Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
INDIA reported 2,500 new COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours in the country. With this the total number of coronavirus cases in the country has climbed to 42,533 on Monday (4). The death toll has increased to 1,373 as India recorded 72 deaths in last 24 hours.
For the past few days, the death toll due to the deadly infection remains over 70 per day, shows health ministry data. Starting from Monday, many states eased restrictions in the ongoing lockdown. Earlier, the central government extended the nationwide lockdown till May 17.
There are 29,453 active coronavirus patients in the country. As many as 11,706 people were recovered from the disease.
Delhi saw the sharpest hike in fresh cases as 427 people tested positive for novel coronavirus on Sunday (3). The coronavirus count in the national capital has zoomed to 4,549. There were 64 COVID-19-related deaths in the state.
Maharashtra continued to record high numbers, 678 new cases. The death toll in the state has crossed 500-mark. Maharashtra was the only state in India to report more than 12,000 coronavirus cases.
In Gujarat, 394 coronavirus cases were registered in last 24 hours. The total number of coronavirus cases in the state stood at 5,428.
Tamil Nadu witnessed a sharp jump in coronavirus cases as 266 fresh cases were confirmed on Sunday. With this, the state's COVID-19 count reached 3,023.
Punjab saw its highest number of fresh cases in a single day on Sunday. The state recorded 330 new coronavirus cases in last 24 hours. The COVID-19 cases in Punjab rose to 1,102.
India entered the third phase of nationwide lockdown on May 4. The Indian government classified the entire country in red, orange and green zones based on the number of coroanvirus cases from that area. Several norms were relaxed in the least-affected areas.
More than 3.5 million cases of the novel coronavirus, including at least 247,000 deaths have been recorded worldwide according to Johns Hopkins University. The US confirmed over 1.1 million cases and 67,000 COVID-19 related deaths.
Chef Asma Khan calls for an end to macho kitchens and celebrates older women in professional cooking.
Advocates unionising hospitality and improving working conditions across the industry.
Explains founding the Second Daughters Foundation to support girls’ education in India.
Discusses the political role of food in promoting labour rights and dignity.
Redefining kitchens and leadership
In the latest episode of Shami’s Speakeasy, chef and campaigner Asma Khan joined host Shami Chakrabarti to discuss justice, feminism, race and the politics of food. Chakrabarti described Khan as “not so much a celebrity chef as a revolutionary chef.”
Khan highlighted her all-women team at Darjeeling Express, many of whom are grandmothers, calling it “a powerhouse.” Rejecting the macho culture of celebrity kitchens, she said the average age of women cooking in her kitchen is 50, demonstrating that older women are central to professional cooking.
Unionising hospitality and work-life challenges
Khan spoke candidly about labour conditions in hospitality and the impossibility of perfect work-life balance for shift workers and entrepreneurs. She called for restaurant workers to unionise, reflecting on exploitation during COVID and ongoing staffing pressures: “Without collective action, we can never get anywhere.”
She also shared her approach to parenting and entrepreneurship: “There is no word called ‘balance’ for some of us. The only way out is to forgive yourself and keep going.”
Second Daughters and food as a force for change
As a second daughter, Khan founded the Second Daughters Foundation, supporting girls’ education in India through school meals and practical assistance for those most likely to be kept at home.
Khan also described food as a political tool, using it to “shake the world gently” while emphasising labour, dignity and respect alongside ingredients.
Episode details
Shami’s Speakeasy: Asma Khan is available on all major podcast platforms from 15 October 2025. Additional resources and artwork inspired by the discussion will be shared in the Speakeasy Zine on the show’s website and to subscribers.
Asma Khan is the founder of Darjeeling Express, London, and an advocate for dignity in hospitality and women’s rights. Shami Chakrabarti is a human rights lawyer, legislator, and broadcaster who hosts Shami’s Speakeasy as a forum for honest conversations on values, ethics and social change.
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