India: Covid kills two in Maharashtra, Karnataka as cases rise due to JN.1 sub-variant
COVID-19 cases in India | Representative image
India witnessed a notable spike in Covid cases as the world's most populous nationreported514 new infections in a single day, according to data released by the Union Health Ministry on January 11 (Thursday). The figure takesthenation's active Covid case count to3,422.
The latest update also reported three additional deaths in the past 24 hours, with two fatalities in Maharashtra and one in the southern state of Karnataka. India's cumulative death toll due to Covid has now reached 5,33,409.
How India's Covid case count is rising
The shift in the Covid case count began around December 5, 2023, when the daily cases, previously below 100, started to rise.
Also watch |India Covid: New JN.1 sub-variant causes worry, India reports 841 new cases in 24 hours
)
How UPI toll payment helped Bengal Police crack Chandranath Rath murder case? Here’s what we know
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
BrahMos vs Agni-V: How India’s tactical missile differs from its nuclear giant
)
PM Modi’s WFH advisory: How IT companies and industry leaders are responding
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
4 captains who could be sacked after IPL 2026
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
7 reasons why China is mass-producing Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter jets faster than ever
)
Tamil Nadu TASMAC shop closure: CM Vijay orders closure of 717 liquor shops near schools, temples and bus stands
)
Fashion statement or food waste? Viral bread dress at African Choice Awards 2026 sparks debate
)
'US president might not go to...': Mojtaba Khamenei's advisor warns Trump ahead of China visit
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
36,000-pound thrust: 5 ways China's J-20 fighter jet's new engine can completely changes the aerial balance
)
Did Russia’s 'ghost ship' Ursa Major sink off Spain coast with nuclear cargo?
)
Armageddon in 15 years? A 2040 forecast about THIS river is triggering 'end times' warnings
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Night Vision': Why the USS Abraham Lincoln bans white flashlights on deck
)
Indian IT body asks govt to issue official work-from-home advisory after PM Modi's call for 'austerity measures'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New York exhibition displays 3.5 million pages of Epstein Files, highlights his relations with Trump | IN PICS
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
‘Not just chest pain’: 5 warning signs your body gives before a heart attack
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why defense analysts believe China’s Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter program has entered a dangerous new era
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Sleep Deprived': How the USS Abraham Lincoln crew survives endless night operations
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New OTT releases this week (May 11-17, 2026): Kartavya to Dhurandhar: The Revenge- 8 new movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Gore-Tex': How the USS Abraham Lincoln crew survives icy Arctic winds
)
India's Green Mirage: Northeast is quietly losing its forest cover while India celebrates gains
)
Who is Eileen Wang? California city mayor who pleaded guilty to acting as Chinese agent
)
Epstein dinner to 50 Cent relationship: Chelsea Handler's old controversies resurface after Kevin Hart roast
)
‘Travel Secrets of the World’s Elites’: How global icons, CEOs, and royals plan holidays
)
Riteish Deshmukh reveals actors did not charge a penny for Raja Shivaji: 'Everyone has worked for free'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
‘Robotic warfare’: How the Chengdu J-20 can rewrite the rules of aerial combat
)
'It arrived during ceasefire period...': Pakistan CONFIRMS presence of Iranian aircraft amid US talks, but says...
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Slop Chute': How the USS Abraham Lincoln legally dumps its trash at sea
)
'You absolute moron': White House goes nuclear as photos of Trump dozing off during Oval Office event goes viral
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Hydraulic Arms': How the USS Abraham Lincoln pops up its emergency net
)
‘Pursue your goals’: Indian-origin philanthropist pays off loans for entire graduating class in US
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Pad Eyes': Why the USS Abraham Lincoln deck is covered in tiny holes
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Flight Deck Boots': Why USS Abraham Lincoln sailors wear extremely heavy shoes
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'He is alive but...': Netanyahu issues BIG statement about Mojtaba Khamenei, his whereabouts; admits Israel and US failed to foresee Hormuz crisis
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'If this were true...': Did Pakistan betray US by allowing Iran to park spy aircraft? Trump aide says...
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Dark Deck': Why walking on the USS Abraham Lincoln at night is deadly
)
Pakistan two-timed Trump? Report REVEALS Islamabad quietly sheltered Iranian military aircraft while playing mediator in Iran war
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Monster El Nino in 2026 will be the most devastating the world has witnessed in 150 years
This uptick was attributed to the emergence of a new variant, JN.1, a member of the Omicron family classified as a "variant of interest" by the World Health Organization (WHO).
India's Covid case count and present situation
As of January 6, there have been 682 cases of the JN.1 sub-variant reported in 12 states.
According to theHealth Ministry update at 8 a.m. on Thursday (Indian Standard Time), there has been a rise in active Covid cases across severalstates, includingMaharashtra and Karnataka.
So far in India, more than 44 million (44,483,502 individuals) people have successfully recovered from the virus, with thecumulative national recovery rate standingat 98.81 per cent.
The current fatality rate is at 1.81 per cent.
Also read |India: Advisory issued to states amid recent upsurge in COVID-19 cases, new variant concerns
While authorities advise against panic, individuals with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension are urged to wear face masks as a precautionary measure.
According to data available on the website of the Indian health ministry, so far over 2.2 billion doses of Covid vaccine (or 220.67 crore) have been administered across the country.
Vaccination continues to be the most effective mode to combat the spread of the virus.
(With inputs from agencies)