High profile city rivals&nbsp; <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lakers-kyle-kuzma-ruled-out-for-nba-season-opener-257190">Los Angeles Lakers</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/camila-cabello-shawn-mendes-make-temperatures-soar-during-los-angeles-clippers-game-261971">Los Angeles Clippers</a> clashed on Christmas Day which was witnessed by several Hollywood stars.

However, an incident&nbsp;became&nbsp;the centrepiece of jokes on social media&nbsp;at Staples Centre, Los Angeles after&nbsp;Lakers' player Anthony Davis fell on the lap of actor and comedian, Kevin Hart.

Rather than getting up, Davis decided to remain seated on Hart's lap to pose for a photo, and probably to make his Christmas wish. The two were joined by Davis's teammate and NBA star, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/houston-rockets-gm-wasnt-educated-when-he-sent-hong-kong-tweet-lebron-james-256087">LeBron James</a>, who rushed to sit on Hart's lap to make his own wish.

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Did AD want a selfie with Kevin Hart? 🤔😂<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LakeShow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LakeShow</a> <a href="https://t.co/DrgmKyK2Km">pic.twitter.com/DrgmKyK2Km</a>
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Hart has made known his liking for the game, having been seen on the telecast of several NBA games.

It led to several memes and&nbsp;jokes on social media.&nbsp;A&nbsp;joke on social media compared&nbsp;the situation to a scene from the 2003 movie 'Elf', where&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/julia-louis-dreyfus-and-will-ferrell-starrer-downhill-to-release-on-valentines-day-2020-264706">Will Ferrel</a> plays 'Buddy', sitting on the lap of the much smaller 'Papa Elf'.

High profile city rivals Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers clashed on Christmas Day which was witnessed by several Hollywood stars. However, an incident became the centrepiece of jokes on social media at Staples Centre, Los Angeles after Lakers' player Anthony Davis fell on the lap of actor and comedian, Kevin Hart.

High profile city rivals Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers clashed on Christmas Day which was witnessed by several Hollywood stars. However, an incident became the centrepiece of jokes on social media at Staples Centre, Los Angeles after Lakers' player Anthony Davis fell on the lap of actor and comedian, Kevin Hart. Rather than getting up, Davis decided to remain seated on Hart's lap to pose for a photo, and probably to make his Christmas wish. The two were joined by Davis's teammate and NBA star, LeBron James, who rushed to sit on Hart's lap to make his own wish. Did AD want a selfie with Kevin Hart? 🤔😂#LakeShow pic.twitter.com/DrgmKyK2Km — NBA TV (@NBATV) December 26, 2019 × Hart has made known his liking for the game, having been seen on the telecast of several NBA games. It led to several memes and jokes on social media. A joke on social media compared the situation to a scene from the 2003 movie 'Elf', where Will Ferrel plays 'Buddy', sitting on the lap of the much smaller 'Papa Elf'.

NBA star Anthony Davis land's on Kevin Hart's lap as LeBron James joins in

The French authorities have blocked the export of a painting by 13th century Italian master Cimabue which was found in a house of an elderly woman.

The “Christ mocked” painting was sold for $26.6 million in Paris which was over four times the price at the auction. The French government has now barred it from being taken out of the country.

The French culture ministry in a statement said it had refused the "issue of the export certificate for this major and unprecedented work by Cenni di Pepo, known as Cimabue." The government informed that the painting "remained in good condition".

"La Dérision du Christ is a painted picture from a diptych of devotion produced around 1280, to which belonged two other known panels of Cimabue, the Flagellation of Christ (New York, Frick Collection) and The Virgin and Child (London, National Gallery)," it said.

The ten-inch portrait was found hanging on a kitchen wall in a house of a woman in her 90s near Compiègne in northern France. The woman had called appraisers to her house to note the inventory since she was selling her house and moving to an elderly home.

The painting was examined by art collectors who concluded that it was the original 13th-century portrait "The Mocking of Christ" by the Italian artist Cimabue.

French auction house Acteon had said that the painting was so rare that it was the only Cimabue that had "ever come to the market". At the time, the identity of the bidder wasn't revealed.

However, reports said that two Chilean collectors had bought the painting.

The French government in a decree have declared the painting to be a "national treasure"&nbsp;for a period thirty months to raise funds necessary to carry out an acquisition.

The French authorities have blocked the export of a painting by 13th century Italian master Cimabue which was found in a house of an elderly woman. The “Christ mocked” painting was sold for $26.

The French authorities have blocked the export of a painting by 13th century Italian master Cimabue which was found in a house of an elderly woman. The “Christ mocked” painting was sold for $26.6 million in Paris which was over four times the price at the auction. The French government has now barred it from being taken out of the country. The French culture ministry in a statement said it had refused the "issue of the export certificate for this major and unprecedented work by Cenni di Pepo, known as Cimabue." The government informed that the painting "remained in good condition". "La Dérision du Christ is a painted picture from a diptych of devotion produced around 1280, to which belonged two other known panels of Cimabue, the Flagellation of Christ (New York, Frick Collection) and The Virgin and Child (London, National Gallery)," it said. The ten-inch portrait was found hanging on a kitchen wall in a house of a woman in her 90s near Compiègne in northern France. The woman had called appraisers to her house to note the inventory since she was selling her house and moving to an elderly home. The painting was examined by art collectors who concluded that it was the original 13th-century portrait "The Mocking of Christ" by the Italian artist Cimabue. French auction house Acteon had said that the painting was so rare that it was the only Cimabue that had "ever come to the market". At the time, the identity of the bidder wasn't revealed. However, reports said that two Chilean collectors had bought the painting. The French government in a decree have declared the painting to be a "national treasure" for a period thirty months to raise funds necessary to carry out an acquisition.

Now, France blocks export of $26 million worth artwork found in kitchen

Brazilian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazilian-president-bolsonaro-released-from-hospital-after-slipping-in-bathroom-270058">President Jair Bolsonaro</a> who was released from hospital after he hit his head and fell told a television channel that he had temporarily lost his memory.

The Brazilian president had spent the night under observation in an Army hospital and was released later.

"At that moment I lost memory," Bolsonaro told a local television channel, adding, "the following day, this morning, I managed to get back a lot of things and now I am fine."

Bolsonaro's CT scan did not reveal any anomalies, doctors said after the president fell on his back in a bathroom at the Alvorada Palace his as his health continued to be a cause of concern.

In a message on Twitter, Bolsonaro, 64, picked passages from the Bible, saying: "For if one falls the other raises his mate; but woe to what is alone; for in the fall there will be no one to lift it up."&nbsp;

Last year, Bolsonaro was injured in a knife attack during a campaign tour. He has undergone four surgeries to treat the stab wound to his abdomen. He told the television channel that his health was "fine" even though he was quick to caution that "there are some consequences" of the stabbing.

Bolsonaro who came to power recently had earlier said that he was examined for skin cancer but no traces of the disease were found.

Later on Christmas Eve, a visibly happy president wished the country asserting on Twitter "inspired by the rebirth of Jesus Christ our Lord, let us also celebrate the rebirth of a great nation."

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro who was released from hospital after he hit his head and fell told a television channel that he had temporarily lost his memory.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro who was released from hospital after he hit his head and fell told a television channel that he had temporarily lost his memory. The Brazilian president had spent the night under observation in an Army hospital and was released later. "At that moment I lost memory," Bolsonaro told a local television channel, adding, "the following day, this morning, I managed to get back a lot of things and now I am fine." Bolsonaro's CT scan did not reveal any anomalies, doctors said after the president fell on his back in a bathroom at the Alvorada Palace his as his health continued to be a cause of concern. In a message on Twitter, Bolsonaro, 64, picked passages from the Bible, saying: "For if one falls the other raises his mate; but woe to what is alone; for in the fall there will be no one to lift it up." Last year, Bolsonaro was injured in a knife attack during a campaign tour. He has undergone four surgeries to treat the stab wound to his abdomen. He told the television channel that his health was "fine" even though he was quick to caution that "there are some consequences" of the stabbing. Bolsonaro who came to power recently had earlier said that he was examined for skin cancer but no traces of the disease were found. Later on Christmas Eve, a visibly happy president wished the country asserting on Twitter "inspired by the rebirth of Jesus Christ our Lord, let us also celebrate the rebirth of a great nation."

I lost my memory, but now I am fine, says Brazilian President Bolsonaro after release from hospital

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-urges-abolition-of-nuclear-weapons-at-nagasaki-ground-zero-264149">Pope Francis</a> celebrated Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter's Basilica as thousands watched it on large screens ushering in Christmas celebrations on Tuesday.

The Pope told the crowd gathered at the Vatican that "you may have mistaken ideas, you may have made a complete mess of things, but the Lord continues to love you."

"Christmas reminds us that God continues to love us all, even the worst of us," Francis, 82, said as people in large numbers gathered to hear the Pope's sermon.

"How often do we think that God is good if we are good and punishes us if we are bad. Yet that is not how he is," the Pope said.

"Let us contemplate the child and let ourselves be caught up in his tender love. Then we have no further excuse for not letting ourselves be loved by him," Francis said, adding,"whatever goes wrong in our lives, whatever doesn't work in the Church, whatever problems there are in the world, will no longer serve as an excuse. It will become secondary, for faced with Jesus' extravagant love, a love of utter meekness and closeness, we have no excuse."

As is customary, Pope Francis will deliver his Christmas message on Wednesday from the central balcony at St. Peter's Basilica.

"At Christmas all the world looks to us, to Bethlehem," he said while delivering his message to the people as church bells rang out.

"Special greetings to our brothers and sisters in Gaza, with whom I celebrated Christmas two days ago," he added. 
&nbsp;

Pope Francis celebrated Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter's Basilica as thousands watched it on large screens ushering in Christmas celebrations on Tuesday. The Pope told the crowd gathered at the Vatican that "you may have mistaken ideas, you may have made a complete mess of things, but the Lord continues to love you.

Pope Francis celebrated Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter's Basilica as thousands watched it on large screens ushering in Christmas celebrations on Tuesday. The Pope told the crowd gathered at the Vatican that "you may have mistaken ideas, you may have made a complete mess of things, but the Lord continues to love you." "Christmas reminds us that God continues to love us all, even the worst of us," Francis, 82, said as people in large numbers gathered to hear the Pope's sermon. "How often do we think that God is good if we are good and punishes us if we are bad. Yet that is not how he is," the Pope said. "Let us contemplate the child and let ourselves be caught up in his tender love. Then we have no further excuse for not letting ourselves be loved by him," Francis said, adding,"whatever goes wrong in our lives, whatever doesn't work in the Church, whatever problems there are in the world, will no longer serve as an excuse. It will become secondary, for faced with Jesus' extravagant love, a love of utter meekness and closeness, we have no excuse." As is customary, Pope Francis will deliver his Christmas message on Wednesday from the central balcony at St. Peter's Basilica. "At Christmas all the world looks to us, to Bethlehem," he said while delivering his message to the people as church bells rang out. "Special greetings to our brothers and sisters in Gaza, with whom I celebrated Christmas two days ago," he added.

Pope Francis leads Christmas celebrations with midnight mass at Vatican

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/burkina-faso-army-says-32-terrorists-killed-in-two-operations-262748">Burkina Faso</a> militants killed at least 35 civilians, mostly female in northern Soum province on Tuesday.

During the clash with security forces at least 80 militants were killed as seven soldiers succumbed to injuries in of the deadliest attack in the country. According to government officials&nbsp;31 victims included women.&nbsp;

"A large group of terrorists simultaneously attacked the military base and the civilian population in Arbinda," the army chief of staff said in a statement.

The morning twin attack by bike bourne militants on a military base and Arbinda in Soum province led the military to respond backed by the country's Air Force. The attack lasted for several hours leading to large scale deaths.&nbsp;

"This barbaric attack resulted in the deaths of 35 civilian victims, most of them women," the country's President Roch Marc Christian Kabore said in a Twitter post after the incident.

President Roch Marc Kabore has declared two days of national mourning after the attack shocked the country.&nbsp;

The army said it seized large cache of weapons after the fighting ended.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Burkina Faso militants killed at least 35 civilians, mostly female in northern Soum province on Tuesday. During the clash with security forces at least 80 militants were killed as seven soldiers succumbed to injuries in of the deadliest attack in the country.

Burkina Faso militants killed at least 35 civilians, mostly female in northern Soum province on Tuesday. During the clash with security forces at least 80 militants were killed as seven soldiers succumbed to injuries in of the deadliest attack in the country. According to government officials 31 victims included women. "A large group of terrorists simultaneously attacked the military base and the civilian population in Arbinda," the army chief of staff said in a statement. The morning twin attack by bike bourne militants on a military base and Arbinda in Soum province led the military to respond backed by the country's Air Force. The attack lasted for several hours leading to large scale deaths. "This barbaric attack resulted in the deaths of 35 civilian victims, most of them women," the country's President Roch Marc Christian Kabore said in a Twitter post after the incident. President Roch Marc Kabore has declared two days of national mourning after the attack shocked the country. The army said it seized large cache of weapons after the fighting ended. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

At least 35 civilians killed in militant attack in Burkina Faso

Tokyo stocks opened marginally lower on Wednesday in the absence of foreign investors for the Christmas holidays, after US shares finished a sleepy holiday-shortened session mostly lower.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 index slid 0.03 per cent or 7.15 points to 23,823.43 in early trade, while the broader Topix index was down 0.03 per cent or 0.45 points at 1,727.77.

"After the US market ended mixed, the Japanese market is seen moving range-bound," Toshiyuki Kanayama, senior market analyst at Monex, said in a note.

Tokyo trade is "dominated by a wait-and-see attitude as US trade is closed for the Christmas holiday this evening," he said.

On Wall Street on Tuesday, the broad S&amp;P 500 slipped a hair, and the benchmark Dow dipped 0.1 per cent, but the Nasdaq, with a 0.1 per cent gain, posted another all-time high.

The dollar fetched 109.38 yen in early Asian trade, unchanged from the level in New York late Tuesday.

In Tokyo, automakers were among losers, with Toyota slipping 0.50 per cent to 7,702 yen, Honda trading off 0.35 per cent at 3,117 yen, Mitsubishi Motors down 0.43 per cent at 461 and Mazda down 1.06 per cent at 933.

Nissan dipped 1.57 per cent to 643.3 yen after the leading business daily Nikkei said its vice chief operating officer who is a key figure in restructuring the scandal-hit automaker will leave the company to join components maker Nidec as soon as February.

A source at Nissan who declined to be named confirmed the report was true, while a Nidec spokesman declined to comment.

Nidec was trading 0.26 per cent lower at 15,065 yen.

Elsewhere, Sony slid 0.28 per cent to 7,385 yen and Panasonic was down 0.53 per cent at 1,016.5 yen. 
&nbsp;

Tokyo stocks opened marginally lower on Wednesday in the absence of foreign investors for the Christmas holidays, after US shares finished a sleepy holiday-shortened session mostly lower.

Tokyo stocks opened marginally lower on Wednesday in the absence of foreign investors for the Christmas holidays, after US shares finished a sleepy holiday-shortened session mostly lower. The benchmark Nikkei 225 index slid 0.03 per cent or 7.15 points to 23,823.43 in early trade, while the broader Topix index was down 0.03 per cent or 0.45 points at 1,727.77. "After the US market ended mixed, the Japanese market is seen moving range-bound," Toshiyuki Kanayama, senior market analyst at Monex, said in a note. Tokyo trade is "dominated by a wait-and-see attitude as US trade is closed for the Christmas holiday this evening," he said. On Wall Street on Tuesday, the broad S&P 500 slipped a hair, and the benchmark Dow dipped 0.1 per cent, but the Nasdaq, with a 0.1 per cent gain, posted another all-time high. The dollar fetched 109.38 yen in early Asian trade, unchanged from the level in New York late Tuesday. In Tokyo, automakers were among losers, with Toyota slipping 0.50 per cent to 7,702 yen, Honda trading off 0.35 per cent at 3,117 yen, Mitsubishi Motors down 0.43 per cent at 461 and Mazda down 1.06 per cent at 933. Nissan dipped 1.57 per cent to 643.3 yen after the leading business daily Nikkei said its vice chief operating officer who is a key figure in restructuring the scandal-hit automaker will leave the company to join components maker Nidec as soon as February. A source at Nissan who declined to be named confirmed the report was true, while a Nidec spokesman declined to comment. Nidec was trading 0.26 per cent lower at 15,065 yen. Elsewhere, Sony slid 0.28 per cent to 7,385 yen and Panasonic was down 0.53 per cent at 1,016.5 yen.

Tokyo stocks open slightly lower in muted trading

Russian aircrafts pounded<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-russian-airstrikes-kill-8-civilians-in-idlib-including-5-children-270040"> northwest Syria </a>killing at least eight civilians Syrian troops closed in on the strategic city of Maarat al-Numan as the Idlib offensive gained momentum on Wednesday.

Civilians in Maarat al-Numan have been fleeing in large numbers as the fighting escalated in the last two weeks. The city is considered to be the last strong rebel outpost.

The United Nations said on Monday at least 30,000 people were killed in the past week with over 80,000 civilians feeling Idlib.

The Syrian army said it has seized 320 square kilometres in the past few weeks even as both civilian casualties have continued to increase.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-syrian-army-gains-ground-in-idlib-surrounds-turkish-army-post-270045/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was alarmed by the "scale of the military operation and reported attacks on evacuation routes".

Meanwhile, France and Turkey called for a halt in violence. France called for "an immediate de-escalation" with Turkey urging an "immediate" end to attacks.

"The military offensive by the Damascus regime and its allies is worsening the humanitarian crisis in Idlib," the French foreign ministry said.

Turkey's presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said: "We are closely following the process for an end to the attacks, and these attacks should come to an end immediately and implemented under a new ceasefire, adding, "this is our main expectation from the Russian side."

"We are now waiting for (Russia) to begin efforts in the coming 24 hours for an end to the regime attacks in Idlib," Kalin added. &nbsp;

Major attacks were carried out in Jubass village in southern Idlib in which several civilians were killed.

UNICEF said in a statement that children were bearing the brunt of violence in northwest Syria.

Russian aircrafts pounded northwest Syria killing at least eight civilians Syrian troops closed in on the strategic city of Maarat al-Numan as the Idlib offensive gained momentum on Wednesday.

Russian aircrafts pounded northwest Syria killing at least eight civilians Syrian troops closed in on the strategic city of Maarat al-Numan as the Idlib offensive gained momentum on Wednesday. Civilians in Maarat al-Numan have been fleeing in large numbers as the fighting escalated in the last two weeks. The city is considered to be the last strong rebel outpost. The United Nations said on Monday at least 30,000 people were killed in the past week with over 80,000 civilians feeling Idlib. The Syrian army said it has seized 320 square kilometres in the past few weeks even as both civilian casualties have continued to increase. Watch Video: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was alarmed by the "scale of the military operation and reported attacks on evacuation routes". Meanwhile, France and Turkey called for a halt in violence. France called for "an immediate de-escalation" with Turkey urging an "immediate" end to attacks. "The military offensive by the Damascus regime and its allies is worsening the humanitarian crisis in Idlib," the French foreign ministry said. Turkey's presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said: "We are closely following the process for an end to the attacks, and these attacks should come to an end immediately and implemented under a new ceasefire, adding, "this is our main expectation from the Russian side." "We are now waiting for (Russia) to begin efforts in the coming 24 hours for an end to the regime attacks in Idlib," Kalin added. Major attacks were carried out in Jubass village in southern Idlib in which several civilians were killed. UNICEF said in a statement that children were bearing the brunt of violence in northwest Syria.

Russian planes pound Idlib area as Turkey, France call for de-escalation

As parts of Australia continue to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bushfires-hit-emergency-level-on-sydneys-outskirts-one-dead-in-south-australia-269445"> battle bushfires</a>, residents in Sydney celebrated as the city&nbsp;received much-need rainfall on Christmas Eve.

The rain brought some relief for the firefighters who have been&nbsp;battling the blazes non-stop for weeks with over seventy wildfires still raging in New South Wales, including the massive Gospers mountain blaze near Sydney. Winds have now reduced the pollution levels in Sydney which continues to be shrouded in haze.

Weather forecasters have predicted more rainfall in the region.

Brisbane residents shared videos of a thunderstorm hitting the eastern Australian city on Christmas eve. The sudden shift in weather was largely welcomed after weeks of heat and fires.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-australia-bush-fire-crisis-cripples-wine-industry-270083/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison who has received flak for his response to the wildfires toured the fire-ravaged Adelaide hills area.

PM Scott Morrison announced paid leave for volunteer firefighters during his tour to fire-affected areas across the country.

"It's been a privilege to be here with the premier and to see that tremendous spirit on the ground. And over today and tomorrow, whether weather conditions are a bit more improved and enables them to deal with the spots and to deal with the flare-ups, the weather conditions will shift and particularly as you move towards the new year," the Australian prime minister said.

"I issued a directive to all Commonwealth departments and agencies that will see the full paid leave for emergency services be lifted to a minimum standard of four weeks. And with additional leave able to be provided by those agencies on a need basis," Morrison added.&nbsp;

Australia has been fighting wildfires for weeks now, with blazes destroying over 700 homes and nearly three million acres of bushland.

"I get it that people would have been upset to know that I was holidaying with my family while their families were under great stress," he said as Australians roundly criticised his Hawaiian holiday while the country was battling wildfires.

"I apologise," he said, adding, "there have been lessons learned this week," the embattled prime minister said.

As parts of Australia continue to battle bushfires, residents in Sydney celebrated as the city received much-need rainfall on Christmas Eve. The rain brought some relief for the firefighters who have been battling the blazes non-stop for weeks with over seventy wildfires still raging in New South Wales, including the massive Gospers mountain blaze near Sydney.

As parts of Australia continue to battle bushfires, residents in Sydney celebrated as the city received much-need rainfall on Christmas Eve. The rain brought some relief for the firefighters who have been battling the blazes non-stop for weeks with over seventy wildfires still raging in New South Wales, including the massive Gospers mountain blaze near Sydney. Winds have now reduced the pollution levels in Sydney which continues to be shrouded in haze. Weather forecasters have predicted more rainfall in the region. Brisbane residents shared videos of a thunderstorm hitting the eastern Australian city on Christmas eve. The sudden shift in weather was largely welcomed after weeks of heat and fires. Watch Video: Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison who has received flak for his response to the wildfires toured the fire-ravaged Adelaide hills area. PM Scott Morrison announced paid leave for volunteer firefighters during his tour to fire-affected areas across the country. "It's been a privilege to be here with the premier and to see that tremendous spirit on the ground. And over today and tomorrow, whether weather conditions are a bit more improved and enables them to deal with the spots and to deal with the flare-ups, the weather conditions will shift and particularly as you move towards the new year," the Australian prime minister said. "I issued a directive to all Commonwealth departments and agencies that will see the full paid leave for emergency services be lifted to a minimum standard of four weeks. And with additional leave able to be provided by those agencies on a need basis," Morrison added. Australia has been fighting wildfires for weeks now, with blazes destroying over 700 homes and nearly three million acres of bushland. "I get it that people would have been upset to know that I was holidaying with my family while their families were under great stress," he said as Australians roundly criticised his Hawaiian holiday while the country was battling wildfires. "I apologise," he said, adding, "there have been lessons learned this week," the embattled prime minister said.

Sydney, Brisbane residents get rain respite amid wildfire

Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that his country is in possession of missiles that can travel faster than the speed of sound known as hypersonic missiles.

Putin's claim came after a crucial meeting with top security officials in Moscow on Tuesday.

The Russian president asserted that for the first time in the combined history of the former the Soviet Union and Russia, the country is leading the world in military technology.

"Neither the Soviet Union nor Russia has ever aimed to create threats to other countries. And we were catching up all the time," Putin said.

"Today, there is a unique situation in our new and contemporary history. We are being caught up. Not in any country of the world, there is a hypersonic weapon at all. All the more, nobody has hypersonic weapons of coast-to-coast range."&nbsp;

Putin said that hypersonic missiles have already been deployed in the Russian forces.&nbsp;

The missiles can be launched from MiG-31 fighter jets and can travel ten times faster than the speed of sound. Putin claimed the Kinzhal missiles can change course and altitude to escape interception.

The other missile system called the Avangard is scheduled to enter service later this month which the president claimed can travel twenty times faster than the speed of sound.

The United States in a statement said it had nothing to add to Putin's comments. In August, Pentagon chief Mark Esper had said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/thaad-vs-s-400-india-dumps-us-picks-russian-defence-missile-system-169445">hypersonic weapons</a> were a priority of the US military amid fears of Russia's military technology.

Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that his country is in possession of missiles that can travel faster than the speed of sound known as hypersonic missiles.

Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that his country is in possession of missiles that can travel faster than the speed of sound known as hypersonic missiles. Putin's claim came after a crucial meeting with top security officials in Moscow on Tuesday. The Russian president asserted that for the first time in the combined history of the former the Soviet Union and Russia, the country is leading the world in military technology. "Neither the Soviet Union nor Russia has ever aimed to create threats to other countries. And we were catching up all the time," Putin said. "Today, there is a unique situation in our new and contemporary history. We are being caught up. Not in any country of the world, there is a hypersonic weapon at all. All the more, nobody has hypersonic weapons of coast-to-coast range." Putin said that hypersonic missiles have already been deployed in the Russian forces. The missiles can be launched from MiG-31 fighter jets and can travel ten times faster than the speed of sound. Putin claimed the Kinzhal missiles can change course and altitude to escape interception. The other missile system called the Avangard is scheduled to enter service later this month which the president claimed can travel twenty times faster than the speed of sound. The United States in a statement said it had nothing to add to Putin's comments. In August, Pentagon chief Mark Esper had said that hypersonic weapons were a priority of the US military amid fears of Russia's military technology.

Russia has deployed hypersonic missiles, says Putin

A cafe in Washington has become a big hit with rescued cats on display which provides near "therapeutic" experience for cat lovers.

On Christmas Eve, the cats were all decked up by cafe owners to celebrate the festive occasion.

Ashley Campion, the cafe's chief operating officers said: "We just wanted to bring a little more Christmas joy to the 'Crumbs and Whiskers' atmosphere and give the kittens a little bit of holiday spirit." The gamble seems to have paid off as enthusiasts thronged the outlet looking for a "unique experience".

The novel concept allows people to book an "experience" online, the cafe COO informed that several people end up adopting the furry felines after spending time with them.

"We actually just hit our fifteen-hundredth adoption - which is crazy - just in our company together as a whole," the cafe's COO said, adding that it was a very, very big year with "lots of adoptions happening".

The cafe almost functions as a foster home for the cats where they are well cared for. Animal welfare activists have welcomed the move hailing the crumbs and whiskers experience. The "holistic" experience has everyone impressed including the outlet which had&nbsp;250 adoptions at a single location.

A cafe in Washington has become a big hit with rescued cats on display which provides near "therapeutic" experience for cat lovers. On Christmas Eve, the cats were all decked up by cafe owners to celebrate the festive occasion.

A cafe in Washington has become a big hit with rescued cats on display which provides near "therapeutic" experience for cat lovers. On Christmas Eve, the cats were all decked up by cafe owners to celebrate the festive occasion. Ashley Campion, the cafe's chief operating officers said: "We just wanted to bring a little more Christmas joy to the 'Crumbs and Whiskers' atmosphere and give the kittens a little bit of holiday spirit." The gamble seems to have paid off as enthusiasts thronged the outlet looking for a "unique experience". The novel concept allows people to book an "experience" online, the cafe COO informed that several people end up adopting the furry felines after spending time with them. "We actually just hit our fifteen-hundredth adoption - which is crazy - just in our company together as a whole," the cafe's COO said, adding that it was a very, very big year with "lots of adoptions happening". The cafe almost functions as a foster home for the cats where they are well cared for. Animal welfare activists have welcomed the move hailing the crumbs and whiskers experience. The "holistic" experience has everyone impressed including the outlet which had 250 adoptions at a single location.

Watch: Cat cafe brings Christmas cheer in Washington

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/six-months-on-notre-dames-rebirth-still-years-away-254885">Notre-Dame Cathedral</a> in Paris did not celebrate Christmas mass for the first time in over 200 years after fire ravaged the edifice in April.

The roof of the world famous cathedral had caught fire on April 15 toppling the spire causing it to collapse.

Several artefacts and paintings were lost in the fire even as people watched helplessly in France and around the world. The blaze was finally put out 14 hours after it began with 400 firefighters who worked ceaselessly around the clock.&nbsp;

President Macron later hailed the Paris firefighters for their "exemplary" actions in battling the Notre-Dame cathedral blaze.&nbsp;

The Cathedral was last closed during the anti-Catholic period in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

On Tuesday, worshippers gathered at the&nbsp;nearby Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois church to celebrate Chrismas mass but could not hide their disappointment even as repair work continued.&nbsp;

French culture ministry had said earlier that one billion euros were needed to rebuild the structure. In October, French authorities had informed that 104 million euros were paid by over 350,000 donors.

The project's chief architect Philippe Villeneuve had said the reconstruction would take five years.

However, there is still no consensus on how it should look after reconstruction. French President Macron has said he wants&nbsp;an innovative solution with several experts and worshippers who want it to be rebuilt just like the original structure.

Macron has set a five year time-table for the restoration to be completed.

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris did not celebrate Christmas mass for the first time in over 200 years after fire ravaged the edifice in April. The roof of the world famous cathedral had caught fire on April 15 toppling the spire causing it to collapse.

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris did not celebrate Christmas mass for the first time in over 200 years after fire ravaged the edifice in April. The roof of the world famous cathedral had caught fire on April 15 toppling the spire causing it to collapse. Several artefacts and paintings were lost in the fire even as people watched helplessly in France and around the world. The blaze was finally put out 14 hours after it began with 400 firefighters who worked ceaselessly around the clock. President Macron later hailed the Paris firefighters for their "exemplary" actions in battling the Notre-Dame cathedral blaze. The Cathedral was last closed during the anti-Catholic period in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. On Tuesday, worshippers gathered at the nearby Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois church to celebrate Chrismas mass but could not hide their disappointment even as repair work continued. French culture ministry had said earlier that one billion euros were needed to rebuild the structure. In October, French authorities had informed that 104 million euros were paid by over 350,000 donors. The project's chief architect Philippe Villeneuve had said the reconstruction would take five years. However, there is still no consensus on how it should look after reconstruction. French President Macron has said he wants an innovative solution with several experts and worshippers who want it to be rebuilt just like the original structure. Macron has set a five year time-table for the restoration to be completed.

No Christmas mass at Notre-Dame for the first time in over 200 years

Chinese Premier<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-premier-li-keqiang-warns-us-against-trade-war-13404"> Li Keqiang</a> signaled plans to free up more cash for the country's banking system in a bid to boost lending to small businesses as leaders look to kick start the world's number two economy.

Li flagged a fresh cut to the amount of cash lenders must keep in reserve, according to state news agency Xinhua, in the latest move to ramp up stuttering growth.

The comments from Li came as he visited a bank in Chengdu a day before Tuesday's trilateral summit with the leaders of South Korea and Japan in the southwestern city.

Li said he was "very concerned about the financing of small and micro-businesses" and the government will "increase support for small and medium-sized banks" that directly serve these businesses, Xinhua reported.

The government "will further study measures" such as reducing the reserve requirement ratio and ways to reduce financing costs and interest rates "to significantly ease the financing difficulty and high cost".

It has been a tough year for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-dilemmas-of-chinas-economic-rise-170616">China's economy</a>, which is expanding at its weakest rate for three decades as it is buffeted by a long-running trade war with the United States as well as a slowdown in global demand for its goods.

However, recent data has pointed to a mild improvement in some areas of the economy, while a mini trade deal with the US that will see the rolling back of some tariffs should ease some of the pressure on growth.

Analysts have predicted Beijing will have to lend more support to boost growth next year, with Nomura saying authorities will have to "continue rolling out moderate easing measures".

Beijing already slashed the reserve requirement ratio for banks in October, which freed up about $126 billion to boost lending to mostly small and medium enterprises.

Li's remarks came a day after China's cabinet, unveiled measures to support private companies by further opening up major industries to non-state firms and putting in place mechanisms that would give them the same regulatory treatment.

Also on Monday, Beijing said it would cut import tariffs on more than 850 products from January, including frozen pork, cheese, pharmaceuticals and parts for manufacturing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/chinas-transsion-holdings-to-soon-launch-tecno-smartphones-in-india-14636">smartphones</a>.

Analysts said the move was an indication of China's desire to show it is opening up after this month's mini-deal with the US to reduce some levies and work towards a wider pact.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang signaled plans to free up more cash for the country's banking system in a bid to boost lending to small businesses as leaders look to kick start the world's number two economy.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang signaled plans to free up more cash for the country's banking system in a bid to boost lending to small businesses as leaders look to kick start the world's number two economy. Li flagged a fresh cut to the amount of cash lenders must keep in reserve, according to state news agency Xinhua, in the latest move to ramp up stuttering growth. The comments from Li came as he visited a bank in Chengdu a day before Tuesday's trilateral summit with the leaders of South Korea and Japan in the southwestern city. Li said he was "very concerned about the financing of small and micro-businesses" and the government will "increase support for small and medium-sized banks" that directly serve these businesses, Xinhua reported. The government "will further study measures" such as reducing the reserve requirement ratio and ways to reduce financing costs and interest rates "to significantly ease the financing difficulty and high cost". It has been a tough year for China's economy, which is expanding at its weakest rate for three decades as it is buffeted by a long-running trade war with the United States as well as a slowdown in global demand for its goods. However, recent data has pointed to a mild improvement in some areas of the economy, while a mini trade deal with the US that will see the rolling back of some tariffs should ease some of the pressure on growth. Analysts have predicted Beijing will have to lend more support to boost growth next year, with Nomura saying authorities will have to "continue rolling out moderate easing measures". Beijing already slashed the reserve requirement ratio for banks in October, which freed up about $126 billion to boost lending to mostly small and medium enterprises. Li's remarks came a day after China's cabinet, unveiled measures to support private companies by further opening up major industries to non-state firms and putting in place mechanisms that would give them the same regulatory treatment. Also on Monday, Beijing said it would cut import tariffs on more than 850 products from January, including frozen pork, cheese, pharmaceuticals and parts for manufacturing smartphones. Analysts said the move was an indication of China's desire to show it is opening up after this month's mini-deal with the US to reduce some levies and work towards a wider pact.

China set to boost lending to small businesses to kick start economy

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