Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to virtually inaugurate the newly constructed integrated terminal building at Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The inauguration is set to take place on 18 July, media reports said citing the Prime Minister's Office.

The new integrated terminal building, constructed at an approximate cost of ₹710 crore (Rs. 7.1 billion), will have a crucial role in enhancing the connectivity of the union territory. It has a total built-up area of around 40,800 sqm and the terminal has the capacity to handle approximately five million passengers annually.

<h2>Ample space for aircraft parking</h2>

In addition to the terminal building, an apron has been built at Port Blair airport, designed to accommodate two Boeing-767-400 and two Airbus-321 types of aircraft simultaneously. This development, costing ₹80 crore (Rs. 0.8 billion), enables the airport to park up to 10 aircraft at a time, further improving its operational efficiency, said the Prime Minister's Office.&nbsp;

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The airport terminal's design draws inspiration from nature, taking the shape of a shell to represent the sea and islands of the region. This unique architectural approach adds a distinctive charm to the airport.

<h2>Sustainability features for environmental impact</h2>

The new terminal incorporates several sustainability features to minimise its negative impact on the environment.

These features include a double insulated roofing system to reduce heat gain, skylights to maximise natural sunlight during the day, reducing the need for artificial lighting, and the use of LED lighting and low heat gain glazing.

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The terminal building utilises a rainwater catchment system to store water in an underground tank and an on-site sewage treatment plant.

The treated wastewater from the plant is fully used for landscaping purposes.

Watch | UK Public spending watchdog publishes report on Tory Pledge

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Additionally, the terminal boasts a 500 KW capacity solar power plant, contributing to a cleaner and greener approach to energy consumption.

<h2>Promoting tourism and economic growth</h2>

Port Blair is a highly sought-after tourist hotspot in the Andaman and Nicobar. The recently constructed expansive terminal building is expected to have a significant impact on air traffic and, in turn, tourism in the area.&nbsp;

Not only will it attract more visitors, but it will also generate employment opportunities for the local residents, thereby giving a much-needed boost to the region's economy.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to virtually inaugurate the newly constructed integrated terminal building at Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to virtually inaugurate the newly constructed integrated terminal building at Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The inauguration is set to take place on 18 July, media reports said citing the Prime Minister's Office. The new integrated terminal building, constructed at an approximate cost of ₹710 crore (Rs. 7.1 billion), will have a crucial role in enhancing the connectivity of the union territory. It has a total built-up area of around 40,800 sqm and the terminal has the capacity to handle approximately five million passengers annually. Ample space for aircraft parking In addition to the terminal building, an apron has been built at Port Blair airport, designed to accommodate two Boeing-767-400 and two Airbus-321 types of aircraft simultaneously. This development, costing ₹80 crore (Rs. 0.8 billion), enables the airport to park up to 10 aircraft at a time, further improving its operational efficiency, said the Prime Minister's Office. Also Read | Smoke from Canadian wildfires places 60 million US residents under air quality alerts The airport terminal's design draws inspiration from nature, taking the shape of a shell to represent the sea and islands of the region. This unique architectural approach adds a distinctive charm to the airport. Sustainability features for environmental impact The new terminal incorporates several sustainability features to minimise its negative impact on the environment. These features include a double insulated roofing system to reduce heat gain, skylights to maximise natural sunlight during the day, reducing the need for artificial lighting, and the use of LED lighting and low heat gain glazing. Also Read | More muscle to China's aircraft carrier groups as it plans to add two multi-role frigates The terminal building utilises a rainwater catchment system to store water in an underground tank and an on-site sewage treatment plant. The treated wastewater from the plant is fully used for landscaping purposes. Watch | UK Public spending watchdog publishes report on Tory Pledge × Additionally, the terminal boasts a 500 KW capacity solar power plant, contributing to a cleaner and greener approach to energy consumption. Promoting tourism and economic growth Port Blair is a highly sought-after tourist hotspot in the Andaman and Nicobar. The recently constructed expansive terminal building is expected to have a significant impact on air traffic and, in turn, tourism in the area. Not only will it attract more visitors, but it will also generate employment opportunities for the local residents, thereby giving a much-needed boost to the region's economy. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

PM Modi to virtually inaugurate new integrated terminal at Port Blair airport

A petition has been&nbsp;filed in the Supreme Court asking "direction, observation, or suggestion" to the Lok Sabha Secretariat that the new Parliament building be officially inaugurated by the president of India.&nbsp;The petitioner further alleged that the Lok Sabha Secretariat broke the law by not inviting the president to the inauguration.&nbsp;

The petitioner refers to Article 79 of the Constitution which says that Parliament is made up of the president and the two chambers. It is stated that the president, as the nation's first citizen, has the authority to convene and prorogue parliament sessions.&nbsp;The president appoints the prime minister and other ministers, and all executive acts are conducted in the president's name. According to a report by LiveLaw, not inviting the president to the event is a humiliation and a breach of the Constitution.

<h2>PM Modi to inaugurate the new Parliament building</h2>

This comes just a few days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the newly built Parliament building would be inaugurated&nbsp;on Sunday. Last Thursday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and invited him to the inauguration of the new Parliament building.

As per&nbsp;a Lok Sabha release, the new Parliament building in the national capital has been completed and "symbolises the spirit of self-reliance in India".

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"The lack of space was being experienced in the current building as per the present requirements. In both the Houses, there was also&nbsp;a lack of convenient arrangements for the sitting of the MPs which was affecting the efficiency of the work of the members," the release said.

The current Parliament building was erected in 1927, making it about 100 years old.

The Centre has invited all present members of both houses of Parliament, as well as ministers, secretaries, chief ministers, and administrators of union territories for the inauguration.

<h2>Opposition plans boycott</h2>

However, as many as 20 parties have voiced their intention to boycott the event, including the Congress, CPI, AAP, and Trinamool Congress.

In a joint statement, the opposition parties said, “The inauguration of a new Parliament building is a momentous occasion. Despite our belief that the government is threatening democracy, and our disapproval of the autocratic manner in which the new Parliament was built, we were open to sinking our differences and marking this occasion. However, Prime Minister Modi’s decision to inaugurate the new Parliament building himself, completely sidelining President Murmu, is not only a grave insult but a direct assault on our democracy which demands a commensurate response."

(With inputs from agencies)

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A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court asking "direction, observation, or suggestion" to the Lok Sabha Secretariat that the new Parliament building be officially inaugurated by the president of India.

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court asking "direction, observation, or suggestion" to the Lok Sabha Secretariat that the new Parliament building be officially inaugurated by the president of India. The petitioner further alleged that the Lok Sabha Secretariat broke the law by not inviting the president to the inauguration. The petitioner refers to Article 79 of the Constitution which says that Parliament is made up of the president and the two chambers. It is stated that the president, as the nation's first citizen, has the authority to convene and prorogue parliament sessions. The president appoints the prime minister and other ministers, and all executive acts are conducted in the president's name. According to a report by LiveLaw, not inviting the president to the event is a humiliation and a breach of the Constitution. PM Modi to inaugurate the new Parliament building This comes just a few days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the newly built Parliament building would be inaugurated on Sunday. Last Thursday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and invited him to the inauguration of the new Parliament building. As per a Lok Sabha release, the new Parliament building in the national capital has been completed and "symbolises the spirit of self-reliance in India". ALSO READ | 'Received thanks for supplying Covid vaccine': PM Modi arrives in Delhi after capping off three-nation tour "The lack of space was being experienced in the current building as per the present requirements. In both the Houses, there was also a lack of convenient arrangements for the sitting of the MPs which was affecting the efficiency of the work of the members," the release said. The current Parliament building was erected in 1927, making it about 100 years old. The Centre has invited all present members of both houses of Parliament, as well as ministers, secretaries, chief ministers, and administrators of union territories for the inauguration. Opposition plans boycott However, as many as 20 parties have voiced their intention to boycott the event, including the Congress, CPI, AAP, and Trinamool Congress. In a joint statement, the opposition parties said, “The inauguration of a new Parliament building is a momentous occasion. Despite our belief that the government is threatening democracy, and our disapproval of the autocratic manner in which the new Parliament was built, we were open to sinking our differences and marking this occasion. However, Prime Minister Modi’s decision to inaugurate the new Parliament building himself, completely sidelining President Murmu, is not only a grave insult but a direct assault on our democracy which demands a commensurate response." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

New Parliament row: PIL filed in top court seeking inauguration by President Murmu

The&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered prayers at the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday.

The first phase of the Rs 850 crore Mahakaleshwar Temple Corridor Development Project will thereafter be dedicated to the deity by him today.&nbsp;

The temple precinct will nearly triple in size as a result of the redevelopment. The project's overall price tag is close to Rs 850 crore.&nbsp;

The Phase-l of the "Mahakal Lok" project, according to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), would aid pilgrims who visit the temple by giving them access to top-notch contemporary facilities.

"Project aims to decongest the entire area and also put special emphasis on conservation and restoration of heritage structures. Under the project, the temple precinct will be expanded nearly seven times. The total cost of the entire project is around Rs 850 crore. The existing footfall of the temple, which is currently around 1.5 crore per annum, is expected to be doubled. Development of the project has been planned under two phases." said the PMO.

Before speaking to a group, he frequently prays at the Bharat Mata Mandir. The 108 stambhs (pillars) along the Mahakal Path show Lord Shiva in his dance form, Anand Tandav Swaroop. Along the Mahakal Path, there are several statues representing the life of Lord Shiva.&nbsp;

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The mural wall along the path is based on tales from the Shiva Purana, including those about the act of creation, Ganesha's birth, the tale of Sati, and the tale of Daksha, among others.&nbsp;

There are fountains and a monument of Shiva in the 2.5-hectare Plaza area, which is bordered by a lotus pond. With the use of artificial intelligence and security cameras, the Integrated Command and Control Center will continuously monitor the whole facility.

(with inputs from agencies)

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The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered prayers at the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday. The first phase of the Rs 850 crore Mahakaleshwar Temple Corridor Development Project will thereafter be dedicated to the deity by him today.

The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered prayers at the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday. The first phase of the Rs 850 crore Mahakaleshwar Temple Corridor Development Project will thereafter be dedicated to the deity by him today. The temple precinct will nearly triple in size as a result of the redevelopment. The project's overall price tag is close to Rs 850 crore. The Phase-l of the "Mahakal Lok" project, according to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), would aid pilgrims who visit the temple by giving them access to top-notch contemporary facilities. "Project aims to decongest the entire area and also put special emphasis on conservation and restoration of heritage structures. Under the project, the temple precinct will be expanded nearly seven times. The total cost of the entire project is around Rs 850 crore. The existing footfall of the temple, which is currently around 1.5 crore per annum, is expected to be doubled. Development of the project has been planned under two phases." said the PMO. Before speaking to a group, he frequently prays at the Bharat Mata Mandir. The 108 stambhs (pillars) along the Mahakal Path show Lord Shiva in his dance form, Anand Tandav Swaroop. Along the Mahakal Path, there are several statues representing the life of Lord Shiva. Also Read: Japan reopens for tourists after two-and-a-half years of Covid restrictions The mural wall along the path is based on tales from the Shiva Purana, including those about the act of creation, Ganesha's birth, the tale of Sati, and the tale of Daksha, among others. There are fountains and a monument of Shiva in the 2.5-hectare Plaza area, which is bordered by a lotus pond. With the use of artificial intelligence and security cameras, the Integrated Command and Control Center will continuously monitor the whole facility. (with inputs from agencies)

PM Modi offers prayers, addresses nation from Ujjain Mahakal temple

Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared open the 36th National Games here on Thursday. Indian sportspersons could not perform well in the past due to nepotism and corruption but our government cleaned up the system, he said on the&nbsp;occasion.

Speaking at a gala ceremony at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera area of Ahmedabad, he praised Indian athletes for winning medals in various international events such as the Olympics in recent times.

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"The country's sportsmen were capable in the past too. This movement of winning medals could have started earlier too. But, instead of professionalism, there was nepotism and corruption in sports. We have cleaned up the system and pumped in new confidence among the youth," he said in his address to the cheering crowd.

"Your victory in sports will pave the way for the country's success in other fields. The soft power of sports will significantly improve our country's image in the world," he said to the sportspersons.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared open the 36th National Games here on Thursday. Indian sportspersons could not perform well in the past due to nepotism and corruption but our government cleaned up the system, he said on the occasion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared open the 36th National Games here on Thursday. Indian sportspersons could not perform well in the past due to nepotism and corruption but our government cleaned up the system, he said on the occasion. Speaking at a gala ceremony at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera area of Ahmedabad, he praised Indian athletes for winning medals in various international events such as the Olympics in recent times. ALSO READ | Boxing's future at the Olympics under fresh scrutiny "The country's sportsmen were capable in the past too. This movement of winning medals could have started earlier too. But, instead of professionalism, there was nepotism and corruption in sports. We have cleaned up the system and pumped in new confidence among the youth," he said in his address to the cheering crowd. "Your victory in sports will pave the way for the country's success in other fields. The soft power of sports will significantly improve our country's image in the world," he said to the sportspersons. Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Soft power of sports will improve our country's image, says PM Modi after inaugurating 36th National Games

America is only a few days away from getting their new President, and ahead of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Amid+security+concerns%2C+Joe+Biden%27s+inauguration+rehearsal+postponed">swearing-in ceremony</a> on Jan. 20, the president-elect Joe Biden and vice president-elect Kamala Harris have released the soundtrack for the inauguration day.&nbsp; 
 
The 46-song playlist consists of current Hits &amp; throwback songs from our favourite singers. The collection features Beyonce's 'Find Your Way Back'&nbsp;and Dua Lipa's 'Levitating', and &nbsp;SZA’s very latest, 'Good Days',&nbsp;as well as the list also consist of classic tunes like The Doobie Brothers' 'What a Fool Believes' and Led Zeppelin's 'Fool in the Rain.'

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/lady-gaga-jennifer-lopez-to-perform-at-diverse-joe-biden-inauguration-356734" hreflang="en">Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez to perform at diverse Joe Biden inauguration</a> 
 
The Biden Inauguration Committee shared the playlist in a Twitter, "@DJDNice and @TheRaedio came up with the perfect playlist for you to dance the night away as we ring in our new leaders." the Committee wrote.&nbsp;

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Are you planning your <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Inauguration2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Inauguration2021</a> at-home watch party? 
 
Well let us take one thing off your plate — <a href="https://twitter.com/djdnice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DJDNice</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRaedio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheRaedio</a> came up with the perfect playlist for you to dance the night away as we ring in our new leaders. 💃🏼🕺<a href="https://t.co/QSKjH4uemj">https://t.co/QSKjH4uemj</a> <a href="https://t.co/OqqKK88NkI">pic.twitter.com/OqqKK88NkI</a>
— Biden Inaugural Committee (@BidenInaugural) <a href="https://twitter.com/BidenInaugural/status/1350125893276979205?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"As this wonderous transition of power ensues, we strongly hold the joy of these select songs to be self-evident," reads the playlist's description on Spotify.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/hollywood/news-tom-hanks-to-host-televised-special-for-joe-bidens-inauguration-356579" hreflang="en">Tom Hanks to host televised special for Joe Biden's inauguration</a> 
 
Presidential Inaugural Committee CEO Tony Allen said in a statement: “During a tumultuous year that has kept so many loved ones apart, music has been a consistent vehicle that has kept us connected. Whether you are a country soul, a jazz enthusiast, a hip-hop head, a classical sort, or just love that old-time rock ‘n’ roll, music clarifies, inspires, unites, and heals. Today we are excited to share President-elect Biden’s and Vice-President Elect Harris’ official inaugural playlist with the nation. These songs and artists reflect the relentless spirit and rich diversity of America. They are the score to a new chapter and will help bring people together as the Biden-Harris Administration begins its important work to unite our country.”

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/justin-timberlake-demi-lovato-others-to-perform-at-joe-bidens-inauguration-ceremony-356602" hreflang="en">Justin Timberlake, Demi Lovato &amp; others to perform at Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony</a> 
 
The playlist is available now on SoundCloud, Spotify and Apple Music.

America is only a few days away from getting their new President, and ahead of the swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 20, the president-elect Joe Biden and vice president-elect Kamala Harris have released the soundtrack for the inauguration day.

America is only a few days away from getting their new President, and ahead of the swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 20, the president-elect Joe Biden and vice president-elect Kamala Harris have released the soundtrack for the inauguration day. The 46-song playlist consists of current Hits & throwback songs from our favourite singers. The collection features Beyonce's 'Find Your Way Back' and Dua Lipa's 'Levitating', and SZA’s very latest, 'Good Days', as well as the list also consist of classic tunes like The Doobie Brothers' 'What a Fool Believes' and Led Zeppelin's 'Fool in the Rain.' Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez to perform at diverse Joe Biden inauguration The Biden Inauguration Committee shared the playlist in a Twitter, "@DJDNice and @TheRaedio came up with the perfect playlist for you to dance the night away as we ring in our new leaders." the Committee wrote. Are you planning your #Inauguration2021 at-home watch party? Well let us take one thing off your plate — @DJDNice and @TheRaedio came up with the perfect playlist for you to dance the night away as we ring in our new leaders. 💃🏼🕺https://t.co/QSKjH4uemj pic.twitter.com/OqqKK88NkI — Biden Inaugural Committee (@BidenInaugural) January 15, 2021 × "As this wonderous transition of power ensues, we strongly hold the joy of these select songs to be self-evident," reads the playlist's description on Spotify. Tom Hanks to host televised special for Joe Biden's inauguration Presidential Inaugural Committee CEO Tony Allen said in a statement: “During a tumultuous year that has kept so many loved ones apart, music has been a consistent vehicle that has kept us connected. Whether you are a country soul, a jazz enthusiast, a hip-hop head, a classical sort, or just love that old-time rock ‘n’ roll, music clarifies, inspires, unites, and heals. Today we are excited to share President-elect Biden’s and Vice-President Elect Harris’ official inaugural playlist with the nation. These songs and artists reflect the relentless spirit and rich diversity of America. They are the score to a new chapter and will help bring people together as the Biden-Harris Administration begins its important work to unite our country.” Justin Timberlake, Demi Lovato & others to perform at Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony The playlist is available now on SoundCloud, Spotify and Apple Music.

Joe Biden, Kamala Harris drop inaugural playlist featuring Beyonce, Dua Lipa & more

Almost a week before the US President-elect is to take charge of the White House, he has sent an invitation to&nbsp;Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Tuesday.

The invitation for Biden's inauguration ceremony, to be held in Washington, has been addressed to Bilawal Bhutto and his father, party co-chairman and former president Asif Ali Zardari.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-china-together-form-a-potent-threat-says-indian-army-chief-general-naravane-356184" hreflang="en">Pakistan, China together form a potent threat: Army chief General Naravane</a>

As per local reports, while&nbsp;Bilawal Bhutto is expected to attend one of the most-awaited and talked about the ceremony, his father will not be able to travel to the US for the ceremony as his name is mentioned in the&nbsp;Exit Control List — a list generated by the government of Pakistan which names the people who are not allowed to leave the country.

The invite has not come as a surprise as the Zardari government had, during its days of power&nbsp;in the South Asian country, worked closely with the Barack Obama administration.&nbsp;

His invite has also come at a time when the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran khan is being targetted by the opposition leaders of the country, including the Zardari family.&nbsp;

The news of the invite has not yet been confirmed by the party, but several sources have been quoted by Pakistan's local media.

Almost a week before the US President-elect is to take charge of the White House, he has sent an invitation to Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Tuesday.

Almost a week before the US President-elect is to take charge of the White House, he has sent an invitation to Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Tuesday. The invitation for Biden's inauguration ceremony, to be held in Washington, has been addressed to Bilawal Bhutto and his father, party co-chairman and former president Asif Ali Zardari. Also read| Pakistan, China together form a potent threat: Army chief General Naravane As per local reports, while Bilawal Bhutto is expected to attend one of the most-awaited and talked about the ceremony, his father will not be able to travel to the US for the ceremony as his name is mentioned in the Exit Control List — a list generated by the government of Pakistan which names the people who are not allowed to leave the country. The invite has not come as a surprise as the Zardari government had, during its days of power in the South Asian country, worked closely with the Barack Obama administration. His invite has also come at a time when the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran khan is being targetted by the opposition leaders of the country, including the Zardari family. The news of the invite has not yet been confirmed by the party, but several sources have been quoted by Pakistan's local media.

Pakistan's Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari gets invited to Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony

The stage being built on the West Front of the Capitol can hold 1,600 spectators for a close-up view of President-elect <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;as he takes the oath of office. The reviewing stand under construction in front of the White House will be ready for the inaugural parade and thousands of cheering onlookers as the marchers pass by. And the National Mall is prepared to accommodate many more.

But the traditional pomp and circumstance of America’s quadrennial version of a coronation is colliding with the grim reality of a pandemic that is likely to still be raging on Jan. 20. For that reason, Biden’s team is signaling that he wants a very different kind of inauguration.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-close-advisor-scott-atlas-resigns-from-covid-19-taskforce-346573">Donald Trump's close advisor, Scott Atlas, resigns from COVID-19 taskforce</a>

If he had won reelection, President Donald Trump was expected to shrug off the health threats in favor of huge crowds for his inauguration. But Biden has already indicated that his will not be business as usual. In a statement Monday, the newly appointed chief executive of Biden’s inaugural committee hinted at the looming balancing act between health and politics.
<img alt="The reviewing stand in Washington, between the White House and Lafayette Square, on Monday, Nov. 30, 2020. The pomp and circumstance of America’s quadrennial presidential inauguration is colliding with the grim reality of a pandemic that is likely to still be raging on January 20, 2021. (Doug Mills © 2020 The New York Times)" data-align="center" data-caption="The reviewing stand in Washington, between the White House and Lafayette Square, on Monday, Nov. 30, 2020. The pomp and circumstance of America’s quadrennial presidential inauguration is colliding with the grim reality of a pandemic that is likely to still be raging on January 20, 2021. (Doug Mills © 2020 The New York Times)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6316f866-76a9-49c8-beef-fc3e47e72508" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Joe%20Biden%20inauguration%20%282%29.jpg" />
“We will honor the American inaugural traditions and engage Americans across the country while keeping everybody healthy and safe,” said Tony Allen, the president of Delaware State University and the committee’s chief executive.

What could that look like?

Aides to the president-elect are being coy. But Biden’s approach to campaigning during the pandemic — which included drive-in rallies, socially distanced news conferences and a largely virtual national convention — provides a blueprint for how events might be reshaped for the COVID era.

On Capitol Hill, where the official inaugural ceremonies are arranged by a bipartisan congressional committee, lawmakers and aides have quietly been at work since long before the election trying to reimagine what a transfer of power during a pandemic might look like.

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The short answer is: quite a bit less crowded.

The organizers are determined that Biden take the oath of office and deliver an address to the nation outside the West Front of the Capitol, preserving an iconic tableau that has often set the tone for a new presidency. But to make it happen, they are likely to slash the number of officials flanking Biden. Those who do make the cut — Supreme Court justices, former presidents, top House and Senate leaders and the Joint Chiefs of Staff among them — will be required to socially distance and wear masks. Some may be asked to take coronavirus tests.

The most difficult challenge may be keeping away crowds. Congress typically distributes 200,000 tickets for seats near the platform. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., who is overseeing the planning on Capitol Hill, has indicated that number could be cut drastically.
<img alt="The reviewing stand in Washington, between the White House and Lafayette Square, on Monday, Nov. 30, 2020. The pomp and circumstance of America’s quadrennial presidential inauguration is colliding with the grim reality of a pandemic that is likely to still be raging on January 20, 2021. (Doug Mills © 2020 The New York Times)" data-align="center" data-caption="The reviewing stand in Washington, between the White House and Lafayette Square, on Monday, Nov. 30, 2020. The pomp and circumstance of America’s quadrennial presidential inauguration is colliding with the grim reality of a pandemic that is likely to still be raging on January 20, 2021. (Doug Mills © 2020 The New York Times)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f6b58329-62d9-475d-804a-29e167a5bf1c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Joe%20Biden%20inauguration.jpg" />
Inaugural planners are still debating whether they can salvage a luncheon in National Statuary Hall at the Capitol, where more than 200 dignitaries and guests have honored the new president since the 1950s. They may also alter or cancel a smaller signing ceremony in the ornate President’s Room off the Senate floor. A traditional military review on the East Front of the Capitol, on the other hand, may still go on in some form.

The planning has been overshadowed by congressional Republicans, including Blunt, who have not refuted the president’s baseless claims that he defeated Biden. Blunt turned heads during a television appearance over the weekend, when he refused to unequivocally congratulate Biden as the victor. But Paige Waltz, a spokesperson for the congressional inaugural committee, said Monday that while “the electoral process is still playing out,” Blunt’s team would begin coordinating with Biden’s.

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One uncertainty for lawmakers: whether Trump will agree to attend his successor’s inauguration given his complaints about what he calls a rigged election. If he declines, he will be only the fourth president to deliver such a snub, after John Adams, John Quincy Adams and Andrew Johnson.

But Democrats have signaled that they have seen no partisan interference in the planning process and expect a smooth inauguration.

“While the pandemic will make this inauguration look different than previous years, we are committed to creating a safe ceremony that reflects the significance of the occasion,” Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Blunt’s Democratic counterpart, said in a statement.

Given the worsening pandemic, it is unclear whether Biden might seek to proactively discourage Americans from traveling to the nation’s capital to witness the inauguration in person by gathering on the Mall in the shadow of the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. Those spaces are usually open to the public without restrictions during the ceremony.

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In December 2008, the committee organizing the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama issued a news release announcing that “for the first time, the entire length of the National Mall will be opened to the public so that more people than ever before will be able to witness the swearing-in of the president from a vantage point in sight of the Capitol.”

Biden’s committee has no plans to issue a statement like that.

One thing is definite: Biden’s inauguration will not be the kind of over-the-top celebration that Trump has often talked about wanting, with Army tanks and fighter jets. Instead, people close to Biden suggest that he will use the model of his campaign, which sought to preserve some of the excitement of big political events while devising them to minimize the spread of the virus.

At the Democratic National Convention, Biden delivered his acceptance speech between recorded video segments highlighting the diversity of the nation. At rallies, the former vice president often spoke in front of people gathered in their cars, honking their horns. And when he declared victory in Wilmington, Delaware, his campaign launched fireworks.

Could there be a drive-in inaugural celebration? Might a parade of cars with Delaware license plates — Biden’s home state — be a safe way to ring in his presidency? The Biden inaugural committee is not saying.

Addisu Demissie, who helped design and run the Democratic National Convention this summer, said the trick would be to combine in-person elements from a traditional inauguration with virtual, Internet-based moments that bring in voices of people who cannot travel to attend the celebration.

“To me, that’s the core challenge,” Demissie said. “You have to include the traditional elements. But you can’t just take the model that existed four, eight or 12 years ago and put it on Zoom. You have to create some new traditions. The circumstances demand that.”

After spending months warning about the dangers of hosting large gatherings indoors — and criticizing Trump for doing so — Biden is unlikely to host fancy inaugural balls where hundreds of supporters are crammed into ballrooms.

That would be a sharp departure from the past three inaugurations. Obama hosted elaborate galas attended by A-list Hollywood celebrities for both of his inaugurations, including a late-night concert at the Lincoln Memorial that hundreds of thousands of people attended. Trump held three official balls.

A parade is also in question.

Newly inaugurated presidents have often participated in a slow drive along Pennsylvania Avenue and then watched local marching bands and other floats from the reviewing stand near Lafayette Park. The stand for January is ready, but hosting a parade would invite large crowds to gather along the route, something that Biden is likely to want to avoid.

A scaled-back celebration could also be cheaper to put on because of fewer security and travel costs, though Demissie said that producing video and broadcasting from remote locations for a more virtual inauguration would also be costly.

There were signs Monday that though Biden may not be trying to top his predecessor, who raised a record $107 million for his 2017 festivities, he would welcome donations from wealthy individuals and corporations.

Biden’s team indicated that it would accept donations of up to $500,000 from individuals and up to $1 million from corporations, according to an official involved in the planning. The cap is set by each president and has fluctuated over the years, as incoming executives have used the inauguration to set the tone for their presidencies. Obama, for instance, banned corporate gifts altogether in 2009 and capped individual gifts at $50,000 before easing restrictions in 2013. Trump, on the other hand, accepted $5 million from Sheldon Adelson, the conservative casino mogul.

Biden’s team has sent something of a mixed message. His inauguration will not accept donations from fossil fuel companies, defined as “companies whose primary business is the extraction, processing, distribution or sale of oil, gas or coal,” or their executives — a group that gave Trump about $10 million. Nor will Biden accept funds from registered lobbyists.

But that is a relatively small subset of Washington’s lucrative influence industry, and Biden’s team indicated that it would still accept some gifts from corporations and trade associations, which typically shower incoming presidents’ inaugurations with cash to promote goodwill with officials. It remained to be seen whether Biden would put together the kind of exclusive, VIP packages that typically woo big donors.

He also selected Katie Petrelius, the national finance director who oversaw an effort that raised record sums for his campaign, to serve in a similar role as the top fundraiser for his inauguration, according to a person familiar with the appointment.

The stage being built on the West Front of the Capitol can hold 1,600 spectators for a close-up view of President-elect Joe Biden as he takes the oath of office.

The stage being built on the West Front of the Capitol can hold 1,600 spectators for a close-up view of President-elect Joe Biden as he takes the oath of office. The reviewing stand under construction in front of the White House will be ready for the inaugural parade and thousands of cheering onlookers as the marchers pass by. And the National Mall is prepared to accommodate many more. But the traditional pomp and circumstance of America’s quadrennial version of a coronation is colliding with the grim reality of a pandemic that is likely to still be raging on Jan. 20. For that reason, Biden’s team is signaling that he wants a very different kind of inauguration. Also read| Donald Trump's close advisor, Scott Atlas, resigns from COVID-19 taskforce If he had won reelection, President Donald Trump was expected to shrug off the health threats in favor of huge crowds for his inauguration. But Biden has already indicated that his will not be business as usual. In a statement Monday, the newly appointed chief executive of Biden’s inaugural committee hinted at the looming balancing act between health and politics. “We will honor the American inaugural traditions and engage Americans across the country while keeping everybody healthy and safe,” said Tony Allen, the president of Delaware State University and the committee’s chief executive. What could that look like? Aides to the president-elect are being coy. But Biden’s approach to campaigning during the pandemic — which included drive-in rallies, socially distanced news conferences and a largely virtual national convention — provides a blueprint for how events might be reshaped for the COVID era. On Capitol Hill, where the official inaugural ceremonies are arranged by a bipartisan congressional committee, lawmakers and aides have quietly been at work since long before the election trying to reimagine what a transfer of power during a pandemic might look like. Also read| Joe Biden appoints White House's first all-female communication team The short answer is: quite a bit less crowded. The organizers are determined that Biden take the oath of office and deliver an address to the nation outside the West Front of the Capitol, preserving an iconic tableau that has often set the tone for a new presidency. But to make it happen, they are likely to slash the number of officials flanking Biden. Those who do make the cut — Supreme Court justices, former presidents, top House and Senate leaders and the Joint Chiefs of Staff among them — will be required to socially distance and wear masks. Some may be asked to take coronavirus tests. The most difficult challenge may be keeping away crowds. Congress typically distributes 200,000 tickets for seats near the platform. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., who is overseeing the planning on Capitol Hill, has indicated that number could be cut drastically. Inaugural planners are still debating whether they can salvage a luncheon in National Statuary Hall at the Capitol, where more than 200 dignitaries and guests have honored the new president since the 1950s. They may also alter or cancel a smaller signing ceremony in the ornate President’s Room off the Senate floor. A traditional military review on the East Front of the Capitol, on the other hand, may still go on in some form. The planning has been overshadowed by congressional Republicans, including Blunt, who have not refuted the president’s baseless claims that he defeated Biden. Blunt turned heads during a television appearance over the weekend, when he refused to unequivocally congratulate Biden as the victor. But Paige Waltz, a spokesperson for the congressional inaugural committee, said Monday that while “the electoral process is still playing out,” Blunt’s team would begin coordinating with Biden’s. Also read| Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro alleges 'lot of fraud' in US election 2020 One uncertainty for lawmakers: whether Trump will agree to attend his successor’s inauguration given his complaints about what he calls a rigged election. If he declines, he will be only the fourth president to deliver such a snub, after John Adams, John Quincy Adams and Andrew Johnson. But Democrats have signaled that they have seen no partisan interference in the planning process and expect a smooth inauguration. “While the pandemic will make this inauguration look different than previous years, we are committed to creating a safe ceremony that reflects the significance of the occasion,” Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Blunt’s Democratic counterpart, said in a statement. Given the worsening pandemic, it is unclear whether Biden might seek to proactively discourage Americans from traveling to the nation’s capital to witness the inauguration in person by gathering on the Mall in the shadow of the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. Those spaces are usually open to the public without restrictions during the ceremony. Also read| Joe Biden to nominate Indian-American Neera Tanden as budget chief: Report In December 2008, the committee organizing the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama issued a news release announcing that “for the first time, the entire length of the National Mall will be opened to the public so that more people than ever before will be able to witness the swearing-in of the president from a vantage point in sight of the Capitol.” Biden’s committee has no plans to issue a statement like that. One thing is definite: Biden’s inauguration will not be the kind of over-the-top celebration that Trump has often talked about wanting, with Army tanks and fighter jets. Instead, people close to Biden suggest that he will use the model of his campaign, which sought to preserve some of the excitement of big political events while devising them to minimize the spread of the virus. At the Democratic National Convention, Biden delivered his acceptance speech between recorded video segments highlighting the diversity of the nation. At rallies, the former vice president often spoke in front of people gathered in their cars, honking their horns. And when he declared victory in Wilmington, Delaware, his campaign launched fireworks. Could there be a drive-in inaugural celebration? Might a parade of cars with Delaware license plates — Biden’s home state — be a safe way to ring in his presidency? The Biden inaugural committee is not saying. Addisu Demissie, who helped design and run the Democratic National Convention this summer, said the trick would be to combine in-person elements from a traditional inauguration with virtual, Internet-based moments that bring in voices of people who cannot travel to attend the celebration. “To me, that’s the core challenge,” Demissie said. “You have to include the traditional elements. But you can’t just take the model that existed four, eight or 12 years ago and put it on Zoom. You have to create some new traditions. The circumstances demand that.” After spending months warning about the dangers of hosting large gatherings indoors — and criticizing Trump for doing so — Biden is unlikely to host fancy inaugural balls where hundreds of supporters are crammed into ballrooms. That would be a sharp departure from the past three inaugurations. Obama hosted elaborate galas attended by A-list Hollywood celebrities for both of his inaugurations, including a late-night concert at the Lincoln Memorial that hundreds of thousands of people attended. Trump held three official balls. A parade is also in question. Newly inaugurated presidents have often participated in a slow drive along Pennsylvania Avenue and then watched local marching bands and other floats from the reviewing stand near Lafayette Park. The stand for January is ready, but hosting a parade would invite large crowds to gather along the route, something that Biden is likely to want to avoid. A scaled-back celebration could also be cheaper to put on because of fewer security and travel costs, though Demissie said that producing video and broadcasting from remote locations for a more virtual inauguration would also be costly. There were signs Monday that though Biden may not be trying to top his predecessor, who raised a record $107 million for his 2017 festivities, he would welcome donations from wealthy individuals and corporations. Biden’s team indicated that it would accept donations of up to $500,000 from individuals and up to $1 million from corporations, according to an official involved in the planning. The cap is set by each president and has fluctuated over the years, as incoming executives have used the inauguration to set the tone for their presidencies. Obama, for instance, banned corporate gifts altogether in 2009 and capped individual gifts at $50,000 before easing restrictions in 2013. Trump, on the other hand, accepted $5 million from Sheldon Adelson, the conservative casino mogul. Biden’s team has sent something of a mixed message. His inauguration will not accept donations from fossil fuel companies, defined as “companies whose primary business is the extraction, processing, distribution or sale of oil, gas or coal,” or their executives — a group that gave Trump about $10 million. Nor will Biden accept funds from registered lobbyists. But that is a relatively small subset of Washington’s lucrative influence industry, and Biden’s team indicated that it would still accept some gifts from corporations and trade associations, which typically shower incoming presidents’ inaugurations with cash to promote goodwill with officials. It remained to be seen whether Biden would put together the kind of exclusive, VIP packages that typically woo big donors. He also selected Katie Petrelius, the national finance director who oversaw an effort that raised record sums for his campaign, to serve in a similar role as the top fundraiser for his inauguration, according to a person familiar with the appointment.

Joe Biden’s inauguration: Expect smaller crowds and more social distancing

Political clearance would have to be sought by those invited by Pakistan to the inaugural ceremony of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/kartarpur-corridor-construction-in-full-swing-will-open-in-november-201710">Kartarpur corridor</a>, Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday, a day after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan invited Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu to the inauguration. 
 
"I think the political personalities or invitees who think they need to get a political clearance, and those not included in the list will know about it. There won't be surprises," the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. 
 
"My understanding is that the normal rules for seeking political clearance for such visits will apply," he added. 
 
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday said that Islamabad has decided to send an invitation to Sidhu for the inaugural ceremony of the much-awaited Kartarpur corridor slated to be held on November 9. 
 
A statement released by the Pakistani party has said that Senator Faisal Javed Khan held a telephonic conversation with Sidhu in this regard on the directions of Khan and invited him to the country on November 9. 
 
Sidhu, who had attended the ground-breaking ceremony of Kartarpur corridor, has not been included in the Congress delegation, which will be visiting the gurdwara on November 9. 
 
The delegation includes former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, Jyoraditya Scindia, RPN Singh, Asha Kumari, party's chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala, Deepender Singh Hooda, and Jitin Prasad.

Political clearance would have to be sought by those invited by Pakistan to the inaugural ceremony of the Kartarpur corridor, Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday, a day after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan invited Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu to the inauguration.

Political clearance would have to be sought by those invited by Pakistan to the inaugural ceremony of the Kartarpur corridor, Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday, a day after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan invited Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu to the inauguration. "I think the political personalities or invitees who think they need to get a political clearance, and those not included in the list will know about it. There won't be surprises," the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. "My understanding is that the normal rules for seeking political clearance for such visits will apply," he added. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday said that Islamabad has decided to send an invitation to Sidhu for the inaugural ceremony of the much-awaited Kartarpur corridor slated to be held on November 9. A statement released by the Pakistani party has said that Senator Faisal Javed Khan held a telephonic conversation with Sidhu in this regard on the directions of Khan and invited him to the country on November 9. Sidhu, who had attended the ground-breaking ceremony of Kartarpur corridor, has not been included in the Congress delegation, which will be visiting the gurdwara on November 9. The delegation includes former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, Jyoraditya Scindia, RPN Singh, Asha Kumari, party's chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala, Deepender Singh Hooda, and Jitin Prasad.

Pakistan invitees to Kartarpur corridor inaugural ceremony will have to seek political clearance: Ministry of External Affairs

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