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The Treasury cannot afford to spend £10bn a month indefinitely, but a cliff-edge end to Covid-19 wage subsidies is not the answer

What’s the safest way for Rishi Sunak to wind down his wage-support furlough scheme? Well, start by finding the correct language. The imagery in the current political talk about “weaning” businesses off an “addiction” is absurd.

When the chancellor introduced the coronavirus job retention scheme on 20 March, he said it was to “protect, as far as possible, people’s jobs and incomes”. There will be trouble if, less than two months later and with lockdown still in place, companies and their workers are portrayed as needy infants or addicts who should know better.

Germans feel "gratitude" for the Nazi defeat that ended World War II in Europe 75 years ago, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said in a landmark commemoration speech on Friday.

Vladislav Shayakhmetov stands in the changing room entrance at the Coliseo el Pueblo in Cali, saddened and with his head bowed. He has just suffered a 5-4 defeat to Argentina in the final of the FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016, missing the chance to help Russia win a first-ever title.

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In a jolt to its ally Shiv Sena which had "hijacked" the family of its late MP, its ally Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday won the bypoll to Maharashtra's Palghar Lok Sabha seat.

BJP's Rajendra Gavit defeated his nearest rival, Shriniwas Vanga of the Sena and the son of sitting MP Chintaman Vanga, whose death in January had necessitated the bypoll.

"I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and all the party leaders and workers for this victory," he said.

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Amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Mumbai, Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Zone IV) on Wednesday wrote to Addl CP West Region Manoj Kumar Sharma, demanding stricter implementation of rules in the containment zones between Bandra and Andheri, especially the slum areas in the belt.

These include Nehru Nagar (Juhu police station), Samta Nagar and Junaid Nagar (DN Nagar), CD Barfiwala Road and Juhu Galli (DN Nagar), Gaondevi Dongri, Gilbert Hill and Dhangarwadi (DN Nagar), Versova Village (Versova), Kranti Nagar, Anand Nagar, and Behraum Baug (Oshiwara). The municipal authority observed "that there is no fall in the rate of positively tested patients and are rather increasing. It appears that existing lockdown measures are inadequate," the communication said.

It asked local authorities to ensure that the localities, local pockets and chawls are strictly sealed and locked down to have effective control on spreading Coronavirus in these localities.

"This office has frequently informed senior inspectors of respective police stations regarding containment of areas in their respective jurisdictions on a day to day basis as and when positive cases are traced in particular localities," the letter read.

Sharma told mid-day that "the police have already increased patrolling in these areas and deployed more number of officials."

'Lack of individual toilets'

DCP Abhishek Trimukhe said, "We have barricaded these designated red zones and are ensuring that there is limited access. Only the government ration shops and medicine shops are allowed to be kept open. All other shops in red zones will remain closed. However, the main challenge in these slum pockets is that there are no independent toilets within the red zone itself. There needs to be a toilet facility otherwise people will keep venturing out of their homes to use the toilet. How can we keep denying people the need to use the toilet?"

Cops make the rounds of slum areas every day

He pointed out: "There is a heavy space constraint in these slum areas, as opposed to building societies, where containment is very good. The lanes are very narrow in some slum pockets and the population density is high."

Identification system required

Trimukhe said that the police had asked BMC to have some sort of identification procedure for people who are residents of these red zones. "Since the population of these areas is very high, a designated identification system would make it easier to identify and segregate people," he said adding that community meetings have been held with residents to explain the guidelines to them.

'Can't sit inside tiny homes all day'

Senior PI of Oshiwara police station Dayanand Bangar echoed Trimukhe's concerns. "People are always saying that they are either going to get medicines or buy milk but the biggest problem is that of common toilets," he said.

"Residents of these slum areas, who live in a 10x10 house, cannot sit at home all day," he said, adding that in areas like Kranti Nagar, there is zero growth of COVID-19 cases. "Even though this is a red zone, there are currently no positive patients here.

Seven people, who had gone for treatment, and are now back."

1.4k
No. of containment zones in city

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COVID-19 has brought everyone to their knees and this was what happened with Dharamnath Singh when he and his nine of his family members tested positive for the Coronavirus disease.

The 59-year-old had already lost his sister-in-law who was his first victim in North Bengal to the respiratory illness.

After his sister-in-law's death, ten members of the family tested positive.

Singh spoke to Hindustan Times, "When I and other members of the family tested positive, I initially thought the world had come to an end. I soon realised that the virus has to be defeated and for that we need determination. I am home now and free again."

He also encouraged others, to fight the disease with determination and will power. Singh fought the virus alongside his three-year-old granddaughter, Kavya and walked out of a private nursing home with the child.

Singh and his granddaughter spent 12 days in treatment and tested negative in three back to back tests.

“Positive thinking, determination, will power, discipline and social distancing are the mantras in the war against the coronavirus,” Singh said.

Kavya's mother said, "Initially we were scared. Had we remained scared and did nothing to bring out the positive energy from within we would not have come out of the nursing home so soon."

'One should not be afraid. If you are afraid it becomes difficult to fight a crisis. There are doctors, and even common people, to help you," she added.

"One must be firm, keep social distance and have lukewarm water regularly to defeat the virus. If you have the symptoms, please don’t hide it. Tell others and go for treatment. There are people to help you. One can recover in 15 to 20 days," Singh encouraged everyone and said.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asked people to follow seven steps in the coming days to help the government in its fight against Coronavirus.

The seven steps which the PM asked people to follow included taking care of the elderly as they are more prone to infection, keeping their faces covered while venturing out and taking care of the poor and the needy who have been effected by the lockdown.

"... if we continue to be patient and follow rules, we will be able to defeat even a pandemic like Coronavirus. With this faith and trust, I seek your support for seven things," he said in his address to the nation.

Health workers spray disinfectant at Nawabpura in Moradabad, on Tuesday. PIC/PTI

Modi on Tuesday announced that the lockdown across the country will be extended till May 3 to fight the pandemic, saying the measure has produced a significant outcome in containing the infection.

The first step was to take special care of the elderly, especially those who have chronic diseases. "We have to take extra care of them, and keep them safe from Coronavirus," he said.

The second step, Modi said, was strict adherence to the 'Lakshman Rekha' of lockdown and social distancing. "Please also use homemade face-covers and masks without fail," he said. He also urged people to follow the protocol issued by the Ayush Ministry to enhance immunity.

"Regularly consume warm water and 'kadha'," he said. The PM also stressed the need to download the Arogya Setu mobile app to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus infection.

"Take as much care of poor families as you can ... try to fulfill their food requirements ... Be compassionate towards the people who work with you in your business or industry. Do not deprive them of their livelihood," he said.

Finally, he said people should pay utmost respect to Corona Warriors – doctors and nurses, sanitation workers and the police force.

Railway services suspended till May 3

The Indian Railways on Tuesday extended the suspension of all its passenger services till May 3, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to extend the nationwide lockdown amid the COVID-19 threat. It also said that full refund of fare would automatically be provided to its online customers for trains cancelled up to May 3, while those who have booked at the counters can claim the refund till July 31.

Gujarat police book Bhushan, Gopinathan

The Gujarat police have booked lawyer and activist, Prashant Bhushan and former IAS officer, Kannan Gopinathan for their social media posts on Sunday. While Bhushan has been charged for allegedly using an objectionable tweet against the Ramayana, Kannan Gopinathan has been booked for using government orders on social media to mislead people. The FIR was registered at Bhaktinagar police station, Rajkot city. Later, the investigation was transferred to the special operations group.

Airlines refuse to refund tickets

With the Centre extending the lockdown to May 3 and subsequently the suspension of all commercial passenger services also till then, domestic airlines have again decided not to refund the customers in cash for their cancelled flights and instead offer them rescheduling of tickets for a later date without any additional fee. India had imposed a 21-day lockdown from March 25 to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Consequently, all flights were suspended for the period.

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106-year-old Mukhtar Ahmed, a resident of Central Delhi's Nawabganj, has recovered from coronavirus and been discharged from Rajiv Gandhi Super Specialty Hospital. The centenarian was admitted in Rajiv Gandhi Super Specialty Hospital on April 14 after been infected with the coronavirus. He was discharged on May 1. Dr BL Sherwal, Medical Director, Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital, a designated COVID-19 hospital said, "Whenever a patient recovers it is a proud moment for us. However, this case, due to the age of Ahmed, is inspiring news for all of us."

"Our doctors who were treating him had noticed his stern will to fight against the virus. It is the will that is important in the battle against coronavirus. Ahmed fought with the disease as bravely." On being asked about Ahmed's immunity, Dr Sherwal said, "The recovery depends on whether one's body has a mild or severe coronavirus infection."

"He has set an example that even people above hundred years can too fight coronavirus and emerge victoriously," he added.

Ahmed got the infection from his son who is still undergoing treatment. However, Ahmed is now fit and is maintaining social distance from his family members, thus, obeying the prescribed instructions.

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Indian cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri on Wednesday urged people to beat coronavirus by staying at home and by maintaining social distancing. He termed the virus 'mother of all World Cups' and asked people to combat this disease together and win the World Cup of humanity.

Taking to Twitter, Shastri shared a video post where he cited cricket examples to aware people about the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic. "As I would know, sports teaches you life lessons that can be applied to just about anything you want to pursue in rest of your life. Today the COVID-19 has put us in a situation where we got our backs to the wall. To combat this coronavirus is like chasing a World Cup where you give your everything in trying to win it. What's staring you at the face is no ordinary World Cup. This is the mother of all World Cups where not just eleven are playing but 1.4 billion are in the playing arena and competing. Guys we can win this. For that, we have to observe the basics. You have got your Prime Minister leading from the front ahead of the curve like other countries have farmed out," Shastri said.

Stay Home, Stay Safe! 🙏#Lockdown2 #COVID19 #StayHome #IndiaFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/JQTZVib2in

— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) April 15, 2020

"You have to obey the orders that come from the top: be it centre, state or the frontline workers who are risking their lives. Two orders that stand out: staying home and maintaining social distancing. It is not easy but to win the game you got to go through the pain to break the chain and see the gain. Come on, guys! let's do it together. Let us get out there in a bruit force of 1.4 billion and beat this corona and get your hands on the World Cup of humanity. Let's do it," he added.

With 1,076 new COVID-19 cases reported in the last 24 hours, India's tally of coronavirus cases has risen to 11,439, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday.

Out of the total tally, 9,756 cases are active while 1,306 patients have been cured/discharged and migrated. With 38 new deaths reported in the last 24 hours, the death toll rises to 377.

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Visual analysis: see how your MP voted

New party leader gives clear signal he will take party in a different direction

Lionel Messi begged Neymar to return to Barcelona after their embarrassing 4-0 defeat by Liverpool in the Champions League semi-final last season according to France Football. 

It's the second night on the bounce Kyrgios has painted the town red and the controversial Australian didn't appear to be fazed by his Wimbledon exit just hours later.

Nick Kyrgios got his US Open campaign off to a winning start with a straight sets victory over Steve Johnson, but irked his opponent after responding to calls from the crowd.

Gerwyn Price has slammed Peter Wright for employing dirty tactics and described his behaviour as 'out of order' following his defeat in their heated World Darts Championship semi-final.

Great Britain's hopes of reaching the next Winter Olympics were dashed on Sunday when they were defeated 4-1 by their old rivals Hungary in a winner takes all clash.

World number one Novak Djokovic secured his 76th tour-level title by beating John Millman in straight sets at the Japan Open.

Novak Djokovic's semi-final streak in Shanghai is over. The defending champion, a four-time winner of the Masters had reached the semi-finals in all eight of his tournament appearances.

Rafael Nadal has been absent from the Shanghai Masters but is guaranteed to recapture the world No 1 spot next month after Novak Djokovic went down to a shock quarter final defeat in China .

With the tie coming down to a deciding doubles rubber, Djokovic was subbed in to partner Viktor Troicki against Khachanov and Rublev, but it was the Russians who came out on top 6-4 4-6 7-6 (8).

Luis Suarez admits Barcelona have a 'tough year ahead of us' after a 2-0 defeat at Granada. Ramon Azeez and Alvaro Vadillo netted in either half as Granada moved top of La Liga.

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique demanded unity on and off the pitch after his side finally banished their away day demons with a 2-0 win at Getafe.

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde talked up the importance of having Lionel Messi in his side after the forward netted the winner in the 1-0 victory at Atletico Madrid.

Jim Furyk has accepted that opposite number Thomas Bjorn 'got the better of him' during the United States' Ryder Cup defeat to Europe.

Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka almost came to blows during a heated argument in the bitter aftermath of the United States' resounding Ryder Cup defeat to Europe over the weekend.

Dylan Hartley runs the rule on England's trip to Edinburgh, as Eddie Jones' side prepares to face old foe Scotland in a Calcutta Cup clash. 

Gregor Townsend has absolved Stuart Hogg from blame despite the Scotland skipper making his second costly mistake in as many Guinness Six Nations games.

Ed Sheeran drowned his sorrows after England's Rugby World Cup final defeat by singing in a Pokémon onsie at a Japanese karaoke bar on Sunday.

An Iowa Republican Party official says the senator's claims to Washington-outsider status 'won't sell in Iowa, especially since he's walking his views back toward the center.'

Retired teacher Beverley Attwood lives with her husband Bob in a picturesque cottage festooned with VE Day bunting in Brighstone, one of the prettiest villages on the Isle of Wight.

Great Britain suffered a third straight defeat on their tour of New Zealand after they were beaten 23-8 in Christchurch. The series whitewash increases the pressure on Wayne Bennett.

Great Britain's underwhelming tour of the southern hemisphere came to a humiliating end when they were condemned to a 28-10 defeat by Papua New Guinea.

Australia responded to defeat to Wales with an emphatic win against Uruguay on Saturday as the Wallabies secured an emphatic 45-10 defeat to put pressure back on their rivals in the pool.

Eddie Jones's Barbarians were pipped 33-31 by Fiji with the teams sharing 10 tries at Twickenham. He cut a relaxed figure standing on the touchline and greeted players with hugs as they came off.

Scotland lock Jonny Gray has been ruled out of the remainder of the Guinness Six Nations through injury. The Scottish Rugby Union confirmed the 57-times capped forward had suffered a hand injury.

DANIEL MATTHEWS AT THE EMIRATES: Sonny Bill Williams has revealed he began plotting his record move to Toronto Wolfpack the day after the All Blacks' defeat by England.

Britain's Dan Evans was left to rue missed opportunities after losing a hard-fought contest with defending champion Rafael Nadal in the second round of the Rogers Cup in Montreal.

MIKE DICKSON IN NEW YORK: Nadal denied Medvedev one of the greatest comebacks when he finally forged a 7-5, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4 victory that took a breathless four hours and 51 minutes.

MIKE DICKSON IN GENEVA: Not even a ticking off from Federer and Nadal could save Fabio Fognini from an embarrassing defeat that levelled up the opening stages of the Laver Cup.

DANIEL MATTHEWS AT ADAMS PARK: Bolton's matchday squad was a ragtag bunch and for almost an hour they threatened to add yet more farce to the occasion.

Usain Bolt suffered a rare 100 metres defeat when he was beaten by drugs cheat Justin Gatlin in Rome. The Olympic champion said he stumbled after making the ‘perfect start’ and could not catch Gatlin, who won bronze behind Bolt in the 100m in London.

Usain Bolt didn't seem too bothered by his shock defeat in Rome on Friday night as he was spotted enjoying the French Open men's singles final on Sunday between Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer.

American sprinter Justin Gatlin finished the season undefeated in all of his 18 races with a 9.83 seconds 100 metre win at the IAAF world challenge meeting in Rieti on Sunday.

Usain Bolt turns 29 on Friday. There might be a modest slice of cake and a rendition of Happy Birthday from his Jamaican team-mates but otherwise the significance of the day will be ignored.

CHRIS FOY: Twickenham will be a sanitised zone but the health and safety initiatives will not extend to the field of play, as England seek to end Six Nations campaign with a vengeance.