One of Bob Dylan’s most important early albums, “Bringing It All Back Home” from 1965, has the kind of cover that can strain eyes and fuel speculation. It is a photograph of Dylan, in a black jacket, sitting in a room full of bric-a-brac that may or may not mean something, staring into the camera as a woman in a red outfit lounges in the background.

“Fans became so fixated on deciphering it,” the music journalist Neil McCormick wrote in The Daily Telegraph of London last year, “that a rumor took hold that the woman was Dylan in drag, representing the feminine side of his psyche.”

She wasn’t. She was Sally Grossman, the wife of Dylan’s manager at the time, Albert Grossman.

“The photo was shot in Albert Grossman’s house,” the man who took it, Daniel Kramer, told The Guardian in 2016. “The room was the original kitchen of this house that’s a couple hundred years old.”

“Bob contributed to the picture the magazines he was reading and albums he was listening to,” Kramer added, a reference to the bric-a-brac. “Bob wanted Sally to be in the photo because, well, look at her! She chose the red outfit.”

Grossman died Thursday at her home in the Bearsville section of Woodstock, New York, not far from the house where the photograph was taken. She had long been a fixture in Woodstock, operating a recording studio, a theater and other businesses there after her husband died of a heart attack at 59 in 1986. She was 81.

Her niece, Anna Buehler, confirmed her death and said the cause had not been determined.

Sally Ann Buehler was born on Aug. 22, 1939, in Manhattan to Coleman and Ann (Kauth) Buehler. Her mother was executive director of the Boys Club (now the Variety Boys and Girls Club) of Queens; her father was an actuary.

Grossman studied at Adelphi University on Long Island and Hunter College in Manhattan, but she was more drawn to the arts scene percolating in Greenwich Village.

“I figured that what was happening on the street was a lot more interesting than studying 17th-century English literature,” she told Musician magazine in 1987, “so I dropped out of Hunter and began working as a waitress. I worked at the Cafe Wha?, and then the Bitter End, all over.”

Along the way she met Grossman, who was making his name managing folk music acts that played at those types of venues, including Peter, Paul and Mary, whom he helped bring together.

“The office was constantly packed with people,” Sally Grossman recalled in the 1987 interview. “Peter, Paul and Mary, of course, but also Ian and Sylvia, Richie Havens, Gordon Lightfoot, other musicians, artists, poets.”

The couple, who married in 1964, settled in Woodstock, where Albert Grossman had acquired properties and which Dylan had also discovered about the same time, settling there with his family as well.

In due course came the photo shoot for the album cover.

“I made 10 exposures,” Kramer told The Minneapolis Star Tribune in 2014. One image, with Dylan holding a cat, was a keeper. “That was the only time all three subjects were looking at the lens,” Kramer said.

The photo, staged by Kramer with Dylan’s input, was an early example of what became a mini-trend of loading covers up with imagery that seemed to invite scrutiny for insights into the music. The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” (1967) might be the best-known example.

The album itself was a breakthrough for Dylan, marking his transition from acoustic to electric. Its tracks included “Mr. Tambourine Man,” “Subterranean Homesick Blues” and “Maggie’s Farm.”

Sally Grossman and her husband established recording studios and restaurants in Bearsville, and after his death Grossman renovated a barn to create the Bearsville Theater, bringing to life a vision of her husband’s. It hosted numerous concerts over the years. She sold the businesses in the mid-2000s.

Sally Grossman is survived by a brother, Barry Buehler.

Though she knew many American musicians, Grossman had a special place in her heart for an order of religious singers from Bengal known as the Bauls, whom she encountered in the 1960s. She created a digital archive of Baul music. Deborah Baker, author of “A Blue Hand: The Beats in India” (2008), wrote about Grossman and her connection to the Bauls in a 2011 essay in the magazine the Caravan.

“Despite all the famous musicians and bands who once passed through her life,” Baker wrote, “she found it was the Bauls she missed the most from those years.”

One of Bob Dylan’s most important early albums, “Bringing It All Back Home” from 1965, has the kind of cover that can strain eyes and fuel speculation. It is a photograph of Dylan, in a black jacket, sitting in a room full of bric-a-brac that may or may not mean something, staring into the camera as a woman in a red outfit lounges in the background.

One of Bob Dylan’s most important early albums, “Bringing It All Back Home” from 1965, has the kind of cover that can strain eyes and fuel speculation. It is a photograph of Dylan, in a black jacket, sitting in a room full of bric-a-brac that may or may not mean something, staring into the camera as a woman in a red outfit lounges in the background. “Fans became so fixated on deciphering it,” the music journalist Neil McCormick wrote in The Daily Telegraph of London last year, “that a rumor took hold that the woman was Dylan in drag, representing the feminine side of his psyche.” She wasn’t. She was Sally Grossman, the wife of Dylan’s manager at the time, Albert Grossman. “The photo was shot in Albert Grossman’s house,” the man who took it, Daniel Kramer, told The Guardian in 2016. “The room was the original kitchen of this house that’s a couple hundred years old.” “Bob contributed to the picture the magazines he was reading and albums he was listening to,” Kramer added, a reference to the bric-a-brac. “Bob wanted Sally to be in the photo because, well, look at her! She chose the red outfit.” Grossman died Thursday at her home in the Bearsville section of Woodstock, New York, not far from the house where the photograph was taken. She had long been a fixture in Woodstock, operating a recording studio, a theater and other businesses there after her husband died of a heart attack at 59 in 1986. She was 81. Her niece, Anna Buehler, confirmed her death and said the cause had not been determined. Sally Ann Buehler was born on Aug. 22, 1939, in Manhattan to Coleman and Ann (Kauth) Buehler. Her mother was executive director of the Boys Club (now the Variety Boys and Girls Club) of Queens; her father was an actuary. Grossman studied at Adelphi University on Long Island and Hunter College in Manhattan, but she was more drawn to the arts scene percolating in Greenwich Village. “I figured that what was happening on the street was a lot more interesting than studying 17th-century English literature,” she told Musician magazine in 1987, “so I dropped out of Hunter and began working as a waitress. I worked at the Cafe Wha?, and then the Bitter End, all over.” Along the way she met Grossman, who was making his name managing folk music acts that played at those types of venues, including Peter, Paul and Mary, whom he helped bring together. “The office was constantly packed with people,” Sally Grossman recalled in the 1987 interview. “Peter, Paul and Mary, of course, but also Ian and Sylvia, Richie Havens, Gordon Lightfoot, other musicians, artists, poets.” The couple, who married in 1964, settled in Woodstock, where Albert Grossman had acquired properties and which Dylan had also discovered about the same time, settling there with his family as well. In due course came the photo shoot for the album cover. “I made 10 exposures,” Kramer told The Minneapolis Star Tribune in 2014. One image, with Dylan holding a cat, was a keeper. “That was the only time all three subjects were looking at the lens,” Kramer said. The photo, staged by Kramer with Dylan’s input, was an early example of what became a mini-trend of loading covers up with imagery that seemed to invite scrutiny for insights into the music. The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” (1967) might be the best-known example. The album itself was a breakthrough for Dylan, marking his transition from acoustic to electric. Its tracks included “Mr. Tambourine Man,” “Subterranean Homesick Blues” and “Maggie’s Farm.” Sally Grossman and her husband established recording studios and restaurants in Bearsville, and after his death Grossman renovated a barn to create the Bearsville Theater, bringing to life a vision of her husband’s. It hosted numerous concerts over the years. She sold the businesses in the mid-2000s. Sally Grossman is survived by a brother, Barry Buehler. Though she knew many American musicians, Grossman had a special place in her heart for an order of religious singers from Bengal known as the Bauls, whom she encountered in the 1960s. She created a digital archive of Baul music. Deborah Baker, author of “A Blue Hand: The Beats in India” (2008), wrote about Grossman and her connection to the Bauls in a 2011 essay in the magazine the Caravan. “Despite all the famous musicians and bands who once passed through her life,” Baker wrote, “she found it was the Bauls she missed the most from those years.”

Sally Grossman, immortalised on a Dylan album cover, dies at 81

Thousands of protesters return to London's Parliament on Monday to rally against Police's action to break up a vigil for Sarah Everard.

London Police clash with mourners at Sarah Everard's vigil

The United States is witnessing an outpouring of grief with Sarah Everard's murder. The murder of 33-year-old Sarah Everard has reignited a national debate in Britain on women's safety and sexual assault.

WION Dispatch: Murder of UK woman sparks concerns on women safety

'Men, do better': Londoners hold vigil for Sarah Everard; Police revolts

Police in London clashed with mourners and protesters on Saturday after more than a thousand people gathered to mark the killing of a 33-year-old woman, hours after the police officer charged with her murder appeared in court.

Londoners protest after police officer charged with woman's murder

The London police has announced that the "human remains" found in woodland near Ashford have been identified to be of Sarah Everard, the 33-year-old woman who went missing a few days ago.

Sarah Everard was a 33-year-old marketing executive who had gone missing while walking home from a friend's apartment in south London on March 03 evening.

"The body has now been recovered and a formal identification procedure has taken place. I can now confirm that it is the body of Sarah Everard," Metropolitan Police assistant commissioner Nick Ephgrave told reporters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-baroness-call-for-6-pm-curfew-for-men-after-sarah-everards-murder-369961">UK baroness call for 6 pm curfew for men after Sarah Everard's murder</a>

This latest development has also come after detectives had been allotted more time to interrogate a serving member of the Metropolitan Police's elite diplomatic protection unit in connection with the case.

Ephgrave said hundreds of officers of MeT are "working around the clock to establish the full circumstances of Sarah's disappearance and her murder."

He also reported that a man is still in custody at the London police station "on suspicion of committing those crimes".

This case has sent shockwaves across the globe as it has highlighted the sad situation of women safety in the world, especially in a 'developed' city as London.

After the incident, officers of MeT went knocking on doors to urge women not to step out of their homes alone after sunset for their own safety.&nbsp;

This attracted massive criticism from locals and social media users who called for better security, instead of imposing restrictions on women.&nbsp;

Talking on the same lines, the baroness Jenny Jones suggested imposing a curfew for men instead of asking women to stay indoors.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The Green peer <a href="https://twitter.com/GreenJennyJones?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GreenJennyJones</a> is a serious and impressive person and she doesn't make jokes. I completely understand where she is coming from here. <a href="https://t.co/bqTC7gxXuW">pic.twitter.com/bqTC7gxXuW</a>
— Jeremy Vine (@theJeremyVine) <a href="https://twitter.com/theJeremyVine/status/1370072136900087811?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"In the week that Sarah Everard was abducted and, we suppose, killed -- because remains have been found in a woodland in Kent -- I argue that, at the next opportunity for any bill that is appropriate, I might put in an amendment to create a curfew for men on the streets after," she said during a debate on domestic violence in the UK Parliament's House of Lords on Wednesday. "I feel this would make women a lot safer, and discrimination of all kinds would be lessened."

The London police has announced that the "human remains" found in woodland near Ashford have been identified to be of Sarah Everard, the 33-year-old woman who went missing a few days ago.

The London police has announced that the "human remains" found in woodland near Ashford have been identified to be of Sarah Everard, the 33-year-old woman who went missing a few days ago. Sarah Everard was a 33-year-old marketing executive who had gone missing while walking home from a friend's apartment in south London on March 03 evening. "The body has now been recovered and a formal identification procedure has taken place. I can now confirm that it is the body of Sarah Everard," Metropolitan Police assistant commissioner Nick Ephgrave told reporters. Also read | UK baroness call for 6 pm curfew for men after Sarah Everard's murder This latest development has also come after detectives had been allotted more time to interrogate a serving member of the Metropolitan Police's elite diplomatic protection unit in connection with the case. Ephgrave said hundreds of officers of MeT are "working around the clock to establish the full circumstances of Sarah's disappearance and her murder." He also reported that a man is still in custody at the London police station "on suspicion of committing those crimes". This case has sent shockwaves across the globe as it has highlighted the sad situation of women safety in the world, especially in a 'developed' city as London. After the incident, officers of MeT went knocking on doors to urge women not to step out of their homes alone after sunset for their own safety. This attracted massive criticism from locals and social media users who called for better security, instead of imposing restrictions on women. Talking on the same lines, the baroness Jenny Jones suggested imposing a curfew for men instead of asking women to stay indoors. The Green peer @GreenJennyJones is a serious and impressive person and she doesn't make jokes. I completely understand where she is coming from here. pic.twitter.com/bqTC7gxXuW — Jeremy Vine (@theJeremyVine) March 11, 2021 × "In the week that Sarah Everard was abducted and, we suppose, killed -- because remains have been found in a woodland in Kent -- I argue that, at the next opportunity for any bill that is appropriate, I might put in an amendment to create a curfew for men on the streets after," she said during a debate on domestic violence in the UK Parliament's House of Lords on Wednesday. "I feel this would make women a lot safer, and discrimination of all kinds would be lessened."

UK: London police identifies body of missing Sarah Everard

After the horrifying murder of the 33-year-old London woman, Sarah Everard, a left-wing baroness has suggested a 6 pm curfew for men to keep women safe.

Sarah Everard went missing shortly after 9 pm on March 03 while walking home from&nbsp;friends' apartment in south London. Upon investigation, the Metropolitan Police Service (MeT) has found "what appears to be human remains" in woodland near Ashford.

"At this early stage we are not able to confirm any identity, and indeed that may take us some considerable time," said the head of MeT.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The Green peer <a href="https://twitter.com/GreenJennyJones?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GreenJennyJones</a> is a serious and impressive person and she doesn't make jokes. I completely understand where she is coming from here. <a href="https://t.co/bqTC7gxXuW">pic.twitter.com/bqTC7gxXuW</a>
— Jeremy Vine (@theJeremyVine) <a href="https://twitter.com/theJeremyVine/status/1370072136900087811?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

This case has sent shockwaves across the globe as it has highlighted the sad situation of women safety in the world, especially in a 'developed' city as London.

As per reports, Everard was walking towards her home on a well-lit main road and had also contacted her friend/boyfriend during her walk. She was also spotted wearing bright-coloured clothes, which is usual precaution women are told to exercise.

Following, Everard's case the local police warned women not to go out alone in areas such as Claphan or Brixton. The police officers also went knocking door-to-door to urge women to not step out alone.

This has raised concerns from women all over the world. talking on the same lines, the baroness Jenny Jones suggested imposing a curfew for men instead of asking women to stay indoors.

"In the week that Sarah Everard was abducted and, we suppose, killed -- because remains have been found in a woodland in Kent -- I argue that, at the next opportunity for any bill that is appropriate, I might put in an amendment to create a curfew for men on the streets after," she said during a debate on domestic violence in the UK Parliament's House of Lords on Wednesday. "I feel this would make women a lot safer, and discrimination of all kinds would be lessened."

Her call for curfew was met with mixed reactions from locals on social media platforms. While many supported the idea and appreciated her for providing a tit-for-tat answer to MeT police's appeal of women staying indoors, some also protested the idea, calling it a joke.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Since my comments about a curfew for men to keep women safe, I've had a deluge of misogynistic emails and tweets. Which rather proves my point about the problem being with men ...
— Jenny Jones (@GreenJennyJones) <a href="https://twitter.com/GreenJennyJones/status/1370072178213990406?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Since my comments about a curfew for men to keep women safe, I've had a deluge of misogynistic emails and tweets. Which rather proves my point about the problem being with men," Jones tweeted.

After the horrifying murder of the 33-year-old London woman, Sarah Everard, a left-wing baroness has suggested a 6 pm curfew for men to keep women safe. Sarah Everard went missing shortly after 9 pm on March 03 while walking home from friends' apartment in south London.

After the horrifying murder of the 33-year-old London woman, Sarah Everard, a left-wing baroness has suggested a 6 pm curfew for men to keep women safe. Sarah Everard went missing shortly after 9 pm on March 03 while walking home from friends' apartment in south London. Upon investigation, the Metropolitan Police Service (MeT) has found "what appears to be human remains" in woodland near Ashford. "At this early stage we are not able to confirm any identity, and indeed that may take us some considerable time," said the head of MeT. The Green peer @GreenJennyJones is a serious and impressive person and she doesn't make jokes. I completely understand where she is coming from here. pic.twitter.com/bqTC7gxXuW — Jeremy Vine (@theJeremyVine) March 11, 2021 × This case has sent shockwaves across the globe as it has highlighted the sad situation of women safety in the world, especially in a 'developed' city as London. As per reports, Everard was walking towards her home on a well-lit main road and had also contacted her friend/boyfriend during her walk. She was also spotted wearing bright-coloured clothes, which is usual precaution women are told to exercise. Following, Everard's case the local police warned women not to go out alone in areas such as Claphan or Brixton. The police officers also went knocking door-to-door to urge women to not step out alone. This has raised concerns from women all over the world. talking on the same lines, the baroness Jenny Jones suggested imposing a curfew for men instead of asking women to stay indoors. "In the week that Sarah Everard was abducted and, we suppose, killed -- because remains have been found in a woodland in Kent -- I argue that, at the next opportunity for any bill that is appropriate, I might put in an amendment to create a curfew for men on the streets after," she said during a debate on domestic violence in the UK Parliament's House of Lords on Wednesday. "I feel this would make women a lot safer, and discrimination of all kinds would be lessened." Her call for curfew was met with mixed reactions from locals on social media platforms. While many supported the idea and appreciated her for providing a tit-for-tat answer to MeT police's appeal of women staying indoors, some also protested the idea, calling it a joke. Since my comments about a curfew for men to keep women safe, I've had a deluge of misogynistic emails and tweets. Which rather proves my point about the problem being with men ... — Jenny Jones (@GreenJennyJones) March 11, 2021 × "Since my comments about a curfew for men to keep women safe, I've had a deluge of misogynistic emails and tweets. Which rather proves my point about the problem being with men," Jones tweeted.

UK baroness call for 6 pm curfew for men after Sarah Everard's murder

The British Monarchy is facing its biggest crisis. The U.K's economy is in a mess, its healthcare is on a ventilator. But guess what British Parliamentarians are concerned about? India. WION's Palki Sharma asks-When will the U.K. get over its colonial hangover?

Gravitas: British parliament debates on Indian farmers

The High Commission of India in London has condemned a debate among some British lawmakers on an e-petition over the right of peaceful protests and freedom of the press in India amid the ongoing farmers' protest against three agricultural laws.

India's high commission slams debate on farmers' protests in UK Parliament

London now has the highest concentration of dollar millionaires in the entire world, trumping New York City.

At least 875,000 people from London are dollar millionaires, ie, they possess asserts worth more than $10,15,812 (£720,000), based on the annual study undertaken of the world’s wealthiest people by Knight Frank - a property consultant entity.

This implies that one out of every 10 people in London is now a dollar millionaire. The data highlights the widening inequality gap, which has become steeper owing to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. According to government figures, over 2.5 million people in London are classified as “living in poverty”.

The report adds that 874,354 people in London possess assets like property which amounts to over $1 million, making them “high net worth individuals”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/europes-biggest-haul-23-tonnes-of-cocaine-seized-by-customs-authorities-365960" hreflang="en">'Europe's biggest haul': 23 tonnes of cocaine seized by customs authorities</a> 
 
In New York, the number stands at 820,000. Knight Frank’s global head of research, Liam Bailey told The Guardian the following - &nbsp;“The main point is that our HNWI threshold is $1m, so £720,000, and with average house prices in London at £514,000, a lot of households fall into the HNWI category… Ironically, the high cost of housing in London is the main driver for categorising so many households as being wealthy.”

The research also found that London that the most number of “prime” homes for any city in the world. There are 68,000 such prime units costing over £2m each.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/uk-ministry-confirms-second-hq-outside-london-365045" hreflang="en">UK ministry confirms second HQ outside London</a>

Expensive property sales have gone up in London during the pandemic, with foreign investors exploiting the drop in the value of the pound and tax advantages in the aftermath of Brexit.

The survey also named London the rich person’s city of choice in terms of lifestyle, and what it offers - opera houses, theatres, universities, sports, shopping facilities, and Michelin-starred restaurants.

London now has the highest concentration of dollar millionaires in the entire world, trumping New York City. At least 875,000 people from London are dollar millionaires, ie, they possess asserts worth more than $10,15,812 (£720,000), based on the annual study undertaken of the world’s wealthiest people by Knight Frank - a property consultant entity.

London now has the highest concentration of dollar millionaires in the entire world, trumping New York City. At least 875,000 people from London are dollar millionaires, ie, they possess asserts worth more than $10,15,812 (£720,000), based on the annual study undertaken of the world’s wealthiest people by Knight Frank - a property consultant entity. This implies that one out of every 10 people in London is now a dollar millionaire. The data highlights the widening inequality gap, which has become steeper owing to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. According to government figures, over 2.5 million people in London are classified as “living in poverty”. The report adds that 874,354 people in London possess assets like property which amounts to over $1 million, making them “high net worth individuals”. Also read: 'Europe's biggest haul': 23 tonnes of cocaine seized by customs authorities In New York, the number stands at 820,000. Knight Frank’s global head of research, Liam Bailey told The Guardian the following - “The main point is that our HNWI threshold is $1m, so £720,000, and with average house prices in London at £514,000, a lot of households fall into the HNWI category… Ironically, the high cost of housing in London is the main driver for categorising so many households as being wealthy.” The research also found that London that the most number of “prime” homes for any city in the world. There are 68,000 such prime units costing over £2m each. Also read: UK ministry confirms second HQ outside London Expensive property sales have gone up in London during the pandemic, with foreign investors exploiting the drop in the value of the pound and tax advantages in the aftermath of Brexit. The survey also named London the rich person’s city of choice in terms of lifestyle, and what it offers - opera houses, theatres, universities, sports, shopping facilities, and Michelin-starred restaurants.

London now has the most number of dollar millionaires, trumping New York City

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson is all set to announce a roadmap to ease lockdown measures. The roadmap falls under Johnson's accelerated plan to cautiously reopen the economy of Britain.

UK PM to announce a roadmap to ease lockdown measures

Dutch capital Amsterdam has now displaced London as Europe's biggest share trading centre, after left European Union's single market last year through Brexit.

World Business News: Amsterdam replaces London as Europe's biggest share trading centre

More broadly, cities will have to address new desires about connecting with nature and “reconnecting with life,” said Philipp Rode, executive director of LSE Cities, a research center at the London School of Economics.

A similar urban exodus has been seen in the United States during the pandemic, with affluent New Yorkers retreating to second homes and Silicon Valley techies scattering across the country. The phenomenon might be even more pronounced in the United States than in Europe.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-records-lowest-temperature-in-the-decade-as-snowstorm-hits-europe-362730/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“Broadly speaking, place loyalty in Europe is significantly higher than in the U.S.,” Rode said, pointing to past studies showing that even among cities in economic decline, those in Europe suffered relatively less population loss. “A lot of these places have very deep histories, very deep culture.”

Nevertheless, many European cities are introducing features like pedestrian and cycle-friendly commuting options and expanded green spaces. Milan, hit hard by the first wave of the virus, has designated more than 20 miles of cycling lanes as well as “parklets” in former parking lots.

London officials began a “Streetspace” project last year, creating temporary bike lanes and widening pedestrian zones as commuters tried to avoid the dangers of crowded subways and buses. Paris and Barcelona have taken similar steps.

Changes like these, which typically would take years, are being made practically overnight, British engineering firm Arup found. (And the pace of London’s program has prompted legal battles.)

But Léan Doody, who leads the integrated cities and planning network for Europe for Arup, is optimistic about the changes. He said that although the pandemic had highlighted some of the deeper problems with urban life, it could actually prompt a push for improvement.

“There is an opportunity” as the pandemic fades from view, to “introduce new behaviors,” she said.

“Perhaps city authorities, transport authorities and employers could think about policies to make a vision of the future that actually works for everyone,” she said.

Quantifying precisely how many people have left Europe’s cities is difficult, because the pandemic has complicated data collection. But a study published earlier this month estimated that nearly 700,000 people left London in the last year, mostly foreign-born workers who may also have been reacting to Brexit.

However, London could be an outlier. A survey from Arup found that some 41% of Londoners had moved out of the city at some point in the pandemic, compared to around 10% in Madrid, Milan and Berlin and 20% in Paris. Real estate company Century 21 said over the summer that it had recorded a spike in interest in leaving Paris, but no “mass exodus.”

Property reports revealed tech workers left Dublin en masse last year as remote work became widespread.

Unaffordable housing was a pain point in many European cities even before the pandemic, which has both exposed and deepened inequality. But remote working is “loosening the link” between housing and employment, Doody said.

Property prices in Dublin have exploded in recent years after a housing-market collapse in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis; a steep drop in supply has met with overwhelming demand, worsened by a rise in short-term rentals.

Doody said plans by the Irish government to create a legal right for employees to request remote work could make strides toward easing the housing strains on Dublin while distributing high-earning workers elsewhere.

Brendan McLoughlin, 29, a business analyst for Ireland’s national postal service, is among many whose job will remain at least partially remote; he plans to relocate from shared accommodation in Dublin to his own house in a port town north of the city this summer.

“I think it’s forced this reevaluation of what matters in your setting and your home life,” he said.

There is a strong view among social scientists and economists that the pandemic has only accelerated changes already underway in cities, deepening a “doughnut effect” in which high prices drive residents to the outskirts and turbocharging a formerly meandering trend toward remote work.

But the more rapid shifts have focused the attention of urban authorities, who are increasingly addressing long-standing complaints about noise, air pollution, cramped apartments and stratospheric rents.

In Paris, which was losing residents even before the pandemic, Mayor Anne Hidalgo had already been advocating the idea of the “15-minute city” — a vision of a future for neighborhoods that would assure all necessary amenities existed a short walk from people’s front doors. She made strides to cut car traffic in the city center and promote more green space.

When the pandemic created a new urgency, Paris quickly turned the Rue de Rivoli, a main thoroughfare, into a multilane biking highway, cut traffic near schools to improve air quality and turned parking spaces into extended cafe seating. The city is now vowing to make some of its pandemic designs permanent.

But finding the political will for lasting change will be a challenge, Rode said, and would depend to a great extent on the level of public engagement and acceptance.

Malcolm Smith, an urban design fellow with Arup, argued in a recent report that the pandemic had already brought cities closer to the vision of the 15-minute city, and that there was now the potential to make less traffic, cleaner air and more time with family into more permanent features of urban life.

“It has shone a light on the importance of developing cities in smaller modules, with essential services concentrated around community hubs,” he wrote. “In the 19th century, the response to cholera in London brought big infrastructure, the sewer network. I hope COVID-19 will lead to lots of smaller scale but widespread interventions.” 
&nbsp;

More broadly, cities will have to address new desires about connecting with nature and “reconnecting with life,” said Philipp Rode, executive director of LSE Cities, a research center at the London School of Economics.

More broadly, cities will have to address new desires about connecting with nature and “reconnecting with life,” said Philipp Rode, executive director of LSE Cities, a research center at the London School of Economics. A similar urban exodus has been seen in the United States during the pandemic, with affluent New Yorkers retreating to second homes and Silicon Valley techies scattering across the country. The phenomenon might be even more pronounced in the United States than in Europe. Watch | “Broadly speaking, place loyalty in Europe is significantly higher than in the U.S.,” Rode said, pointing to past studies showing that even among cities in economic decline, those in Europe suffered relatively less population loss. “A lot of these places have very deep histories, very deep culture.” Nevertheless, many European cities are introducing features like pedestrian and cycle-friendly commuting options and expanded green spaces. Milan, hit hard by the first wave of the virus, has designated more than 20 miles of cycling lanes as well as “parklets” in former parking lots. London officials began a “Streetspace” project last year, creating temporary bike lanes and widening pedestrian zones as commuters tried to avoid the dangers of crowded subways and buses. Paris and Barcelona have taken similar steps. Changes like these, which typically would take years, are being made practically overnight, British engineering firm Arup found. (And the pace of London’s program has prompted legal battles.) But Léan Doody, who leads the integrated cities and planning network for Europe for Arup, is optimistic about the changes. He said that although the pandemic had highlighted some of the deeper problems with urban life, it could actually prompt a push for improvement. “There is an opportunity” as the pandemic fades from view, to “introduce new behaviors,” she said. “Perhaps city authorities, transport authorities and employers could think about policies to make a vision of the future that actually works for everyone,” she said. Quantifying precisely how many people have left Europe’s cities is difficult, because the pandemic has complicated data collection. But a study published earlier this month estimated that nearly 700,000 people left London in the last year, mostly foreign-born workers who may also have been reacting to Brexit. However, London could be an outlier. A survey from Arup found that some 41% of Londoners had moved out of the city at some point in the pandemic, compared to around 10% in Madrid, Milan and Berlin and 20% in Paris. Real estate company Century 21 said over the summer that it had recorded a spike in interest in leaving Paris, but no “mass exodus.” Property reports revealed tech workers left Dublin en masse last year as remote work became widespread. Unaffordable housing was a pain point in many European cities even before the pandemic, which has both exposed and deepened inequality. But remote working is “loosening the link” between housing and employment, Doody said. Property prices in Dublin have exploded in recent years after a housing-market collapse in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis; a steep drop in supply has met with overwhelming demand, worsened by a rise in short-term rentals. Doody said plans by the Irish government to create a legal right for employees to request remote work could make strides toward easing the housing strains on Dublin while distributing high-earning workers elsewhere. Brendan McLoughlin, 29, a business analyst for Ireland’s national postal service, is among many whose job will remain at least partially remote; he plans to relocate from shared accommodation in Dublin to his own house in a port town north of the city this summer. “I think it’s forced this reevaluation of what matters in your setting and your home life,” he said. There is a strong view among social scientists and economists that the pandemic has only accelerated changes already underway in cities, deepening a “doughnut effect” in which high prices drive residents to the outskirts and turbocharging a formerly meandering trend toward remote work. But the more rapid shifts have focused the attention of urban authorities, who are increasingly addressing long-standing complaints about noise, air pollution, cramped apartments and stratospheric rents. In Paris, which was losing residents even before the pandemic, Mayor Anne Hidalgo had already been advocating the idea of the “15-minute city” — a vision of a future for neighborhoods that would assure all necessary amenities existed a short walk from people’s front doors. She made strides to cut car traffic in the city center and promote more green space. When the pandemic created a new urgency, Paris quickly turned the Rue de Rivoli, a main thoroughfare, into a multilane biking highway, cut traffic near schools to improve air quality and turned parking spaces into extended cafe seating. The city is now vowing to make some of its pandemic designs permanent. But finding the political will for lasting change will be a challenge, Rode said, and would depend to a great extent on the level of public engagement and acceptance. Malcolm Smith, an urban design fellow with Arup, argued in a recent report that the pandemic had already brought cities closer to the vision of the 15-minute city, and that there was now the potential to make less traffic, cleaner air and more time with family into more permanent features of urban life. “It has shone a light on the importance of developing cities in smaller modules, with essential services concentrated around community hubs,” he wrote. “In the 19th century, the response to cholera in London brought big infrastructure, the sewer network. I hope COVID-19 will lead to lots of smaller scale but widespread interventions.”

The pandemic emptied Europe's cities. What will bring people back?

Since the phenomena of online food delivery have risen, we have often seen cases of people reporting that their food packet tampered or the delivery person tried to eat their order.

However, a delivery agent went an extra mile to not just eat the order of London-based law student, but also mockingly messaging her about his act.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/netherlands-cricketer-paul-van-meekeren-delivering-uber-eats-bemoans-t20-world-cup-rescheduling-343430">Netherlands cricketer Paul Van Meekeren delivering Uber Eats, bemoans T20 World Cup rescheduling</a>

Illy Ilyas, 21, ordered two burgers, chips and a chicken wrap on Uber Eats on Saturday costing about USD 20 in London.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/black-lives-matter-uber-eats-to-feature-black-owned-restaurants-in-us-and-canada-303457">Black lives matter: Uber Eats to feature Black-owned restaurants in US and Canada</a>

She was continually receiving notifications about the status of her delivery, but the last message from the delivery agent left Ilyas absolutely stunned.&nbsp;

"Sorry love, ate your food," the delivery boy texted Ilyas.

Ilyas said hearing the response her her "open-mouthed"

"This has never happened to me before," Ilyas was quoted as saying by The Sun.&nbsp;

To add insult to her injury, the Uber Eats app said that her order has been delivered and even suggested her to give tip to the agent.&nbsp;

However, Ilyas later complained and got her order for free by the app.

The incident, though, has not arisen any cold or bitter feeling for the law student and she said that the delivery agent likely did this as he was hungry.&nbsp;

"Maybe he was really hungry. I wouldn't want to be the reason a peckish man gets unemployed in a pandemic. I found the whole thing funny. At least I know that the food was eaten," she added.&nbsp;

"In the end, I got my food so I wasn't fussed." 
&nbsp;

Since the phenomena of online food delivery have risen, we have often seen cases of people reporting that their food packet tampered or the delivery person tried to eat their order.

Since the phenomena of online food delivery have risen, we have often seen cases of people reporting that their food packet tampered or the delivery person tried to eat their order. However, a delivery agent went an extra mile to not just eat the order of London-based law student, but also mockingly messaging her about his act. Also read | Netherlands cricketer Paul Van Meekeren delivering Uber Eats, bemoans T20 World Cup rescheduling Illy Ilyas, 21, ordered two burgers, chips and a chicken wrap on Uber Eats on Saturday costing about USD 20 in London. Also read | Black lives matter: Uber Eats to feature Black-owned restaurants in US and Canada She was continually receiving notifications about the status of her delivery, but the last message from the delivery agent left Ilyas absolutely stunned. "Sorry love, ate your food," the delivery boy texted Ilyas. Ilyas said hearing the response her her "open-mouthed" "This has never happened to me before," Ilyas was quoted as saying by The Sun. To add insult to her injury, the Uber Eats app said that her order has been delivered and even suggested her to give tip to the agent. However, Ilyas later complained and got her order for free by the app. The incident, though, has not arisen any cold or bitter feeling for the law student and she said that the delivery agent likely did this as he was hungry. "Maybe he was really hungry. I wouldn't want to be the reason a peckish man gets unemployed in a pandemic. I found the whole thing funny. At least I know that the food was eaten," she added. "In the end, I got my food so I wasn't fussed."

'Sorry, love': Uber Eats delivery agent eats customer's food, then gives cheeky response

Priyanka Chopra Jonas isn’t the kind to let a minute of her life slip away, even when life is on lockdown.

While others were perfecting their sourdough starters last spring, Chopra Jonas decided to write her first book — and finished it. As quarantine fatigue curtailed our enthusiasm for crafting and Kondo-izing, she was in London shooting the romantic drama “Text for You” alongside Sam Heughan and Celine Dion.

By the time a lot of us had been rendered bloblike, Chopra Jonas was in overdrive, simultaneously promoting three projects: her Netflix movie, “The White Tiger,” adapted from Aravind Adiga’s Booker Prize-winning rags-to-riches novel about a self-made Bangalore businessman; her memoir, “Unfinished,” which chronicles her 38 years, including her reign as Miss World and breakthrough into Bollywood and eventually Hollywood; and her new sustainable hair care line, Anomaly.

As if that weren’t enough, she was prepping to shoot “Citadel,” a spy series directed by the Russo brothers for Amazon, which had been delayed a year because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Through it all, Chopra Jonas was still finding room for some self-care and shut-eye, “which has to be scheduled time, because otherwise I would never get sleep,” she said. In a phone call in late January from her home in London, Chopra Jonas tracked the recent routines and cultural items that are keeping her busy.

These are edited excerpts from the conversation.

Wednesday morning

In our profession, my routine is dictated by the schedule that my team decides for me, predominantly. So the only thing routine-y about my schedule is I always make sure I have at least eight hours of sleep. My coffee machine is in my bedroom, right by my bed. The first thing I do is press the Nespresso button and smell the aroma of the coffee, and that’s how my eyes open.

Then I check out the news and scroll through Twitter usually still when I’m in bed. I need five or 10 minutes to orient myself to the fact that I’m waking up. On a languid day, maybe it would be half an hour. This ritual is ultimately what led me to “The White Tiger.” There was so much chatter around it in literary circles. I’m an avid reader. I try and pick up the books everyone’s talking about because I don’t really have the luxury of time to discover my own favourites.

My days start with a workout, usually on Zoom with my trainer. I started getting consistent with working out during quarantine. I hate working out otherwise. I’m not one of those people who’s like, “Oh my gosh, I enjoy it so much that I need it.” I listen to Hindi rap, like Raftaar and Divine, while I work out. It’s alive and visceral.

Wednesday afternoon

I watched the inauguration, and I think I felt exactly what the world was feeling. It was a very emotional time for a lot of my friends and family in America, and I felt very excited about the fact that the country is stepping into the right direction in terms of leadership. Not only should leadership look like this, but also sound like this. As someone coming from a country who has had many females in high positions of power, it’s awesome to see the U.S. finally get their first.

My days for the past two weeks have been back-to-back with recording my audiobook and promo, and [together] it takes 12 to 13 hours a day. I filmed three talk show interviews — Kelly Clarkson, Lilly Singh and Ellen — and I recorded a few podcasts and did several phone interviews. I think I was one of the earlier people to commit to the fact that we’re going to be working off Zoom for a really long time. So I found a corner of my room with a fireplace where I do all my Zoom calls.

Wednesday night

Before bed, I always need a few hours to unwind, and this is usually when I watch TV or read. Right now I’m reading “Amnesty,” Aravind Adiga’s next novel. I obviously am a fan. This is based in Australia, and it’s about a Sri Lankan immigrant, and it’s a thriller from his perspective. I do love to get out of work mode and just enjoy the content for what it is. But most of my reading I do with both [enjoyment and the idea of a project] in mind.

I haven’t been able to commit to a TV show because of how busy my schedule is. I recently finished “The Undoing,” “The Boys” and “Bridgerton” but I’m also really into movies after dinner. I’ve watched a lot of the Oscar contenders — “Sound of Metal,” “Da 5 Bloods,” “One Night in Miami.”

Thursday morning

Finally, I had some semblance of a morning I don’t even know how long. I woke up by 10, had a quick workout and then I had luxurious brunch with my mom, who is living in London with me. She was here with my husband during the holidays so that we could be together. I felt safer with her around me. My husband left-top of the year, but I didn’t let my mom go. So I’ve sort of kidnapped her right now.

Thursday afternoon

My first call wasn’t until 2 — a prep call with the producers of “Citadel,” which I am so excited to start. Prep calls are usually character development, which is one of my favourite things. The most exciting job as an actor is when you have the ability to take someone off the page and really breathe life into them.

Thursday night

Then it was back to promo. Unlike normal junkets where you’re local and live with the media, we have been up early and late to hit markets all over the world. Tonight we ended with “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” at 1 am.

I couldn’t sleep, because you know when you go beyond tired on the other side of the hill? That happened. Then I was on TikTok for hours. I’m a secret admirer, so I consume whatever they show me. It’s a lot of baby videos or doggy videos or kitten videos.

We got a quarantine pet, yes, we did! He’s Panda, and he’s a rescue. I got Nick a German shepherd for our anniversary last year, and my dog, Diana, who I’ve had for four years, she’s a rescue as well. So we had the two. But Nick’s parents were visiting and they brought their girls with them, and the house was full of four dogs, and it was so amazing that after Nick’s parents left, I was kind of feeling like, we need another dog. He’s a mix between an Australian shepherd and a husky. And he’s a punk. He deliberately defies you but he’s so adorable that you forget everything. He’s in LA with Nick at the moment, but they should be coming here sometime next month.

Friday morning

It was my last free weekday before I start “Citadel,” which I’ll be filming until next November. It was also release day of “The White Tiger.” Release day is filled with a roller coaster of emotions, but always with bright eyes and hope for a strong opening. I’m so proud to share this film with the world.

Friday afternoon

I did “Hot Ones.” Oh my God. I’ve done it before on Jimmy Fallon, and it almost killed me. But this time — and I love spicy food. I need hot sauce. I carry it everywhere — but some of the hot sauces are like poison. They’re insane how spicy they are. I literally felt like I was going to faint. I had to open the doors up and walk outside and eat ice cream and milk, and I was crying. Ghost pepper was at No. 4. So you could imagine what No. 10 was.

Friday night

I did a viewing party for “The White Tiger” with a lot of my family and friends all on Zoom. It is such a provocative tale of something that all of us have become so desensitized to, which is this large division between the haves and the have-nots. And COVID specifically showed the world that disparity so glaringly. When is the last time you’ve driven past a homeless shelter or a homeless person and not done anything about it? A majority of the world lives in circumstances like that, so it’s really a sort of mirror into self-reflection. I’m very proud of the movie because it has social commentary, but at the same time it’s sarcastic, funny, dark and really clever.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas isn’t the kind to let a minute of her life slip away, even when life is on lockdown. While others were perfecting their sourdough starters last spring, Chopra Jonas decided to write her first book — and finished it.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas isn’t the kind to let a minute of her life slip away, even when life is on lockdown. While others were perfecting their sourdough starters last spring, Chopra Jonas decided to write her first book — and finished it. As quarantine fatigue curtailed our enthusiasm for crafting and Kondo-izing, she was in London shooting the romantic drama “Text for You” alongside Sam Heughan and Celine Dion. By the time a lot of us had been rendered bloblike, Chopra Jonas was in overdrive, simultaneously promoting three projects: her Netflix movie, “The White Tiger,” adapted from Aravind Adiga’s Booker Prize-winning rags-to-riches novel about a self-made Bangalore businessman; her memoir, “Unfinished,” which chronicles her 38 years, including her reign as Miss World and breakthrough into Bollywood and eventually Hollywood; and her new sustainable hair care line, Anomaly. As if that weren’t enough, she was prepping to shoot “Citadel,” a spy series directed by the Russo brothers for Amazon, which had been delayed a year because of COVID-19 restrictions. Through it all, Chopra Jonas was still finding room for some self-care and shut-eye, “which has to be scheduled time, because otherwise I would never get sleep,” she said. In a phone call in late January from her home in London, Chopra Jonas tracked the recent routines and cultural items that are keeping her busy. These are edited excerpts from the conversation. Wednesday morning In our profession, my routine is dictated by the schedule that my team decides for me, predominantly. So the only thing routine-y about my schedule is I always make sure I have at least eight hours of sleep. My coffee machine is in my bedroom, right by my bed. The first thing I do is press the Nespresso button and smell the aroma of the coffee, and that’s how my eyes open. Then I check out the news and scroll through Twitter usually still when I’m in bed. I need five or 10 minutes to orient myself to the fact that I’m waking up. On a languid day, maybe it would be half an hour. This ritual is ultimately what led me to “The White Tiger.” There was so much chatter around it in literary circles. I’m an avid reader. I try and pick up the books everyone’s talking about because I don’t really have the luxury of time to discover my own favourites. My days start with a workout, usually on Zoom with my trainer. I started getting consistent with working out during quarantine. I hate working out otherwise. I’m not one of those people who’s like, “Oh my gosh, I enjoy it so much that I need it.” I listen to Hindi rap, like Raftaar and Divine, while I work out. It’s alive and visceral. Wednesday afternoon I watched the inauguration, and I think I felt exactly what the world was feeling. It was a very emotional time for a lot of my friends and family in America, and I felt very excited about the fact that the country is stepping into the right direction in terms of leadership. Not only should leadership look like this, but also sound like this. As someone coming from a country who has had many females in high positions of power, it’s awesome to see the U.S. finally get their first. My days for the past two weeks have been back-to-back with recording my audiobook and promo, and [together] it takes 12 to 13 hours a day. I filmed three talk show interviews — Kelly Clarkson, Lilly Singh and Ellen — and I recorded a few podcasts and did several phone interviews. I think I was one of the earlier people to commit to the fact that we’re going to be working off Zoom for a really long time. So I found a corner of my room with a fireplace where I do all my Zoom calls. Wednesday night Before bed, I always need a few hours to unwind, and this is usually when I watch TV or read. Right now I’m reading “Amnesty,” Aravind Adiga’s next novel. I obviously am a fan. This is based in Australia, and it’s about a Sri Lankan immigrant, and it’s a thriller from his perspective. I do love to get out of work mode and just enjoy the content for what it is. But most of my reading I do with both [enjoyment and the idea of a project] in mind. I haven’t been able to commit to a TV show because of how busy my schedule is. I recently finished “The Undoing,” “The Boys” and “Bridgerton” but I’m also really into movies after dinner. I’ve watched a lot of the Oscar contenders — “Sound of Metal,” “Da 5 Bloods,” “One Night in Miami.” Thursday morning Finally, I had some semblance of a morning I don’t even know how long. I woke up by 10, had a quick workout and then I had luxurious brunch with my mom, who is living in London with me. She was here with my husband during the holidays so that we could be together. I felt safer with her around me. My husband left-top of the year, but I didn’t let my mom go. So I’ve sort of kidnapped her right now. Thursday afternoon My first call wasn’t until 2 — a prep call with the producers of “Citadel,” which I am so excited to start. Prep calls are usually character development, which is one of my favourite things. The most exciting job as an actor is when you have the ability to take someone off the page and really breathe life into them. Thursday night Then it was back to promo. Unlike normal junkets where you’re local and live with the media, we have been up early and late to hit markets all over the world. Tonight we ended with “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” at 1 am. I couldn’t sleep, because you know when you go beyond tired on the other side of the hill? That happened. Then I was on TikTok for hours. I’m a secret admirer, so I consume whatever they show me. It’s a lot of baby videos or doggy videos or kitten videos. We got a quarantine pet, yes, we did! He’s Panda, and he’s a rescue. I got Nick a German shepherd for our anniversary last year, and my dog, Diana, who I’ve had for four years, she’s a rescue as well. So we had the two. But Nick’s parents were visiting and they brought their girls with them, and the house was full of four dogs, and it was so amazing that after Nick’s parents left, I was kind of feeling like, we need another dog. He’s a mix between an Australian shepherd and a husky. And he’s a punk. He deliberately defies you but he’s so adorable that you forget everything. He’s in LA with Nick at the moment, but they should be coming here sometime next month. Friday morning It was my last free weekday before I start “Citadel,” which I’ll be filming until next November. It was also release day of “The White Tiger.” Release day is filled with a roller coaster of emotions, but always with bright eyes and hope for a strong opening. I’m so proud to share this film with the world. Friday afternoon I did “Hot Ones.” Oh my God. I’ve done it before on Jimmy Fallon, and it almost killed me. But this time — and I love spicy food. I need hot sauce. I carry it everywhere — but some of the hot sauces are like poison. They’re insane how spicy they are. I literally felt like I was going to faint. I had to open the doors up and walk outside and eat ice cream and milk, and I was crying. Ghost pepper was at No. 4. So you could imagine what No. 10 was. Friday night I did a viewing party for “The White Tiger” with a lot of my family and friends all on Zoom. It is such a provocative tale of something that all of us have become so desensitized to, which is this large division between the haves and the have-nots. And COVID specifically showed the world that disparity so glaringly. When is the last time you’ve driven past a homeless shelter or a homeless person and not done anything about it? A majority of the world lives in circumstances like that, so it’s really a sort of mirror into self-reflection. I’m very proud of the movie because it has social commentary, but at the same time it’s sarcastic, funny, dark and really clever.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s Week: Fireside Zoom calls and 'Bridgerton' episodes

Some London locals tipped off the police complaining about a birthday party amid a lockdown in the UK. However, when the police reached the venue, it turned out to be something different.

The Zoom birthday party, organised by a rich socialite, was reported to the London police. Passers-by thought the party had a huge attendance of guests and thus told the police.

However, when the police knocked on the door of the jet tycoon, Steve Varsanao, they realised the guests were actually life-size cutouts that looked like real people.

The 64-year-old socialite had organised the birthday party for his girlfriend Lisa Tchenguiz who has turned 56 this year.

To make the Zoom party look better and re-live the pre-pandemic days, the socialite had placed life-size cutouts of nearly 70 guests.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-couple-gets-married-in-covid-19-ward-hospital-staff-organised-the-wedding-358972">WATCH|</a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-couple-gets-married-in-covid-19-ward-hospital-staff-organised-the-wedding-358972/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

Thinking the cutouts were real, some passers-by tipped off the police and nearly ten officers showed up on the socialite's doors within minutes.&nbsp;

"There were about ten officers. They went to all the rooms in my offices like I was some criminal. Someone must have called and said I was having a party because they saw trucks delivering lights and balloons and images," Varsano recalled.

On investigating, the London police found out there was only a light operator inside the house and he was wearing a mask and maintaining social distance while standing behind a glass partition.

Varsanao said he went to extreme limits to adhere to the coronavirus guidelines set by the health experts and the police was in fact "surprised that there were no people that they could issue a fine to".

His girlfriend, thankfully, was not affected by this interference in her celebrations. "The police didn't dampen my spirits. They were kind enough to say hello to my friends. They were doing what they need to do," she said. "It was incredible. I saw these cut-outs and they looked so real and then I turned around and saw a screen of my friends from all over the world."

Some London locals tipped off the police complaining about a birthday party amid a lockdown in the UK. However, when the police reached the venue, it turned out to be something different.

Some London locals tipped off the police complaining about a birthday party amid a lockdown in the UK. However, when the police reached the venue, it turned out to be something different. The Zoom birthday party, organised by a rich socialite, was reported to the London police. Passers-by thought the party had a huge attendance of guests and thus told the police. However, when the police knocked on the door of the jet tycoon, Steve Varsanao, they realised the guests were actually life-size cutouts that looked like real people. The 64-year-old socialite had organised the birthday party for his girlfriend Lisa Tchenguiz who has turned 56 this year. To make the Zoom party look better and re-live the pre-pandemic days, the socialite had placed life-size cutouts of nearly 70 guests. WATCH| Thinking the cutouts were real, some passers-by tipped off the police and nearly ten officers showed up on the socialite's doors within minutes. "There were about ten officers. They went to all the rooms in my offices like I was some criminal. Someone must have called and said I was having a party because they saw trucks delivering lights and balloons and images," Varsano recalled. On investigating, the London police found out there was only a light operator inside the house and he was wearing a mask and maintaining social distance while standing behind a glass partition. Varsanao said he went to extreme limits to adhere to the coronavirus guidelines set by the health experts and the police was in fact "surprised that there were no people that they could issue a fine to". His girlfriend, thankfully, was not affected by this interference in her celebrations. "The police didn't dampen my spirits. They were kind enough to say hello to my friends. They were doing what they need to do," she said. "It was incredible. I saw these cut-outs and they looked so real and then I turned around and saw a screen of my friends from all over the world."

London: Police raid birthday party to find cardboard-made guests

Pics: Istanbul not the only place with water crisis, know about these cities

Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London warned on Friday that coronavirus situation was 'critical' as UK's National Health Service was hard pressed to contain the pandemic situation. News reports even said that NHS was at the risk of being overwhelmed.

Mayor Sadiq Khan warned that more people would die unless urgent steps were taken.

His comments came on the same day UK reported a record 1,325 coronavirus deaths over 24 hours.

Number of COVID cases in London has already exceeded 1,000 per 100,000 people.

'Exhausted'

The NHS head said there were 50 percent more Covid patients in hospitals now than during the April peak.&nbsp; 
Some 10,000 more coronavirus patients have been hospitalised since December 25 alone, the equivalent of 20 acute-care hospitals.

"Staff are exhausted," said Lindsey Izard, matron of the general intensive care unit at St George's Hospital in London. "The worry is that we haven't probably reached the peak yet."

The sharp rise has forced hospital bosses to consider shifting some in-patients to beds in nursing homes or care homes, said Chris Hopson, the head of NHS Providers, which represents hospitals in England.

But the health ministry signalled possible relief by announcing that two "live-saving" Covid treatments would be made available for patients in intensive care.

The drugs -- tocilizumab and sarilumab -- have been shown to reduce risk of death by 24 percent for critically ill patients, and cut the time spent in intensive care by up to 10 days, it said.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock called the deployment of the drugs, normally used for rheumatoid arthritis, a "landmark development". Johnson said they could save thousands of lives.

(With AFP inputs)

Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London warned on Friday that coronavirus situation was 'critical' as UK's National Health Service was hard pressed to contain the pandemic situation.

Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London warned on Friday that coronavirus situation was 'critical' as UK's National Health Service was hard pressed to contain the pandemic situation. News reports even said that NHS was at the risk of being overwhelmed. Mayor Sadiq Khan warned that more people would die unless urgent steps were taken. His comments came on the same day UK reported a record 1,325 coronavirus deaths over 24 hours. Number of COVID cases in London has already exceeded 1,000 per 100,000 people. 'Exhausted' The NHS head said there were 50 percent more Covid patients in hospitals now than during the April peak. Some 10,000 more coronavirus patients have been hospitalised since December 25 alone, the equivalent of 20 acute-care hospitals. "Staff are exhausted," said Lindsey Izard, matron of the general intensive care unit at St George's Hospital in London. "The worry is that we haven't probably reached the peak yet." The sharp rise has forced hospital bosses to consider shifting some in-patients to beds in nursing homes or care homes, said Chris Hopson, the head of NHS Providers, which represents hospitals in England. But the health ministry signalled possible relief by announcing that two "live-saving" Covid treatments would be made available for patients in intensive care. The drugs -- tocilizumab and sarilumab -- have been shown to reduce risk of death by 24 percent for critically ill patients, and cut the time spent in intensive care by up to 10 days, it said. Health Secretary Matt Hancock called the deployment of the drugs, normally used for rheumatoid arthritis, a "landmark development". Johnson said they could save thousands of lives. (With AFP inputs)

UK logs record COVID deaths, London mayor says situation 'critical'

According to a new report, London's population is all set to decline for the first time in the 21st century. The reason is the economic fallout of the pandemic along with the rise of work from home policies.

COVID-19 Pandemic: People leave London for greener pastures

Priyanka Chopra has denied breaking any lockdown rules in London and issued a statement to clarify on the matter. On Thursday, it was reported that Chopra, along with her mother Dr Madhu Chopra <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-priyanka-chopra-violates-lockdown-rules-in-london-as-she-visits-salon-police-alerted-355308">had visited a salon in London and flouted lockdown rules</a> that have been imposed across the city.&nbsp; 
 
On Friday, Priyanka denied breaking rules and issued a statement that she had the required paperwork which 'legally permitted her to be there'.&nbsp; 
 
In the statement obtained by Metro.co.uk, Priyanka's spokesperson said, "Following Government guidance, Priyanka's hair was coloured for the purpose of the film she is currently shooting in London. The salon was opened privately for the production and everyone involved had been tested and followed both the DCMS working guidelines and the film production regulations. As I am sure you are aware, film and TV production is permitted to continue in the UK, and locations can continue to accommodate shoots and recces (pre-filming visits) that are carried out in-line with Government guidelines. The paperwork legally permitting her to be there was provided to the police, and they left satisfied." 
 
The UK has declared a lockdown after it witnessed a surge of new variant of covid cases in the country. 'Personal care facilities' like hair salons and beauty salons have to remain closed to the public as London city is currently under tier-5 coronavirus.&nbsp; 
 
It was reported that the Police had to come in and warn the salon owner but no fine was imposed.&nbsp; 
 
Priyanka was in London for the filming of 'Text For You' before the lockdown was imposed. She is currently stranded there with her husband, singer Nick Jonas and her mother. The actress was spotted entering a posh salon in Notting Hill owned by the celebrity hairstylist Josh Wood on Wednesday.

Priyanka Chopra has denied breaking any lockdown rules in London and issued a statement to clarify on the matter. On Thursday, it was reported that Chopra, along with her mother Dr Madhu Chopra had visited a salon in London and flouted lockdown rules that have been imposed across the city.

Priyanka Chopra has denied breaking any lockdown rules in London and issued a statement to clarify on the matter. On Thursday, it was reported that Chopra, along with her mother Dr Madhu Chopra had visited a salon in London and flouted lockdown rules that have been imposed across the city. On Friday, Priyanka denied breaking rules and issued a statement that she had the required paperwork which 'legally permitted her to be there'. In the statement obtained by Metro.co.uk, Priyanka's spokesperson said, "Following Government guidance, Priyanka's hair was coloured for the purpose of the film she is currently shooting in London. The salon was opened privately for the production and everyone involved had been tested and followed both the DCMS working guidelines and the film production regulations. As I am sure you are aware, film and TV production is permitted to continue in the UK, and locations can continue to accommodate shoots and recces (pre-filming visits) that are carried out in-line with Government guidelines. The paperwork legally permitting her to be there was provided to the police, and they left satisfied." The UK has declared a lockdown after it witnessed a surge of new variant of covid cases in the country. 'Personal care facilities' like hair salons and beauty salons have to remain closed to the public as London city is currently under tier-5 coronavirus. It was reported that the Police had to come in and warn the salon owner but no fine was imposed. Priyanka was in London for the filming of 'Text For You' before the lockdown was imposed. She is currently stranded there with her husband, singer Nick Jonas and her mother. The actress was spotted entering a posh salon in Notting Hill owned by the celebrity hairstylist Josh Wood on Wednesday.

Priyanka Chopra denies breaking any lockdown rules in London, issues statement to clarify

Actress Jessie Cave who played Lavender Brown in 'Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince', &nbsp;has revealed that her two-month-old baby boy has tested positive for coronavirus.&nbsp; 
 
Cave said that he was kept in an isolated room in a hospital in London and assured her fans he is 'doing well' now. 
&nbsp; 
The 33-year-old actor took to Instagram on Tuesday to share the news and posted an image of her child in a hospital room, alongside a laptop playing Prime Minister Boris Johnson's speech announcing a new lockdown in the UK. 
 
"I watched the news about lockdown from an isolated room in the hospital. Poor baby is COVID positive. He's okay and doing well but they are being vigilant and cautious, thankfully. This strain is super powerful and contagious so I do hope that people take extra care in the coming weeks," Cave wrote.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJqGYbasrHu/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJqGYbasrHu/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJqGYbasrHu/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJqGYbasrHu/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by JeSsIe CaVE (@jessiecave)</a>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The actor, who welcomed her third child with musician-boyfriend Alfie Brown in October 2020, said she didn't want to be back in a hospital "so soon after his traumatic birth". The baby was placed in the neonatal unit soon after he arrived. 
 
Cave then thanked the National Health Service (NHS), the publicly funded healthcare system of the UK, for its efforts amid the pandemic. "Once again I'm in awe of nurses and doctors," she said. 
 
On Tuesday, UK PM Boris Johnson imposed a new stay-at-home lockdown until at least mid-February to battle through the "critical moment" in the pandemic, which has been exacerbated due to a new highly transmissible variant of the deadly virus.&nbsp;

Actress Jessie Cave who played Lavender Brown in 'Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince', has revealed that her two-month-old baby boy has tested positive for coronavirus.

Actress Jessie Cave who played Lavender Brown in 'Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince', has revealed that her two-month-old baby boy has tested positive for coronavirus. Cave said that he was kept in an isolated room in a hospital in London and assured her fans he is 'doing well' now. The 33-year-old actor took to Instagram on Tuesday to share the news and posted an image of her child in a hospital room, alongside a laptop playing Prime Minister Boris Johnson's speech announcing a new lockdown in the UK. "I watched the news about lockdown from an isolated room in the hospital. Poor baby is COVID positive. He's okay and doing well but they are being vigilant and cautious, thankfully. This strain is super powerful and contagious so I do hope that people take extra care in the coming weeks," Cave wrote. View this post on Instagram A post shared by JeSsIe CaVE (@jessiecave) × The actor, who welcomed her third child with musician-boyfriend Alfie Brown in October 2020, said she didn't want to be back in a hospital "so soon after his traumatic birth". The baby was placed in the neonatal unit soon after he arrived. Cave then thanked the National Health Service (NHS), the publicly funded healthcare system of the UK, for its efforts amid the pandemic. "Once again I'm in awe of nurses and doctors," she said. On Tuesday, UK PM Boris Johnson imposed a new stay-at-home lockdown until at least mid-February to battle through the "critical moment" in the pandemic, which has been exacerbated due to a new highly transmissible variant of the deadly virus.

'Harry Potter' star Jessie Cave says her two-month-old baby has tested positive for coronavirus

Many Indian students who planned to travel back home to be with their friends and family in India over the Christmas and New Year period are among those caught up in Monday's suspension of all flights to and from the UK as the world reacts to a new rapid-spreading strain of coronavirus detected in parts of England.

While many students would have made travel plans earlier in December after UK universities set up tests to leave the campus processes in place, there are some who are booked on flights in what is one of the busiest travel periods within the UK-India sector.

While tourist visas largely remain suspended, those in the UK for family reasons are also among those caught out by the cancellation.

"Significant concern is being observed from Indian students both inbound and outbound," said Sanam Arora, Chair of the National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK (NISAU-UK), a representative group for Indian students in the UK.

"Many students had planned to travel either back to India to be with their families over the holiday period or from India to the UK in order to start settling into the country ahead of the commencement of the January session.

As we speak, there are many questions being raised around being stuck and confusion for instance around whether the PCR test detects the new strain of the virus," she said.

The Indian High Commission in London issued several messages on its social media platforms with updates from the Ministry of Civil Aviation in India.

"This suspension to start w.e.f.23.59 hours, 22nd December 2020. Consequently, flights from India to the UK shall stand temporarily suspended during the above said period," it said, in a statement in response to a barrage of queries by travellers if inbound flights from India to the UK may be allowed to land.

Air India, which has been operating flights under the Vande Bharat mission to ferry passengers during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown this year, also confirmed immediate cancellations.

"In view of the Ministry of Civil Aviation directive of suspension of all flights to/from the UK from 2359 hrs of 22nd December to 2359 hrs of 31st December 2020, no Air India flight will operate to the UK during this period," it said.

Diaspora groups in the UK urged for calm and advised non-resident Indians (NRIs) and people of Indian origin (PIOs) to follow the new lockdown rules, which mean a majority of the UK is under the strictest lockdown with all non-essential businesses now closed.

"Due to a new mutant, coronavirus is moving fast and wide in the UK. I would like to request the Indian community not to take it lightly," said Kuldeep Shekhawat, President of the Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) diaspora group.

"Please don't panic. These are very difficult times and all possible precautions should be taken and all British government guidelines should be adhered to. The flight ban is in place just for your safety. Both the government are monitoring the situation very closely and fresh guidelines will be issued as the situation moves on," he said.

The UK Home Office has previously offered coronavirus-related grace periods for any visa expirations caught up as a result of the lockdown travel disruption.

"Throughout pandemic, we have introduced measures to help those who have been impacted by global travel and health restrictions, such as the relaxation of the rules on switching visas in-country, enabling those who wish to stay in the UK to submit an application from within the UK," a Home Office spokesperson said.

"In August, we put an exceptional assurance process in place to protect the status of those who have leave expiring before January 31 and are unable to leave the UK," the spokesperson said.

Many Indian students who planned to travel back home to be with their friends and family in India over the Christmas and New Year period are among those caught up in Monday's suspension of all flights to and from the UK as the world reacts to a new rapid-spreading strain of coronavirus detected in parts of England.

Many Indian students who planned to travel back home to be with their friends and family in India over the Christmas and New Year period are among those caught up in Monday's suspension of all flights to and from the UK as the world reacts to a new rapid-spreading strain of coronavirus detected in parts of England. While many students would have made travel plans earlier in December after UK universities set up tests to leave the campus processes in place, there are some who are booked on flights in what is one of the busiest travel periods within the UK-India sector. While tourist visas largely remain suspended, those in the UK for family reasons are also among those caught out by the cancellation. "Significant concern is being observed from Indian students both inbound and outbound," said Sanam Arora, Chair of the National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK (NISAU-UK), a representative group for Indian students in the UK. "Many students had planned to travel either back to India to be with their families over the holiday period or from India to the UK in order to start settling into the country ahead of the commencement of the January session. As we speak, there are many questions being raised around being stuck and confusion for instance around whether the PCR test detects the new strain of the virus," she said. The Indian High Commission in London issued several messages on its social media platforms with updates from the Ministry of Civil Aviation in India. "This suspension to start w.e.f.23.59 hours, 22nd December 2020. Consequently, flights from India to the UK shall stand temporarily suspended during the above said period," it said, in a statement in response to a barrage of queries by travellers if inbound flights from India to the UK may be allowed to land. Air India, which has been operating flights under the Vande Bharat mission to ferry passengers during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown this year, also confirmed immediate cancellations. "In view of the Ministry of Civil Aviation directive of suspension of all flights to/from the UK from 2359 hrs of 22nd December to 2359 hrs of 31st December 2020, no Air India flight will operate to the UK during this period," it said. Diaspora groups in the UK urged for calm and advised non-resident Indians (NRIs) and people of Indian origin (PIOs) to follow the new lockdown rules, which mean a majority of the UK is under the strictest lockdown with all non-essential businesses now closed. "Due to a new mutant, coronavirus is moving fast and wide in the UK. I would like to request the Indian community not to take it lightly," said Kuldeep Shekhawat, President of the Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) diaspora group. "Please don't panic. These are very difficult times and all possible precautions should be taken and all British government guidelines should be adhered to. The flight ban is in place just for your safety. Both the government are monitoring the situation very closely and fresh guidelines will be issued as the situation moves on," he said. The UK Home Office has previously offered coronavirus-related grace periods for any visa expirations caught up as a result of the lockdown travel disruption. "Throughout pandemic, we have introduced measures to help those who have been impacted by global travel and health restrictions, such as the relaxation of the rules on switching visas in-country, enabling those who wish to stay in the UK to submit an application from within the UK," a Home Office spokesperson said. "In August, we put an exceptional assurance process in place to protect the status of those who have leave expiring before January 31 and are unable to leave the UK," the spokesperson said.

Indian students, families coming home for New Year caught up in UK flight suspension 

British PM Boris Johnson has reverses the plan to ease curbs over Christmas because of rising COVID cases fuelled by this new variant of COVID 19. Johnson has announced a stay at home order for London and south east England

UK confirmed cases of a new mutation of the virus

The UK government is set to bring in a new higher tier of COVID-19 restrictions and put London and southeast England into those measures. PM Boris Johnson announces relaxation rules for Christmas.

News Alert: England to be under world's most stringent restrictions

The girl is believed to be the first person in the U.K. to have air pollution listed as the cause of death on their death certificate.

Air pollution listed as cause of 9-year-old’s death in London

London on Wednesday moved into the highest level of coronavirus restrictions in an effort to control rising infection rates, dealing another blow to hospitality venues before Christmas. 
 
The British capital's move into "Tier 3" means theatres, pubs, restaurants will have to close, although takeaway food outlets can still operate.

People cannot now socialise with anyone not from their household or support bubble but can meet in groups of up to six in public places outside.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock warned on Monday that London had seen a "sharp rise" in daily cases and hospital admissions.

"This action is absolutely essential, not just to keep people safe but because we have seen early action can prevent more damage and longer-term problems later," he told parliament.

Cases were doubling every seven days in some areas, he said, sounding a more downbeat note after hopes of a breakthrough were raised last week with the start of a vaccination programme.

Concerns have also been raised about higher rates of infection among secondary school children aged 11-18, leading to increased testing in the worst-hit areas in and around London.

England only emerged from a four-week lockdown earlier this month, and the government introduced a targeted regional system of tiers to try to cut infection rates.

London had been placed in "Tier 2", which means non-essential shops and services can open, but it currently has one of the highest infection rates in the country.

Under Tier 3, essential shops and hairdressers can still stay open, as can schools but not indoor entertainment venues.

Christmas plans

The government is under pressure to review its Christmas plans, under which there will be a five-day relaxation in the rules to allow free travel and for up to three households to meet.

The British Medical Journal (BMJ) and the Health Service Journal (HSJ) on Tuesday warned the plan could lead to the state-run National Health Service (NHS) being overwhelmed.

"We believe the government is about to blunder into another major error that will cost many lives," the BMJ and HSJ said in their second joint editorial in a century.

"Rather than lifting restrictions over Christmas as currently planned, the UK should follow the more cautious examples of Germany, Italy and the Netherlands," they said.

Government minister Steve Barclay said "all things were kept under review" and urged people to "do the minimum" if they visit family over the holidays.

London's vibrant hospitality sector has been devastated by the virus regulations, and will now feel more pain as it is forced to close in the run-up to Christmas, normally it busiest time.

Britain's unemployment rate hit its highest level in four years as a result of the pandemic, rising to 4.9 percent in the three months to the end of October, official statistics indicated.

More than a third of the 819,000 job losses since the start of the UK pandemic in March were in the hospitality sector.

Parts of the counties of Essex, Kent and Hertfordshire, which border London, also entered Tier 3 on Wednesday.

A full review of the restrictions for each English region will take place later on Wednesday.

Britain has been one of the worst affected countries in the pandemic, registering nearly 65,000 deaths from just under 1.9 million positive cases, according to government figures.

London on Wednesday moved into the highest level of coronavirus restrictions in an effort to control rising infection rates, dealing another blow to hospitality venues before Christmas.

London on Wednesday moved into the highest level of coronavirus restrictions in an effort to control rising infection rates, dealing another blow to hospitality venues before Christmas. The British capital's move into "Tier 3" means theatres, pubs, restaurants will have to close, although takeaway food outlets can still operate. People cannot now socialise with anyone not from their household or support bubble but can meet in groups of up to six in public places outside. Health Secretary Matt Hancock warned on Monday that London had seen a "sharp rise" in daily cases and hospital admissions. "This action is absolutely essential, not just to keep people safe but because we have seen early action can prevent more damage and longer-term problems later," he told parliament. Cases were doubling every seven days in some areas, he said, sounding a more downbeat note after hopes of a breakthrough were raised last week with the start of a vaccination programme. Concerns have also been raised about higher rates of infection among secondary school children aged 11-18, leading to increased testing in the worst-hit areas in and around London. England only emerged from a four-week lockdown earlier this month, and the government introduced a targeted regional system of tiers to try to cut infection rates. London had been placed in "Tier 2", which means non-essential shops and services can open, but it currently has one of the highest infection rates in the country. Under Tier 3, essential shops and hairdressers can still stay open, as can schools but not indoor entertainment venues. Christmas plans The government is under pressure to review its Christmas plans, under which there will be a five-day relaxation in the rules to allow free travel and for up to three households to meet. The British Medical Journal (BMJ) and the Health Service Journal (HSJ) on Tuesday warned the plan could lead to the state-run National Health Service (NHS) being overwhelmed. "We believe the government is about to blunder into another major error that will cost many lives," the BMJ and HSJ said in their second joint editorial in a century. "Rather than lifting restrictions over Christmas as currently planned, the UK should follow the more cautious examples of Germany, Italy and the Netherlands," they said. Government minister Steve Barclay said "all things were kept under review" and urged people to "do the minimum" if they visit family over the holidays. London's vibrant hospitality sector has been devastated by the virus regulations, and will now feel more pain as it is forced to close in the run-up to Christmas, normally it busiest time. Britain's unemployment rate hit its highest level in four years as a result of the pandemic, rising to 4.9 percent in the three months to the end of October, official statistics indicated. More than a third of the 819,000 job losses since the start of the UK pandemic in March were in the hospitality sector. Parts of the counties of Essex, Kent and Hertfordshire, which border London, also entered Tier 3 on Wednesday. A full review of the restrictions for each English region will take place later on Wednesday. Britain has been one of the worst affected countries in the pandemic, registering nearly 65,000 deaths from just under 1.9 million positive cases, according to government figures.

London faces highest level of Covid restrictions amid rise in cases

Conspiracy theories about the COVID-19 has been floating around since the pandemic began. As UK became the first country to start mass vaccination drive, anti-vax protesters also marched through the streets of London.

Protest against vaccine as UK begins mass vaccination

The Christmas season has began but COVID-19 pandemic has cast a large shadow on the celebrations this year. So how are different nations around the world preparing for Christmas, WION brings you a report.

Nations around the world preparing for Christmas amid pandemic

About 4000 people gathered outside the Indian High Commission office in London and demanded to struck down controversial Farm Laws of India. According to reports, 13 people have been arrested for flouting COVID-19 guidelines.

4,000 people assemble in London, 13 arrested for flouting COVID rules

However, thousands of protestors and hundreds of vehicles stormed the streets in the demonstration in support of the farmers.

Pro-Khalistan flags at UK protest outside Indian High Commission | WION Dispatch

Farmers are protesting against the Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020, and The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.

Farmers protest: Indian mission in Canada seeks additional security

london

London, News on London, stories on London, articles on London, London stories at Wion, London news, London latest news