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Joe Biden took the oath of office to become the 46th president of the United States. He takes charge in a deeply divided nation, inheriting a confluence of crises arguably greater than any faced by his predecessors.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris salute at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arlington National Cemetery.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris salute at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arlington National Cemetery.

The official swearing-in ceremony for President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris concluded with more events planned. Biden and first lady Jill Biden departed the platform at the US Capitol following a ceremony that included Biden taking the oath on Wednesday as the 46th president of the United States. Kamala Harris also took her oath of office, becoming the nation's first female Vice-President. The day included musical performances from Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and Garth Brooks. Celebrated poet Amanda Gorman read a piece noting that, “while democracy can be permanently delayed, it can never be permanently denied.”...Read More

Following his departure from the platform, Biden signed paperwork in the President’s Room within the US Capitol. After this, he reviews troops outside the Capitol before departing and traveling to Arlington National Cemetery for a ceremony with former Presidents in attendance. Later, Biden is expected to make his first official arrival at the White House as President before a virtual inaugural parade.

Follow all the updates here:
Jan 21, 2021 5:45 AM IST

US Senate approves Haines as Director of National Intelligence

The United States Senate on Wednesday approved Avril Haines as the Director of National Intelligence, making her the first of President Biden's nominees to be approved. The vote was 84-10, with all 'no' votes coming from the Republicans, reports Reuters.

Jan 21, 2021 5:13 AM IST

'We will be back in some form,' vows Donald Trump

Donald Trump disappeared on Wednesday behind the walls of his club in Palm Beach, Florida, ending a tumultuous presidency stained by two impeachments, deep political divisions and a pandemic that has caused 400,000 deaths in the United States. "So just a goodbye. We love you. We will be back in some form," Trump told supporters before boarding Air Force One for the flight to Florida, reports Reuters.

Jan 21, 2021 3:56 AM IST

Joe Biden says Trump wrote him "very generous letter"

US President Joe Biden said on Wednesday that outgoing President Donald Trump left him a "very generous" letter in the Oval Office, in keeping with tradition.

Jan 21, 2021 3:52 AM IST

Biden signs series of orders, including to rejoin Paris climate accords, WHO

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday signed multiple executive orders including those to rejoin the Paris climate accord and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Jan 21, 2021 3:36 AM IST

US Prez Joe Biden orders federal agencies to halt rulemaking

Joe Biden has directed that federal agencies should halt all rulemaking until his administration has time to review proposed regulations. The order is a staple of presidential transitions, allowing the incoming administration to review the pending actions of their predecessors, reports AP.

Jan 21, 2021 3:17 AM IST

Biden signals plans to halt oil activity in Arctic refuge

United States President Joe Biden on Wednesday signaled plans to place a temporary moratorium on the oil and gas lease activities in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge after the Trump administration issued leases in a remote, rugged area considered sacred by the Indigenous Gwich'in, reports AP.

Jan 21, 2021 2:10 AM IST

Angela Merkel looks forward to 'new chapter' with Joe Biden

German Chancellor Angela Merkel congratulated US President Joe Biden and said that she looks forward to a new chapter of German-American friendship and cooperation. "Warmest congratulations on your inauguration, @POTUS Joe Biden and @VP Kamala Harris - a true celebration of American democracy," Merkel was quoted as saying in a tweet posted by her spokesman Steffen Seibert, reports AFP.

Jan 21, 2021 1:53 AM IST

Know more: Over 6 million followers and counting, a look at US Vice President Kamala Harris’ Twitter handle

Kamala Harris is sworn in as the 49th US Vice President by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor at the US Capitol in Washington, DC. (AP)
Kamala Harris is sworn in as the 49th US Vice President by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor at the US Capitol in Washington, DC. (AP)

Kamala Harris was on Wednesday sworn in as the first female Vice President of the United States by Justice Sonia Sotomayor during a grand inauguration at the West Front of the US Capitol. Harris, 56, who is the 49th Vice President of the US is also the first African-American and Indian-origin woman to hold this position. Read more

Jan 21, 2021 1:49 AM IST

Catch up on Biden's inaugural address: 10 memorable quotes from Joe Biden's speech

Joe Biden on Wednesday took oath as the 46th president of the United States, followed by a powerful inaugural address in which he emphasised the importance of democracy and unity. Biden’s call for unity bears significance in the aftermath of Capitol riots when his predecessor, Donald Trump, egged on his supporters to storm the Capitol building, leading to five deaths. Read more

Jan 21, 2021 1:19 AM IST

Biden participates in wreath-laying ceremony with Obama, Clinton and Bush

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris arrive at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery during Inauguration Day ceremonies in Arlington. (AP)
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris arrive at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery during Inauguration Day ceremonies in Arlington. (AP)

President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are joined by three former presidents — Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton — at a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Former first ladies Michelle Obama, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton are also at the event.

Jan 21, 2021 12:58 AM IST

'Unity', racism, Covid: What Joe Biden's 1st speech signified for USA, the world

Jan 21, 2021 12:42 AM IST

Biden travels to Arlington National Cemetery for wreath-laying ceremony with Obama, Clinton and Bush

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden are traveling to Arlington National Cemetery for a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The Bidens will be joined by former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton and former first ladies Michelle Obama, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton.

Jan 21, 2021 12:32 AM IST

Biden and Harris review readiness of military troops

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris participate in a pass in review on the East front of the Capitol with members of the military.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris participate in a pass in review on the East front of the Capitol with members of the military.

President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff are participating in a pass in review on the East front of the Capitol with members of the military. Pass in reviews are a military tradition that reflects the peaceful transfer of power to a new commander-in-chief. Biden, hosted by the Commander of Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, will review the readiness of military troops.

Jan 21, 2021 12:14 AM IST

Biden participates in signing ceremony at Capitol

President Biden in the President's Room at the Capitol.
President Biden in the President's Room at the Capitol.

President Biden signed three documents in the President's Room at the Capitol: Inauguration Day Proclamation, nominations to Cabinet Positions and nominations to sub-Cabinet Positions

Jan 21, 2021 12:09 AM IST

France's Macron 'welcomes' Biden back to Paris climate accord

French President Emmanuel Macron lauded new US President Joe Biden's decision to return to the Paris climate accord on Wednesday, telling him "welcome back" in a congratulatory message after his inauguration.

"Best wishes on this most significant day for the American people! We are together. We will be stronger to face the challenges of our time. Stronger to build our future. Stronger to protect our planet. Welcome back to the Paris Agreement!" Macron tweeted in English.

Jan 21, 2021 12:05 AM IST

WHO chief congratulates Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on their inauguration

The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), on Wednesday congratulated US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris after their inauguration. "Congratulations President @JoeBiden and Vice-President @KamalaHarris on your #Inauguration today. Here's to a healthier, fairer, safer, more sustainable world", Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Twitter.

Jan 20, 2021 11:59 PM IST

In hidden message on White House website, Biden calls for coders

The recently updated website for President Joe Biden's White House carried an invitation for tech specialists savvy enough to find it. Hidden in the HTML code on https://www.whitehouse.gov/ was an invitation to join the US Digital Service, a technology unit within the White House. "If you're reading this, we need your help building back better," the message said. Former President Barack Obama launched the service in 2014 to recruit technologists to help revamp government services - for example by modernizing Medicare's payment system or reforming hiring practices across government agencies. Tech specialists join the Digital Service for typically one or two years.

Jan 20, 2021 11:49 PM IST

Watch: Joe Biden takes oath as 46th US President, PM Modi congratulates

Jan 20, 2021 11:44 PM IST

'It's an honor to be your Vice President', tweets Kamala Harris

Jan 20, 2021 11:38 PM IST

'Nuclear football’ handover takes place in Trump’s absence

The “nuclear football”, a black briefcase which contains the equipment that the commander-in-chief would use to authorise and launch a nuclear strike is carried by a military aide who accompanies the president all the time. Read more

Jan 20, 2021 11:29 PM IST

Pope tells Biden he prays God will guide reconciliation in US

Pope Francis told US President Joe Biden on Wednesday that he was praying that God would guide his efforts to bring reconciliation in the United States and among the nations of the world. In a message sent shortly after the second Catholic US president was sworn in, Francis also said he hoped Biden would work towards a society marked by true justice, freedom and respect for the rights and dignity of every person, especially the poor, the vulnerable and those with no voice. "Under your leadership, may the American people continue to draw strength from the lofty political, ethical and religious values that have inspired the nation since its founding," Francis said.

Jan 20, 2021 11:27 PM IST

Canada PM Justin Trudeau congratulates US President Joe Biden on his inauguration

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau congratulated Joe Biden on his inauguration as the 46th President of the United States.

Jan 20, 2021 11:26 PM IST

'Will work with President Biden to strengthen India-US partnership': PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday congratulated US President Joe Biden on assuming office and said he looked forward to working together to further strengthen the bilateral strategic partnership. Read more

Jan 20, 2021 11:24 PM IST

Pakistan PM Imran Khan congratulates US President Joe Biden on his inauguration

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan congratulated Joe Biden on his inauguration as the 46th President of the United States.

Jan 20, 2021 11:23 PM IST

Israel PM Netanyahu congratulates US President Joe Biden on his inauguration, urges Biden to 'strengthen' US-Israel alliance

Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu congratulates Joe Biden on his inauguration as the 46th President of the United States.

Jan 20, 2021 11:23 PM IST

'Historic day': Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez congratulates President Biden, Vice-President Harris

Jan 20, 2021 11:22 PM IST

'I look forward to working with Biden,' says British PM Boris Johnson

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson joined world leaders in congratulating Joe Biden on his inauguration as the 46th US President.

Jan 20, 2021 11:16 PM IST

'No time to waste', tweets President Joe Biden

In his second tweet shared since taking over the official President of the United States (@POTUS) Twitter handle, President Joe Biden wrote, "There is no time to waste when it comes to tackling the crises we face. That's why today, I am heading to the Oval Office to get right to work delivering bold action and immediate relief for American families."

Jan 20, 2021 10:50 PM IST

Vice President Harris tweets, "Ready to serve."

Jan 20, 2021 10:49 PM IST

Kamala Harris shares fist bumps with former President Barack Obama

Kamala Harris shares fists bumps with former US President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as well as other guests at the Biden-Harris inauguration

Jan 20, 2021 10:44 PM IST

Biden warns of "winter of peril" in inaugural address

US President Joe Biden warned of a "winter of peril" as he delivered his inaugural speech on Wednesday. "We’ll press forward with speed and urgency," he said. "We have much to do in this winter of peril and significant opportunities."

Jan 20, 2021 10:43 PM IST

I thank my predecessors from both parties: President Joe Biden

Joe Biden: "I thank my predecessors of both parties for their presence here today. I thank them from the bottom of my heart... And I know the resilience of our Constitution and the strength, the strength of our nation, as does President Carter, who I spoke with last night, who cannot be with us today, but whom we salute for his lifetime in service."

Jan 20, 2021 10:36 PM IST

US president Biden says 'whole soul' in putting America back together

'Will overcome challenges of white supremacy, domestic terrorism, disease,' says Joe Biden in first speech as US President.

Jan 20, 2021 10:29 PM IST

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi congratulates President Joe Biden, VP Kamala Harris

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi congratulated Joe Biden after he was elected as the 46th president of the US on Wednesday. Gandhi also congratulated Indian-origin Kamal Harris after she took oath as the 49th vice president of the US, creating history as the first female, first Black and first Indian-American to do so. "Congratulating the USA on a new chapter of their democracy. Best wishes to President Biden and Vice-President Harris," Gandhi tweeted.

Jan 20, 2021 10:28 PM IST

Prime minister Narendra Modi congratulates President Joe Biden

Jan 20, 2021 10:25 PM IST

President Joe Biden addresses nation

President Joe Biden speaks at the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the US Capitol in Washington. (AP)
President Joe Biden speaks at the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the US Capitol in Washington. (AP)

Joseph Robinette Biden Jr took office on Wednesday as the 46th US president, calling for an “end (to) this uncivil war” in a rousing speech that was aimed at uniting a country bitterly divided by his predecessor Donald Trump, and help it overcome challenges posed by Covid-19 pandemic, distrust of each other, and “a culture in which facts themselves are manipulated, and even manufactured”. Read more

Jan 20, 2021 10:09 PM IST

Lady Gaga sings American national anthem during swearing- in ceremony

Lady Gaga returns from the podium after signing the National Anthem during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the US Capitol for President-elect Joe Biden in Washington. (AP)
Lady Gaga returns from the podium after signing the National Anthem during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the US Capitol for President-elect Joe Biden in Washington. (AP)

Celebrated American singer Lady Gaga sang national anthem ahead of the swearing-in of President-elect Joe Biden and vice president-elect Kamala Harris. She greeted Biden and Harris before joining other guests on the viewing platform

Jan 20, 2021 10:05 PM IST

Three Supreme Court justices absent from President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, citing health risks from the coronavirus pandemic

Justices Clarence Thomas, Stephen Breyer and Samuel Alito did not join the others on the west front of the Capitol Wednesday. Breyer is 82, the oldest member of the court. Thomas is 72 and Alito is 70. Supreme Court spokesperson Kathy Arberg says some members of the court “elected not to attend the inauguration ceremony in light of the public health risks posed by the Covid pandemic.” The justices have begun receiving the Covid-19 vaccine, but it is not clear if they all have received both doses. Justice Amy Coney Barrett and the other appointees of President Donald Trump, Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh were in attendance Wednesday, along with Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan. Roberts was to swear in Biden, while Sotomayor was giving the oath of office to Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.

Jan 20, 2021 10:01 PM IST

Klobuchar congratulates vice-president elect Kamala Harris

Sen. Amy Klobucher speaks during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the US Capitol in Washington,  (AP)
Sen. Amy Klobucher speaks during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the US Capitol in Washington, (AP)

"We celebrate our first African-American, first Asian-American, and first woman Vice President -- Kamala Harris, who stands on the shoulders of so many on this platform who have forged the way to this day," said US Senator Amy Klobuchar.

Jan 20, 2021 10:00 PM IST

Former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama during the inauguration

President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff, arrive and are greeted by former President Barrack Obama and Michelle Obama, during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the US Capitol in Washington.  (AP)
President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff, arrive and are greeted by former President Barrack Obama and Michelle Obama, during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the US Capitol in Washington. (AP)
Jan 20, 2021 9:57 PM IST

US Senator Amy Klobuchar welcomes everyone as inauguration kicks off

US Senator Amy Klobuchar welcomed President-elect Joe Biden, vice president-elect Kamala Harris, vice president Mike Pence, and all the guests at the inauguration ceremony. "This is the day when our democracy picks itself up, brushes off the dust and does what it always does," said Klobuchar.

Jan 20, 2021 9:48 PM IST

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi arrives at the US Capitol

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi arrives at the US Capitol ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration,  (AP)
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi arrives at the US Capitol ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, (AP)
Jan 20, 2021 9:47 PM IST

Vice-president elect Kamala Harris arrives at platform

Vice-president elect Kamala Harris, along with her husband Doug Emhoff, walked down the stairs of the US Capitol for the swearing-in ceremony. She was greeted by former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama.

Jan 20, 2021 9:30 PM IST

Ex-presidents, Supreme Court justices arrive on viewing platform

Former US presidents, Supreme Court justices, and families of President-elect Joe Biden and vice president Kamala Harris have joined other guests on the viewing platform for the inauguration.

Jan 20, 2021 9:27 PM IST

'New chapter begins today,' says Kamala Harris

Moments before she is officially sworn in as the first female, black and Indian American Vice President, Kamala Harris tweeted: "A new chapter begins today."

Jan 20, 2021 9:21 PM IST

'Grateful': Joe Biden thanks wife ahead of inauguration

Just moments after arriving at the US Capitol for the inauguration, Joe Biden's account sent a tweet with a message to his wife, soon-to-be first lady Jill Biden.

The tweet said: "I love you, Jilly, and I couldn't be more grateful to have you with me on the journey ahead." The tweet also included a short video of the Bidens holding hands as they arrived for the ceremony.

Jan 20, 2021 9:03 PM IST

Joe Biden, Kamala Harris showcase American designers at their inauguration

The president-elect is wearing a navy suit and navy overcoat by Ralph Lauren. Jill Biden is wearing an ocean-blue wool tweed coat and dress by American designer Alexandra O’Neill of the Markarian label. Aides say Harris is wearing Christopher John Rogers and Sergio Hudson. Both are Black designers, Rogers from Louisiana and Hudson from South Carolina. Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff, wore a Ralph Lauren suit on Wednesday.

Jan 20, 2021 9:02 PM IST

Ex-Presidents Obama, Clinton, Bush arrive for Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony

All of the former US presidents attending President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration arrived at the US Capitol. George W. Bush and his wife, Laura, were first to arrive at the complex on Wednesday morning, several hours before Biden’s swearing-in ceremony. Barack and Michelle Obama and Bill and Hillary Clinton followed shortly thereafter, with each couple arriving in separate motorcades. The other living former president, 96-year-old Jimmy Carter, previously announced he would not attend Biden’s inauguration. Carter and his wife, 93-year-old Rosalynn Carter, have largely spent the coronavirus pandemic at their home in Plains, Georgia.

Jan 20, 2021 8:51 PM IST

US Army secretary McCarthy bids adieu to American soldiers

US Army secretary Ryan McCarthy bid adieu to the American soldiers, army civilians, and their families before the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. McCarthy said in a statement that he has always believed in the oath that he would never fail his "fail his comrades."

"I have always strived to be the leader you deserve, not just in words but in deeds."

Jan 20, 2021 8:48 PM IST

VIPs start arriving at US Capitol for Biden inauguration

Former US Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W Bush have arrived for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris' swearing in ceremonies. They were joined by former first ladies Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, as well as Hillary Clinton.

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