An official newspaper of North Korea has confirmed that regime leaders can not magically bend time and space,&nbsp;as previously claimed during the reign of Kim Jong-un and former leader Kim Jong-il.

The move shows that&nbsp;the secretive regime is turning away from&nbsp;myths about their leaders.

Previously, there were a lot of rumors and conjecture that&nbsp;the Kim family are masters of&nbsp;"chukjibeop", a method of folding space and travelling great distances in a short period of time.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-deliberately-faked-his-death-to-expose-traitors-in-his-circle-report-296811">Kim Jong-un deliberately faked his death to expose traitors in his circle: Report</a>

The method of Chukjibeop has long been indoctrinated into North Korean society, to encourage worship of its leaders.

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The newspaper, the&nbsp;organ of the North's ruling party, said:&nbsp;"In realistic terms, a person cannot suddenly disappear and reappear by folding space."

On Thursday, an official at South Korea's unification ministry said&nbsp;that the current regime's trend of demystification&nbsp;is "noteworthy".

Last year the secretive dictator failed to reach an agreement in a second summer with President Trump and is now said to be encouraged to reveal his ''human''&nbsp;side,&nbsp;urging the North Korean people to stay away from the mystification of their leader.

"Mystifying a leader's revolutionary activity and appearance would result in covering the truth," Kim was quoted as saying in state media in March last year after the breakdown of&nbsp;negotiations with the US.&nbsp;

"Absolute loyalty would spring up when (they) are mesmerised by the leader humanly and comradely."

Earlier this month, he made his&nbsp;first appearance in public&nbsp;after&nbsp;20 days of&nbsp;rumours about his deteriorating health.

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An official newspaper of North Korea has confirmed that regime leaders can not magically bend time and space, as previously claimed during the reign of Kim Jong-un and former leader Kim Jong-il.

An official newspaper of North Korea has confirmed that regime leaders can not magically bend time and space, as previously claimed during the reign of Kim Jong-un and former leader Kim Jong-il. The move shows that the secretive regime is turning away from myths about their leaders. Previously, there were a lot of rumors and conjecture that the Kim family are masters of "chukjibeop", a method of folding space and travelling great distances in a short period of time. Also read: Kim Jong-un deliberately faked his death to expose traitors in his circle: Report The method of Chukjibeop has long been indoctrinated into North Korean society, to encourage worship of its leaders. The newspaper, the organ of the North's ruling party, said: "In realistic terms, a person cannot suddenly disappear and reappear by folding space." On Thursday, an official at South Korea's unification ministry said that the current regime's trend of demystification is "noteworthy". Last year the secretive dictator failed to reach an agreement in a second summer with President Trump and is now said to be encouraged to reveal his ''human'' side, urging the North Korean people to stay away from the mystification of their leader. "Mystifying a leader's revolutionary activity and appearance would result in covering the truth," Kim was quoted as saying in state media in March last year after the breakdown of negotiations with the US. "Absolute loyalty would spring up when (they) are mesmerised by the leader humanly and comradely." Earlier this month, he made his first appearance in public after 20 days of rumours about his deteriorating health.

North Korean regime confesses Kim Jong-un cannot 'magically disappear'

Former White House butler,&nbsp;Wilson Roosevelt Jerman, who had served 11 US Presidents, has died after contracting the deadly coronavirus.

His death was confirmed by his&nbsp;granddaughter, Shanta Taylor Gay. She said in an interview that, ''he was authentic. He was a quiet but stern man. Very giving, never fussed or complained. Always said he lived a blessed life.

Gay said the family is "taking it day by day" in light of her grandfather's death.

<img alt="Wilson Roosevelt Jerman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dcf3a201-8749-49c7-9404-169cd36ca491" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_112408264_wilsonrooseveltjerman01-2.jpg" /> 
Wilson Roosevelt Jerman

The long-serving employee began working in the White House in 1957 under then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower as a cleaner. He was promoted to butler under former President John F. Kennedy.

Jerman initially retired from the White House in 1997 but went back to the White House in 2003.

Jenna Bush Hager, daughter of former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush&nbsp;said he was one of the reasons the White House felt like home.

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Former White House butler Wilson Roosevelt Jerman with ex-President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush.

He left the White House in 2012 as maître d' under then-President Barack Obama.

A photo of Jerman standing in an elevator with Barack Obama and Michelle Obama was included in the former first lady's memoir, "Becoming."

Paying tribute after his death, she&nbsp;said her family was&nbsp;"lucky to have known him".

Former first lady Hillary Clinton&nbsp;tweeted&nbsp;that she and former President Bill Clinton are saddened by his death.

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Bill and I were saddened to hear of the passing of Wilson Roosevelt Jerman at the age of 91 from COVID-19. Jerman served as a White House butler across 11 presidencies and made generations of first families feel at home, including ours. Our warmest condolences to his loved ones.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) <a href="https://twitter.com/HillaryClinton/status/1263541820254019589?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Former White House butler, Wilson Roosevelt Jerman, who had served 11 US Presidents, has died after contracting the deadly coronavirus. His death was confirmed by his granddaughter, Shanta Taylor Gay.

Former White House butler, Wilson Roosevelt Jerman, who had served 11 US Presidents, has died after contracting the deadly coronavirus. His death was confirmed by his granddaughter, Shanta Taylor Gay. She said in an interview that, ''he was authentic. He was a quiet but stern man. Very giving, never fussed or complained. Always said he lived a blessed life. Gay said the family is "taking it day by day" in light of her grandfather's death. Wilson Roosevelt Jerman The long-serving employee began working in the White House in 1957 under then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower as a cleaner. He was promoted to butler under former President John F. Kennedy. Jerman initially retired from the White House in 1997 but went back to the White House in 2003. Jenna Bush Hager, daughter of former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush said he was one of the reasons the White House felt like home. Former White House butler Wilson Roosevelt Jerman with ex-President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush. He left the White House in 2012 as maître d' under then-President Barack Obama. A photo of Jerman standing in an elevator with Barack Obama and Michelle Obama was included in the former first lady's memoir, "Becoming." Paying tribute after his death, she said her family was "lucky to have known him". Former first lady Hillary Clinton tweeted that she and former President Bill Clinton are saddened by his death. Bill and I were saddened to hear of the passing of Wilson Roosevelt Jerman at the age of 91 from COVID-19. Jerman served as a White House butler across 11 presidencies and made generations of first families feel at home, including ours. Our warmest condolences to his loved ones. — Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) May 21, 2020 ×

Former White House Butler who served 11 Presidents dies due to coronavirus

The Trump administration has appoved arms sale worth $180 million to Taiwan amid China tensions.

"The proposed sale will improve the recipient's capability in current and future defensive efforts. The recipient will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen homeland defense," the announcement said.

The State Department authorised a&nbsp;sale of eighteen MK-48 Mod6 Advanced Technology Heavy Weight Torpedoes and related equipment for an estimated cost of $180 million, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.In response to the announcement Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said Thursday that, "China is firmly opposed to the US arms sales to Taiwan and has made solemn representations to the US.''

We urge the US side to strictly abide by the one-China principle and the provisions of the three Sino-US joint communiques, and stop arms sales to Taiwan and military links between the United States and Taiwan to avoid further damage to Sino-US relations and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait."

The Trump Administration has previously approved several major arms sales to Taiwan valued at some $10 billion in total, including dozens of F-16 fighter jets, M1A2T Abrams tanks and portable Stinger anti-aircraft missiles.

Washington has long provided arms to the territory as part of the 40-year-old Taiwan Relations Act.

The Trump administration has appoved arms sale worth $180 million to Taiwan amid China tensions. "The proposed sale will improve the recipient's capability in current and future defensive efforts.

The Trump administration has appoved arms sale worth $180 million to Taiwan amid China tensions. "The proposed sale will improve the recipient's capability in current and future defensive efforts. The recipient will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen homeland defense," the announcement said. The State Department authorised a sale of eighteen MK-48 Mod6 Advanced Technology Heavy Weight Torpedoes and related equipment for an estimated cost of $180 million, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.In response to the announcement Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said Thursday that, "China is firmly opposed to the US arms sales to Taiwan and has made solemn representations to the US.'' We urge the US side to strictly abide by the one-China principle and the provisions of the three Sino-US joint communiques, and stop arms sales to Taiwan and military links between the United States and Taiwan to avoid further damage to Sino-US relations and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait." The Trump Administration has previously approved several major arms sales to Taiwan valued at some $10 billion in total, including dozens of F-16 fighter jets, M1A2T Abrams tanks and portable Stinger anti-aircraft missiles. Washington has long provided arms to the territory as part of the 40-year-old Taiwan Relations Act.

US approves arms worth deal worth $180 million with Taiwan

Ramzan Kadyrov, the strongman leader of&nbsp;Chechnya, is in hospital in Moscow with coronavirus symptoms, according to Russian state news agencies.

"Ramzan Kadyrov was taken by plane to Moscow with a suspected case of coronavirus. Now (he) is under medical supervision," state news agency TASS reported, citing a medical source who said Kadyrov was in a stable condition.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-pulls-out-of-open-skies-treaty-russia-says-it-will-affect-all-members-300258" hreflang="en">US pulls out of Open Skies treaty; Russia says it will affect all members</a>

News agency RIA Novosti also quoted a medical source as saying that Kadyrov, 43, was in hospital in Moscow, while Interfax quoted a Moscow medical source saying he was being treated and was "suspected of having coronavirus".

Kadyrov’s illness was first reported by the digital news outlet Baza, which had previously correctly revealed that&nbsp;prime minister Mikhail Mishustin had fallen ill.

According to the news outlet, Kadyrov was flown to “one of [Moscow’s] best clinics” on Wednesday after his flu-like symptoms suddenly deteriorated. Baza reported there had been damage to his lungs.

If confirmed, Kadyrov would be the latest senior Russian official to contract the virus after Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov and several ministers.

Kadyrov has become a singular figure in his native Chechnya, where he was&nbsp;installed by Vladimir Putin in&nbsp;2007&nbsp;in order to quell a simmering insurgency. He has since turned the region into a personal fiefdom, developing a powerful national guard and a cult of personality. He has no clear successor.

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Ramzan Kadyrov, the strongman leader of Chechnya, is in hospital in Moscow with coronavirus symptoms, according to Russian state news agencies. "Ramzan Kadyrov was taken by plane to Moscow with a suspected case of coronavirus.

Ramzan Kadyrov, the strongman leader of Chechnya, is in hospital in Moscow with coronavirus symptoms, according to Russian state news agencies. "Ramzan Kadyrov was taken by plane to Moscow with a suspected case of coronavirus. Now (he) is under medical supervision," state news agency TASS reported, citing a medical source who said Kadyrov was in a stable condition. Also read: US pulls out of Open Skies treaty; Russia says it will affect all members News agency RIA Novosti also quoted a medical source as saying that Kadyrov, 43, was in hospital in Moscow, while Interfax quoted a Moscow medical source saying he was being treated and was "suspected of having coronavirus". Kadyrov’s illness was first reported by the digital news outlet Baza, which had previously correctly revealed that prime minister Mikhail Mishustin had fallen ill. According to the news outlet, Kadyrov was flown to “one of [Moscow’s] best clinics” on Wednesday after his flu-like symptoms suddenly deteriorated. Baza reported there had been damage to his lungs. If confirmed, Kadyrov would be the latest senior Russian official to contract the virus after Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov and several ministers. Kadyrov has become a singular figure in his native Chechnya, where he was installed by Vladimir Putin in 2007 in order to quell a simmering insurgency. He has since turned the region into a personal fiefdom, developing a powerful national guard and a cult of personality. He has no clear successor.

Chechen leader Kadyrov hospitalised with suspected coronavirus: Reports

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-will-react-strongly-if-china-imposes-new-hong-kong-security-law-300276" hreflang="en">Trump says US will 'react strongly' if China imposes new Hong Kong security law</a>

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US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said on Thursday the United States would react strongly if China follows through on plans to impose new national security legislation on&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;after last year's often violent pro-democracy unrest. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-will-react-strongly-if-china-imposes-new-hong-kong-security-law-300276">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-pushes-forward-controversial-security-law-in-hong-kong-after-unrest-300278" hreflang="en">China pushes forward controversial security law in Hong Kong after unrest</a>

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A proposal to enact the highly controversial&nbsp;Hong Kong security legislation was submitted to China's rubber-stamp on Friday, according to the state media. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-pushes-forward-controversial-security-law-in-hong-kong-after-unrest-300278">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/forgive-those-who-killed-our-father-sons-of-killed-saudi-journalist-jamal-khashoggi-300279" hreflang="en">'Forgive those who killed our father': Sons of killed Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi</a>

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The sons of murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi said Friday that they "forgive" the killers of their father. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/forgive-those-who-killed-our-father-sons-of-killed-saudi-journalist-jamal-khashoggi-300279">Read more</a>

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Trump says US will 'react strongly' if China imposes new Hong Kong security law US President Donald Trump said on Thursday the United States would react strongly if China follows through on plans to impose new national security legislation on Hong Kong after last year's often violent pro-democracy unrest.

Trump says US will 'react strongly' if China imposes new Hong Kong security law US President Donald Trump said on Thursday the United States would react strongly if China follows through on plans to impose new national security legislation on Hong Kong after last year's often violent pro-democracy unrest. Read more China pushes forward controversial security law in Hong Kong after unrest A proposal to enact the highly controversial Hong Kong security legislation was submitted to China's rubber-stamp on Friday, according to the state media. Read more 'Forgive those who killed our father': Sons of killed Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi The sons of murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi said Friday that they "forgive" the killers of their father. Read more

Morning news brief: Trump warns China, Hong Kong security law and more

A proposal to enact the highly controversial&nbsp;Hong Kong security legislation was submitted to China's rubber-stamp on Friday, according to the state media.

The proposal, which has been condemned by the United States and Hong Kong pro-democracy figures as an assault on the city's freedoms, was tabled on the opening day of the National People's Congress.

US had warned that the bill would be "highly destabilising" for the financial hub.

However, Chinese officials and state media defended the law as vital to protecting national security in the wake of last year's protests and a 17-year failure by the Hong Kong government to pass similar legislation, since the last effort was met with mass protests in 2003.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-will-react-strongly-if-china-imposes-new-hong-kong-security-law-300276">Trump says US will 'react strongly' if China imposes new Hong Kong security law</a>

The announcement late Thursday was quickly decried by pro-democracy lawmakers and activists as "the end of Hong Kong", with fears it will stoke unrest and tighten Beijing's grip on the semi-autonomous city.

The law, which is expected to ban sedition, secession and subversion of the central government in Beijing, will be introduced through a rarely used constitutional method that could effectively bypass Hong Kong's legislature.

It&nbsp;could be the biggest blow to the city's autonomy and civil liberties since its handover to Chinese rule in 1997.

China has made clear it wants new security legislation passed after Hong Kong was rocked by seven months of massive and sometimes violent pro-democracy protests last year.

The proposal, planned for the first day of the National People's Congress, would strengthen "enforcement mechanisms" in the financial hub, the parliament's spokesman Zhang Yesui said.

"National security is the bedrock underpinning a country's stability. Safeguarding national security serves the fundamental interests of all Chinese people, including our HK compatriots."

China's parliament considers it "necessary to improve and uphold the 'One Country, Two Systems' policy," Zhang said, referring to the arrangement that has underpinned the city's liberties and free market economy.

Article 23 of Hong Kong's mini-constitution, the Basic Law, says the city must enact such laws to prohibit "treason, secession, sedition (and) subversion" against the Chinese government.

But the clause has never been implemented due to deeply held public fears it would curtail Hong Kong's cherished civil rights.

The controversial bill has been put back on the table in recent years in response to the rise of the Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement.

A proposal to enact the highly controversial Hong Kong security legislation was submitted to China's rubber-stamp on Friday, according to the state media. The proposal, which has been condemned by the United States and Hong Kong pro-democracy figures as an assault on the city's freedoms, was tabled on the opening day of the National People's Congress.

A proposal to enact the highly controversial Hong Kong security legislation was submitted to China's rubber-stamp on Friday, according to the state media. The proposal, which has been condemned by the United States and Hong Kong pro-democracy figures as an assault on the city's freedoms, was tabled on the opening day of the National People's Congress. US had warned that the bill would be "highly destabilising" for the financial hub. However, Chinese officials and state media defended the law as vital to protecting national security in the wake of last year's protests and a 17-year failure by the Hong Kong government to pass similar legislation, since the last effort was met with mass protests in 2003. Also read: Trump says US will 'react strongly' if China imposes new Hong Kong security law The announcement late Thursday was quickly decried by pro-democracy lawmakers and activists as "the end of Hong Kong", with fears it will stoke unrest and tighten Beijing's grip on the semi-autonomous city. The law, which is expected to ban sedition, secession and subversion of the central government in Beijing, will be introduced through a rarely used constitutional method that could effectively bypass Hong Kong's legislature. It could be the biggest blow to the city's autonomy and civil liberties since its handover to Chinese rule in 1997. China has made clear it wants new security legislation passed after Hong Kong was rocked by seven months of massive and sometimes violent pro-democracy protests last year. The proposal, planned for the first day of the National People's Congress, would strengthen "enforcement mechanisms" in the financial hub, the parliament's spokesman Zhang Yesui said. "National security is the bedrock underpinning a country's stability. Safeguarding national security serves the fundamental interests of all Chinese people, including our HK compatriots." China's parliament considers it "necessary to improve and uphold the 'One Country, Two Systems' policy," Zhang said, referring to the arrangement that has underpinned the city's liberties and free market economy. Article 23 of Hong Kong's mini-constitution, the Basic Law, says the city must enact such laws to prohibit "treason, secession, sedition (and) subversion" against the Chinese government. But the clause has never been implemented due to deeply held public fears it would curtail Hong Kong's cherished civil rights. The controversial bill has been put back on the table in recent years in response to the rise of the Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement.

China pushes forward controversial security law in Hong Kong after unrest

The flags on all the Federal Buildings and National Monuments in the United States were lowered on Thursday in honour of the coronavirus victims of the country.

"I will be lowering the flags on all Federal Buildings and National Monuments to half-staff over the next three days in memory of the Americans we have lost to the CoronaVirus," Trump tweeted.

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I will be lowering the flags on all Federal Buildings and National Monuments to half-staff over the next three days in memory of the Americans we have lost to the CoronaVirus....
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The announcement came as the US COVID-19 death toll approaches the 100,000 mark, and follows calls by Democrats to lower the flag when it reaches that grim milestone.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-will-react-strongly-if-china-imposes-new-hong-kong-security-law-300276">Trump says US will 'react strongly' if China imposes new Hong Kong security law</a>

The Republican president added that flags would remain at half-staff on Monday for the country's Memorial Day, honoring those who have died while serving in the US military.

While US daily death tolls are no longer on a steady incline, the losses are still mounting, with the total count in the US above 94,500,&nbsp;by far the nation with the most deaths in the&nbsp;in the world.

&nbsp;

The flags on all the Federal Buildings and National Monuments in the United States were lowered on Thursday in honour of the coronavirus victims of the country. "I will be lowering the flags on all Federal Buildings and National Monuments to half-staff over the next three days in memory of the Americans we have lost to the CoronaVirus," Trump tweeted.

The flags on all the Federal Buildings and National Monuments in the United States were lowered on Thursday in honour of the coronavirus victims of the country. "I will be lowering the flags on all Federal Buildings and National Monuments to half-staff over the next three days in memory of the Americans we have lost to the CoronaVirus," Trump tweeted. I will be lowering the flags on all Federal Buildings and National Monuments to half-staff over the next three days in memory of the Americans we have lost to the CoronaVirus.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 21, 2020 × The announcement came as the US COVID-19 death toll approaches the 100,000 mark, and follows calls by Democrats to lower the flag when it reaches that grim milestone. Also read: Trump says US will 'react strongly' if China imposes new Hong Kong security law The Republican president added that flags would remain at half-staff on Monday for the country's Memorial Day, honoring those who have died while serving in the US military. While US daily death tolls are no longer on a steady incline, the losses are still mounting, with the total count in the US above 94,500, by far the nation with the most deaths in the in the world.

US: Flags lowered to half-staff as tribute to coronavirus victims

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said on Thursday the United States would react strongly if China follows through on plans to impose new national security legislation on&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;after last year's often violent pro-democracy unrest.

The remarks, made by the President to reporters before leaving the White House, come hours after a Chinese official said the National People's Congress is exercising its "constitutional power” to set up a new legal framework and enforcement mechanism to ensure national security in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-warns-china-over-interference-with-american-journalists-in-hong-kong-threatens-hks-autonomy-status-299341">Mike Pompeo warns China over interference with American journalists in Hong Kong; threatens HK's autonomy status</a>

The move by China's rubber stamp parliament, the&nbsp;National People's Congress (NPC), which is meeting in Beijing this week, is sure to fuel further anger and protests in the city, which was rocked by over six months of increasingly violent anti-government unrest last year.

The law, which is expected to ban sedition, secession and subversion of the central government in Beijing, will be introduced through a rarely used constitutional method that could effectively bypass Hong Kong's legislature.

US had previously&nbsp;issued&nbsp;warning to Beijing as the law, which could enable crackdowns on anti-government protests, is blasted&nbsp;as the 'end' of Hong Kong as it&nbsp;could be the biggest blow to the city's autonomy and civil liberties since its handover to Chinese rule in 1997.

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday the United States would react strongly if China follows through on plans to impose new national security legislation on Hong Kong after last year's often violent pro-democracy unrest.

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday the United States would react strongly if China follows through on plans to impose new national security legislation on Hong Kong after last year's often violent pro-democracy unrest. The remarks, made by the President to reporters before leaving the White House, come hours after a Chinese official said the National People's Congress is exercising its "constitutional power” to set up a new legal framework and enforcement mechanism to ensure national security in Hong Kong. Also read: Mike Pompeo warns China over interference with American journalists in Hong Kong; threatens HK's autonomy status The move by China's rubber stamp parliament, the National People's Congress (NPC), which is meeting in Beijing this week, is sure to fuel further anger and protests in the city, which was rocked by over six months of increasingly violent anti-government unrest last year. The law, which is expected to ban sedition, secession and subversion of the central government in Beijing, will be introduced through a rarely used constitutional method that could effectively bypass Hong Kong's legislature. US had previously issued warning to Beijing as the law, which could enable crackdowns on anti-government protests, is blasted as the 'end' of Hong Kong as it could be the biggest blow to the city's autonomy and civil liberties since its handover to Chinese rule in 1997.

Trump says US will 'react strongly' if China imposes new Hong Kong security law

In addition to the coronavirus pandemic, a new challenge is facing South and South West Asia regions this year in the form&nbsp;of desert locusts.

India has taken the initiative of&nbsp;developing regional cooperation in controlling desert locust that seems to be threatening agriculture in it along with&nbsp;Pakistan and Iran.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/amid-covid-19-outbreak-pakistan-government-prepares-to-tackle-locust-crisis-296563">Amid COVID-19 outbreak, Pakistan government prepares to tackle locust crisis</a>

As per reports of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in Iran, hopper bands of the locust are maturing along the southwestern coastal plains, and another generation of breeding is underway in the southeast where hatching is taking place on the coast and in the interior of sistan-Baluchistan.

In Pakistan, adult groups are migrating to the Indian border from breeding areas in Baluchistan where hopper groups are present. this is happening in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regions of the country as well.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/desert-locust-invasion-prevented-after-timely-measures-change-in-wind-directions-275981">Desert locust invasion prevented after timely measures, change in wind directions</a>

Meanwhile, in India, more adult groups and small swarms have arrived from Pakistan in the past weeks and moved east into Rajasthan.

The Government of India is leading the efforts in locust control in the country. It has also spearheading initiatives to foster regional cooperation.&nbsp;

India has suggested to pakistan that both Pakistan and Iran coordinate locust control operation along the border and that India can facilitate supply of pesticide malathion to Pakistan.&nbsp;

India has also offered to supply pesticide to Iran to carry out desert locust control operations in its sistan-Balochistan and South Khorasan provinces.&nbsp;

These efforts will contribute to mitigate the effect of the desert locust not only in these countries, but also for India.&nbsp;

Iran has already responded positively to India's offer. However, it still unclear whether&nbsp;Pakistan will&nbsp;agree to a coordinated approach of dealing with the desert locust crisis

There is consensus that the desert locust could pose a grave challenge in 2020. Thousands of acres of crops could be destroyed by locusts and at a time when global economy is struggling to recover after the COVID-19 crisis, this is the last problem that the region needs to deal with. 
&nbsp;

In addition to the coronavirus pandemic, a new challenge is facing South and South West Asia regions this year in the form of desert locusts. India has taken the initiative of developing regional cooperation in controlling desert locust that seems to be threatening agriculture in it along with Pakistan and Iran.

In addition to the coronavirus pandemic, a new challenge is facing South and South West Asia regions this year in the form of desert locusts. India has taken the initiative of developing regional cooperation in controlling desert locust that seems to be threatening agriculture in it along with Pakistan and Iran. Also read: Amid COVID-19 outbreak, Pakistan government prepares to tackle locust crisis As per reports of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in Iran, hopper bands of the locust are maturing along the southwestern coastal plains, and another generation of breeding is underway in the southeast where hatching is taking place on the coast and in the interior of sistan-Baluchistan. In Pakistan, adult groups are migrating to the Indian border from breeding areas in Baluchistan where hopper groups are present. this is happening in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regions of the country as well. Also read: Desert locust invasion prevented after timely measures, change in wind directions Meanwhile, in India, more adult groups and small swarms have arrived from Pakistan in the past weeks and moved east into Rajasthan. The Government of India is leading the efforts in locust control in the country. It has also spearheading initiatives to foster regional cooperation. India has suggested to pakistan that both Pakistan and Iran coordinate locust control operation along the border and that India can facilitate supply of pesticide malathion to Pakistan. India has also offered to supply pesticide to Iran to carry out desert locust control operations in its sistan-Balochistan and South Khorasan provinces. These efforts will contribute to mitigate the effect of the desert locust not only in these countries, but also for India. Iran has already responded positively to India's offer. However, it still unclear whether Pakistan will agree to a coordinated approach of dealing with the desert locust crisis There is consensus that the desert locust could pose a grave challenge in 2020. Thousands of acres of crops could be destroyed by locusts and at a time when global economy is struggling to recover after the COVID-19 crisis, this is the last problem that the region needs to deal with.

Now, new challenge facing South Asia in form of locusts

Latin American country El Salvador is being appreciated for its handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

The country's&nbsp;President&nbsp;Nayib Bukele&nbsp;closed&nbsp;its border even before it&nbsp;reported a single case of coronavirus, arguing that the small Central American nation had to get ahead of the outbreak. After closing borders, Bukele put in place stringent quarantine measures.&nbsp;

He ordered the military to arrest people violating the new measures, sending thousands to government "quarantine centers."

Salvadorans praised him for taking decisive action that have saved his small Central American nation from the worst impacts of the COVID-19.

His heavy-handed approach has generally been well received by most Salvadorans,&nbsp;over 90 percent of whom&nbsp;approve of his handling of the crisis in public opinion polls. The tough measures also appear to have produced a very low infection rate.

According to Johns Hopkins Covid-19 tracker, there have been 1,571 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in El Salvador to date, with 31 deaths attributed to the virus.

However, the remaining 10 per cent&nbsp;have&nbsp;criticised him for&nbsp;earmarking&nbsp;food and money for impoverished Salvadorans.

Bukele has largely brushed off concerns from critics, often trying to tar them as corrupt or as supporters of gangs.

He has proposed the emergency declaration in force for the next 30 days, extending measures such as school suspensions and a ban on movement in certain areas with high numbers of infections.

He is the first president since the end of the Salvadoran civil war in 1992 not to belong to either of the country's two major political parties&nbsp;ARENA and the FMLN.

&nbsp;

Latin American country El Salvador is being appreciated for its handling of the coronavirus pandemic. The country's President Nayib Bukele closed its border even before it reported a single case of coronavirus, arguing that the small Central American nation had to get ahead of the outbreak.

Latin American country El Salvador is being appreciated for its handling of the coronavirus pandemic. The country's President Nayib Bukele closed its border even before it reported a single case of coronavirus, arguing that the small Central American nation had to get ahead of the outbreak. After closing borders, Bukele put in place stringent quarantine measures. He ordered the military to arrest people violating the new measures, sending thousands to government "quarantine centers." Salvadorans praised him for taking decisive action that have saved his small Central American nation from the worst impacts of the COVID-19. His heavy-handed approach has generally been well received by most Salvadorans, over 90 percent of whom approve of his handling of the crisis in public opinion polls. The tough measures also appear to have produced a very low infection rate. According to Johns Hopkins Covid-19 tracker, there have been 1,571 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in El Salvador to date, with 31 deaths attributed to the virus. However, the remaining 10 per cent have criticised him for earmarking food and money for impoverished Salvadorans. Bukele has largely brushed off concerns from critics, often trying to tar them as corrupt or as supporters of gangs. He has proposed the emergency declaration in force for the next 30 days, extending measures such as school suspensions and a ban on movement in certain areas with high numbers of infections. He is the first president since the end of the Salvadoran civil war in 1992 not to belong to either of the country's two major political parties ARENA and the FMLN.

Latin American country being praised for its unconventional coronavirus response

Scientists have captured the stunning image of a cosmic spiral along with the first glimpse of a new planet.

Using the European Southern Observatory's&nbsp;Very Large Telescope&nbsp;(ESO's VLT), researchers spotted a glowing orange spiral with a "twist" marking the spot where they believe a planet may be forming.

According to a&nbsp;study&nbsp;published in the journal Astronomy and&nbsp;Astrophysics, it would be the first direct evidence of a planet coming into existence.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hy2cxmHuEAs" width="560"></iframe>

A team led by Anthony Boccaletti, an astronomer at the Observatoire de Paris, PSL University, wanted to take a closer look at this nascent world, which has produced some of ''the most spectacular spirals imaged so far.''

Astronomers observed the possible baby planet forming a spiral of dust and gas around a young star known as AB Aurigae, located 520 light years away from Earth in the constellation Auriga.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/nasa-finds-evidence-of-parallel-universe-where-time-runs-backward-299949" hreflang="en">NASA finds evidence of parallel universe where time runs backward</a>

Scientists believe&nbsp;that this spiraling effect is the signature of interactions between budding planets and the gassy dusty material that both surrounds and nourishes them.

They know planets form as cold gas and dust collide with one another around stars over billions of years, but these new observations provide crucial data to paint a clearer picture of the process.

The mass of these young worlds produces wave-like ripples in the gas disk, which are then distorted into spirals as the planet orbits its star. At the same time as it sculpts these disk spirals, the baby planet also incorporates gas into its growing body.

''In this way, the planet accretes and accumulates the gas and it forms a huge envelope we see in the giant planets in our solar system,''&nbsp;such as Jupiter or Saturn, Boccaletti said.

''To build these atmospheres of gas, you really need something to bring the gas from somewhere and put it on the planet. This is the process we believe is working for these kinds of planets.''

Boccaletti and his colleagues set out to image this tantalizing feature in more detail with the help of a specialized instrument called Spectro-Polarimetric High-contrast Exoplanet REsearch (SPHERE), which is located at the Very Large Telescope in Chile.

SPHERE is designed to look for exoplanets, planets that orbit stars other than the Sun, and it is equipped with a coronagraph that can blot out the distracting light from the host stars of these planets.

Scientists have captured the stunning image of a cosmic spiral along with the first glimpse of a new planet. Using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope (ESO's VLT), researchers spotted a glowing orange spiral with a "twist" marking the spot where they believe a planet may be forming.

Scientists have captured the stunning image of a cosmic spiral along with the first glimpse of a new planet. Using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope (ESO's VLT), researchers spotted a glowing orange spiral with a "twist" marking the spot where they believe a planet may be forming. According to a study published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics, it would be the first direct evidence of a planet coming into existence. A team led by Anthony Boccaletti, an astronomer at the Observatoire de Paris, PSL University, wanted to take a closer look at this nascent world, which has produced some of ''the most spectacular spirals imaged so far.'' Astronomers observed the possible baby planet forming a spiral of dust and gas around a young star known as AB Aurigae, located 520 light years away from Earth in the constellation Auriga. Also read: NASA finds evidence of parallel universe where time runs backward Scientists believe that this spiraling effect is the signature of interactions between budding planets and the gassy dusty material that both surrounds and nourishes them. They know planets form as cold gas and dust collide with one another around stars over billions of years, but these new observations provide crucial data to paint a clearer picture of the process. The mass of these young worlds produces wave-like ripples in the gas disk, which are then distorted into spirals as the planet orbits its star. At the same time as it sculpts these disk spirals, the baby planet also incorporates gas into its growing body. ''In this way, the planet accretes and accumulates the gas and it forms a huge envelope we see in the giant planets in our solar system,'' such as Jupiter or Saturn, Boccaletti said. ''To build these atmospheres of gas, you really need something to bring the gas from somewhere and put it on the planet. This is the process we believe is working for these kinds of planets.'' Boccaletti and his colleagues set out to image this tantalizing feature in more detail with the help of a specialized instrument called Spectro-Polarimetric High-contrast Exoplanet REsearch (SPHERE), which is located at the Very Large Telescope in Chile. SPHERE is designed to look for exoplanets, planets that orbit stars other than the Sun, and it is equipped with a coronagraph that can blot out the distracting light from the host stars of these planets.

Scientists capture stunning image revealing birth of a new planet

An average adult&nbsp;will spend 34 years of their life staring at their digital devices according to a recent study conducted in United Kingdom.

The research, a&nbsp;poll of 2,000 British adults whose&nbsp;age varied between&nbsp;18 to 81 years old.The study was commissioned&nbsp;by&nbsp;Vision Direct and&nbsp;conducted by&nbsp;OnePoll.

Scientists&nbsp;found that over half of the respondents admitted their screen time&nbsp;strained their eyes.

Despite the strain, four out of 10 people say they rarely stop to rest their vision. Another 12 percent of the survey said they never take a break.

''It’s important to be aware of what excess screen time can do in terms of your eye health and keep on top of overdoing it when it comes to screens,'' said&nbsp;Benjamin Dumaine, of Vision Direct.

''We’d suggest making the most of the government’s advice to exercise, to help give that essential screen break.''

The poll adds that adults are glued to their devices from&nbsp;the minute they wake up. The average adult starts looking at a screen within 20 minutes of getting out of bed. Almost a third of the respondents switch on a device within five minutes.

Researchers found out that in future, individuals&nbsp;will be glued to their screens for over 13 hours a day.

That adds up to 4,866 hours each year and a stunning 301,733 hours throughout those 62 adult years.

These figures have seen a big spike during the&nbsp;coronavirus pandemic, with the poll finding that video calls have doubled during the quarantine.

''We’re lucky to have devices that connect us with the outside world,''&nbsp;Dumaine said.

&nbsp;''A similar pandemic taking place 30 or 40 years ago would have seen people coping with the lack of contact in very different ways.''

Vision Direct recommended&nbsp;that people should use the ''20-20-20 Rule''&nbsp;when looking at their screens.

According to the rule, evry individual should take a break every 20 minutes, look away for 20 seconds, and turn their&nbsp;attention to something at least 20 feet away.

An average adult will spend 34 years of their life staring at their digital devices according to a recent study conducted in United Kingdom. The research, a poll of 2,000 British adults whose age varied between 18 to 81 years old.

An average adult will spend 34 years of their life staring at their digital devices according to a recent study conducted in United Kingdom. The research, a poll of 2,000 British adults whose age varied between 18 to 81 years old.The study was commissioned by Vision Direct and conducted by OnePoll. Scientists found that over half of the respondents admitted their screen time strained their eyes. Despite the strain, four out of 10 people say they rarely stop to rest their vision. Another 12 percent of the survey said they never take a break. ''It’s important to be aware of what excess screen time can do in terms of your eye health and keep on top of overdoing it when it comes to screens,'' said Benjamin Dumaine, of Vision Direct. ''We’d suggest making the most of the government’s advice to exercise, to help give that essential screen break.'' The poll adds that adults are glued to their devices from the minute they wake up. The average adult starts looking at a screen within 20 minutes of getting out of bed. Almost a third of the respondents switch on a device within five minutes. Researchers found out that in future, individuals will be glued to their screens for over 13 hours a day. That adds up to 4,866 hours each year and a stunning 301,733 hours throughout those 62 adult years. These figures have seen a big spike during the coronavirus pandemic, with the poll finding that video calls have doubled during the quarantine. ''We’re lucky to have devices that connect us with the outside world,'' Dumaine said. ''A similar pandemic taking place 30 or 40 years ago would have seen people coping with the lack of contact in very different ways.'' Vision Direct recommended that people should use the ''20-20-20 Rule'' when looking at their screens. According to the rule, evry individual should take a break every 20 minutes, look away for 20 seconds, and turn their attention to something at least 20 feet away.

Average adult will spend life in digital overload of three decades: Study

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Vyomica Berry

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