's plans to reject the Keystone XL Pipeline, which would transport fuel from Canada's oil sands to Nebraska, informed White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki while holding the Biden administration's first press briefing.
"His first foreign leader call would be on Friday with Justin Trudeau. I expect they will certainly discuss the important relationship with Canada and his decision of Keystone XL pipeline," she said.
"His early calls will be with partners and allies," Psaki said.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have an all-female White House senior communications team.
Biden on Wednesday signed an executive order that revokes a key permit for the controversial Keystone XL pipeline, hours after taking office as the 46th commander-in-chief.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he is "disappointed" to see Biden sign an executive order revoking the Keystone XL oil pipeline's permit. -- ANI
05:09 Will fire staff if they disrespect others: Biden
US President Joe Biden warned new White House employees he would terminate them if he found them trashing one another.
Making explicit he wanted to break with the toxic environment that pervaded the West Wing during the previous administration, Biden said he wanted his staff governed by collegiality and respect.
If youre ever working with me and I hear you treating another colleague with disrespect, talking down to someone, I will fire you on the spot," Biden said in the State Dining Room during a ceremony swearing-in officials.
He said he wanted his staff to treat each other with decency, something he said had "been missing a big way the past four years."
Earlier in the ceremony, Biden said he wanted his staff to treat everyone with "dignity."
"History measures us and our fellow Americansby how decent, honorable and smart we have been in looking out for their interests," he said.
04:47 Biden brings about changes in Oval Office
As Biden sat down to sign a stack of executive orders in the Oval Office, there were some significant changes in the room.
Trumps portrait of Andrew Jackson -- the censured and fellow populist 19th-century president -- was replaced with Benjamin Franklin, meant to signal Bidens interest in science, according to the Washington Post.
Other intentional changes include a portrait of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and paired paintings of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton representing two people with vastly differing ideologies who worked together.
Placed on the mantle and other shelving are now busts of Martin Luther King Jr, Rosa Parks, and Robert F Kennedy.
Also notable are a bust of Cesar Chavez, the American labour leader and Latin American activist, and a sculpture of the Chiricahua Apache Tribe, which belonged to late Senator Daniel K Inouye, the first Japanese-American elected to both houses of Congress.
Biden chose the Resolute desk from the six desks traditionally offered, the same one used by Trump and Obama.
There have also been some cosmetic changes, including different rugs, curtains and wallpaper.
Photograph: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
04:36 Biden must put an end to business as usual: Sanders in The Guardian
Bernie Sanders wrote in an op-ed for The Guardian today: Democrats, who will now control the White House, the Senate, and the House, must summon the courage to demonstrate to the American people that government can effectively and rapidly respond to their pain and anxiety.
Read the full op-ed HERE
04:25 What's still to come?
Biden's not done yet as he still has a few more actions to take before he spends his first night at the White House.
Next up on his list is swearing in several White House appointees (the ones that don't require Senate confirmation).
His press secretary Jen Psaki will then give her first press conference from the James Brady Briefing Room. She's no stranger to a room full of reporters, having served as spokeswoman of the US State Department during Obama's tenure.
Actor - and Covid survivor - Tom Hanks will host a primetime televised event in lieu of an official inaugural ball. It will feature musical performances from Demi Lovato, Jon Bon Jovi, Justin Timberlake and other superstars.
03:57 Biden signs executive action on Covid & climate
Reversing Trumps legacy on climate change, US President Joe Biden signed orders rejoining the Paris Climate Accords, reversing an entry ban for people from Muslim-majority countries, among others.
The first order he signed was a mask mandate federal property, where he has jurisdiction. In all, Biden signaled he would sign 17 executive orders today.
Another had the US rejoining the Paris climate accord.
03:53 Biden says Trump left him 'very generous' letter
US President Joe Biden said his predecessor, Donald Trump, left him a "very generous letter" before departing office.
Speaking from behind the Resolute Desk, Biden said he would not reveal the contents of the letter out of respect for Donald Trump.
"The President wrote a very generous letter," Biden said. "Because it was private I will not talk about it until I talk to him."
Earlier, it was revealed that Trump left a note for Biden in the White House, carrying forward a tradition of outgoing presidents leaving a message for the incoming leaders in the Resolute Desk of the Oval Office.
03:36 White House readies for the Bidens
There's much work to be done as the White House prepares for new tenants.
In the small window of time between Donald Trump's 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue departure, and ahead of US President Joe Biden's arrival, staffers are feverishly preparing for a new first family.
"They [the Bidens] will spend the night there after a thorough deep clean worthy of a pandemic," reported CNN's Kate Bennett from on the ground in Washington, DC.
Meanwhile, with so much political work to be done, Biden need not worry about the clothes on his back nor the food in his stomach, as those details are being handled as well.
"The fridge has been stocked with their favorite foods," noted Bennett, adding "their closets have been filled with their clothes ... this is now their home."
03:21 Harris swears in new Democratic senators
Kamala Harris is on the Senate floor for the first time since becoming vice president and is swearing in three senators: Georgias Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, as well as Harris replacement in California, Alex Padilla.
The swearing-in of the three new senators will be groundbreaking. Warnock and Ossoff will be the first Black and first Jewish senators, respectively, representing Georgia, while Padilla will be California's first Latino senator.
After the three senators are sworn in, the Senate will be evenly split, 50-50, between Democrats and Republicans. With Harris serving as a tie-breaking vote, Democrats will take control of the chamber.
03:12 US Stock markets close at record highs
The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite Index stock markets have all closed at record highs on the news of Biden's successful inauguration.
The Dow rose by around 0.83%, the S&P 500 jumped 1.39%, and the Nasdaq rose by 1.97%.
It wasn't just Biden's inauguration that buoyed the markets.
The jump also comes as Netflix announces that it added 8.5 million new subscribers in the last three months of the year - exceeding 200m subscribers for the first time.
02:58 Queen Elizabeth sent a private congratulatory message to Biden
Queen Elizabeth sent a private congratulatory message ahead of the inauguration to US President Biden, a royal source said Wednesday.
The letters content was not disclosed.
It is normal for the Queen to congratulate a fellow head of state at their inauguration.
02:49 Kamala Harris enters the White House grounds for first time as vice president
Kamala Harris just entered the Eisenhower Executive Office Building for the first time as US vice president after walking a parade route to the White House grounds with her family.
Harris made history today, becoming the first female, first Black and first South Asian US vice president.
02:29 Biden enters White House as prez for 1st time
Joe Biden walked onto the White House grounds for the first time as President.
He was greeted by military members and a band with first lady Jill Biden by his side.
The band played "Hail to the Chief" and "God Bless America" as the couple looked out.
02:22 Biden exits presidential car and walks to WH
US President Joe Biden exited the Beast, the presidential vehicle, and walked to the White House, alongside first lady Jill Biden and their family.
Biden briefly stopped to greet DC Mayor Muriel Bowser on the sidelines.
Biden took a moment to jog over to a press area, while he was walking to the White House, and fist bumped a member of the press, according to CNN's Brianna Keilar, who was standing nearby.
"Keep doing what you're doing," Biden said, she reported.
It was unclear whether the new US president would walk along Pennsylvania Avenue, due to concerns about security and coronavirus.
02:08 Biden's inaugural parade begins
The inaugural parade down Pennsylvania Avenue to honour US President Joe Biden's incoming administration is largely a virtual one.
Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will receive a presidential escort from 15th Street to the White House including the US Army Band, a Joint Service Honor Guard and the commander in chief's Guard and Fife Drum Corps.
Every branch of the military will be represented in the presidential escort, according to the inaugural committee.
The drumlines from the University of Delaware and Howard University will join that event to honor the alma maters of the new president and vice president.
The inaugural committee is also hosting a "virtual parade across America," which will feature performances in communities across the country much like the virtual program at the Democratic National Convention, which was forced to go online over the summer in efforts to keep the virus from spreading.
According to a Presidential Inaugural Committee news release, the parade will feature "diverse, dynamic performances in communities in all 56 states and territories, celebrate Americas heroes, and highlight the diversity, heritage, and resilience of the country."
01:34 Think that moment and man are made for each other: Clinton on Biden
Hillary Clinton, the former US secretary of state and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee, said that Joe Biden is made for this moment.
I think that the moment and the man are made for each other, Clinton said.
Clinton said she was relieved and grateful to be able to attend inauguration.
I was so relieved and grateful that we were able to celebrate the transfer of power in a peaceful way, which has been a hallmark of our country, Clinton said. It meant a great deal to so many Americans to see the ceremony conducted on the platform where just a few weeks ago marauders and terrorists had been attempting to stop democracy, so it really lifted my heart.
Talking further about why Biden is the right leader for the moment, Clinton said he brings a deep sense of empathy, rising out of his own personal experiences. But it's a clear part of his character to listen to people, to people, try to lift people up. And I think our country right now needs a caring, compassionate, empathetic leader. And Joe Biden is all of that.
On Kamala Harris becoming a historic vice president, Clinton said she was "thrilled."
But I was also delighted because she's a friend of mine. I am convinced she's going to be a terrific partner to Joe Biden and, you know, really put all of her experience and the expertise to work on behalf of the American people. I don't think we could ask for anything more," she said.
01:22 Biden, Harris lay wreath at Arlington Cemetery
US President Joe Biden lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
In his campaign speeches, Biden frequently mentioned that his late son, Beau, who died in 2015, was a veteran.
Recent former US presidents, with the exception of Donald Trump, are accompanying Biden and Harris to Arlington.
Former first ladies Michelle Obama, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton are also at the event.
Why Arlington Cemetery is so important
The cemetery -- just across the river from Washington DC -- is home to the graves of dead US troops dating back to the Civil War.
It is also the final resting place of two presidents - John F Kennedy and William H Taft.
The land was seized from Confederate general Robert E Lee during the Civil War, and has since become home to the remains of over 400,000 men and women.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where the wreath-laying will take place, is one of the most visited parts of the cemetery.
Entombed there are the remains of soldiers from World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
01:06 White House and Oval Office in middle of Biden makeover
Before US President Joe Biden even reaches the White House, some members of his staff have already arrived in the West Wing and are beginning to unpack.
Aides tell CNN they arrived moments after Biden was sworn in.
A hallway in the West Wing filled with framed photographs of the Trump administration was swiftly replaced with gold-framed images of Bidens last speech in Delaware and Tuesday nights Covid-19 memorial on the National Mall, including photos of the president and the first lady.
Aides from the information technology department were seen removing keyboards from every desk and replacing them with a fresh, new keyboard, along with monitors and docking stations. A cart full of new keyboards was in the hallway between lower and upper press offices.
In addition to the new tech gear, each desk had a personal desk starter kit with basic office supplies, as well as a sheet with emergency procedure protocols, and the names and phone numbers of different offices.
Plexiglass barricades were installed at the desk of a US Secret Service agent stationed in the West Wing.
00:47 Biden is riding in a car with a "46" plate
The secure car US President Joe Biden is travelling in today has a double-digit plate: 46, in honour of Biden becoming the US's 46th president.
Biden took the oath of office at the Capitol earlier today.
He's now travelling to Arlington National Cemetery for a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider.
00:36 Before leaving office, Trump extended Secret Service protection to all his children
Before leaving office, former US President Trump signed a memorandum extending US Secret Service protection by six months for all his children, according to a senior US official.
Typically the protection applies to children up to age 16 but by signing the memorandum, the US Secret Service will be able to provide protection to all his children.
00:08 China hits Trump officials with sanctions
China imposed sanctions on nearly 30 former Trump administration officials moments after they left office on Wednesday.
In a statement released just minutes after President Joe Biden was inaugurated, Beijing slapped travel bans and business restrictions on Trump's secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, national security adviser Robert O'Brien and UN ambassador, Kelly Craft.
Others covered by the sanctions include Trump's economic adviser Peter Navarro; his top diplomat for Asia, David Stilwell; health and human services secretary, Alex Azar; along with former national security adviser John Bolton and strategist Stephen Bannon.
The sanctions are largely symbolic but underscore Beijing's antipathy toward a US administration it regarded as hostile.
On Tuesday, Pompeo announced that he had declared China's repression of Muslim ethnic minorities a "genocide," possibly opening the door to new U.S. sanctions against Chinese officials.
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