India and Norway have agreed to jointly tackle concerns related to oceans, environment and climate matters, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said here on Sunday.

Javadekar, who was addressing a press conference here along with his Norwegian counterpart Sveinung Rotevan on the side-lines of a United Nation summit biodiversity conservation, emphasised for a shared understanding of the global problem, which cannot be solved by any one country alone.

Javadekar said, "'Say No to plastic'&nbsp;has been an action initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India produces 20,000 tons of plastic out of which 15,000 tons is collected. However, the remaining 5,000 to 6,000 tons remain in the water bodies. India-Norway cooperation can move ahead in this arena."

Both countries assured that they are committed to supporting global action to address plastic pollution and exploring the feasibility of establishing a new global agreement on plastic pollution.

In addition, the two sides expressed interest to continue and strengthen the mutually beneficial cooperation on the environment and climate between the two countries, including on ocean affairs.

Last year, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India and Norway on `India-Norway Ocean Dialogue` apart from an establishment of a joint task force on the blue economy.

According to the agreement, the ocean, if managed properly, holds the key to meeting many of the sustainable development goals. Integrated ocean management is central to achieving a sustainable blue economy.

Reiterating the importance of a joint effort towards the protection of the environment, Rotevatn said, "India and Norway have long-standing and good cooperation. Our two countries shared experiences in environment management. Norway sees India as an important player in the environment. Today we had a productive meeting."

India is marking the beginning of a super year of Biodiversity with the hosting of the 13th Conference of Parties (COP) of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), an environmental treaty under the aegis of United Nations Environment Programme, from February 17-22, 2020 at Gandhinagar in Gujarat.

The Opening Ceremony and Plenary session of the COP will be followed by side events and working group meetings until the closing ceremony.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the COP 13 via video conferencing. Numerous national and international organisations will showcase best practices in wildlife conservation during the course of the conference.

Representatives from 130 Parties and eminent conservationists and international NGOs working in the field of wildlife conservation will attend the UN summit.&nbsp;

India and Norway have agreed to jointly tackle concerns related to oceans, environment and climate matters, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said here on Sunday.

India and Norway have agreed to jointly tackle concerns related to oceans, environment and climate matters, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said here on Sunday. Javadekar, who was addressing a press conference here along with his Norwegian counterpart Sveinung Rotevan on the side-lines of a United Nation summit biodiversity conservation, emphasised for a shared understanding of the global problem, which cannot be solved by any one country alone. Javadekar said, "'Say No to plastic' has been an action initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India produces 20,000 tons of plastic out of which 15,000 tons is collected. However, the remaining 5,000 to 6,000 tons remain in the water bodies. India-Norway cooperation can move ahead in this arena." Both countries assured that they are committed to supporting global action to address plastic pollution and exploring the feasibility of establishing a new global agreement on plastic pollution. In addition, the two sides expressed interest to continue and strengthen the mutually beneficial cooperation on the environment and climate between the two countries, including on ocean affairs. Last year, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India and Norway on `India-Norway Ocean Dialogue` apart from an establishment of a joint task force on the blue economy. According to the agreement, the ocean, if managed properly, holds the key to meeting many of the sustainable development goals. Integrated ocean management is central to achieving a sustainable blue economy. Reiterating the importance of a joint effort towards the protection of the environment, Rotevatn said, "India and Norway have long-standing and good cooperation. Our two countries shared experiences in environment management. Norway sees India as an important player in the environment. Today we had a productive meeting." India is marking the beginning of a super year of Biodiversity with the hosting of the 13th Conference of Parties (COP) of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), an environmental treaty under the aegis of United Nations Environment Programme, from February 17-22, 2020 at Gandhinagar in Gujarat. The Opening Ceremony and Plenary session of the COP will be followed by side events and working group meetings until the closing ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the COP 13 via video conferencing. Numerous national and international organisations will showcase best practices in wildlife conservation during the course of the conference. Representatives from 130 Parties and eminent conservationists and international NGOs working in the field of wildlife conservation will attend the UN summit.

India, Norway agree to jointly tackle environmental concerns

An <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/us-refusal-to-withdraw-troops-from-iraq-is-a-breach-of-international-law-279238">Iraqi </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/why-the-kurdish-conflict-in-turkey-is-so-intractable-257232">Kurdish </a>Islamist suspected of plotting attacks in Europe and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/mike-pompeo-attempts-us-reset-in-the-middle-east-191020">Middle East</a> will be extradited from Norway to Italy, the Justice Ministry in Oslo said on Wednesday.

Najmuddin Faraj Ahmad, better known as Mullah Krekar, a former leader of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-bans-al-qaida-affiliate-ansar-al-islam-13068">Ansar al-Islam</a> militant group, won refugee status together with his family in Norway in the early 1990s.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-bans-al-qaida-affiliate-ansar-al-islam-13068">Bangladesh bans al Qaida affiliate Ansar Al Islam</a>

In 2015, Italian authorities said that at least 15 suspected members of a militant group including Krekar had been arrested in six European countries on suspicion of planning attacks.

Krekar failed to avert extradition in the Norwegian courts, and the Justice Ministry on Wednesday gave its approval.

An appeal to the full cabinet is possible, but on past evidence is unlikely to succeed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-friendship-partnership-with-india-norway-pm-erna-solberg-188952">Want friendship and partnership with India: Norway PM Erna Solberg</a>

Krekar has been arrested several times during his years in Norway, once for threats against Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-friendship-partnership-with-india-norway-pm-erna-solberg-188952">Erna Solberg</a>.

Though deemed a threat to Norway's national security, Krekar was not deported back to Iraq because authorities there could not vouch for his safety.

At the time of his arrest in 2015, Krekar had already served an 18-month sentence for making death threats against a Kurdish man and giving an interview in which he encouraged other people to commit criminal acts.

Krekar's publicly appointed lawyer has said he will ask the European Court of Human Rights to intervene in the case.

An Iraqi Kurdish Islamist suspected of plotting attacks in Europe and the Middle East will be extradited from Norway to Italy, the Justice Ministry in Oslo said on Wednesday.

An Iraqi Kurdish Islamist suspected of plotting attacks in Europe and the Middle East will be extradited from Norway to Italy, the Justice Ministry in Oslo said on Wednesday. Najmuddin Faraj Ahmad, better known as Mullah Krekar, a former leader of the Ansar al-Islam militant group, won refugee status together with his family in Norway in the early 1990s. Also read: Bangladesh bans al Qaida affiliate Ansar Al Islam In 2015, Italian authorities said that at least 15 suspected members of a militant group including Krekar had been arrested in six European countries on suspicion of planning attacks. Krekar failed to avert extradition in the Norwegian courts, and the Justice Ministry on Wednesday gave its approval. An appeal to the full cabinet is possible, but on past evidence is unlikely to succeed. Also read: Want friendship and partnership with India: Norway PM Erna Solberg Krekar has been arrested several times during his years in Norway, once for threats against Prime Minister Erna Solberg. Though deemed a threat to Norway's national security, Krekar was not deported back to Iraq because authorities there could not vouch for his safety. At the time of his arrest in 2015, Krekar had already served an 18-month sentence for making death threats against a Kurdish man and giving an interview in which he encouraged other people to commit criminal acts. Krekar's publicly appointed lawyer has said he will ask the European Court of Human Rights to intervene in the case.

Islamist militant Najmuddin Faraj Ahmad to be extradited from Norway to Italy

Why Norway is making artificial snow in winter

Norway’s coalition government collapses after an anti-immigrant party pulled out over the decision to allow an “Isis bride” back into the country from Syria.

WION Fineprint: Norway's governing coalition collapses over ISIS repatriation

Norway's populist Progress Party decided to leave the government over the repatriation of a woman suspected to be a bride of an Islamic State terrorist.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/founding-member-al-salbi-confirmed-as-islamic-states-new-leader-sources-275656">Also Read: Founding member Al-Salbi confirmed as Islamic State's new leader</a>

Prime Minister Erna Solberg will now head a minority government after the Progress Party withdrew support.

The 29-year-old Norwegian woman of Pakistani origin&nbsp;was believed to be married to two Islamic State fighters. Her five-year-old son’s failing health was the reason she was allowed to return to Norway on humanitarian grounds.&nbsp;

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/norway-populist-progress-party-quits-from-ruling-coalition-275674/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"There was the issue of the terror suspect IS-woman, where the three other parties caved in and brought home the mother and child. We have always been willing to bring home innocent children but we will not compromise with people who have joined terror organisations and are actively working to tear down the values Norway is built on. That was the last straw," Norway's Populist Progress party leader Siv Jensen said.

Jensen added the Progress Party would be "a tougher and clearer party going forward."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-us-planned-operation-to-kill-islamic-state-leader-abu-bakr-al-baghdadi-258512">In Pics: How US planned operation to kill Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi</a>

In 2015, 15-year-old Shamina Begum, a UK citizen of Bangladeshi origin had left the country to join the Islamic State. Begum married multiple times and was also part of the moral police of the Caliphate.

However, in February last year during an interview with a newspaper Begum wished to return to the UK to raise her child. The British government responded by saying they would not risk British lives to go and look for terrorists in a failed state.

Last year, 20-year-old Hoda Muthana left the United States to fight the war for the Islamic State. On Twitter, Muthana advocated attacks against US citizens and encouraged more people to support the Caliphate.

In 2019, Muthana surrendered to American troops and expressed her desire to return to the US but President Trump refused to let her back into the country. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/operation-kayla-why-us-named-mission-to-kill-abu-bakr-al-baghdadi-after-arizona-aid-worker-258636">In Pics: Why US named mission to kill Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi after Arizona aid worker</a>

The issue of stripping citizenship has been contentious. While UNSC has declared citizenship-stripping as largely unconstitutional, governments of UK, France, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Australia reserve the right to strip citizenship from those they deem terrorists.

In the latest case involving Norway, while the Progress Party was against the return of the ISIS bride, three other parties in the ruling coalition favoured it.

Norway's populist Progress Party decided to leave the government over the repatriation of a woman suspected to be a bride of an Islamic State terrorist. Also Read: Founding member Al-Salbi confirmed as Islamic State's new leader Prime Minister Erna Solberg will now head a minority government after the Progress Party withdrew support.

Norway's populist Progress Party decided to leave the government over the repatriation of a woman suspected to be a bride of an Islamic State terrorist. Also Read: Founding member Al-Salbi confirmed as Islamic State's new leader Prime Minister Erna Solberg will now head a minority government after the Progress Party withdrew support. The 29-year-old Norwegian woman of Pakistani origin was believed to be married to two Islamic State fighters. Her five-year-old son’s failing health was the reason she was allowed to return to Norway on humanitarian grounds. Watch Video: "There was the issue of the terror suspect IS-woman, where the three other parties caved in and brought home the mother and child. We have always been willing to bring home innocent children but we will not compromise with people who have joined terror organisations and are actively working to tear down the values Norway is built on. That was the last straw," Norway's Populist Progress party leader Siv Jensen said. Jensen added the Progress Party would be "a tougher and clearer party going forward." In Pics: How US planned operation to kill Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi In 2015, 15-year-old Shamina Begum, a UK citizen of Bangladeshi origin had left the country to join the Islamic State. Begum married multiple times and was also part of the moral police of the Caliphate. However, in February last year during an interview with a newspaper Begum wished to return to the UK to raise her child. The British government responded by saying they would not risk British lives to go and look for terrorists in a failed state. Last year, 20-year-old Hoda Muthana left the United States to fight the war for the Islamic State. On Twitter, Muthana advocated attacks against US citizens and encouraged more people to support the Caliphate. In 2019, Muthana surrendered to American troops and expressed her desire to return to the US but President Trump refused to let her back into the country. In Pics: Why US named mission to kill Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi after Arizona aid worker The issue of stripping citizenship has been contentious. While UNSC has declared citizenship-stripping as largely unconstitutional, governments of UK, France, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Australia reserve the right to strip citizenship from those they deem terrorists. In the latest case involving Norway, while the Progress Party was against the return of the ISIS bride, three other parties in the ruling coalition favoured it.

Norway's party quits coalition government over suspected Islamic State spouse's repatriation

In an unexpected turn of events, Norway has recently claimed that its new huge oil facility is good for the environment.

The Johan Sverdrup field was opened by the Norwegian prime minister last week. The authorities claim that the facility will ''reduce emissions'' as it&nbsp;operates solely on renewable energy.

"Johan Sverdrup is now open. That's good news for our investors, for Norway,&nbsp;and for emissions," announced Equinor, the state company with jurisdiction over the field.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-caused-15-disasters-costing-over-1-billion-this-year-sources-270576">Climate change caused 15 disasters costing over $1 billion this year</a>

Many critics, however, perceive the third-largest oil field in Norway as a signifier of the country's hypocrisy when it comes to climate change.&nbsp;

The expansive field is situated 140 kilometres away from the coast and was named after the country's first prime minister.

The fields boasts 2.7 billion barrels of oil, which could last for over half a century, and could bring more than $100m into the country.

CNN reported that the operation runs on hydroelectric power, generated from the ocean. This is a first, for most oil fields employ diesel generators to fulfill their needs.&nbsp;

Norway has been at the helm of positive climate change. It was not only the first country to ratify the Paris Agreement, but has continuously reinstated its faith in achieving the climate-neutral status by 2030.

<h6><img alt="iiii" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="01f0fec4-f6b5-4457-99b9-5a45ce19043e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_56.jpg" /> 
Image:&nbsp;A worker at an&nbsp;oil&nbsp;field owned by Bashneft, Bashkortostan, Russia, January 28, 2015 | Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

The country also offers electric cars at a subsidised rate, with a fully enforced ban on deforestation.&nbsp;

"Norway has a schizophrenic relationship with climate and oil and gas," Lars-Henrik Paarup Michelsen, CEO of the Norwegian Climate Foundation think tank, told CNN.

Besides all this action to battle and limit climate change, Norway continues to be a major fossil fuel producer. Pumping out over two million barrels of oil a day, Norway is Europes's second-biggest producer after Russia, as per the figures provided by the International Energy Agency.

&nbsp;Norway's natural gas production is also way more than any other European country.

"We are great at adopting ambitious emission targets, but at the same time we plan for oil and gas production for decades to come", Michelsen added in conversation with CNN.

Over the last few decades, Norway has invested heavily in renewable energy, especially hydropower. Much of its clean energy is used to sustain the country, while pollution-causing oil and gas are sold to foreign players.

The parent company of the field is hell-bent on asserting the efficiency of the field. "Average CO2 emissions from international fields are 25 times higher, (with) 18 kg CO2 emitted per barrel produced versus 0.67 kg CO2 emitted per barrel produced from Sverdrup," Equinor spokesperson Morten Eek told CNN.

<h6><img alt="iii" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0bef3dfc-a3ac-4fcd-aec3-afa1156efb25" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_49.jpg" /> 
Image:&nbsp;Climate change activists take part in a demonstration of the Fridays for Future movement in Lausanne, Switzerland January 17, 2020 | Reuters&nbsp; 
&nbsp;</h6>

However, Michelsen told CNN that this is barely sufficient in the longer run. He said that emissions from production account for only five per cent of global oil emissions.&nbsp;

"The big problem is the combustion, in sectors like transport and industry," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/denmark-sweden-norway-are-worlds-best-countries-to-raise-children-india-bags-59th-spot-275134">Denmark, Sweden, Norway are world's best countries to raise children; India bags 59th spot</a>

For a better understanding, emissions within Norway accounted for 53 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents in 2017, while emissions caused by Norwegian oil and gas exports caused 470 million tonnes of emissions, as per data in the United Nations' Emission Gap Report.

Besides planning to become climate neutral by 2030, Norway also intends to become a low-emission society by 2050. Almost 30 per cent reduction in emissions can be expected by 2020, and over 40 per cent by 2030.

Norway currently operates 87 fields, with production planned until at least 2070. The country's production is slated to hit a record high in 2023.

In an unexpected turn of events, Norway has recently claimed that its new huge oil facility is good for the environment. The Johan Sverdrup field was opened by the Norwegian prime minister last week.

In an unexpected turn of events, Norway has recently claimed that its new huge oil facility is good for the environment. The Johan Sverdrup field was opened by the Norwegian prime minister last week. The authorities claim that the facility will ''reduce emissions'' as it operates solely on renewable energy. "Johan Sverdrup is now open. That's good news for our investors, for Norway, and for emissions," announced Equinor, the state company with jurisdiction over the field. Also read: Climate change caused 15 disasters costing over $1 billion this year Many critics, however, perceive the third-largest oil field in Norway as a signifier of the country's hypocrisy when it comes to climate change. The expansive field is situated 140 kilometres away from the coast and was named after the country's first prime minister. The fields boasts 2.7 billion barrels of oil, which could last for over half a century, and could bring more than $100m into the country. CNN reported that the operation runs on hydroelectric power, generated from the ocean. This is a first, for most oil fields employ diesel generators to fulfill their needs. Norway has been at the helm of positive climate change. It was not only the first country to ratify the Paris Agreement, but has continuously reinstated its faith in achieving the climate-neutral status by 2030. Image: A worker at an oil field owned by Bashneft, Bashkortostan, Russia, January 28, 2015 | Reuters The country also offers electric cars at a subsidised rate, with a fully enforced ban on deforestation. "Norway has a schizophrenic relationship with climate and oil and gas," Lars-Henrik Paarup Michelsen, CEO of the Norwegian Climate Foundation think tank, told CNN. Besides all this action to battle and limit climate change, Norway continues to be a major fossil fuel producer. Pumping out over two million barrels of oil a day, Norway is Europes's second-biggest producer after Russia, as per the figures provided by the International Energy Agency. Norway's natural gas production is also way more than any other European country. "We are great at adopting ambitious emission targets, but at the same time we plan for oil and gas production for decades to come", Michelsen added in conversation with CNN. Over the last few decades, Norway has invested heavily in renewable energy, especially hydropower. Much of its clean energy is used to sustain the country, while pollution-causing oil and gas are sold to foreign players. The parent company of the field is hell-bent on asserting the efficiency of the field. "Average CO2 emissions from international fields are 25 times higher, (with) 18 kg CO2 emitted per barrel produced versus 0.67 kg CO2 emitted per barrel produced from Sverdrup," Equinor spokesperson Morten Eek told CNN. Image: Climate change activists take part in a demonstration of the Fridays for Future movement in Lausanne, Switzerland January 17, 2020 | Reuters However, Michelsen told CNN that this is barely sufficient in the longer run. He said that emissions from production account for only five per cent of global oil emissions. "The big problem is the combustion, in sectors like transport and industry," he said. Also read: Denmark, Sweden, Norway are world's best countries to raise children; India bags 59th spot For a better understanding, emissions within Norway accounted for 53 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents in 2017, while emissions caused by Norwegian oil and gas exports caused 470 million tonnes of emissions, as per data in the United Nations' Emission Gap Report. Besides planning to become climate neutral by 2030, Norway also intends to become a low-emission society by 2050. Almost 30 per cent reduction in emissions can be expected by 2020, and over 40 per cent by 2030. Norway currently operates 87 fields, with production planned until at least 2070. The country's production is slated to hit a record high in 2023.

New oil facility will 'reduce emissions', says Norway; gets labelled hypocrite

According to a report, the European nation of Denmark is the world's best place to raise children. Last year, the country stood second to Sweden which bagged the second spot this year.&nbsp;

On number three, Norway retained its spot the same as last year followed by Canada and Netherlands.&nbsp;

While Australia is the ninth-best place in the world to raise children, the United Kingdom stood at number 11. The United States was ranked 18th on the list.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/survey-reveals-three-of-worlds-top-10-fastest-growing-cities-are-from-kerala-275133">Survey reveals three of world's top 10 fastest-growing cities are from Kerala</a>

Some cheer was in store for India as it moved up from last year's 65th spot to 59th position this year.&nbsp;

The survey, titled Best Countries Report, is being conducted annually since 2016 by US News &amp; World Report and the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hungary-announces-free-fertility-treatment-to-couples-in-a-bid-to-boost-its-declining-population-273629">Hungary announces free fertility treatment to couples in a bid to boost its declining population</a>

The survey on determining the best countries for raising children is done keeping in mind attributes like human rights, family-friendly environment, status on gender equality, income equality, safety and the state of public education and health care systems in countries across the globe.

According to a report, the European nation of Denmark is the world's best place to raise children. Last year, the country stood second to Sweden which bagged the second spot this year.

According to a report, the European nation of Denmark is the world's best place to raise children. Last year, the country stood second to Sweden which bagged the second spot this year. On number three, Norway retained its spot the same as last year followed by Canada and Netherlands. While Australia is the ninth-best place in the world to raise children, the United Kingdom stood at number 11. The United States was ranked 18th on the list. Also read: Survey reveals three of world's top 10 fastest-growing cities are from Kerala Some cheer was in store for India as it moved up from last year's 65th spot to 59th position this year. The survey, titled Best Countries Report, is being conducted annually since 2016 by US News & World Report and the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Also read: Hungary announces free fertility treatment to couples in a bid to boost its declining population The survey on determining the best countries for raising children is done keeping in mind attributes like human rights, family-friendly environment, status on gender equality, income equality, safety and the state of public education and health care systems in countries across the globe.

Denmark, Sweden, Norway are world's best countries to raise children; India bags 59th spot

The sale of new electric cars in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/dollar-snaps-six-day-losing-streak-a-flat-start-for-2020-271653">Norway</a> rose by 30.9 per cent&nbsp;last year amid soaring demand for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/study-finds-google-system-could-improve-breast-cancer-detection-271720">Tesla Inc's</a> vehicles, but the pioneering US&nbsp;firm faces rising competition from rival automakers in 2020.

Fully electric cars made up 42.4 per cent&nbsp;of sales in the Nordic nation last year, a global record, rising from a 31.2 per cent&nbsp;market share in 2018 and just 5.5 per cent&nbsp;in 2013, the Norwegian Road Federation said on Friday.

Seeking to become the first country to end the sale of fossil-fueled cars by 2025, Norway exempts battery-powered vehicles from the taxes imposed on petrol and diesel engines.

This year, as many as six in 10 of all new cars sold in the country could be fully electric, said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/volkswagens-german-plants-need-to-shape-up-production-chief-266997">Volkswagen</a> (VW) distributor Harald A. Moeller AS, which is preparing to launch several models in 2020.&nbsp;

"The electrification of the car market is accelerating,&nbsp;we forecast electric vehicles to hold a 100 per cent&nbsp;market share in 2025," the importer said of the outlook for Norway.

The country's best-selling car in 2019 was Tesla's mid-sized <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tesla-says-will-start-delivering-china-made-model-3s-to-public-on-january-7-271722">Model 3 sedan</a>, which retails from 384,900 Norwegian crowns ($43,721.74), racking up an 11 per cent&nbsp;market share in the California-based firm's first attempt at addressing the mass market.

The sale of new electric cars in Norway rose by 30.9 per cent last year amid soaring demand for Tesla Inc's vehicles, but the pioneering US firm faces rising competition from rival automakers in 2020.

The sale of new electric cars in Norway rose by 30.9 per cent last year amid soaring demand for Tesla Inc's vehicles, but the pioneering US firm faces rising competition from rival automakers in 2020. Fully electric cars made up 42.4 per cent of sales in the Nordic nation last year, a global record, rising from a 31.2 per cent market share in 2018 and just 5.5 per cent in 2013, the Norwegian Road Federation said on Friday. Seeking to become the first country to end the sale of fossil-fueled cars by 2025, Norway exempts battery-powered vehicles from the taxes imposed on petrol and diesel engines. This year, as many as six in 10 of all new cars sold in the country could be fully electric, said Volkswagen (VW) distributor Harald A. Moeller AS, which is preparing to launch several models in 2020. "The electrification of the car market is accelerating, we forecast electric vehicles to hold a 100 per cent market share in 2025," the importer said of the outlook for Norway. The country's best-selling car in 2019 was Tesla's mid-sized Model 3 sedan, which retails from 384,900 Norwegian crowns ($43,721.74), racking up an 11 per cent market share in the California-based firm's first attempt at addressing the mass market.

Rivals gear up for 2020 after Tesla's Model 3 sedan hits record year in Norway

Norwegian author Ari Behn, who was previously married to the country's Princess Martha Louise, &nbsp;died on Wednesday aged 47, his manager told AFP, saying he had committed suicide. 
 
"It is with great sadness in our hearts that I on behalf of the very closest relatives of Ari Behn must announce that he took his own life today," Behn's manager Geir Hakonsund said in an email to AFP. 
 
Behn published his first book in 1999, a collection of short stories whose English translation is "Sad as hell".&nbsp; 
 
He rose to public prominence in 2002 after marrying the Norwegian royal Martha Louise, and they wrote a book about their wedding with the title "From heart to heart". 
 
The couple had three daughters together before announcing their divorce in August 2016. 
 
Friends and public figures expressed their condolences on Wednesday, including Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg and the royal family. 
 
"Ari was an important part of our family for many years, and we carry warm and good memories of him with us," the Royal House of Norway said in a statement. 
 
Behn also wrote several novels and plays, and in 2018 published his last book, "Inferno," in which he detailed his struggle with mental health issues.&nbsp;

Norwegian author Ari Behn, who was previously married to the country's Princess Martha Louise, died on Wednesday aged 47, his manager told AFP, saying he had committed suicide.

Norwegian author Ari Behn, who was previously married to the country's Princess Martha Louise, died on Wednesday aged 47, his manager told AFP, saying he had committed suicide. "It is with great sadness in our hearts that I on behalf of the very closest relatives of Ari Behn must announce that he took his own life today," Behn's manager Geir Hakonsund said in an email to AFP. Behn published his first book in 1999, a collection of short stories whose English translation is "Sad as hell". He rose to public prominence in 2002 after marrying the Norwegian royal Martha Louise, and they wrote a book about their wedding with the title "From heart to heart". The couple had three daughters together before announcing their divorce in August 2016. Friends and public figures expressed their condolences on Wednesday, including Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg and the royal family. "Ari was an important part of our family for many years, and we carry warm and good memories of him with us," the Royal House of Norway said in a statement. Behn also wrote several novels and plays, and in 2018 published his last book, "Inferno," in which he detailed his struggle with mental health issues.

Norwegian author and former spouse of princess dead at 47

Military build-up on icy Norway-Russia border stirs uneasiness

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said Wednesday he would be against a new Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, after elections left him tied with his main challenger and raised the prospect of negotiations to build a unity government.

"Our position: against Netanyahu," Abbas said during a visit to Oslo when questioned over his preferences for a new Israeli government. &nbsp;

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said Wednesday he would be against a new Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, after elections left him tied with his main challenger and raised the prospect of negotiations to build a unity government.

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said Wednesday he would be against a new Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, after elections left him tied with his main challenger and raised the prospect of negotiations to build a unity government. "Our position: against Netanyahu," Abbas said during a visit to Oslo when questioned over his preferences for a new Israeli government.

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas 'against' possible new Netanyahu government

European aerospace giant Airbus has issued instructions for the immediate inspection of several models of its helicopters following an accident in Norway in which six people were killed.

About 400 aircraft are concerned by the order, which Airbus said should require about one hour per helicopter.

The firm said it had issued on Tuesday "an Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) instructing operators to conduct an inspection of the interface between the engine and the main gearbox on all recently delivered H125 (AS350 B3e), AS550 and H130 helicopters."

A crash of an H125 in the far north of Norway near the town of Alta on August 31 killed six people.

"This is a precautionary measure in the light of initial findings by the official investigation," said Airbus Helicopters.

"We would emphasise that it does not imply that the root cause of the accident is known," it added.

Norway's Accident Investigation Board (AIBN) for its part called the bulletin an emergency alert calling for an immediate visual inspection of the area.

"According to Airbus Helicopters, issuance of the (alert) is a precautionary measure to ensure the continued airworthiness of the helicopter type," it said in a statement on Wednesday.

AIBN said the helicopter which crashed had only 73 flight hours and there was no indication the owner had performed any work on the area in question.

The alert was issued following the first detailed examinations of the components of the crashed helicopter on Tuesday, which AIBN said was done in cooperation with its French counterpart BEA as well as Airbus Helicopter and the engine manufacturer, Safran Helicopter Engines.

"The examinations of the accident helicopter is still ongoing," said the AIBN, which also added that no conclusions about the cause of the accident had been made.

European aerospace giant Airbus has issued instructions for the immediate inspection of several models of its helicopters following an accident in Norway in which six people were killed.

European aerospace giant Airbus has issued instructions for the immediate inspection of several models of its helicopters following an accident in Norway in which six people were killed. About 400 aircraft are concerned by the order, which Airbus said should require about one hour per helicopter. The firm said it had issued on Tuesday "an Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) instructing operators to conduct an inspection of the interface between the engine and the main gearbox on all recently delivered H125 (AS350 B3e), AS550 and H130 helicopters." A crash of an H125 in the far north of Norway near the town of Alta on August 31 killed six people. "This is a precautionary measure in the light of initial findings by the official investigation," said Airbus Helicopters. "We would emphasise that it does not imply that the root cause of the accident is known," it added. Norway's Accident Investigation Board (AIBN) for its part called the bulletin an emergency alert calling for an immediate visual inspection of the area. "According to Airbus Helicopters, issuance of the (alert) is a precautionary measure to ensure the continued airworthiness of the helicopter type," it said in a statement on Wednesday. AIBN said the helicopter which crashed had only 73 flight hours and there was no indication the owner had performed any work on the area in question. The alert was issued following the first detailed examinations of the components of the crashed helicopter on Tuesday, which AIBN said was done in cooperation with its French counterpart BEA as well as Airbus Helicopter and the engine manufacturer, Safran Helicopter Engines. "The examinations of the accident helicopter is still ongoing," said the AIBN, which also added that no conclusions about the cause of the accident had been made.

Airbus orders inspection of 400 helicopters following Norway crash

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-vows-to-fight-illegal-deforestation-in-brazil-240639">Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro</a> on Monday responded to Norway's decision to halt its forest protection subsidies, taking to Twitter to criticise the Scandinavian country for its whaling practice and post spectacular albeit misleading images.

"Look at the killing of whales sponsored by Norway," Bolsonaro wrote on Twitter.

The post includes a video and photographs of a spectacular whale hunt, where mammals in the shallow waters of a bay are slaughtered by people wading onshore, armed with hooked knives. The whales' blood turns the waters red.

However, the images, reportedly taken on May 29 in Norway, illustrate a "grind", a type of pilot whale hunt practised exclusively in the Faroe Islands a Danish territory in the North Atlantic.

Norway is one of the few countries in the world that authorises commercial whaling, but the whales are hunted individually, at sea from a ship, and with grenade-mounted harpoons.

"We can confirm that the video/the photos are not from Norway," the Norwegian fisheries ministry told AFP in an email.

"Our whale hunt takes place from ships at sea," he said, arguing that the Norwegian practice was "sustainable".&nbsp;

Bolsonaro was ridiculed on social media for the mix-up.

"Haha what a stupid president Brazil has! This is NOT from Norway! We don't kill whales like that. Do your homework to get respected! 'Fake news' as Trump would have said," wrote one Twitter user.

"False information is a crime Mr President," wrote another.

Bolsonaro has been taking digs at Norway since the country announced last week that it, like Germany, was blocking 30 million euros ($33 million) of subsidies to Brazil, accusing it of turning its back on the fight against deforestation.

Norway has been the single largest donor to the Amazon Fund for forest protection, giving almost 830 million euros since its creation 11 years ago.&nbsp;

Oslo said Brazil, under Bolsonaro's leadership, "no longer wishes to stop deforestation" and said it unilaterally "broke the agreement" it had on the Amazon Fund.

Bolsonaro reacted immediately and angrily.

"Norway, isn't that the country that kills whales up there, at the North Pole? And that produces oil too? That is not at all a role model for us. Let them keep their money and let them help Angela Merkel reforest Germany," he said. 
&nbsp;

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Monday responded to Norway's decision to halt its forest protection subsidies, taking to Twitter to criticise the Scandinavian country for its whaling practice and post spectacular albeit misleading images.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Monday responded to Norway's decision to halt its forest protection subsidies, taking to Twitter to criticise the Scandinavian country for its whaling practice and post spectacular albeit misleading images. "Look at the killing of whales sponsored by Norway," Bolsonaro wrote on Twitter. The post includes a video and photographs of a spectacular whale hunt, where mammals in the shallow waters of a bay are slaughtered by people wading onshore, armed with hooked knives. The whales' blood turns the waters red. However, the images, reportedly taken on May 29 in Norway, illustrate a "grind", a type of pilot whale hunt practised exclusively in the Faroe Islands a Danish territory in the North Atlantic. Norway is one of the few countries in the world that authorises commercial whaling, but the whales are hunted individually, at sea from a ship, and with grenade-mounted harpoons. "We can confirm that the video/the photos are not from Norway," the Norwegian fisheries ministry told AFP in an email. "Our whale hunt takes place from ships at sea," he said, arguing that the Norwegian practice was "sustainable". Bolsonaro was ridiculed on social media for the mix-up. "Haha what a stupid president Brazil has! This is NOT from Norway! We don't kill whales like that. Do your homework to get respected! 'Fake news' as Trump would have said," wrote one Twitter user. "False information is a crime Mr President," wrote another. Bolsonaro has been taking digs at Norway since the country announced last week that it, like Germany, was blocking 30 million euros ($33 million) of subsidies to Brazil, accusing it of turning its back on the fight against deforestation. Norway has been the single largest donor to the Amazon Fund for forest protection, giving almost 830 million euros since its creation 11 years ago. Oslo said Brazil, under Bolsonaro's leadership, "no longer wishes to stop deforestation" and said it unilaterally "broke the agreement" it had on the Amazon Fund. Bolsonaro reacted immediately and angrily. "Norway, isn't that the country that kills whales up there, at the North Pole? And that produces oil too? That is not at all a role model for us. Let them keep their money and let them help Angela Merkel reforest Germany," he said.

Brazil President Bolsonaro takes on Norway over whaling but bungles it

Norway's nuclear safety authority is analysing tiny amounts of radioactive iodine detected in the air in northern Norway in the days after a deadly explosion during a rocket engine test over the border in Russia.

Russia's state nuclear agency, Rosatom, said on Saturday that five people killed in the blast were its staff members, and the accident involved "isotope power sources", giving no further details.

Norway's radiation and nuclear safety authority DSA said it had detected the radioactive iodine at its air filter station in Svanhovd, which is by the Russian border. A river separates the two countries.

The samples were collected in the period August 9-12, while the accident in the Arkhangelsk region of northern Russia occurred on August 8, it said.

"At present, it is not possible to determine if the last iodine detection is linked to the accident in Arkhangelsk last week. DSA continues more frequent sampling and analysis," DSA said.

Such radiation measurements are not unusual in Norway, as its monitoring stations detect radioactive iodine about six to eight times a year and the source is usually unknown.

Russia's state weather service said on Tuesday that radiation levels in the city of Severodvinsk had spiked by up to 16 times last Thursday, while medics who treated victims of the accident have been sent to Moscow for a medical examination, the TASS news agency reported. 
&nbsp;

Norway's nuclear safety authority is analysing tiny amounts of radioactive iodine detected in the air in northern Norway in the days after a deadly explosion during a rocket engine test over the border in Russia.

Norway's nuclear safety authority is analysing tiny amounts of radioactive iodine detected in the air in northern Norway in the days after a deadly explosion during a rocket engine test over the border in Russia. Russia's state nuclear agency, Rosatom, said on Saturday that five people killed in the blast were its staff members, and the accident involved "isotope power sources", giving no further details. Norway's radiation and nuclear safety authority DSA said it had detected the radioactive iodine at its air filter station in Svanhovd, which is by the Russian border. A river separates the two countries. The samples were collected in the period August 9-12, while the accident in the Arkhangelsk region of northern Russia occurred on August 8, it said. "At present, it is not possible to determine if the last iodine detection is linked to the accident in Arkhangelsk last week. DSA continues more frequent sampling and analysis," DSA said. Such radiation measurements are not unusual in Norway, as its monitoring stations detect radioactive iodine about six to eight times a year and the source is usually unknown. Russia's state weather service said on Tuesday that radiation levels in the city of Severodvinsk had spiked by up to 16 times last Thursday, while medics who treated victims of the accident have been sent to Moscow for a medical examination, the TASS news agency reported.

Norway detects radioactive iodine by Russian border days after blast

One person was injured during an armed attack at a mosque in Norway on Saturday (August 10), police said, adding that members of the congregation had overpowered the gunman and stopped the shooting. An older man sustained light injuries, police told a news conference but said it was too early to say if the wounds were caused by the gunshots or sustained during the attempt to restrain the gunman.

One injured, one arrested in Mosque shooting in Norway

One person was injured in a shooting inside a mosque in a suburb of the Norwegian capital Oslo on Saturday, police said, adding that a suspect had been arrested.

"One person is shot. The severity of that person's injuries is unknown. One suspect is arrested. The police are working at the location," Oslo police said on Twitter.

The shooting occurred at the al-Noor Islamic centre in the town of Baerum, an Oslo suburb.

Police said there was no indication that more people were involved.

They said they had no information about the suspect, other than he was described as "white".&nbsp;

"One of our members has been shot by a white man with a helmet and uniform," Irfan Mushtaq, head of the mosque, told local paper Budstikka.

One person was injured in a shooting inside a mosque in a suburb of the Norwegian capital Oslo on Saturday, police said, adding that a suspect had been arrested.

One person was injured in a shooting inside a mosque in a suburb of the Norwegian capital Oslo on Saturday, police said, adding that a suspect had been arrested. "One person is shot. The severity of that person's injuries is unknown. One suspect is arrested. The police are working at the location," Oslo police said on Twitter. The shooting occurred at the al-Noor Islamic centre in the town of Baerum, an Oslo suburb. Police said there was no indication that more people were involved. They said they had no information about the suspect, other than he was described as "white". "One of our members has been shot by a white man with a helmet and uniform," Irfan Mushtaq, head of the mosque, told local paper Budstikka.

One person hurt in Norway mosque shooting, suspect arrested

A Soviet nuclear submarine which sank off Norway in 1989 is still emitting radiation, researchers said on Wednesday following an expedition that used a remotely controlled vehicle for the first time.

The wreck of the Komsomolets lies on the bottom of the Norwegian Sea at a depth of about 1,700 metres (5,577 feet).

Authorities have conducted yearly expeditions to monitor radiation levels since the 1990s but this year's inspection was the first one to use a remotely operated vehicle called Aegir 6000 to film the wreckage and take samples which will be further analysed.

The scientific mission's samples show levels of radioactivity at the site up to 800,000 higher than normal, the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority said in a statement.

"This is of course a higher level than we would usually measure out at sea but the levels we have found now are not alarming," said expedition leader Hilde Elise Heldal of the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research.

Radioactivity levels "thin out" quickly at these depths and there are few fish in the area, she said.

The Komsomolets sank on April 7, 1989, after a fire broke out on board, killing 42 crew.

On July 1, 14 Russian sailors were killed aboard a nuclear submarine operating in the Arctic.

A Soviet nuclear submarine which sank off Norway in 1989 is still emitting radiation, researchers said on Wednesday following an expedition that used a remotely controlled vehicle for the first time.

A Soviet nuclear submarine which sank off Norway in 1989 is still emitting radiation, researchers said on Wednesday following an expedition that used a remotely controlled vehicle for the first time. The wreck of the Komsomolets lies on the bottom of the Norwegian Sea at a depth of about 1,700 metres (5,577 feet). Authorities have conducted yearly expeditions to monitor radiation levels since the 1990s but this year's inspection was the first one to use a remotely operated vehicle called Aegir 6000 to film the wreckage and take samples which will be further analysed. The scientific mission's samples show levels of radioactivity at the site up to 800,000 higher than normal, the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority said in a statement. "This is of course a higher level than we would usually measure out at sea but the levels we have found now are not alarming," said expedition leader Hilde Elise Heldal of the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research. Radioactivity levels "thin out" quickly at these depths and there are few fish in the area, she said. The Komsomolets sank on April 7, 1989, after a fire broke out on board, killing 42 crew. On July 1, 14 Russian sailors were killed aboard a nuclear submarine operating in the Arctic.

Soviet-era submarine that sank 30 years ago still emitting radiation at levels 800,000 times above normal, says Norway

A Soviet nuclear submarine which sank off Norway in 1989 is still emitting radiation, researchers said on Wednesday (July 10) following an expedition that used a remotely controlled vehicle for the first time. The Komsomolets sank in on April 7, 1989 after a fire broke out on board, killing 42 crew. The wreck now lies at a depth of about 1,700 metres (5,577 ft) at the bottom of the Norwegian Sea, to the southwest of Bear Island in the Arctic.

Soviet submarine that sank off Norway in 1989 still emitting radiation

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-vladimir-putin-to-meet-pope-in-shadow-of-ukraine-crisis-232987">Russian President Vladimir Putin</a> disclosed on Thursday for the first time that a secret military submarine hit by a fatal fire three days ago was nuclear-powered, prompting the defence minister to assure him its reactor had been safely contained.

Russian officials have faced accusations of trying to cover up the full details of the accident that killed 14 sailors as they were carrying out what the defence ministry called a survey of the sea floor near the Arctic.

Moscow's slow release of information about the incident has drawn comparisons with the opaque way the Soviet Union handled the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear power station disaster, and another deadly submarine accident, the 2000 sinking of the nuclear-powered Kursk, which claimed 118 lives.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/russia-joins-gulf-states-in-coaching-sudans-military-227032">Russia</a>, which says the details of the submarine involved in the latest accident are classified, said the fire took place on Monday, though it was only officially disclosed late on Tuesday.

Until Thursday there was also no official word on whether the vessel had a nuclear reactor, despite strong interest from neighbouring Norway.

Putin revealed that the submarine had been nuclear-powered by asking Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu during a Kremlin meeting about the reactor's condition after the fire.

"The nuclear reactor on the vessel is completely isolated," Shoigu told Putin, according to a Kremlin transcript. "All the necessary measures were taken by the crew to protect the reactor, which is in complete working order."

The fire erupted in the submarine's battery compartment, Shoigu added, and later spread.

Although the Kremlin publicised the meeting on Thursday morning, it was not immediately clear when the men had met.

"There has not been any formal communication from Russia to us about this," Per Strand, a director at the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, told Reuters when asked if it had been informed that the submarine was nuclear-powered.

"We understand they brought the situation under control quickly, under difficult conditions, and there was, as such, no nuclear incident that they were obligated to tell us about.

"Still, we would have been happy to have been informed of such incidents," he added.

Top-secret submarine

Russian servicemen attended a memorial service on Thursday in the port city of Kronstadt near St Petersburg in honour of the 14 dead submariners.

Held in the hulking Russian Orthodox Naval Cathedral of St Nicholas, sailors cradled lit candles and looked on as priests read out prayers and a choir chanted in the background.

Shoigu, a close Putin ally, told the president that the submarine, which authorities said had been operating in the Barents Sea area, would be fully repaired.

"Right now, we are assessing how long it will take, how much work there is, and how we can carry it out," he said.

Shoigu's ministry has released photographs of the deceased sailors, hailing them as "real patriots of the Motherland".

Separately, a photograph of a tribute to them circulated on social media which appeared to have been hung on the wall of a Russian military facility. Reuters could not immediately confirm its authenticity, but it said the men had served on board a deep-sea submersible known by the designation AS-31.

Russian media have previously reported, without official confirmation, that the vessel was designated as either AS-31 or AS-12 and is designed to carry out special operations at depths where regular submarines cannot operate.

The submarine is made up of a series of inter-connected spheres that allow it to resist water pressure at great depths. Western military experts have suggested it is capable of probing and possibly even severing undersea communications cables.

Putin ordered Shoigu to prepare posthumous state awards for the dead submariners. An official investigation into the accident, likely to be shrouded in secrecy, is already underway.

Russian President Vladimir Putin disclosed on Thursday for the first time that a secret military submarine hit by a fatal fire three days ago was nuclear-powered, prompting the defence minister to assure him its reactor had been safely contained.

Russian President Vladimir Putin disclosed on Thursday for the first time that a secret military submarine hit by a fatal fire three days ago was nuclear-powered, prompting the defence minister to assure him its reactor had been safely contained. Russian officials have faced accusations of trying to cover up the full details of the accident that killed 14 sailors as they were carrying out what the defence ministry called a survey of the sea floor near the Arctic. Moscow's slow release of information about the incident has drawn comparisons with the opaque way the Soviet Union handled the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear power station disaster, and another deadly submarine accident, the 2000 sinking of the nuclear-powered Kursk, which claimed 118 lives. Russia, which says the details of the submarine involved in the latest accident are classified, said the fire took place on Monday, though it was only officially disclosed late on Tuesday. Until Thursday there was also no official word on whether the vessel had a nuclear reactor, despite strong interest from neighbouring Norway. Putin revealed that the submarine had been nuclear-powered by asking Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu during a Kremlin meeting about the reactor's condition after the fire. "The nuclear reactor on the vessel is completely isolated," Shoigu told Putin, according to a Kremlin transcript. "All the necessary measures were taken by the crew to protect the reactor, which is in complete working order." The fire erupted in the submarine's battery compartment, Shoigu added, and later spread. Although the Kremlin publicised the meeting on Thursday morning, it was not immediately clear when the men had met. "There has not been any formal communication from Russia to us about this," Per Strand, a director at the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, told Reuters when asked if it had been informed that the submarine was nuclear-powered. "We understand they brought the situation under control quickly, under difficult conditions, and there was, as such, no nuclear incident that they were obligated to tell us about. "Still, we would have been happy to have been informed of such incidents," he added. Top-secret submarine Russian servicemen attended a memorial service on Thursday in the port city of Kronstadt near St Petersburg in honour of the 14 dead submariners. Held in the hulking Russian Orthodox Naval Cathedral of St Nicholas, sailors cradled lit candles and looked on as priests read out prayers and a choir chanted in the background. Shoigu, a close Putin ally, told the president that the submarine, which authorities said had been operating in the Barents Sea area, would be fully repaired. "Right now, we are assessing how long it will take, how much work there is, and how we can carry it out," he said. Shoigu's ministry has released photographs of the deceased sailors, hailing them as "real patriots of the Motherland". Separately, a photograph of a tribute to them circulated on social media which appeared to have been hung on the wall of a Russian military facility. Reuters could not immediately confirm its authenticity, but it said the men had served on board a deep-sea submersible known by the designation AS-31. Russian media have previously reported, without official confirmation, that the vessel was designated as either AS-31 or AS-12 and is designed to carry out special operations at depths where regular submarines cannot operate. The submarine is made up of a series of inter-connected spheres that allow it to resist water pressure at great depths. Western military experts have suggested it is capable of probing and possibly even severing undersea communications cables. Putin ordered Shoigu to prepare posthumous state awards for the dead submariners. An official investigation into the accident, likely to be shrouded in secrecy, is already underway.

Vladimir Putin, after three days, says fire-hit Russian submarine was nuclear-powered

Representatives of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-top-court-accuses-more-lawmakers-of-treason-as-congress-building-blocked-218844&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjXs6bByZ_iAhX97XMBHQenASQQFjAFegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1ufd9yC54_WJqMAx22XpuU">Venezuela's</a> government and the opposition have travelled to Norway to discuss potential options following a failed uprising against <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-police-launch-bid-to-evict-pro-maduro-activists-from-venezuela-embassy-218644&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjJ4uDayZ_iAhVa7XMBHQbkCc4QFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw033GixwkZ0y3MjgYg1UoYX">President Nicolas Maduro</a>, according to four opposition sources familiar with the situation.

The trip&nbsp;suggests the two sides may be seeking a fresh approach after the repeated failure of dialogue between the opposition and the ruling Socialist Party amid a steadily escalating political crisis.

Venezuelan top government officials held talks this year to create a transition government that would not include Maduro, US&nbsp;National Security Advisor John Bolton and others have said.

Those efforts fell apart after opposition calls for Venezuela's military to rise up against Maduro on April 30 failed, according to the opposition sources.

The military's top brass has since then sworn allegiance to Maduro, who describes the April 30 events as a coup plot.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/juan-guaido-blasts-venezuela-regime-after-security-forces-block-congress-218827&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjXs6bByZ_iAhX97XMBHQenASQQFjAEegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Gr16N42HOXLUfrXLt25hX">Opposition leader Juan Guaido</a> in January invoked the constitution to assume the interim presidency, calling Maduro's 2018 re-election a fraud.

More than 50 nations have recognised Guaido as the country's legitimate president, though he does not control the military or the basic functions of governance.

Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez and Miranda state Governor Hector Rodriguez of the Socialist Party both travelled to Oslo, according to the sources.

Opposition legislator Stalin Gonzalez, along with political advisers Gerardo Blyde and Fernando Martinez have also gone to Norway, where authorities have been involved in conflict mediation, including assistance with Colombia's 2016 peace deal between the government and FARC rebels.

Norway's foreign minister said as early as March that it was prepared to act as a mediator or facilitator of talks between the Venezuelan government and the opposition.

No meetings have yet been held, and the parties will meet separately with Norwegian diplomats, one of the sources said.

Maduro, in a speech broadcast on state television on Wednesday evening, said Jorge Rodriguez was "completing a very important mission abroad," without giving more details.

Venezuela's information ministry did not reply to a request for comment. The Norwegian foreign ministry was not immediately available for comment.

Reuters was unable to obtain comment from the participants.

It was not immediately evident whether the parties had the full backing of the opposition or of Maduro's government.

First Justice, one of the main opposition parties, said on Twitter that none of its members are involved.&nbsp;

Representatives of Venezuela's government and the opposition have travelled to Norway to discuss potential options following a failed uprising against President Nicolas Maduro, according to four opposition sources familiar with the situation.

Representatives of Venezuela's government and the opposition have travelled to Norway to discuss potential options following a failed uprising against President Nicolas Maduro, according to four opposition sources familiar with the situation. The trip suggests the two sides may be seeking a fresh approach after the repeated failure of dialogue between the opposition and the ruling Socialist Party amid a steadily escalating political crisis. Venezuelan top government officials held talks this year to create a transition government that would not include Maduro, US National Security Advisor John Bolton and others have said. Those efforts fell apart after opposition calls for Venezuela's military to rise up against Maduro on April 30 failed, according to the opposition sources. The military's top brass has since then sworn allegiance to Maduro, who describes the April 30 events as a coup plot. Opposition leader Juan Guaido in January invoked the constitution to assume the interim presidency, calling Maduro's 2018 re-election a fraud. More than 50 nations have recognised Guaido as the country's legitimate president, though he does not control the military or the basic functions of governance. Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez and Miranda state Governor Hector Rodriguez of the Socialist Party both travelled to Oslo, according to the sources. Opposition legislator Stalin Gonzalez, along with political advisers Gerardo Blyde and Fernando Martinez have also gone to Norway, where authorities have been involved in conflict mediation, including assistance with Colombia's 2016 peace deal between the government and FARC rebels. Norway's foreign minister said as early as March that it was prepared to act as a mediator or facilitator of talks between the Venezuelan government and the opposition. No meetings have yet been held, and the parties will meet separately with Norwegian diplomats, one of the sources said. Maduro, in a speech broadcast on state television on Wednesday evening, said Jorge Rodriguez was "completing a very important mission abroad," without giving more details. Venezuela's information ministry did not reply to a request for comment. The Norwegian foreign ministry was not immediately available for comment. Reuters was unable to obtain comment from the participants. It was not immediately evident whether the parties had the full backing of the opposition or of Maduro's government. First Justice, one of the main opposition parties, said on Twitter that none of its members are involved.

Venezuela opposition, government leaders travel to Norway for possible talks

Some fishermen in Norway stumbled upon a white beluga whale with a tight harness, which they say appeared to be Russian made. The captured whale has raised alarm in Norway and prompted speculation that the animal may have escaped from a Russian military facility.

"The white beluga whale outside the Finnmark coast that had tight straps attached around the body has been freed by the crew from the Directorate of Fisheries'. The crew from the sea service is trained to free whales from ropes and fishing gear and together with the help of a local fisherman Joar Hesten they managed to release the whale yesterday," said a tweet posted by the Norway's Directorate of Fisheries on Saturday.

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Joergen Ree Wiig of the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries said "Equipment St. Petersburg" is written on the harness strap, which features a mount for an action camera. Notably, Russia has a naval base in the region.

He said that fishermen in Arctic Norway last week reported the tame white cetacean with a tight harness swimming around. On Friday, a fisherman, aided by the Ree Wiig, jumped into the frigid water to remove the harness.

He said "people in Norway's military have shown great interest" in the harness.

Norway's Aftenposten daily reported that the Russian military is believed to have trained sea mammals.

Audun Rikardsen, a professor at the Department of Arctic and Marine Biology at the Arctic University of Norway in Tromsoe, northern Norway, believes "it is most likely that Russian Navy in Murmansk" is involved. Russia has major military facilities in and around Murmansk on the Kola Peninsula, in the far northwest of Russia.

It wasn't immediately clear what the mammal was being trained for, or whether it was supposed to be part of any Russian military activity in the region.

Rikardsen said he had checked with scholars in Russia and Norway and said they have not reported any programme or experiments using beluga whales.

"This is a tame animal that is used to get food served so that is why it has made contacts with the fishermen," he said. "The question is now whether it can survive by finding food by itself. We have seen cases where other whales that have been in Russian captivity doing fine."

Hesten told Norwegian broadcaster NRK that the whale began to rub itself again his boat when he first spotted it.

Both Russia and Norway share a land and a maritime border. Tensions have recently escalated between the two nations over dominance in the Arctic region.

Whales are useful in detecting weapons, attacking divers and detecting underwater mines.

Russia is not alone in this regard. The US army had actively used 'military dolphins' during the Iraq war.

(With inputs from agencies)

Some fishermen in Norway stumbled upon a white beluga whale with a tight harness, which they say appeared to be Russian made. The captured whale has raised alarm in Norway and prompted speculation that the animal may have escaped from a Russian military facility.

Some fishermen in Norway stumbled upon a white beluga whale with a tight harness, which they say appeared to be Russian made. The captured whale has raised alarm in Norway and prompted speculation that the animal may have escaped from a Russian military facility. "The white beluga whale outside the Finnmark coast that had tight straps attached around the body has been freed by the crew from the Directorate of Fisheries'. The crew from the sea service is trained to free whales from ropes and fishing gear and together with the help of a local fisherman Joar Hesten they managed to release the whale yesterday," said a tweet posted by the Norway's Directorate of Fisheries on Saturday. × Joergen Ree Wiig of the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries said "Equipment St. Petersburg" is written on the harness strap, which features a mount for an action camera. Notably, Russia has a naval base in the region. He said that fishermen in Arctic Norway last week reported the tame white cetacean with a tight harness swimming around. On Friday, a fisherman, aided by the Ree Wiig, jumped into the frigid water to remove the harness. He said "people in Norway's military have shown great interest" in the harness. Norway's Aftenposten daily reported that the Russian military is believed to have trained sea mammals. Audun Rikardsen, a professor at the Department of Arctic and Marine Biology at the Arctic University of Norway in Tromsoe, northern Norway, believes "it is most likely that Russian Navy in Murmansk" is involved. Russia has major military facilities in and around Murmansk on the Kola Peninsula, in the far northwest of Russia. It wasn't immediately clear what the mammal was being trained for, or whether it was supposed to be part of any Russian military activity in the region. Rikardsen said he had checked with scholars in Russia and Norway and said they have not reported any programme or experiments using beluga whales. "This is a tame animal that is used to get food served so that is why it has made contacts with the fishermen," he said. "The question is now whether it can survive by finding food by itself. We have seen cases where other whales that have been in Russian captivity doing fine." Hesten told Norwegian broadcaster NRK that the whale began to rub itself again his boat when he first spotted it. Both Russia and Norway share a land and a maritime border. Tensions have recently escalated between the two nations over dominance in the Arctic region. Whales are useful in detecting weapons, attacking divers and detecting underwater mines. Russia is not alone in this regard. The US army had actively used 'military dolphins' during the Iraq war. (With inputs from agencies)

Beluga whale with Russian harness raises alarm in Norway

Some fishermen in Norway stumbled upon a white beluga whale with a tight harness, which they say appeared to be Russian made.

A beluga whale found with a tight harness that appeared to be Russian made has raised the alarm of Norwegian officials and prompted speculation that the animal may have escaped from a Russian military facility. Watch this video to know more.

Norway fisherman removes harness from whale

What would happen if a cruise liner suddenly found itself without power in the middle of the Arctic? After narrowly averting a maritime disaster, Norway is mulling the safety of cruise ships in the Far North.

Thanks to well-trained professionals and a good dose of luck, the 1,373 people on board the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stricken-norway-cruise-ship-reaches-port-after-airlift-drama-205421">Viking Sky, the ship that suffered an engine failure</a> in stormy season Saturday, escaped the experience with just a harrowing tale to tell.

The incident led to a spectacular air rescue operation: almost 500 passengers were winched off the ship by helicopters fighting strong winds, some in the dark.

The vessel, which came close to being swept onto perilous reefs with a potentially catastrophic human and environmental toll, was finally able to make its way to a nearby port, after getting three of its engines running.&nbsp;

The engines are believed to have failed due to low oil pressure, maritime authorities said on Wednesday.

"Most of the people on board the Viking Sky would have died if the ship had run aground, because of the extreme weather conditions, the ship's movements, a severe list, and a slow evacuation," said two professors from the University of Trondheim's department of marine technology.

"What would the consequences have been if this had happened in Finnmark, or near &nbsp;Svalbard?," Ingrid Bouwer Utne and Jan Erik Vinnem wrote in financial daily Dagens Naeringsliv.

Finnmark is the northernmost county in mainland Norway, while Svalbard (also known as Spitzberg) is an archipelago located about 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) from the North Pole.

Both regions are hugely popular in the cruise industry because of their pristine and exotic wilderness, the Northern Lights and polar bears -- but they are poorly equipped for a rescue mission.&nbsp;

Exclude the biggest?&nbsp;

Six helicopters were able to be quickly dispatched to evacuate the Viking Sky, as it found itself relatively close to an area with offshore oil installations.

Svalbard and Finnmark meanwhile each have just two rescue helicopters.

In difficult conditions like those that prevailed last weekend and that prevented a sea rescue, how would hundreds or thousands of passengers be evacuated from a ship in distress?

In 2017, Svalbard registered 30 cruise ship dockings and 45,000 passengers, not including so-called exploration cruises with smaller vessels.

"We were lucky the Viking Sky didn't run aground," Erik Joachimsen, head of the professional association Cruise Northern Norway &amp; Svalbard, told AFP. "But you can't always count on luck."

The Norwegian Hurtigruten cruise company, which promotes itself as more environmental than the big cruise ships that run on heavy fuel oil, has called for size limits on ships navigating in remote and ecologically sensitive waters.

"The giant cruiseliners with thousands of passengers and heavy fuel oil pose a major environmental risk," managing director Daniel Skjeldam said.

"Gigantic cruise ships are not advisable everywhere," he said, insisting on the environmental aspect, which would also have the advantage of eliminating some competitors.

Regulate or ban?&nbsp;

"This summer, similar cruise ships carrying thousands of passengers will sail in Arctic waters and in other vulnerable regions, far from search and rescue facilities," lamented Sian Prior, an advisor to the Clean Arctic Alliance campaign.

"In addition to the risk to lives, most of these vessels will be powered by oil-based fuels including heavy fuel oil, which pose a grave risk to the Arctic environment, and to the livelihoods of local indigenous people," she said.

A heavy fuel oil spill would be "likely to take from months to years to be completely cleaned up."

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg admitted Wednesday there were limits to what authorities could do in the event of a disaster.

"It's absolutely correct that in the Far North, we would have been faced with much bigger challenges... &nbsp;We don't have the capacity right now to handle this kind of situation," she said.

"The question will always be whether it's best to have large resources up north in case it happens, or whether we should look into other rules," she told parliament.

The International Maritime Organisation adopted a Polar Code in 2017 for ships operating in polar regions, requiring shipowners to meet a number of security and environmental standards.

But Norway, together with other countries bordering the Arctic, is also considering regulating navigation in the region.

The two University of Trondheim professors advocate a swift solution: "If we're not able to take sufficient measures, should we really allow cruiseships in these zones?"

What would happen if a cruise liner suddenly found itself without power in the middle of the Arctic? After narrowly averting a maritime disaster, Norway is mulling the safety of cruise ships in the Far North.

What would happen if a cruise liner suddenly found itself without power in the middle of the Arctic? After narrowly averting a maritime disaster, Norway is mulling the safety of cruise ships in the Far North. Thanks to well-trained professionals and a good dose of luck, the 1,373 people on board the Viking Sky, the ship that suffered an engine failure in stormy season Saturday, escaped the experience with just a harrowing tale to tell. The incident led to a spectacular air rescue operation: almost 500 passengers were winched off the ship by helicopters fighting strong winds, some in the dark. The vessel, which came close to being swept onto perilous reefs with a potentially catastrophic human and environmental toll, was finally able to make its way to a nearby port, after getting three of its engines running. The engines are believed to have failed due to low oil pressure, maritime authorities said on Wednesday. "Most of the people on board the Viking Sky would have died if the ship had run aground, because of the extreme weather conditions, the ship's movements, a severe list, and a slow evacuation," said two professors from the University of Trondheim's department of marine technology. "What would the consequences have been if this had happened in Finnmark, or near Svalbard?," Ingrid Bouwer Utne and Jan Erik Vinnem wrote in financial daily Dagens Naeringsliv. Finnmark is the northernmost county in mainland Norway, while Svalbard (also known as Spitzberg) is an archipelago located about 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) from the North Pole. Both regions are hugely popular in the cruise industry because of their pristine and exotic wilderness, the Northern Lights and polar bears -- but they are poorly equipped for a rescue mission. Exclude the biggest? Six helicopters were able to be quickly dispatched to evacuate the Viking Sky, as it found itself relatively close to an area with offshore oil installations. Svalbard and Finnmark meanwhile each have just two rescue helicopters. In difficult conditions like those that prevailed last weekend and that prevented a sea rescue, how would hundreds or thousands of passengers be evacuated from a ship in distress? In 2017, Svalbard registered 30 cruise ship dockings and 45,000 passengers, not including so-called exploration cruises with smaller vessels. "We were lucky the Viking Sky didn't run aground," Erik Joachimsen, head of the professional association Cruise Northern Norway & Svalbard, told AFP. "But you can't always count on luck." The Norwegian Hurtigruten cruise company, which promotes itself as more environmental than the big cruise ships that run on heavy fuel oil, has called for size limits on ships navigating in remote and ecologically sensitive waters. "The giant cruiseliners with thousands of passengers and heavy fuel oil pose a major environmental risk," managing director Daniel Skjeldam said. "Gigantic cruise ships are not advisable everywhere," he said, insisting on the environmental aspect, which would also have the advantage of eliminating some competitors. Regulate or ban? "This summer, similar cruise ships carrying thousands of passengers will sail in Arctic waters and in other vulnerable regions, far from search and rescue facilities," lamented Sian Prior, an advisor to the Clean Arctic Alliance campaign. "In addition to the risk to lives, most of these vessels will be powered by oil-based fuels including heavy fuel oil, which pose a grave risk to the Arctic environment, and to the livelihoods of local indigenous people," she said. A heavy fuel oil spill would be "likely to take from months to years to be completely cleaned up." Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg admitted Wednesday there were limits to what authorities could do in the event of a disaster. "It's absolutely correct that in the Far North, we would have been faced with much bigger challenges... We don't have the capacity right now to handle this kind of situation," she said. "The question will always be whether it's best to have large resources up north in case it happens, or whether we should look into other rules," she told parliament. The International Maritime Organisation adopted a Polar Code in 2017 for ships operating in polar regions, requiring shipowners to meet a number of security and environmental standards. But Norway, together with other countries bordering the Arctic, is also considering regulating navigation in the region. The two University of Trondheim professors advocate a swift solution: "If we're not able to take sufficient measures, should we really allow cruiseships in these zones?"

Dramatic Viking Sky rescue a wake-up call for Arctic cruises

A cruise ship that broke down in rough seas off the Norwegian coast with some <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/norway-rescuers-airlift-passengers-off-cruise-ship-in-storm-205160">1,300 passengers and crew on board</a> has restarted three of its four engines and will be towed to port, emergency services said Sunday. &nbsp;

"Three of the four engines are now working which means the boat can now make way on its own," emergency services spokesman Per Fjeld said.

The Viking Sky lost power and started drifting mid-afternoon Saturday about two kilometres off More og Romsdal in dangerous waters and high seas, prompting the captain to send out a distress call and trigger a massive airlift operation.

The airlift was continuing in the early morning, Fjeld said.

Police said 338 of the 1,373 people on board the Viking Sky had so far been taken off by helicopter.

The vessel is making slow headway at two to three knots (4-5 kilometres) an hour off the dangerous, rocky coast and a tug will help it towards the port of Molde, about 500 kilometres northwest of Oslo, officials said.

Police said that 17 people had been taken to the hospital.

The passengers are mostly British or American, they added.

A cruise ship that broke down in rough seas off the Norwegian coast with some 1,300 passengers and crew on board has restarted three of its four engines and will be towed to port, emergency services said Sunday.

A cruise ship that broke down in rough seas off the Norwegian coast with some 1,300 passengers and crew on board has restarted three of its four engines and will be towed to port, emergency services said Sunday. "Three of the four engines are now working which means the boat can now make way on its own," emergency services spokesman Per Fjeld said. The Viking Sky lost power and started drifting mid-afternoon Saturday about two kilometres off More og Romsdal in dangerous waters and high seas, prompting the captain to send out a distress call and trigger a massive airlift operation. The airlift was continuing in the early morning, Fjeld said. Police said 338 of the 1,373 people on board the Viking Sky had so far been taken off by helicopter. The vessel is making slow headway at two to three knots (4-5 kilometres) an hour off the dangerous, rocky coast and a tug will help it towards the port of Molde, about 500 kilometres northwest of Oslo, officials said. Police said that 17 people had been taken to the hospital. The passengers are mostly British or American, they added.

Three of four engines on stricken Norway cruise ship restarted

Norway cruise ship breaks down in Sea

Rescuers were working into the night on Saturday to airlift 1,300 passengers and crew off a cruise ship after it got into difficulty in rough seas off the Norwegian coast.

The Viking Sky lost power and started drifting mid-afternoon two kilometres off More og Romsdal, prompting the captain to send out a distress call.

The crew managed to restart one of the engines and drop anchor but authorities decided it was too risky for passengers to remain on board.

Five helicopters were scrambled along with coastguard and other rescue vessels.

"I have never seen anything so frightening," said one of the passengers who was rescued, Janet Jacob.

"I started to pray. I prayed for the safety of everyone on board," she told the NRK television channel.

"The helicopter trip was terrifying. The winds were like a tornado," she added.&nbsp;

Pictures broadcast in media reports showed passengers on board as the boat rocked up and down.

"We were sitting down for breakfast when things started to shake... It was just chaos," said another passenger, American John Curry, as quoted in Norwegian by media.

Tor Andre Franck, the head of the police operations, said: "The boat only has one working engine and the winds are rather strong. Therefore we would prefer to have the passengers on land rather than on board the ship."&nbsp;

Notorious seas&nbsp;

The Viking Sky sent out a distress signal due to "engine problems in bad weather", southern Norway's rescue centre said earlier on Twitter.

By 9:00 pm 136 people had been evacuated, with each helicopter able to take 15-20 people per airlift.

"The operation is going on all night long. The people are safe on board," said Per Fjeld, a rescue centre official.

The ship was travelling south en route from Tromso to Stavanger when it got into trouble in an area that has claimed many ships.

"It is dangerous to encounter engine problems in these waters, which hide numerous reefs," Franck said.

A reception centre has been set up in a gym on shore to accommodate the evacuees, many of whom are from the US and Britain.

Another vessel had been dispatched to try to tow the Viking Sky into port, potentially removing the need for the airlift.

"The boat is stable. It has dropped anchor and one of its engines is working," said a rescue centre spokesman, Borghild Eldoen.

"For the moment everything appears to be going well," added another spokesman, Einar Knutsen.

The centre said eight people had suffered minor injuries.

The area where the ship is stranded, known as Hustadvika, is notoriously difficult to navigate.

The shallow, ten nautical mile section of coastline is known for its many small islands and reefs.

"Hustadvika is one of the most notorious maritime areas that we have," Odd Roar Lange, a journalist specialising in tourism, told NRK.

In their time, the Vikings hesitated to venture into the Hustadvika, preferring instead to transport their boats by land from one fjord to another.

Operated by the Norwegian firm Viking Ocean Cruisers, the Viking Sky is a modern cruise ship launched in 2017 with a capacity of 930 passengers plus crew.&nbsp;

In addition to US and British nationals, there were also passengers from 14 other countries on board, Fjeld said.

Rescuers were working into the night on Saturday to airlift 1,300 passengers and crew off a cruise ship after it got into difficulty in rough seas off the Norwegian coast.

Rescuers were working into the night on Saturday to airlift 1,300 passengers and crew off a cruise ship after it got into difficulty in rough seas off the Norwegian coast. The Viking Sky lost power and started drifting mid-afternoon two kilometres off More og Romsdal, prompting the captain to send out a distress call. The crew managed to restart one of the engines and drop anchor but authorities decided it was too risky for passengers to remain on board. Five helicopters were scrambled along with coastguard and other rescue vessels. "I have never seen anything so frightening," said one of the passengers who was rescued, Janet Jacob. "I started to pray. I prayed for the safety of everyone on board," she told the NRK television channel. "The helicopter trip was terrifying. The winds were like a tornado," she added. Pictures broadcast in media reports showed passengers on board as the boat rocked up and down. "We were sitting down for breakfast when things started to shake... It was just chaos," said another passenger, American John Curry, as quoted in Norwegian by media. Tor Andre Franck, the head of the police operations, said: "The boat only has one working engine and the winds are rather strong. Therefore we would prefer to have the passengers on land rather than on board the ship." Notorious seas The Viking Sky sent out a distress signal due to "engine problems in bad weather", southern Norway's rescue centre said earlier on Twitter. By 9:00 pm 136 people had been evacuated, with each helicopter able to take 15-20 people per airlift. "The operation is going on all night long. The people are safe on board," said Per Fjeld, a rescue centre official. The ship was travelling south en route from Tromso to Stavanger when it got into trouble in an area that has claimed many ships. "It is dangerous to encounter engine problems in these waters, which hide numerous reefs," Franck said. A reception centre has been set up in a gym on shore to accommodate the evacuees, many of whom are from the US and Britain. Another vessel had been dispatched to try to tow the Viking Sky into port, potentially removing the need for the airlift. "The boat is stable. It has dropped anchor and one of its engines is working," said a rescue centre spokesman, Borghild Eldoen. "For the moment everything appears to be going well," added another spokesman, Einar Knutsen. The centre said eight people had suffered minor injuries. The area where the ship is stranded, known as Hustadvika, is notoriously difficult to navigate. The shallow, ten nautical mile section of coastline is known for its many small islands and reefs. "Hustadvika is one of the most notorious maritime areas that we have," Odd Roar Lange, a journalist specialising in tourism, told NRK. In their time, the Vikings hesitated to venture into the Hustadvika, preferring instead to transport their boats by land from one fjord to another. Operated by the Norwegian firm Viking Ocean Cruisers, the Viking Sky is a modern cruise ship launched in 2017 with a capacity of 930 passengers plus crew. In addition to US and British nationals, there were also passengers from 14 other countries on board, Fjeld said.

Norway rescuers airlift 1,300 passengers off cruise ship in storm

Norway: Helicopters sent to rescue 1300 passengers from ship

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Norwegian PM Erna Solberg on Tuesday held bilateral talks which focused on ocean economy, with Oslo appreciating New Delhi's role in global affairs being "the largest democracy." Both also exchanged one document on "India Norway Ocean Dialogue".

Calling India an "ocean country" Norway PM agreed to "intensify" cooperation with India on the "issues of the sea" while PM Modi said, "For India's development ocean economy is an important sector. 15% of Indian population stay in coastal districts and their lives are dependent on the ocean. We discussed it and will increase cooperation in it"

Norway PM's comments are important given the fact that India now sees its neighbourhood in respect to countries around the Indian ocean &amp; not just countries bordering it on the landmass. Also, comes at a time when New Delhi is growing its focus on Indo Pacific concept.

PM invited Norwegian companies to invest in India especially in ports. He said, "Under Sagarmala projects, Norway companies can take part in shipbuilding and ports development in India"

Norway's PM lauding India's role said, "As the world's largest democracy, India plays an important role both regionally and globally. We had an open and constructive dialogue on how we can work together to protect and develop rules-based international order governance"

She added, "Its important that both big countries like India and smaller countries like Norway join forces to work for the benefit and talk about the benefits of multilateralism in a time &nbsp;of increased protectionism."

Calling for reform of United Nations, Norway PM said, "Multilateralism is not just about trade and economy but also making international organisations function. For example through the reform of the UN. UN needs to reform.. they need to be representative as it looks today and not the way the world was seen in the 1940s."

The focus was also on sustainable development with Norway PM saying SDGs (Sustainable development Goals) arent achievable if India is not involved. She Invited PM Modi to visit Norway.

Recently, Norway government launched a new strategy for India to engage with New Delhi.

Earlier during the day after the ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan, Norway Prime Minister Erna Solberg talked about "friendship and partnership" with India especially on "oceans and sustainable development and bilateral issues". She said, "I would like to thank Prime minister Modi for the warm welcome so far and impressive reception. Good tradition. We hope for good friendship and partnership with India on oceans and sustainable development and bilateral issues. I would like to say Thank you for the warm welcome and looking forward to the talks."

She later paid respects to father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. At the visitors' book, she wrote," I am grateful for the opportunity to pay my respects to Mahatma Gandhi, 150 years after his birth. His efforts for peace and non-violence continue to resonate across the global."

She is the first foreign leader and head of government to visit New Delhi in 2019. On the 1st day, she addressed the Indian-Norwegian Business Summit &amp; opened of the new "green" compound of Norwegian Embassy.&nbsp;

PM Modi has met the Solberg twice. In 2017during her meet with PM Modi on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Hamburg Germany, she giftedPM Modi a football. The football had SDG-- sustainable development goal inscribed on it. The gesture was to symbolise attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Last year PM Modi met Norway PM during the maiden India Nordic summit in Stockholm on 17 April 2018.

Message for China?

The Norway PM was the chief guest at the inaugural session of Raisina Dialogue in which PM Modi also was present.&nbsp;

Speaking at the session, Solberg lauded India for respecting laws of the sea and said, "when large countries respect rule small countries like us take note. The principle that might is right can't be used in governance".&nbsp;

She said UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) provide a "legal framework" and rules-based order has served her country. The message won't be missed by China who has been embroiled in south china sea dispute with countries in south-east Asia.&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Norwegian PM Erna Solberg on Tuesday held bilateral talks which focused on ocean economy, with Oslo appreciating New Delhi's role in global affairs being "the largest democracy.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Norwegian PM Erna Solberg on Tuesday held bilateral talks which focused on ocean economy, with Oslo appreciating New Delhi's role in global affairs being "the largest democracy." Both also exchanged one document on "India Norway Ocean Dialogue". Calling India an "ocean country" Norway PM agreed to "intensify" cooperation with India on the "issues of the sea" while PM Modi said, "For India's development ocean economy is an important sector. 15% of Indian population stay in coastal districts and their lives are dependent on the ocean. We discussed it and will increase cooperation in it" Norway PM's comments are important given the fact that India now sees its neighbourhood in respect to countries around the Indian ocean & not just countries bordering it on the landmass. Also, comes at a time when New Delhi is growing its focus on Indo Pacific concept. PM invited Norwegian companies to invest in India especially in ports. He said, "Under Sagarmala projects, Norway companies can take part in shipbuilding and ports development in India" Norway's PM lauding India's role said, "As the world's largest democracy, India plays an important role both regionally and globally. We had an open and constructive dialogue on how we can work together to protect and develop rules-based international order governance" She added, "Its important that both big countries like India and smaller countries like Norway join forces to work for the benefit and talk about the benefits of multilateralism in a time of increased protectionism." Calling for reform of United Nations, Norway PM said, "Multilateralism is not just about trade and economy but also making international organisations function. For example through the reform of the UN. UN needs to reform.. they need to be representative as it looks today and not the way the world was seen in the 1940s." The focus was also on sustainable development with Norway PM saying SDGs (Sustainable development Goals) arent achievable if India is not involved. She Invited PM Modi to visit Norway. Recently, Norway government launched a new strategy for India to engage with New Delhi. Earlier during the day after the ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan, Norway Prime Minister Erna Solberg talked about "friendship and partnership" with India especially on "oceans and sustainable development and bilateral issues". She said, "I would like to thank Prime minister Modi for the warm welcome so far and impressive reception. Good tradition. We hope for good friendship and partnership with India on oceans and sustainable development and bilateral issues. I would like to say Thank you for the warm welcome and looking forward to the talks." She later paid respects to father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. At the visitors' book, she wrote," I am grateful for the opportunity to pay my respects to Mahatma Gandhi, 150 years after his birth. His efforts for peace and non-violence continue to resonate across the global." She is the first foreign leader and head of government to visit New Delhi in 2019. On the 1st day, she addressed the Indian-Norwegian Business Summit & opened of the new "green" compound of Norwegian Embassy. PM Modi has met the Solberg twice. In 2017during her meet with PM Modi on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Hamburg Germany, she giftedPM Modi a football. The football had SDG-- sustainable development goal inscribed on it. The gesture was to symbolise attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Last year PM Modi met Norway PM during the maiden India Nordic summit in Stockholm on 17 April 2018. Message for China? The Norway PM was the chief guest at the inaugural session of Raisina Dialogue in which PM Modi also was present. Speaking at the session, Solberg lauded India for respecting laws of the sea and said, "when large countries respect rule small countries like us take note. The principle that might is right can't be used in governance". She said UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) provide a "legal framework" and rules-based order has served her country. The message won't be missed by China who has been embroiled in south china sea dispute with countries in south-east Asia.

Norway PM calls India an 'Ocean country' as both nations agree to intensify engagement on Ocean Economy

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg arrived here on Monday on a three-day visit. During the visit she will hold talks with PM Narendra Modi on a host of issues with an aim to expand the multi-faceted bilateral partnership.

Solberg will deliver the inaugural address at the Raisina Dialogue and address India-Norway Business Summit during her visit.

She will also call on President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, besides holding talks with Prime Minister Modi.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will also call on Solberg during her India visit.

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Prime Minister of Norway Erna Solberg arrived in Delhi earlier tonight. She is on a three-day state visit to India. <a href="https://t.co/z6pnUksTp7">pic.twitter.com/z6pnUksTp7</a>
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The upcoming visit of Prime Minister Solberg will provide an opportunity to the two sides to review the progress in bilateral cooperation and discuss ways to further expand the multi-faceted partnership in areas of common interest, the MEA had said in a statement.

Ahead of the visit, Ambassador of Norway to India Nils Ragnar Kamsvag said this is the first visit to India by a Norwegian prime minister in a decade.

"The visit has the potential of boosting bilateral trade between the two countries and further strengthen the already good relationship," he said.

Norway is a leading ocean country, a key producer of maritime and sub sea technology and a major exporter of seafood, oil and gas, he said.

"We thus think that Norway has a lot to offer and we are hopeful that the bilateral talks during the visit will focus on sustainable use of the oceans that benefits both countries in the long run," the envoy said.

&nbsp;

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg arrived here on Monday on a three-day visit. During the visit she will hold talks with PM Narendra Modi on a host of issues with an aim to expand the multi-faceted bilateral partnership.

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg arrived here on Monday on a three-day visit. During the visit she will hold talks with PM Narendra Modi on a host of issues with an aim to expand the multi-faceted bilateral partnership. Solberg will deliver the inaugural address at the Raisina Dialogue and address India-Norway Business Summit during her visit. She will also call on President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, besides holding talks with Prime Minister Modi. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will also call on Solberg during her India visit. Prime Minister of Norway Erna Solberg arrived in Delhi earlier tonight. She is on a three-day state visit to India. pic.twitter.com/z6pnUksTp7 — ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2019 × The upcoming visit of Prime Minister Solberg will provide an opportunity to the two sides to review the progress in bilateral cooperation and discuss ways to further expand the multi-faceted partnership in areas of common interest, the MEA had said in a statement. Ahead of the visit, Ambassador of Norway to India Nils Ragnar Kamsvag said this is the first visit to India by a Norwegian prime minister in a decade. "The visit has the potential of boosting bilateral trade between the two countries and further strengthen the already good relationship," he said. Norway is a leading ocean country, a key producer of maritime and sub sea technology and a major exporter of seafood, oil and gas, he said. "We thus think that Norway has a lot to offer and we are hopeful that the bilateral talks during the visit will focus on sustainable use of the oceans that benefits both countries in the long run," the envoy said.

Norwegian PM Erna Solberg arrives in Delhi on 3-day visit

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