UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday that there was "a strong possibility" that Britain and European Union (EU) would not be able to strike a trade deal before Britain leaves the bloc at the end of this year. However, he has vowed to do whatever he can to avoid such an eventuality. The trade deal talks between EU and Britain are stuck on issues such as competition rules, fishing rights and economic fair play

Failure to reach a consensus on the issues before Britain's exit may lead to legal and trade complications in the future.

Both sides have set a deadline of Sunday (December 13).

After a meeting with his senior ministers, Johnson said the treaty on the table did not work for Britain.

"We need to be very, very clear there's now a strong possibility, strong possibility that we will have a solution that's much more like an Australian relationship with the EU, than a Canadian relationship with the EU," Johnson said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-deal-eu-britain-to-take-decision-by-weekend-says-ursula-von-der-leyen-348693">Brexit deal: EU-Britain to take decision by weekend, says Ursula von der Leyen</a>

Australia does not have comprehensive trade deal with EU. Although Australia's trade with EU is just fraction of that of Britain, Johnson apparently is drawing simile to suggest that a deal was not necessary.

Under such a scenario, Britain would see trade barriers imposed with the EU, its main economic partner, in just three weeks.

Sterling dropped against the U.S. dollar to $1.3262 on the remarks, down from around $1.33. It was last almost 0.9 percent lower on the day at $1.3274.

Johnson spoke as the 27 national EU leaders met in Brussels and the bloc's chief executive, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, said bridging the persistent differences in UK trade talks was "difficult".

(With Reuters inputs)

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday that there was "a strong possibility" that Britain and European Union (EU) would not be able to strike a trade deal before Britain leaves the bloc at the end of this year.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday that there was "a strong possibility" that Britain and European Union (EU) would not be able to strike a trade deal before Britain leaves the bloc at the end of this year. However, he has vowed to do whatever he can to avoid such an eventuality. The trade deal talks between EU and Britain are stuck on issues such as competition rules, fishing rights and economic fair play Failure to reach a consensus on the issues before Britain's exit may lead to legal and trade complications in the future. Both sides have set a deadline of Sunday (December 13). After a meeting with his senior ministers, Johnson said the treaty on the table did not work for Britain. "We need to be very, very clear there's now a strong possibility, strong possibility that we will have a solution that's much more like an Australian relationship with the EU, than a Canadian relationship with the EU," Johnson said. Also Read | Brexit deal: EU-Britain to take decision by weekend, says Ursula von der Leyen Australia does not have comprehensive trade deal with EU. Although Australia's trade with EU is just fraction of that of Britain, Johnson apparently is drawing simile to suggest that a deal was not necessary. Under such a scenario, Britain would see trade barriers imposed with the EU, its main economic partner, in just three weeks. Sterling dropped against the U.S. dollar to $1.3262 on the remarks, down from around $1.33. It was last almost 0.9 percent lower on the day at $1.3274. Johnson spoke as the 27 national EU leaders met in Brussels and the bloc's chief executive, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, said bridging the persistent differences in UK trade talks was "difficult". (With Reuters inputs)

Strong possibility of no-deal Brexit: UK PM Boris Johnson

The Afghan peace process must be "led, owned and controlled"&nbsp;by Afghanistan and it is necessary to preserve the achievements of the past two decades, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday.

In his opening remarks at a virtual summit with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Modi also said India and Uzbekistan are standing together firmly against terrorism and have similar concerns over extremism, fundamentalism and separatism.

"We have similar concerns about extremism, fundamentalism and separatism. We both stand firmly together against terrorism. We also have a similar approach on regional security issues," the prime minister said.

"We agree that the restoration of peace in Afghanistan requires a process that itself is led, owned and controlled by Afghanistan. It is also necessary to preserve the achievements of the last two decades," he said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/race-is-on-for-strategic-bases-in-indian-ocean-region-says-cds-bipin-rawat-349038">Race is on for strategic bases in Indian Ocean Region, says CDS Bipin Rawat</a>

The prime minister's comments on Afghanistan come in the midst of renewed momentum in the Afghan peace process.&nbsp; 
Top Afghan peace negotiator Abdullah Abdullah and several other senior leaders from the country visited India in the last few months to apprise about the peace process.

In his remarks, Modi also said that India wants to further intensify its development partnership with Uzbekistan and expressed happiness that many projects are being considered in that country under the Indian Line of Credit.

Uzbekistan is a key country in Central Asia which India considers as its 'extended neighbourhood'. The bilateral ties now encompass a wider canvas of cooperation including in areas of defence and security, trade and investment, energy, agriculture, education and science and technology.

Both countries are currently negotiating a bilateral investment treaty (BIT) and a preferential trade agreement. Last year, a pact was sealed providing for long-term purchase of uranium by India from Uzbekistan.

In his remarks, the prime minister also referred to cooperation between the two countries in key areas of defence, space and atomic energy sectors.

"Our security partnership is becoming a strong pillar of bilateral relations. Last year, the first joint military exercise between our armed forces took place. Our joint efforts are also increasing in the areas of space and atomic energy," he said.

Modi also said India was ready to share its expertise and experience with Uzbekistan as per its development priorities.

"India has great potential in areas such as infrastructure, IT, education, health, training and capacity building, which can be useful for Uzbekistan. The establishment of a joint working group on agriculture among us is an important and positive step," he said.

"With this we can find opportunities to increase our agricultural trade which will help the farmers of both countries," he added.

Modi also talked about cooperation between the two countries during the coronavirus pandemic.

"It is also a matter of satisfaction that during this difficult time of the COVID-19 epidemic, both countries have fully supported each other, whether to supply medicines or to ensure return of each other's citizens to home," he said.

The Afghan peace process must be "led, owned and controlled" by Afghanistan and it is necessary to preserve the achievements of the past two decades, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday.

The Afghan peace process must be "led, owned and controlled" by Afghanistan and it is necessary to preserve the achievements of the past two decades, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday. In his opening remarks at a virtual summit with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Modi also said India and Uzbekistan are standing together firmly against terrorism and have similar concerns over extremism, fundamentalism and separatism. "We have similar concerns about extremism, fundamentalism and separatism. We both stand firmly together against terrorism. We also have a similar approach on regional security issues," the prime minister said. "We agree that the restoration of peace in Afghanistan requires a process that itself is led, owned and controlled by Afghanistan. It is also necessary to preserve the achievements of the last two decades," he said. Also Read | Race is on for strategic bases in Indian Ocean Region, says CDS Bipin Rawat The prime minister's comments on Afghanistan come in the midst of renewed momentum in the Afghan peace process. Top Afghan peace negotiator Abdullah Abdullah and several other senior leaders from the country visited India in the last few months to apprise about the peace process. In his remarks, Modi also said that India wants to further intensify its development partnership with Uzbekistan and expressed happiness that many projects are being considered in that country under the Indian Line of Credit. Uzbekistan is a key country in Central Asia which India considers as its 'extended neighbourhood'. The bilateral ties now encompass a wider canvas of cooperation including in areas of defence and security, trade and investment, energy, agriculture, education and science and technology. Both countries are currently negotiating a bilateral investment treaty (BIT) and a preferential trade agreement. Last year, a pact was sealed providing for long-term purchase of uranium by India from Uzbekistan. In his remarks, the prime minister also referred to cooperation between the two countries in key areas of defence, space and atomic energy sectors. "Our security partnership is becoming a strong pillar of bilateral relations. Last year, the first joint military exercise between our armed forces took place. Our joint efforts are also increasing in the areas of space and atomic energy," he said. Modi also said India was ready to share its expertise and experience with Uzbekistan as per its development priorities. "India has great potential in areas such as infrastructure, IT, education, health, training and capacity building, which can be useful for Uzbekistan. The establishment of a joint working group on agriculture among us is an important and positive step," he said. "With this we can find opportunities to increase our agricultural trade which will help the farmers of both countries," he added. Modi also talked about cooperation between the two countries during the coronavirus pandemic. "It is also a matter of satisfaction that during this difficult time of the COVID-19 epidemic, both countries have fully supported each other, whether to supply medicines or to ensure return of each other's citizens to home," he said.

Gains of past two decades need to be preserved: PM Modi on Afghan peace process

Noting the rising challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat on Friday said the world is witnessing a race for strategic bases in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), adding that it is only going to gain momentum in the times to come.

"Of late along with geostrategic competition in the Indo-Pacific, we are also witnessing a race for strategic places and bases in the Indian Ocean region which is only going to gain momentum in the times to come," General Rawat said while delivering a keynote address at the Global Dialogue Security Summit.&nbsp;

Speaking on the theme of "Contesting the Indo Pacific for Global Domination", CDS Rawat said, "In the military field, technology must be a means of deterrence not a source of destruction. Our approach to security hence needs to shift from unilateral to the multilateral mode which mandates increasing training engagements with partner nations in order to fortify the future."&nbsp;

He said that based on the challenges that India face, "we require structured long term planning for capacity building and capability development of our defence forces.

"On the issue of India`s geostrategic needs in the IOR, General Rawat said: "We need to maintain strategic autonomy, cooperative relations with extra-regional powers, underscored by strong regional linkages that would provide us with a greater degree of strategic leverage."

"We need to build upon other and bilateral, trilateral and multilateral mechanism like `JAI` that is Japan, Australia, and India, like India-ASEAN and other already existing mechanisms to have the right balance in our strategic autonomy," CDS Rawat said.

"The economic centre of gravity is shifting and will continue to shift in this century. And with the major global supply chain passing through the region, Indo Pacific in general and Indian Ocean Region, in particular, will remain vital for transit and world trade," he added.

Summing up his address CDS Rawat said that "this is India`s century. Many across the world are bullish about India. It has the talent demographic dividend and vibrancy of the culture."&nbsp;

Noting the rising challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat on Friday said the world is witnessing a race for strategic bases in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), adding that it is only going to gain momentum in the times to come.

Noting the rising challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat on Friday said the world is witnessing a race for strategic bases in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), adding that it is only going to gain momentum in the times to come. "Of late along with geostrategic competition in the Indo-Pacific, we are also witnessing a race for strategic places and bases in the Indian Ocean region which is only going to gain momentum in the times to come," General Rawat said while delivering a keynote address at the Global Dialogue Security Summit. Speaking on the theme of "Contesting the Indo Pacific for Global Domination", CDS Rawat said, "In the military field, technology must be a means of deterrence not a source of destruction. Our approach to security hence needs to shift from unilateral to the multilateral mode which mandates increasing training engagements with partner nations in order to fortify the future." He said that based on the challenges that India face, "we require structured long term planning for capacity building and capability development of our defence forces. "On the issue of India`s geostrategic needs in the IOR, General Rawat said: "We need to maintain strategic autonomy, cooperative relations with extra-regional powers, underscored by strong regional linkages that would provide us with a greater degree of strategic leverage." "We need to build upon other and bilateral, trilateral and multilateral mechanism like `JAI` that is Japan, Australia, and India, like India-ASEAN and other already existing mechanisms to have the right balance in our strategic autonomy," CDS Rawat said. "The economic centre of gravity is shifting and will continue to shift in this century. And with the major global supply chain passing through the region, Indo Pacific in general and Indian Ocean Region, in particular, will remain vital for transit and world trade," he added. Summing up his address CDS Rawat said that "this is India`s century. Many across the world are bullish about India. It has the talent demographic dividend and vibrancy of the culture."

Race is on for strategic bases in Indian Ocean Region, says CDS Bipin Rawat

The Bank of England on Friday said that financial service faced 'some disruption' when the transition period for Brexit ends at the end of this month. Although the Bank of England said that banks in UK were resilient to the risk of Brexit and coronavirus, the warning given by the bank is likely to be noted in the financial world.

Bank of England's Financial Policy Committee, which is tasked with safeguarding the financial system added that major British banks were capable of absorbing USD 266 billion (200 billion Pounds) in credit losses.

Britain and the European Union are still locked in negotiations over Brexit trade deal. The negotiations have not made much progress. Both sides have kept a deadline ending this Sunday (December 13)

On Friday, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that a no-deal Brexit was a possibility although he vowed to explore all ways to strike a trade deal.

After a meeting with his senior ministers, Johnson said the treaty on the table did not work for Britain.

"We need to be very, very clear there's now a strong possibility, strong possibility that we will have a solution that's much more like an Australian relationship with the EU, than a Canadian relationship with the EU," Johnson said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strong-possibility-of-no-deal-brexit-uk-pm-boris-johnson-348945">Strong possibility of no-deal Brexit: UK PM Boris Johnson</a>

Australia does not have comprehensive trade deal with EU. Although Australia's trade with EU is just fraction of that of Britain, Johnson apparently is drawing simile to suggest that a deal was not necessary.

Negotiations between UK and the EU are stuck over fishing rights, competition rules and economic fair play.

The Bank of England on Friday said that financial service faced 'some disruption' when the transition period for Brexit ends at the end of this month. Although the Bank of England said that banks in UK were resilient to the risk of Brexit and coronavirus, the warning given by the bank is likely to be noted in the financial world.

The Bank of England on Friday said that financial service faced 'some disruption' when the transition period for Brexit ends at the end of this month. Although the Bank of England said that banks in UK were resilient to the risk of Brexit and coronavirus, the warning given by the bank is likely to be noted in the financial world. Bank of England's Financial Policy Committee, which is tasked with safeguarding the financial system added that major British banks were capable of absorbing USD 266 billion (200 billion Pounds) in credit losses. Britain and the European Union are still locked in negotiations over Brexit trade deal. The negotiations have not made much progress. Both sides have kept a deadline ending this Sunday (December 13) On Friday, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that a no-deal Brexit was a possibility although he vowed to explore all ways to strike a trade deal. After a meeting with his senior ministers, Johnson said the treaty on the table did not work for Britain. "We need to be very, very clear there's now a strong possibility, strong possibility that we will have a solution that's much more like an Australian relationship with the EU, than a Canadian relationship with the EU," Johnson said. Also Read | Strong possibility of no-deal Brexit: UK PM Boris Johnson Australia does not have comprehensive trade deal with EU. Although Australia's trade with EU is just fraction of that of Britain, Johnson apparently is drawing simile to suggest that a deal was not necessary. Negotiations between UK and the EU are stuck over fishing rights, competition rules and economic fair play.

Brexit: Bank of England talks of 'disruption' in financial services in new year

A town in Minnesota has raised eyebrows and its council allowed use of a vacant church by a Whites-only group. Although the city council and mayor have denied any support to racist ideology, questions are being raised.

The city council of town of Murdock in Minnesota has taken a decision that has started a discussion. The council, passed a permit on Wednesday (December 9) to allow use of a church by 'Asatru Folk community' (AFA).

The website of AFA states the community to be part of "great Aryan religiosity".

The mayor of Murdock has been quick to dissociate the council's decision from any racial bias. During the council meeting, he has been reported&nbsp;to have said that the town was against racism in all its forms. He has attributed the decision to be in accordance with the First Amendment Rights of the US Constitution.

These rights address freedom of religion.

The AFA, which has been called "extremist" by some groups in the US has objectionable content in its so-called 'statement of ethics'

"We want our children to grow up to be mothers and fathers to white children of their own," it says.

The statement further says that "behaviors destructive of the white family" were to be discouraged in the community.

A town in Minnesota has raised eyebrows and its council allowed use of a vacant church by a Whites-only group. Although the city council and mayor have denied any support to racist ideology, questions are being raised.

A town in Minnesota has raised eyebrows and its council allowed use of a vacant church by a Whites-only group. Although the city council and mayor have denied any support to racist ideology, questions are being raised. The city council of town of Murdock in Minnesota has taken a decision that has started a discussion. The council, passed a permit on Wednesday (December 9) to allow use of a church by 'Asatru Folk community' (AFA). The website of AFA states the community to be part of "great Aryan religiosity". The mayor of Murdock has been quick to dissociate the council's decision from any racial bias. During the council meeting, he has been reported to have said that the town was against racism in all its forms. He has attributed the decision to be in accordance with the First Amendment Rights of the US Constitution. These rights address freedom of religion. The AFA, which has been called "extremist" by some groups in the US has objectionable content in its so-called 'statement of ethics' "We want our children to grow up to be mothers and fathers to white children of their own," it says. The statement further says that "behaviors destructive of the white family" were to be discouraged in the community.

Permission for Whites-only group to use US church raises eyebrows

Dr Anthony Fauci, the director of USA's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said on Friday that the situation in the US may be back to normal by next Summer or Fall. However, he emphasised the need for widespread vaccination of Americans. He expressed confidence about normalcy in the Covid-19 situation as he was speaking with CNN.

Dr Fauci is considered to be among the foremost experts on infectious disease in the US and has been spearheading the country's response against coronavirus pandemic. He is said to have had differences with US President Donald Trump on the strategy to combat the pandemic in the country.

During his interaction with CNN, Fauci emphasised that "large percentage of population" needed to get vaccinated quickly in order for normalcy to prevail in near future.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-fda-advisors-recommend-authorisation-of-pfizer-covid-vaccine-348942">US FDA advisors recommend authorisation of Pfizer Covid vaccine</a>

On Friday, a panel of advisors to US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) endorsed emergency use of Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine. USFDA is expected to give a green signal to emergency use of the vaccine in a couple days.

Dr Anthony Fauci, the director of USA's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said on Friday that the situation in the US may be back to normal by next Summer or Fall.

Dr Anthony Fauci, the director of USA's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said on Friday that the situation in the US may be back to normal by next Summer or Fall. However, he emphasised the need for widespread vaccination of Americans. He expressed confidence about normalcy in the Covid-19 situation as he was speaking with CNN. Dr Fauci is considered to be among the foremost experts on infectious disease in the US and has been spearheading the country's response against coronavirus pandemic. He is said to have had differences with US President Donald Trump on the strategy to combat the pandemic in the country. During his interaction with CNN, Fauci emphasised that "large percentage of population" needed to get vaccinated quickly in order for normalcy to prevail in near future. Also Read | US FDA advisors recommend authorisation of Pfizer Covid vaccine On Friday, a panel of advisors to US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) endorsed emergency use of Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine. USFDA is expected to give a green signal to emergency use of the vaccine in a couple days.

Coronavirus situation in US may become normal by summer or fall, says Dr Fauci

It's a well-established fact that humans take a heavy toll on nature. This has been especially true in the 20th century and ahead. But now there are signs that we may truly be stretching limits of the planet we call home. A study published in Nature magazine says that Human-made materials outweigh Earth's entire biomass.

The meaning of this inference is scary. It means that our plastics, our concrete, electronic waste materials etc along with other things weigh more than plants, animals and other biomass.

The study has examined changes in global biomass and human-made mass from 1900 to present day. The researchers found that at the beginning of the 20th century, the mass of man-made objects was just 3 per cent of world's total biomass.

But now the human-made mass has reached a whopping 1.1 teratonnes.&nbsp;

1 teratonne is 1,000,000,000,000 tonnes.

The amount of plastic alone is more than the mass of land animals and marine creatures combined, said the study.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/outer-space-just-got-a-little-brighter-348678">Outer space just got a little brighter</a>

The study mainly focussed on man-made materials such as concrete, metal, plastic, bricks and asphalt among other things and does not include man-made waste.

However, the reasearchers say that each person in the world is responsible for creation of human-made matter equal to more than his or her body-weight.

The study has been carried out by Ron Milo and his colleagues from Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel.

It's a well-established fact that humans take a heavy toll on nature. This has been especially true in the 20th century and ahead. But now there are signs that we may truly be stretching limits of the planet we call home.

It's a well-established fact that humans take a heavy toll on nature. This has been especially true in the 20th century and ahead. But now there are signs that we may truly be stretching limits of the planet we call home. A study published in Nature magazine says that Human-made materials outweigh Earth's entire biomass. The meaning of this inference is scary. It means that our plastics, our concrete, electronic waste materials etc along with other things weigh more than plants, animals and other biomass. The study has examined changes in global biomass and human-made mass from 1900 to present day. The researchers found that at the beginning of the 20th century, the mass of man-made objects was just 3 per cent of world's total biomass. But now the human-made mass has reached a whopping 1.1 teratonnes. 1 teratonne is 1,000,000,000,000 tonnes. The amount of plastic alone is more than the mass of land animals and marine creatures combined, said the study. Also Read: Outer space just got a little brighter The study mainly focussed on man-made materials such as concrete, metal, plastic, bricks and asphalt among other things and does not include man-made waste. However, the reasearchers say that each person in the world is responsible for creation of human-made matter equal to more than his or her body-weight. The study has been carried out by Ron Milo and his colleagues from Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel.

Human-made materials outweigh Earth's entire biomass now, says study

A rat helping a chef churn out lip-smacking food can only happen in movies like Ratatouille. In reality, rats are a menace to hotels and restaurants. The rodent may be an important part of ecosystem, food chains and whatnot, nobody wants anything to do with rats around their food.

A sustained onslaught from rats has brought a branch of fast-food giant Chipotle to its knees. These rats not only took liking to Avocado, the favourite snack staple of New Yorkers, but also attacked staff of the restaurant, as per news reports.

This branch of&nbsp;Chipotle is located in Upper Manhattan.

“It’s pure chaos every time a rat appears,” an employee named Melvin Paulino was quoted by New York Post as saying.

The rat infestation is so much that even though the restaurant is shut, employees have to come to clean-up so that the problem doesn't get worse.

The issue began in Summer this year when the staff found half-eaten Avocados. The rats took particular liking to the expensive fruit so much that the staff was forced to keep Avocados inside freezers just to save them from rats.

But then, more issues started. Bags of rice were found to have been chewed open, the rice eaten. And the mice also took to chewing electric wires that resulted in problems for computer systems in the store.

Efforts were made to contain the damage. But the problem became so big that the store could no longer handle orders as computer systems and wires were too badly damaged by the rats.

A rat helping a chef churn out lip-smacking food can only happen in movies like Ratatouille. In reality, rats are a menace to hotels and restaurants. The rodent may be an important part of ecosystem, food chains and whatnot, nobody wants anything to do with rats around their food.

A rat helping a chef churn out lip-smacking food can only happen in movies like Ratatouille. In reality, rats are a menace to hotels and restaurants. The rodent may be an important part of ecosystem, food chains and whatnot, nobody wants anything to do with rats around their food. A sustained onslaught from rats has brought a branch of fast-food giant Chipotle to its knees. These rats not only took liking to Avocado, the favourite snack staple of New Yorkers, but also attacked staff of the restaurant, as per news reports. This branch of Chipotle is located in Upper Manhattan. “It’s pure chaos every time a rat appears,” an employee named Melvin Paulino was quoted by New York Post as saying. The rat infestation is so much that even though the restaurant is shut, employees have to come to clean-up so that the problem doesn't get worse. The issue began in Summer this year when the staff found half-eaten Avocados. The rats took particular liking to the expensive fruit so much that the staff was forced to keep Avocados inside freezers just to save them from rats. But then, more issues started. Bags of rice were found to have been chewed open, the rice eaten. And the mice also took to chewing electric wires that resulted in problems for computer systems in the store. Efforts were made to contain the damage. But the problem became so big that the store could no longer handle orders as computer systems and wires were too badly damaged by the rats.

New York Chipotle forced to close due to Avocado-eating rats

US President-elect Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden said on Thursday that the US Attorney's office in Delaware was investigating his tax affairs. Hunter Biden who is often seen as the 'bad boy' of Biden family has had problems with drugs and alcohol in the past and his life has been in public eye. Hunter Biden is often targetted by US President Donald Trump and Republican Party in order to put Joe Biden in a tight spot.

"I take this matter very seriously but I am confident that a professional and objective review of these matters will demonstrate that I handled my affairs legally and appropriately, including with the benefit of professional tax advisors," Hunter Biden said in a statement.

Hunter said he learned of the investigation on Tuesday when prosecutors informed his lawyers about the probe.

The transition team for President-elect Joe Biden on Wednesday released a statement saying Biden "is deeply proud of his son, who has fought through difficult challenges, including the vicious personal attacks of recent months, only to emerge stronger."

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-17-states-back-texas-bid-to-overturn-us-election-result-at-supreme-court-348692">Trump, 17 states back Texas bid to overturn US election result at Supreme Court</a>

As per a report by CNN, investigators are looking at various issues including whether Hunter Biden violated tax and money laundering laws while making deals in foreign countries, principally China.

During US Presidential Election 2020 campaign, Donald Trump had called on China to investigate Hunter Biden's involvement in a fund that sought to raise Chinese capital. Trump had accused Hunter Biden of using his position of influence to secure China`s financial backing for his investments.

(With Reuters inputs)

US President-elect Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden said on Thursday that the US Attorney's office in Delaware was investigating his tax affairs. Hunter Biden who is often seen as the 'bad boy' of Biden family has had problems with drugs and alcohol in the past and his life has been in public eye.

US President-elect Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden said on Thursday that the US Attorney's office in Delaware was investigating his tax affairs. Hunter Biden who is often seen as the 'bad boy' of Biden family has had problems with drugs and alcohol in the past and his life has been in public eye. Hunter Biden is often targetted by US President Donald Trump and Republican Party in order to put Joe Biden in a tight spot. "I take this matter very seriously but I am confident that a professional and objective review of these matters will demonstrate that I handled my affairs legally and appropriately, including with the benefit of professional tax advisors," Hunter Biden said in a statement. Hunter said he learned of the investigation on Tuesday when prosecutors informed his lawyers about the probe. The transition team for President-elect Joe Biden on Wednesday released a statement saying Biden "is deeply proud of his son, who has fought through difficult challenges, including the vicious personal attacks of recent months, only to emerge stronger." Also Read: Trump, 17 states back Texas bid to overturn US election result at Supreme Court As per a report by CNN, investigators are looking at various issues including whether Hunter Biden violated tax and money laundering laws while making deals in foreign countries, principally China. During US Presidential Election 2020 campaign, Donald Trump had called on China to investigate Hunter Biden's involvement in a fund that sought to raise Chinese capital. Trump had accused Hunter Biden of using his position of influence to secure China`s financial backing for his investments. (With Reuters inputs)

US attorney's office is investigating my taxes, says Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden

Brexit deal talks are at a crucial stage as European Commission President Ursula&nbsp;von der Leyen tweeted that a decision may be taken by weekend. She noted that positions of Britain and EU are "far apart" even now. Meanwhile, a&nbsp;prototype of the future giant SpaceX rocket Starship -- which the company hopes will become its go-to for Mars missions -- crashed in a fiery explosion during a test launch along the Texas coast. Read this and more on our morning news brief.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-deal-eu-britain-to-take-decision-by-weekend-says-ursula-von-der-leyen-348693">Brexit deal: EU-Britain to take decision by weekend, says Ursula von der Leyen</a>

<img alt="Brexit deal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7515d741-9cfc-424c-82c9-5324cda3e245" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Brexit_1.JPG" /> 
Post-Brexit trade deal negotiations are at a crucial stage as time is running out for both sides to secure a deal

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spacexs-starship-prototype-blasts-off-crashes-in-fireball-on-landing-348691">SpaceX's starship prototype blasts off, crashes in fireball on landing</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spacexs-starship-prototype-blasts-off-crashes-in-fireball-on-landing-348691"><img alt="SpaceX crash" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8bdd324d-7f0d-463c-8b7b-f464fd711850" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/SpaceX_1.JPG" /></a> 
 
The engines were restarted just seconds before landing in an effort to slow the ship, but it crashed hard into the Earth.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-17-states-back-texas-bid-to-overturn-us-election-result-at-supreme-court-348692">Trump, 17 states back Texas bid to overturn US election result at Supreme Court</a>

<img alt="Texas" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0f6cdf8a-c354-4151-a2d7-2610609fb11d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Texas.JPG" />

The Republican president lost to Democrat Joe Biden in the recently concluded election, and also in the four election battleground states after winning them in the 2016 election.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-covid-deaths-exceed-3000-in-24-hours-348694">US Covid deaths exceed 3,000 in 24 hours</a>

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American authorities warned a spike in deaths was coming after millions travelled around the country for the Thanksgiving holiday last month, ignoring pleas to stay home to slow the spread of the virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-attorneys-office-is-investigating-my-taxes-says-hunter-biden-348707">US attorney's office is investigating my taxes, says Hunter Biden</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-attorneys-office-is-investigating-my-taxes-says-hunter-biden-348707"><img alt="Hunter Biden" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="38156740-bde4-47d7-b8be-3e7957c817ef" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Hunter_0.JPG" /></a> 
 
Hunter Biden is often targetted by US President Donald Trump and Republican Party in order to put Joe Biden in a tight spot

UK PM Boris Johnson doesn't comment on farmers' protest in India

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Brexit deal talks are at a crucial stage as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted that a decision may be taken by weekend. She noted that positions of Britain and EU are "far apart" even now.

Brexit deal talks are at a crucial stage as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted that a decision may be taken by weekend. She noted that positions of Britain and EU are "far apart" even now. Meanwhile, a prototype of the future giant SpaceX rocket Starship -- which the company hopes will become its go-to for Mars missions -- crashed in a fiery explosion during a test launch along the Texas coast. Read this and more on our morning news brief. Brexit deal: EU-Britain to take decision by weekend, says Ursula von der Leyen Post-Brexit trade deal negotiations are at a crucial stage as time is running out for both sides to secure a deal SpaceX's starship prototype blasts off, crashes in fireball on landing The engines were restarted just seconds before landing in an effort to slow the ship, but it crashed hard into the Earth. Trump, 17 states back Texas bid to overturn US election result at Supreme Court The Republican president lost to Democrat Joe Biden in the recently concluded election, and also in the four election battleground states after winning them in the 2016 election. US Covid deaths exceed 3,000 in 24 hours American authorities warned a spike in deaths was coming after millions travelled around the country for the Thanksgiving holiday last month, ignoring pleas to stay home to slow the spread of the virus. US attorney's office is investigating my taxes, says Hunter Biden Hunter Biden is often targetted by US President Donald Trump and Republican Party in order to put Joe Biden in a tight spot UK PM Boris Johnson doesn't comment on farmers' protest in India ×

Morning news brief: SpaceX rocket crashes, Brexit talks at crucial stage, more

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said that European Union (EU) and Britain will come to a decision on the post-Brexit deal by the end of the coming weekend. She tweeted her statement after her latest interaction with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Although von der Leyen said the discussion was "lively and interesting", she noted that positions of Britain and the EU "remain far apart"

Ursula von der Leyen tweeted her statement after her interaction with Johnson

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We had a lively &amp; interesting discussion on the state of play on outstanding issues. 
 
We understand each other’s positions. They remain far apart. 
 
The teams should immediately reconvene to try to resolve these issues. We will come to a decision by the end of the weekend. <a href="https://t.co/jG0Mfg35YX">pic.twitter.com/jG0Mfg35YX</a>
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1336801873836249089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The emergency meeting between Johnson and von der Leyen to seek a post-Brexit trade deal has ended without breakthrough as "very large gaps remain" between the two sides, British media reported late Wednesday.

Brexit transition period ends at the end of this year.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/back-down-or-expect-no-deal-boris-johnson-threatens-the-european-union-on-brexit-348629">Back down or expect no deal: Boris Johnson threatens the European Union on Brexit</a>

The trade negotiations are at a crucial stage as time is running out for both sides to secure a deal.

Failure to reach a free trade agreement means bilateral trade will fall back on World Trade Organization (WTO) rules in 2021.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said that European Union (EU) and Britain will come to a decision on the post-Brexit deal by the end of the coming weekend.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said that European Union (EU) and Britain will come to a decision on the post-Brexit deal by the end of the coming weekend. She tweeted her statement after her latest interaction with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Although von der Leyen said the discussion was "lively and interesting", she noted that positions of Britain and the EU "remain far apart" Ursula von der Leyen tweeted her statement after her interaction with Johnson We had a lively & interesting discussion on the state of play on outstanding issues. We understand each other’s positions. They remain far apart. The teams should immediately reconvene to try to resolve these issues. We will come to a decision by the end of the weekend. pic.twitter.com/jG0Mfg35YX — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) December 9, 2020 × The emergency meeting between Johnson and von der Leyen to seek a post-Brexit trade deal has ended without breakthrough as "very large gaps remain" between the two sides, British media reported late Wednesday. Brexit transition period ends at the end of this year. Also Read: Back down or expect no deal: Boris Johnson threatens the European Union on Brexit The trade negotiations are at a crucial stage as time is running out for both sides to secure a deal. Failure to reach a free trade agreement means bilateral trade will fall back on World Trade Organization (WTO) rules in 2021.

Brexit deal: EU-Britain to take decision by weekend, says Ursula von der Leyen

US President Donald Trump has not conceded the election to Joe Biden, he and Republican Party are receiving setbacks after setbacks in courts across US. He is still no ready to offer evidence and is making baseless claims. And now, it has come to light that US First Lady Melania Trump is quietly making plans for her life after White House as she 'just want to go home'.

Multiple US news outlets have quoted sources who have said these words about Melania Trump. While she agrees with her husband Donald Trump who says that the US elections were rigged and that he's hopeful to continue as president, Melania Trump has reportedly 'tasked an emissary' to discreetly find out what's available for her in budget and staff allocation for her life after White House.

It has also been reported that it may not go down well with her if Donald Trump announces plans to run for president in 2024.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-attorneys-office-is-investigating-my-taxes-says-joe-bidens-son-hunter-biden-348707">US attorney's office is investigating my taxes, says Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden</a>

Melania Trump is said to be focussed on her legacy and said to be considering a book though it is likely to be a photo-centric book.

"Mrs. Trump is focused on her role as the first lady. Monday she unveiled her most current effort in preserving the White House by announcing the completion of the tennis pavilion. She also recently unveiled a new piece of art in the newly renovated Rose Garden. Her office just revealed this year`s Christmas decor. Her schedule remains full with her duties as a mother, wife and first lady of the United States," the first lady`s chief of staff Stephanie Grisham told CNN

US President Donald Trump has not conceded the election to Joe Biden, he and Republican Party are receiving setbacks after setbacks in courts across US. He is still no ready to offer evidence and is making baseless claims.

US President Donald Trump has not conceded the election to Joe Biden, he and Republican Party are receiving setbacks after setbacks in courts across US. He is still no ready to offer evidence and is making baseless claims. And now, it has come to light that US First Lady Melania Trump is quietly making plans for her life after White House as she 'just want to go home'. Multiple US news outlets have quoted sources who have said these words about Melania Trump. While she agrees with her husband Donald Trump who says that the US elections were rigged and that he's hopeful to continue as president, Melania Trump has reportedly 'tasked an emissary' to discreetly find out what's available for her in budget and staff allocation for her life after White House. It has also been reported that it may not go down well with her if Donald Trump announces plans to run for president in 2024. Also Read: US attorney's office is investigating my taxes, says Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden Melania Trump is said to be focussed on her legacy and said to be considering a book though it is likely to be a photo-centric book. "Mrs. Trump is focused on her role as the first lady. Monday she unveiled her most current effort in preserving the White House by announcing the completion of the tennis pavilion. She also recently unveiled a new piece of art in the newly renovated Rose Garden. Her office just revealed this year`s Christmas decor. Her schedule remains full with her duties as a mother, wife and first lady of the United States," the first lady`s chief of staff Stephanie Grisham told CNN

US First Lady Melania Trump 'just wants to go home'

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