A look at the headlines right now:

  1. US wants to see Pakistan’s steps against terrorism, says American diplomat: Islamabad has to decide whether or not it wants to join the US in fighting terrorism, the Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia said.
  2. Babri Action Committee denies it met Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to discuss Ayodhya dispute: The Art of Living founder was earlier reported to have been appointed as a mediator by the parties involved in a legal battle over the matter.  
  3. Spain dismisses Catalan government after independence declaration, new elections on December 21: The public prosecutor’s office in Madrid said it will file rebellion charges next week against the head of the autonomous region, Carles Puigdemont.
  4. From now on, passports for adopted children will need Child Development Ministry clearance: The order of the External Affairs Ministry comes in light of the death of Sherin Mathews, the three-year-old adopted from India who died in Texas.
  5. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani links terror suspect to Ahmed Patel, demands his resignation: One of two suspected militants recently arrested by the state police used to work at a hospital where the Congress leader was a trustee, the BJP leader said.
  6. Charges filed in investigation of alleged Russian meddling in 2016 US presidential election, reports CNN: Anyone charged can be taken into custody as early as Monday.
  7. Delhi’s T2 airport opens again, GoAir flight will be its first on Saturday: SpiceJet and IndiGo have been given two more months to move around a third of their flights to the airport.
  8. Congress accuses BJP of curbing press freedom in connection with former BBC journalist’s arrest: Party leader Ajay Maken demanded Vinod Verma’s immediate release and an inquiry against Chhattisgarh minister Rajesh Munat for allegedly making a sex CD.
  9. Women accusing Donald Trump of sexual misconduct are lying, says White House: Trump had earlier referred to the allegations as ‘fake news’. At least 16 women have accused the president of sexual harassment.
  10. Indian spy drone shot down along Line of Control, claims Pakistan Army: The wreckage of the quadcopter will be sent for analysis.