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 8,171 new Covid-19 cases and 204 deaths in the last 24 hours. With this, the total tally climbed to 198,706 and the death toll reached 5,598 on Tuesday (2), the health ministry said. India registered over 8,000 cases since Sunday.
The active cases of the Covid-19 climbed to 97,581 and as many as 95,526 people have recovered and one patient has migrated, according to the data. India is now seventh among the worst-hit nations by the Covid-19 pandemic after the US, Brazil, Russia, the UK, Spain and Italy.
The country reported its first infection on January 30. Maharashtra state continued to report the highest fresh cases while Tamil Nadu witnessed the biggest spike in last 24 hours. However, the number of fresh coronavirus cases dipped slightly in New Delhi. Maharashtra reported 76 deaths in one day.
On the positive side, the total number of patients who were recovered from the disease inched towards 100,000 mark.
Maharashtra reported 2,361 fresh coronavirus cases in last 24 hours. Mumbai coronavirus count crossed 40,000. The total number of coronavirus patients in the state stood at 70,013.
Tamil Nadu has the highest number of coronavirus cases after Maharashtra at 23,495. The state reported 1,149 fresh cases in the last 24 hours.
Delhi became the third state in India to record over 20,000 coronavirus patients.
"While the recovery rate is increasing on one hand, case fatality is going down on the other," the health ministry said.
"A steady decline can be seen in the case fatality rate in the country. The relatively low death rate is attributed to the continued focus on surveillance, timely case identification and clinical management of the cases," the ministry said.
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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