Russia's only aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov caught fire in the &nbsp;Arctic port in Murmansk injuring at least two soldiers, reports said.

The aircraft carrier which is the flagship of the Russian navy was involved in action during the Syria campaign in support of President Bashar al-Assad. It reportedly caught fire during maintenance work. TASS news agency said the blaze had started on the upper deck which was later brought under control.

A probe is due to be ordered on the fire. Reports said at least 400 people were on board when the fire started.

Admiral Kuznetsov was brought into service in 1995 and&nbsp;was deployed to the Mediterranean in 2016 and participated in Syri war in 2017.

The carrier famously hit the headlines after Britain's ex-defence minister Michael Fallon dubbed it the "ship of shame" for its role in the Syria conflict.

Admiral Kuznetsov has seen several mishaps. A Sukhoi jet had earlier crashed into the sea after it tried to land on the carrier. Last year, a crane had fallen into the ship's deck leading to the death of one worker even as repairs and upgrades costs have repeatedly hampered its performance.

Russia's only aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov caught fire in the Arctic port in Murmansk injuring at least two soldiers, reports said. The aircraft carrier which is the flagship of the Russian navy was involved in action during the Syria campaign in support of President Bashar al-Assad.

Russia's only aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov caught fire in the Arctic port in Murmansk injuring at least two soldiers, reports said. The aircraft carrier which is the flagship of the Russian navy was involved in action during the Syria campaign in support of President Bashar al-Assad. It reportedly caught fire during maintenance work. TASS news agency said the blaze had started on the upper deck which was later brought under control. A probe is due to be ordered on the fire. Reports said at least 400 people were on board when the fire started. Admiral Kuznetsov was brought into service in 1995 and was deployed to the Mediterranean in 2016 and participated in Syri war in 2017. The carrier famously hit the headlines after Britain's ex-defence minister Michael Fallon dubbed it the "ship of shame" for its role in the Syria conflict. Admiral Kuznetsov has seen several mishaps. A Sukhoi jet had earlier crashed into the sea after it tried to land on the carrier. Last year, a crane had fallen into the ship's deck leading to the death of one worker even as repairs and upgrades costs have repeatedly hampered its performance.

Russia's only aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov catches fire in port; 2 injured

President Donald Trump in a tweet said today that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-in-close-communication-with-us-on-trade-as-fresh-tariffs-loom-267827">US was "very close</a> to a big deal with China".

The US president's comments come as his administration gets ready to impose tariffs on almost $160 billion of Chinese imports such as video game consoles, computer monitors and toys on Sunday which could hit stock markets around the world.

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Getting VERY close to a BIG DEAL with China. They want it, and so do we!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1205134155853574145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Trump tweeted "Getting VERY close to a BIG DEAL with China. They want it, and so do we."

China's commerce ministry reiterated the US president's sentiments saying that it was "maintaining close communication" on economic and trade fronts but refused to say what kind of retaliatory steps it would take if the US imposes new tariffs.

US and China have been locked in a trade war for the past one year with the Trump administration maintaining its tariff grip over Chinese products entering the US, China, in turn, has hit back with retaliatory tariffs.

In August, China said it would impose 5 per cent and 10 per cent in additional tariffs on $75 billion of US goods in two batches.

Oil prices rose after President Donald Trump said Washington was "very close" to a deal.

Brent crude rose $1.06 cents to $64.78 a barrel by 1502 GMT. Oil prices had fallen IEA pointed to pressure on oil prices, predicting a sharp rise in global inventories despite an agreement by OPEC and its allies to deepen output cuts but Trump's tweet gave fresh impetus to the prices.

President Donald Trump in a tweet said today that the US was "very close to a big deal with China". The US president's comments come as his administration gets ready to impose tariffs on almost $160 billion of Chinese imports such as video game consoles, computer monitors and toys on Sunday which could hit stock markets around the world.

President Donald Trump in a tweet said today that the US was "very close to a big deal with China". The US president's comments come as his administration gets ready to impose tariffs on almost $160 billion of Chinese imports such as video game consoles, computer monitors and toys on Sunday which could hit stock markets around the world. Getting VERY close to a BIG DEAL with China. They want it, and so do we! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 12, 2019 × Trump tweeted "Getting VERY close to a BIG DEAL with China. They want it, and so do we." China's commerce ministry reiterated the US president's sentiments saying that it was "maintaining close communication" on economic and trade fronts but refused to say what kind of retaliatory steps it would take if the US imposes new tariffs. US and China have been locked in a trade war for the past one year with the Trump administration maintaining its tariff grip over Chinese products entering the US, China, in turn, has hit back with retaliatory tariffs. In August, China said it would impose 5 per cent and 10 per cent in additional tariffs on $75 billion of US goods in two batches. Oil prices rose after President Donald Trump said Washington was "very close" to a deal. Brent crude rose $1.06 cents to $64.78 a barrel by 1502 GMT. Oil prices had fallen IEA pointed to pressure on oil prices, predicting a sharp rise in global inventories despite an agreement by OPEC and its allies to deepen output cuts but Trump's tweet gave fresh impetus to the prices.

Very close to a big deal with China: Trump

There was a huge upset on Thursday morning in Australia as the Presidents Cup got underway between holders America and rest of the world team. The internationals made the pundits eat humble pie by taking a 4-1 lead.

Team USA captain Tiger Woods led his team out for the first match as he paired up with Justin Thomas to take on Marc Leishman and Joaquin Niemann. Only the second-ever playing captain in Presidents Cup history, Woods was in scintillating form as he sunk 6 birdies to give his team a 4 and 3 win but that turned out to be the only success for the Americans as the internationals upset the form book in the other matches.

Im Sung-Jae and Adam Hadwin were locked in a tight battle with Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay with 13 holes halved before a birdie from Hadwin on the 16th saw the pairing win.

Former world number-1 Adam Scott and South Korean An Byeong-hun&nbsp;of South Korea never trailed against Bryson de Shambo and Tony Finau and win 2 and 1.

There was another tight game between Japan's Hideki Matsuyama and Taiwan's CT Pan against Patrick Reed and Webb Simpson both major winners. The Americans never led this one either and Captain America Reed's late heroics could not prevent a 1-up win for Pan and Matsuyama.

Finally, rookie Abraham Ancer and South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen put on a front nine blitz to thrash the powerful pairing of US Open champion Gary Woodland and former world No-1 Dustin Johnson 4 and 3.

There was a huge upset on Thursday morning in Australia as the Presidents Cup got underway between holders America and rest of the world team. The internationals made the pundits eat humble pie by taking a 4-1 lead.

There was a huge upset on Thursday morning in Australia as the Presidents Cup got underway between holders America and rest of the world team. The internationals made the pundits eat humble pie by taking a 4-1 lead. Team USA captain Tiger Woods led his team out for the first match as he paired up with Justin Thomas to take on Marc Leishman and Joaquin Niemann. Only the second-ever playing captain in Presidents Cup history, Woods was in scintillating form as he sunk 6 birdies to give his team a 4 and 3 win but that turned out to be the only success for the Americans as the internationals upset the form book in the other matches. Im Sung-Jae and Adam Hadwin were locked in a tight battle with Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay with 13 holes halved before a birdie from Hadwin on the 16th saw the pairing win. Former world number-1 Adam Scott and South Korean An Byeong-hun of South Korea never trailed against Bryson de Shambo and Tony Finau and win 2 and 1. There was another tight game between Japan's Hideki Matsuyama and Taiwan's CT Pan against Patrick Reed and Webb Simpson both major winners. The Americans never led this one either and Captain America Reed's late heroics could not prevent a 1-up win for Pan and Matsuyama. Finally, rookie Abraham Ancer and South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen put on a front nine blitz to thrash the powerful pairing of US Open champion Gary Woodland and former world No-1 Dustin Johnson 4 and 3.

Presidents Cup: Internationals stun US to lead 4-1

Marnus Labuschagne's third hundred in three innings handed Australia the initiative on Day-1 of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-name-unchanged-squad-for-first-daynight-test-against-new-zealand-267739"> day and night Test</a> against trans-tasman rivals New Zealand in Perth on Thursday.

Tim Paine won the toss and opted to bat and David Warner and Joe Burns had a steady opening stand of 40 before burns fell for 9 to Colin de Grandhomme.

Labuschagne walked in to join Warner and the two carried on from their two massive century stands against Pakistan.

Warner fell just before lunch to a sensational return catch from Neil wagner for 43. Steve Smith was content to let Labuschagne take centerstage and he didn't disappoint with some breathtaking shots.

Smith was handed a reprieve in the slips when on 20 as Australia went into tea at 160 for 2.

Labuschagne danced down the track to deposit Mitchell Santner into the stands to bring up his century off 166 balls.

Smith fell just after to Wagner for 43, sucked into a short ball trap set by the Kiwis.

The second new ball then accounted for new man Matthew Wade as Tim Southee bowled an almost unplayable delivery but Labushagne and Travis Head were able to see-off the remaining overs and take the hosts to stumps well placed at 248 for 8.

Marnus Labuschagne's third hundred in three innings handed Australia the initiative on Day-1 of the day and night Test against trans-tasman rivals New Zealand in Perth on Thursday.

Marnus Labuschagne's third hundred in three innings handed Australia the initiative on Day-1 of the day and night Test against trans-tasman rivals New Zealand in Perth on Thursday. Tim Paine won the toss and opted to bat and David Warner and Joe Burns had a steady opening stand of 40 before burns fell for 9 to Colin de Grandhomme. Labuschagne walked in to join Warner and the two carried on from their two massive century stands against Pakistan. Warner fell just before lunch to a sensational return catch from Neil wagner for 43. Steve Smith was content to let Labuschagne take centerstage and he didn't disappoint with some breathtaking shots. Smith was handed a reprieve in the slips when on 20 as Australia went into tea at 160 for 2. Labuschagne danced down the track to deposit Mitchell Santner into the stands to bring up his century off 166 balls. Smith fell just after to Wagner for 43, sucked into a short ball trap set by the Kiwis. The second new ball then accounted for new man Matthew Wade as Tim Southee bowled an almost unplayable delivery but Labushagne and Travis Head were able to see-off the remaining overs and take the hosts to stumps well placed at 248 for 8.

Day/night Test: Labuschagne's ton rescues Australia on Day-1 against New Zealand

A combination of rain and bad light played spoilsport on the second day of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/first-test-pak-pacers-make-merry-as-lankan-batsmen-falter-on-day-1-267736">historic Rawalpindi Test</a> between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Thursday.

The visitors had battled their way to 202 for 5 on an already truncated day 1, however, only 16.2 more overs of play was possible today.

Dhananjaya de Silva reached his sixth Test fifty and added 20 runs to the team score with his overnight partner Niroshan Dickwella until the first rain interruption that washed out the entire second session.

Play resumed at 1:45pm local time and De Silva and Dickwella's partnership swelled to 67 runs but Shaheen Shah Afridi provided the breakthrough by having Dickwella caught at gully for 33.

De Silva though had taken his tally to 72 and was at the crease with Dilruwan Perera (85.3) when bad light forced the players off again at 2:30pm and play was abandoned for the day an hour later.

At the close Sri Lanka were 263-6 with Dhananjaya de Silva unbeaten on 72 and Dilruwan Perera not out on two.

The Rawalpindi Test is taking place in Pakistan for the first time after Lahore terror strike in 2009 which led to Pakistan's isolation as countries refused to tour, however, with the current Test interest has once again generated in the country, but fans were left frustrated as showers on the first day, then downpour on Thursday led to large-scale disruption disappointing those gathered to watch the day's play.

The second Test starts in Karachi from December 19.

A combination of rain and bad light played spoilsport on the second day of the historic Rawalpindi Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Thursday. The visitors had battled their way to 202 for 5 on an already truncated day 1, however, only 16.

A combination of rain and bad light played spoilsport on the second day of the historic Rawalpindi Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Thursday. The visitors had battled their way to 202 for 5 on an already truncated day 1, however, only 16.2 more overs of play was possible today. Dhananjaya de Silva reached his sixth Test fifty and added 20 runs to the team score with his overnight partner Niroshan Dickwella until the first rain interruption that washed out the entire second session. Play resumed at 1:45pm local time and De Silva and Dickwella's partnership swelled to 67 runs but Shaheen Shah Afridi provided the breakthrough by having Dickwella caught at gully for 33. De Silva though had taken his tally to 72 and was at the crease with Dilruwan Perera (85.3) when bad light forced the players off again at 2:30pm and play was abandoned for the day an hour later. At the close Sri Lanka were 263-6 with Dhananjaya de Silva unbeaten on 72 and Dilruwan Perera not out on two. The Rawalpindi Test is taking place in Pakistan for the first time after Lahore terror strike in 2009 which led to Pakistan's isolation as countries refused to tour, however, with the current Test interest has once again generated in the country, but fans were left frustrated as showers on the first day, then downpour on Thursday led to large-scale disruption disappointing those gathered to watch the day's play. The second Test starts in Karachi from December 19.

Rawalpindi Test: Rain, bad light plays spoilsport as Sri Lanka defy Pakistan on day-2

India's aviation minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-be-difficult-for-air-india-to-function-if-it-is-not-privatised-aviation-minister-264860">Hardeep Singh Puri</a> today said that the government has decided to sell its entire 100 per cent stake in Air India under the proposed disinvestment process.

In a written reply in Lok Sabha, India's aviation minister said that an Air India specific alternative mechanism has been reconstituted after the formation of the new government.&nbsp;

Puri added that following this the strategic disinvestment of Air India has been approved. The national carrier, which has a debt burden of more than Rs 50,000 crore, has been making losses for long and as part of revival efforts, the government has decided on disinvestment. &nbsp;

The Parliament on August 3 had passed the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2019, which increases the threshold of annual passenger traffic for major airports to over 35 lakh with Civil Aviation stating that the government was committed to privatisation of Air India as its debt has become totally unsustainable.

Air India's net loss in 2018-19 is provisionally estimated to be Rs 8,556.35 crore.&nbsp;

The minister said various measures, including enabling the swift transition of Jet Airways aircraft to other airlines, have been taken to improve the aviation sector.&nbsp;

The full service carrier Jet Airways shuttered operations in April due to cash crunch. Minister Puri last month had said that the first meeting of the group of ministers (GOM) has met and takeN some decisions about Air India.&nbsp;

Puri had reiterated the same point earlier as well. The aviation minister had said that the government was looking a "fair deal" for the national carrier with several trained professionals needed which included engineers.

India's aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri today said that the government has decided to sell its entire 100 per cent stake in Air India under the proposed disinvestment process.

India's aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri today said that the government has decided to sell its entire 100 per cent stake in Air India under the proposed disinvestment process. In a written reply in Lok Sabha, India's aviation minister said that an Air India specific alternative mechanism has been reconstituted after the formation of the new government. Puri added that following this the strategic disinvestment of Air India has been approved. The national carrier, which has a debt burden of more than Rs 50,000 crore, has been making losses for long and as part of revival efforts, the government has decided on disinvestment. The Parliament on August 3 had passed the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2019, which increases the threshold of annual passenger traffic for major airports to over 35 lakh with Civil Aviation stating that the government was committed to privatisation of Air India as its debt has become totally unsustainable. Air India's net loss in 2018-19 is provisionally estimated to be Rs 8,556.35 crore. The minister said various measures, including enabling the swift transition of Jet Airways aircraft to other airlines, have been taken to improve the aviation sector. The full service carrier Jet Airways shuttered operations in April due to cash crunch. Minister Puri last month had said that the first meeting of the group of ministers (GOM) has met and takeN some decisions about Air India. Puri had reiterated the same point earlier as well. The aviation minister had said that the government was looking a "fair deal" for the national carrier with several trained professionals needed which included engineers.

Government to sell 100% stake in Air India: Aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri in Lok Sabha

After a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/saudi-aramco-shares-surge-maximum-10-on-market-debut-267696">10 per cent surge</a> on Wednesday, Aramco shares rose 9.7 per cent to $10.3 (38.60 riyals) on Thursday morning in the second day of trading ensuring the oil giant's valuation to shoot over $2 trillion.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had earlier sought a $2 trillion valuation before the IPO but had to settle for a lesser figure. Prince Salman earlier had planned to raise $100 billion in a blockbuster IPO but the figure fell well short as the oil giant opened for trading.

However, Aramco's capitalisation went up over $2 trillion on Thursday from a $1.7 trillion valuation set during its IPO.

Reports said at least 400 million Aramco shares worth over $4 billion changed hands in a hectic day of trading on Thursday morning. The shares were trading at 37.10 riyals at 1026 GMT, a rise of 5.5 per cent from Wednesday's close.

On Wednesday, Aramco shares surged ten per cent over the IPO price&nbsp;during its debut in the Riyadh stock market. The shares of the oil giant went up $9.39(35.2 riyals) up from the initial public offering (IPO) price of 32 riyals crossing the daily limit under the Tadawul exchange.

The rally on Wednesday saw Aramco's valuation jump&nbsp;to $1.88 trillion, which was surpassed on Thursday at the Saudi stock exchange. The state-owned Saudi oil giant had&nbsp;received subscription orders for around 5.9 billion shares so far from institutions in the first 17 days of the IPO.&nbsp;

Armco had pledged to sell 1.5 per cent of the company in the IPO, setting the price range at 30-32 Saudi riyals per share ($8-8.5).

Aramco had said it will sell a part of its shares to institutional investors, including foreign companies, as well as to individual Saudis and other Gulf nationals.

The company said it has decided to sell up to 0.5 per cent of its shares to individual investors while it will decide on the percentage for larger investors later.

After a 10 per cent surge on Wednesday, Aramco shares rose 9.7 per cent to $10.3 (38.60 riyals) on Thursday morning in the second day of trading ensuring the oil giant's valuation to shoot over $2 trillion.

After a 10 per cent surge on Wednesday, Aramco shares rose 9.7 per cent to $10.3 (38.60 riyals) on Thursday morning in the second day of trading ensuring the oil giant's valuation to shoot over $2 trillion. Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had earlier sought a $2 trillion valuation before the IPO but had to settle for a lesser figure. Prince Salman earlier had planned to raise $100 billion in a blockbuster IPO but the figure fell well short as the oil giant opened for trading. However, Aramco's capitalisation went up over $2 trillion on Thursday from a $1.7 trillion valuation set during its IPO. Reports said at least 400 million Aramco shares worth over $4 billion changed hands in a hectic day of trading on Thursday morning. The shares were trading at 37.10 riyals at 1026 GMT, a rise of 5.5 per cent from Wednesday's close. On Wednesday, Aramco shares surged ten per cent over the IPO price during its debut in the Riyadh stock market. The shares of the oil giant went up $9.39(35.2 riyals) up from the initial public offering (IPO) price of 32 riyals crossing the daily limit under the Tadawul exchange. The rally on Wednesday saw Aramco's valuation jump to $1.88 trillion, which was surpassed on Thursday at the Saudi stock exchange. The state-owned Saudi oil giant had received subscription orders for around 5.9 billion shares so far from institutions in the first 17 days of the IPO. Armco had pledged to sell 1.5 per cent of the company in the IPO, setting the price range at 30-32 Saudi riyals per share ($8-8.5). Aramco had said it will sell a part of its shares to institutional investors, including foreign companies, as well as to individual Saudis and other Gulf nationals. The company said it has decided to sell up to 0.5 per cent of its shares to individual investors while it will decide on the percentage for larger investors later.

Aramco shares surge for second day, oil giant's valuation shoots over $2 trillion

Thousands gathered at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fears-grow-about-sydney-after-australia-fires-merge-into-giant-blaze-266607">Sydney's town hall</a> on Wednesday to protest against problems caused by fires and haze in Australia's biggest city.

Protesters wearing face masks demanded action from the government even as the government tried to defend its policies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sydney-smoke-crisis-longest-on-record-266355">Australia's fires</a> have killed at least four people since November, burnt about 2.5 million acres (1 million hectares) of farmland and bush and destroyed more than 400 homes.

Several hundred bushfires has been out of control since September in the country with Sydney blanketed in thick smoke for the past several weeks.

the New South Wales Department of environment declaring bushfires and dust had caused "some of the highest air pollution ever seen" in Australia. The hazardous smoke led authorities to tell residents in Sydney to stay home amid rising public anger over the state of pollution.

Last month, toxic smoke combined with strong winds has led to burning across New South Wales and Queensland states for several days as people in Sydney choked under heavy pollution.

In November, at least 110 fire raged across South Wales and neighbouring Queensland ravaging large areas uprooting people with homes burned down.

An estimated 15,000 climate activists took to the streets in Sydney to voice their anger at the government's reported inability to address the issue.

A similar protest march was organized last month as activists demanded stronger action to rein in climate change, days before the United Nations Climate Conference (COP25) in Madrid.

Australia has pledged to cut carbon emissions by 26% from 2005 levels by 2030, but recent data shows emissions are unchanged

Thousands gathered at Sydney's town hall on Wednesday to protest against problems caused by fires and haze in Australia's biggest city. Protesters wearing face masks demanded action from the government even as the government tried to defend its policies.

Thousands gathered at Sydney's town hall on Wednesday to protest against problems caused by fires and haze in Australia's biggest city. Protesters wearing face masks demanded action from the government even as the government tried to defend its policies. Australia's fires have killed at least four people since November, burnt about 2.5 million acres (1 million hectares) of farmland and bush and destroyed more than 400 homes. Several hundred bushfires has been out of control since September in the country with Sydney blanketed in thick smoke for the past several weeks. the New South Wales Department of environment declaring bushfires and dust had caused "some of the highest air pollution ever seen" in Australia. The hazardous smoke led authorities to tell residents in Sydney to stay home amid rising public anger over the state of pollution. Last month, toxic smoke combined with strong winds has led to burning across New South Wales and Queensland states for several days as people in Sydney choked under heavy pollution. In November, at least 110 fire raged across South Wales and neighbouring Queensland ravaging large areas uprooting people with homes burned down. An estimated 15,000 climate activists took to the streets in Sydney to voice their anger at the government's reported inability to address the issue. A similar protest march was organized last month as activists demanded stronger action to rein in climate change, days before the United Nations Climate Conference (COP25) in Madrid. Australia has pledged to cut carbon emissions by 26% from 2005 levels by 2030, but recent data shows emissions are unchanged

Protesters gather in Sydney to attack govt policy on climate change

Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed all <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayodhya-verdict-up-shia-central-waqf-board-chairman-raises-objection-against-allotment-of-5-acre-land-to-sunnis-267473">Ayodhya review petitions </a>upholding the November 9 judgement.

The five-judge constitution bench reached a unanimous verdict declaring that the petitions didn't have any merit.

The apex court rejected all 18 review petitions.

In a unanimous verdict, the Supreme Court last month had cleared the way for the construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya and directed the Centre to allot a separate five-acre plot to the Sunni Waqf Board to build a mosque.

The five-judge Supreme Court bench led by ex-CJI Ranjan Gogoi had said the entire disputed land spread over 2.7 acres will be handed over to a trust formed by the government, which will monitor the construction of a Ram temple at the site.

On December 2, &nbsp;Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind had filed a petition seeking review of the Supreme Court's verdict on Ayodhya title dispute case, among several other parties. 
&nbsp;

Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed all Ayodhya review petitions upholding the November 9 judgement. The five-judge constitution bench reached a unanimous verdict declaring that the petitions didn't have any merit.

Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed all Ayodhya review petitions upholding the November 9 judgement. The five-judge constitution bench reached a unanimous verdict declaring that the petitions didn't have any merit. The apex court rejected all 18 review petitions. In a unanimous verdict, the Supreme Court last month had cleared the way for the construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya and directed the Centre to allot a separate five-acre plot to the Sunni Waqf Board to build a mosque. The five-judge Supreme Court bench led by ex-CJI Ranjan Gogoi had said the entire disputed land spread over 2.7 acres will be handed over to a trust formed by the government, which will monitor the construction of a Ram temple at the site. On December 2, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind had filed a petition seeking review of the Supreme Court's verdict on Ayodhya title dispute case, among several other parties.

Supreme Court dismisses all review petitions in Ayodhya case

Rescue work in volcano-hit &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spitting-volcano-keeps-search-parties-off-new-zealand-island-death-toll-rises-to-six-267428">White Island is New Zealand</a> continued to be hampered over fears of more eruptions and increased tremors.

Six people were killed in Monday's explosion at White Island. The police have however listed at least nine people missing after the volcano erupted on Monday. Authorities said at least 22 survivors were being treated.

The victims included day-trippers on cruise ships who were on the island when the volcano erupted. Australia said at least 11 citizens were unaccounted with PM Morrison announcing dispatch of military aircraft and medical crews to assist in rescue mission.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said his government had "activated a repatriation plan to bring a number of Australians injured in the White Island volcano tragedy from New Zealand to Australia for specialist medical care."

The island attracts several thousand visitors each year as part of adventure travel. At least 10 people were injured after the blast threw steam, ash and rocks into the air which hit victims at high speed. Poisonous gases still continue to billow from the volcano restricting access for rescuers.

However, forecasters predict weather to deteriorate on Thursday even as pressure builds on authorities to start the rescue operation.

New Zealand police identified Seven of the nine people who were named missing.

Seismologists have predicted there is a 40-60 per cent chance of another eruption on the island.

Reports said at least 47 travellers were on the island when the volcano exploded.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, New Zealand police said on Tuesday they were launching a criminal investigation after a volcanic island erupted as Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said reconnaissance flights showed no signs of life on White Island. 
&nbsp;

Rescue work in volcano-hit White Island is New Zealand continued to be hampered over fears of more eruptions and increased tremors. Six people were killed in Monday's explosion at White Island.

Rescue work in volcano-hit White Island is New Zealand continued to be hampered over fears of more eruptions and increased tremors. Six people were killed in Monday's explosion at White Island. The police have however listed at least nine people missing after the volcano erupted on Monday. Authorities said at least 22 survivors were being treated. The victims included day-trippers on cruise ships who were on the island when the volcano erupted. Australia said at least 11 citizens were unaccounted with PM Morrison announcing dispatch of military aircraft and medical crews to assist in rescue mission. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said his government had "activated a repatriation plan to bring a number of Australians injured in the White Island volcano tragedy from New Zealand to Australia for specialist medical care." The island attracts several thousand visitors each year as part of adventure travel. At least 10 people were injured after the blast threw steam, ash and rocks into the air which hit victims at high speed. Poisonous gases still continue to billow from the volcano restricting access for rescuers. However, forecasters predict weather to deteriorate on Thursday even as pressure builds on authorities to start the rescue operation. New Zealand police identified Seven of the nine people who were named missing. Seismologists have predicted there is a 40-60 per cent chance of another eruption on the island. Reports said at least 47 travellers were on the island when the volcano exploded. Meanwhile, New Zealand police said on Tuesday they were launching a criminal investigation after a volcanic island erupted as Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said reconnaissance flights showed no signs of life on White Island.

Rescue operation hampered in volcano-hit New Zealand island

The British pound bounced back Wednesday ahead of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ultra-rich-attract-interest-in-britains-general-election-campaign-267556">UK general election</a>, even as a fresh poll predicted Prime Minister Boris Johnson's ruling Conservatives would win a much smaller majority than previously forecast.

Sterling initially fell sharply before recouping losses to show a gain of 0.2 per cent against the dollar in afternoon exchanges.

Pre-election jitters continued to weigh, however, on the British capital's FTSE 100 index of blue-chip companies, which was down 0.2 per cent as caution prevailed.

A key poll released late Tuesday showed Johnson's lead over veteran socialist Jeremy Corbyn's Labour party ebbing away.

"The highly-regarded poll shows that the Conservative advantage has slipped. This is the poll that correctly predicted a hung parliament in 2017 -- and indicates that the scenario could repeat itself," said analyst Fiona Cincotta at trading firm City Index.

The YouGov opinion poll said the Tories would win Thursday's vote, with a majority of 28 seats, sharply down from the 68 forecast in a similar study at the end of November.

Sterling has surged in recent weeks -- sitting at an eight-month high against the greenback and a two-and-a-half-year peak against the euro -- on expectations Johnson would win a big enough majority to push through his Brexit deal.

However, the narrowing polls point to the possibility of another hung parliament -- which would lead to more uncertainty in Westminster and drag out the Britain-EU saga even longer.

"There's a bit of a waiting mode at the moment," Oanda analyst Craig Erlam told AFP.

"There's probably too much optimism in the market right now, a bit of complacency even."

As trading got underway in New York, the Dow Jones index showed a loss of 0.1 per cent.

- Asia mostly climbs - 
Elsewhere, Asian markets mostly rose Wednesday but investors are growing nervous at the lack of news on China-US trade talks, with Washington yet to cancel tariffs on a swathe of Chinese goods planned for the weekend.

Negotiators are still trying to hammer out a mini agreement and the mood on trading floors remains upbeat, while most observers are confident the two sides will reach a deal, which has fed a global equities rally for weeks.

However, a fresh round of levies on $160 billion of Chinese exports to the US is due to be imposed on December 15, and there has been no word from the White House on a possible delay to that date.

The removal of tariffs is a key demand of Beijing in the talks.

And on Tuesday Donald Trump's top economics adviser Larry Kudlow warned that the measures remained in play for now.

The Federal Reserve's policy decision later Wednesday is in focus too, with the central bank's plans for monetary policy next year being watched closely.

Analysts nonetheless widely expect the central bank to hold off making any moves on interest rates as it assesses the state of the US economy.

In company news, shares in Saudi Aramco soared 10 percent on their trading debut on the Saudi stock exchange, boosting the energy titan's valuation to $1.88 trillion.

The British pound bounced back Wednesday ahead of a UK general election, even as a fresh poll predicted Prime Minister Boris Johnson's ruling Conservatives would win a much smaller majority than previously forecast.

The British pound bounced back Wednesday ahead of a UK general election, even as a fresh poll predicted Prime Minister Boris Johnson's ruling Conservatives would win a much smaller majority than previously forecast. Sterling initially fell sharply before recouping losses to show a gain of 0.2 per cent against the dollar in afternoon exchanges. Pre-election jitters continued to weigh, however, on the British capital's FTSE 100 index of blue-chip companies, which was down 0.2 per cent as caution prevailed. A key poll released late Tuesday showed Johnson's lead over veteran socialist Jeremy Corbyn's Labour party ebbing away. "The highly-regarded poll shows that the Conservative advantage has slipped. This is the poll that correctly predicted a hung parliament in 2017 -- and indicates that the scenario could repeat itself," said analyst Fiona Cincotta at trading firm City Index. The YouGov opinion poll said the Tories would win Thursday's vote, with a majority of 28 seats, sharply down from the 68 forecast in a similar study at the end of November. Sterling has surged in recent weeks -- sitting at an eight-month high against the greenback and a two-and-a-half-year peak against the euro -- on expectations Johnson would win a big enough majority to push through his Brexit deal. However, the narrowing polls point to the possibility of another hung parliament -- which would lead to more uncertainty in Westminster and drag out the Britain-EU saga even longer. "There's a bit of a waiting mode at the moment," Oanda analyst Craig Erlam told AFP. "There's probably too much optimism in the market right now, a bit of complacency even." As trading got underway in New York, the Dow Jones index showed a loss of 0.1 per cent. - Asia mostly climbs - Elsewhere, Asian markets mostly rose Wednesday but investors are growing nervous at the lack of news on China-US trade talks, with Washington yet to cancel tariffs on a swathe of Chinese goods planned for the weekend. Negotiators are still trying to hammer out a mini agreement and the mood on trading floors remains upbeat, while most observers are confident the two sides will reach a deal, which has fed a global equities rally for weeks. However, a fresh round of levies on $160 billion of Chinese exports to the US is due to be imposed on December 15, and there has been no word from the White House on a possible delay to that date. The removal of tariffs is a key demand of Beijing in the talks. And on Tuesday Donald Trump's top economics adviser Larry Kudlow warned that the measures remained in play for now. The Federal Reserve's policy decision later Wednesday is in focus too, with the central bank's plans for monetary policy next year being watched closely. Analysts nonetheless widely expect the central bank to hold off making any moves on interest rates as it assesses the state of the US economy. In company news, shares in Saudi Aramco soared 10 percent on their trading debut on the Saudi stock exchange, boosting the energy titan's valuation to $1.88 trillion.

Sterling rebounds on eve of UK election

India's upper house the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cab-to-function-like-a-one-time-drive-says-top-rss-functionary-267715"> Citizenship (Amendment) Bill</a> with 125 members favouring it and 105 voting against it.

In a dramatic turn of events, NDA's former ally Shiv Sena boycotted the voting process.

"My party and I felt that when answers are not given properly then it is not right to either support or oppose the bill," Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said.

"We didn't say that the refugees shouldn't be granted citizenship, they should be given. But we said that if it's a conspiracy for vote bank politics &amp; allegations are being levelled against you then they should not be granted voting rights for 25 years," he added.

Earlier, the Rajya Sabha voted against sending the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill to a select committee of parliament for review.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A landmark day for India and our nation’s ethos of compassion and brotherhood! 
 
Glad that the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CAB2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CAB2019</a> has been passed in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RajyaSabha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RajyaSabha</a>. Gratitude to all the MPs who voted in favour of the Bill. 
 
This Bill will alleviate the suffering of many who faced persecution for years.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1204788395613966336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Ninty-nine members voted for sending the bill to the select committee, while 124 opted against it during the voting after the motion was moved by CPM MP, KK Ragesh.

Replying on the bill, Home minister Amit Shah said the bill is not going to hurt anyone's sentiments or make people of any community upset.

"The people who are worried that minorities of this country will be subjected to injustice, it will not happen," India's home minister asserted.

"Abrogation of Article 370, Triple Talaq Bill is not anti-Muslim. Do women not have rights? Kashmir is peaceful even after the abrogation of 370. Likewise, I don't believe the bill is anti-Muslim," he added.

Taking a dig at the Shiv Sena, Amit Shah said: "Shiv Sena supported the Bill yesterday. They should tell the people of Maharashtra as to what happened within the span of a night that they changed their stand today."

"It was asked that why were Rohingyas not included in the bill? Rohingyas don't come to India directly, they go to Bangladesh and then infiltrate into India from there," Amit Shah informed the House.

"This bill does not hurt the Article 14 of the Constitution," he said, adding, "this bill will not harm the minority communities including Muslims."

"There is no appreciation of the fact people from 6 religions have been included. But, the focus is only on why Muslims are not included."

India's upper house the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill with 125 members favouring it and 105 voting against it. In a dramatic turn of events, NDA's former ally Shiv Sena boycotted the voting process.

India's upper house the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill with 125 members favouring it and 105 voting against it. In a dramatic turn of events, NDA's former ally Shiv Sena boycotted the voting process. "My party and I felt that when answers are not given properly then it is not right to either support or oppose the bill," Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said. "We didn't say that the refugees shouldn't be granted citizenship, they should be given. But we said that if it's a conspiracy for vote bank politics & allegations are being levelled against you then they should not be granted voting rights for 25 years," he added. Earlier, the Rajya Sabha voted against sending the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill to a select committee of parliament for review. A landmark day for India and our nation’s ethos of compassion and brotherhood! Glad that the #CAB2019 has been passed in the #RajyaSabha. Gratitude to all the MPs who voted in favour of the Bill. This Bill will alleviate the suffering of many who faced persecution for years. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 11, 2019 × Ninty-nine members voted for sending the bill to the select committee, while 124 opted against it during the voting after the motion was moved by CPM MP, KK Ragesh. Replying on the bill, Home minister Amit Shah said the bill is not going to hurt anyone's sentiments or make people of any community upset. "The people who are worried that minorities of this country will be subjected to injustice, it will not happen," India's home minister asserted. "Abrogation of Article 370, Triple Talaq Bill is not anti-Muslim. Do women not have rights? Kashmir is peaceful even after the abrogation of 370. Likewise, I don't believe the bill is anti-Muslim," he added. Taking a dig at the Shiv Sena, Amit Shah said: "Shiv Sena supported the Bill yesterday. They should tell the people of Maharashtra as to what happened within the span of a night that they changed their stand today." "It was asked that why were Rohingyas not included in the bill? Rohingyas don't come to India directly, they go to Bangladesh and then infiltrate into India from there," Amit Shah informed the House. "This bill does not hurt the Article 14 of the Constitution," he said, adding, "this bill will not harm the minority communities including Muslims." "There is no appreciation of the fact people from 6 religions have been included. But, the focus is only on why Muslims are not included."

Rajya Sabha passes Citizenship (Amendment) Bill

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