Israel has made ''significant breakthrough'' in developing an antibody&nbsp;against the deadly coronavirus, according to the country's&nbsp;Defence Minister Naftali Bennett.

The antibody&nbsp;has&nbsp;been developed by the scientists of&nbsp;the country’s main biological research institute,&nbsp;Institute for Biological Research (IIBR).

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In the past two days, the Israel Institute for Biological Research (IIBR), has completed a groundbreaking scientific development, determining an antibody that neutralizes the corona virus (SARS-COV-2) 1/3
— Ministry of Defense (@Israel_MOD) <a href="https://twitter.com/Israel_MOD/status/1257702056225316870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-and-google-decide-to-ban-location-tracking-in-their-contact-tracing-apps-296868" hreflang="en">Apple and Google decide to ban location tracking in their contact tracing apps</a>

The researchers have wrapped up the development phase and moved to patent and mass produce the potential treatment.

Bennett visited the labs of the institute&nbsp;supervised by the Prime Minister’s Office and mandated to develop a vaccine for coronavirus in Ness Ziona.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-your-smartphone-can-warn-you-if-youve-been-exposed-to-the-coronavirus-296775" hreflang="en">Now your smartphone can warn you if you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus</a>

He was shown the ''antibody that attacks the virus in a monoclonal way and can neutralize it within the bodies of those ill'', a statement from his office said.

The statement said that the antibody’s development had been completed and that the institute was in the process of patenting the find ''and in the next stage, researchers will approach international companies to produce the antibody on a commercial scale.''

''I am proud of the institute staff for this terrific breakthrough,''&nbsp;Bennett said, adding that ''their creativity and the Jewish mind brought about this amazing achievement.''

Israel has made ''significant breakthrough'' in developing an antibody against the deadly coronavirus, according to the country's Defence Minister Naftali Bennett.

Israel has made ''significant breakthrough'' in developing an antibody against the deadly coronavirus, according to the country's Defence Minister Naftali Bennett. The antibody has been developed by the scientists of the country’s main biological research institute, Institute for Biological Research (IIBR). In the past two days, the Israel Institute for Biological Research (IIBR), has completed a groundbreaking scientific development, determining an antibody that neutralizes the corona virus (SARS-COV-2) 1/3 — Ministry of Defense (@Israel_MOD) May 5, 2020 × Also read: Apple and Google decide to ban location tracking in their contact tracing apps The researchers have wrapped up the development phase and moved to patent and mass produce the potential treatment. Bennett visited the labs of the institute supervised by the Prime Minister’s Office and mandated to develop a vaccine for coronavirus in Ness Ziona. Also read: Now your smartphone can warn you if you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus He was shown the ''antibody that attacks the virus in a monoclonal way and can neutralize it within the bodies of those ill'', a statement from his office said. The statement said that the antibody’s development had been completed and that the institute was in the process of patenting the find ''and in the next stage, researchers will approach international companies to produce the antibody on a commercial scale.'' ''I am proud of the institute staff for this terrific breakthrough,'' Bennett said, adding that ''their creativity and the Jewish mind brought about this amazing achievement.''

Israel makes 'significant breakthrough' in developing antibodies for COVID-19

US President Donald Trump has confirmed the White House coronavirus task force will be winding down.

Vice-President Mike Pence said on Tuesday that the emergency task force he heads will not ''be needed much longer than the end of this month.''

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"I think we're starting to look at the Memorial Day (May 25) window, early June window" for shutting it down, he told reporters.

The coronavirus task force has spearheaded the complex response to the fast-spreading virus, which has already killed about 70,000 Americans.

The group headed by Pence and reporting to President Donald Trump coordinates between medical institutes, political staff and state governors, some of whom have spent weeks frantically trying to help overwhelmed hospitals.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lead-coronavirus-expert-to-testify-in-senate-on-countrys-covid-19-response-296894" hreflang="en">US lead coronavirus expert to testify in Senate on country's COVID-19 response</a>

The task force also drew on medical experts to formulate national recommendations on social distancing.

Pence said that those efforts will soon be ready to be turned over to regular government agencies working "in a more traditional manner."

Downgrading of the situation from an outright emergency goes with Trump's new focus on pushing the country to embrace reopening of the economy.

Trump says that while he wants a "safe" reopening, the hardship caused by the economic shutdown is the main threat.

"We can't keep our country closed for the next five years," he said Tuesday while on a trip to a masks-making factory in Arizona.

He conceded that some people would be "badly affected."

Critics have accused the president of sacrificing Americans' public health in his eagerness to reopen the US economy ahead of his re-election battle in November.

White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany insisted that Trump will continue to be briefed by the medical teams, even if there is no formal crisis group. She tweeted:

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Reporting on the task force is being misconstrued to suggest the White House is no longer involving medical experts. This is totally false. 
 
President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> will continue his data-driven approach towards safely re-opening.
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US President Donald Trump has confirmed the White House coronavirus task force will be winding down. Vice-President Mike Pence said on Tuesday that the emergency task force he heads will not ''be needed much longer than the end of this month.

US President Donald Trump has confirmed the White House coronavirus task force will be winding down. Vice-President Mike Pence said on Tuesday that the emergency task force he heads will not ''be needed much longer than the end of this month.'' Also read: US accuses Beijing of aggressive behaviour in South China Sea "I think we're starting to look at the Memorial Day (May 25) window, early June window" for shutting it down, he told reporters. The coronavirus task force has spearheaded the complex response to the fast-spreading virus, which has already killed about 70,000 Americans. The group headed by Pence and reporting to President Donald Trump coordinates between medical institutes, political staff and state governors, some of whom have spent weeks frantically trying to help overwhelmed hospitals. Also read: US lead coronavirus expert to testify in Senate on country's COVID-19 response The task force also drew on medical experts to formulate national recommendations on social distancing. Pence said that those efforts will soon be ready to be turned over to regular government agencies working "in a more traditional manner." Downgrading of the situation from an outright emergency goes with Trump's new focus on pushing the country to embrace reopening of the economy. Trump says that while he wants a "safe" reopening, the hardship caused by the economic shutdown is the main threat. "We can't keep our country closed for the next five years," he said Tuesday while on a trip to a masks-making factory in Arizona. He conceded that some people would be "badly affected." Critics have accused the president of sacrificing Americans' public health in his eagerness to reopen the US economy ahead of his re-election battle in November. White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany insisted that Trump will continue to be briefed by the medical teams, even if there is no formal crisis group. She tweeted: Reporting on the task force is being misconstrued to suggest the White House is no longer involving medical experts. This is totally false. President @realDonaldTrump will continue his data-driven approach towards safely re-opening. — Kayleigh McEnany (@PressSec) May 5, 2020 ×

Trump set to disband White House coronavirus task force

China has reported 2 new coronavirus cases&nbsp;and 20 new asymptomatic cases on Wednesday, according to the data from the national health authority.

1 new coronavirus case and 15 new asymptomatic cases were reported a day earlier.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-survivors-in-china-want-to-sue-their-government-report-296858">Coronavirus survivors in China want to sue their government: Report</a>

Two among the 22 new cases were called ''imported cases'' as they involved&nbsp;overseas travellers, compared with one such case a day earlier.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-is-banking-on-tourism-to-fill-its-coffers-as-normalcy-returns-following-pandemic-296861" hreflang="en">China is banking on tourism to fill its coffers as normalcy returns following pandemic</a>

China's total number of coronavirus cases now stands at 82,883, while the death toll remained unchanged at 4,633, the National Health Commission said in a statement.

The country's health officials continue to claim that ending the lockdown was the correct decision and that normalcy has been restored in the country.

Earlier, their were reports that coronavirus survivors in China want to sue their government and people who have lost their loved ones to the&nbsp;coronavirus pandemic&nbsp;want explanation and compensation from them.

China has reported 2 new coronavirus cases and 20 new asymptomatic cases on Wednesday, according to the data from the national health authority. 1 new coronavirus case and 15 new asymptomatic cases were reported a day earlier.

China has reported 2 new coronavirus cases and 20 new asymptomatic cases on Wednesday, according to the data from the national health authority. 1 new coronavirus case and 15 new asymptomatic cases were reported a day earlier. Also read: Coronavirus survivors in China want to sue their government: Report Two among the 22 new cases were called ''imported cases'' as they involved overseas travellers, compared with one such case a day earlier. Also read: China is banking on tourism to fill its coffers as normalcy returns following pandemic China's total number of coronavirus cases now stands at 82,883, while the death toll remained unchanged at 4,633, the National Health Commission said in a statement. The country's health officials continue to claim that ending the lockdown was the correct decision and that normalcy has been restored in the country. Earlier, their were reports that coronavirus survivors in China want to sue their government and people who have lost their loved ones to the coronavirus pandemic want explanation and compensation from them.

China reports 22 new coronavirus cases; cases rise to 82,883

The lead coronavirus expert of US Anthony&nbsp;Fauci&nbsp;will&nbsp;appear next week before a panel in the Republican-led Senate examining the country's coronavirus response, according to US President Donald Trump.

However, he hasn't been allowed to appear before the&nbsp;the Democratic-led House of Representatives.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump&nbsp;defended his decision to block the nation's top health expert&nbsp;from appearing before the House, saying he was being set up by Democrats who hate him and want to win back the White House in November's presidential election.

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Fauci, who directs the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and is part of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, is scheduled to appear May 12 before the Senate Health, Education, and Labor and Pensions committee along with other top US&nbsp;health officials.

"The House they should be ashamed of themselves and, frankly, the Democrats should be ashamed because they don't want us to succeed. They want us to fail so they can win an election, which they're not going to win," the Republican president said.

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A House Appropriations subcommittee that oversees health programs had been seeking testimony from&nbsp;Fauci&nbsp;for a May 6 hearing, but the White House last week said his appearance would be "counterproductive."

Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Stephen Hahn, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield, and Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary Brett Giroir are also scheduled to appear before the Senate hearing next week focused on "safely getting back to work and ... school," according to the committee.

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The lead coronavirus expert of US Anthony Fauci will appear next week before a panel in the Republican-led Senate examining the country's coronavirus response, according to US President Donald Trump.

The lead coronavirus expert of US Anthony Fauci will appear next week before a panel in the Republican-led Senate examining the country's coronavirus response, according to US President Donald Trump. However, he hasn't been allowed to appear before the the Democratic-led House of Representatives. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump defended his decision to block the nation's top health expert from appearing before the House, saying he was being set up by Democrats who hate him and want to win back the White House in November's presidential election. Also read: United States will witness 200,000 cases and 3,000 deaths per day by June 1: reports Fauci, who directs the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and is part of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, is scheduled to appear May 12 before the Senate Health, Education, and Labor and Pensions committee along with other top US health officials. "The House they should be ashamed of themselves and, frankly, the Democrats should be ashamed because they don't want us to succeed. They want us to fail so they can win an election, which they're not going to win," the Republican president said. Also read: US treasury expects to borrow a record $3 trillion in the second quarter A House Appropriations subcommittee that oversees health programs had been seeking testimony from Fauci for a May 6 hearing, but the White House last week said his appearance would be "counterproductive." Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Stephen Hahn, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield, and Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary Brett Giroir are also scheduled to appear before the Senate hearing next week focused on "safely getting back to work and ... school," according to the committee.

US lead coronavirus expert to testify in Senate on country's COVID-19 response

Nepal on Wednesday extended the nationwide lockdown till May 18 and suspended international flights and cross-border movement with the neighbouring countries like India and China until May 31 to stem the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

The decisions were taken at a Cabinet meeting held at Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's residence at Baluwatar, the state-run Nepal Television reported.

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The ongoing lockdown, which was first enforced on March 24 to stop the spread of the COVID-19, was to an end on Thursday. This is for the fourth time that the lockdown has been extended by the government.

The meeting also decided to suspend international flights and cross-border movement with the neighbouring countries like India and China till May 31, the report said.

The government said it will restrict people's movement into the Kathmandu valley in a bid to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Despite the ongoing lockdown, hundreds of people are entering the valley from various parts of the country.

Nepal reported seven new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, taking the number of infections in the Himalayan nation to 82. No death has been reported from the country so far.

Last month, the authorities in Nepal's Sunsari District sealed 14 mosques and quarantined 33 Indians and seven Pakistanis who were taking refuge in them, amid a surge in the coronavirus cases in the country.

The mosques were sealed in Itahari Municipality in eastern Nepal.

Nepal on Wednesday extended the nationwide lockdown till May 18 and suspended international flights and cross-border movement with the neighbouring countries like India and China until May 31 to stem the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

Nepal on Wednesday extended the nationwide lockdown till May 18 and suspended international flights and cross-border movement with the neighbouring countries like India and China until May 31 to stem the spread of the deadly coronavirus. The decisions were taken at a Cabinet meeting held at Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's residence at Baluwatar, the state-run Nepal Television reported. Also read: Nepal confirms 7 new coronavirus cases, total climbs to 82 The ongoing lockdown, which was first enforced on March 24 to stop the spread of the COVID-19, was to an end on Thursday. This is for the fourth time that the lockdown has been extended by the government. The meeting also decided to suspend international flights and cross-border movement with the neighbouring countries like India and China till May 31, the report said. The government said it will restrict people's movement into the Kathmandu valley in a bid to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Despite the ongoing lockdown, hundreds of people are entering the valley from various parts of the country. Nepal reported seven new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, taking the number of infections in the Himalayan nation to 82. No death has been reported from the country so far. Last month, the authorities in Nepal's Sunsari District sealed 14 mosques and quarantined 33 Indians and seven Pakistanis who were taking refuge in them, amid a surge in the coronavirus cases in the country. The mosques were sealed in Itahari Municipality in eastern Nepal.

COVID-19: Nepal extends lockdown till May 18, suspends cross-border movement

Pakistan reported a record 40 deaths due to the coronavirus in the last 24 hours and 1,049 new cases, health officials said on Wednesday.

According to the Ministry of National Health Services, Punjab province reported 8,420 cases, Sindh 8,189, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 3,499, Balochistan 1,495, Islamabad 485, Gilgit-Baltistan 386 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 76 cases.

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The ministry said that a record 40 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, taking the total to 526.

The country detected 1,049 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total to 22,413, it said. A total of 6,217 patients have recovered.

So far 232,582 tests were conducted, including 10,178 in the last 24 hours.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/190-pakistanis-stranded-in-india-for-over-two-months-due-to-coronavirus-lockdown-return-home-296839" hreflang="en">190 Pakistanis stranded in India for over two months return home</a>

Undeterred by the mounting number of deaths and new cases, the federal government is pushing for easing the lockdown.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday said the nationwide lockdown will be lifted gradually, asserting that Pakistan cannot afford an indefinite closure.

An important meeting of all stakeholders is expected on Wednesday to discuss the issue of lifting some restrictions and allowing more businesses to open up.

Meanwhile, Railway Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad said that the train service may begin operations partially from May 10. And initially some 40 trains could be made operational.

The move, however, attracted serious opposition from the Sindh government which warned the Centre against taking any such decision that it feared could cause the further spread of the novel coronavirus.

In a statement, Sindh Transport Minister Awais Shah said the proposed move by the federal government to resume the train service could become another disaster amid serious advice by health experts for social distancing.

Pakistan reported a record 40 deaths due to the coronavirus in the last 24 hours and 1,049 new cases, health officials said on Wednesday. According to the Ministry of National Health Services, Punjab province reported 8,420 cases, Sindh 8,189, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 3,499, Balochistan 1,495, Islamabad 485, Gilgit-Baltistan 386 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 76 cases.

Pakistan reported a record 40 deaths due to the coronavirus in the last 24 hours and 1,049 new cases, health officials said on Wednesday. According to the Ministry of National Health Services, Punjab province reported 8,420 cases, Sindh 8,189, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 3,499, Balochistan 1,495, Islamabad 485, Gilgit-Baltistan 386 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 76 cases. Also read: Pakistan formally applies for G-20 debt relief The ministry said that a record 40 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, taking the total to 526. The country detected 1,049 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total to 22,413, it said. A total of 6,217 patients have recovered. So far 232,582 tests were conducted, including 10,178 in the last 24 hours. Also read: 190 Pakistanis stranded in India for over two months return home Undeterred by the mounting number of deaths and new cases, the federal government is pushing for easing the lockdown. Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday said the nationwide lockdown will be lifted gradually, asserting that Pakistan cannot afford an indefinite closure. An important meeting of all stakeholders is expected on Wednesday to discuss the issue of lifting some restrictions and allowing more businesses to open up. Meanwhile, Railway Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad said that the train service may begin operations partially from May 10. And initially some 40 trains could be made operational. The move, however, attracted serious opposition from the Sindh government which warned the Centre against taking any such decision that it feared could cause the further spread of the novel coronavirus. In a statement, Sindh Transport Minister Awais Shah said the proposed move by the federal government to resume the train service could become another disaster amid serious advice by health experts for social distancing.

Pakistan reports record 40 deaths in single day, coronavirus cases jump to 22,413

Boeing Australia&nbsp;has unveiled the first artifical powered drone called the ''Loyal Wingman''&nbsp;for the Royal Australian Air Force.

It is also&nbsp;the first military aircraft to be designed and built locally in more than 50 years.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/scientists-release-app-to-track-covid-19-symptoms-inform-users-about-hot-spots-296975" hreflang="en">Scientists release app to track COVID-19 symptoms, inform users about hot spots</a>

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said ''this a truly historic moment for our country and for Australian defense innovation.''

''The Loyal Wingman will be pivotal to exploring the critical capabilities our Air Force needs to protect our nation and its allies into the future,'' he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-coronavirus-pandemic-china-eyes-moon-trip-with-successful-rocket-launch-296819" hreflang="en">Amid coronavirus pandemic, China eyes moon trip with successful rocket launch</a>

The Loyal Wingman is a&nbsp;38-foot-long&nbsp;drone with a range of 2,000 miles.

It will "use artificial intelligence to fly independently, or in support of manned aircraft, while maintaining safe distance between other aircraft," according to Boeing's website on the project.

The drone&nbsp;will be able to engage in electronic warfare as well as intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance missions and swap quickly between those roles, according to Boeing.

The aircraft delivered in Sydney on Tuesday is the first of three prototypes Boeing is producing.

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Boeing Australia has unveiled the first artifical powered drone called the ''Loyal Wingman'' for the Royal Australian Air Force. It is also the first military aircraft to be designed and built locally in more than 50 years.

Boeing Australia has unveiled the first artifical powered drone called the ''Loyal Wingman'' for the Royal Australian Air Force. It is also the first military aircraft to be designed and built locally in more than 50 years. Also read: Scientists release app to track COVID-19 symptoms, inform users about hot spots Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said ''this a truly historic moment for our country and for Australian defense innovation.'' ''The Loyal Wingman will be pivotal to exploring the critical capabilities our Air Force needs to protect our nation and its allies into the future,'' he added. Also read: Amid coronavirus pandemic, China eyes moon trip with successful rocket launch The Loyal Wingman is a 38-foot-long drone with a range of 2,000 miles. It will "use artificial intelligence to fly independently, or in support of manned aircraft, while maintaining safe distance between other aircraft," according to Boeing's website on the project. The drone will be able to engage in electronic warfare as well as intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance missions and swap quickly between those roles, according to Boeing. The aircraft delivered in Sydney on Tuesday is the first of three prototypes Boeing is producing.

Australian military unveils its first AI-powered drone

American novelist Colson Whitehead has created Pulitzer Prize history by winning the prestigious award the second time for his two consecutive books.

The African-American author was honoured&nbsp;for the novel 'The Nickel Boys,'&nbsp;chronicling the horrors of an abusive reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida.

It was inspired by the real-life horror story of the Dozier School for Boys in the Florida panhandle, where children convicted of minor offences were subjected to violent abuse.

The Harvard graduate's novel was praised by the Pulitzer committee for its "spare and devastating exploration of abuse at a reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida that is ultimately a powerful tale of human perseverance, dignity and redemption".

The 50-year-old New Yorker, won the 2017 prize in the same category for his previous book 'Underground Railroad.'

He has become only the fourth writer ever to win the Pulitzer Prize for fiction twice.

Before him, only Booth Tarkington, William Faulkner and John Updike had won the Pulitzer for fiction twice.

The prizes were announced from the living room of Pulitzer administrator Dana Canedy, after being postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

American novelist Colson Whitehead has created Pulitzer Prize history by winning the prestigious award the second time for his two consecutive books. The African-American author was honoured for the novel 'The Nickel Boys,' chronicling the horrors of an abusive reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida.

American novelist Colson Whitehead has created Pulitzer Prize history by winning the prestigious award the second time for his two consecutive books. The African-American author was honoured for the novel 'The Nickel Boys,' chronicling the horrors of an abusive reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida. It was inspired by the real-life horror story of the Dozier School for Boys in the Florida panhandle, where children convicted of minor offences were subjected to violent abuse. The Harvard graduate's novel was praised by the Pulitzer committee for its "spare and devastating exploration of abuse at a reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida that is ultimately a powerful tale of human perseverance, dignity and redemption". The 50-year-old New Yorker, won the 2017 prize in the same category for his previous book 'Underground Railroad.' He has become only the fourth writer ever to win the Pulitzer Prize for fiction twice. Before him, only Booth Tarkington, William Faulkner and John Updike had won the Pulitzer for fiction twice. The prizes were announced from the living room of Pulitzer administrator Dana Canedy, after being postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Colson Whitehead wins Pulitzer Price twice for two consecutive books

Religious freedom is severely restricted in Pakistan and the country does nothing about it according to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).

The international organisation's&nbsp;annual report empasisized upon ''the systematic enforcement of blasphemy and anti-Ahmadiyya laws, and failure to address forced conversions of religious minorities and severely restricted religious freedom in Pakistan.''

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-demands-justice-from-pakistan-for-journalist-daniel-pearls-brutal-murder-in-2002-296565" hreflang="en">US demands justice from Pakistan for journalist Daniel Pearl's brutal murder in 2002</a>

The commissionwhich monitors religious freedoms around the world&nbsp;recommended the&nbsp;US government that it should redesignate Pakistan as a country of ''particular concern.''

While referring to the case of Asia Bibi&nbsp;who spent years on death row after being accused of blasphemy and&nbsp;was acquitted last year, the body said ''there were high-profile acquittals, the blasphemy law remained in effect.''

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-fm-rebukes-journalist-who-questioned-him-on-social-distancing-296601" hreflang="en">Pak FM rebukes journalist who questioned him on social distancing</a>

''USCIRF is aware of nearly 80 individuals who remained imprisoned for blasphemy, with at least half facing a life sentence or death,” it further said in the report.

The US&nbsp;panel highlighted the plight of Ahmadiya Muslims and said ''they continue&nbsp;to face severe persecution from authorities as well as societal harassment due to their beliefs, with both the authorities and mobs targeting their houses of worship.''

It also said that 1,000 women are forcibly converted to Islam each year in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Religious freedom is severely restricted in Pakistan and the country does nothing about it according to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).

Religious freedom is severely restricted in Pakistan and the country does nothing about it according to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). The international organisation's annual report empasisized upon ''the systematic enforcement of blasphemy and anti-Ahmadiyya laws, and failure to address forced conversions of religious minorities and severely restricted religious freedom in Pakistan.'' Also read: US demands justice from Pakistan for journalist Daniel Pearl's brutal murder in 2002 The commissionwhich monitors religious freedoms around the world recommended the US government that it should redesignate Pakistan as a country of ''particular concern.'' While referring to the case of Asia Bibi who spent years on death row after being accused of blasphemy and was acquitted last year, the body said ''there were high-profile acquittals, the blasphemy law remained in effect.'' Also read: Pak FM rebukes journalist who questioned him on social distancing ''USCIRF is aware of nearly 80 individuals who remained imprisoned for blasphemy, with at least half facing a life sentence or death,” it further said in the report. The US panel highlighted the plight of Ahmadiya Muslims and said ''they continue to face severe persecution from authorities as well as societal harassment due to their beliefs, with both the authorities and mobs targeting their houses of worship.'' It also said that 1,000 women are forcibly converted to Islam each year in Pakistan.

Religious freedom severely restricted in Pakistan: USCIRF report

Council and healthcare workers will be the first to try an NHS app that tracks the coronavirus outbreak.

They will use the contact-tracing app on Tuesday.&nbsp;If the trial is successful, the app will be rolled out across the whole of the UK by the middle of May, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-250000-die-of-coronavirus-worldwide-confirmed-recoveries-near-12-lakh-296685" hreflang="en">More than 250,000 die of coronavirus worldwide; confirmed recoveries near 12 lakh</a>

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It is part of the government's strategy for coming out of lockdown, which aims to have widespread testing and contact tracing in place to monitor and reduce any future outbreaks.

The new app will be published on Apple and Google's app stores. It works by using a Bluetooth connection.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-leaders-pledge-8-billion-to-fight-covid-19-but-us-steers-clear-296683" hreflang="en">World leaders pledge $8 billion to fight COVID-19 but US steers clear</a>

It records when two people who have the app are within a certain distance of each other for longer than a specified amount of time.

If one of those people later reports having symptoms, all the other app users they came into contact with over the last seven days will be alerted and told to self-isolate.

However, concerns have been raised over privacy, though ministers say the app has been designed with this "front of mind".

The app aims to quickly trace recent contacts of anyone who tests positive for the virus.

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Council and healthcare workers will be the first to try an NHS app that tracks the coronavirus outbreak. They will use the contact-tracing app on Tuesday. If the trial is successful, the app will be rolled out across the whole of the UK by the middle of May, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said.

Council and healthcare workers will be the first to try an NHS app that tracks the coronavirus outbreak. They will use the contact-tracing app on Tuesday. If the trial is successful, the app will be rolled out across the whole of the UK by the middle of May, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said. Also read: More than 250,000 die of coronavirus worldwide; confirmed recoveries near 12 lakh It is part of the government's strategy for coming out of lockdown, which aims to have widespread testing and contact tracing in place to monitor and reduce any future outbreaks. The new app will be published on Apple and Google's app stores. It works by using a Bluetooth connection. Also read: World leaders pledge $8 billion to fight COVID-19 but US steers clear It records when two people who have the app are within a certain distance of each other for longer than a specified amount of time. If one of those people later reports having symptoms, all the other app users they came into contact with over the last seven days will be alerted and told to self-isolate. However, concerns have been raised over privacy, though ministers say the app has been designed with this "front of mind". The app aims to quickly trace recent contacts of anyone who tests positive for the virus.

Council and healthcare workers first to try NHS app that tracks coronavirus

US troops that went to capture Nicolas Maduro Moros, the President of Venezuela are still in action according&nbsp;to&nbsp;Jordan Goudreau, a former US special forces soldier&nbsp;who was linked to plot to topple him.

Goudreau claimed the battle was not over in a video released late on Sunday, hours after Maduro’s government claimed it had foiled a United States-backed sea ''raid and invasion''&nbsp;near Venezuela’s main international airport.

The 43-year-old American citizen, claimed that ''our men are continuing to fight right now.''

However, he did not provide any evidence to justify his claims.

Previously, Venezuela’s leaders had&nbsp;claimed they had frustrated what they called a US-backed assault near the port city of La Guaira, 20 miles north of Caracas, killing eight alleged assailants.

The country's interior minister, Néstor Reverol, claimed a platoon of “terrorist mercenaries” had tried to make landfall using speedboats but been repelled by security forces.

According to Goudreau, the operation had involved ''60 troops'', including two former US special forces members, who had arrived in Venezuela by land and sea.

&nbsp;''Two US veterans had infiltrated Venezuelan territory and were “in the first stage of a mission to recruit members of the security forces to join their cause,'' he added.

The incident has taken place almost a year to the day after&nbsp;a botched attempt&nbsp;to remove Hugo Chávez’s authoritarian successor from power.

<aside data-component="rich-link" data-link-name="rich-link-1 | 1">Maduro has been the President of Venezuela since 2013 and his presidency is under dispute since 2019.&nbsp;</aside>

US troops that went to capture Nicolas Maduro Moros, the President of Venezuela are still in action according to Jordan Goudreau, a former US special forces soldier who was linked to plot to topple him.

US troops that went to capture Nicolas Maduro Moros, the President of Venezuela are still in action according to Jordan Goudreau, a former US special forces soldier who was linked to plot to topple him. Goudreau claimed the battle was not over in a video released late on Sunday, hours after Maduro’s government claimed it had foiled a United States-backed sea ''raid and invasion'' near Venezuela’s main international airport. The 43-year-old American citizen, claimed that ''our men are continuing to fight right now.'' However, he did not provide any evidence to justify his claims. Previously, Venezuela’s leaders had claimed they had frustrated what they called a US-backed assault near the port city of La Guaira, 20 miles north of Caracas, killing eight alleged assailants. The country's interior minister, Néstor Reverol, claimed a platoon of “terrorist mercenaries” had tried to make landfall using speedboats but been repelled by security forces. According to Goudreau, the operation had involved ''60 troops'', including two former US special forces members, who had arrived in Venezuela by land and sea. ''Two US veterans had infiltrated Venezuelan territory and were “in the first stage of a mission to recruit members of the security forces to join their cause,'' he added. The incident has taken place almost a year to the day after a botched attempt to remove Hugo Chávez’s authoritarian successor from power. Maduro has been the President of Venezuela since 2013 and his presidency is under dispute since 2019.

US troops on mission to capture Venezuelan President Maduro still in action

While the United States continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, a new terror "murder hornets" has arrived in the country for the first time.

The 2-inch long giant Asian hornets have been spotted&nbsp;the west coast of the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senators-many-in-masks-return-to-washington-under-new-virus-guidance-296679" hreflang="en">US senators, many in masks, return to Washington under new virus guidance</a>

The insects have large yellow-orange heads, prominent black eyes, and a black and yellow striped abdomen.

Multiple stings of these creatures are deadly to humans and they destroy honeybees&nbsp;in their "slaughter phase" and&nbsp;feed their bodies to their young ones.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/intel-shared-among-us-allies-contradicts-trumps-claims-says-coronavirus-outbreak-more-likely-came-from-market-296696" hreflang="en">Intel shared among US allies contradicts Trump's claims, says coronavirus outbreak more likely came from market</a>

Though they typically avoid people, in Asia, "murder hornet" stings are thought to cause as many as 50 human fatalities a year, according to the New York Times.

Scientists are now on a hunt for the hornets, hoping to eradicate the species before they wipe out US bees.

According to the scientists of the&nbsp;Washington State University (WSU), "it's a health hazard,&nbsp;, and more importantly, the&nbsp;shockingly large hornets are a significant predator of honeybees."

They will begin trapping queen murder hornets this spring, aiming to detect and eradicate the species.

Populations of honeybees and other pollinators in the US were already under pressure.

Between 1947 and 2017, number of honeybee colonies in the US plummeted from 6 million to 2.5 million.&nbsp;

They are the&nbsp;most common in Japan where they murder hornets kill roughly 30 to 40 people each year.

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While the United States continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, a new terror "murder hornets" has arrived in the country for the first time. The 2-inch long giant Asian hornets have been spotted the west coast of the country.

While the United States continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, a new terror "murder hornets" has arrived in the country for the first time. The 2-inch long giant Asian hornets have been spotted the west coast of the country. Also read: US senators, many in masks, return to Washington under new virus guidance The insects have large yellow-orange heads, prominent black eyes, and a black and yellow striped abdomen. Multiple stings of these creatures are deadly to humans and they destroy honeybees in their "slaughter phase" and feed their bodies to their young ones. Also read: Intel shared among US allies contradicts Trump's claims, says coronavirus outbreak more likely came from market Though they typically avoid people, in Asia, "murder hornet" stings are thought to cause as many as 50 human fatalities a year, according to the New York Times. Scientists are now on a hunt for the hornets, hoping to eradicate the species before they wipe out US bees. According to the scientists of the Washington State University (WSU), "it's a health hazard, , and more importantly, the shockingly large hornets are a significant predator of honeybees." They will begin trapping queen murder hornets this spring, aiming to detect and eradicate the species. Populations of honeybees and other pollinators in the US were already under pressure. Between 1947 and 2017, number of honeybee colonies in the US plummeted from 6 million to 2.5 million. They are the most common in Japan where they murder hornets kill roughly 30 to 40 people each year.

Murder hornets: New terror enters US amid coronavirus pandemic

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