Overview

• India's active COVID-19 cases have risen to 1,009, with Kerala reporting the highest count at 430 cases, followed by Maharashtra with 209 cases.
• Two new variants, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, have been detected in India and classified by the WHO as 'Variants Under Monitoring'.
• An 84-year-old man in Karnataka has died from COVID-19, though he had pre-existing health conditions.
• The Indian government has urged citizens to adhere to safety measures, including mask-wearing and social distancing, while increasing RT-PCR testing and monitoring of severe respiratory illnesses.
• No immediate plans for lockdowns have been announced, but health officials are closely tracking the situation and coordinating with state governments.