Can chickpea replace Chicken? Will beans and legumes be a good alternative for meat? Scientists in Australia have an explanation for this, take a look!

Chickpeas to replace Chicken? Plant-based food to be more palatable?

One wrong ingredient can ruin a dish, but this time it has landed an experienced chef behind bars. A toxic shepherd’s pie sent the chef to jail after one person died and more than 30 people suffered serious food poisoning.<o:p></o:p>

John Croucher, the head chef at the Crewe Arms in the Northamptonshire village of Hinton-in-the-Hedges. He served a shepherd’s pie at a church harvest supper at a village pub. However, that meal ended with a tragedy.<o:p></o:p>

The shepherd’s pie, which was filled with mince and been prepared in an incorrect manner, caused serious food poisoning to 32 people. Out of these 32 people, a 92-year-old healthy Elizabeth Neuman, reportedly died after eating the pie.

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Thirty one other people became unpleasantly ill and kept vomiting. Three people from the congregation escaped this tragedy as they were vegetarians and had, thus, not consumed the pie.<o:p></o:p>

"On 8 October 2018, 35 villagers went to the Crewe Arms for a harvest meal. Thirty-two people ate the shepherd’s pie. A healthy and well person died of a gastrointestinal haemorrhage induced from vomiting. No sentence I pass can reflect the loss caused to the family," said the judge, Sarah Campbell.<o:p></o:p>

"Croucher was the chef that night. The mince was not cooked properly and was placed into a pan with iced water. Croucher needed to leave, so put the mince in cling film and put it in the fridge overnight. Having left it, he cooked it again and added warm mashed potato. He did not take the temperature when it was served," she added.

<o:p></o:p>

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The chef has been charged with a four month jail sentence and has been suspended for a year on the charges of serious food regulations.<o:p></o:p>

"I hate to say it, I really hate to say it, but I think I was rushed. I was rushing," Croucher admitted. "Remorse is an understatement. This is something I will never forget. Because of it, I am a better chef and it is just a shame the cost of it had to be what it was."<o:p></o:p>

One wrong ingredient can ruin a dish, but this time it has landed an experienced chef behind bars. A toxic shepherd’s pie sent the chef to jail after one person died and more than 30 people suffered serious food poisoning.

One wrong ingredient can ruin a dish, but this time it has landed an experienced chef behind bars. A toxic shepherd’s pie sent the chef to jail after one person died and more than 30 people suffered serious food poisoning. John Croucher, the head chef at the Crewe Arms in the Northamptonshire village of Hinton-in-the-Hedges. He served a shepherd’s pie at a church harvest supper at a village pub. However, that meal ended with a tragedy. The shepherd’s pie, which was filled with mince and been prepared in an incorrect manner, caused serious food poisoning to 32 people. Out of these 32 people, a 92-year-old healthy Elizabeth Neuman, reportedly died after eating the pie. Also read | Fellow islander reunites woman with wedding ring lost 50 years ago after three-day search Thirty one other people became unpleasantly ill and kept vomiting. Three people from the congregation escaped this tragedy as they were vegetarians and had, thus, not consumed the pie. "On 8 October 2018, 35 villagers went to the Crewe Arms for a harvest meal. Thirty-two people ate the shepherd’s pie. A healthy and well person died of a gastrointestinal haemorrhage induced from vomiting. No sentence I pass can reflect the loss caused to the family," said the judge, Sarah Campbell. "Croucher was the chef that night. The mince was not cooked properly and was placed into a pan with iced water. Croucher needed to leave, so put the mince in cling film and put it in the fridge overnight. Having left it, he cooked it again and added warm mashed potato. He did not take the temperature when it was served," she added. Also see | Solar Eclipse 2021: When, Where, and how to watch last eclipse of year The chef has been charged with a four month jail sentence and has been suspended for a year on the charges of serious food regulations. "I hate to say it, I really hate to say it, but I think I was rushed. I was rushing," Croucher admitted. "Remorse is an understatement. This is something I will never forget. Because of it, I am a better chef and it is just a shame the cost of it had to be what it was."

Killer dish: Chef jailed for serving deadly shepherd's pie

Food crisis is deepening in America. The outbreak of Covid pandemic has only worsened the situation, so much so that even American military forces are finding it hard to secure food for their families.

According to a report by news agency AP, as many as 160,000 active-duty military members are having trouble feeding their families.

The report has quoted data from a United States-based nonprofit organisation, Feeding America, which runs over 200 food banks and feeds more than 46 million people across the country.

The revelation came when the NGO was compiling data to examine how long-term food insecurity has extended into every aspect of American life, including the military.

According to Department of Agriculture, US, over 89 per cent of US households were food secure throughout the year in 2020.

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The remaining 10.5 per cent of households were food insecure at least some time during the year, including 3.9 percent (5.1 million households) that had very low food security.

While the government has no data of food insecurity among the military members, the NGO’s report is the first one to openly acknowledge the glaring crisis among the armed forces.

Activists say that food crisis had existed for years in the military ranks, primarily among junior-level enlisted service members with children.

The group estimates that 29 per cent of troops in the most junior enlisted ranks faced food insecurity during the previous year.

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“It’s a shocking truth that’s known to many food banks across the United States. This should be the cause of deep embarrassment,” Vince Hall, Feeding America’s government relations officer, told AP.

A Naval officer acknowledged that he was relying on food assistance to ensure that his two daughters are fed.

“It is what it is," said James Bohannon, 34, a low-ranking Naval in San Diego.

"You know what you’re signing up for in the military,” he said, after emerging from a drive-thru food distribution organized by the local Armed Services YMCA branch. “But I’m not going to lie. It’s really tough.”

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Meredith Knopp, CEO of a food bank in St. Louis and an Army veteran, said the problem cuts across all branches of the military. She recalls being a young officer in Texas when she was approached by a new private with a baby.

“They were getting ready to turn off his electricity because he couldn't pay his bills,” she said. “It was shocking to me.”

According to experts there are several reasons why the military members are finding hard to afford food.

Modest pay, for instance, of junior enlisted ranks is the primary source of food crisis, the experts say. Apart from that, internal military culture of self-sufficiency leaves many reluctant to speak about their difficulties, for fear they will be regarded as irresponsible.

(With inputs from agencies)

Food crisis is deepening in America. The outbreak of Covid pandemic has only worsened the situation, so much so that even American military forces are finding it hard to secure food for their families.

Food crisis is deepening in America. The outbreak of Covid pandemic has only worsened the situation, so much so that even American military forces are finding it hard to secure food for their families. According to a report by news agency AP, as many as 160,000 active-duty military members are having trouble feeding their families. The report has quoted data from a United States-based nonprofit organisation, Feeding America, which runs over 200 food banks and feeds more than 46 million people across the country. The revelation came when the NGO was compiling data to examine how long-term food insecurity has extended into every aspect of American life, including the military. According to Department of Agriculture, US, over 89 per cent of US households were food secure throughout the year in 2020. Also read | Biden's effort to combat hunger marks ‘a profound change’ The remaining 10.5 per cent of households were food insecure at least some time during the year, including 3.9 percent (5.1 million households) that had very low food security. While the government has no data of food insecurity among the military members, the NGO’s report is the first one to openly acknowledge the glaring crisis among the armed forces. Activists say that food crisis had existed for years in the military ranks, primarily among junior-level enlisted service members with children. The group estimates that 29 per cent of troops in the most junior enlisted ranks faced food insecurity during the previous year. Also read | 12.4 mln people food insecure in war-torn Syria: WFP “It’s a shocking truth that’s known to many food banks across the United States. This should be the cause of deep embarrassment,” Vince Hall, Feeding America’s government relations officer, told AP. A Naval officer acknowledged that he was relying on food assistance to ensure that his two daughters are fed. “It is what it is," said James Bohannon, 34, a low-ranking Naval in San Diego. "You know what you’re signing up for in the military,” he said, after emerging from a drive-thru food distribution organized by the local Armed Services YMCA branch. “But I’m not going to lie. It’s really tough.” Also read | Around 20 million Yemenis food insecure due to ongoing conflict: UN Meredith Knopp, CEO of a food bank in St. Louis and an Army veteran, said the problem cuts across all branches of the military. She recalls being a young officer in Texas when she was approached by a new private with a baby. “They were getting ready to turn off his electricity because he couldn't pay his bills,” she said. “It was shocking to me.” According to experts there are several reasons why the military members are finding hard to afford food. Modest pay, for instance, of junior enlisted ranks is the primary source of food crisis, the experts say. Apart from that, internal military culture of self-sufficiency leaves many reluctant to speak about their difficulties, for fear they will be regarded as irresponsible. (With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of low-ranking military officers in US facing food insecurity: Report

Recent figures by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have revealed that global food prices have hit the highest level in over a decade after rising by more than 30 per cent in the last year. The cost of cereals and vegetable oils have surged all across the globe, figures have revealed.&nbsp;

The FAO Food Price Index surged for the third month in October as there was a 3 per cent increase from the previous month.

Vegetable oil prices hit a record high after rising by almost 10 per cent in the same month. Oil prices increased because of rises in the cost of palm, soy, sunflower and rapeseed oils.&nbsp;

Labour shortages are contributing to the price surge.&nbsp;

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The price of wheat soared by almost 40 per cent in the last 12 months after major exporters, including Canada, Russia and the US had poor harvests.

Shipping disruptions pushed up milk prices as the cost of dairy products rose by almost 16 per cent over the last year.

Brigit Busicchia from Macquarie University has said that speculation on global markets is also contributing to price volatility.&nbsp;

"Since the 1990s, the deregulation of commodity futures trading has made it possible for institutional investors to enter this market on a large scale," she said.&nbsp;

Recent figures by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have revealed that global food prices have hit the highest level in over a decade after rising by more than 30 per cent in the last year.

Recent figures by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have revealed that global food prices have hit the highest level in over a decade after rising by more than 30 per cent in the last year. The cost of cereals and vegetable oils have surged all across the globe, figures have revealed. The FAO Food Price Index surged for the third month in October as there was a 3 per cent increase from the previous month. Vegetable oil prices hit a record high after rising by almost 10 per cent in the same month. Oil prices increased because of rises in the cost of palm, soy, sunflower and rapeseed oils. Labour shortages are contributing to the price surge. Also read | US-China likely to reopen consulates shut in 2020, says report The price of wheat soared by almost 40 per cent in the last 12 months after major exporters, including Canada, Russia and the US had poor harvests. Shipping disruptions pushed up milk prices as the cost of dairy products rose by almost 16 per cent over the last year. Brigit Busicchia from Macquarie University has said that speculation on global markets is also contributing to price volatility. "Since the 1990s, the deregulation of commodity futures trading has made it possible for institutional investors to enter this market on a large scale," she said.

Global food prices record 10-year high as wheat prices soar by 40%

Nutritious food is essential for survival of the human beings. Well, at several times, many people tend to eat whatever looks good or seems tasty without understanding about its effect on the health. &nbsp;&nbsp;

This issue has become a big cause of concern for several people as several health problems have been mounting in the society for some time. These can be attributed to lifestyle, food choices, less or no workout and others. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/will-not-accept-contaminated-chinese-fertiliser-sri-lankas-director-general-of-agriculture-affirms-426287" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka won't take China's contaminated fertiliser, reaffirms farm official</a>

Well, no need to fret as a new gadget has been developed by Irish engineers, Aonghus Shortt and Peter Harte, which can prove beneficial in this regard. &nbsp;

These engineers have founded FoodMarble, a startup, which has invented portable devices. &nbsp;&nbsp;

These devices measure just 5 centimeters in length. It can test the hydrogen levels in a person's breath, which is a key signal for digestive disorders.

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The device allows users to test for hydrogen after meals. It gives real-time feedback on what food is bad for body. &nbsp;

This device can prove helpful in solving several health issues as it tells what to eat. After the problem is identified, many lifestyle and dietary changes can fix it permanently.&nbsp;

The readings from the device are transmitted to the app through Bluetooth. Users can log what they eat and over a course of time,&nbsp;spot the ingredients that trigger the symptoms. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Nutritious food is essential for survival of the human beings. Well, at several times, many people tend to eat whatever looks good or seems tasty without understanding about its effect on the health.

Nutritious food is essential for survival of the human beings. Well, at several times, many people tend to eat whatever looks good or seems tasty without understanding about its effect on the health. This issue has become a big cause of concern for several people as several health problems have been mounting in the society for some time. These can be attributed to lifestyle, food choices, less or no workout and others. Also Read: Sri Lanka won't take China's contaminated fertiliser, reaffirms farm official Well, no need to fret as a new gadget has been developed by Irish engineers, Aonghus Shortt and Peter Harte, which can prove beneficial in this regard. These engineers have founded FoodMarble, a startup, which has invented portable devices. These devices measure just 5 centimeters in length. It can test the hydrogen levels in a person's breath, which is a key signal for digestive disorders. Also Read: In a first, astronauts get to relish space-grown chillies on ISS The device allows users to test for hydrogen after meals. It gives real-time feedback on what food is bad for body. This device can prove helpful in solving several health issues as it tells what to eat. After the problem is identified, many lifestyle and dietary changes can fix it permanently. The readings from the device are transmitted to the app through Bluetooth. Users can log what they eat and over a course of time, spot the ingredients that trigger the symptoms. (With inputs from agencies)

Now, a new gadget can tell what food is bad for your body

Do you remember Monica Geller from the phenomenal hit show F.R.I.E.N.D.S? The internet gods have now blessed us with a real-life Monica!&nbsp;

Several social media users were impressed, while others were horrified when this woman&nbsp;Nicole McLaughlin posted pictures of what was in her fridge. Filed away into ring binders to keep them organised - as some says it gave off "serial killer vibes".

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In her video on the video sharing app TikTok, McLaughlin showed rows of labeled folders stacked neatly in her fridge. The folders can be seen to be carrying labels like sandwiches, meat, drinks etc.&nbsp;

McLaughlin then opens the binder labelled 'Sandwiches' to reveal that it contained cheeses, meats, pickles, salad, and slices of bread, all in separate plastic folders.

The video received an impressive 10 million views. Nicole, a designer from New York, says that her projects are mostly concerned with finding fun ways to repurpose items in different ways.

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She came up with this idea one night as she was going to sleep. She tells of having the thought, 'what if a refrigerator was just like a library and so organised?'

Her idea was inspired by the fact that people organize their refrigerators with labels and containers already.&nbsp; 
She decided to take it a step further and super organise according to type of food, using binders she had laying around. The sandwich folder, for instance, separated all the individual ingredients into compartments, from meat to cheese.

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Lauren says that it's always so funny to see how people would react. She had assumed that most people would take it as a joke, because in which crazy scenario would anyone organize their fridge that way.&nbsp;

However viewers were outraged by the system, after which Nicole pointed out that it was only a project and did not in any way represent her own fridge.

Do you remember Monica Geller from the phenomenal hit show F.R.I.E.N.D.S? The internet gods have now blessed us with a real-life Monica! Several social media users were impressed, while others were horrified when this woman Nicole McLaughlin posted pictures of what was in her fridge.

Do you remember Monica Geller from the phenomenal hit show F.R.I.E.N.D.S? The internet gods have now blessed us with a real-life Monica! Several social media users were impressed, while others were horrified when this woman Nicole McLaughlin posted pictures of what was in her fridge. Filed away into ring binders to keep them organised - as some says it gave off "serial killer vibes". Also read | This Taiwanese teacher uses porn site to teach calculus, earns $250,000 per year In her video on the video sharing app TikTok, McLaughlin showed rows of labeled folders stacked neatly in her fridge. The folders can be seen to be carrying labels like sandwiches, meat, drinks etc. McLaughlin then opens the binder labelled 'Sandwiches' to reveal that it contained cheeses, meats, pickles, salad, and slices of bread, all in separate plastic folders. The video received an impressive 10 million views. Nicole, a designer from New York, says that her projects are mostly concerned with finding fun ways to repurpose items in different ways. Also read | Facial hair aficionados face-off at German Moustache and Beard Championships She came up with this idea one night as she was going to sleep. She tells of having the thought, 'what if a refrigerator was just like a library and so organised?' Her idea was inspired by the fact that people organize their refrigerators with labels and containers already. She decided to take it a step further and super organise according to type of food, using binders she had laying around. The sandwich folder, for instance, separated all the individual ingredients into compartments, from meat to cheese. Also read | Japan's Princess Mako marries commoner: Other royals who gave up their titles for love Lauren says that it's always so funny to see how people would react. She had assumed that most people would take it as a joke, because in which crazy scenario would anyone organize their fridge that way. However viewers were outraged by the system, after which Nicole pointed out that it was only a project and did not in any way represent her own fridge.

Real-life Monica: UK woman shocks internet with a 'super organised' fridge, food filed in binders

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that millions of Afghans will face starvation this winter if urgent action is not taken. WFP has warned that more than half the population, which is about 22.8 million people, face acute food insecurity, while 3.2 million children under five could suffer acute malnutrition.

Ever since Afghanistan fell to the Taliban, it has been struggling to bring stability to the country. David Beasley, the executive director of the WFP was quoted by the BBC as saying, "Afghanistan is now among the world's worst humanitarian crises, if not the worst."

"We are on a countdown to catastrophe."

There have been reports of many Afghans selling their possessions to buy food. The new Taliban administration has been blocked from accessing overseas assets.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/eight-children-die-of-starvation-in-kabul-as-taliban-fails-to-stabilise-country-423575">Also read |&nbsp;Eight children die of starvation in Kabul as Taliban fails to stabilise country</a>

QU Dongyu, the director of the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation said, "It is urgent that we act efficiently and effectively to speed up and scale up our delivery in Afghanistan before winter cuts off a large part of the country, with millions of people - including farmers, women, young children and the elderly - going hungry in the freezing winter."

Meanwhile, The deceased children were orphans and had been struggling to find employment and earn their daily bread since the Taliban took control of the country in August.

Mohammad Ali Bamiani, a religious scholar and orator at one of the mosques in western Kabul buried these children. He reported that these eight children, four boys and four girls, had been given some bread to eat earlier by neighbours. However, needless to say, a little portion of bread was not enough to keep eight children in good health and alive.

"When the landlord wanted to invite the children for morning tea, he saw that they were all dead," he said, quoting the homeowner. &nbsp;eight children lost their lives to starvation in western Kabul. The children lived in the town of Etefaq, in the 13th district of Kabul, in the Barchi plain.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that millions of Afghans will face starvation this winter if urgent action is not taken. WFP has warned that more than half the population, which is about 22.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that millions of Afghans will face starvation this winter if urgent action is not taken. WFP has warned that more than half the population, which is about 22.8 million people, face acute food insecurity, while 3.2 million children under five could suffer acute malnutrition. Ever since Afghanistan fell to the Taliban, it has been struggling to bring stability to the country. David Beasley, the executive director of the WFP was quoted by the BBC as saying, "Afghanistan is now among the world's worst humanitarian crises, if not the worst." "We are on a countdown to catastrophe." There have been reports of many Afghans selling their possessions to buy food. The new Taliban administration has been blocked from accessing overseas assets. Also read | Eight children die of starvation in Kabul as Taliban fails to stabilise country QU Dongyu, the director of the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation said, "It is urgent that we act efficiently and effectively to speed up and scale up our delivery in Afghanistan before winter cuts off a large part of the country, with millions of people - including farmers, women, young children and the elderly - going hungry in the freezing winter." Meanwhile, The deceased children were orphans and had been struggling to find employment and earn their daily bread since the Taliban took control of the country in August. Mohammad Ali Bamiani, a religious scholar and orator at one of the mosques in western Kabul buried these children. He reported that these eight children, four boys and four girls, had been given some bread to eat earlier by neighbours. However, needless to say, a little portion of bread was not enough to keep eight children in good health and alive. "When the landlord wanted to invite the children for morning tea, he saw that they were all dead," he said, quoting the homeowner. eight children lost their lives to starvation in western Kabul. The children lived in the town of Etefaq, in the 13th district of Kabul, in the Barchi plain.

Afghanistan facing food crisis, warns UN

Plant-based dishes will dominate most of the menu at the Cop26 climate conference. Nearly 80 per cent of the food will be from Scotland.

The low-carbon will include 95 per cent British food, especially locally sourced Scottish produce. Also, each menu item has an estimate of its carbon footprint, “helping attendees make climate-friendly choices”.

The delegates will be served dishes like potato, leek and rosemary chowder, smoked salmon and “a spiced mushroom and onion burger served with a vegan tomato mayo, slaw and shoots”.

Hot drinks at the summit will be served in reusable cups that can be washed 1,000 times. As per organisers, this will save 250,000 single-use cups.

Cop26 president-designate, Alok Sharma, said that the choice of food served was important.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop26-sponsors-deem-the-climate-summit-as-mismanaged-and-very-last-minute-421757">Also read |&nbsp;COP26: Sponsors deem the climate summit as ‘mismanaged’ and 'very last minute'</a>

He was quoted by The Guardian as saying, “It is exciting to see such innovation in the menus that will be on offer and to understand the thought and effort that has gone into making dishes both healthy, sustainable and suitable for different diets and requirements.”

The sample menu includes winter squash lasagne, which contains 0.7kg CO2 equivalent emissions, celeriac, glazed root vegetables and winter squash, with vegan cheddar. Food items like organic kale and seasonal vegetable pasta, braised turkey meatballs, and organic spelt whole grain penne pasta are also included in the sample menu.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, companies that spent millions of pounds to sponsor the Cop26 climate summit have condemned it as “mismanaged” and “very last minute."

The sponsors include some of Britain’s biggest companies and they have raised formal complaints blaming “very inexperienced” civil servants for delayed decisions, poor communication and a breakdown in relations between the organisers and firm.

Ten major sponsors of the summit include Sky, energy giants Hitachi, National Grid, Scottish Power and SSE, US tech titan Microsoft, and FTSE companies GSK, NatWest, Reckitt, Sainsbury’s and Unilever.&nbsp;

According to a report by The Guardian, a letter has been sent to the organisers, which is written by broadcaster Sky and co-signed by senior leaders from other Cop26 sponsors.&nbsp;

Plant-based dishes will dominate most of the menu at the Cop26 climate conference. Nearly 80 per cent of the food will be from Scotland. The low-carbon will include 95 per cent British food, especially locally sourced Scottish produce.

Plant-based dishes will dominate most of the menu at the Cop26 climate conference. Nearly 80 per cent of the food will be from Scotland. The low-carbon will include 95 per cent British food, especially locally sourced Scottish produce. Also, each menu item has an estimate of its carbon footprint, “helping attendees make climate-friendly choices”. The delegates will be served dishes like potato, leek and rosemary chowder, smoked salmon and “a spiced mushroom and onion burger served with a vegan tomato mayo, slaw and shoots”. Hot drinks at the summit will be served in reusable cups that can be washed 1,000 times. As per organisers, this will save 250,000 single-use cups. Cop26 president-designate, Alok Sharma, said that the choice of food served was important. Also read | COP26: Sponsors deem the climate summit as ‘mismanaged’ and 'very last minute' He was quoted by The Guardian as saying, “It is exciting to see such innovation in the menus that will be on offer and to understand the thought and effort that has gone into making dishes both healthy, sustainable and suitable for different diets and requirements.” The sample menu includes winter squash lasagne, which contains 0.7kg CO2 equivalent emissions, celeriac, glazed root vegetables and winter squash, with vegan cheddar. Food items like organic kale and seasonal vegetable pasta, braised turkey meatballs, and organic spelt whole grain penne pasta are also included in the sample menu. Meanwhile, companies that spent millions of pounds to sponsor the Cop26 climate summit have condemned it as “mismanaged” and “very last minute." The sponsors include some of Britain’s biggest companies and they have raised formal complaints blaming “very inexperienced” civil servants for delayed decisions, poor communication and a breakdown in relations between the organisers and firm. Ten major sponsors of the summit include Sky, energy giants Hitachi, National Grid, Scottish Power and SSE, US tech titan Microsoft, and FTSE companies GSK, NatWest, Reckitt, Sainsbury’s and Unilever. According to a report by The Guardian, a letter has been sent to the organisers, which is written by broadcaster Sky and co-signed by senior leaders from other Cop26 sponsors.

Cop26: Plant-based dishes to dominate the menu with 80% Scottish food

Greek authorities have been accused of excluding refugees and asylum seekers from food and cash assistance by various rights groups. This is because of tough policies and poor planning.

Greek authorities have been accused of excluding refugees and asylum seekers from food and cash assistance by various rights groups. This is because of tough policies and poor planning. "Though practices differ from region to region, it is roughly estimated that 60 per cent of people living in camps do not receive food in the mainland," the 26 organisations, including the Greek Council of Refugees and the International Rescue Committee, said in a statement. "Among those left hungry, 25 per cent are women (including pregnant women), single-headed families, 40 per cent are children, chronic patients, and patients with special medical and nutritional conditions. In some places, food is not even provided to those put in quarantine due to COVID 19," they added. The task of handing out EU cash assistance to asylum seekers in Greek camps have not received their support, over two weeks after the Greek state took over from the UN refugee agency. This includes nearly 36,000 people. Also read | 'No reason to pretend': Russia shuts NATO missions amid spying row "In an attempt to cover this gap, asylum seekers have been receiving portions of food, reportedly of very poor quality and often not fully cooked," the right groups said. In response, the migration ministry said "All asylum seekers in camps on the islands and mainland have the right to food" and received three meals daily. The ministry further highlighted that this does not include refugees who "must leave" the camps, while migrants whose asylum applications have been rejected "are obliged to leave the country." The authorities also insisted there was "no delay" in payouts to camp residents, which will be received at the end of October. The exact number of refugees and asylum seekers currently in Greece is unclear. A planned nationwide census that comes out in the end of the month is expected to help clarify the issue, the UN refugee agency's representative in Greece, Mireille Girard, said last week. Girard said the latest estimate of refugees and asylum seekers in Greece is around 96,000.

Greek authorities accused of leaving refugees short of food

In the following two years of poor rainfall, Covid-19 pandemic and desert locust outbreak, nearly about two million Kenyans in the northern part of the nation are facing starvation. They themselves are in a particularly dire situation and are crumbling to find an alternative way to combat climate change.

Northern Kenya endures severe drought, lack access to food and water

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday encouraged a change in actions toward sustainable food systems on the occasion of World Food Day, which falls on October 16.

In a video message, Guterres said World Food Day is not only a reminder of the importance of food to every person on the planet but also a call to action to achieve food security around the world.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-hes-open-to-shortening-length-of-new-programmes-421297">Biden says he's open to shortening length of new programmes</a>

Today, almost 40 per cent of humanity -- 3 billion people -- cannot afford a healthy diet, he said.

Hunger is on the rise, so too are undernourishment and obesity. The economic impacts of COVID-19 have made a bad situation even worse.

The pandemic has left an additional 140 million people unable to access the food they need, he noted.

"At the same time, the way we produce, consume and waste food is taking a heavy toll on our planet. It is putting historic pressure on our natural resources, climate and natural environment -- and costing us trillions of dollars a year," said Guterres. "As this year's theme makes clear, the power to change is in our hands. "The theme for this year's World Food Day is "Our actions are our future."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-re-elected-to-un-human-rights-council-for-the-sixth-time-with-overwhelming-majority-420871">India re-elected to UN Human Rights Council for the sixth time with overwhelming majority</a>

Last month, the world gathered for the UN Food Systems Summit. Countries made bold commitments to transform food systems: to make healthy diets more affordable and accessible, and to make food systems more efficient, resilient and sustainable at every step, from production and processing to marketing, transportation and delivery, he said.

"We can all change how we consume food, and make healthier choices -- for ourselves, and our planet. In our food systems, there is hope. On this World Food Day, join us as we commit to take transformative action to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals through food systems that deliver better nutrition, a better environment and a better life for every person," he said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday encouraged a change in actions toward sustainable food systems on the occasion of World Food Day, which falls on October 16.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday encouraged a change in actions toward sustainable food systems on the occasion of World Food Day, which falls on October 16. In a video message, Guterres said World Food Day is not only a reminder of the importance of food to every person on the planet but also a call to action to achieve food security around the world. Also Read | Biden says he's open to shortening length of new programmes Today, almost 40 per cent of humanity -- 3 billion people -- cannot afford a healthy diet, he said. Hunger is on the rise, so too are undernourishment and obesity. The economic impacts of COVID-19 have made a bad situation even worse. The pandemic has left an additional 140 million people unable to access the food they need, he noted. "At the same time, the way we produce, consume and waste food is taking a heavy toll on our planet. It is putting historic pressure on our natural resources, climate and natural environment -- and costing us trillions of dollars a year," said Guterres. "As this year's theme makes clear, the power to change is in our hands. "The theme for this year's World Food Day is "Our actions are our future." Also Read | India re-elected to UN Human Rights Council for the sixth time with overwhelming majority Last month, the world gathered for the UN Food Systems Summit. Countries made bold commitments to transform food systems: to make healthy diets more affordable and accessible, and to make food systems more efficient, resilient and sustainable at every step, from production and processing to marketing, transportation and delivery, he said. "We can all change how we consume food, and make healthier choices -- for ourselves, and our planet. In our food systems, there is hope. On this World Food Day, join us as we commit to take transformative action to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals through food systems that deliver better nutrition, a better environment and a better life for every person," he said.

UN chief encourages change in actions towards sustainable food systems

A new study has revealed that four weeks on a diet of highly processed food can lead to a strong inflammatory response in the brains of ageing rats, accompanied by behavioural signs of memory loss.

Also, replacing processed foods with omega-3 fatty acid DHA reduced the inflammatory effects in older rats.&nbsp;

However, no such cognitive issues were found in young rats that were given a processed food-enriched diet.

Senior study author Ruth Barrientos, an investigator in The Ohio State University Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research and associate professor of psychiatry and behavioural health said, "The fact we're seeing these effects so quickly is a little bit alarming."

He further highlighted that the findings also indicated that processed diet can lead to abrupt memory deficit and rapid memory decline in older people. This can be a cause of Alzheimer's.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-food-day-2021-here-are-few-ways-to-end-global-hunger-and-reduce-food-wastage-421293">Also read |&nbsp;World Food Day 2021: Here are few ways to end global hunger and reduce food wastage</a>

"By being aware of this, maybe we can limit processed foods in our diets and increase consumption of foods that are rich in the omega-3 fatty acid DHA to either prevent or slow that progression," Ruth said.

The research team randomly assigned 3-month-old and 24-month-old male rats to their normal chow (32 per cent calories from protein, 54 per cent from wheat-based complex carbs and 14 per cent from fat), a highly-processed diet (19.6 per cent of calories from protein, 63.3 per cent from refined carbs, cornstarch, maltodextrin and sucrose, and 17.1 per cent from fat), or the same processed diet supplemented with DHA.

The activation of genes led to a powerful pro-inflammatory protein and various other substances that contribute to inflammation.

The results also concluded that DHA supplementation of the processed-food diets consumed by the older rats prevented the elevated inflammatory response in the brain and behavioural signs of memory loss.

These researchers, however, are not sure about the exact dosage of DHA.

A new study has revealed that four weeks on a diet of highly processed food can lead to a strong inflammatory response in the brains of ageing rats, accompanied by behavioural signs of memory loss.

A new study has revealed that four weeks on a diet of highly processed food can lead to a strong inflammatory response in the brains of ageing rats, accompanied by behavioural signs of memory loss. Also, replacing processed foods with omega-3 fatty acid DHA reduced the inflammatory effects in older rats. However, no such cognitive issues were found in young rats that were given a processed food-enriched diet. Senior study author Ruth Barrientos, an investigator in The Ohio State University Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research and associate professor of psychiatry and behavioural health said, "The fact we're seeing these effects so quickly is a little bit alarming." He further highlighted that the findings also indicated that processed diet can lead to abrupt memory deficit and rapid memory decline in older people. This can be a cause of Alzheimer's. Also read | World Food Day 2021: Here are few ways to end global hunger and reduce food wastage "By being aware of this, maybe we can limit processed foods in our diets and increase consumption of foods that are rich in the omega-3 fatty acid DHA to either prevent or slow that progression," Ruth said. The research team randomly assigned 3-month-old and 24-month-old male rats to their normal chow (32 per cent calories from protein, 54 per cent from wheat-based complex carbs and 14 per cent from fat), a highly-processed diet (19.6 per cent of calories from protein, 63.3 per cent from refined carbs, cornstarch, maltodextrin and sucrose, and 17.1 per cent from fat), or the same processed diet supplemented with DHA. The activation of genes led to a powerful pro-inflammatory protein and various other substances that contribute to inflammation. The results also concluded that DHA supplementation of the processed-food diets consumed by the older rats prevented the elevated inflammatory response in the brain and behavioural signs of memory loss. These researchers, however, are not sure about the exact dosage of DHA.

Highly processed food may affect memory and lead to Alzheimer's, says study

Every year, October 16, is marked as World Food Day to mark the founding of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN). Established in 1945, the main goal of this day is to promote the message that food is a fundamental human right.&nbsp;

However, this year, World Food Day finds us at a very crucial moment. While the world was already coping with the consequences of climate disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic posed another threat.

As a result of megafires, crops have gone up in flames, lives and livelihoods have been destroyed, thus contributing to global food security challenges.

In an attempt to manage this issue, UN Food Systems Summit convened by the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres conveyed how the world needs to move forward to transform agri-food systems.

Early this month, a World Food Forum was successfully convened in Rome. Powered by the global youth, and youth representatives at FAO and our sister agencies, it focuses on harnessing the creativity of younger generations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-schools-shift-back-to-classroom-teaching-are-students-ready-to-be-reintroduced-to-outer-world-421087">Also read |&nbsp;As schools shift back to classroom teaching, are students ready to be reintroduced to outer world?</a>

The younger generations will be the ones who will have to face the direct consequences of the climate crisis and malfunctioning agri-food systems.&nbsp;14 per cent of the food is produced is lost, and 17 per cent is wasted.&nbsp;

While on one hand, people across the world struggle for their meals, there are people who tend to waste food. There are various ways of preventing food from being wasted, including, shopping smartly - To prevent the food from getting wasted, one needs to get rid of the habit of buying excess food.

Upcycling food can also be another way to save food. Instead of throwing out banana peels, coconut and eggshells, one can use them to fertilise the garden. Coconut shells can also be used as bowls and plant pots.&nbsp;

Eating the skin can also be considered another important measure. The peels of several fruits, including kiwi, apples and bananas have important nutrients. Apart from being used as eatables, they can also be used as beauty products.&nbsp;

As per an estimate by FAO, as much as $40 to $50 billion in annual investments on targeted interventions is needed to end hunger by 2030. Also, there are many low-cost, high-impact projects that can help hundreds of millions of people in meeting their food needs.

Every year, October 16, is marked as World Food Day to mark the founding of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN). Established in 1945, the main goal of this day is to promote the message that food is a fundamental human right.

Every year, October 16, is marked as World Food Day to mark the founding of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN). Established in 1945, the main goal of this day is to promote the message that food is a fundamental human right. However, this year, World Food Day finds us at a very crucial moment. While the world was already coping with the consequences of climate disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic posed another threat. As a result of megafires, crops have gone up in flames, lives and livelihoods have been destroyed, thus contributing to global food security challenges. In an attempt to manage this issue, UN Food Systems Summit convened by the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres conveyed how the world needs to move forward to transform agri-food systems. Early this month, a World Food Forum was successfully convened in Rome. Powered by the global youth, and youth representatives at FAO and our sister agencies, it focuses on harnessing the creativity of younger generations. Also read | As schools shift back to classroom teaching, are students ready to be reintroduced to outer world? The younger generations will be the ones who will have to face the direct consequences of the climate crisis and malfunctioning agri-food systems. 14 per cent of the food is produced is lost, and 17 per cent is wasted. While on one hand, people across the world struggle for their meals, there are people who tend to waste food. There are various ways of preventing food from being wasted, including, shopping smartly - To prevent the food from getting wasted, one needs to get rid of the habit of buying excess food. Upcycling food can also be another way to save food. Instead of throwing out banana peels, coconut and eggshells, one can use them to fertilise the garden. Coconut shells can also be used as bowls and plant pots. Eating the skin can also be considered another important measure. The peels of several fruits, including kiwi, apples and bananas have important nutrients. Apart from being used as eatables, they can also be used as beauty products. As per an estimate by FAO, as much as $40 to $50 billion in annual investments on targeted interventions is needed to end hunger by 2030. Also, there are many low-cost, high-impact projects that can help hundreds of millions of people in meeting their food needs.

World Food Day 2021: Here are few ways to end global hunger and reduce food wastage

Fine cheese is the food of the sophisticated. The dairy product is paired with different foods or drinks to enhance the delight of fine dining. There are many, many types of cheese and each has its own taste and fanbase. Europeans are avid cheese eaters but in some modified form, the dairy product is consumed in different corners of the world.

But how old is this tradition of eating cheese? A new study has found out that at least in Europe Blue Cheese and Beer were being consumed since the Iron Age, that is, 2700 years ago.

The research was conducted jointly by many institutions in Austria, Italy and the US.

To reach the conclusion, researchers analysed 2700-year-old stool samples in Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut salt mines in Austria.

In their analysis, the researchers found presence of two fungi in the samples. The fungi Penicillium roqueforti and Saccharomyces cerevisiae are still widely used to make blue cheese and beer. Through a genome-wide analysis the researchers found out that these fungi were used by people in the Iron Age to ferment food

The research team thinks that diet of these yesteryear Europeans involved fibrous foods and was rich in carbohydrates.&nbsp;

The findings about blue cheese and beer have helped the researchers conclude that culinary practices of even our pre-historic ancestors had a degree of sophistication.

Fine cheese is the food of the sophisticated. The dairy product is paired with different foods or drinks to enhance the delight of fine dining. There are many, many types of cheese and each has its own taste and fanbase.

Fine cheese is the food of the sophisticated. The dairy product is paired with different foods or drinks to enhance the delight of fine dining. There are many, many types of cheese and each has its own taste and fanbase. Europeans are avid cheese eaters but in some modified form, the dairy product is consumed in different corners of the world. But how old is this tradition of eating cheese? A new study has found out that at least in Europe Blue Cheese and Beer were being consumed since the Iron Age, that is, 2700 years ago. The research was conducted jointly by many institutions in Austria, Italy and the US. To reach the conclusion, researchers analysed 2700-year-old stool samples in Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut salt mines in Austria. In their analysis, the researchers found presence of two fungi in the samples. The fungi Penicillium roqueforti and Saccharomyces cerevisiae are still widely used to make blue cheese and beer. Through a genome-wide analysis the researchers found out that these fungi were used by people in the Iron Age to ferment food The research team thinks that diet of these yesteryear Europeans involved fibrous foods and was rich in carbohydrates. The findings about blue cheese and beer have helped the researchers conclude that culinary practices of even our pre-historic ancestors had a degree of sophistication.

People had blue cheese and beer even 2700 years ago, says study

The Sri Lankan government on Friday ended price controls on essential foods in a bid to end black market trading as food shortages worsen amid a foreign currency crisis.

The cabinet decided to free prices for milk powder, wheat flour, sugar and liquified petroleum gas hoping it would increase supplies.

"Prices could go up by as much as 37 per cent across the board, but it is hoped dealers will not make unconscionable profits," a trade ministry official told AFP.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-lifts-virus-lockdown-retains-night-curfew-417295">Sri Lanka lifts virus lockdown, retains night curfew</a>

A shortage of foreign currency caused by a pandemic recession has unleashed the shortages of food, medicines and other essential items for the island nation of 21 million people.

The government declared a state of emergency over the food shortages on August 31 and imposed rationing.&nbsp;

It forced farmers to sell their rice to a state agency and seized some from private warehouses. But the shortages worsened and last week authorities lifted controls on rice hoping to get supplies into markets.

Since then rice prices have risen by more than a third though people can buy as much as they want.

During rationing, state stores sold only one kilogramme (2.2 pounds) of rice for each person. Sugar and lentils were similarly rationed. Virtually all private traders withdrew from the market.

Central Bank governor Nivard Cabraal told reporters on Thursday that he had authorised some $50 million to get the release of containers of milk powder blocked in Colombo port for the past three months.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-lanka-wont-be-allowed-to-be-used-for-any-activity-against-india-president-rajapaksa-418465">Sri Lanka won't be allowed to be used for any activity against India: President Rajapaksa</a>

With price controls removed from Friday, a kilo of imported milk powder was increased by more than a third to 1,300 rupees ($6.5), traders said. The price of gas is also due to go up by about 35 percent.

The Sri Lankan economy shrank by a record 3.6 per cent last year as the coronavirus pandemic brought a brutal halt to the key tourism industry.

The government banned imports of non-essential goods, including vehicles, spare parts and appliances in March 2020 because of currency shortages.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka was already suffering from heavy foreign debt repayments.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's foreign reserves stood at $3.55 billion at the end of August. It has to repay about $2 billion in foreign debts before the end of the year.

Some analysts and opposition politicians say it may be forced to seek a bailout.

The Sri Lankan government on Friday ended price controls on essential foods in a bid to end black market trading as food shortages worsen amid a foreign currency crisis.

The Sri Lankan government on Friday ended price controls on essential foods in a bid to end black market trading as food shortages worsen amid a foreign currency crisis. The cabinet decided to free prices for milk powder, wheat flour, sugar and liquified petroleum gas hoping it would increase supplies. "Prices could go up by as much as 37 per cent across the board, but it is hoped dealers will not make unconscionable profits," a trade ministry official told AFP. Also Read | Sri Lanka lifts virus lockdown, retains night curfew A shortage of foreign currency caused by a pandemic recession has unleashed the shortages of food, medicines and other essential items for the island nation of 21 million people. The government declared a state of emergency over the food shortages on August 31 and imposed rationing. It forced farmers to sell their rice to a state agency and seized some from private warehouses. But the shortages worsened and last week authorities lifted controls on rice hoping to get supplies into markets. Since then rice prices have risen by more than a third though people can buy as much as they want. During rationing, state stores sold only one kilogramme (2.2 pounds) of rice for each person. Sugar and lentils were similarly rationed. Virtually all private traders withdrew from the market. Central Bank governor Nivard Cabraal told reporters on Thursday that he had authorised some $50 million to get the release of containers of milk powder blocked in Colombo port for the past three months. Also Read | Sri Lanka won't be allowed to be used for any activity against India: President Rajapaksa With price controls removed from Friday, a kilo of imported milk powder was increased by more than a third to 1,300 rupees ($6.5), traders said. The price of gas is also due to go up by about 35 percent. The Sri Lankan economy shrank by a record 3.6 per cent last year as the coronavirus pandemic brought a brutal halt to the key tourism industry. The government banned imports of non-essential goods, including vehicles, spare parts and appliances in March 2020 because of currency shortages. Sri Lanka was already suffering from heavy foreign debt repayments. Sri Lanka's foreign reserves stood at $3.55 billion at the end of August. It has to repay about $2 billion in foreign debts before the end of the year. Some analysts and opposition politicians say it may be forced to seek a bailout.

Sri Lanka allows sharp rise in food prices to ease shortages

At the beginning of Conservative Party's conference, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Sunday he would not return to "uncontrolled immigration" to solve gas, fuel and Christmas food crises. &nbsp;

The leader, who was forced to again defend his government, suggested for the first time that the issues were related to Brexit. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/queen-elizabeth-urges-scottish-parliament-to-tackle-climate-change-417916" hreflang="en">Queen Elizabeth urges Scottish parliament to tackle climate change</a>

The Johnson government is facing numerous issues as people are unable to get petrol for vehicles, retailers are warning about shortages for Christmas and gas companies are struggling with a spike in wholesale prices. &nbsp;

Although the British leader was looking to refocus on his 2019 election pledges to tackle regional inequality, crime and social care at the conference, he was forced to get on the backfoot. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sarah-everards-killer-was-put-on-parliamentary-duty-5-times-despite-criminal-background-reports-417885" hreflang="en">Sarah Everard's killer was put on Parliamentary duty 5 times despite criminal background: Reports</a>

Johnson told BBC's Andrew Marr Show, "The way forward for our country is not to just pull the big lever marked uncontrolled immigration, and allow in huge numbers of people to do work ... So what I won't do is go back to the old failed model of low wages, low skills supported by uncontrolled immigration." &nbsp;&nbsp;

"When people voted for change in 2016 and ... again in 2019 as they did, they voted for the end of a broken model of the UK economy that relied on low wages and low skill and chronic low productivity, and we are moving away from that," the PM added. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

At the beginning of Conservative Party's conference, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Sunday he would not return to "uncontrolled immigration" to solve gas, fuel and Christmas food crises.

At the beginning of Conservative Party's conference, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Sunday he would not return to "uncontrolled immigration" to solve gas, fuel and Christmas food crises. The leader, who was forced to again defend his government, suggested for the first time that the issues were related to Brexit. Also Read: Queen Elizabeth urges Scottish parliament to tackle climate change The Johnson government is facing numerous issues as people are unable to get petrol for vehicles, retailers are warning about shortages for Christmas and gas companies are struggling with a spike in wholesale prices. Although the British leader was looking to refocus on his 2019 election pledges to tackle regional inequality, crime and social care at the conference, he was forced to get on the backfoot. Also Read | Sarah Everard's killer was put on Parliamentary duty 5 times despite criminal background: Reports Johnson told BBC's Andrew Marr Show, "The way forward for our country is not to just pull the big lever marked uncontrolled immigration, and allow in huge numbers of people to do work ... So what I won't do is go back to the old failed model of low wages, low skills supported by uncontrolled immigration." "When people voted for change in 2016 and ... again in 2019 as they did, they voted for the end of a broken model of the UK economy that relied on low wages and low skill and chronic low productivity, and we are moving away from that," the PM added. (With inputs from agencies)

Immigration to not solve food, fuel crises, says UK PM Boris Johnson

Getting married is a dream and pictures clicked that day serve as lifelong memories. However, not in the worst of thoughts would anyone think that their photographer would intentionally delete all pictures.<o:p></o:p>

But this happened, and it happened for the love of food.<o:p></o:p>

A wedding photographer had one of her worst experiences shooting the wedding as she denied any break during the whole course of the function.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trash-it-florida-man-gets-rid-of-an-alligator-in-unique-way-417330">Trash it! Florida man gets rid of an alligator in unique way</a></o:p>

Things crossed line when she was also denied a break to have dinner. So, this angered the photographer and she deleted all the photographs she had clicked that day.<o:p></o:p>

As per a post on Reddit, the photographer was doing a favour to the bride and groom. She shot the wedding function for six hours straight and then requested for a 20 minute break but was denied straightaway by the groom.<o:p></o:p>

"I told the groom I need to take off for 20 min to get something to eat and drink," the Reddit post read. "He tells me I need to either be a photographer, or leave without pay."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-photo-of-idlis-served-on-ice-cream-stick-has-got-the-internet-divided-417267">Photo of idlis served on ice-cream stick has got the internet divided</a>

<o:p></o:p>

However, the photographer did not just give up then. Even though she was shocked at this behaviour, she once again asked the groom if he was serious about it. Sadly, the groom responded in similar fashion, which forced the photographer to take this dramatic step.<o:p></o:p>

"... I asked if he was sure, and he said yes, so I deleted all the photos I took in front of him and took off saying I'm not his photographer anymore," the post reads.<o:p></o:p>

She also explained that she was only to be paid $250 for the whole event which was too less for a 10 hour long event. "I'm not really a photographer, I'm a dog groomer. I take lots of photos of dogs all day to put on my&nbsp;Facebook and Instagram, it’s 'my thing'," she explained.<o:p></o:p>

Getting married is a dream and pictures clicked that day serve as lifelong memories. However, not in the worst of thoughts would anyone think that their photographer would intentionally delete all pictures.

Getting married is a dream and pictures clicked that day serve as lifelong memories. However, not in the worst of thoughts would anyone think that their photographer would intentionally delete all pictures. But this happened, and it happened for the love of food. A wedding photographer had one of her worst experiences shooting the wedding as she denied any break during the whole course of the function. Also read | Trash it! Florida man gets rid of an alligator in unique way Things crossed line when she was also denied a break to have dinner. So, this angered the photographer and she deleted all the photographs she had clicked that day. As per a post on Reddit, the photographer was doing a favour to the bride and groom. She shot the wedding function for six hours straight and then requested for a 20 minute break but was denied straightaway by the groom. "I told the groom I need to take off for 20 min to get something to eat and drink," the Reddit post read. "He tells me I need to either be a photographer, or leave without pay." Also read | Photo of idlis served on ice-cream stick has got the internet divided However, the photographer did not just give up then. Even though she was shocked at this behaviour, she once again asked the groom if he was serious about it. Sadly, the groom responded in similar fashion, which forced the photographer to take this dramatic step. "... I asked if he was sure, and he said yes, so I deleted all the photos I took in front of him and took off saying I'm not his photographer anymore," the post reads. She also explained that she was only to be paid $250 for the whole event which was too less for a 10 hour long event. "I'm not really a photographer, I'm a dog groomer. I take lots of photos of dogs all day to put on my Facebook and Instagram, it’s 'my thing'," she explained.

No food, no pictures: Wedding photographer deletes all pictures after she is denied breaks

Everyone has their own love language, and for the recently-elected Japanese Prime Minister, food might be it.<o:p></o:p>

Fumio Kishida who has just been named as the new Prime Minister of Japan has now gained a new found stardom on the internet through a simple post about one of his favourite traditional dishes.<o:p></o:p>

During an Instagram live, the new PM said he confessed that he loves okonomiyaki that his wife cooks for him. Much to his surprise, when he returned back home his wife had a plate of his favourite dish ready for him.<o:p></o:p>

The new Prime Minister took to Twitter to express his happiness and gratitude over this act of love.

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帰宅すると、妻の裕子がお好み焼きを作ってくれていました。インスタライブで私が、「妻の作ってくれるお好み焼きが大好きです」と言っていたからです。 
 
いつも最高に美味しいけど、今日は、一生忘れられない美味しさでした。ありがとう。 <a href="https://t.co/vsBesywmCG">pic.twitter.com/vsBesywmCG</a>
— 岸田文雄 (@kishida230) <a href="https://twitter.com/kishida230/status/1443227822324027396?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"When I got home, my wife Yuko made me&nbsp;okonomiyaki, because I had said I love the dish she makes for me on Instagram live,"&nbsp;Kishida tweeted. "It's always super delicious, but today it was so delicious I won't forget it for a lifetime. Thank you."<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

Okonomiyaki is a Japanese savoury pancake dish that is made up of flour batter, cabbage, meat and can be topped with Japanese mayonnaise, pickled ginger, aonori and several other sauces. <o:p></o:p>

This dish mainly has routes in &nbsp;Hiroshima&nbsp;(Kishida's constituency) or the&nbsp;Kansai region&nbsp;of Japan and is hugely available as a popular dish all over Japan.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-meet-japans-100th-prime-minister-fumio-kishida-416951">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-meet-japans-100th-prime-minister-fumio-kishida-416951/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Fumio Kishida is the 100th Prime Minister of Japan and will be replacing Yoshihide Suga. After Suga declared he will be giving up on the post and resigning from the office, Kishida won against Taro Kono in a close call.<o:p></o:p>

The new Prime Minister is hoping to be able to produce oral drugs and come up with stricter and more effective ways of beating the deadly coronavirus.<o:p></o:p>

"I want us to move toward and achieve the target of bringing our socio-economic activity back to near normalcy at the start of next year," Kishida had earlier said.<o:p></o:p>

Everyone has their own love language, and for the recently-elected Japanese Prime Minister, food might be it. Fumio Kishida who has just been named as the new Prime Minister of Japan has now gained a new found stardom on the internet through a simple post about one of his favourite traditional dishes.

Everyone has their own love language, and for the recently-elected Japanese Prime Minister, food might be it. Fumio Kishida who has just been named as the new Prime Minister of Japan has now gained a new found stardom on the internet through a simple post about one of his favourite traditional dishes. During an Instagram live, the new PM said he confessed that he loves okonomiyaki that his wife cooks for him. Much to his surprise, when he returned back home his wife had a plate of his favourite dish ready for him. The new Prime Minister took to Twitter to express his happiness and gratitude over this act of love. 帰宅すると、妻の裕子がお好み焼きを作ってくれていました。インスタライブで私が、「妻の作ってくれるお好み焼きが大好きです」と言っていたからです。 いつも最高に美味しいけど、今日は、一生忘れられない美味しさでした。ありがとう。 pic.twitter.com/vsBesywmCG — 岸田文雄 (@kishida230) September 29, 2021 × "When I got home, my wife Yuko made me okonomiyaki, because I had said I love the dish she makes for me on Instagram live," Kishida tweeted. "It's always super delicious, but today it was so delicious I won't forget it for a lifetime. Thank you." Okonomiyaki is a Japanese savoury pancake dish that is made up of flour batter, cabbage, meat and can be topped with Japanese mayonnaise, pickled ginger, aonori and several other sauces. This dish mainly has routes in Hiroshima (Kishida's constituency) or the Kansai region of Japan and is hugely available as a popular dish all over Japan. WATCH | Fumio Kishida is the 100th Prime Minister of Japan and will be replacing Yoshihide Suga. After Suga declared he will be giving up on the post and resigning from the office, Kishida won against Taro Kono in a close call. The new Prime Minister is hoping to be able to produce oral drugs and come up with stricter and more effective ways of beating the deadly coronavirus. "I want us to move toward and achieve the target of bringing our socio-economic activity back to near normalcy at the start of next year," Kishida had earlier said.

'With love': Japan's new PM Kishida Fumio wins over internet with a picture of Japanese pancake

Sri Lanka is facing food shortages with customers in state-run supermarkets reporting long queues for daily need items such as rice, sugar, lentils and milk powder, reports BBC.

However, the government has denied there are shortages.&nbsp;

It says that the strict controls on the supply of essential goods imposed on August 30 by president Gotabaya Rajapaksa was needed to prevent traders hoarding food items and control inflation.

The government has also declared a state of emergency, while Sri Lanka’s Central Bank chief has stepped down during a foreign exchange crisis.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/911-attacks-fbi-releases-newly-declassified-record-412485">Also read |&nbsp;9/11 attacks: FBI releases newly declassified record</a>

In recent months, items such as sugar, onions and lentils have been rising in cost. Meanwhile, after rising in May, the price of rice has been falling and continued to drop following the imposition of a retail price cap from the start of September.

The emergency regulations allow the government to provide food items and other essentials at controlled prices.

The country's finance ministry told the BBC that "The creation of an artificial shortage by unscrupulous elements will obviously lead to increases in prices of those items."

"We can give a categorical and firm assurance that all essential items would be readily available at all times," the finance ministry said in its response to the BBC.

Sri Lanka is facing food shortages with customers in state-run supermarkets reporting long queues for daily need items such as rice, sugar, lentils and milk powder, reports BBC.

Sri Lanka is facing food shortages with customers in state-run supermarkets reporting long queues for daily need items such as rice, sugar, lentils and milk powder, reports BBC. However, the government has denied there are shortages. It says that the strict controls on the supply of essential goods imposed on August 30 by president Gotabaya Rajapaksa was needed to prevent traders hoarding food items and control inflation. The government has also declared a state of emergency, while Sri Lanka’s Central Bank chief has stepped down during a foreign exchange crisis. Also read | 9/11 attacks: FBI releases newly declassified record In recent months, items such as sugar, onions and lentils have been rising in cost. Meanwhile, after rising in May, the price of rice has been falling and continued to drop following the imposition of a retail price cap from the start of September. The emergency regulations allow the government to provide food items and other essentials at controlled prices. The country's finance ministry told the BBC that "The creation of an artificial shortage by unscrupulous elements will obviously lead to increases in prices of those items." "We can give a categorical and firm assurance that all essential items would be readily available at all times," the finance ministry said in its response to the BBC.

Sri Lanka faces food shortages, here is all you need to know

On being&nbsp;deprived of preferred food&nbsp;brought in by tourists now kept away by the COVID-19,&nbsp;hungry monkeys have started raiding villagers' homes in search for something tasty to eat&nbsp;on the resort island of Bali. The&nbsp;preferred food for the monkeys include bananas, peanuts and other goodies.

The gray long-tailed macaques nowadays have been venturing out from a sanctuary about 500 metres away to hang out on the&nbsp;roofs and await the opportune time to swoop down and snatch food, said&nbsp;villagers in Sangeh.

Watch | Gravitas: Can long COVID be linked to dementia?

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Residents have been taking fruits and other food&nbsp;to the Sangeh Monkey Forest to try to avert&nbsp;an all-out monkey assault on the village in the future. The action comes as an attempt to placate the primates.&nbsp;

"We are afraid that the hungry monkeys will turn wild and vicious," Saskara Gustu Alit, a&nbsp;villager,&nbsp;said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/queen-elizabeth-iis-death-to-follow-social-media-blackouts-retweets-ban-report-410664" hreflang="en">Queen Elizabeth II's death to follow social media blackouts, retweets' ban: Report</a>

Around 600 macaques, who&nbsp;are considered sacred,&nbsp;live in the forest sanctuary. They swing from the tall nutmeg trees and leap near the famous Pura Bukit Sari temple.

Usually, the Sangeh Monkey Forest used to have around 6,000 visitors a month, but due to the pandemic and curbs on international travel, the number has dropped to about 500. This has taken a toll on these monkeys.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

On being deprived of preferred food brought in by tourists now kept away by the COVID-19, hungry monkeys have started raiding villagers' homes in search for something tasty to eat on the resort island of Bali.

On being deprived of preferred food brought in by tourists now kept away by the COVID-19, hungry monkeys have started raiding villagers' homes in search for something tasty to eat on the resort island of Bali. The preferred food for the monkeys include bananas, peanuts and other goodies. The gray long-tailed macaques nowadays have been venturing out from a sanctuary about 500 metres away to hang out on the roofs and await the opportune time to swoop down and snatch food, said villagers in Sangeh. Watch | Gravitas: Can long COVID be linked to dementia? × Residents have been taking fruits and other food to the Sangeh Monkey Forest to try to avert an all-out monkey assault on the village in the future. The action comes as an attempt to placate the primates. "We are afraid that the hungry monkeys will turn wild and vicious," Saskara Gustu Alit, a villager, said. Also Read | Queen Elizabeth II's death to follow social media blackouts, retweets' ban: Report Around 600 macaques, who are considered sacred, live in the forest sanctuary. They swing from the tall nutmeg trees and leap near the famous Pura Bukit Sari temple. Usually, the Sangeh Monkey Forest used to have around 6,000 visitors a month, but due to the pandemic and curbs on international travel, the number has dropped to about 500. This has taken a toll on these monkeys. (With inputs from agencies)

Now, hungry Bali monkeys raid homes after being deprived of food from tourists

A 2,000-years-old fast food restaurant that has recently been unearthed in Pompeii is all set to open to the public on August 12.

As per Telegraph, the ancient diner offered its Roman customers culinary delights, including snails, duck, pig, goat and fish.

Traces of these were found in terracotta pots that had been buried in volcanic ash since A.D. 79.&nbsp;

Massimo Osanna, director of the archaeological park of Pompeii, said the discovery of the pots gave “extraordinary insight,” into the Roman diet.

Even after archaeologists have excavated more than 80 other similar eateries, this one is the 'best preserved'.

The eatery is an ancient version of Italy’s modern day “tavola calda”, which is a cheap restaurant that serves ready to eat meals and drinks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/am-iii-now-chinese-scientists-develop-glass-as-hard-as-a-diamond-will-it-be-used-for-weapons-404138">Also read |&nbsp;AM-III: Now, Chinese scientists develop glass as hard as a diamond; will it be used for weapons?</a>

Inside the restaurant, one can find a fresco of a sea nymph riding a horse, which adorns a counter full of holes where steaming pots of food would have been displayed.&nbsp;

Other frescoes depict some of the meat that might have been on offers, such as a large rooster and a pair of ducks.

Lewd graffiti, which is aimed at insulting the establishment’s owner, is scratched into black paint above a fresco of a chained dog.

“Nicia cinaede cacator,” it reads.&nbsp;

As per archaeologists, this was a homophobic insult referencing a teenage boy who sleeps with older men, known as a catamite.&nbsp;

It was probably left by “a prankster who sought to poke fun at the owner,” the park wrote in a statement.

A 2,000-years-old fast food restaurant that has recently been unearthed in Pompeii is all set to open to the public on August 12. As per Telegraph, the ancient diner offered its Roman customers culinary delights, including snails, duck, pig, goat and fish.

A 2,000-years-old fast food restaurant that has recently been unearthed in Pompeii is all set to open to the public on August 12. As per Telegraph, the ancient diner offered its Roman customers culinary delights, including snails, duck, pig, goat and fish. Traces of these were found in terracotta pots that had been buried in volcanic ash since A.D. 79. Massimo Osanna, director of the archaeological park of Pompeii, said the discovery of the pots gave “extraordinary insight,” into the Roman diet. Even after archaeologists have excavated more than 80 other similar eateries, this one is the 'best preserved'. The eatery is an ancient version of Italy’s modern day “tavola calda”, which is a cheap restaurant that serves ready to eat meals and drinks. Also read | AM-III: Now, Chinese scientists develop glass as hard as a diamond; will it be used for weapons? Inside the restaurant, one can find a fresco of a sea nymph riding a horse, which adorns a counter full of holes where steaming pots of food would have been displayed. Other frescoes depict some of the meat that might have been on offers, such as a large rooster and a pair of ducks. Lewd graffiti, which is aimed at insulting the establishment’s owner, is scratched into black paint above a fresco of a chained dog. “Nicia cinaede cacator,” it reads. As per archaeologists, this was a homophobic insult referencing a teenage boy who sleeps with older men, known as a catamite. It was probably left by “a prankster who sought to poke fun at the owner,” the park wrote in a statement.

Roman fast food restaurant recently unearthed at Pompeii to open soon

This business is back after 20 centuries.

A 2,000-years-old fast food restaurant that has recently been unearthed in Pompeii is all set to open to the public on August 12.

As per Telegraph, the ancient diner offered its Roman customers culinary delights&nbsp;including snails, duck, pig, goat and fish.

Traces of these were found in terracotta pots that had been buried in volcanic ash since A.D. 79.&nbsp;

Massimo Osanna, director of the archaeological park of Pompeii, said the discovery of the pots gave “extraordinary insight,” into the Roman diet.

Even after archaeologists have excavated more than 80 other similar eateries, this one is the 'best preserved'.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-alibaba-fires-manager-accused-of-sexually-assaulting-employee-as-social-media-explodes-404150">Also read |&nbsp;China's Alibaba fires manager accused of sexually assaulting employee as social media explodes</a>

The eatery is an ancient version of Italy’s modern day “tavola calda”, which is a cheap restaurant that serves ready to eat meals and drinks.

Inside the restaurant, one can find a fresco of a sea nymph riding a horse, which adorns a counter full of holes where steaming pots of food would have been displayed.&nbsp;

Other frescoes depict some of the meat that might have been on offers, such as a large rooster and a pair of ducks.

Lewd graffiti, which is aimed at insulting the establishment’s owner, is scratched into black paint above a fresco of a chained dog.

“Nicia cinaede cacator,” it reads.&nbsp;

As per archaeologists, this was a homophobic insult referencing a teenage boy who sleeps with older men, known as a catamite.&nbsp;

It was probably left by “a prankster who sought to poke fun at the owner,” the park wrote in a statement.

This business is back after 20 centuries. A 2,000-years-old fast food restaurant that has recently been unearthed in Pompeii is all set to open to the public on August 12.

This business is back after 20 centuries. A 2,000-years-old fast food restaurant that has recently been unearthed in Pompeii is all set to open to the public on August 12. As per Telegraph, the ancient diner offered its Roman customers culinary delights including snails, duck, pig, goat and fish. Traces of these were found in terracotta pots that had been buried in volcanic ash since A.D. 79. Massimo Osanna, director of the archaeological park of Pompeii, said the discovery of the pots gave “extraordinary insight,” into the Roman diet. Even after archaeologists have excavated more than 80 other similar eateries, this one is the 'best preserved'. Also read | China's Alibaba fires manager accused of sexually assaulting employee as social media explodes The eatery is an ancient version of Italy’s modern day “tavola calda”, which is a cheap restaurant that serves ready to eat meals and drinks. Inside the restaurant, one can find a fresco of a sea nymph riding a horse, which adorns a counter full of holes where steaming pots of food would have been displayed. Other frescoes depict some of the meat that might have been on offers, such as a large rooster and a pair of ducks. Lewd graffiti, which is aimed at insulting the establishment’s owner, is scratched into black paint above a fresco of a chained dog. “Nicia cinaede cacator,” it reads. As per archaeologists, this was a homophobic insult referencing a teenage boy who sleeps with older men, known as a catamite. It was probably left by “a prankster who sought to poke fun at the owner,” the park wrote in a statement.

Back in business after centuries: Roman fast food restaurant recently unearthed at Pompeii to open to public soon

While human beings are fighting the coronavirus pandemic, cats in the UK are dying in large numbers due to some mysterious illness.

Investigators believe the mysterious illness killing cats might be linked to a cat food brand that Is popularly sold around the country.

Vets around the UK have reported cases of pancytopenia in cats. It is reportedly a disease in which the number of white blood cells, platelets, and red blood cells decrease rapidly. This causes serious illness in cats.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/is-your-cat-happy-ai-app-decodes-feline-feelings-401100">WATCH |</a>

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As of now, at least 528 cases of this illness in cats have been reported around the country, reported by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). Of these 528, nearly 63.5 per cent of cases have proved to be fatal. The experts also warned that the number of deaths because of this disease may be much higher than the reported number.

Investigators believe that while many pet parents have been reporting cases to their local vets, experts at RVC are not sure if all of these cases are reported to RVC.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/no-cuddling-uk-warns-people-after-cat-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-379922">&nbsp;‘No cuddling’: UK warns people after cat tests positive for coronavirus</a>

Experts believe the disease may have been caused due to popular cat food being sold all around the country. Certain packed batches of Sainsbury’s hypoallergenic cat food, Applaws and AVA, were called back by the manufacturers in June.

However, locals believe that not many people are aware of the recall of cat foods. Meanwhile, local vets have been asking pet parents to take their cats into emergency rooms if they have been giving the reported cat foods.

While human beings are fighting the coronavirus pandemic, cats in the UK are dying in large numbers due to some mysterious illness. Investigators believe the mysterious illness killing cats might be linked to a cat food brand that Is popularly sold around the country.

While human beings are fighting the coronavirus pandemic, cats in the UK are dying in large numbers due to some mysterious illness. Investigators believe the mysterious illness killing cats might be linked to a cat food brand that Is popularly sold around the country. Vets around the UK have reported cases of pancytopenia in cats. It is reportedly a disease in which the number of white blood cells, platelets, and red blood cells decrease rapidly. This causes serious illness in cats. WATCH | As of now, at least 528 cases of this illness in cats have been reported around the country, reported by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). Of these 528, nearly 63.5 per cent of cases have proved to be fatal. The experts also warned that the number of deaths because of this disease may be much higher than the reported number. Investigators believe that while many pet parents have been reporting cases to their local vets, experts at RVC are not sure if all of these cases are reported to RVC. Also read | ‘No cuddling’: UK warns people after cat tests positive for coronavirus Experts believe the disease may have been caused due to popular cat food being sold all around the country. Certain packed batches of Sainsbury’s hypoallergenic cat food, Applaws and AVA, were called back by the manufacturers in June. However, locals believe that not many people are aware of the recall of cat foods. Meanwhile, local vets have been asking pet parents to take their cats into emergency rooms if they have been giving the reported cat foods.

Cats in UK are dying from mysterious illness caused by toxic food: Researchers

Cuba this week received shipments of food and medical supplies from allies Mexico, Russia and Bolivia in a bid to ease shortages and discontent amid the island's worst economic crisis in decades and a surge in coronavirus cases. 
 
The donations, which authorities started distributing on Friday, come nearly three weeks after unprecedented protests broke out nationwide, spurred by frustrations with dire economic conditions and curbs on civil freedoms. 
 
Cuba blames the unrest on US-backed mercenaries exploiting hardships it says were largely brought about by decades of US&nbsp;sanctions and disguising attempts at unrest through the campaign #SOSCuba calling for humanitarian aid. 
 
Now, it has taken back the humanitarian relief narrative, with the help of allies that have also blamed the US&nbsp;trade embargo for much of Cuba's woes. 
 
On Friday, a Mexican navy ship carrying 1,000 tonnes of beans as well as medical equipment and oxygen for COVID-19 patients arrived in the country, which currently has one of the highest infection rates per capita in the world. Two more will arrive shortly, Interior Commerce Minister Betsy Díaz said late on Friday on state television. 
 
"I want to personally thank President Andrés Manuel López Obrador who ... has ratified Mexico's traditional rejection of the blockade and its will to help Cuba," Cuban Trade Minister Rodrigo Malmierca said at the ship-receiving ceremony.

Cuba this week received shipments of food and medical supplies from allies Mexico, Russia and Bolivia in a bid to ease shortages and discontent amid the island's worst economic crisis in decades and a surge in coronavirus cases.

Cuba this week received shipments of food and medical supplies from allies Mexico, Russia and Bolivia in a bid to ease shortages and discontent amid the island's worst economic crisis in decades and a surge in coronavirus cases. The donations, which authorities started distributing on Friday, come nearly three weeks after unprecedented protests broke out nationwide, spurred by frustrations with dire economic conditions and curbs on civil freedoms. Cuba blames the unrest on US-backed mercenaries exploiting hardships it says were largely brought about by decades of US sanctions and disguising attempts at unrest through the campaign #SOSCuba calling for humanitarian aid. Now, it has taken back the humanitarian relief narrative, with the help of allies that have also blamed the US trade embargo for much of Cuba's woes. On Friday, a Mexican navy ship carrying 1,000 tonnes of beans as well as medical equipment and oxygen for COVID-19 patients arrived in the country, which currently has one of the highest infection rates per capita in the world. Two more will arrive shortly, Interior Commerce Minister Betsy Díaz said late on Friday on state television. "I want to personally thank President Andrés Manuel López Obrador who ... has ratified Mexico's traditional rejection of the blockade and its will to help Cuba," Cuban Trade Minister Rodrigo Malmierca said at the ship-receiving ceremony.

Cuba receives food, medicine donations from allies to ease crisis

Acute food insecurity has soared 40% this year as recent food price hikes have exacerbated existing pressures from conflict, climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) said.

Defined as any lack of food that threatens lives, livelihoods or both, acute food insecurity is impacting, or is at high risk of impacting, a record 270 million people this year, the UN agency said.

"High food prices are hunger's new best friend," said WFP Chief Economist Arif Husain.

"We already have conflict, climate and COVID-19 working together. Now food prices have joined the deadly trio," he added.

The WFP said average wheat flour prices in Lebanon have risen 219% year-on-year amid accelerating economic turmoil, while cooking oil prices have soared 440% versus a year ago in war-devastated Syria.

On internationally traded markets, world food prices were up 33.9% year-on-year in June, according to the U.N food agency`s price index, which measures a basket of cereals, oilseeds, dairy products, meat and sugar.

However, they did fall in June versus May, the first such decrease in 12 months.

After declining for several decades, world hunger has been on the rise since 2016.

The WFP, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last year, says around 690 million people or 9 percent of the world`s population go to bed hungry each night.

It is targeting 139 million people for assistance this year, the biggest operation in its history.

Acute food insecurity has soared 40% this year as recent food price hikes have exacerbated existing pressures from conflict, climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) said.

Acute food insecurity has soared 40% this year as recent food price hikes have exacerbated existing pressures from conflict, climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) said. Defined as any lack of food that threatens lives, livelihoods or both, acute food insecurity is impacting, or is at high risk of impacting, a record 270 million people this year, the UN agency said. "High food prices are hunger's new best friend," said WFP Chief Economist Arif Husain. "We already have conflict, climate and COVID-19 working together. Now food prices have joined the deadly trio," he added. The WFP said average wheat flour prices in Lebanon have risen 219% year-on-year amid accelerating economic turmoil, while cooking oil prices have soared 440% versus a year ago in war-devastated Syria. On internationally traded markets, world food prices were up 33.9% year-on-year in June, according to the U.N food agency`s price index, which measures a basket of cereals, oilseeds, dairy products, meat and sugar. However, they did fall in June versus May, the first such decrease in 12 months. After declining for several decades, world hunger has been on the rise since 2016. The WFP, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last year, says around 690 million people or 9 percent of the world`s population go to bed hungry each night. It is targeting 139 million people for assistance this year, the biggest operation in its history.

Surging food prices fuel 40 per cent jump in global hunger: UN

It looks like&nbsp;chicken&nbsp;and tastes like&nbsp;chicken, but diners in Israel are tucking into laboratory-grown "meat" that scientists claim is an environmentally friendly way to feed the world's growing population.

In a small restaurant in a nondescript building in a science park in the central Israeli town of Ness Ziona, diners munched burgers and minced meat rice rolls made with "cultured&nbsp;chicken" -- meat grown in the adjacent SuperMeat production site.

"It was delicious, the flavour was great," said Gilly Kanfi, a self-described "meat eater" from Tel Aviv, who had signed up for the meal months in advance.

"If I didn't know, I would have thought it was a regular&nbsp;chicken&nbsp;burger."

The Chicken, as the eatery is called, is a testing ground of sorts for SuperMeat, hosting periodical test meals to generate customer feedback while waiting for regulatory approval.

Rapid growth

The restaurant's dark and elegant interior is framed by large windows looking onto a bright-lit laboratory, where technicians monitor large stainless-steel fermentation vats.

"This is the first time in the world people can actually have a&nbsp;taste&nbsp;of a cultivated meat product, while observing the production and the manufacturing process in front of their eyes," said Ido Savir, SuperMeat's chief executive.

Here, at least, the laboratory has made redundant the age-old question of whether the&nbsp;chicken&nbsp;or the egg came first.

The process involves cultivating cells taken from a fertilised&nbsp;chicken&nbsp;egg.

Cell cultures are fed a plant-based liquid including proteins, fats, sugars, minerals and vitamins.

With all the feed going directly into production, it grows rapidly, with the mass doubling within a matter of hours, the company says.

Savir, a vegan with a background in computer science, sees himself as being at the "forefront of a&nbsp;food&nbsp;revolution"&nbsp;trying to help supply&nbsp;food&nbsp;while limiting the impact on the planet.

Developers said they are working to provide more ethical and sustainable ways to create cruelty- and slaughter-free meat, with the product grown without using genetic engineering or antibiotics.

The company is currently able to produce "hundreds of kilogrammes" each week, Savir said.

'Game-changer'

But he hopes to earn regulatory approval from the US&nbsp;Food&nbsp;and Drug Administration, and would then increase production to a "commercial" scale.

"This way we'll be able to reduce the amount of land, water use and so many other resources, and keep the product very healthy and clean," he said, noting the high prevalence of diseases among chickens produced in factory-style production.

Global meat production is projected to rise 15 percent by 2027, according to the UN&nbsp;Food&nbsp;and Agriculture Organization.

SuperMeat is not the first to develop the technology. In December, a Singapore restaurant made history when it became the first to sell&nbsp;lab-grown&nbsp;chicken&nbsp;meat.

The Israeli firm has developed a versatile product, blending muscle, fat and connective tissue cells to create different cuts -- even including pet&nbsp;food.

Zhuzha, a white bull terrier attending the meal along with its owner, enthusiastically devoured the SuperMeat dog&nbsp;food&nbsp;it was handed.

"Pets love our meat as well," Savir said with a smile.

The human diners said the product was as good as the real thing.

"It really surprised me," said Lisa Silver, a regular meat-eater. "If I can get that in a restaurant, I will go vegan, totally. It's a game-changer."

For her sister Annabelle, it was the first time in years she had eaten meat.

"One of the reasons that I became vegetarian originally was because it's not ethical, it's not sustainable," she said.

"To get meat minus the cruelty is just amazing, it's perfect, I could eat this every single day."

Vegetarian-friendly?

But the question whether the product should be considered&nbsp;meat is one faced not only by vegetarians -- but also Jewish rabbinic authorities.

Producing meat in a cruelty-free way that does not harm the environment is a positive development that will "save the world problems", said Rabbi Eliezer Simcha Weisz, a member of Israel's Chief Rabbinate Council.

While rabbis would have to learn the novel process and supervise it, Weisz said he expected the product would eventually receive a kosher designation.

Tal Gilboa, a prominent veganism activist who served as an adviser to former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said Israel was leading the way on cultured meat technology.

Gilboa would like the world to turn to a plant-based diet, and sees cultivated meats as a pragmatic way for people to take the first steps to vegetarianism.

"The world population is increasing at a break-neck speed," she said, adding that the only way to keep up will be "through technology".

Savir believes the technology could change humanity for the better.

"Like we saw with the&nbsp;revolution&nbsp;of the smart phone, once this is available, we'll start producing so much meat," he said.

"It would increase&nbsp;food&nbsp;security for nations around the world, a very sustainable, animal-friendly and efficient process."

It looks like chicken and tastes like chicken, but diners in Israel are tucking into laboratory-grown "meat" that scientists claim is an environmentally friendly way to feed the world's growing population.

It looks like chicken and tastes like chicken, but diners in Israel are tucking into laboratory-grown "meat" that scientists claim is an environmentally friendly way to feed the world's growing population. In a small restaurant in a nondescript building in a science park in the central Israeli town of Ness Ziona, diners munched burgers and minced meat rice rolls made with "cultured chicken" -- meat grown in the adjacent SuperMeat production site. "It was delicious, the flavour was great," said Gilly Kanfi, a self-described "meat eater" from Tel Aviv, who had signed up for the meal months in advance. "If I didn't know, I would have thought it was a regular chicken burger." The Chicken, as the eatery is called, is a testing ground of sorts for SuperMeat, hosting periodical test meals to generate customer feedback while waiting for regulatory approval. Rapid growth The restaurant's dark and elegant interior is framed by large windows looking onto a bright-lit laboratory, where technicians monitor large stainless-steel fermentation vats. "This is the first time in the world people can actually have a taste of a cultivated meat product, while observing the production and the manufacturing process in front of their eyes," said Ido Savir, SuperMeat's chief executive. Here, at least, the laboratory has made redundant the age-old question of whether the chicken or the egg came first. The process involves cultivating cells taken from a fertilised chicken egg. Cell cultures are fed a plant-based liquid including proteins, fats, sugars, minerals and vitamins. With all the feed going directly into production, it grows rapidly, with the mass doubling within a matter of hours, the company says. Savir, a vegan with a background in computer science, sees himself as being at the "forefront of a food revolution" trying to help supply food while limiting the impact on the planet. Developers said they are working to provide more ethical and sustainable ways to create cruelty- and slaughter-free meat, with the product grown without using genetic engineering or antibiotics. The company is currently able to produce "hundreds of kilogrammes" each week, Savir said. 'Game-changer' But he hopes to earn regulatory approval from the US Food and Drug Administration, and would then increase production to a "commercial" scale. "This way we'll be able to reduce the amount of land, water use and so many other resources, and keep the product very healthy and clean," he said, noting the high prevalence of diseases among chickens produced in factory-style production. Global meat production is projected to rise 15 percent by 2027, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. SuperMeat is not the first to develop the technology. In December, a Singapore restaurant made history when it became the first to sell lab-grown chicken meat. The Israeli firm has developed a versatile product, blending muscle, fat and connective tissue cells to create different cuts -- even including pet food. Zhuzha, a white bull terrier attending the meal along with its owner, enthusiastically devoured the SuperMeat dog food it was handed. "Pets love our meat as well," Savir said with a smile. The human diners said the product was as good as the real thing. "It really surprised me," said Lisa Silver, a regular meat-eater. "If I can get that in a restaurant, I will go vegan, totally. It's a game-changer." For her sister Annabelle, it was the first time in years she had eaten meat. "One of the reasons that I became vegetarian originally was because it's not ethical, it's not sustainable," she said. "To get meat minus the cruelty is just amazing, it's perfect, I could eat this every single day." Vegetarian-friendly? But the question whether the product should be considered meat is one faced not only by vegetarians -- but also Jewish rabbinic authorities. Producing meat in a cruelty-free way that does not harm the environment is a positive development that will "save the world problems", said Rabbi Eliezer Simcha Weisz, a member of Israel's Chief Rabbinate Council. While rabbis would have to learn the novel process and supervise it, Weisz said he expected the product would eventually receive a kosher designation. Tal Gilboa, a prominent veganism activist who served as an adviser to former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said Israel was leading the way on cultured meat technology. Gilboa would like the world to turn to a plant-based diet, and sees cultivated meats as a pragmatic way for people to take the first steps to vegetarianism. "The world population is increasing at a break-neck speed," she said, adding that the only way to keep up will be "through technology". Savir believes the technology could change humanity for the better. "Like we saw with the revolution of the smart phone, once this is available, we'll start producing so much meat," he said. "It would increase food security for nations around the world, a very sustainable, animal-friendly and efficient process."

Israelis taste the future with lab-grown chicken 'food revolution'

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has said the country`s economy improved this year but called for measures to tackle the "tense" food situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic and last year`s typhoons, state media said on Wednesday. 
 
Kim chaired a plenary meeting of the ruling Workers` Party`s central committee on Tuesday to review progress on major policies and craft measures to resolve economic issues, according to the official KCNA news agency. 
 
The committee set goals and tasks to achieve its new five-year economic plan outlined at its previous session in February, including increased food and metal production. 
 
Kim said the overall economy had improved in the first half of the year, with the total industrial output growing 25% from a year before, KCNA said. 
 
But there was "a series of deviations" in the party`s efforts to implement the plans due to several obstacles, he said, singling out tight food supplies. 
 
"The people`s food situation is now getting tense as the agricultural sector failed to fulfil its grain production plan due to the damage by a typhoon last year," Kim said. 
 
The party vowed to direct all efforts to farm this year and discuss ways to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, KCNA said. 
 
Kim called for steps to minimise impacts of natural disasters as a lesson from last year and key to attaining this year`s goal. 
 
In January, Kim said his previous five-year economic plan had failed in almost every sector, amid chronic power and food shortages exacerbated by sanctions, the pandemic and floods. 
 
He also the protracted pandemic required the party to step up efforts to provide food, clothing and housing for the people, KCNA said. 
 
North Korea has not officially confirmed any COVID-19 cases, a claim questioned by Seoul officials. But the reclusive country has imposed strict anti-virus measures including border closures and domestic travel restrictions. 
 
COVAX, a global initiative for sharing COVID-19 vaccines with poor countries, has said it will provide nearly 2 million doses to North Korea but the shipment has been delayed amid protracted consultations.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has said the country`s economy improved this year but called for measures to tackle the "tense" food situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic and last year`s typhoons, state media said on Wednesday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has said the country`s economy improved this year but called for measures to tackle the "tense" food situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic and last year`s typhoons, state media said on Wednesday. Kim chaired a plenary meeting of the ruling Workers` Party`s central committee on Tuesday to review progress on major policies and craft measures to resolve economic issues, according to the official KCNA news agency. The committee set goals and tasks to achieve its new five-year economic plan outlined at its previous session in February, including increased food and metal production. Kim said the overall economy had improved in the first half of the year, with the total industrial output growing 25% from a year before, KCNA said. But there was "a series of deviations" in the party`s efforts to implement the plans due to several obstacles, he said, singling out tight food supplies. "The people`s food situation is now getting tense as the agricultural sector failed to fulfil its grain production plan due to the damage by a typhoon last year," Kim said. The party vowed to direct all efforts to farm this year and discuss ways to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, KCNA said. Kim called for steps to minimise impacts of natural disasters as a lesson from last year and key to attaining this year`s goal. In January, Kim said his previous five-year economic plan had failed in almost every sector, amid chronic power and food shortages exacerbated by sanctions, the pandemic and floods. He also the protracted pandemic required the party to step up efforts to provide food, clothing and housing for the people, KCNA said. North Korea has not officially confirmed any COVID-19 cases, a claim questioned by Seoul officials. But the reclusive country has imposed strict anti-virus measures including border closures and domestic travel restrictions. COVAX, a global initiative for sharing COVID-19 vaccines with poor countries, has said it will provide nearly 2 million doses to North Korea but the shipment has been delayed amid protracted consultations.

North Korea’s Kim says food situation ‘tense’ due to pandemic, typhoons

Hidden in a South Korean mountain tunnel designed to withstand a nuclear blast, the seeds of nearly 5,000 wild plant species are stored for safekeeping against climate change, natural disaster and war.

Plant extinction is progressing at an alarming rate, researchers warn, driven by increasing human population, pollution and deforestation, even before many species are catalogued.

The Baekdudaegan National Arboretum Seed Vault Centre preserves nearly 100,000 seeds from 4,751 different wild plant species to ensure they are not lost to 'apocalyptic events', says its head Lee Sang-yong.

It is one of only two such facilities in the world, he said: unlike more commonplace seed banks, where samples are stored and regularly withdrawn for various purposes, deposits in seed vaults are meant to be permanent, with use intended only as a last resort to prevent extinction.

The vault is designated as a security installation by South Korea's National Intelligence Service, surrounded by wire fences and dozens of cameras, with restrictions on filming in place and police patrolling on a regular basis.

Inside, a lift leads about eight floors down to a cavernous concrete tunnel, where two heavy steel doors guard the storage room and its hand-cranked shelving racks, kept at minus 20 degrees Celsius to preserve the seeds and 40 per&nbsp;cent humidity to keep them viable.

The vault's samples are largely of flora from the Korean peninsula, but with a capacity of two million seeds, the South makes its space available to other countries, with Kazakhstan and Tajikistan among those to have taken up the offer.

Depositors retain ownership of their samples and control over withdrawals.

But Lee pointed out: "The seed vault stores seeds to prevent their extinction, so the best scenario would be that the seeds never have to be taken out."

Despite its doomsday-defying role, it was built by a country that in 1950 was invaded by the neighbouring North, and Pyongyang has since developed a nuclear and missile arsenal.

The facility was built in the "safest spot" in South Korea, Lee said, designed to withstand a 6.9-magnitude earthquake and even an atomic strike.

"It's geographically very safe," Lee said. "And we paved a 46 metre-deep underground tunnel to ensure it's safe from war and nuclear threats."

The world's biggest and best-known seed vault is buried deep inside a former coal mine on Svalbard, a remote Arctic Norwegian archipelago around 1,300 kilometres (about 800 miles) from the North Pole.

Dubbed the 'Noah's Ark' of food crops, the Global Seed Vault focuses on agricultural and related plants, storing more than one million seed samples from nearly every country on the planet.

But researchers say preserving the seeds of wild plants,&nbsp;the original source of the crops we eat today, should not be overlooked.

Many crop relatives in the wild that could provide genetic diversity to help long-term food security 'lack effective protection', according to a recent UN report.

It warned that farming was likely to be less resilient against climate change, pests and pathogens as a result, adding: "The biosphere, upon which humanity as a whole depends... is declining faster than at any time in human history."

Wild plants hold promise as future medicines, fuels and food, said the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew in a report last year, but around two-fifths of them are threatened with extinction, largely due to habitat destruction and climate change.

It was a 'race against time' to identify them before they disappeared, it added.

Research on wild plant seeds is 'lacking tremendously', said Na Chae-sun, a senior researcher at the Baekdudaegan National Arboretum.

She and her team collect samples and carry out a meticulous and extensive process including X-ray tests and trial plantations before seeds are catalogued and stored in the seed vault.

"One might ask why is that wild flower on the kerbside important?" she said.&nbsp;

"Our job is to identify these one by one and letting people know how important they are," she went on.&nbsp;

"The crops that we eat today may have come from that nameless flower on the kerbside."

(With inputs from agencies)

Hidden in a South Korean mountain tunnel designed to withstand a nuclear blast, the seeds of nearly 5,000 wild plant species are stored for safekeeping against climate change, natural disaster and war.

Hidden in a South Korean mountain tunnel designed to withstand a nuclear blast, the seeds of nearly 5,000 wild plant species are stored for safekeeping against climate change, natural disaster and war. Plant extinction is progressing at an alarming rate, researchers warn, driven by increasing human population, pollution and deforestation, even before many species are catalogued. The Baekdudaegan National Arboretum Seed Vault Centre preserves nearly 100,000 seeds from 4,751 different wild plant species to ensure they are not lost to 'apocalyptic events', says its head Lee Sang-yong. It is one of only two such facilities in the world, he said: unlike more commonplace seed banks, where samples are stored and regularly withdrawn for various purposes, deposits in seed vaults are meant to be permanent, with use intended only as a last resort to prevent extinction. The vault is designated as a security installation by South Korea's National Intelligence Service, surrounded by wire fences and dozens of cameras, with restrictions on filming in place and police patrolling on a regular basis. Inside, a lift leads about eight floors down to a cavernous concrete tunnel, where two heavy steel doors guard the storage room and its hand-cranked shelving racks, kept at minus 20 degrees Celsius to preserve the seeds and 40 per cent humidity to keep them viable. The vault's samples are largely of flora from the Korean peninsula, but with a capacity of two million seeds, the South makes its space available to other countries, with Kazakhstan and Tajikistan among those to have taken up the offer. Depositors retain ownership of their samples and control over withdrawals. But Lee pointed out: "The seed vault stores seeds to prevent their extinction, so the best scenario would be that the seeds never have to be taken out." Despite its doomsday-defying role, it was built by a country that in 1950 was invaded by the neighbouring North, and Pyongyang has since developed a nuclear and missile arsenal. The facility was built in the "safest spot" in South Korea, Lee said, designed to withstand a 6.9-magnitude earthquake and even an atomic strike. "It's geographically very safe," Lee said. "And we paved a 46 metre-deep underground tunnel to ensure it's safe from war and nuclear threats." The world's biggest and best-known seed vault is buried deep inside a former coal mine on Svalbard, a remote Arctic Norwegian archipelago around 1,300 kilometres (about 800 miles) from the North Pole. Dubbed the 'Noah's Ark' of food crops, the Global Seed Vault focuses on agricultural and related plants, storing more than one million seed samples from nearly every country on the planet. But researchers say preserving the seeds of wild plants, the original source of the crops we eat today, should not be overlooked. Many crop relatives in the wild that could provide genetic diversity to help long-term food security 'lack effective protection', according to a recent UN report. It warned that farming was likely to be less resilient against climate change, pests and pathogens as a result, adding: "The biosphere, upon which humanity as a whole depends... is declining faster than at any time in human history." Wild plants hold promise as future medicines, fuels and food, said the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew in a report last year, but around two-fifths of them are threatened with extinction, largely due to habitat destruction and climate change. It was a 'race against time' to identify them before they disappeared, it added. Research on wild plant seeds is 'lacking tremendously', said Na Chae-sun, a senior researcher at the Baekdudaegan National Arboretum. She and her team collect samples and carry out a meticulous and extensive process including X-ray tests and trial plantations before seeds are catalogued and stored in the seed vault. "One might ask why is that wild flower on the kerbside important?" she said. "Our job is to identify these one by one and letting people know how important they are," she went on. "The crops that we eat today may have come from that nameless flower on the kerbside." (With inputs from agencies)

Last resort: Seeds kept safe in a South Korean mountain

The global grocery sector grew a record 10% in 2020, industry data showed on Wednesday, as people stuck at home under COVID-19 restrictions cooked, baked and drank more. 
 
Market researcher Kantar said everything from canned meat and beer to sugar and bleaches flew off the shelves, with the United States accounting for the largest chunk of the spending, followed by&nbsp;Western Europe, Latin America,&nbsp;Eastern Europe&nbsp;and Asia. 
 
Data for the report was collected from households in 42 countries, representing 66% of the global population and 83% of gross domestic product (GDP), Kantar said. 
 
Beverages, dairy and food, which typically account for almost two-thirds of global grocery sales, saw the biggest gains, with 15 of the top 20 categories most positively impacted by COVID-19 coming from these sectors, according to Kantar`s 2021 global FMCG Omnichannel report released on Wednesday. 
 
Growth in scratch cooking and home baking powered sales of canned meat up 26%, sugar and sweeteners up 15% and herbs and seasonings up 13%, the Kantar report showed, with Latin American customers driving the gains in most of the food categories. 
 
Western Europeans, who had dealt with some of the most prolonged lockdowns, nursed their boredom with alcohol, pushing up sales more than five times in 2020, compared with 2019. 
 
Western Europe and Latin America&nbsp;alcohol sales grew 25% and 20%, respectively, while Asians were soberer in their approach to the pandemic with sales falling 10% in the region last year from 2019.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
The pandemic also led to a big shift in where people shopped. 
 
E-commerce as a channel saw the highest growth in sales, followed by cash-and-carry stores and discounters. E-commerce on the whole now accounts for 6.5% of grocery sales globally, the report said. 
 
Among retailers, supermarkets saw strong share gains in the United States while discounters grew in Eastern Europe.

The global grocery sector grew a record 10% in 2020, industry data showed on Wednesday, as people stuck at home under COVID-19 restrictions cooked, baked and drank more.

The global grocery sector grew a record 10% in 2020, industry data showed on Wednesday, as people stuck at home under COVID-19 restrictions cooked, baked and drank more. Market researcher Kantar said everything from canned meat and beer to sugar and bleaches flew off the shelves, with the United States accounting for the largest chunk of the spending, followed by Western Europe, Latin America, Eastern Europe and Asia. Data for the report was collected from households in 42 countries, representing 66% of the global population and 83% of gross domestic product (GDP), Kantar said. Beverages, dairy and food, which typically account for almost two-thirds of global grocery sales, saw the biggest gains, with 15 of the top 20 categories most positively impacted by COVID-19 coming from these sectors, according to Kantar`s 2021 global FMCG Omnichannel report released on Wednesday. Growth in scratch cooking and home baking powered sales of canned meat up 26%, sugar and sweeteners up 15% and herbs and seasonings up 13%, the Kantar report showed, with Latin American customers driving the gains in most of the food categories. Western Europeans, who had dealt with some of the most prolonged lockdowns, nursed their boredom with alcohol, pushing up sales more than five times in 2020, compared with 2019. Western Europe and Latin America alcohol sales grew 25% and 20%, respectively, while Asians were soberer in their approach to the pandemic with sales falling 10% in the region last year from 2019. The pandemic also led to a big shift in where people shopped. E-commerce as a channel saw the highest growth in sales, followed by cash-and-carry stores and discounters. E-commerce on the whole now accounts for 6.5% of grocery sales globally, the report said. Among retailers, supermarkets saw strong share gains in the United States while discounters grew in Eastern Europe.

Home cooking, booze demand fire up global grocery sales in 2020: Report

Parisians yearning for haute cuisine dining since the COVID-19 pandemic closed down restaurants have found an alternative: private chefs who serve up meals in customers' homes.

In locked down Paris, a chef can come to you

A survey of more than 2,600 industry professionals by the Union of Oenologists showed that among those who had caught COVID-19, more than a third said the disease had affected their ability to do their work. Student oenologists were dropping out of courses after falling ill with the virus, the union said.

Senses dulled by COVID-19, French wine tasters fear for livelihood

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