Four Indian Army personnel and a police sub-inspector were among five security personnel martyred in an encounter in Handwara, Jammu and Kashmir .

Colonel, Major among 5 security personnel martyred in Handwara encounter

May 5 in history: Mexico defeats France, first American in space and more

World leaders and organisations pledged $8 billion to research, manufacture and distribute a possible vaccine and treatments for COVID-19 on Monday, but the United States refused to contribute to the global effort.

Organisers included the European Union and non-EU countries Britain, Norway and Saudi Arabia. Leaders from Japan, Canada, South Africa and dozens of other countries joined the virtual event, while China, where the virus is believed to have originated, was only represented by its ambassador to the European Union.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-intelligence-dossier-says-chinas-secrecy-amounts-to-cover-up-296662" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Intelligence dossier says China's secrecy amounts to cover-up</a>

Governments aim to continue raising funds for several weeks or months, building on efforts by the World Bank, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and wealthy individuals, and turn the page on the fractious and haphazard initial response around the world.

"In the space of just few hours we have collectively pledged $8.1 billion&nbsp;for vaccine, diagnostics and treatment" against COVID-19, the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said after chairing the online event.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/political-leaders-defy-their-own-by-breaking-self-made-coronavirus-protocols-296661" hreflang="en">Political leaders defy their own by breaking 'self-made' coronavirus protocols!</a>

"This will help kick-start unprecedented global cooperation," she added.

It was however unclear what was new funding, as commitments made earlier this year may also be included, EU officials said.

Donors included pop singer Madonna, who pledged 1&nbsp;million&nbsp;euros, von der Leyen said.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has recovered from a life-threatening battle with COVID-19, said the search for a vaccine was "the most urgent shared endeavour of our lifetime", calling for "an impregnable shield around all our people".

EU diplomats said the United States, which has the world's most confirmed COVID-19 cases, was not taking part.

A senior U.S. administration official declined to say specifically why the United States was not participating.

"We support this pledging effort by the EU. It is one of many pledging efforts that are going on and the United States is at the forefront," the official told reporters by telephone.

President Donald Trump said last month that he would halt funding to the World Health Organization, whose director general addressed the conference, over its handling of the pandemic.

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg said she regretted that decision, as well as Washington's absence on Monday.

"It is a pity the US&nbsp;is not a part of it. When you are in a crisis, you manage it and you do it jointly with others," Solberg told Reuters in an interview, pledging $1 billion to support the distribution of any vaccine developed against COVID-19, and for vaccines against other diseases.

"We've had several discussions with our American partners and I'm convinced the Americans will eventually commit to this dynamic because it's the way forward for the world," French President Emmanuel Macron said.

Many leaders stressed that any vaccine must be available to everyone. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said it should not just be for rich countries.

"Those who invent it of course will be fairly paid, but access will be given to people across the globe by the organisation we choose," Macron said.

EU officials said pharmaceutical companies that receive the funding will not be asked to forgo intellectual property rights on the new vaccine and treatments, but they should commit to making them available worldwide at affordable prices.

The 8-billion-dollar goal was in line with expectations but is only an initial figure. Von der Leyen has said more money will be needed over time.

The Global Preparedness Monitoring Board, a U.N.-backed body focusing on health crises, estimates that of the $8 billion immediately needed, $3 billion will have to be spent to develop, manufacture and distribute a possible vaccine against COVID-19, the EU Commission said.

Another $2.25 billion is needed to develop treatments for COVID-19, $750&nbsp;million&nbsp;for testing kits, and another $750&nbsp;million&nbsp;to stockpile protective equipment, such as face masks. The remaining $1.25 billion would go to the World Health Organization to support the most vulnerable countries.

Britain will hold an online donor summit on June 4 for GAVI, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations.

World leaders and organisations pledged $8 billion to research, manufacture and distribute a possible vaccine and treatments for COVID-19 on Monday, but the United States refused to contribute to the global effort.

World leaders and organisations pledged $8 billion to research, manufacture and distribute a possible vaccine and treatments for COVID-19 on Monday, but the United States refused to contribute to the global effort. Organisers included the European Union and non-EU countries Britain, Norway and Saudi Arabia. Leaders from Japan, Canada, South Africa and dozens of other countries joined the virtual event, while China, where the virus is believed to have originated, was only represented by its ambassador to the European Union. Also read: COVID-19: Intelligence dossier says China's secrecy amounts to cover-up Governments aim to continue raising funds for several weeks or months, building on efforts by the World Bank, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and wealthy individuals, and turn the page on the fractious and haphazard initial response around the world. "In the space of just few hours we have collectively pledged $8.1 billion for vaccine, diagnostics and treatment" against COVID-19, the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said after chairing the online event. Also read: Political leaders defy their own by breaking 'self-made' coronavirus protocols! "This will help kick-start unprecedented global cooperation," she added. It was however unclear what was new funding, as commitments made earlier this year may also be included, EU officials said. Donors included pop singer Madonna, who pledged 1 million euros, von der Leyen said. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has recovered from a life-threatening battle with COVID-19, said the search for a vaccine was "the most urgent shared endeavour of our lifetime", calling for "an impregnable shield around all our people". EU diplomats said the United States, which has the world's most confirmed COVID-19 cases, was not taking part. A senior U.S. administration official declined to say specifically why the United States was not participating. "We support this pledging effort by the EU. It is one of many pledging efforts that are going on and the United States is at the forefront," the official told reporters by telephone. President Donald Trump said last month that he would halt funding to the World Health Organization, whose director general addressed the conference, over its handling of the pandemic. Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg said she regretted that decision, as well as Washington's absence on Monday. "It is a pity the US is not a part of it. When you are in a crisis, you manage it and you do it jointly with others," Solberg told Reuters in an interview, pledging $1 billion to support the distribution of any vaccine developed against COVID-19, and for vaccines against other diseases. "We've had several discussions with our American partners and I'm convinced the Americans will eventually commit to this dynamic because it's the way forward for the world," French President Emmanuel Macron said. Many leaders stressed that any vaccine must be available to everyone. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said it should not just be for rich countries. "Those who invent it of course will be fairly paid, but access will be given to people across the globe by the organisation we choose," Macron said. EU officials said pharmaceutical companies that receive the funding will not be asked to forgo intellectual property rights on the new vaccine and treatments, but they should commit to making them available worldwide at affordable prices. The 8-billion-dollar goal was in line with expectations but is only an initial figure. Von der Leyen has said more money will be needed over time. The Global Preparedness Monitoring Board, a U.N.-backed body focusing on health crises, estimates that of the $8 billion immediately needed, $3 billion will have to be spent to develop, manufacture and distribute a possible vaccine against COVID-19, the EU Commission said. Another $2.25 billion is needed to develop treatments for COVID-19, $750 million for testing kits, and another $750 million to stockpile protective equipment, such as face masks. The remaining $1.25 billion would go to the World Health Organization to support the most vulnerable countries. Britain will hold an online donor summit on June 4 for GAVI, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations.

World leaders pledge $8 billion to fight COVID-19 but US steers clear

The US Senate convened for its first regular session in five weeks Monday in the heat of the coronavirus pandemic that has killed 68,000 Americans and left tens of millions jobless.

Lawmakers, who under new guidelines are encouraged but not required to wear face masks, are expected to address disputes over how to confront the outbreak and mitigate the devastating economic impacts.

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The Senate, with 49 of its 100 members age 65 or older and therefore considered at higher risk, gavelled in for its first full session since March 25.

"Now the time has come for us to continue conducting our nation's business in ways that are only possible with senators here in the capital," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said.

"The Senate's going to be as smart and safe as we possibly can, and we are going to show up for work like the essential workers that we are."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-war-of-words-escalates-over-covid-19-origin-296648" hreflang="en">US-China war of words escalates over COVID-19 origin</a>

Republican McConnell did not wear a mask inside the chamber, but many lawmakers from both parties did. In hallways outside the chamber, nearly all senators, including McConnell, were wearing masks.

The 435-member House of Representatives opted not to return this week.

Democratic leaders who control that chamber delayed holding full sessions, citing ongoing health safety concerns and a warning by the congressional physician that the US capital had yet to sufficiently control new coronavirus cases.

Those who do return to Capitol Hill are advised by that doctor, Brian Monahan, to practice social distancing, wear masks, limit the number of in-office staff, screen visitors, use hand sanitizer, and avoid shaking hands.

The US Senate convened for its first regular session in five weeks Monday in the heat of the coronavirus pandemic that has killed 68,000 Americans and left tens of millions jobless.

The US Senate convened for its first regular session in five weeks Monday in the heat of the coronavirus pandemic that has killed 68,000 Americans and left tens of millions jobless. Lawmakers, who under new guidelines are encouraged but not required to wear face masks, are expected to address disputes over how to confront the outbreak and mitigate the devastating economic impacts. Also read: Political leaders defy their own by breaking 'self-made' coronavirus protocols! The Senate, with 49 of its 100 members age 65 or older and therefore considered at higher risk, gavelled in for its first full session since March 25. "Now the time has come for us to continue conducting our nation's business in ways that are only possible with senators here in the capital," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said. "The Senate's going to be as smart and safe as we possibly can, and we are going to show up for work like the essential workers that we are." Also read: US-China war of words escalates over COVID-19 origin Republican McConnell did not wear a mask inside the chamber, but many lawmakers from both parties did. In hallways outside the chamber, nearly all senators, including McConnell, were wearing masks. The 435-member House of Representatives opted not to return this week. Democratic leaders who control that chamber delayed holding full sessions, citing ongoing health safety concerns and a warning by the congressional physician that the US capital had yet to sufficiently control new coronavirus cases. Those who do return to Capitol Hill are advised by that doctor, Brian Monahan, to practice social distancing, wear masks, limit the number of in-office staff, screen visitors, use hand sanitizer, and avoid shaking hands.

US senators, many in masks, return to Washington under new virus guidance

&nbsp;Nepal reported seven new coronavirus cases, taking the total number of infections in the Himalayan nation to 82, health authorities said on Tuesday.

Nepal is among the nations that has the least cases of the deadly coronavirus.

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With seven new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Nepalgunj in Western Nepal the total number of coronavirus patients in the country has jumped to 82, according to Ministry of Health and Population officials.

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The new cases were confirmed through reports of the tests conducted on Tuesday in Bheri Hospital laboratory, Nepalgunj, the officials said.

As many as 16 COVID-19 patients have been recovered so far and the number of active patients are 66.

As a precautionary measure to contain the spread of the virus, a curfew was imposed from Tuesday till Thursday, police said.

Nepal reported seven new coronavirus cases, taking the total number of infections in the Himalayan nation to 82, health authorities said on Tuesday. Nepal is among the nations that has the least cases of the deadly coronavirus.

Nepal reported seven new coronavirus cases, taking the total number of infections in the Himalayan nation to 82, health authorities said on Tuesday. Nepal is among the nations that has the least cases of the deadly coronavirus. Also read: Over 250,000 die of coronavirus worldwide; confirmed recoveries near 12 lakh With seven new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Nepalgunj in Western Nepal the total number of coronavirus patients in the country has jumped to 82, according to Ministry of Health and Population officials. Also see: World marks Hand Hygiene Day while reeling from coronavirus pandemic The new cases were confirmed through reports of the tests conducted on Tuesday in Bheri Hospital laboratory, Nepalgunj, the officials said. As many as 16 COVID-19 patients have been recovered so far and the number of active patients are 66. As a precautionary measure to contain the spread of the virus, a curfew was imposed from Tuesday till Thursday, police said.

Nepal confirms 7 new coronavirus cases, total climbs to 82

Of the 548 active coronavirus cases in Sri Lanka, 327 of them are Navy personnel, officials said on Tuesday.

The virus has killed eight people with 752 positive cases in the island nation.

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Army chief General Shavendra Silva, who heads the island-nation's COVID-19 prevention mechanism, on Tuesday said, "There were 33 new positive cases found at midnight (Monday), 31 of them are our gallant sailors who are linked to the Welisara camp. The two others are their contacts."

The COVID-19 infection is suspected to have spread in the Welisara Camp near capital Colombo when officers came in contact with drug addicts infected by the virus during a raid. The sailors had gone home on leave, spreading the virus further.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-250000-die-of-coronavirus-worldwide-confirmed-recoveries-near-12-lakh-296685">Over 250,000 die of coronavirus worldwide; confirmed recoveries near 12 lakh</a>

Silva said 752 positive cases were reported in the country since its first positive case in mid-March, of which 194 patients had been discharged from hospitals after complete recovery.

The Army chief said 1,008 relatives of Navy sailors are presently in quarantine.

The virus death rose to eight on Monday after a 72-year-old woman in northwestern Kurunegala region died of the disease. The woman was related to one of the infected sailors.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Monday spoke at an online summit of the Non Aligned Movement (NAM), a forum of around 120 developing countries.

Gotabaya said of all the PCR test only 3 per cent gave positive results and that the virus' mortality rate in Sri Lanka was less than 1 per cent.

The president said he intends to ease restriction to revive economic activities, while enforcing health guidelines.

The coronavirus, which first surfaced in China's Wuhan city in November last, has claimed over 250,000 lives and infected 3.5 million people across the world.&nbsp;

Of the 548 active coronavirus cases in Sri Lanka, 327 of them are Navy personnel, officials said on Tuesday. The virus has killed eight people with 752 positive cases in the island nation.

Of the 548 active coronavirus cases in Sri Lanka, 327 of them are Navy personnel, officials said on Tuesday. The virus has killed eight people with 752 positive cases in the island nation. Also read: One prisoner dies in Sri Lanka after several attempt breakout Army chief General Shavendra Silva, who heads the island-nation's COVID-19 prevention mechanism, on Tuesday said, "There were 33 new positive cases found at midnight (Monday), 31 of them are our gallant sailors who are linked to the Welisara camp. The two others are their contacts." The COVID-19 infection is suspected to have spread in the Welisara Camp near capital Colombo when officers came in contact with drug addicts infected by the virus during a raid. The sailors had gone home on leave, spreading the virus further. Also read: Over 250,000 die of coronavirus worldwide; confirmed recoveries near 12 lakh Silva said 752 positive cases were reported in the country since its first positive case in mid-March, of which 194 patients had been discharged from hospitals after complete recovery. The Army chief said 1,008 relatives of Navy sailors are presently in quarantine. The virus death rose to eight on Monday after a 72-year-old woman in northwestern Kurunegala region died of the disease. The woman was related to one of the infected sailors. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Monday spoke at an online summit of the Non Aligned Movement (NAM), a forum of around 120 developing countries. Gotabaya said of all the PCR test only 3 per cent gave positive results and that the virus' mortality rate in Sri Lanka was less than 1 per cent. The president said he intends to ease restriction to revive economic activities, while enforcing health guidelines. The coronavirus, which first surfaced in China's Wuhan city in November last, has claimed over 250,000 lives and infected 3.5 million people across the world.

Sri Lanka registers over 750 coronavirus cases, most from Naval facility

The Chinese state media&nbsp;lambasted US Secretary of&nbsp;State&nbsp;Mike&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;for backing President Donald Trump's assertion that&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;originated in&nbsp;China.

Earlier, during a television interview on May 3, Pompeo&nbsp;had said that there is “significant amount” of evidence that the virus originated from a laboratory in Wuhan, China.

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>

Chinese state broadcaster, CCTV&nbsp;calling his claims "insane and evasive".

It attacked Pompeo by calling him ''evil'' and saying that he is wantonly spewing poison and spreading lies,''&nbsp;referred to statements by WHO Executive Director Mike Ryan and Columbia University virologist W Ian Lipkin.

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>

''These flawed and unreasonable remarks by American politicians make it clear&nbsp;to more and more people that no evidence' exists,''&nbsp;the commentary said.

The theory of the Chinese origin of the coronavirus has been heavily pushed by the administration of President&nbsp;Donald Trump, who has been increasingly critical of China's handling of the outbreak that first emerged in Wuhan late last year.

Trump said&nbsp;he saw evidence that gave him confidence the virus emerged from a lab in Wuhan, without offering support to his claim.

COVID-19 has infected 3,642,068 people worldwide and 252,024 people have been killed due to this pandemic till date.

&nbsp;

The Chinese state media lambasted US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for backing President Donald Trump's assertion that coronavirus originated in China. Earlier, during a television interview on May 3, Pompeo had said that there is “significant amount” of evidence that the virus originated from a laboratory in Wuhan, China.

The Chinese state media lambasted US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for backing President Donald Trump's assertion that coronavirus originated in China. Earlier, during a television interview on May 3, Pompeo had said that there is “significant amount” of evidence that the virus originated from a laboratory in Wuhan, China. Also read: Intel shared among US allies contradicts Trump's claims, says coronavirus outbreak more likely came from market Chinese state broadcaster, CCTV calling his claims "insane and evasive". It attacked Pompeo by calling him ''evil'' and saying that he is wantonly spewing poison and spreading lies,'' referred to statements by WHO Executive Director Mike Ryan and Columbia University virologist W Ian Lipkin. Also read: More than 250,000 die of coronavirus worldwide; confirmed recoveries near 12 lakh ''These flawed and unreasonable remarks by American politicians make it clear to more and more people that no evidence' exists,'' the commentary said. The theory of the Chinese origin of the coronavirus has been heavily pushed by the administration of President Donald Trump, who has been increasingly critical of China's handling of the outbreak that first emerged in Wuhan late last year. Trump said he saw evidence that gave him confidence the virus emerged from a lab in Wuhan, without offering support to his claim. COVID-19 has infected 3,642,068 people worldwide and 252,024 people have been killed due to this pandemic till date.

China lashes out at Pompeo, calls his coronavirus origin theory 'insane'

Japanese firm&nbsp;Kasoku are offering unused hotel rooms&nbsp;to stressed-out couples to prevent a surge in divorces in the country.

The owner of the company,&nbsp;Keisuke Arai, got the idea after he started wondering&nbsp;how couples across Japan were coping under lockdown, as they adjusted to being together all the time&nbsp;under the same roof.

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Arai had switched to working from home after an emergency was declared in the country due to the&nbsp;coronavirus pandemic&nbsp;

As a result, he began bickering more with his long-term girlfriend.

While scrolling through social media platforms he came across a trending hashtag called corona divorce, where people largely ranted about their partners.

In response, Arai's company, Kasoku, started advertising hundreds of empty vacation rentals to stressed-out couples.

"We wanted to prevent people from divorcing," says Arai. "The objective behind the vacation rentals is so that married couples can gain some much-needed time and space to think about their relationships."&nbsp;

The company offers 500 fully furnished rooms in hotels and inns across Japan.

Guests can stay for a duration from&nbsp;one day to six months. A unit costs just over 4,000 yen per day and up to 90,000 per month.

Kasoku has received over 140 inquiries, overwhelmingly from women in their 30s to 40s, who are either looking for a quiet place to telework, who want time away from their spouse.&nbsp;

Japan hasn't had a sudden spike in divorces yet, unlike other countries worldwide.

However, the venting on social media indicates people's growing frustration amid the pandemic.

Japanese firm Kasoku are offering unused hotel rooms to stressed-out couples to prevent a surge in divorces in the country. The owner of the company, Keisuke Arai, got the idea after he started wondering how couples across Japan were coping under lockdown, as they adjusted to being together all the time under the same roof.

Japanese firm Kasoku are offering unused hotel rooms to stressed-out couples to prevent a surge in divorces in the country. The owner of the company, Keisuke Arai, got the idea after he started wondering how couples across Japan were coping under lockdown, as they adjusted to being together all the time under the same roof. Also read: Japan PM Shinzo Abe extends lockdown till May 31 Arai had switched to working from home after an emergency was declared in the country due to the coronavirus pandemic As a result, he began bickering more with his long-term girlfriend. While scrolling through social media platforms he came across a trending hashtag called corona divorce, where people largely ranted about their partners. In response, Arai's company, Kasoku, started advertising hundreds of empty vacation rentals to stressed-out couples. "We wanted to prevent people from divorcing," says Arai. "The objective behind the vacation rentals is so that married couples can gain some much-needed time and space to think about their relationships." The company offers 500 fully furnished rooms in hotels and inns across Japan. Guests can stay for a duration from one day to six months. A unit costs just over 4,000 yen per day and up to 90,000 per month. Kasoku has received over 140 inquiries, overwhelmingly from women in their 30s to 40s, who are either looking for a quiet place to telework, who want time away from their spouse. Japan hasn't had a sudden spike in divorces yet, unlike other countries worldwide. However, the venting on social media indicates people's growing frustration amid the pandemic.

Japanese firm offering couples vacation rentals to prevent divorce

World marks Hand Hygiene Day while reeling from coronavirus pandemic

A British man called Jake Brown has discovered a 120-year-old ''secret passage'' with items from a ''different era'' underneath his house.&nbsp;

Brown&nbsp;got bored during the coronavirus lockdown in the country and decided to pursue a do-it-yourself assignment.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/council-and-healthcare-workers-first-to-try-nhs-app-that-tracks-coronavirus-296724" hreflang="en">Council and healthcare workers first to try NHS app that tracks coronavirus</a>

It was while doing this assignment that he realised that&nbsp;one of the walls in his recently bought Plymouth home had different textures.

This piqued his curiosity and he inspected it further. He&nbsp;made an opening in that particular wall which was big enough to get his head through to take another look.

To his shock, Jake discovered there was a huge area underneath his home in Plymouth, Devon, so he opened it up to investigate.

He drilled&nbsp;down and found&nbsp;a tunnel&nbsp;containing items from another era.

Inside the passage&nbsp;he discovered items including paint cans and an old newspaper that proved the tunnel had been blocked up for more than 50 years.

A British man called Jake Brown has discovered a 120-year-old ''secret passage'' with items from a ''different era'' underneath his house. Brown got bored during the coronavirus lockdown in the country and decided to pursue a do-it-yourself assignment.

A British man called Jake Brown has discovered a 120-year-old ''secret passage'' with items from a ''different era'' underneath his house. Brown got bored during the coronavirus lockdown in the country and decided to pursue a do-it-yourself assignment. Also read: Council and healthcare workers first to try NHS app that tracks coronavirus It was while doing this assignment that he realised that one of the walls in his recently bought Plymouth home had different textures. This piqued his curiosity and he inspected it further. He made an opening in that particular wall which was big enough to get his head through to take another look. To his shock, Jake discovered there was a huge area underneath his home in Plymouth, Devon, so he opened it up to investigate. He drilled down and found a tunnel containing items from another era. Inside the passage he discovered items including paint cans and an old newspaper that proved the tunnel had been blocked up for more than 50 years.

British man discovers 120-year-old 'secret passage' underneath his house

Amid the measures taken to curb the surging infection rates related to COVID-19, the Pakistan government has started preparing to tackle the issue of desert locust which, if not controlled, will endanger food security in the country.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari recently issued a statement regarding the threat of the locust attack.

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On Sunday, National Food Security Minister Syed Fakhr Imam came up with a rejoinder, saying that his ministry was working with the department of plant protection beyond its mandate.

He explained that after the 18th Amendment, the government can deal with the locust issue from an international perspective and maintaining contacts with locust monitoring organisations.

Bhutto argued that despite numerous requests last year, the provinces were left at the mercy of desert locust.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-begin-treating-critically-ill-covid-19-patients-with-remdesivir-296496">US to begin treating critically ill COVID-19 patients with Remdesivir</a>

"If the federal government fails once again, the country will face another disaster in the wake of desert locust attack," he warned.

Responding to the Sindh government`s allegations that the federal government was "doing nothing" for locust threat in the province, the food security ministry said it was fully aware of its responsibility and actively pursuing the threat.

"We are confident that the nation will collectively respond in the best possible manner to the challenge at hand," the minister stated, adding that the government is in the process of revisiting the 'National Action Plan for Locust'&nbsp;to make it more effective and resourceful.

The ministry also said that the threat of locust was not restricted to Sindh, but other provinces were also affected by it.

The present locust swarm spotted in Sindh is from Koh-i-Suleman range and not from Balochistan.

As a precautionary measure, the Federal Plant Protection Department has deployed three ground teams, one helicopter and one beaver aircraft in Sukkur.

The migration of locust is expected to start from the end of May from Balochistan and neighbouring countries.

During migration, these migratory swarms were expected to cross through the cropping area of Sindh, for which the provincial government may alert its agriculture staff to be ready for response.In this connection, 50 officers of the Sindh agriculture department have already been trained by experts of the Plant Protection Department, according to the ministry.

Amid the measures taken to curb the surging infection rates related to COVID-19, the Pakistan government has started preparing to tackle the issue of desert locust which, if not controlled, will endanger food security in the country.

Amid the measures taken to curb the surging infection rates related to COVID-19, the Pakistan government has started preparing to tackle the issue of desert locust which, if not controlled, will endanger food security in the country. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari recently issued a statement regarding the threat of the locust attack. Also read: Global coronavirus tally surpasses 3.5 million amid underreporting concerns On Sunday, National Food Security Minister Syed Fakhr Imam came up with a rejoinder, saying that his ministry was working with the department of plant protection beyond its mandate. He explained that after the 18th Amendment, the government can deal with the locust issue from an international perspective and maintaining contacts with locust monitoring organisations. Bhutto argued that despite numerous requests last year, the provinces were left at the mercy of desert locust. Also read: US to begin treating critically ill COVID-19 patients with Remdesivir "If the federal government fails once again, the country will face another disaster in the wake of desert locust attack," he warned. Responding to the Sindh government`s allegations that the federal government was "doing nothing" for locust threat in the province, the food security ministry said it was fully aware of its responsibility and actively pursuing the threat. "We are confident that the nation will collectively respond in the best possible manner to the challenge at hand," the minister stated, adding that the government is in the process of revisiting the 'National Action Plan for Locust' to make it more effective and resourceful. The ministry also said that the threat of locust was not restricted to Sindh, but other provinces were also affected by it. The present locust swarm spotted in Sindh is from Koh-i-Suleman range and not from Balochistan. As a precautionary measure, the Federal Plant Protection Department has deployed three ground teams, one helicopter and one beaver aircraft in Sukkur. The migration of locust is expected to start from the end of May from Balochistan and neighbouring countries. During migration, these migratory swarms were expected to cross through the cropping area of Sindh, for which the provincial government may alert its agriculture staff to be ready for response.In this connection, 50 officers of the Sindh agriculture department have already been trained by experts of the Plant Protection Department, according to the ministry.

Amid COVID-19 outbreak, Pakistan government prepares to tackle locust crisis

Children in approximately one-fifth of the homes in the United Kingdom are ''deprived'' of proper food to eat.

The number of households with children going hungry has doubled since lockdown began, as millions of people struggle to afford food according to&nbsp;data revealed by the Food Foundation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-coronavirus-tally-surpasses-35-million-amid-underreporting-concerns-296499" hreflang="en">Global coronavirus tally surpasses 3.5 million amid underreporting concerns</a>

In the past five weeks,&nbsp;children are skipping meals and are&nbsp;not getting enough to eat as already vulnerable families battle isolation and a loss of income.

Figures show 46 per cent of parents with a disabled child and 30 per cent of lone parents are facing food insecurity.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-300000-smokers-in-uk-may-have-quit-due-to-covid-19-fears-296545" hreflang="en">Over 3,00,000 smokers in UK may have quit due to COVID-19 fears</a>

Schools have been closed for weeks, meaning no reprieves for children who depends on free school lunches or breakfast clubs.

According to the&nbsp;Food&nbsp;Foundation, of the 621,000 children who were accessing free breakfast clubs before the pandemic, only 136,000 are being provided with an alternative. However, 31% of children entitled to free school meals are still not getting any substitute, leaving more than 500,000 children going without.

While meal voucher schemes running in the country&nbsp;are&nbsp;beset with problems, food banks have been overwhelmed with demand during the lockdown and are struggling to cope.

Children in approximately one-fifth of the homes in the United Kingdom are ''deprived'' of proper food to eat. The number of households with children going hungry has doubled since lockdown began, as millions of people struggle to afford food according to data revealed by the Food Foundation.

Children in approximately one-fifth of the homes in the United Kingdom are ''deprived'' of proper food to eat. The number of households with children going hungry has doubled since lockdown began, as millions of people struggle to afford food according to data revealed by the Food Foundation. Also read: Global coronavirus tally surpasses 3.5 million amid underreporting concerns In the past five weeks, children are skipping meals and are not getting enough to eat as already vulnerable families battle isolation and a loss of income. Figures show 46 per cent of parents with a disabled child and 30 per cent of lone parents are facing food insecurity. Also read: Over 3,00,000 smokers in UK may have quit due to COVID-19 fears Schools have been closed for weeks, meaning no reprieves for children who depends on free school lunches or breakfast clubs. According to the Food Foundation, of the 621,000 children who were accessing free breakfast clubs before the pandemic, only 136,000 are being provided with an alternative. However, 31% of children entitled to free school meals are still not getting any substitute, leaving more than 500,000 children going without. While meal voucher schemes running in the country are beset with problems, food banks have been overwhelmed with demand during the lockdown and are struggling to cope.

UK: One-fifth homes are 'deprived' of food amid pandemic

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