the headlines: india becomes the first country to record 400,000 coronavirus infections in a single day. new freedoms for care home residents in england — from tuesday, they will be able to visit relatives without having to self—isolate when they return. new research finds that around 1,000 rivers are the source of the majority of plastic waste in the ocean. and back on the dance floor, with no social distancing — the covid pilot schemes testing crowd safety. and now on bbc news, here is one i prepared a little earlier.

hello. i'm shaun ley. welcome to the programme which brings together some of the uk's leading commentators, uk specialists and the foreign correspondents filing and blogging to audiences back home from the dateline: london. this week: embarassment for boris johnson over who originally paid for his wallpaper, but does it really deserve the days of headline coverage devoted to it? and the world rallies to india's aid, but is it too late to halt the virus�* deadly course? joining us to discuss those questions... ..ashis ray, indian foreign correspondent who's reported from london since the 1970s... ..steve richards, uk political commentator who's even turned hisjournalism into a successful stage performance. and with me here in the studio, lyse doucet — a canadian whose passports must be thick with immigration stamps by now, having reported from so many parts of the world. no wonder she's our chief international correspondent. lovely to see you again, lyse. and good to have you with us, steve and ashis.

now, when in london, british prime ministers live over the shop, as it were. borisjohnson, his partner and their young son occupy an upstairs flat in downing street. for the entire week, the news media here has been transfixed by this question. who originally paid for it to be refurbished to the prime ministerial family's taste? though mrjohnson says he's paid for it, his coyness over the alleged involvement of his conservative party — and perhaps one of its donors — has now prompted an official investigation into a possible breach of election law. steve, there could be people watching this who think, "i don't really care who paid for boris "johnson's refurbishment, for boris johnson's refurbishment, "provided its not me." yeah, and there is evidence in vox pops around the country, with elections in britain scheduled for next week, where that is a view. i think it is a misguided view for several reasons. first of all, it's not so much about the detail, as the principal.

as the principle. whether a prime minister should comply with the rules outlined to to some extent, constrain and hold prime ministers to account as to who funds what. and it's also part of a pattern where borisjohnson appears to be, if i can put it politely, more casual with the rules than many of his predecessors. and that applies on a much bigger stage, threatening to break international law, breaking the law over proroguing parliament. questions of integrity, but very briefly, they are obvious and common. i think it raises issues aboutjudgment and trust — who a prime minister trusts, when people are leaking all over the place, including apparently, allegedly some in number 10 who work for him. what does it say about his judgment, that he appoints dominic cummings to the most powerful place in government, and he now is accusing him of being notjust a liar, but also a deranged liar.

it raises many deeper issues beyond his taste for wallpaper. and it probably isn't his taste, it's his fiancee�*s taste. that raises another issue about the nature of their relationship, which is never talked about publicly, he does not have to. but now that's being drawn into it, and he will hate that because he doesn't like talking about his personal life. for many reasons, a lot of talk in britain about... it has no cut through with voters, but it will affect the mood of number 10 and the government and johnson's leadership in quite profound ways. one way or another, ashis ray, it is an extraordinary distraction because it seems to be consuming... the media can report whatever stories they want and it doesn't matter if it's consuming their time, but it is consuming the time of the prime minister, the cabinet secretary, who is the most senior official in government, cabinet ministers desperately trying to find words that don't look like a commentary on it and avoid answering questions on it.

parliament, the opposition seems obsessed about it and frankly, there are probably much more important things the government should be focused on. you're absolutely right. you said that i've been a foreign correspondent here since the 19705, which is indeed true. i came here whenjames callaghan was prime minister and i can say this much, that no prime minister in my memory has been under so much pressure as borisjohnson has been in the past one week for his personal conduct. and this is serious because now that the electoral commission has taken up the matter, it is going to investigate it and it sees reasonable grounds for an offence or offences having occurred. that is a very serious statement from the electoral commission and this story, whether it impacts on the local elections or the mayoral elections on 6th may or not,

is probably not going to go away so easily. it could have a medium—term, if not long—lasting impact and therefore, i think there should be reasons for concern in the conservative party because it is the party that is now under attack because the investigation will look into the party's conduct as well_ and tell, penalise the party if any wrongdoing has been discovered that said, this may not be the only inquiry because the parliamentary standards commissioner may look at the matter as well. lyse, as you have said, this is now the eighth prime minister and if my maths is right, ashis has reported on from london. you travel internationally constantly. at least, normally, covid aside, you travel constantly. how do you think this compares with the treatment of political leaders? i know he is not the head of state, but nonetheless,

he is one of the most important politicians in our country. how do you think this looks internationally? i think even domestically, - when you get up in the morning and you hear and read i and it's all about curtains and sofas and wallpaper - and when there are huge issues — steve mentioned the trust, but also transparency — - do we really know- what really happened? and is this a microcosm of where we are not - getting the full story, not just for boris johnson, - but about the conservative party and politics in general? it is emblematic of something wider, if you like. _ but internationally, 10 downing street is notjust a property, i it is a symbol of british status, - power, the whole aura, if you like. the back door with the silver lettering. yes. it is known. if you say 10 downing street _ it is known. if you say 10 downing street almost _ it is known. if you say 10 downing street almost anywhere _ it is known. if you say 10 downing street almost anywhere in - it is known. if you say 10 downing street almost anywhere in the - it is known. if you say 10 downing - street almost anywhere in the world, people _ street almost anywhere in the world, pe0pte know — street almost anywhere in the world,

pe0pte know. sow _ people do find _ it odd that the prime minister, to use your expression, lives above the flat - and when i travel, i have - interviewed many world leaders and they live sometimes in literally in palaces - and sometimes it is surreal because i've often noticed that sometimes. in the countries that are falling apart, . they still have the bone china, the curtains, - the lovely chintz sofas, everything properly in its place, even though it's complete - pandemonium outside. but i've never ever heard people i discussing the cost of curtains, | you hear about renovations, but not in this way. - and certainly not - connecting the leaders. so is this really symptomatic. of the politics we are living in, where nothing is beyond the pale? where, especially with social media, especially with really divisive - and fractured politics, _ that these sorts of issues are fair game, if you like? ashis, iwonder, given the detachment you get from being an outsider looking in for many years — and you mentionedjim callaghan,

who most people would say was, regardless of his party politics, was a model of rectitude on things like this and would be quite appalled with people talking about things like sofas and curtains, when there are many big issues. do you think one solution would be to start paying our prime ministers properly? i think that is an argument which is open for debate and talked about in parliament. but the sum that the prime minister gets is not inconsiderable, so if he is out of pocket for any _ reason, then there must be something to it. obviously, he earned a lot more money writing for the telegraph and also doing lectures,

including india where he was very handsomely paid in 2019, if not mistaken. so his income has come down, but he also has even while being prime minister , he comes from royalty from his books, he has got two properties and rental income. so, it is adding up. it's not as if he is living in poverty. but, in this case, it is a matter of principle. i am reminded of a case more than 20 years ago — a lot of you may remember this, which is peter mendelson having to step down from from secretary of state because he borrowed money from a fellow mp and a fellow minister, jeffrey robinson. the actual loan was given to him to buy a house in london, was given to him before

the labour party came into government in 1987. but since the matter came to light while he was the secretary of state, he had to step down, so that was certainly the standard that was applied and therefore in this case, whether the original money came from a loan or a grant, i think that's bad enough because we all know that people, businessmen in particular, do not lend or give aid unless there is something in return and that is where it gets really murky and it gets so murky at the level of prime minister, it's a little disturbing. we don't know the details of it, of course. he says... i have paid for it and as far as we know that's the end of the subject, this may not eminently bring borisjohnson�*s career to an end, but is it possible that this

will shorten the amount of time he has left in downing street, do you think? it depends on what happens with the opinion polls. if he finds it all just too hellish in the coming months. he also has this protective shield and while they are in place and colleagues, while viewing him privately with some wariness these days and all the way through, will not move against him because he still seems to be a winner. if that changes, he is on a really slippery slope. but i want to contextualize this. there's the myth in britain that sleaze alone can bring factors have to play into it, economic incompetence was major down prime ministers. other factors have to play into it, economic incompetence was major when it came to falling of the exchange rate. there has to be a dynamic alternative as there was seemingly

in the mid—90s with tony blair in new labour. there have to be other factors for it to have that fatal impact and sleaze alone, there is a pattern where voters turn away and actually, you mentioned callaghan, a lot of sleaze allegations there and one for elections at a five. there needs to be other issues whirling around as well him this vaccine roll—out being very successful in britain, that does not apply at the moment. but it might well do when the economic consequences of the pandemic are addressed along with all the other chaotic things things going on in number ten, including brexit. so, otherfactors might also come into play. we will find out any local elections, _ we will find out any local elections, then, - we will find out any local elections, then, what- we will find out any local| elections, then, what the we will find out any local- elections, then, what the people think— elections, then, what the people think because _ elections, then, what the people think because it— elections, then, what the people think because it will— elections, then, what the people think because it will be _ elections, then, what the people think because it will be a - elections, then, what the people i think because it will be a barometer of whether— think because it will be a barometer of whether this _ think because it will be a barometer of whether this is _ think because it will be a barometer of whether this is just _ think because it will be a barometer of whether this is just on _ think because it will be a barometer of whether this is just on the - of whether this is just on the political— of whether this is just on the political classes, _ of whether this is just on the political classes, as- of whether this is just on the. political classes, as important of whether this is just on the - political classes, as important as it is _

political classes, as important as it is there — political classes, as important as it is. there are _ political classes, as important as it is. there are three, _ political classes, as important as it is. there are three, possibly. political classes, as important asl it is. there are three, possibly for investigations— it is. there are three, possibly for investigations here, _ it is. there are three, possibly for investigations here, so _ it is. there are three, possibly for investigations here, so there - it is. there are three, possibly for| investigations here, so there must be something _ investigations here, so there must be something serious— investigations here, so there must be something serious in— investigations here, so there must be something serious in this, - investigations here, so there must be something serious in this, but. be something serious in this, but the surr— be something serious in this, but the sun is— be something serious in this, but the sun is shining, _ be something serious in this, but the sun is shining, britain - be something serious in this, but the sun is shining, britain has - be something serious in this, buti the sun is shining, britain has one of the _ the sun is shining, britain has one of the most — the sun is shining, britain has one of the most successful— the sun is shining, britain has one of the most successful vaccine - of the most successful vaccine roll-outs — of the most successful vaccine roll-outs ih _ of the most successful vaccine roll—outs in the _ of the most successful vaccine roll—outs in the world, - of the most successful vaccine roll—outs in the world, we - of the most successful vaccine roll—outs in the world, we are| roll—outs in the world, we are hearing — roll—outs in the world, we are hearing there _ roll—outs in the world, we are hearing there is _ roll—outs in the world, we are hearing there is going - roll—outs in the world, we are hearing there is going to - roll—outs in the world, we are hearing there is going to be l roll—outs in the world, we arel hearing there is going to be an economic— hearing there is going to be an economic revival. _ hearing there is going to be an economic revival. how - hearing there is going to be an economic revival. how are - hearing there is going to be an. economic revival. how are people going _ economic revival. how are people going to _ economic revival. how are people going to vote? _ economic revival. how are people going to vote? are _ economic revival. how are people going to vote? are they _ economic revival. how are people going to vote? are they going - economic revival. how are people going to vote? are they going toi going to vote? are they going to vote? _ going to vote? are they going to vote? but— going to vote? are they going to vote? but how— going to vote? are they going to vote? but how are _ going to vote? are they going to vote? but how are they - going to vote? are they going to vote? but how are they going. going to vote? are they going to vote? but how are they going to| vote? but how are they going to vote? _ vote? but how are they going to vote? and — vote? but how are they going to vote? and does _ vote? but how are they going to vote? and does this _ vote? but how are they going to vote? and does this really- vote? but how are they going to. vote? and does this really matter vote? but how are they going to - vote? and does this really matter to the british— vote? and does this really matter to the british public— vote? and does this really matter to the british public in— vote? and does this really matter to the british public in the _ vote? and does this really matter to the british public in the same - vote? and does this really matter to the british public in the same way. the british public in the same way that it _ the british public in the same way that it matters _ the british public in the same way that it matters to _ the british public in the same way that it matters to our— the british public in the same wayl that it matters to our conversation today— that it matters to our conversation today and — that it matters to our conversation today and to — that it matters to our conversation today and to the _ that it matters to our conversation today and to the pundits _ that it matters to our conversation today and to the pundits and - today and to the pundits and parliamentarians? _ today and to the pundits and parliamentarians? is - today and to the pundits and parliamentarians?— today and to the pundits and parliamentarians? as you say, we will be discussed _ parliamentarians? as you say, we will be discussed and _ parliamentarians? as you say, we will be discussed and that - parliamentarians? as you say, we will be discussed and that of- parliamentarians? as you say, we i will be discussed and that of course next weekend's edition of dateline: london. steve mentioned that harold wilson, jim callaghan�*s predecessor, if you want to know what that is all about, just go onto your computer and typing ganax raincoat and see what comes up. journalism is rapidly running out of words descriptive enough to capture the scale and horror

of the covid crisis gripping india. as the world's second most populous country, it's no surprise that the number of people who've contracted the virus is measured in millions, or the number of deaths in hundreds of thousands. almost every day recently, the number of infections has reached a record high. yet, measured as a percentage of population, india's fatality rate is relatively low — much lower, say, than the united states or britain. i was looking at the figures on one of the sites, thejohn hopkins university site and they have india down at 14.5 people in the 100,000 in terms of mortality rate. even the uk's 191. the us is 175. we are... slightly worse than the us because we were hit particularly bad in the first wave. how credible are these mortality figures in the light of the international comparison? the official figures are to fatalities in india not being at the level of what has occurred in the united kingdom or the united states. and we are talking about the percentage of the population.

but i would venture to say — and this is an expert opinion that has come from the medical fraternity and it has come from eyewitness accounts and has come from what i would call circumstantial evidence — the figures do not appear to be correct. and this is not merely pertaining to this year, but also last year. what is being said is that right at this moment, the figures are way below what is reality and that being the _ case, i think there is reason to worry and i don't know if india in _ percentage terms will go past other countries but for the moment, it is— a very grim situation. if you take an aerial view of delhi it would appear as if there has been a bombing raid over the city because fires are burning everywhere. fires are burning

in car parks, public parks, back gardens, funeral fires because the crematoriums cannot cope. it is a devastating scene and i think that tells you how serious this story is. the government is at its wits end and india, which has a very good team of doctors nationwide and it does not have good infrastructure and this is a monumental crisis because we had one year to prepare for the second wave, but didn't, modi declared victory and he tore ——told the world, the form, that he saved humanity and yet, this was always a possibility and so when it struck, he and india were completely unprepared.

as he says, there was a year of grace period almost, some governments saying that the worst is over and that we've got vaccines that solve the problem. a vaccination on its own is not enough, even if you can roll it out, india has had some difficulty with that. reporting this weekend, the tribal area which has, not a lot of money, but spent his budget on things like ensuring all hospitals could generate their own oxygen. there are people who have fought ahead. not all the officials have been sitting in their hands, waiting for political direction from above. but that underlines, makes the governments performance in this look even worse, doesn't it? is always, when you see a crisis of these _ is always, when you see a crisis of these proportions. _ is always, when you see a crisis of these proportions, it— is always, when you see a crisis of these proportions, it is— is always, when you see a crisis of these proportions, it is in- is always, when you see a crisis of these proportions, it is in these i these proportions, it is in these most _ these proportions, it is in these most inhumane _ these proportions, it is in these most inhumane moments - these proportions, it is in thesel most inhumane moments where these proportions, it is in these - most inhumane moments where you see these moments — most inhumane moments where you see these moments of— most inhumane moments where you see these moments of shining _ most inhumane moments where you see these moments of shining humanity. - these moments of shining humanity. you mention— these moments of shining humanity. you mention this _ these moments of shining humanity. you mention this person _ these moments of shining humanity. you mention this person who - these moments of shining humanity. you mention this person who took i these moments of shining humanity. you mention this person who took it| you mention this person who took it upon _ you mention this person who took it upon themsetves _ you mention this person who took it upon themselves to _ you mention this person who took it upon themselves to prepare, - you mention this person who took it upon themselves to prepare, but. upon themselves to prepare, but every— upon themselves to prepare, but every time — upon themselves to prepare, but every time we _ upon themselves to prepare, but every time we see _ upon themselves to prepare, but every time we see an _ upon themselves to prepare, but every time we see an absolutelyl every time we see an absolutely heartbreaking _ every time we see an absolutely heartbreaking report _ every time we see an absolutely heartbreaking report from - every time we see an absolutely heartbreaking report from delhi| every time we see an absolutely . heartbreaking report from delhi or mumbai _ heartbreaking report from delhi or mumbai or— heartbreaking report from delhi or mumbai oranother_ heartbreaking report from delhi or mumbai or another part _ heartbreaking report from delhi or mumbai or another part of-

heartbreaking report from delhi or mumbai or another part of india, i mumbai or another part of india, there— mumbai or another part of india, there is— mumbai or another part of india, there is also— mumbai or another part of india, there is also the _ mumbai or another part of india, there is also the heart—warming i there is also the heart—warming stories— there is also the heart—warming stories about _ there is also the heart—warming stories about how— there is also the heart—warming stories about how local- there is also the heart—warming stories about how local people i there is also the heart—warming . stories about how local people are coming _ stories about how local people are coming together— stories about how local people are coming together with _ stories about how local people are coming together with whatever- stories about how local people are - coming together with whatever means they have _ coming together with whatever means they have you — coming together with whatever means they have. you have _ coming together with whatever means they have. you have the _ coming together with whatever means they have. you have the local- they have. you have the local businessmen _ they have. you have the local businessmen collecting - they have. you have the local businessmen collecting the l they have. you have the local- businessmen collecting the oxygen canisters, — businessmen collecting the oxygen canisters, vou _ businessmen collecting the oxygen canisters, you have _ businessmen collecting the oxygen canisters, you have the _ businessmen collecting the oxygen canisters, you have the big - canisters, you have the big businessmen _ canisters, you have the big businessmen providing - canisters, you have the big - businessmen providing helicopters canisters, you have the big _ businessmen providing helicopters to fly people _ businessmen providing helicopters to fly people to — businessmen providing helicopters to fly people to places— businessmen providing helicopters to fly people to places where _ businessmen providing helicopters to fly people to places where there - businessmen providing helicopters to fly people to places where there are. fly people to places where there are hospital— fly people to places where there are hospital beds — fly people to places where there are hospital beds available _ fly people to places where there are hospital beds available in _ fly people to places where there are hospital beds available in icu - hospital beds available in icu units — hospital beds available in icu units~ so— hospital beds available in icu units. so indians _ hospital beds available in icu units. so indians are - hospital beds available in icu units. so indians are pullingl hospital beds available in icui units. so indians are pulling it together _ units. so indians are pulling it together i_ units. so indians are pulling it together. i have _ units. so indians are pulling it together. i have to _ units. so indians are pulling it together. i have to say - units. so indians are pulling it together. i have to say is - units. so indians are pulling it together. i have to say is it i together. i have to say is it because _ together. i have to say is it because there _ together. i have to say is it because there is _ together. i have to say is it because there is such - together. i have to say is it because there is such a - together. i have to say is it l because there is such a large community— because there is such a large community here _ because there is such a large community here in _ because there is such a large community here in britain i because there is such a large i community here in britain with because there is such a large - community here in britain with south asian _ community here in britain with south asian ancestrv — community here in britain with south asian ancestry or— community here in britain with south asian ancestry or is _ community here in britain with south asian ancestry or is it _ community here in britain with south asian ancestry or is it the _ community here in britain with south asian ancestry or is it the skill - community here in britain with south asian ancestry or is it the skill of - asian ancestry or is it the skill of the crisis? — asian ancestry or is it the skill of the crisis? but _ asian ancestry or is it the skill of the crisis? but every— asian ancestry or is it the skill of the crisis? but everyjournalist, i the crisis? but everyjournalist, and i_ the crisis? but everyjournalist, and i don't _ the crisis? but everyjournalist, and i don't know— the crisis? but everyjournalist, and i don't know whether- the crisis? but everyjournalist, and i don't know whether ashis| the crisis? but everyjournalist, - and i don't know whether ashis ray is the _ and i don't know whether ashis ray is the same. — and i don't know whether ashis ray is the same, but _ and i don't know whether ashis ray is the same, but every— and i don't know whether ashis ray is the same, but every time - and i don't know whether ashis ray is the same, but every time you - and i don't know whether ashis ray. is the same, but every time you hear a journatist _ is the same, but every time you hear a journalist reporting _ is the same, but every time you hear a journalist reporting from _ is the same, but every time you hear a journalist reporting from india, - a journalist reporting from india, they say— a journalist reporting from india, they say they _ a journalist reporting from india, they say they also _ a journalist reporting from india, they say they also have - a journalist reporting from india, they say they also have a - a journalist reporting from india, i they say they also have a personal note, _ they say they also have a personal note, they — they say they also have a personal note. they say, _ they say they also have a personal note. they say. i— they say they also have a personal note, they say, i have _ they say they also have a personal note, they say, i have lost- they say they also have a personal note, they say, i have lost a - note, they say, i have lost a friend. — note, they say, i have lost a friend. i_ note, they say, i have lost a friend, i have _ note, they say, i have lost a friend, i have lost _ note, they say, i have lost a friend, i have lost a - note, they say, i have lost a friend, i have lost a family. i note, they say, i have lost a - friend, i have lost a family. when i wake _ friend, i have lost a family. when i wake up _ friend, i have lost a family. when i wake up in— friend, i have lost a family. when i wake up in the _ friend, i have lost a family. when i wake up in the morning, _ friend, i have lost a family. when i wake up in the morning, the - friend, i have lost a family. when i wake up in the morning, the first i wake up in the morning, the first thing _ wake up in the morning, the first thing i_ wake up in the morning, the first thing i do — wake up in the morning, the first thing i do is _ wake up in the morning, the first thing i do is check— wake up in the morning, the first thing i do is check who— wake up in the morning, the first thing i do is check who i- wake up in the morning, the first thing i do is check who i have - wake up in the morning, the firstl thing i do is check who i have lost that is— thing i do is check who i have lost that is close — thing i do is check who i have lost that is close to _ thing i do is check who i have lost that is close to me. _ thing i do is check who i have lost that is close to me. and - thing i do is check who i have lost that is close to me. and the - thing i do is check who i have lost| that is close to me. and the bbc's wonderfut— that is close to me. and the bbc's wonderful team, _ that is close to me. and the bbc's wonderful team, strong _ that is close to me. and the bbc's wonderful team, strong team - that is close to me. and the bbc's wonderful team, strong team in. that is close to me. and the bbc's i wonderful team, strong team in india doing _ wonderful team, strong team in india doing fantastic— wonderful team, strong team in india doing fantastic work— wonderful team, strong team in india doing fantastic work reporting, - wonderful team, strong team in india doing fantastic work reporting, but i doing fantastic work reporting, but you can _ doing fantastic work reporting, but you can see — doing fantastic work reporting, but you can see they— doing fantastic work reporting, but you can see they are _ doing fantastic work reporting, but you can see they are also - doing fantastic work reporting, but you can see they are also worried i you can see they are also worried about— you can see they are also worried about their— you can see they are also worried about their friends _ you can see they are also worried about their friends and _ you can see they are also worried about their friends and family, i you can see they are also worried . about their friends and family, they are worried —

about their friends and family, they are worried about _ about their friends and family, they are worried about themselves. - about their friends and family, they are worried about themselves. thel are worried about themselves. the number— are worried about themselves. the number of— are worried about themselves. the number of people _ are worried about themselves. the number of people on— are worried about themselves. the number of people on social- are worried about themselves. the number of people on social medial number of people on social media saving. _ number of people on social media saving. my— number of people on social media saving. my friend _ number of people on social media saying, my friend needs - number of people on social media saying, my friend needs oxygen, i number of people on social media - saying, my friend needs oxygen, does anyone _ saying, my friend needs oxygen, does anyone know— saying, my friend needs oxygen, does anyone know where _ saying, my friend needs oxygen, does anyone know where i— saying, my friend needs oxygen, does anyone know where i can— saying, my friend needs oxygen, does anyone know where i can get- saying, my friend needs oxygen, does anyone know where i can get an - anyone know where i can get an oxygen— anyone know where i can get an oxygen canister? _ anyone know where i can get an oxygen canister? does - anyone know where i can get an oxygen canister? does anyone i anyone know where i can get an - oxygen canister? does anyone know where _ oxygen canister? does anyone know where i_ oxygen canister? does anyone know where i can— oxygen canister? does anyone know where i can get— oxygen canister? does anyone know where i can get a _ oxygen canister? does anyone know where i can get a bed? _ oxygen canister? does anyone know where i can get a bed? social- oxygen canister? does anyone know where i can get a bed? social media is butsating — where i can get a bed? social media is butsating with— where i can get a bed? social media is pulsating with the _ where i can get a bed? social media is pulsating with the passion - where i can get a bed? social media is pulsating with the passion and - is pulsating with the passion and the fear— is pulsating with the passion and the fear and _ is pulsating with the passion and the fear and the _ is pulsating with the passion and the fear and the cries— is pulsating with the passion and the fear and the cries for- is pulsating with the passion and the fear and the cries for help. l is pulsating with the passion and l the fear and the cries for help. find the fear and the cries for help. and it is a reminder, _ the fear and the cries for help. it is a reminder, steve, isn't it, that this is one of the situations in which social media really earns its spurs and justifies the amount of attention, resources and money that are thrown into it? why it really matters. it is life and death for many communities.— really matters. it is life and death for many communities. yeah, no, social media _ for many communities. yeah, no, social media is _ for many communities. yeah, no, social media is in _ for many communities. yeah, no, social media is in many _ for many communities. yeah, no, social media is in many ways - for many communities. yeah, no, social media is in many ways an i social media is in many ways an enabler and does empower people at a local level, not least in a crisis, where there has been a kind of leadership vacuum. it is odd that india escaped early on, but it has engendered this complacency at the top. and the lack of that national leadership, the lack of smart ways of networks to distribute,

especially the vaccine, has led to this sort of panic stricken dependency on goodwill and local communities acting in this way. but it is desperate. i find communities acting in this way. but it is desperate. ifind it unwatchable and that image just of the equivalent of a bomb hitting delhi is unbearable to contemplate. and the worry, of course, is that although social media can mean the people can communicate and coordinate, the power to resolve and to instruct remains with leaders, as we know from our experiences here. and that has been lacking with terrible consequences.- and that has been lacking with terrible consequences. ashis ray, ou terrible consequences. ashis ray, you mentioned — terrible consequences. ashis ray, you mentioned boris _ terrible consequences. ashis ray, you mentioned boris johnson - terrible consequences. ashis ray, you mentioned boris johnson and | terrible consequences. ashis ray, i you mentioned boris johnson and we you mentioned borisjohnson and we have said on balance the scandal in inverted commas about the refurbishment may not have much political impact on his prospects of remaining prime minister, but this is a real scandal and it is one that is a real scandal and it is one that

is costing thousands of lives on a weekly basis. do you think there will be a significant political backlash against mr modi, notwithstanding the kind of strange is going to help people in a crisis? whether the anger will actually be demonstrated against the bjp in coming months?— demonstrated against the bjp in cominu months? ~ ., ., coming months? well, at the moment there is deep — coming months? well, at the moment there is deep and _ coming months? well, at the moment there is deep and rising _ coming months? well, at the moment there is deep and rising anger, - coming months? well, at the moment there is deep and rising anger, but - there is deep and rising anger, but it is too— there is deep and rising anger, but it is too early to tell whether it will lead — it is too early to tell whether it will lead to prime minister modi having _ will lead to prime minister modi having to — will lead to prime minister modi having to step down. at the moment he has _ having to step down. at the moment he has done — having to step down. at the moment he has done everything wrong. for instance. _ he has done everything wrong. for instance, india, as you know, has a company— instance, india, as you know, has a company called serum institute, which _ company called serum institute, which is — company called serum institute, which is the biggest manufacturer of vaccines— which is the biggest manufacturer of vaccines in— which is the biggest manufacturer of vaccines in the world. and the serum institute _ vaccines in the world. and the serum institute had acquired the license from _ institute had acquired the license from oxford to manufacture the oxford — from oxford to manufacture the oxford vaccine. what did modi do west— oxford vaccine. what did modi do west narendra modi asked the serum institute _ west narendra modi asked the serum institute to export the vaccine to other— institute to export the vaccine to other countries, to win brownie

points, — other countries, to win brownie points, ratherthan other countries, to win brownie points, rather than give vaccines to his own _ points, rather than give vaccines to his own people. today, with this crisis. _ his own people. today, with this crisis. at — his own people. today, with this crisis, at which people panic stricken. _ crisis, at which people panic stricken, there is a shortage of vaccines— stricken, there is a shortage of vaccines and therefore, what britain has achieved by way of vaccinating people _ has achieved by way of vaccinating people and creating this safe, relatively safe and feel good factor of situation and feel good factor, that simply does not exist in india at the _ that simply does not exist in india at the moment because india has a very. _ at the moment because india has a very. very— at the moment because india has a very, very long way to go before it can vaccinate adequately its people. it is still— can vaccinate adequately its people. it is still below 15% of the population in terms of the first dose _ population in terms of the first dose only, so you can imagine at what _ dose only, so you can imagine at what scale — dose only, so you can imagine at what scale the problem has escalated injust— what scale the problem has escalated injust a _ what scale the problem has escalated injust a few what scale the problem has escalated in just a few weeks. and what scale the problem has escalated in just a few weeks.— in just a few weeks. and indeed, the chances of averting _ in just a few weeks. and indeed, the chances of averting the _ in just a few weeks. and indeed, the chances of averting the path - in just a few weeks. and indeed, the chances of averting the path of- in just a few weeks. and indeed, the chances of averting the path of this i chances of averting the path of this are very, very remote at this stage. let me in the programme by asking each of you in turn just a very brief question. is there a story or something perhaps we haven't either

given much attention to, given all our obsession with wallpaper, and rightly with the crisis in india, but perhaps it has got a bit neglected? steve, anything you have noticed that you would like to mark our audience's card is about? yeah, the obsession _ our audience's card is about? yeah, the obsession with _ our audience's card is about? yeah, the obsession with wallpaper - our audience's card is about? yeah, the obsession with wallpaper is - our audience's card is about? .e—u the obsession with wallpaper is with rules and propriety. but yeah, the joe biden speech this week, which was a radical argument for the state and spending to boost the economy, was really interesting because he has been described as a centrist, but he's always actually been a radical. he was the one who lifted the neil kinnock speech about 1000 generations kinnock and the advance of the state as an enabler, and i think it is very interesting that in britain people like george osborne and david cameron were described as centrist, but in the us you have someone perceived as that who is actually doing a lot in terms of using the state as a benevolent

force. and the polls suggest it is popular. force. and the polls suggest it is ..oular, , force. and the polls suggest it is --oular. a , force. and the polls suggest it isj popular-— well. force. and the polls suggest it is. popular-— well. i popular. good. ashis ray? well, i think from — popular. good. ashis ray? well, i thinkfrom a _ popular. good. ashis ray? well, i think from a british _ popular. good. ashis ray? well, i think from a british perspective, l popular. good. ashis ray? well, i think from a british perspective, i | think from a british perspective, i am very. — think from a british perspective, i am very, very surprised that, not 'ust am very, very surprised that, not just now. — am very, very surprised that, not just now, but for several weeks, british— just now, but for several weeks, british media have ignored a story in india _ british media have ignored a story in india. this concerns a briton. his name — in india. this concerns a briton. his name is _ in india. this concerns a briton. his name is cristian michelle, who has been — his name is cristian michelle, who has been in — his name is cristian michelle, who has been in prison in india for overm — has been in prison in india for over... well, nearly 2.5 years without — over... well, nearly 2.5 years without a _ over... well, nearly 2.5 years without a trial. he is accused of having — without a trial. he is accused of having paid bribes in a helicopter deal some — having paid bribes in a helicopter deal some ten years ago and that doesn't _ deal some ten years ago and that doesn't appear to be a credible charge — doesn't appear to be a credible charge against him, yet he is in the most _ charge against him, yet he is in the most hazardous of conditions in a delhi _ most hazardous of conditions in a delhi jail— most hazardous of conditions in a delhi jail and with this covid situation, i think the danger to him is even _ situation, i think the danger to him is even greater. but the point of the matter—

is even greater. but the point of the matter is that even if he isn't accused — the matter is that even if he isn't accused and even if you need to go on trial— accused and even if you need to go on trial at— accused and even if you need to go on trial at some point, you cannot hold _ on trial at some point, you cannot hold a _ on trial at some point, you cannot hold a person indefinitely for two and a _ hold a person indefinitely for two and a half— hold a person indefinitely for two and a half years. i am really shocked _ and a half years. i am really shocked that british media have not picked _ shocked that british media have not picked up _ shocked that british media have not picked up the story of christian michel— picked up the story of christian michel so — picked up the story of christian michel so far. very little coverage has taken — michel so far. very little coverage has taken place. as it happens, one at the _ has taken place. as it happens, one at the stories i did was for a british— at the stories i did was for a british paper on this very matter. this was— british paper on this very matter. this was because the united nations has slammed india on this matter of christian— has slammed india on this matter of christian michel and asked india to release _ christian michel and asked india to release christian michel immediately.— release christian michel immediately. release christian michel immediatel. . ~' , release christian michel immediatel . ., ,, , . immediately. thank you very much, ashis ra . immediately. thank you very much, ashis ray- very _ immediately. thank you very much, ashis ray. very briefly, _ immediately. thank you very much, ashis ray. very briefly, lyse - ashis ray. very briefly, lyse doucet. y ., , ., ashis ray. very briefly, lyse doucet. g ., , ., , doucet. my colleagues have been ureat, doucet. my colleagues have been treat, the doucet. my colleagues have been great, the history _ doucet. my colleagues have been great, the history in _ doucet. my colleagues have been great, the history in afghanistan, j great, the history in afghanistan, 20 years— great, the history in afghanistan, 20 years after— great, the history in afghanistan, 20 years after the _ great, the history in afghanistan, 20 years after the us _ great, the history in afghanistan, 20 years after the us led - great, the history in afghanistan, 20 years after the us led nato i 20 years after the us led nato forces — 20 years after the us led nato forces went _ 20 years after the us led nato forces went in, _ 20 years after the us led nato forces went in, they _ 20 years after the us led nato forces went in, they are - 20 years after the us led nato forces went in, they are now l 20 years after the us led nato - forces went in, they are now pulling out. forces went in, they are now pulling out britain— forces went in, they are now pulling out britain as — forces went in, they are now pulling out. britain as well, _ forces went in, they are now pulling out. britain as well, to _ forces went in, they are now pulling out. britain as well, to a _ forces went in, they are now pulling out. britain as well, to a very - out. britain as well, to a very uncertain— out. britain as well, to a very uncertain feature _ out. britain as well, to a very uncertain feature for- out. britain as well, to a very - uncertain feature for afghanistan. it is not _ uncertain feature for afghanistan. it is not really _ uncertain feature for afghanistan. it is not really on _ uncertain feature for afghanistan. it is not really on the _ uncertain feature for afghanistan. it is not really on the news - uncertain feature for afghanistan. it is not really on the news radar. it is not really on the news radar now. _ it is not really on the news radar now. but — it is not really on the news radar now, but afghans _ it is not really on the news radar now, but afghans are _ it is not really on the news radar now, but afghans are really, - it is not really on the news radar. now, but afghans are really, really worried _ now, but afghans are really, really worried. america _ now, but afghans are really, really worried. america is— now, but afghans are really, really worried. america is ending - now, but afghans are really, really worried. america is ending its- worried. america is ending its longest— worried. america is ending its longest war. _ worried. america is ending its longest war, but _ worried. america is ending its longest war, but the - worried. america is ending its longest war, but the boy- worried. america is ending its longest war, but the boy is i worried. america is ending itsl

longest war, but the boy is not worried. america is ending its- longest war, but the boy is not over for afghans — longest war, but the boy is not over for afghans-— longest war, but the boy is not over for afghans. lyse doucet, ashis ray and steve richards, _ for afghans. lyse doucet, ashis ray and steve richards, thank— for afghans. lyse doucet, ashis ray and steve richards, thank you i for afghans. lyse doucet, ashis ray and steve richards, thank you and l for afghans. lyse doucet, ashis ray| and steve richards, thank you and as ever, thank you for being with us on dateline: london. back at the same time next weekend, goodbye! hello there. it took a while, but april showers did eventually develop at the tail end of the month, and we have brought them with us into the start of may. sunshine and showers covers it for most of the weekend, continued cold nights as well. through the best of today, shower is becoming quite widespread into the afternoon, some heavy, some possibly foundry, slow—moving as well because the winds will be light. as always, there will be places that avoid the showers and stay completely dry.

temperatures will struggle, 8—40 at best, as temperatures dropping quickly as we head into evening. the showers will fade as we move into the night in the early hours of sunday will be largely clear, quite chilly, some mist and fog patches around, temperatures down around freezing, so a frost will take us into tomorrow morning. tomorrow is another sunshine and showers, daytime showers again possibly heavy infantry. bank holiday on monday some heavyweight feet rain sweeping in from the west and some brisk winds as well.

this is bbc news. these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. india becomes the first country to record 400,000 coronavirus infections in a single day. there is under counting that we have seen in hospitals and crematoriums where the data is not matching and experts say over 20 times of this number of people could be infected. new freedoms for care home residents in england — from tuesday, they will be able to visit relatives without having to self—isolate when they return. new research finds that around a thousand rivers are the source of the majority of plastic waste in the ocean. back on the dance floor with no social distancing — the covid pilot schemes testing crowd safety. and quack—ing the puzzle of how to safely remove this family

of ducks from a ninth—floor balcony.