US President Donald Trump used a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel to deflect criticism about his unsubstantiated claim that the Obama administration spied on him, reviving a sensitive diplomatic incident in which the US was revealed to have snooped on her cellphone.

During the press conference on Friday with Merkel, whose cellphone was tapped by the National Security Agency (NSA) in 2010, Trump quipped that he and the German leader had something in common, CNN reported.

"As far as wiretapping, I guess by this past administration, at least we have something in common, perhaps," Trump said, turning to Merkel, who did not smile at the joke. 

Merkel appeared to take several seconds to process what Trump had said, then frowned, and started shuffling her papers at an adjacent lectern in the East Room of the White House.

Trump was referring to a disclosure in 2013 by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden that the US had spied in Germany, including monitoring Merkel's cellphone. The revelation dealt a major blow to US-German relations at that time and damaged Merkel's standing at home, Los Angeles Times reported. 

The US President also took the opportunity to reject an unfounded report from a Fox News commentator asserting that British intelligence agents were involved in the alleged spying, even though White House officials had assured livid British leaders that they would no longer promote the claim. 

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer flatly denied that the White House apologised to the British government over spying allegations.

When the issue was raised during the conference, the President said that Spicer had been quoting a comment on Fox TV. 

"We said nothing. All we did was quote a certain very talented legal mind who was the one responsible for saying that on television. I didn't make an opinion on it."

Trump met Merkel at the front door of the West Wing of the White House, but there were signs of strained interaction a little later when they appeared before cameras in the Oval Office, CNN reported.

When asked to shake hands by reporters and photographers, Trump remained stationary. He did not look at Merkel, although it was not clear whether the leaders heard the request.

Later, in the news conference, Trump expressed strong support for NATO, following his criticism of the alliance during his election campaign. But he also knocked members who do not pay their "fair share" for their defence.

He praised Germany's efforts in Afghanistan and its contributions to the fight against the Islamic State.

Trump expressed appreciation for Merkel's assurance that Germany is committed to increasing its military spending.

More differences were evident on the subject of immigration.

"Immigration is a privilege, not a right, and the safety of our citizens must always come first, without question," Trump said in the wake of court rulings blocking his second travel ban.

The German leader, who has criticised Trump's travel ban, said that efforts to make borders secure and integrate immigrants must include "looking at the refugees as well, giving them opportunities to shape their own lives."

On economic matters, the Chancellor said she hoped Trump would consider reopening discussions on the TransAtlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, a proposed pact between the US and the European Union.

Merkel said she was in agreement with Trump that "trade has to be fairer, has to be a win-win situation."

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Saturday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here and congratulated him on the BJP's success in the recent Assembly elections.

Sarkozy also congratulated the Prime Minister for the success of demonetisation, the PMO said in a statement.

Modi congratulated Sarkozy on the publication and success of his latest book, 'Tout pour la France'.

The two leaders discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest, the statement added.

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Saturday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here and congratulated him on the BJP's success in the recent Assembly elections.

Sarkozy also congratulated the Prime Minister for the success of demonetisation, the PMO said in a statement.

Modi congratulated Sarkozy on the publication and success of his latest book, 'Tout pour la France'.

The two leaders discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest, the statement added.

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani on Saturday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his demonetisation move and digital drives.

"Thanks to demonetisation, India has taken a big leap forward from a predominantly cash economy to a digitally enabled optimal cash economy. It has brought unproductive money into productive use, Ambani said while addressing the India Today Conclave.

He said so far credit in the country had been high value and low volume, available only to a few people. "In the coming years based on your Aadhaar identity, it will be possible to get a loan on your mobile in just a few minutes," the richest man in India told the gathering. 

India underwent demonetisation drive from Nov 8 to Dec 30 of high-valued Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes to cleanse the country of black money.

Asked about Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party's landslide victory in the recent Uttar Pradesh elections, despite the demonetisation drive which affected common people as well, Ambani said: "We are blessed to have a leader who not only understands the countrymen but also understands the world and technology."

"What impressed me the most was when the prime minister visited the US (at the time Barrack Obama was the US President) and at the dinner they only discussed how technology can benefit the poor people and help develop a country."

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani on Saturday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his demonetisation move and digital drives.

"Thanks to demonetisation, India has taken a big leap forward from a predominantly cash economy to a digitally enabled optimal cash economy. It has brought unproductive money into productive use, Ambani said while addressing the India Today Conclave.

He said so far credit in the country had been high value and low volume, available only to a few people. "In the coming years based on your Aadhaar identity, it will be possible to get a loan on your mobile in just a few minutes," the richest man in India told the gathering. 

India underwent demonetisation drive from Nov 8 to Dec 30 of high-valued Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes to cleanse the country of black money.

Asked about Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party's landslide victory in the recent Uttar Pradesh elections, despite the demonetisation drive which affected common people as well, Ambani said: "We are blessed to have a leader who not only understands the countrymen but also understands the world and technology."

"What impressed me the most was when the prime minister visited the US (at the time Barrack Obama was the US President) and at the dinner they only discussed how technology can benefit the poor people and help develop a country."

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the results of the Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2017 written examination. The result has been published at the official website upsc.gov.in.

The one-day CDS examination was held on February 5, 2017.

The Service Selection Board (SSB) under the Defence Ministry has selected as many as 8,548 candidates for interview.

The UPSC conducts the CDS exam for admission to five different training academies.

The training program will begin in April 2018. Selected candidates will join the training program.

Candidates can download the result which is given in a pdf format on the UPSC official website – upsc.gov.in.

Candidates will require to key in their roll numbers to check the result.

All the shortlisted candidates for the interview should register themselves online on the Indian Army Recruiting website (joinindianarmy.nic.in) within two weeks of announcement of written result.

Candidates will then be allotted selection centers and dates for the SSB interview. Date and venue of the interview will be sent to the candidates in the emial ids registered on the site.

The February 5 CDS exam was held in different centres across the country.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the results of the Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2017 written examination. The result has been published at the official website upsc.gov.in.

The one-day CDS examination was held on February 5, 2017.

The Service Selection Board (SSB) under the Defence Ministry has selected as many as 8,548 candidates for interview.

The UPSC conducts the CDS exam for admission to five different training academies.

The training program will begin in April 2018. Selected candidates will join the training program.

Candidates can download the result which is given in a pdf format on the UPSC official website – upsc.gov.in.

Candidates will require to key in their roll numbers to check the result.

All the shortlisted candidates for the interview should register themselves online on the Indian Army Recruiting website (joinindianarmy.nic.in) within two weeks of announcement of written result.

Candidates will then be allotted selection centers and dates for the SSB interview. Date and venue of the interview will be sent to the candidates in the emial ids registered on the site.

The February 5 CDS exam was held in different centres across the country.

It was curtains for India at the Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold after defending champion H S Prannoy was knocked out of the men's singles competition following a straight-game loss to China's Shi Yuqi in the quarterfinals of the $120,000 event here.

Fifth seed Prannoy, who had beaten Yuqi at the Badminton Asia Team Championships in 2016, failed to produce his best game and went down 19-21 11-21 to the second seeded Chinese, who had reached the finals at All England last week.

Earlier, fourth seeded Indian mixed doubles pair of Pranaav Jerry Chopra and N Sikki Reddy also had suffered a 19-21 17-21 loss to fifth seeded Chinese duo of Zhang Nan and Li Yinhui.

The 21-year-old Yuqi, who had beaten Prannoy at the Indonesian Masters 2015, opened a slender 11-9 lead at the break of the opening game. The Indian then surged to a 18-13 advantage only to let the Chinese claw his way back to pocket the first game.

In the second game, Yuqi was more dominant as he broke off at 7-7 to distance himself from the Indian and eventually seal his place in the semifinals without much ado.

It was curtains for India at the Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold after defending champion H S Prannoy was knocked out of the men's singles competition following a straight-game loss to China's Shi Yuqi in the quarterfinals of the $120,000 event here.

Fifth seed Prannoy, who had beaten Yuqi at the Badminton Asia Team Championships in 2016, failed to produce his best game and went down 19-21 11-21 to the second seeded Chinese, who had reached the finals at All England last week.

Earlier, fourth seeded Indian mixed doubles pair of Pranaav Jerry Chopra and N Sikki Reddy also had suffered a 19-21 17-21 loss to fifth seeded Chinese duo of Zhang Nan and Li Yinhui.

The 21-year-old Yuqi, who had beaten Prannoy at the Indonesian Masters 2015, opened a slender 11-9 lead at the break of the opening game. The Indian then surged to a 18-13 advantage only to let the Chinese claw his way back to pocket the first game.

In the second game, Yuqi was more dominant as he broke off at 7-7 to distance himself from the Indian and eventually seal his place in the semifinals without much ado.

Breaking the hearts of many, comedy king of India Kapil Sharma has finally opened up about finding his love Ginni.

Kapil took to Twitter on Saturday morning to introduce his new love to the world. He tweeted a sweet message along with the duo’s picture to announce the news of his lady love in his life. This is what Kapil tweeted:

“Will not say she is my better half..she completes me.. love u ginni..please welcome her.. I love her so much.”

Even before revealing about Ginni, Kapil dropped hint to his fans by posting the first message where he asked them to wait for 30 minutes as he was planning to share a news.

“Hi..want to share something very beautiful thing with u guys …wait for 30 mins,” Kapil tweeted.

Kapil has been making the country ‘laugh out loud’ with his comedy prowess since 2007. He made his maiden entry in the television industry with the reality show The Great Indian Laughter Challenge in 2007. Soon after that stardom followed him with shows like Comedy Nights With Kapil (2013), and The Kapil Sharma Show (2016), still being aired.

If you think this is all he has in his kitty, then you may recall Kapil made his movie debut in Abbas Mustan diected Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon in 2015. His other two upcoming movies are Firangi and 13 August 1947.

Breaking the hearts of many, comedy king of India Kapil Sharma has finally opened up about finding his love Ginni.

Kapil took to Twitter on Saturday morning to introduce his new love to the world. He tweeted a sweet message along with the duo’s picture to announce the news of his lady love in his life. This is what Kapil tweeted:

“Will not say she is my better half..she completes me.. love u ginni..please welcome her.. I love her so much.”

Even before revealing about Ginni, Kapil dropped hint to his fans by posting the first message where he asked them to wait for 30 minutes as he was planning to share a news.

“Hi..want to share something very beautiful thing with u guys …wait for 30 mins,” Kapil tweeted.

Kapil has been making the country ‘laugh out loud’ with his comedy prowess since 2007. He made his maiden entry in the television industry with the reality show The Great Indian Laughter Challenge in 2007. Soon after that stardom followed him with shows like Comedy Nights With Kapil (2013), and The Kapil Sharma Show (2016), still being aired.

If you think this is all he has in his kitty, then you may recall Kapil made his movie debut in Abbas Mustan diected Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon in 2015. His other two upcoming movies are Firangi and 13 August 1947.

Hillary Clinton has said she is ready to "come out of the woods" and help the "divided" nation find common ground, five months after her shocking defeat in the US presidential polls to Donald Trump.

"Our country seems so divided right now. I do not believe that we can let political divides harden into personal divides," Clinton said yesterday in her keynote address to the Society of Irish Women's 19th annual St Patrick's Day Dinner.

"And we can't just ignore, or turn a cold shoulder to someone because they disagree with us politically," Clinton said in her few public appearances after her defeat to Trump in the presidential elections.

In an apparent reference to the current political climate, the 69-year-old former Secretary of State said that it is difficult to watch news these days.

"I'm like a lot of my friends right now, I have a hard time watching the news," she said.

"I am ready to come out of the woods and to help shine a light on what is already happening around kitchen tables, at dinners like this, to help draw strength that will enable everybody to keep going," Clinton said in her key note address in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the home town of her father.

After her November defeat, Clinton has rarely made public appearances.

Media reports said she is expected to come out in public quite often in the next few months.

"What can we do to try to bring people together and to try to find that common ground, even higher ground, sister, so that we listen to each other again and we know that we can make a difference? I'm not sure it will come out of Washington yet, but I think it can come out of Scranton.

Let's find ways to do that," she said.

Hillary Clinton has said she is ready to "come out of the woods" and help the "divided" nation find common ground, five months after her shocking defeat in the US presidential polls to Donald Trump.

"Our country seems so divided right now. I do not believe that we can let political divides harden into personal divides," Clinton said yesterday in her keynote address to the Society of Irish Women's 19th annual St Patrick's Day Dinner.

"And we can't just ignore, or turn a cold shoulder to someone because they disagree with us politically," Clinton said in her few public appearances after her defeat to Trump in the presidential elections.

In an apparent reference to the current political climate, the 69-year-old former Secretary of State said that it is difficult to watch news these days.

"I'm like a lot of my friends right now, I have a hard time watching the news," she said.

"I am ready to come out of the woods and to help shine a light on what is already happening around kitchen tables, at dinners like this, to help draw strength that will enable everybody to keep going," Clinton said in her key note address in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the home town of her father.

After her November defeat, Clinton has rarely made public appearances.

Media reports said she is expected to come out in public quite often in the next few months.

"What can we do to try to bring people together and to try to find that common ground, even higher ground, sister, so that we listen to each other again and we know that we can make a difference? I'm not sure it will come out of Washington yet, but I think it can come out of Scranton.

Let's find ways to do that," she said.

India and Pakistan need to start a new journey and work together to fight terrorism and bring peace in the region, Pakistani High Commissioner Abdul Basit said on Saturday, toeing the usual line of denialism about terror camps in his country.

Basit, faced with a barrage of questions at the IndiaToday Conclave here over alleged cross-border terrorism, advocated India-Pakistan talks over Siachen, Kashmir and other pending issues between the two countries. 

"The time has come to introspect and to see how can we be constructive in building good relationship," Basit said, during a discussion "India Pakistan — Love Story or Hate Tale".

Former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan G. Parthasarathy was face to face with Basit during the over 30-minute talk that turned out to be a heated exchange between the two.

"There are no terror-training camps in Pakistan. Terrorism is one issue which is a common challenge for both the countries. We also need to discuss Siachen, Jammu and Kashmir," Basit told the audience.

Parthasarathy countered Basit's denial, reminding him of Al Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden, world's most wanted terrorist, who was found living close to a military cantonment in a palatial house in Pakistan.

"…and they deny backing terror groups."

The former Indian diplomat said ex US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had told Pakistan "you can't nurture snakes in your backyard and expect them to bite only your neighbours".

"When they talk about being hit by terrorism they should remember they are responsible for it."

Basit said India-Pakistan ties suffered from trust deficit that needed to be addressed.

"Dealing with terrorism requires cooperation between both the nations. We need to deal with the issue of terrorism as well."

Parthasarathy said for better ties with Pakistan, India needed "to be reassured that nothing happens in the future and so, the borders should be sealed" to prevent terror incursion from across the country.

"It is an open secret that it is the military which takes decision in Pakistan and not the democratically elected government. As long as the military establishment calls the shots, there will be trouble."

Basit was asked about delayed trial of 2008 Mumbai terror attack. He said the case was subjudice and hoped "things would move forward".

"For that to happen there has to be a conducive environment. We need to sit across the table and discuss things, we can't expect action in vacuum

"I would request my Indian friends not to jump the gun. We need to assist our court in order to give justice…," Basit said.

India and Pakistan need to start a new journey and work together to fight terrorism and bring peace in the region, Pakistani High Commissioner Abdul Basit said on Saturday, toeing the usual line of denialism about terror camps in his country.

Basit, faced with a barrage of questions at the IndiaToday Conclave here over alleged cross-border terrorism, advocated India-Pakistan talks over Siachen, Kashmir and other pending issues between the two countries. 

"The time has come to introspect and to see how can we be constructive in building good relationship," Basit said, during a discussion "India Pakistan — Love Story or Hate Tale".

Former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan G. Parthasarathy was face to face with Basit during the over 30-minute talk that turned out to be a heated exchange between the two.

"There are no terror-training camps in Pakistan. Terrorism is one issue which is a common challenge for both the countries. We also need to discuss Siachen, Jammu and Kashmir," Basit told the audience.

Parthasarathy countered Basit's denial, reminding him of Al Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden, world's most wanted terrorist, who was found living close to a military cantonment in a palatial house in Pakistan.

"…and they deny backing terror groups."

The former Indian diplomat said ex US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had told Pakistan "you can't nurture snakes in your backyard and expect them to bite only your neighbours".

"When they talk about being hit by terrorism they should remember they are responsible for it."

Basit said India-Pakistan ties suffered from trust deficit that needed to be addressed.

"Dealing with terrorism requires cooperation between both the nations. We need to deal with the issue of terrorism as well."

Parthasarathy said for better ties with Pakistan, India needed "to be reassured that nothing happens in the future and so, the borders should be sealed" to prevent terror incursion from across the country.

"It is an open secret that it is the military which takes decision in Pakistan and not the democratically elected government. As long as the military establishment calls the shots, there will be trouble."

Basit was asked about delayed trial of 2008 Mumbai terror attack. He said the case was subjudice and hoped "things would move forward".

"For that to happen there has to be a conducive environment. We need to sit across the table and discuss things, we can't expect action in vacuum

"I would request my Indian friends not to jump the gun. We need to assist our court in order to give justice…," Basit said.

It’s weekend once again, and you know what that means, don’t you? Yes, you’re perfectly entitled to grab a good food once you clock off work. It’s the perfect time to relax and celebrate awesome food. So, here we go with the recipe of paneer dumplings.

Serves: 8; Preparation time: 20 minutes; Cooking time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

Bread slices: 8 (removed sides), Paneer: 250 grams, Baking soda: ¼ tsp, Green chillies: 3 (finely chopped), Garlic paste: ½ tsp, Maida: 3 tbsp, Cashew nuts: Few (coarsely chopped), Raisins: Few, Salt: 1 tsp, Black pepper powder: ½ tsp, Coriander leaves: 3 tbsp (finely chopped), Oil: To fry.

Method:

Mash paneer and mix crumbled bread to make a tight dough.

Add all the spices, coriander, green chillies, baking soda, maida, garlic paste and salt to the dough and mix properly.

Make small round balls. Press and stuff one or two raisins and few cashew nut pieces in the centre.

Close it and give a round shape like a small ball again.

Heat the oil in a deep pan. Fry the balls till golden.

Serve with green chutney and tomato ketchup.

Home cooked delicious food amid hectic schedules is divine. Try out this recipe and enjoy your holiday.

It’s weekend once again, and you know what that means, don’t you? Yes, you’re perfectly entitled to grab a good food once you clock off work. It’s the perfect time to relax and celebrate awesome food. So, here we go with the recipe of paneer dumplings.

Serves: 8; Preparation time: 20 minutes; Cooking time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

Bread slices: 8 (removed sides), Paneer: 250 grams, Baking soda: ¼ tsp, Green chillies: 3 (finely chopped), Garlic paste: ½ tsp, Maida: 3 tbsp, Cashew nuts: Few (coarsely chopped), Raisins: Few, Salt: 1 tsp, Black pepper powder: ½ tsp, Coriander leaves: 3 tbsp (finely chopped), Oil: To fry.

Method:

Mash paneer and mix crumbled bread to make a tight dough.

Add all the spices, coriander, green chillies, baking soda, maida, garlic paste and salt to the dough and mix properly.

Make small round balls. Press and stuff one or two raisins and few cashew nut pieces in the centre.

Close it and give a round shape like a small ball again.

Heat the oil in a deep pan. Fry the balls till golden.

Serve with green chutney and tomato ketchup.

Home cooked delicious food amid hectic schedules is divine. Try out this recipe and enjoy your holiday.