As China struggles to earn credibility for its coronavirus vaccine. Wildly different efficacy rates reported from different corners of the world have raised questions on the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Sinovac Biotech ltd.

Several countries across the world have opted for the Chinese vaccine to be used in their vaccination programs. Indonesia is moving the fastest to distribute Sinovac vaccine to citizens. The local trial in Indonesia showed an efficacy of 65 per cent. However, since only 1620 people had participated in the test, the data is not considered to be meaningful.

Last month, Turkey said that Sinovac vaccine showed the efficacy of 91.25 per cent. Again, the local trial was too small to draw sufficient conclusion.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-province-declares-emergency-to-control-coronavirus-356360">Chinese province declares emergency to control coronavirus</a>

Biggest trial of Sinovac vaccine is being carried out in Brazil involving 13,000 people. However, varying effiicacy rates have been publicised. Sinovac's local partner, Butanan Institute said that vaccine was 78 per cen effective in preventing mild COVID-19 infection and 100 per cent effective in case of serious infection.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-covid-vaccine-sinovac-throws-up-four-different-efficacy-rates-356427">Chinese COVID vaccine Sinovac throws up four different efficacy rates</a>

However, on Tuesday, Butanan Institute said that overall efficacy rate was actually 50.38 per cent.

The confusion over the Chinese vaccine is giving rise to skepticism.

As China struggles to earn credibility for its coronavirus vaccine. Wildly different efficacy rates reported from different corners of the world have raised questions on the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Sinovac Biotech ltd.

As China struggles to earn credibility for its coronavirus vaccine. Wildly different efficacy rates reported from different corners of the world have raised questions on the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Sinovac Biotech ltd. Several countries across the world have opted for the Chinese vaccine to be used in their vaccination programs. Indonesia is moving the fastest to distribute Sinovac vaccine to citizens. The local trial in Indonesia showed an efficacy of 65 per cent. However, since only 1620 people had participated in the test, the data is not considered to be meaningful. Last month, Turkey said that Sinovac vaccine showed the efficacy of 91.25 per cent. Again, the local trial was too small to draw sufficient conclusion. Also Read | Chinese province declares emergency to control coronavirus Biggest trial of Sinovac vaccine is being carried out in Brazil involving 13,000 people. However, varying effiicacy rates have been publicised. Sinovac's local partner, Butanan Institute said that vaccine was 78 per cen effective in preventing mild COVID-19 infection and 100 per cent effective in case of serious infection. Also Read | Chinese COVID vaccine Sinovac throws up four different efficacy rates However, on Tuesday, Butanan Institute said that overall efficacy rate was actually 50.38 per cent. The confusion over the Chinese vaccine is giving rise to skepticism.

Chinese COVID vaccine Sinovac throws up four different efficacy rates

An 'escape mutant's found in coronavirus has alarmed the scientific community as there are chances that the mutation may decrease the efficacy of coronavirus vaccines. This mutant has been found in South African variant of the coronavirus. 12 countries around the world have reported this variant.

The mutation has been named E484K. The mutant has been termed as an 'escape mutant because it may be able to escape antibodies produced against coronavirus vaccines.

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"We fear this mutation might have an impact, and what we don't know is the extent of the impact," said Penny Moore, Associate Professor, National Institute for Communicable Diseases in South Africa. She was quoted by CNN.

According to experts, the escape mutant may not render vaccines useless but they will reduce their efficacy.

However, the recent mutation may mean that battle to defeat coronavirus pandemic is far from over.

An 'escape mutant's found in coronavirus has alarmed the scientific community as there are chances that the mutation may decrease the efficacy of coronavirus vaccines.

An 'escape mutant's found in coronavirus has alarmed the scientific community as there are chances that the mutation may decrease the efficacy of coronavirus vaccines. This mutant has been found in South African variant of the coronavirus. 12 countries around the world have reported this variant. The mutation has been named E484K. The mutant has been termed as an 'escape mutant because it may be able to escape antibodies produced against coronavirus vaccines. × "We fear this mutation might have an impact, and what we don't know is the extent of the impact," said Penny Moore, Associate Professor, National Institute for Communicable Diseases in South Africa. She was quoted by CNN. According to experts, the escape mutant may not render vaccines useless but they will reduce their efficacy. However, the recent mutation may mean that battle to defeat coronavirus pandemic is far from over.

'Escape mutant' of coronavirus may decrease efficacy of vaccines: Experts

The FBI announced Monday the arrest of a professed supporter of Al-Qaeda who was planning to target members of the US military and their families with a bomb attack on a July 4 parade in Cleveland, Ohio.

Demetrius Pitts, who had expressed allegiance to the al Qaeda militant group, was arrested on Sunday after a meeting with an undercover FBI agent where he said he planned to plant a bomb at a parade celebrating the U.S. Independence Day holiday and would target other locations in Cleveland and Philadelphia.

"His desire: to kill military personnel and their families," said FBI special agent Steve Anthony.

"What would hit them in the core? ... Blow up. Have a bomb. Blow up at the Fourth of July parade," Stephen Anthony, the FBI's head agent in Cleveland, quoted Pitts as saying. Anthony also told a news conference that the man was "willing to chop off hands and heads."

Pitts, 48, is from the Cleveland suburb of Maple Heights, Ohio, the FBI said in a statement.

FBI and Justice Department officials said Pitts, a US native with "an extensive criminal history" was arrested Sunday after discussing how to carry out the attack with the undercover agent.

They had been watching him for months after he made statements in support of Al-Qaeda and expressed "violent intentions" against groups including the US armed forces, Anthony said.

The posts called for Muslims to train in hand-to-hand combat and in the use of arms and explosives, Anthony said.

"His Facebook posts, quite frankly, were disturbing," he said.

They said he was focused on the possible locations of an attack and that it was not clear whether he had the ability himself to acquire or build bombs.

Officials also said it was not clear if Pitts had a network inside the United States or abroad.

Pitts was charged with attempting to provide support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.&nbsp

The FBI announced Monday the arrest of a professed supporter of Al-Qaeda who was planning to target members of the US military and their families with a bomb attack on a July 4 parade in Cleveland, Ohio.

The FBI announced Monday the arrest of a professed supporter of Al-Qaeda who was planning to target members of the US military and their families with a bomb attack on a July 4 parade in Cleveland, Ohio. Demetrius Pitts, who had expressed allegiance to the al Qaeda militant group, was arrested on Sunday after a meeting with an undercover FBI agent where he said he planned to plant a bomb at a parade celebrating the U.S. Independence Day holiday and would target other locations in Cleveland and Philadelphia. "His desire: to kill military personnel and their families," said FBI special agent Steve Anthony. "What would hit them in the core? ... Blow up. Have a bomb. Blow up at the Fourth of July parade," Stephen Anthony, the FBI's head agent in Cleveland, quoted Pitts as saying. Anthony also told a news conference that the man was "willing to chop off hands and heads." Pitts, 48, is from the Cleveland suburb of Maple Heights, Ohio, the FBI said in a statement. FBI and Justice Department officials said Pitts, a US native with "an extensive criminal history" was arrested Sunday after discussing how to carry out the attack with the undercover agent. They had been watching him for months after he made statements in support of Al-Qaeda and expressed "violent intentions" against groups including the US armed forces, Anthony said. The posts called for Muslims to train in hand-to-hand combat and in the use of arms and explosives, Anthony said. "His Facebook posts, quite frankly, were disturbing," he said. They said he was focused on the possible locations of an attack and that it was not clear whether he had the ability himself to acquire or build bombs. Officials also said it was not clear if Pitts had a network inside the United States or abroad. Pitts was charged with attempting to provide support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

Man to lose USD 240 million worth bitcoins if he gets password wrong

Kyrghyzstan's nationalist politician Sadyr Japarov logged a landslide victory in Kyrghyzstan's snap presidential election. The polls were triggered by collapse of the previous government. Japarov has won almost 80 per cent of votes. This means that there will be no run-off elections.

Kyrghyzstan's Central Election Commission said that more than 80 per cent voters have also supported proposal for constitutional reforms that give the president greater powers at parliament's expense.

Violent protests in October sent Japarov (52) from jail to PM's&nbsp;chair. He then assumed interim presidency before running for full-time role.

Japarov, who was sentenced to a lengthy prison term for kidnapping a provincial governor as part of a protest, had his verdict quashed amid the October unrest and has outspent 16 presidential poll rivals by a wide margin.

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Despite his nationalist stance - Japarov's first act as prime minister was to add ethnicity information to national ID cards - he has repeatedly pledged to maintain a close relationship with former Soviet overlord Moscow.

"Russia is our strategic partner," Japarov said after casting his ballot in a suburb of capital Bishkek, and urged all groups to accept the results in order to preserve stability.

Russia operates a military airbase in the mountainous nation and is the main destination for hundreds of thousands of Kyrgyz migrant labourers.

Neighbouring China is another key trade partner and investor in the impoverished and predominantly Muslim nation, whose economy has been battered by the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting disruptions to trade and travel.

Japarov's prison sentence stems from his campaign in the early 2010s to nationalise the giant Kumtor gold mine operated by Canada's Centerra Gold. After coming to power last year, however, he said that was no longer a goal and he would only seek to ensure profits are split fairly.

Japarov's campaign, which combined references to traditional symbols and values with promises such as doubling healthcare spending struck a chord with voters, especially in rural areas.

(With Reuters inputs)

Kyrghyzstan's nationalist politician Sadyr Japarov logged a landslide victory in Kyrghyzstan's snap presidential election. The polls were triggered by collapse of the previous government.

Kyrghyzstan's nationalist politician Sadyr Japarov logged a landslide victory in Kyrghyzstan's snap presidential election. The polls were triggered by collapse of the previous government. Japarov has won almost 80 per cent of votes. This means that there will be no run-off elections. Kyrghyzstan's Central Election Commission said that more than 80 per cent voters have also supported proposal for constitutional reforms that give the president greater powers at parliament's expense. Violent protests in October sent Japarov (52) from jail to PM's chair. He then assumed interim presidency before running for full-time role. Japarov, who was sentenced to a lengthy prison term for kidnapping a provincial governor as part of a protest, had his verdict quashed amid the October unrest and has outspent 16 presidential poll rivals by a wide margin. × Despite his nationalist stance - Japarov's first act as prime minister was to add ethnicity information to national ID cards - he has repeatedly pledged to maintain a close relationship with former Soviet overlord Moscow. "Russia is our strategic partner," Japarov said after casting his ballot in a suburb of capital Bishkek, and urged all groups to accept the results in order to preserve stability. Russia operates a military airbase in the mountainous nation and is the main destination for hundreds of thousands of Kyrgyz migrant labourers. Neighbouring China is another key trade partner and investor in the impoverished and predominantly Muslim nation, whose economy has been battered by the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting disruptions to trade and travel. Japarov's prison sentence stems from his campaign in the early 2010s to nationalise the giant Kumtor gold mine operated by Canada's Centerra Gold. After coming to power last year, however, he said that was no longer a goal and he would only seek to ensure profits are split fairly. Japarov's campaign, which combined references to traditional symbols and values with promises such as doubling healthcare spending struck a chord with voters, especially in rural areas. (With Reuters inputs)

Kyrghyzstan nationalist wins landslide victory in elections

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said on Sunday that he will get back the territories of Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh from India. He remarks came during his address to National Assembly or upper house of Nepal's parliament. Oli's remarks have come just days before Nepal's foreign minister's India visit on January 14.

"Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh which are located east of the Mahakali River belong to Nepal as per the Sugauli Treaty. We will get them back through diplomatic talks with India," Oli said.

"Our foreign minister will visit India on January 14 during which his discussion will be centred on the issue of the map that we have published with the inclusion of the three territories," said Oli, who had triggered the border row last year after his government came out with a new political map that showed Indian territories as part of Nepal.

After Nepal released the map last year, India reacted sharply, calling it a "unilateral act" and cautioning Kathmandu that such "artificial enlargement" of territorial claims will not be acceptable to it.

India said that Nepal's action violated an understanding reached between the two countries to resolve the boundary issues through talks.

The bilateral exchanges that had stalled due to the bitter boundary dispute were reset in the later part of 2020 with a series of high-level visits, as New Delhi emphasised that it sees itself as the Himalayan nation's "foremost friend" and development partner.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-cabinet-recommends-ending-winter-session-of-national-assembly-355821">Nepal cabinet recommends ending winter session of National Assembly</a>

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla's maiden visit to Nepal in November was largely aimed at resetting bilateral ties. Shringla met Prime Minister Oli and other top political brass and emphasised that India and Nepal are on the same page and share the same vision.

Addressing the lawmakers, Oli said that his government has made sincere efforts to strengthen bilateral ties with both India and China.

"We are working to deepen ties with India based on sovereign equality. In fact, we want to deepen the relationship with India in true sense and we should not hesitate to raise our issues of genuine concerns with India," said Oli, who is known for his pro-Beijing leanings.

The prime minister also said that recent high-level visits from India and China were goodwill ones. "They came here to convey their good wishes. There is nothing to worry much about that," he was quoted as saying by My Republica newspaper.

Oli also defended his decision to dissolve parliament, saying "I was forced to dissolve the House of the Representatives as some people in my party did not allow the government to perform well."

(With PTI inputs)

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said on Sunday that he will get back the territories of Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh from India. He remarks came during his address to National Assembly or upper house of Nepal's parliament.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said on Sunday that he will get back the territories of Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh from India. He remarks came during his address to National Assembly or upper house of Nepal's parliament. Oli's remarks have come just days before Nepal's foreign minister's India visit on January 14. "Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh which are located east of the Mahakali River belong to Nepal as per the Sugauli Treaty. We will get them back through diplomatic talks with India," Oli said. "Our foreign minister will visit India on January 14 during which his discussion will be centred on the issue of the map that we have published with the inclusion of the three territories," said Oli, who had triggered the border row last year after his government came out with a new political map that showed Indian territories as part of Nepal. After Nepal released the map last year, India reacted sharply, calling it a "unilateral act" and cautioning Kathmandu that such "artificial enlargement" of territorial claims will not be acceptable to it. India said that Nepal's action violated an understanding reached between the two countries to resolve the boundary issues through talks. The bilateral exchanges that had stalled due to the bitter boundary dispute were reset in the later part of 2020 with a series of high-level visits, as New Delhi emphasised that it sees itself as the Himalayan nation's "foremost friend" and development partner. Also Read | Nepal cabinet recommends ending winter session of National Assembly Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla's maiden visit to Nepal in November was largely aimed at resetting bilateral ties. Shringla met Prime Minister Oli and other top political brass and emphasised that India and Nepal are on the same page and share the same vision. Addressing the lawmakers, Oli said that his government has made sincere efforts to strengthen bilateral ties with both India and China. "We are working to deepen ties with India based on sovereign equality. In fact, we want to deepen the relationship with India in true sense and we should not hesitate to raise our issues of genuine concerns with India," said Oli, who is known for his pro-Beijing leanings. The prime minister also said that recent high-level visits from India and China were goodwill ones. "They came here to convey their good wishes. There is nothing to worry much about that," he was quoted as saying by My Republica newspaper. Oli also defended his decision to dissolve parliament, saying "I was forced to dissolve the House of the Representatives as some people in my party did not allow the government to perform well." (With PTI inputs)

Will get territories back from India: Nepal PM Oli

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has suspended a senior policeman over a New Year card that has been deemed to be extremely racist. The action has come just when the police force has been facing accusations of prejudice towards Arabs and blacks.&nbsp;

The New Year card in question was sent by a police station outside Paris. The cartoon on the card has a white policeman who is asking a black man to come closer. The policeman has a taser in his hands.

"Come closer. My taser is recharging in the cigarette lighter," says the slogan in the cartoon, below which is written, "the commissioner and the police... wish you a very happy 2021."

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin wrote on Twitter that an investigation into the matter had been launched. The police commissioner will be questioned. He has been suspended. Identity of the police commissioner has not been revealed.

The cartoon "shocked a lot of people due to the racist connotations," said an interior ministry official, who asked not to be named. "It is incomprehensible."

French police have been under fire over repeated instances where black or Arab suspects have been roughly arrested or beaten, prompting accusations of institutionalised racism in the force.

The beating of black music producer Michel Zecler in November prompted a storm of controversy, with four police charged over the assault.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has suspended a senior policeman over a New Year card that has been deemed to be extremely racist. The action has come just when the police force has been facing accusations of prejudice towards Arabs and blacks.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has suspended a senior policeman over a New Year card that has been deemed to be extremely racist. The action has come just when the police force has been facing accusations of prejudice towards Arabs and blacks. The New Year card in question was sent by a police station outside Paris. The cartoon on the card has a white policeman who is asking a black man to come closer. The policeman has a taser in his hands. "Come closer. My taser is recharging in the cigarette lighter," says the slogan in the cartoon, below which is written, "the commissioner and the police... wish you a very happy 2021." Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin wrote on Twitter that an investigation into the matter had been launched. The police commissioner will be questioned. He has been suspended. Identity of the police commissioner has not been revealed. The cartoon "shocked a lot of people due to the racist connotations," said an interior ministry official, who asked not to be named. "It is incomprehensible." French police have been under fire over repeated instances where black or Arab suspects have been roughly arrested or beaten, prompting accusations of institutionalised racism in the force. The beating of black music producer Michel Zecler in November prompted a storm of controversy, with four police charged over the assault.

French police officer suspended over 'racist' new year card

Former Pakistani diplomat Agha Hilaly admitted on Saturday that 300 Pakistani terrorists had died in India's Balakot airstrike in February 2019. Hilaly was talking on a news television show. Hilaly's admission goes starkly against Pakistani stand that their were zero casualties. Indian Air Force (IAF) had carried out the airstrike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror training camp on February 29, 2019 at Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

"India crossed the international border and did an act of war in which at least 300 were reported dead. Our target was different from theirs. We targeted their high command. That was our legitimate target because they are men of the military. We subconsciously accepted that a surgical strike -- a limited action -- did not result in any casualty. Now we have subconsciously told them that, whatever they will do, we`ll do only that much and won`t escalate," said Agha Hilaly on Pakistani channel as per news agency ANI.

This revelation by the former Pakistan diplomat comes months after the remarks of Pakistan Muslim League-N leader Ayaz Sadiq, who in October 2020, said in the country`s National Assembly that Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in an important meeting had pointed out that if Pakistan did not release Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, India would attack Pakistan "that night by 9 pm".

The IAF had carried out Balakot airstrike in response to terror attack in Pulwama in which 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives. Jaish-e-Mohammed had claimed responsibility for the February 14 attack.

After the Balakot strike, Pakistan has refused to acknowledge the presence of terrorist as a face-saving measure.

(With ANI inputs)

Former Pakistani diplomat Agha Hilaly admitted on Saturday that 300 Pakistani terrorists had died in India's Balakot airstrike in February 2019. Hilaly was talking on a news television show.

Former Pakistani diplomat Agha Hilaly admitted on Saturday that 300 Pakistani terrorists had died in India's Balakot airstrike in February 2019. Hilaly was talking on a news television show. Hilaly's admission goes starkly against Pakistani stand that their were zero casualties. Indian Air Force (IAF) had carried out the airstrike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror training camp on February 29, 2019 at Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. "India crossed the international border and did an act of war in which at least 300 were reported dead. Our target was different from theirs. We targeted their high command. That was our legitimate target because they are men of the military. We subconsciously accepted that a surgical strike -- a limited action -- did not result in any casualty. Now we have subconsciously told them that, whatever they will do, we`ll do only that much and won`t escalate," said Agha Hilaly on Pakistani channel as per news agency ANI. This revelation by the former Pakistan diplomat comes months after the remarks of Pakistan Muslim League-N leader Ayaz Sadiq, who in October 2020, said in the country`s National Assembly that Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in an important meeting had pointed out that if Pakistan did not release Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, India would attack Pakistan "that night by 9 pm". The IAF had carried out Balakot airstrike in response to terror attack in Pulwama in which 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives. Jaish-e-Mohammed had claimed responsibility for the February 14 attack. After the Balakot strike, Pakistan has refused to acknowledge the presence of terrorist as a face-saving measure. (With ANI inputs)

Ex-Pakistan diplomat admits 300 terrorists died in Balakot airstrike

Debris from Indonesia's Sriwijaya Air aircraft was brought to Jakarta port on Sunday. The salvage workers found plane's altimeter radar, emergency chute and a piece suspected to have come from the bottom part of the plane's tail.

Speaking to reporters from the port, the head of Indonesia's Search and Rescue Agency said that from Monday (January 11), the search would focus on looking for victims and large pieces of the stricken jet, as well as retrieving the black boxes.

Chief of Indonesian National Transport Safety Committee (KNKT) said that location of the two black boxes have been identified.

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&nbsp;

Sriwijaya Air Boeing 737-500 crashed just minutes after takeoff from Jakarta airport. It took off and lost contact with air traffic control and disappeared from radar around 0730 GMT. The plane had 62 people on board and was headed to Pontianak in West Kalimantan

Data from FlightRadar24 indicated that the airliner reached an altitude of nearly 11,000 feet (3,350 metres) before dropping suddenly to 250 feet. It then lost contact with air traffic control.

The transport minister said Saturday that the jet appeared to deviate from its intended course just before it disappeared from radar.

"The aircraft's final moments are... very concerning as the speed that (it) was flying at that altitude was much lower than expected," said Stephen Wright, professor of aircraft systems at Finland's Tampere University.

(With agency inputs)

Debris from Indonesia's Sriwijaya Air aircraft was brought to Jakarta port on Sunday. The salvage workers found plane's altimeter radar, emergency chute and a piece suspected to have come from the bottom part of the plane's tail.

Debris from Indonesia's Sriwijaya Air aircraft was brought to Jakarta port on Sunday. The salvage workers found plane's altimeter radar, emergency chute and a piece suspected to have come from the bottom part of the plane's tail. Speaking to reporters from the port, the head of Indonesia's Search and Rescue Agency said that from Monday (January 11), the search would focus on looking for victims and large pieces of the stricken jet, as well as retrieving the black boxes. Chief of Indonesian National Transport Safety Committee (KNKT) said that location of the two black boxes have been identified. × Sriwijaya Air Boeing 737-500 crashed just minutes after takeoff from Jakarta airport. It took off and lost contact with air traffic control and disappeared from radar around 0730 GMT. The plane had 62 people on board and was headed to Pontianak in West Kalimantan Data from FlightRadar24 indicated that the airliner reached an altitude of nearly 11,000 feet (3,350 metres) before dropping suddenly to 250 feet. It then lost contact with air traffic control. The transport minister said Saturday that the jet appeared to deviate from its intended course just before it disappeared from radar. "The aircraft's final moments are... very concerning as the speed that (it) was flying at that altitude was much lower than expected," said Stephen Wright, professor of aircraft systems at Finland's Tampere University. (With agency inputs)

Indonesia plane crash: Debris taken to Jakarta, black box located

The 'rules of origins' rules in post-Brexit trade deal are creating confusion as business deal are suddenly discovering that they must now pay duties on duties on exports bound for the European Union despite the deal having been struck. The trade has also been hampered due to COVID-19 restrictions.

At the heart of the Brexit deal, which came into force on January 1, is the so-called "rules of origin" condition applied to all goods crossing the border.

The rules of origin, a key aspect of all major trade deals, can rapidly turn into a costly headache for businesses.

Under the Brexit provision, any good will be subject to a customs levy if it arrives in Britain from abroad and is then exported back into the European Union.

For example, if a British firm imports something from China and export the goods to a member of EU common market, the company will have to pay customs duty.

Hence, the rules determine whether an export is British or not.

"It is clear that many UK businesses exporting to the EU are going to be hit by tariffs," said Michelle Dale, senior manager at the Manchester office of chartered accountants UHY Hacker Young.

"Businesses have also been completely blindsided by the 'rule of origin' part of the deal, which leaves them at a major competitive disadvantage when selling in the EU.&nbsp;

"Unfortunately, not enough was done to prepare them for this. It takes years to build an effective supply chain -- and using non-EU suppliers is often the best option both in terms of cost and quality."

The Brexit agreement, which was sealed four and a half years after Britons voted to leave the European Union, grants zero customs duties if at least roughly 50 per cent of an exported product is made in the UK.

That applies to the majority of UK exports -- but certainly not all of them.

(With agency inputs)

The 'rules of origins' rules in post-Brexit trade deal are creating confusion as business deal are suddenly discovering that they must now pay duties on duties on exports bound for the European Union despite the deal having been struck.

The 'rules of origins' rules in post-Brexit trade deal are creating confusion as business deal are suddenly discovering that they must now pay duties on duties on exports bound for the European Union despite the deal having been struck. The trade has also been hampered due to COVID-19 restrictions. At the heart of the Brexit deal, which came into force on January 1, is the so-called "rules of origin" condition applied to all goods crossing the border. The rules of origin, a key aspect of all major trade deals, can rapidly turn into a costly headache for businesses. Under the Brexit provision, any good will be subject to a customs levy if it arrives in Britain from abroad and is then exported back into the European Union. For example, if a British firm imports something from China and export the goods to a member of EU common market, the company will have to pay customs duty. Hence, the rules determine whether an export is British or not. "It is clear that many UK businesses exporting to the EU are going to be hit by tariffs," said Michelle Dale, senior manager at the Manchester office of chartered accountants UHY Hacker Young. "Businesses have also been completely blindsided by the 'rule of origin' part of the deal, which leaves them at a major competitive disadvantage when selling in the EU. "Unfortunately, not enough was done to prepare them for this. It takes years to build an effective supply chain -- and using non-EU suppliers is often the best option both in terms of cost and quality." The Brexit agreement, which was sealed four and a half years after Britons voted to leave the European Union, grants zero customs duties if at least roughly 50 per cent of an exported product is made in the UK. That applies to the majority of UK exports -- but certainly not all of them. (With agency inputs)

Brexit deal 'rules of origin' create trade confusion 

Pope Francis on Sunday voiced his displeasure on the Capitol Hill violence that took place on December 6 and asked Americans to "protect democra values". The attack on the Capitol Building on Wednesday left five people dead including police officer. Pope said the violence was "self-destructive".

"I repeat that violence is self-destructive, always. Nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost," the pope said in his Sunday address.

US authorities and agencies are in process of identifying, arresting and charging people who were involved in US Congress break-in. Dozens have been charged in last few days. FBI has even asked the public to help identify those involved in violence. There is a proliferation of images and videos of the attack.

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"I appeal to the authorities of the country and to the entire population to maintain a lofty sense of responsibility in order to calm things down, promote national reconciliation and protect democratic values that are rooted in American society," Francis said.

Francis said he wanted to send "an affectionate greeting" to all Americans, saying the country was "shaken by the recent siege on Congress".

He said he was praying for those who died "in those dramatic moments" and that the Madonna would help all Americans "keep alive a culture of encounter, a culture of caring, as the master way to build together the common good".

The attack has strongly hurt the USA's reputation worldwide and even tarnished the image of outgoing US President Donald Trump as it were his supporters who attacked the Capitol Building.&nbsp;

The unprecedented attack has spurred Trump's political rivals to bring in impeachment legislation against him on Monday. If the motion goes ahead, this will be a start of a second impeachment process against Trump.

(With Reuters inputs)

Pope Francis on Sunday voiced his displeasure on the Capitol Hill violence that took place on December 6 and asked Americans to "protect democra values". The attack on the Capitol Building on Wednesday left five people dead including police officer.

Pope Francis on Sunday voiced his displeasure on the Capitol Hill violence that took place on December 6 and asked Americans to "protect democra values". The attack on the Capitol Building on Wednesday left five people dead including police officer. Pope said the violence was "self-destructive". "I repeat that violence is self-destructive, always. Nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost," the pope said in his Sunday address. US authorities and agencies are in process of identifying, arresting and charging people who were involved in US Congress break-in. Dozens have been charged in last few days. FBI has even asked the public to help identify those involved in violence. There is a proliferation of images and videos of the attack. × "I appeal to the authorities of the country and to the entire population to maintain a lofty sense of responsibility in order to calm things down, promote national reconciliation and protect democratic values that are rooted in American society," Francis said. Francis said he wanted to send "an affectionate greeting" to all Americans, saying the country was "shaken by the recent siege on Congress". He said he was praying for those who died "in those dramatic moments" and that the Madonna would help all Americans "keep alive a culture of encounter, a culture of caring, as the master way to build together the common good". The attack has strongly hurt the USA's reputation worldwide and even tarnished the image of outgoing US President Donald Trump as it were his supporters who attacked the Capitol Building. The unprecedented attack has spurred Trump's political rivals to bring in impeachment legislation against him on Monday. If the motion goes ahead, this will be a start of a second impeachment process against Trump. (With Reuters inputs)

Capitol Hill violence: Pope Francis asks Americans to 'protect democratic values'

Researchers at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology said on Sunday that Switzerland's decision to shutter schools was the most effective way to slow the spread of coronavirus pandemic in the country.

The researchers said that closure of schools in March was responsible for cutting mobility by a fifth.

"School closures reduced mobility by 21.6 percent," Stefan Feuerriegel, an ETH professor of management information systems who headed the study, told AFP in an email.

"School closures reduce mobility, (which) then reduces new cases" of Covid-19, he said.

Feuerriegel's team analysed some 1.5 billion movements in Swiss telecommunication data between February 10 and April 26 last year to evaluate the impact on mobility as various anti-Covid measures were introduced.

In decentralised Switzerland, its 26 cantons introduced measures at different paces before a country-wide partial lockdown, including school closures, was ordered on March 16.

Swiss school across the country remained closed for almost two months and were then gradually opened.

At the top of the list of government measure was a ban on gatherings of more than five people, which was seen slashing mobility by 24.9 percent, and the closure of restaurants, bars and non-essential shops, which caused people to move about 22.3 percent less, the study shows.

Feuerriegel said it was not surprising that school closures had such a big impact on people's movements.

"If schools are closed, we can expect a large change in behaviour," he said, pointing out that "not only will kids stay home, but sometimes it also requires their parents to change their mobility as well."

School closures have been among the most controversial measures introduced around the world to help rein in the pandemic.

Children are far less likely to develop severe illness from Covid-19 than older people, but it remains unclear how much they transmit the virus.

(With AFP inputs)

Researchers at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology said on Sunday that Switzerland's decision to shutter schools was the most effective way to slow the spread of coronavirus pandemic in the country.

Researchers at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology said on Sunday that Switzerland's decision to shutter schools was the most effective way to slow the spread of coronavirus pandemic in the country. The researchers said that closure of schools in March was responsible for cutting mobility by a fifth. "School closures reduced mobility by 21.6 percent," Stefan Feuerriegel, an ETH professor of management information systems who headed the study, told AFP in an email. "School closures reduce mobility, (which) then reduces new cases" of Covid-19, he said. Feuerriegel's team analysed some 1.5 billion movements in Swiss telecommunication data between February 10 and April 26 last year to evaluate the impact on mobility as various anti-Covid measures were introduced. In decentralised Switzerland, its 26 cantons introduced measures at different paces before a country-wide partial lockdown, including school closures, was ordered on March 16. Swiss school across the country remained closed for almost two months and were then gradually opened. At the top of the list of government measure was a ban on gatherings of more than five people, which was seen slashing mobility by 24.9 percent, and the closure of restaurants, bars and non-essential shops, which caused people to move about 22.3 percent less, the study shows. Feuerriegel said it was not surprising that school closures had such a big impact on people's movements. "If schools are closed, we can expect a large change in behaviour," he said, pointing out that "not only will kids stay home, but sometimes it also requires their parents to change their mobility as well." School closures have been among the most controversial measures introduced around the world to help rein in the pandemic. Children are far less likely to develop severe illness from Covid-19 than older people, but it remains unclear how much they transmit the virus. (With AFP inputs)

Swiss school closure helped slow COVID spread, says study

Japanese health ministry on Sunday said that four travellers from Brazil were found to be infected by new COVID strain that is different from those in Britain and South Africa. Head of Japan's National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) confirmed this.

"I understand a new variant that is different from Britain's and South Africa's has been found," said Takaji Wakita, head of NIID.

Characteristics of the new variant, such as how effective vaccines can be against it and how serious its symptoms can be, are being studied, a health ministry official said.

The coronavirus pandemic has affected Tokyo Olympics which were to be held in 2020 but were postponed to 2021. However, pandemic continues to affect the organisation as fears of COVID spread still remain.

Earlier this week, Tokyo Metropolitan Government said that upcoming exhibitions of the Tokyo Olympics torch around the Japanese capital were postponed.

The torch had been on display in certain municipalities at the end of last year and the exhibitions were due to restart on Thursday.

(With Reuters inputs)

Japanese health ministry on Sunday said that four travellers from Brazil were found to be infected by new COVID strain that is different from those in Britain and South Africa.

Japanese health ministry on Sunday said that four travellers from Brazil were found to be infected by new COVID strain that is different from those in Britain and South Africa. Head of Japan's National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) confirmed this. "I understand a new variant that is different from Britain's and South Africa's has been found," said Takaji Wakita, head of NIID. Characteristics of the new variant, such as how effective vaccines can be against it and how serious its symptoms can be, are being studied, a health ministry official said. The coronavirus pandemic has affected Tokyo Olympics which were to be held in 2020 but were postponed to 2021. However, pandemic continues to affect the organisation as fears of COVID spread still remain. Earlier this week, Tokyo Metropolitan Government said that upcoming exhibitions of the Tokyo Olympics torch around the Japanese capital were postponed. The torch had been on display in certain municipalities at the end of last year and the exhibitions were due to restart on Thursday. (With Reuters inputs)

Japan detects newer coronavirus infection in travellers from Brazil

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