Head of FireEye, one of the largest cybersecurity companies in the US said on Sunday that the widespread hack of US government networks had "genuinely impacted" about 50 companies or organisations.

"It is probably only around 50 organizations or companies, somewhere in that zone, that is genuinely impacted," FireEye chief executive Kevin Mandia said in a CBS interview.

The cyberattack took place a few days ago and numerous departments of US government were affected.

Reportedly, hackers installed malware on the software used by the US Treasury and Commerce Departments and this allowed them to view internal email traffic. Department of Energy said that it was hit due to the cyberattack but also said that it was able to disconnect the systems from its network.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-has-a-blind-spot-when-it-comes-to-russia-mitt-romney-351231">Trump has a 'blind spot' when it comes to Russia: Mitt Romney</a>

Although US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said that "Russians" were behind this attack. But President Donald Trump appeared to disagree as he sought to suggest, quite vehemently, that China was behind the attack and not Russia.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-vladimir-putin-appreciates-spy-agency-after-us-hack-controversy-351221">Russian President Vladimir Putin appreciates spy agency after US hack controversy</a>

Trump's stand has not gone down well with members of his own party-members. Republican Party Senator Mitt Romney said on Sunday that Trump had a "blind spot" when it came to Russia.

"We've come to recognize that the president has a blind spot when it comes to Russia," Romney said on NBC's "Meet the Press," one of a series of Sunday morning TV interviews.

(With Reuters inputs)

Head of FireEye, one of the largest cybersecurity companies in the US said on Sunday that the widespread hack of US government networks had "genuinely impacted" about 50 companies or organisations.

Head of FireEye, one of the largest cybersecurity companies in the US said on Sunday that the widespread hack of US government networks had "genuinely impacted" about 50 companies or organisations. "It is probably only around 50 organizations or companies, somewhere in that zone, that is genuinely impacted," FireEye chief executive Kevin Mandia said in a CBS interview. The cyberattack took place a few days ago and numerous departments of US government were affected. Reportedly, hackers installed malware on the software used by the US Treasury and Commerce Departments and this allowed them to view internal email traffic. Department of Energy said that it was hit due to the cyberattack but also said that it was able to disconnect the systems from its network. Also Read | Trump has a 'blind spot' when it comes to Russia: Mitt Romney Although US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said that "Russians" were behind this attack. But President Donald Trump appeared to disagree as he sought to suggest, quite vehemently, that China was behind the attack and not Russia. Also Read | Russian President Vladimir Putin appreciates spy agency after US hack controversy Trump's stand has not gone down well with members of his own party-members. Republican Party Senator Mitt Romney said on Sunday that Trump had a "blind spot" when it came to Russia. "We've come to recognize that the president has a blind spot when it comes to Russia," Romney said on NBC's "Meet the Press," one of a series of Sunday morning TV interviews. (With Reuters inputs)

About 50 companies 'genuinely affected' in US cyberattack, says FireEye

In yet another attack from US President Donald Trump's own party members, Republican Party Senator Mitt Romney said that Trump had a "blind spot" when it came to Russia. Romney also said that the recent cyber attack against the US Government was "extraordinarily damaging"

"We've come to recognize that the president has a blind spot when it comes to Russia," Romney said on NBC's "Meet the Press," one of a series of Sunday morning TV interviews.

US officials and researchers say they believe at least half-a-dozen U.S. government agencies have been infiltrated and thousands of companies infected with malware in what appears to be one of the biggest such hacks ever uncovered.

Trump acknowledged the hack on Saturday that is, almost a week after its report in Reuters. Trump downplayed the gravity of the attack and questioned whether Russians were to blame.

US Senator Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said on ABC that the cyberattack could be ongoing and that officials had not yet determined its full scope.

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Both Warner and Romney said the United States must respond to the incident.

The team of President-elect Joe Biden, a Democrat, will consider several options to punish Russia over its suspected role once he takes office, from financial sanctions to cyberattacks on Russian infrastructure, people familiar with the matter say.

(With Reuters&nbsp;inputs)

In yet another attack from US President Donald Trump's own party members, Republican Party Senator Mitt Romney said that Trump had a "blind spot" when it came to Russia.

In yet another attack from US President Donald Trump's own party members, Republican Party Senator Mitt Romney said that Trump had a "blind spot" when it came to Russia. Romney also said that the recent cyber attack against the US Government was "extraordinarily damaging" "We've come to recognize that the president has a blind spot when it comes to Russia," Romney said on NBC's "Meet the Press," one of a series of Sunday morning TV interviews. US officials and researchers say they believe at least half-a-dozen U.S. government agencies have been infiltrated and thousands of companies infected with malware in what appears to be one of the biggest such hacks ever uncovered. Trump acknowledged the hack on Saturday that is, almost a week after its report in Reuters. Trump downplayed the gravity of the attack and questioned whether Russians were to blame. US Senator Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said on ABC that the cyberattack could be ongoing and that officials had not yet determined its full scope. Also Read | Twitter is now declaring Biden as election winner - on Trump's own tweets about fraud Both Warner and Romney said the United States must respond to the incident. The team of President-elect Joe Biden, a Democrat, will consider several options to punish Russia over its suspected role once he takes office, from financial sanctions to cyberattacks on Russian infrastructure, people familiar with the matter say. (With Reuters inputs)

Trump has a 'blind spot' when it comes to Russia: Mitt Romney

A new strain of coronavirus is causing alarm in the UK. Health Secretary Matt Hancock described the virus having been 'out of control'. World Health Organisation has taken a serious note of these developments. Nigeria suffered a Jihadist attack. Nepal parliament has been dissolved. Read this and more in Top 10 world news.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-variant-of-coronavirus-was-out-of-control-in-uk-lockdown-can-be-extended-health-secretary-351194">New variant of coronavirus was 'out of control' in UK; lockdown can be extended: Health Secretary</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-variant-of-coronavirus-was-out-of-control-in-uk-lockdown-can-be-extended-health-secretary-351194"><img alt="New coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1824af57-1a31-4274-ac0a-7295215ce66f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/new%20corona.JPG" /></a> 
Hancock's statement comes a day after the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson imposed a Tier 4 lockdown

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-countries-mull-ban-on-flights-from-uk-over-new-coronavirus-variant-351191">European countries mull ban on flights from UK over new coronavirus variant</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-countries-mull-ban-on-flights-from-uk-over-new-coronavirus-variant-351191"><img alt="Flight ban" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4d497fdd-bcc8-4167-b560-8edc99e1b58b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/flights.JPG" /></a> 
Germany, too, is discussing a possible ban on all incoming flights from the UK and South Africa due to the new variant of coronavirus

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-coronavirus-strain-who-appeals-for-strong-action-for-containment-in-europe-351217">New coronavirus strain: WHO appeals for strong action for containment in Europe</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-coronavirus-strain-who-appeals-for-strong-action-for-containment-in-europe-351217"><img alt="New coronavirus WHO" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="830e066c-522b-4626-ac8d-dae1a1770c4d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WHO_0.JPG" /></a>

WHO has taken a serious note of fresh infections caused by a new strain of coronavirus

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jihadists-kill-5-soldiers-kidnap-35-civilians-in-nigeria-351214">Jihadists kill 5 soldiers, kidnap 35 civilians in Nigeria</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jihadists-kill-5-soldiers-kidnap-35-civilians-in-nigeria-351214"><img alt="Jihadist" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5ebb5025-cad2-41f7-b706-27dfd790da3d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/jihadist.JPG" /></a> 
 
Almost 35 civilians were kidnapped and one woman was killed in the second attack which took place in the northeast Borno state

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-uk-brexit-trade-deal-talks-threatened-by-failure-over-fish-351174">EU-UK Brexit trade deal talks threatened by failure over fish</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-uk-brexit-trade-deal-talks-threatened-by-failure-over-fish-351174"><img alt="Brexit deal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8f0e57c0-36c9-47fc-a4e8-ac185d78f3fc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Brexit_5.JPG" /></a> 
 
Britain is set to leave the EU in two weeks and failure to reach a post-Brexit trade deal could result in cross-channel tariffs and further disputes in future.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-parliament-dissolved-mid-term-polls-to-be-held-in-april-may-351164">Nepal parliament dissolved; mid-term polls to be held in April-May</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-parliament-dissolved-mid-term-polls-to-be-held-in-april-may-351164"><img alt="Nepal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c89c8576-24d2-40d1-a346-b2c7c63e2571" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Oli.JPG" /></a> 
 
The President's Office, issuing a statement in the afternoon, stated that the House has been dissolved on recommendation of Oli and the council of ministers and the next election will be held in two stages in April-May 2021.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nine-dead-as-kabul-car-bombing-targets-afghan-lawmaker-351129">Nine dead as Kabul car bombing targets Afghan lawmaker</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nine-dead-as-kabul-car-bombing-targets-afghan-lawmaker-351129"><img alt="Kabul" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6c28c191-814f-4872-b84e-1368178f65f6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Afghanistan_2.JPG" /></a> 
 
A car bombing in Kabul targeting an Afghan lawmaker killed at least nine people

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-local-vigilantes-rescue-schoolchildren-in-fresh-incident-of-abduction-351184">Nigeria: Local vigilantes rescue schoolchildren in fresh incident of abduction</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-local-vigilantes-rescue-schoolchildren-in-fresh-incident-of-abduction-351184"><img alt="Nigeria" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4719db1d-53e7-40a6-81f3-84ad2fe11d8a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/nig.JPG" /></a> 
 
The incident came barely 48 hours after the release of 344 schoolboys who were kidnapped from a boarding school

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/son-wins-lawsuit-against-parents-for-discarding-his-pornography-collection-351200">Son wins lawsuit against parents for discarding his pornography collection</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/son-wins-lawsuit-against-parents-for-discarding-his-pornography-collection-351200"><img alt="Porn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a757cf-acc5-469e-a5c0-ececc779cc16" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/porn.JPG" /></a> 
 
he sone had left his beloved collection back in Michigan, which he claims was worth more than $25,000

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/early-humans-may-have-hibernated-to-survive-harsh-winters-351206">Early humans may have hibernated to survive harsh winters</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/early-humans-may-have-hibernated-to-survive-harsh-winters-351206"><img alt="Hibernation" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d5492a75-ca9a-4e4b-a490-479b1f2e322b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Hibernation.JPG" /></a> 
 
Juan-Luis Arsuaga and Antonis Bartsiokas of Democritus University of Thrace in Greece have based their theory on study of bones found in &nbsp;Sima de los Huesos (The pit of bones), cave in northern Spain that has fossilised remains of bones of early humans that inhabited the region half a million years ago

A new strain of coronavirus is causing alarm in the UK. Health Secretary Matt Hancock described the virus having been 'out of control'. World Health Organisation has taken a serious note of these developments.

A new strain of coronavirus is causing alarm in the UK. Health Secretary Matt Hancock described the virus having been 'out of control'. World Health Organisation has taken a serious note of these developments. Nigeria suffered a Jihadist attack. Nepal parliament has been dissolved. Read this and more in Top 10 world news. New variant of coronavirus was 'out of control' in UK; lockdown can be extended: Health Secretary Hancock's statement comes a day after the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson imposed a Tier 4 lockdown European countries mull ban on flights from UK over new coronavirus variant Germany, too, is discussing a possible ban on all incoming flights from the UK and South Africa due to the new variant of coronavirus New coronavirus strain: WHO appeals for strong action for containment in Europe WHO has taken a serious note of fresh infections caused by a new strain of coronavirus Jihadists kill 5 soldiers, kidnap 35 civilians in Nigeria Almost 35 civilians were kidnapped and one woman was killed in the second attack which took place in the northeast Borno state EU-UK Brexit trade deal talks threatened by failure over fish Britain is set to leave the EU in two weeks and failure to reach a post-Brexit trade deal could result in cross-channel tariffs and further disputes in future. Nepal parliament dissolved; mid-term polls to be held in April-May The President's Office, issuing a statement in the afternoon, stated that the House has been dissolved on recommendation of Oli and the council of ministers and the next election will be held in two stages in April-May 2021. Nine dead as Kabul car bombing targets Afghan lawmaker A car bombing in Kabul targeting an Afghan lawmaker killed at least nine people Nigeria: Local vigilantes rescue schoolchildren in fresh incident of abduction The incident came barely 48 hours after the release of 344 schoolboys who were kidnapped from a boarding school Son wins lawsuit against parents for discarding his pornography collection he sone had left his beloved collection back in Michigan, which he claims was worth more than $25,000 Early humans may have hibernated to survive harsh winters Juan-Luis Arsuaga and Antonis Bartsiokas of Democritus University of Thrace in Greece have based their theory on study of bones found in Sima de los Huesos (The pit of bones), cave in northern Spain that has fossilised remains of bones of early humans that inhabited the region half a million years ago

Top 10 world news: New coronavirus, WHO appeal, and more

World Health Organisation has appealed its members in Europe to take strong measures against the new strain of coronavirus circulating in UK. Outside, 9 cases caused due to the new COVID-19 strain have been detected in Denmark. One case has been found in the Netherlands while another has been found in Australia.

"Across Europe, where transmission is intense and widespread, countries need to redouble their control and prevention approaches," a spokeswoman for WHO Europe said.

UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Sunday that the new coronavirus was "out of control". UK has announced Tier-4 lockdown in the country.

Meanwhile, several European countries such as Belgium and Germany are imposing travel bans on all the incoming flights from the UK and South Africa to make sure the new variant does not get transmitted to their countries.

(With AFP inputs)

World Health Organisation has appealed its members in Europe to take strong measures against the new strain of coronavirus circulating in UK. Outside, 9 cases caused due to the new COVID-19 strain have been detected in Denmark.

World Health Organisation has appealed its members in Europe to take strong measures against the new strain of coronavirus circulating in UK. Outside, 9 cases caused due to the new COVID-19 strain have been detected in Denmark. One case has been found in the Netherlands while another has been found in Australia. "Across Europe, where transmission is intense and widespread, countries need to redouble their control and prevention approaches," a spokeswoman for WHO Europe said. UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Sunday that the new coronavirus was "out of control". UK has announced Tier-4 lockdown in the country. Meanwhile, several European countries such as Belgium and Germany are imposing travel bans on all the incoming flights from the UK and South Africa to make sure the new variant does not get transmitted to their countries. (With AFP inputs)

New coronavirus strain: WHO appeals for strong action for containment in Europe

In a bid to contain coronavirus, Kazakhstan has banned corporate parties and sporting events over new year holidays and tightened quarantine measures. Restrictions on mass gatherings will come into force on December 25 and will remain in effect till January 5, said a statement released by the office of the prime minister.

Authorities said that restrictions at Tengiz oilfield will contine "until the epidemiological situation stabilises". Hundreds of employees have contracted coronavirus at Tengiz oilfield.

The government also said that it would introduce price controls to make medicines used to treat the virus 24 percent cheaper on average, the statement said.&nbsp;

Year-end corporate parties are an important source of income for Kazakh hospitality sector. The sector has taken a beating over the last year.

Kazakhstan's chief sanitary doctor warned in May that the Tengiz oil field where US oil giant Chevron has a 50 percent stake could face closure over rising cases. &nbsp;

Kazakhstan, a Central Asian country of around 19 million people, has registered 146,584 cases of the coronavirus with 130,766 recoveries and 2,147 deaths.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

In a bid to contain coronavirus, Kazakhstan has banned corporate parties and sporting events over new year holidays and tightened quarantine measures. Restrictions on mass gatherings will come into force on December 25 and will remain in effect till January 5, said a statement released by the office of the prime minister.

In a bid to contain coronavirus, Kazakhstan has banned corporate parties and sporting events over new year holidays and tightened quarantine measures. Restrictions on mass gatherings will come into force on December 25 and will remain in effect till January 5, said a statement released by the office of the prime minister. Authorities said that restrictions at Tengiz oilfield will contine "until the epidemiological situation stabilises". Hundreds of employees have contracted coronavirus at Tengiz oilfield. The government also said that it would introduce price controls to make medicines used to treat the virus 24 percent cheaper on average, the statement said. Year-end corporate parties are an important source of income for Kazakh hospitality sector. The sector has taken a beating over the last year. Kazakhstan's chief sanitary doctor warned in May that the Tengiz oil field where US oil giant Chevron has a 50 percent stake could face closure over rising cases. Kazakhstan, a Central Asian country of around 19 million people, has registered 146,584 cases of the coronavirus with 130,766 recoveries and 2,147 deaths. (With AFP inputs)

Kazakhstan bans new year parties to contain coronavirus

We know that animals like bears go into hibernation, or prolonged periods of sleep to survive unforgiving winters in polar regions and other cold places. But we humans don't feel the need to sleep for weeks or months at a time right? All we need to do is wear appropriate clothes?

That may be the reality for us in modern times but researchers have now said that early humans hibernated to survive through winter.

The research has been published in the scientific journal L’Anthropologie. In their research, Juan-Luis Arsuaga and Antonis Bartsiokas of Democritus University of Thrace in Greece have based their theory on study of bones found in &nbsp;Sima de los Huesos (The pit of bones), a cave in northern Spain that contains&nbsp;fossilised remains of bones of early humans that inhabited the region half a million years ago.

The cave is a mass grave, say researchers who have found large number of remains of bones and human teeth. These belonged to Neanderthal humans.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/will-ghost-sharks-vanish-before-scientists-can-study-them-350830">Will ghost sharks vanish before scientists can study them?</a>

The bones show a peculiarity. The bone show signs that their growth was disrupted. This shows seasonal variation, as per the researchers. This, say the researchers, shows that the bone growth was disrupted for several months in a year. This disruption was due to hibernation, they say.

These humans found themselves “in metabolic states that helped them to survive for long periods of time in frigid conditions with limited supplies of food and enough stores of body fat” say the researchers in their paper. In essence, the researcher say that these humans hibernated during winter months to cope with extreme cold and shortage of food.

The researchers admit that this may sound like science fiction but point out that mammals such as bushbabies and lemurs do this.

“This suggests that the genetic basis and physiology for such a hypometabolism could be preserved in many mammalian species including humans,” say the researchers.

We know that animals like bears go into hibernation, or prolonged periods of sleep to survive unforgiving winters in polar regions and other cold places. But we humans don't feel the need to sleep for weeks or months at a time right?

We know that animals like bears go into hibernation, or prolonged periods of sleep to survive unforgiving winters in polar regions and other cold places. But we humans don't feel the need to sleep for weeks or months at a time right? All we need to do is wear appropriate clothes? That may be the reality for us in modern times but researchers have now said that early humans hibernated to survive through winter. The research has been published in the scientific journal L’Anthropologie. In their research, Juan-Luis Arsuaga and Antonis Bartsiokas of Democritus University of Thrace in Greece have based their theory on study of bones found in Sima de los Huesos (The pit of bones), a cave in northern Spain that contains fossilised remains of bones of early humans that inhabited the region half a million years ago. The cave is a mass grave, say researchers who have found large number of remains of bones and human teeth. These belonged to Neanderthal humans. Also Read | Will ghost sharks vanish before scientists can study them? The bones show a peculiarity. The bone show signs that their growth was disrupted. This shows seasonal variation, as per the researchers. This, say the researchers, shows that the bone growth was disrupted for several months in a year. This disruption was due to hibernation, they say. These humans found themselves “in metabolic states that helped them to survive for long periods of time in frigid conditions with limited supplies of food and enough stores of body fat” say the researchers in their paper. In essence, the researcher say that these humans hibernated during winter months to cope with extreme cold and shortage of food. The researchers admit that this may sound like science fiction but point out that mammals such as bushbabies and lemurs do this. “This suggests that the genetic basis and physiology for such a hypometabolism could be preserved in many mammalian species including humans,” say the researchers.

Early humans may have hibernated to survive harsh winters

Dozens of schoolchildren were rescued by local vigilantes in northern Nigeria after they were abducted by bandits. The children were rescued after a gunbattle. The incident took place in Katsina state. The gunmen had abducted about 80 children on Saturday after they returned to Mahuta village after attending religious ceremony.

The incident came barely 48 hours after the release of 344 schoolboys who were kidnapped from a boarding school.

These boys were kidnapped from Government Science Secondary School in northwestern Nigeria on December 11 and were held captive in Rugu Forest, a huge woodland area. They were given little food and had to drink water from forest's pools.&nbsp;

Nigerian security forces rescued the children on December 17.

(With AFP inputs)

Dozens of schoolchildren were rescued by local vigilantes in northern Nigeria after they were abducted by bandits. The children were rescued after a gunbattle. The incident took place in Katsina state.

Dozens of schoolchildren were rescued by local vigilantes in northern Nigeria after they were abducted by bandits. The children were rescued after a gunbattle. The incident took place in Katsina state. The gunmen had abducted about 80 children on Saturday after they returned to Mahuta village after attending religious ceremony. The incident came barely 48 hours after the release of 344 schoolboys who were kidnapped from a boarding school. These boys were kidnapped from Government Science Secondary School in northwestern Nigeria on December 11 and were held captive in Rugu Forest, a huge woodland area. They were given little food and had to drink water from forest's pools. Nigerian security forces rescued the children on December 17. (With AFP inputs)

Nigeria: Local vigilantes rescue schoolchildren in fresh incident of abduction

Brexit trade deal talks are going on still between the European Union (EU) and the UK but the discussions appear to have reached a deadlock on Sunday. The talks are threatened by failure as both sides have dug their heels on the issue of access to UK's rich fishing waters. Britain is set to leave the EU in two weeks and failure to reach a post-Brexit trade deal could result in cross-channel tariffs and further disputes in future.

The European Parliament had fixed Sunday as the last moment it could accept a text of any accord if MEPs are to ratify it before Britain leaves the EU single market. But its unclear to what extent the new deadline would be followed considering the deadlock in negotiations.

"We're continuing to try every possible path to an agreement, but without a substantial shift from the (European) Commission we will be leaving on WTO terms on 31 December," a British government source said. 
But a European diplomat had told AFP that Brussels had made its best offer and it was down now to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson -- now distracted by a worsening coronavirus crisis at home -- to decide whether he wants a deal.&nbsp;

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"It could well continue over Christmas, now the UK is still making up its mind whether it is willing to pay the price for unprecedented access to the internal market," he said&nbsp;

"The EU has been clear this weekend that it is willing to compromise on fish. But it will bail at putting EU fishermen structurally out of business. The narrow path to a deal has now become a single goat track, about to peter out."

The tough talk came as the negotiators scramble to secure a pact before December 31. No deal would risk chaos at EU and UK borders, where a pre-deadline rush of freight trucks has already caused long tailbacks.

Britain intends to assume control over its waters on January 1, but is ready to allow continued access to EU fishing fleets for a transitional period under new terms.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-northern-ireland-changes-when-brexit-transition-ends-351172">How Northern Ireland changes when Brexit transition ends</a>

UK negotiator David Frost wants Britain to take back more than half the fish currently assigned under the EU quota system, under a three-year agreement.

The European side insists the UK can not have tariff-free access to the EU single market as a whole unless it agrees to take back only a quarter of the fish quota -- and that the transitional period would last seven years.

The issue is highly charged for both Britain and EU members with northern fishing fleets like France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark, and diplomatic sources admit the whole trade package could collapse. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

"We cannot accept a deal that doesn't leave us in control of our own laws or waters," the UK government source said, arguing that the EU was "continuing to make demands that are incompatible with our independence".

EU fishermen fear losing any access to the rich UK fishing waters will threaten their livelihoods.&nbsp;

"We are in the throes of being sold down the river," the European Fisheries Alliance said in a statement, urging EU negotiator Michel Barnier to stick by them.

(With AFP inputs)

Brexit trade deal talks are going on still between the European Union (EU) and the UK but the discussions appear to have reached a deadlock on Sunday. The talks are threatened by failure as both sides have dug their heels on the issue of access to UK's rich fishing waters.

Brexit trade deal talks are going on still between the European Union (EU) and the UK but the discussions appear to have reached a deadlock on Sunday. The talks are threatened by failure as both sides have dug their heels on the issue of access to UK's rich fishing waters. Britain is set to leave the EU in two weeks and failure to reach a post-Brexit trade deal could result in cross-channel tariffs and further disputes in future. The European Parliament had fixed Sunday as the last moment it could accept a text of any accord if MEPs are to ratify it before Britain leaves the EU single market. But its unclear to what extent the new deadline would be followed considering the deadlock in negotiations. "We're continuing to try every possible path to an agreement, but without a substantial shift from the (European) Commission we will be leaving on WTO terms on 31 December," a British government source said. But a European diplomat had told AFP that Brussels had made its best offer and it was down now to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson -- now distracted by a worsening coronavirus crisis at home -- to decide whether he wants a deal. × "It could well continue over Christmas, now the UK is still making up its mind whether it is willing to pay the price for unprecedented access to the internal market," he said "The EU has been clear this weekend that it is willing to compromise on fish. But it will bail at putting EU fishermen structurally out of business. The narrow path to a deal has now become a single goat track, about to peter out." The tough talk came as the negotiators scramble to secure a pact before December 31. No deal would risk chaos at EU and UK borders, where a pre-deadline rush of freight trucks has already caused long tailbacks. Britain intends to assume control over its waters on January 1, but is ready to allow continued access to EU fishing fleets for a transitional period under new terms. Also Read | How Northern Ireland changes when Brexit transition ends UK negotiator David Frost wants Britain to take back more than half the fish currently assigned under the EU quota system, under a three-year agreement. The European side insists the UK can not have tariff-free access to the EU single market as a whole unless it agrees to take back only a quarter of the fish quota -- and that the transitional period would last seven years. The issue is highly charged for both Britain and EU members with northern fishing fleets like France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark, and diplomatic sources admit the whole trade package could collapse. "We cannot accept a deal that doesn't leave us in control of our own laws or waters," the UK government source said, arguing that the EU was "continuing to make demands that are incompatible with our independence". EU fishermen fear losing any access to the rich UK fishing waters will threaten their livelihoods. "We are in the throes of being sold down the river," the European Fisheries Alliance said in a statement, urging EU negotiator Michel Barnier to stick by them. (With AFP inputs)

EU-UK Brexit trade deal talks threatened by failure over fish

As third wave surge of coronavirus infections raised concerns of bed shortage, South Korea on Saturday ordered hospitals to secure beds for critical COVID-19 patients, Yonhap news agency said.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported 1,053 infections of the new coronavirus, a record fourth consecutive day of more than 1,000 cases.

South Korea has been able to keep the mortality rate low. It has recorded 659 COVID-19 deaths out of 48, 570 infections. This has been possible due to aggressive tracing and testing which minimised strain on hospitals

The mitigation efforts made the country a global success story when many nations saw soaring infections, prompting wide lockdowns.

But the recent surge - stemming from widespread clusters across the country rather than the large, isolated outbreaks of the first two waves - has caused a severe shortage of hospital beds.

The health ministry's Central Disaster Management Headquarters on Friday ordered major general hospitals and national university hospitals to secure 1% of its licensed beds as dedicated beds for serious COVID patients, Yonhap reported on Saturday citing hospitals and regional governments.

Health ministry officials could not be immediately reached.

(With Reuters inputs)

As third wave surge of coronavirus infections raised concerns of bed shortage, South Korea on Saturday ordered hospitals to secure beds for critical COVID-19 patients, Yonhap news agency said.

As third wave surge of coronavirus infections raised concerns of bed shortage, South Korea on Saturday ordered hospitals to secure beds for critical COVID-19 patients, Yonhap news agency said. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported 1,053 infections of the new coronavirus, a record fourth consecutive day of more than 1,000 cases. South Korea has been able to keep the mortality rate low. It has recorded 659 COVID-19 deaths out of 48, 570 infections. This has been possible due to aggressive tracing and testing which minimised strain on hospitals The mitigation efforts made the country a global success story when many nations saw soaring infections, prompting wide lockdowns. But the recent surge - stemming from widespread clusters across the country rather than the large, isolated outbreaks of the first two waves - has caused a severe shortage of hospital beds. The health ministry's Central Disaster Management Headquarters on Friday ordered major general hospitals and national university hospitals to secure 1% of its licensed beds as dedicated beds for serious COVID patients, Yonhap reported on Saturday citing hospitals and regional governments. Health ministry officials could not be immediately reached. (With Reuters inputs)

South Korea: Concerns raised amid coronavirus sickbed shortage

In a major setback to former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday attached several of his properties worth Rs 11.86 crore in connection with its probe into the J&amp;K Cricket Association (JKCA) case, officials said.

An ED official told IANS, "We have attached properties of Farooq Abdullah, including three residential buildings and two plots."

He said the properties of the National Conference (NC) leader have been attached under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Among the attached properties are residences at Gupkar Road in Srinagar; Tehsil Katipora, Tanmarg; and Bhatindi Village, Sunjwan Jammu, the official said.

He further said that during investigation, it was revealed that from 2005-06 to December 2011, JKCA received Rs 109.78 crore from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

"Between 2006 and January 2012, Farooq Abdullah was the chairman of JKCA and he misused his position and clout to make illegal appointments of office-bearers at JKCA to whom he gave financial powers for the purpose of laundering of JKCA funds," the official said.

"Investigations further revealed that Farooq Abdullah was instrumental as well as beneficiary of the laundered funds of the JKCA. Despite the existing bank account of JKCA, six bank accounts were opened for parking of JKCA funds," the official said.

He further said that one dormant bank account in the name of Kashmir wing of JKCA was also made operational for the same purpose.

"Investigation has found that JKCA funds worth Rs 45 crore was siphoned, which includes huge cash withdrawl to the tune of Rs 25 crore, with no corresponding justification," the official said.

He further said that for the purpose of generation of the proceeds of crime, funds were layered by a way of complex interbank transfers in all the bank accounts of JKCA and also by transfer to several personal bank accounts, followed by sbiponing of funds.

The ED has questioned Farooq Abdullah twice in connection with a case of alleged misappropriation of funds when he was the chairman of the JKCA.

The ED case is based on an FIR filed by the CBI, which booked former JKCA office-bearers, including general secretary Mohammed Saleem Khan and former treasurer Ahsan Ahmad Mirza.

The CBI later filed a chargesheet against Farooq Abdullah, Khan, Mirza as well as Mir Manzoor Gazanffer Ali, Bashir Ahmad Misgar and Gulzar Ahmad Beigh (former accountant of JKCA) for "misappropriation of JKCA funds amounting to Rs 43.69 crore" from the grants given by the BCCI to promote the sport in the state between 2002 and 2011.

In a major setback to former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday attached several of his properties worth Rs 11.

In a major setback to former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday attached several of his properties worth Rs 11.86 crore in connection with its probe into the J&K Cricket Association (JKCA) case, officials said. An ED official told IANS, "We have attached properties of Farooq Abdullah, including three residential buildings and two plots." He said the properties of the National Conference (NC) leader have been attached under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Among the attached properties are residences at Gupkar Road in Srinagar; Tehsil Katipora, Tanmarg; and Bhatindi Village, Sunjwan Jammu, the official said. He further said that during investigation, it was revealed that from 2005-06 to December 2011, JKCA received Rs 109.78 crore from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). "Between 2006 and January 2012, Farooq Abdullah was the chairman of JKCA and he misused his position and clout to make illegal appointments of office-bearers at JKCA to whom he gave financial powers for the purpose of laundering of JKCA funds," the official said. "Investigations further revealed that Farooq Abdullah was instrumental as well as beneficiary of the laundered funds of the JKCA. Despite the existing bank account of JKCA, six bank accounts were opened for parking of JKCA funds," the official said. He further said that one dormant bank account in the name of Kashmir wing of JKCA was also made operational for the same purpose. "Investigation has found that JKCA funds worth Rs 45 crore was siphoned, which includes huge cash withdrawl to the tune of Rs 25 crore, with no corresponding justification," the official said. He further said that for the purpose of generation of the proceeds of crime, funds were layered by a way of complex interbank transfers in all the bank accounts of JKCA and also by transfer to several personal bank accounts, followed by sbiponing of funds. The ED has questioned Farooq Abdullah twice in connection with a case of alleged misappropriation of funds when he was the chairman of the JKCA. The ED case is based on an FIR filed by the CBI, which booked former JKCA office-bearers, including general secretary Mohammed Saleem Khan and former treasurer Ahsan Ahmad Mirza. The CBI later filed a chargesheet against Farooq Abdullah, Khan, Mirza as well as Mir Manzoor Gazanffer Ali, Bashir Ahmad Misgar and Gulzar Ahmad Beigh (former accountant of JKCA) for "misappropriation of JKCA funds amounting to Rs 43.69 crore" from the grants given by the BCCI to promote the sport in the state between 2002 and 2011.

ED attaches properties of Farooq Abdullah worth USD 1.61 million

In an alarming development, England's Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty said on Saturday that a new strain of coronavirus is spreading more quickly and urgent work was underway to confirm that it doesn't cause higher mortality rate.

“As announced on Monday, the UK has identified a new variant of Covid-19 through Public Health England’s genomic surveillance,” Whitty said in a statement.

“As a result of the rapid spread of the new variant, preliminary modelling data and rapidly rising incidence rates in the South East, the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) now consider that the new strain can spread more quickly,” he said

Prime Minister Boris Johnson was already in a huddle with his senior ministers to discuss what urgent actions could be taken.

Also Read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-uk-south-africa-identifies-new-strain-of-coronavirus-amid-second-wave-351049">After UK, South Africa identifies new strain of coronavirus amid second wave</a>

Johnson will hold a news conference with Whitty and the government's chief scientific adviser at about 1600 GMT amid suggestions that he will announce new urgent measures to try to address the rise in cases caused by the variant COVID strain.

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Britain reported 28,507 new COVID-19 cases on Friday and 489 deaths, with the reproduction "R" number estimated to be between 1.1 and 1.2, meaning the number of cases is rapidly increasing.

Johnson said on Friday he hoped England would not need to go into a third lockdown after Christmas and has so far resisted calls to change plans to ease restrictions for five days over the festive period, allowing three separate households to meet indoors.

(With Reuters inputs)

In an alarming development, England's Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty said on Saturday that a new strain of coronavirus is spreading more quickly and urgent work was underway to confirm that it doesn't cause higher mortality rate.

In an alarming development, England's Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty said on Saturday that a new strain of coronavirus is spreading more quickly and urgent work was underway to confirm that it doesn't cause higher mortality rate. “As announced on Monday, the UK has identified a new variant of Covid-19 through Public Health England’s genomic surveillance,” Whitty said in a statement. “As a result of the rapid spread of the new variant, preliminary modelling data and rapidly rising incidence rates in the South East, the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) now consider that the new strain can spread more quickly,” he said Prime Minister Boris Johnson was already in a huddle with his senior ministers to discuss what urgent actions could be taken. Also Read| After UK, South Africa identifies new strain of coronavirus amid second wave Johnson will hold a news conference with Whitty and the government's chief scientific adviser at about 1600 GMT amid suggestions that he will announce new urgent measures to try to address the rise in cases caused by the variant COVID strain. × Britain reported 28,507 new COVID-19 cases on Friday and 489 deaths, with the reproduction "R" number estimated to be between 1.1 and 1.2, meaning the number of cases is rapidly increasing. Johnson said on Friday he hoped England would not need to go into a third lockdown after Christmas and has so far resisted calls to change plans to ease restrictions for five days over the festive period, allowing three separate households to meet indoors. (With Reuters inputs)

A new coronavirus strain is spreading more quickly

In an alarming development, a new strain of coronavirus has been found to be spreading more quickly. Efforts are on in the UK to determine if this means there will be a higher mortality rate. Meanwhile, US authorities are scampering to investigate the cyber attack. Parts of Sydney went in lockdown on Saturday to contain spread of coronavirus cases. Pfizer's COVID vaccine has got a go-ahead in Switzerland. Read this and more in the top 10 world news

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-new-coronavirus-strain-is-spreading-more-quickly-351032">A new coronavirus strain is spreading more quickly</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-new-coronavirus-strain-is-spreading-more-quickly-351032"><img alt="Coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="27ab54a4-ee0b-4007-8915-70fa242d54f5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/coronavirus_3.JPG" /></a> 
 
Prime Minister Boris Johnson was already in a huddle with his senior ministers to discuss what urgent actions could be taken

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-link-as-trump-remains-mum-on-cyber-attack-us-authorities-scamper-to-investigate-350996"><img alt="Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="df856d99-aadb-42f0-95f6-66efcd5890a3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Trump_8.JPG" />Russia link? As Trump remains mum on cyber attack, US authorities scamper to investigate</a>

 
Reports say the hackers targeted groups in Britain, a US internet provider and a county government in Arizona.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-battles-virus-as-lockdown-in-sydney-torments-residents-ahead-of-christmas-351018">Australia battles virus as lockdown in Sydney torments residents ahead of Christmas</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-battles-virus-as-lockdown-in-sydney-torments-residents-ahead-of-christmas-351018"><img alt="Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5ec63366-cc08-4ec4-9e56-a8bd5fb35154" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Sydney.JPG" /></a> 
The cluster of cases on Sydney's northern beaches grew to 38

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-covid-vaccine-gets-go-ahead-in-switzerland-350989">Pfizer COVID vaccine gets go-ahead in Switzerland</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-covid-vaccine-gets-go-ahead-in-switzerland-350989"><img alt="Pfizer" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="15f671bb-9cae-4882-acce-b4ffe651c9b1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/pfizer.JPG" /></a> 
 
Population of Switzerland is 8.6 million. It has secured around 15.8 million COVID-19 vaccine doses by striking deals with thre manufacturers

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-fire-in-hospital-kills-9-coronavirus-patient-351028">Turkey: Fire in hospital kills 9 coronavirus patient</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-fire-in-hospital-kills-9-coronavirus-patient-351028"><img alt="Turkey" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cb243bf8-cb73-4d5d-8411-4e8cf338d9c1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Turkey_2.JPG" /></a> 
 
Turkey has recorded more than 1.9 million cases of Covid-19 and more than 17,600 deaths since the pandemic began a year ago

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-brexit-uk-lorry-drivers-en-route-eu-face-ban-on-ham-and-cheese-sandwiches-351024">Ahead of Brexit, UK lorry drivers en route EU face ban on 'ham and cheese' sandwiches</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-brexit-uk-lorry-drivers-en-route-eu-face-ban-on-ham-and-cheese-sandwiches-351024"><img alt="Brexit" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="246467f7-1df1-4688-9d5c-260565107550" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Brexit_4.JPG" /></a> 
This decision has been taken to control the spread of diseases from these food items, especially after the coronavirus pandemic

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-macron-still-presenting-same-covid-19-symptoms-france-351022">President Macron still presenting same COVID-19 symptoms: France</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-macron-still-presenting-same-covid-19-symptoms-france-351022"><img alt="Macron" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e50fd53a-4ef5-4bc4-a2ae-446143a41de4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Macron_2.JPG" /></a> 
 
Macron in a video message had said earlier that "my activity is a little slowed down due to the virus", while informing that he had to take care of "priority issues like the epidemic or, for example, Brexit."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-twitter-killer-wants-to-marry-an-ordinary-girl-before-death-sentence-351033">Japan's 'Twitter killer' wants to marry an 'ordinary girl' before death sentence</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-twitter-killer-wants-to-marry-an-ordinary-girl-before-death-sentence-351033"><img alt="Japan Twitter killer" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="685ef1a2-13f2-4044-9e78-0a20d495f78e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Japan.JPG" /></a> 
 
'I want to get married. I want to find a marriage partner while I am in jail,' Twitter killer requested

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-china-introduces-security-review-rules-for-foreign-investors-351014">Now, China introduces security review rules for foreign investors</a>

<img alt="China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="802815ef-9556-4caa-adbc-758e2e30a916" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/China_5.JPG" /> 
 
Under the new rules, overseas investment in Chinese industries related to the military will automatically be reviewed

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jill-biden-surprised-with-kiddo-remark-but-prefers-to-take-high-road-351001">Jill Biden surprised with 'kiddo' remark but prefers to take 'high road'</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jill-biden-surprised-with-kiddo-remark-but-prefers-to-take-high-road-351001"><img alt="Jill Biden" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cb718238-b867-4bcb-93bf-0f72bd75d905" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Jill%20Biden.JPG" /></a> 
 
Jill Biden has authored her Doctorate thesis on maximising student retention in community colleges and is also a holder of two Masters degree

In an alarming development, a new strain of coronavirus has been found to be spreading more quickly. Efforts are on in the UK to determine if this means there will be a higher mortality rate.

In an alarming development, a new strain of coronavirus has been found to be spreading more quickly. Efforts are on in the UK to determine if this means there will be a higher mortality rate. Meanwhile, US authorities are scampering to investigate the cyber attack. Parts of Sydney went in lockdown on Saturday to contain spread of coronavirus cases. Pfizer's COVID vaccine has got a go-ahead in Switzerland. Read this and more in the top 10 world news A new coronavirus strain is spreading more quickly Prime Minister Boris Johnson was already in a huddle with his senior ministers to discuss what urgent actions could be taken Russia link? As Trump remains mum on cyber attack, US authorities scamper to investigate Reports say the hackers targeted groups in Britain, a US internet provider and a county government in Arizona. Australia battles virus as lockdown in Sydney torments residents ahead of Christmas The cluster of cases on Sydney's northern beaches grew to 38 Pfizer COVID vaccine gets go-ahead in Switzerland Population of Switzerland is 8.6 million. It has secured around 15.8 million COVID-19 vaccine doses by striking deals with thre manufacturers Turkey: Fire in hospital kills 9 coronavirus patient Turkey has recorded more than 1.9 million cases of Covid-19 and more than 17,600 deaths since the pandemic began a year ago Ahead of Brexit, UK lorry drivers en route EU face ban on 'ham and cheese' sandwiches This decision has been taken to control the spread of diseases from these food items, especially after the coronavirus pandemic President Macron still presenting same COVID-19 symptoms: France Macron in a video message had said earlier that "my activity is a little slowed down due to the virus", while informing that he had to take care of "priority issues like the epidemic or, for example, Brexit." Japan's 'Twitter killer' wants to marry an 'ordinary girl' before death sentence 'I want to get married. I want to find a marriage partner while I am in jail,' Twitter killer requested Now, China introduces security review rules for foreign investors Under the new rules, overseas investment in Chinese industries related to the military will automatically be reviewed Jill Biden surprised with 'kiddo' remark but prefers to take 'high road' Jill Biden has authored her Doctorate thesis on maximising student retention in community colleges and is also a holder of two Masters degree

Top 10 world news: New COVID-19 strain, Sydney lockdown, and more

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