India's Test opener Mayank Agarwal is likely to make his debut in One-Day international after being named a replacement for Shikhar Dhawan for the three-match ODI series against the West Indies.

Shikhar Dhawan was ruled out after he suffered &nbsp;"deep cut" to his left knee.

"The BCCI medical team feels that while Dhawan's stitches are off and his wound is healing gradually, he still needs some more time before he regains full match fitness," India's cricket body said.

Dhawan's stitches have come off but the BCCI medical team has ruled that more time is needed for the wound to completely heal.

Agarwal had incidentally replaced Dhawan in India's world cup squad earlier this year but did not get to play a game, with KL Rahul fielded as the first-choice backup.

Agarwal has had a fantastic initiation into international cricket with 872 runs in 9 Tests since making his debut in Australia last year.

India's&nbsp;all-rounder Hardik Pandya meanwhile is targeting a return to international cricket during the tour of New Zealand in February.

Pandya underwent back surgery in September to fix a long-standing problem with the medical team deciding on the timeline to ensure he was in peak condition for the T-20 World Cup next year in Australia.

India's Test opener Mayank Agarwal is likely to make his debut in One-Day international after being named a replacement for Shikhar Dhawan for the three-match ODI series against the West Indies.

India's Test opener Mayank Agarwal is likely to make his debut in One-Day international after being named a replacement for Shikhar Dhawan for the three-match ODI series against the West Indies. Shikhar Dhawan was ruled out after he suffered "deep cut" to his left knee. "The BCCI medical team feels that while Dhawan's stitches are off and his wound is healing gradually, he still needs some more time before he regains full match fitness," India's cricket body said. Dhawan's stitches have come off but the BCCI medical team has ruled that more time is needed for the wound to completely heal. Agarwal had incidentally replaced Dhawan in India's world cup squad earlier this year but did not get to play a game, with KL Rahul fielded as the first-choice backup. Agarwal has had a fantastic initiation into international cricket with 872 runs in 9 Tests since making his debut in Australia last year. India's all-rounder Hardik Pandya meanwhile is targeting a return to international cricket during the tour of New Zealand in February. Pandya underwent back surgery in September to fix a long-standing problem with the medical team deciding on the timeline to ensure he was in peak condition for the T-20 World Cup next year in Australia.

Mayank Agarwal set to make ODI debut as Hardik Pandya eyes comeback against New Zealand

Australia named an unchanged squad in the first Test against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-draw-second-test-with-england-win-series-265850">New Zealand</a> in the day/night encounter to take place at Perth.

The Kiwis have had just three days to acclimatise to the hot conditions at Perth as they begin their quest for a first Test series win in Australia since 1985-86.

They come into the series as the number two ranked side in Test cricket and fresh off a series win against England.

Australia, on the other hand, has been rampant in Test cricket since losing to India last year. They regained the Ashes in the summer and followed it up with a brutal 2-0 thrashing of Pakistan last month.

"We've been playing some really good cricket, happy with the way it's going so we're trying to get a consistent team together," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tim-paine-takes-a-dig-at-virat-kohli-who-are-slated-to-play-test-series-next-year-264214">skipper Paine said</a>.

"And as I touched on after Adelaide (second Test against Pakistan), the great thing is we've got guys that are performing really well."

"That's what we wanted so we're going to go with the same team," the Australian captain said.

History is on the side of Paine's team as Australia have never lost at the new Perth stadium and have won all six day-night Tests they have played since 2015.

"We're a professional team. Our preparation and recovery is a little bit more important," Paine said.

Australia named an unchanged squad in the first Test against New Zealand in the day/night encounter to take place at Perth. The Kiwis have had just three days to acclimatise to the hot conditions at Perth as they begin their quest for a first Test series win in Australia since 1985-86.

Australia named an unchanged squad in the first Test against New Zealand in the day/night encounter to take place at Perth. The Kiwis have had just three days to acclimatise to the hot conditions at Perth as they begin their quest for a first Test series win in Australia since 1985-86. They come into the series as the number two ranked side in Test cricket and fresh off a series win against England. Australia, on the other hand, has been rampant in Test cricket since losing to India last year. They regained the Ashes in the summer and followed it up with a brutal 2-0 thrashing of Pakistan last month. "We've been playing some really good cricket, happy with the way it's going so we're trying to get a consistent team together," skipper Paine said. "And as I touched on after Adelaide (second Test against Pakistan), the great thing is we've got guys that are performing really well." "That's what we wanted so we're going to go with the same team," the Australian captain said. History is on the side of Paine's team as Australia have never lost at the new Perth stadium and have won all six day-night Tests they have played since 2015. "We're a professional team. Our preparation and recovery is a little bit more important," Paine said.

Australia name unchanged squad for first day/night Test against New Zealand

Heavy security presence and overnight showers greeted the teams at the Rawalpindi stadium for the first Test match in Pakistan since the Lahore attacks of 2009.

Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first despite the overcast conditions in a sparsely attended match with just 8,000 fans in the stadium. The islanders did brilliantly to blunt Pakistan's all-pace attack in the first session.

Lankan captain Dimuth Karunaratne and Oshada Fernando both survived close lbw shouts but were largely untroubled as they took their team to 89 for no loss at lunch.

However, all the hard work was undone in a nightmare second session as Shaheen Shah Afridi had Karunaratne lbw and 16-year-old pacer Naseem Shah then got Fernando to knick one to slip.

Debutant Usman Shinwari then dismissed Kusal Mendis for just 10 runs and Dinesh Chandimal followed soon after as Sri Lanka slid to 127 for 4.

Angelo Mathews and Dhanajaya de Silva then shared a dogged 62-run stand to begin the recovery but the youngster Naseem Shah struck again to remove Mathews for 31.

Dhananjaya De Silva and Niroshan Dickwella were at the crease when bad light forced an early end to the day's play with the visitors on 202-5.

Naseem said after the day's play that he was "happy to play the lead role".

"I enjoyed a lot and the whole crowd was supporting me," he said.&nbsp;

"Whenever I bowled a good delivery, they supported me. I was very excited that I was playing before the home crowd and got two wickets."

The second Test starts in Karachi from December 19.

Heavy security presence and overnight showers greeted the teams at the Rawalpindi stadium for the first Test match in Pakistan since the Lahore attacks of 2009. Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first despite the overcast conditions in a sparsely attended match with just 8,000 fans in the stadium.

Heavy security presence and overnight showers greeted the teams at the Rawalpindi stadium for the first Test match in Pakistan since the Lahore attacks of 2009. Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first despite the overcast conditions in a sparsely attended match with just 8,000 fans in the stadium. The islanders did brilliantly to blunt Pakistan's all-pace attack in the first session. Lankan captain Dimuth Karunaratne and Oshada Fernando both survived close lbw shouts but were largely untroubled as they took their team to 89 for no loss at lunch. However, all the hard work was undone in a nightmare second session as Shaheen Shah Afridi had Karunaratne lbw and 16-year-old pacer Naseem Shah then got Fernando to knick one to slip. Debutant Usman Shinwari then dismissed Kusal Mendis for just 10 runs and Dinesh Chandimal followed soon after as Sri Lanka slid to 127 for 4. Angelo Mathews and Dhanajaya de Silva then shared a dogged 62-run stand to begin the recovery but the youngster Naseem Shah struck again to remove Mathews for 31. Dhananjaya De Silva and Niroshan Dickwella were at the crease when bad light forced an early end to the day's play with the visitors on 202-5. Naseem said after the day's play that he was "happy to play the lead role". "I enjoyed a lot and the whole crowd was supporting me," he said. "Whenever I bowled a good delivery, they supported me. I was very excited that I was playing before the home crowd and got two wickets." The second Test starts in Karachi from December 19.

First Test: Pak pacers make merry as Lankan batsmen falter on Day-1

US Justice Department said today that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/hsbc-announces-new-heads-of-investment-banking-division-267192">Switzerland's HSBC</a> had "conspired with US account holders to conceal assets abroad and evade taxes" and had agreed to pay $192.4 million in unpaid taxes, improper fees and fines.

"HSBC Switzerland conspired with US account holders to conceal assets abroad and evade taxes that every American must pay," Stuart Goldberg, acting chief of the department's tax division, said in a statement.&nbsp;

The bank essentially helped wealthy Americans evade taxes, the US Justice Department investigation revealed.

"Banks, asset managers and other financial firms enable such crimes -- and we will hold these institutions to account, right along with the taxpayers that use them to facilitate and disguise illegal activities," Goldberg added. 
&nbsp; 
"Some HSBC Switzerland bankers assisted clients in closing their accounts in a manner that continued to conceal their offshore assets," US prosecutors said in a statement.

According to the Justice Department, In 2002, HSBC had over 720 undeclared US client relationships with a total value of more than $800 million which reached $1.3 billion over the next five years.

The bank will now have to demonstrate "good conduct" under the settlement deal with the US government, however, the Justice Department said in a statement that it does not mean individuals will not be prosecuted separately.

After the US decision, Chief Executive Alex Classen said: "Today the Swiss subsidiary operates under new management, we have strengthened our compliance function, enhanced our control framework and put in place a comprehensive client tax transparency policy."

US Justice Department said today that Switzerland's HSBC had "conspired with US account holders to conceal assets abroad and evade taxes" and had agreed to pay $192.

US Justice Department said today that Switzerland's HSBC had "conspired with US account holders to conceal assets abroad and evade taxes" and had agreed to pay $192.4 million in unpaid taxes, improper fees and fines. "HSBC Switzerland conspired with US account holders to conceal assets abroad and evade taxes that every American must pay," Stuart Goldberg, acting chief of the department's tax division, said in a statement. The bank essentially helped wealthy Americans evade taxes, the US Justice Department investigation revealed. "Banks, asset managers and other financial firms enable such crimes -- and we will hold these institutions to account, right along with the taxpayers that use them to facilitate and disguise illegal activities," Goldberg added. "Some HSBC Switzerland bankers assisted clients in closing their accounts in a manner that continued to conceal their offshore assets," US prosecutors said in a statement. According to the Justice Department, In 2002, HSBC had over 720 undeclared US client relationships with a total value of more than $800 million which reached $1.3 billion over the next five years. The bank will now have to demonstrate "good conduct" under the settlement deal with the US government, however, the Justice Department said in a statement that it does not mean individuals will not be prosecuted separately. After the US decision, Chief Executive Alex Classen said: "Today the Swiss subsidiary operates under new management, we have strengthened our compliance function, enhanced our control framework and put in place a comprehensive client tax transparency policy."

US government fines HSBC $192.4 million in tax evasion case

Saudi Arabia's Armco shares surged ten per cent over the IPO price on Wednesday during in 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

Aramco&nbsp;raised a record $25.6 billion in its IPO last week which is Crown Prince Salman's attempt to boost funds in order to help the economy step away from oil. Prince Salman hopes to fund his "Vision 2030" to take the Saudi economy into a new era.

The astronomical rally saw the oil giants valuation soar to $1.88 trillion. The Kingdom had earlier hoped for a $2 trillion but settled below it.&nbsp;

The state-owned Saudi oil giant has received subscription orders for around 5.9 billion shares so far from institutions in the first 17 days of the IPO. The biggest IPO in Saudi Arabia, before Aramco, was for the National Commercial Bank (NCB) in 2013, which sought to raise $6 billion.

According to reports, the Armco IPO was oversubscribed three times receiving orders worth $50.4 billion.

Aramco had said that it would sell 1.5 per cent of the company in an IPO worth at least $24 billion which values it up to $1.71 trillion. Wednesday's surge saw its valuation break the record set by the company earlier.

In a 658-page prospectus, 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.

"The targeted percentage of Offer Shares allocable to individual investors will be up to 0.5 per cent of the shares," the prospectus said.

Saudi Arabia's Armco shares surged ten per cent over the IPO price on Wednesday during in its debut in the Riyadh stock market. The shares of the oil giant went up $9.

Saudi Arabia's Armco shares surged ten per cent over the IPO price on Wednesday during in 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 Aramco raised a record $25.6 billion in its IPO last week which is Crown Prince Salman's attempt to boost funds in order to help the economy step away from oil. Prince Salman hopes to fund his "Vision 2030" to take the Saudi economy into a new era. The astronomical rally saw the oil giants valuation soar to $1.88 trillion. The Kingdom had earlier hoped for a $2 trillion but settled below it. The state-owned Saudi oil giant has received subscription orders for around 5.9 billion shares so far from institutions in the first 17 days of the IPO. The biggest IPO in Saudi Arabia, before Aramco, was for the National Commercial Bank (NCB) in 2013, which sought to raise $6 billion. According to reports, the Armco IPO was oversubscribed three times receiving orders worth $50.4 billion. Aramco had said that it would sell 1.5 per cent of the company in an IPO worth at least $24 billion which values it up to $1.71 trillion. Wednesday's surge saw its valuation break the record set by the company earlier. In a 658-page prospectus, 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. "The targeted percentage of Offer Shares allocable to individual investors will be up to 0.5 per cent of the shares," the prospectus said.

Saudi Aramco shares surge maximum 10% on market debut

Israel is staring at a third general election this year after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deadlocked-israel-faces-repeat-vote-with-deadline-nearing-267198">Benjamin Netanyahu </a>and his rival Benny Gantz failed to reach an agreement over a coalition government

The parliament needs to reach a deal to avert a new election before 11:59 pm (2159 GMT), however, it looks unlikely any breakthrough will occur in a short span over the deadlocked September elections.

Netanyahu and Gantz have engaged in months of negotiations over a potential unity government but have repeatedly disagreed on who should lead it. PM Netanyahu, 70, faced with corruption charges has refused to budge even as &nbsp;Gantz called on him to step down last month. Under Israeli law Netanyahu, the country's longest-serving prime minister can remain in office despite an indictment.

"After 80 days, it's time that for one day, for the citizens of Israel, we sit and have a serious discussion about forming a broad unity government. It's not too late," Gantz said.

Amid the uncertainty, Israelies are now looking at voting for the third time after April and September after Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud party nor the centrist Blue and White party led by his main rival, former military chief Benny Gantz, won enough seats in the Knesset.

"People think that acts of corruption can be forgiven because of one political circumstance or another," Gantz said at a press conference while taking a dig at PM Netanyahu, adding, "the support of the people who want to protect the prime minister causes them to be blind."

Netanyahu and Gantz were given 28-day period after the September election to negotiate a coalition under Israel's proportional political system, however, it failed to materialise with both men sticking to their position.

A party needs to get the support of more than half of the 120-seat Knesset to form the government.

Israel is staring at a third general election this year after Benjamin Netanyahu and his rival Benny Gantz failed to reach an agreement over a coalition government The parliament needs to reach a deal to avert a new election before 11:59 pm (2159 GMT), however, it looks unlikely any breakthrough will occur in a short span over the deadlocked September elections.

Israel is staring at a third general election this year after Benjamin Netanyahu and his rival Benny Gantz failed to reach an agreement over a coalition government The parliament needs to reach a deal to avert a new election before 11:59 pm (2159 GMT), however, it looks unlikely any breakthrough will occur in a short span over the deadlocked September elections. Netanyahu and Gantz have engaged in months of negotiations over a potential unity government but have repeatedly disagreed on who should lead it. PM Netanyahu, 70, faced with corruption charges has refused to budge even as Gantz called on him to step down last month. Under Israeli law Netanyahu, the country's longest-serving prime minister can remain in office despite an indictment. "After 80 days, it's time that for one day, for the citizens of Israel, we sit and have a serious discussion about forming a broad unity government. It's not too late," Gantz said. Amid the uncertainty, Israelies are now looking at voting for the third time after April and September after Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud party nor the centrist Blue and White party led by his main rival, former military chief Benny Gantz, won enough seats in the Knesset. "People think that acts of corruption can be forgiven because of one political circumstance or another," Gantz said at a press conference while taking a dig at PM Netanyahu, adding, "the support of the people who want to protect the prime minister causes them to be blind." Netanyahu and Gantz were given 28-day period after the September election to negotiate a coalition under Israel's proportional political system, however, it failed to materialise with both men sticking to their position. A party needs to get the support of more than half of the 120-seat Knesset to form the government.

Israel stares at third election after Benjamin Netanyahu, Benny Gantz fail to reach agreement

Voters in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joyous-scenes-as-bougainville-independence-vote-starts-264054">Bougainville overwhelmingly</a> backed independence from Papua New Guinea after results were declared today paving the way for the isles to become the world's newest nation.

The Bougainville Referendum Commission announced on Wednesday that 98 per cent of voters, that is 176,928 people had backed independence, whereas only 3,043 supported staying with Papua New Guinea.

Bougainville residents had voted last month in a referendum on whether to stay with Papua New Guinea with the choice being between full independence or greater autonomy within Papua New Guinea. At least 207,000 Bougainvilleans were registered to vote. The election process was peaceful as people voted amid joyous scenes.

The decision to break away from &nbsp;Papua New Guinea now needs ratification from the PNG parliament.

Around 300,000 people live in Bougainville which consists of two main towns Arawa and Buin. According to a 2011 census, the population of Bougainville was 249,358. The island is named after Louis Antoine de Bougainville, who sailed along its east coast in 1768.

Bougainville feud with Papua New Guinea led to a civil war between the island's rebel army and Papua New Guinea forces in which 20,000 were reportedly killed. The conflict ended in 1998.

Bougainville Vice President Raymond Masono has said he would revive a plan to overhaul the region's mining laws after the independence referendum which could strip the former operator of the Panguna gold and copper project of its interests.

Conflict raged in the area over a copper mine in Panguna on profits to be shared with&nbsp;Rio Tinto leading the company to pull out of the project in 1989 amid a civil war which finally ended in 1998.

Voters in Bougainville overwhelmingly backed independence from Papua New Guinea after results were declared today paving the way for the isles to become the world's newest nation.

Voters in Bougainville overwhelmingly backed independence from Papua New Guinea after results were declared today paving the way for the isles to become the world's newest nation. The Bougainville Referendum Commission announced on Wednesday that 98 per cent of voters, that is 176,928 people had backed independence, whereas only 3,043 supported staying with Papua New Guinea. Bougainville residents had voted last month in a referendum on whether to stay with Papua New Guinea with the choice being between full independence or greater autonomy within Papua New Guinea. At least 207,000 Bougainvilleans were registered to vote. The election process was peaceful as people voted amid joyous scenes. The decision to break away from Papua New Guinea now needs ratification from the PNG parliament. Around 300,000 people live in Bougainville which consists of two main towns Arawa and Buin. According to a 2011 census, the population of Bougainville was 249,358. The island is named after Louis Antoine de Bougainville, who sailed along its east coast in 1768. Bougainville feud with Papua New Guinea led to a civil war between the island's rebel army and Papua New Guinea forces in which 20,000 were reportedly killed. The conflict ended in 1998. Bougainville Vice President Raymond Masono has said he would revive a plan to overhaul the region's mining laws after the independence referendum which could strip the former operator of the Panguna gold and copper project of its interests. Conflict raged in the area over a copper mine in Panguna on profits to be shared with Rio Tinto leading the company to pull out of the project in 1989 amid a civil war which finally ended in 1998.

Bougainville voters back independence from Papua New Guinea

ISRO on Wednesday launched the RISTAT-2BRI satellite from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota.

RISAT-2BR1 is a radar imaging earth observation satellite weighing around 628 kgs.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSLVC48?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSLVC48</a> carrying <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RISAT2BR1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RISAT2BR1</a> &amp; 9 customer satellites successfully lifts off from Sriharikota <a href="https://t.co/Y1pxI98XWg">pic.twitter.com/Y1pxI98XWg</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1204702344870449152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The satellite will be placed into an orbit of 576 km at an inclination of 37 degrees.

The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is the 50th launch of ISRO from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

According to ISRO, RISAT -2BR1 will be used for agriculture, forestry and disaster management.&nbsp;

Apart from the 50th launch, Wednesday's launch marks several milestones for ISRO. It is the second flight of PSLV in 'QL' configuration (with four strap-on motors). This will be the 75th launch vehicle mission from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota and 37th launch from the First Launchpad.

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Watch Live: Launch of RISAT-2BR1 and 9 customer satellites by PSLV-C48 <a href="https://t.co/isQxtthNAR">https://t.co/isQxtthNAR</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1204695105535238144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The PSLV is a four-stage rocket with the first stage and third stage using solid-propellant rocket motors, whereas the second a fourth stage use liquid-propellant rocket motors.

It is considered the most reliable launch vehicle of ISRO as it has flown 47 of its 49 missions successfully.

The only failures of missions involving the PSLV rocket occurred in 1993 (first launch) and 2017 (41st launch).&nbsp;

ISRO on Wednesday launched the RISTAT-2BRI satellite from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota. RISAT-2BR1 is a radar imaging earth observation satellite weighing around 628 kgs.

ISRO on Wednesday launched the RISTAT-2BRI satellite from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota. RISAT-2BR1 is a radar imaging earth observation satellite weighing around 628 kgs. #PSLVC48 carrying #RISAT2BR1 & 9 customer satellites successfully lifts off from Sriharikota pic.twitter.com/Y1pxI98XWg — ISRO (@isro) December 11, 2019 × The satellite will be placed into an orbit of 576 km at an inclination of 37 degrees. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is the 50th launch of ISRO from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. According to ISRO, RISAT -2BR1 will be used for agriculture, forestry and disaster management. Apart from the 50th launch, Wednesday's launch marks several milestones for ISRO. It is the second flight of PSLV in 'QL' configuration (with four strap-on motors). This will be the 75th launch vehicle mission from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota and 37th launch from the First Launchpad. Watch Live: Launch of RISAT-2BR1 and 9 customer satellites by PSLV-C48 https://t.co/isQxtthNAR — ISRO (@isro) December 11, 2019 × The PSLV is a four-stage rocket with the first stage and third stage using solid-propellant rocket motors, whereas the second a fourth stage use liquid-propellant rocket motors. It is considered the most reliable launch vehicle of ISRO as it has flown 47 of its 49 missions successfully. The only failures of missions involving the PSLV rocket occurred in 1993 (first launch) and 2017 (41st launch).

ISRO launches PSLV-C48 carrying RISAT-2BR1 & nine customer satellites

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/softbanks-son-sticks-with-gut-led-investing-in-chat-with-alibabas-ma-266629">Softbank group's vision</a> fund has agreed to sell its nearly 50 per cent stake in Wag labs inc back to the dog-walking startup.&nbsp;

“We are amicably parting ways with Softbank and Softbank will no longer have board representation,” chief executive Garrett Smallwood said in a memo to employees.

Wag, which earlier this year laid off several dozen employees, is letting go a significant amount of the remainder of its workforce, the report said.&nbsp;

Wag, which pairs dog owners with available walkers in their neighbourhood, landed its first investment from Softbank’s vision fund in January 2018. Since then, Softbank’s $100 billion vision fund has come under scrutiny for ploughing money into unprofitable start-ups, such as WeWork and Uber. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The price of the deal is unclear, but reports say it is going to be below the $650 million valuations that was earned by wag when Softbank first invested nearly two years ago.

Softbank group's vision fund has agreed to sell its nearly 50 per cent stake in Wag labs inc back to the dog-walking startup. “We are amicably parting ways with Softbank and Softbank will no longer have board representation,” chief executive Garrett Smallwood said in a memo to employees.

Softbank group's vision fund has agreed to sell its nearly 50 per cent stake in Wag labs inc back to the dog-walking startup. “We are amicably parting ways with Softbank and Softbank will no longer have board representation,” chief executive Garrett Smallwood said in a memo to employees. Wag, which earlier this year laid off several dozen employees, is letting go a significant amount of the remainder of its workforce, the report said. Wag, which pairs dog owners with available walkers in their neighbourhood, landed its first investment from Softbank’s vision fund in January 2018. Since then, Softbank’s $100 billion vision fund has come under scrutiny for ploughing money into unprofitable start-ups, such as WeWork and Uber. The price of the deal is unclear, but reports say it is going to be below the $650 million valuations that was earned by wag when Softbank first invested nearly two years ago.

Softbank agrees to sell 50% stake in Wag labs back to the dog-walking startup

The fate of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brics-leaders-call-for-free-trade-reform-to-un-wto-262203">world trade organization's(WTO)</a> top court has effectively been sealed after the United States said that it would not back a proposal to allow it to continue.

The powerful appellate body of the global commerce block which rules during trade disputes is all set to lose two judges, who finish their terms on December 10.

According to WTO rules, there must be three judges to hear each case but the Trump administration has blocked new appointments to the body.

The US has also threatened to block the WTO's budget, which could cause the entire organisation to shut down by January 2020.

Ever since his appointment, Trump has always maintained that WTO is "biased" against the US, and has criticised it for being “unfair”.

It signals the demise of the 24-year-old body which was founded in 1995 based out of Geneva, the WTO governs nearly $23 billion in global trade.

The move&nbsp;could mean danger for India's interests which has several disputes that could be left in limbo if the top court collapses.

Some of those ongoing disputes include US and Japan complaining of excessive import duties and fee hikes for non-immigrant visas, including the H-1B issue and India pulling up the US over its steel and aluminium tariffs.

In the last few months alone, four cases have been brought to the WTO against India’s alleged support measures for its sugar and sugarcane producer.

Meanwhile, other major WTO economies have planned ahead by deciding on an interim arrangement but India has also opposed such an idea to set up arbitration panels to resolve disputes bilaterally.

The fate of the world trade organization's(WTO) top court has effectively been sealed after the United States said that it would not back a proposal to allow it to continue.

The fate of the world trade organization's(WTO) top court has effectively been sealed after the United States said that it would not back a proposal to allow it to continue. The powerful appellate body of the global commerce block which rules during trade disputes is all set to lose two judges, who finish their terms on December 10. According to WTO rules, there must be three judges to hear each case but the Trump administration has blocked new appointments to the body. The US has also threatened to block the WTO's budget, which could cause the entire organisation to shut down by January 2020. Ever since his appointment, Trump has always maintained that WTO is "biased" against the US, and has criticised it for being “unfair”. It signals the demise of the 24-year-old body which was founded in 1995 based out of Geneva, the WTO governs nearly $23 billion in global trade. The move could mean danger for India's interests which has several disputes that could be left in limbo if the top court collapses. Some of those ongoing disputes include US and Japan complaining of excessive import duties and fee hikes for non-immigrant visas, including the H-1B issue and India pulling up the US over its steel and aluminium tariffs. In the last few months alone, four cases have been brought to the WTO against India’s alleged support measures for its sugar and sugarcane producer. Meanwhile, other major WTO economies have planned ahead by deciding on an interim arrangement but India has also opposed such an idea to set up arbitration panels to resolve disputes bilaterally.

US proposal set to seal fate of WTO top court

The auto market continues to be in grip of a slowdown. The auto sales have continued to be under pressure in November, sliding slightly.

After having reduced output for nine straight months due to lower demand, India's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki has raised production in November by 4.3 per cent, the first in nine months.

Maruti Suzuki produced a total of 1,41,834 units in November as against 1,35,946 units in the year-ago month, it said in a filing to the exchanges.

Domestic automobile sales have been on a precipitous decline since the September quarter of 2018-19 due to an overall slowdown in consumption and liquidity crisis at financial institutions after the collapse of infrastructure leasing and financial services ltd.

Maruti’s wholesales from April to October 2019 fell 20.4 per cent&nbsp;to 958,373 vehicles. The increase in vehicle production in November follows a 4.5 per cent&nbsp;year-on-year growth in wholesales&nbsp;or industry dispatches&nbsp;of Maruti in October to 144,277 units.

This was the first increase in seven months for the company thanks to a high level of discounts across most of its product range.&nbsp; In November, however, Maruti's wholesales declined 3.2 per cent&nbsp;year-on-year to 141,400 units.

The auto market continues to be in grip of a slowdown. The auto sales have continued to be under pressure in November, sliding slightly. After having reduced output for nine straight months due to lower demand, India's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki has raised production in November by 4.

The auto market continues to be in grip of a slowdown. The auto sales have continued to be under pressure in November, sliding slightly. After having reduced output for nine straight months due to lower demand, India's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki has raised production in November by 4.3 per cent, the first in nine months. Maruti Suzuki produced a total of 1,41,834 units in November as against 1,35,946 units in the year-ago month, it said in a filing to the exchanges. Domestic automobile sales have been on a precipitous decline since the September quarter of 2018-19 due to an overall slowdown in consumption and liquidity crisis at financial institutions after the collapse of infrastructure leasing and financial services ltd. Maruti’s wholesales from April to October 2019 fell 20.4 per cent to 958,373 vehicles. The increase in vehicle production in November follows a 4.5 per cent year-on-year growth in wholesales or industry dispatches of Maruti in October to 144,277 units. This was the first increase in seven months for the company thanks to a high level of discounts across most of its product range. In November, however, Maruti's wholesales declined 3.2 per cent year-on-year to 141,400 units.

Maruti raises production in November for first time in nine months

Indian shuttler<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fuzhou-china-open-pv-sindhu-faces-first-round-exit-after-losing-to-pai-yu-po-260071"> PV Sindhu</a> will begin the defence of the BWF world tour&nbsp;finals title on Wednesday as the last event of the badminton calendar which gets underway in Guangzhou in China.

The tournament pits the top eight shuttlers of the year against each other but Sindhu only qualified because the world champions in each of the five categories are given automatic entry.

Sindhu's year has been very inconsistent overall and she has failed to make it past the quarter-finals in any of her six tournaments since the world championship triumph.

The players are divided into two groups of four each with the top-two at the end of the round-robin stage progressing to the semi-finals.

Sindhu finds herself in the easier of the two groups, at least on paper. The Indian shuttler opens her campaign against Japanese world no. 4 Akane Yamaguchi on Wednesday who had a stunning season in the middle of the year before her momentum was halted by a hip strain.

World no. 2 Chen Yufei and world no. 7 He Bingjiao both from China are the other players in the group.

Sindhu's match against He Bingjiao could be the key with the Indian trailing 5-9 in head-to-head meetings and having lost the last four matches in a row.

The other group is headed by world no. 1 Tai Tzu-ying alongside world no. 3 Nozomi Okuhara, world no. 5 Ratchanok Intanon and this year's surprise finalist world no. 16 Busanan ong-bam-rung-phan.

Indian shuttler PV Sindhu will begin the defence of the BWF world tour finals title on Wednesday as the last event of the badminton calendar which gets underway in Guangzhou in China.

Indian shuttler PV Sindhu will begin the defence of the BWF world tour finals title on Wednesday as the last event of the badminton calendar which gets underway in Guangzhou in China. The tournament pits the top eight shuttlers of the year against each other but Sindhu only qualified because the world champions in each of the five categories are given automatic entry. Sindhu's year has been very inconsistent overall and she has failed to make it past the quarter-finals in any of her six tournaments since the world championship triumph. The players are divided into two groups of four each with the top-two at the end of the round-robin stage progressing to the semi-finals. Sindhu finds herself in the easier of the two groups, at least on paper. The Indian shuttler opens her campaign against Japanese world no. 4 Akane Yamaguchi on Wednesday who had a stunning season in the middle of the year before her momentum was halted by a hip strain. World no. 2 Chen Yufei and world no. 7 He Bingjiao both from China are the other players in the group. Sindhu's match against He Bingjiao could be the key with the Indian trailing 5-9 in head-to-head meetings and having lost the last four matches in a row. The other group is headed by world no. 1 Tai Tzu-ying alongside world no. 3 Nozomi Okuhara, world no. 5 Ratchanok Intanon and this year's surprise finalist world no. 16 Busanan ong-bam-rung-phan.

World tour finals: PV Sindhu set to defend title in China

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