All stories by SYED FIRDAUS ASHRAF
How Agra went from model city to COVID-19 hotspot
Rediff.com29 Apr 2020On April 10, the Union health ministry praised the 'Agra Model' for fighting the coronavirus pandemic. On April 27, the city reported 32 hotsposts and 365 confirmed COVID-19 cases.
Uddhav keeps his cool as Chakravyuh builds around him
Rediff.com24 Apr 2020If Uddhav Thackeray is fazed by the BJP's attempts to build a narrative against his government in order to bring it down, he is not showing it. He has fought against all odds to remain in the CM's chair and faced difficulties with a smile, reports Syed Firdaus Ashraf.
Palghar lynching: 'They couldn't blame Muslims, so now it's Communists'
Rediff.com23 Apr 2020'When you have a village which is controlled by the BJP, who are the people likely to perpetrate the attack?'
'Companies can't sack employees during lockdown'
Rediff.com21 Apr 2020'During the lockdown if you terminate your employee, then you will face action under the NDMA.' 'This will be the first time something like this will happen in the history of India.'
'PM sent planes for NRIs, why not trains for workers?'
Rediff.com17 Apr 2020'The situation is so bad that they are now sleeping on bridges or footpaths.' 'Therefore, they want to go and die before their parents or wife in case they get infected with COVID-19.' 'Workers don't want to die a dog's death in cities.'
This doctor contracted coronavirus, but recovered
Rediff.com15 Apr 2020'As a doctor, I always knew I would get it, but I was always sure I would get cured too.'
Why 1,000 migrants gathered in Mumbai today
Rediff.com14 Apr 2020'They were only chanting one slogan, "Ghar jaana hai (we want to go home)".'
'The government's priorities are all wrong'
Rediff.com14 Apr 2020'The prime minister did not think that COVID-19 was a serious challenge as late as March 20.'
'Lockdown will lead to shutdown'
Rediff.com8 Apr 2020'You cannot start an MSME again.' 'It is not like a Yes Bank that someone comes and saves the bank.' Once the shutter is down for an MSME, nobody will come to its rescue.'
'National lockdown could have been avoided'
Rediff.com7 Apr 2020'Two days notice for the Janata Curfew.' 'Two-and-a-half days notice for lighting candles, but a mere four-hour notice for the lockdown without taking state governments into confidence.'
'Coronavirus came from China, not Markaz in Nizamuddin'
Rediff.com3 Apr 2020'No one should make coronavirus a Hindu-Muslim issue.'
Living inside Mumbai's coronavirus hotspot
Rediff.com2 Apr 2020Fear has gripped the residents of Worli Koliwada in central Mumbai after it was found that 11 of their neighbours have tested positive for the deadly coronavirus.
'Please stop communalising Nizamuddin coronavirus issue'
Rediff.com31 Mar 2020'The administration failed in the coronavirus crisis so they are making it a Hindu-Muslim issue.'
Under home quarantine in Karnataka? Send a selfie every hour
Rediff.com31 Mar 2020Worried over those under home quarantine going out and mingling with others, the Karnataka government wants them to confirm their location through selfies.
Coronavirus: 'A 28-day lockdown would have been good'
Rediff.com27 Mar 2020'Don't be under the illusion that we are in a lockdown for 21 days and then we are free.'
Lockdown effect: 'Truckers lose Rs 1,800 cr daily'
Rediff.com27 Mar 2020'The government is saying that essential commodities are exempted, but on the ground there is no competent officer from the government who can say which is an essential commodity and which is not.'
'Congress underestimated Scindia'
Rediff.com24 Mar 2020'Kamal Nath and Digvijaya intentionally ignored Jyotiraditya's presence'
'Lockdown is okay, but more important are TESTS, TEST, TESTS'
Rediff.com24 Mar 2020'In the last two months, we have only done 16,000 tests and that is nothing.' 'If coronavirus cases in the community picks up and infection spreads, then we will be in big trouble.'
'Govt is not stepping in to heal the wounds'
Rediff.com19 Mar 2020'Right now, only religious groups of Hindus and Muslims are working on the ground.' 'The government is missing.'
Life at ITBP's coronavirus quarantine facility
Rediff.com14 Mar 2020'The government has made good arrangements to tackle this situation.' 'At the ITBP camp, doctors have arrived from different hospitals from every state of India.' 'They have training on how to deal with suspected coronavirus cases.' ''So I am sure India will handle the coronavirus situation well.'