India’s female robot astronaut Vyommitra will fly into space ahead of Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) ambitious Gaganyaan mission – the country’s manned space flight carrying Indian astronauts into space – said the Union minister of science and technology, on Sunday (Feb 4).

Vyommitra: ISRO to launch India’s female robot astronaut into space ahead of Gaganyaan mission

<p>A court in the Indian state of Kerala, on Tuesday (Jan 30) sentenced to death 15 people associated with the now-banned Islamist outfit Popular Front of India (PFI) days after they were convicted of their role in the murder of ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, reported news agency PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the sentence</strong></h2>

<p>The death sentence was given by Mavelikkara Additional District Judge VG Sreedevi to 15 people who were found guilty of the murder of 45-year-old BJP Other Backward Class (OBC) wing leader, Ranjith Sreenivasan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All 15 are associated with the now-banned PFI.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-modi-comes-to-power-there-will-be-dictatorship-says-congress-chief-kharge-685004">If Modi comes to power 'there will be dictatorship,' says Congress chief Kharge</a></strong></p>

<p>Sreenivasan was said to have been brutally attacked and killed in his home in Kerala’s Alappuzha district in December 2021. The sentence comes after the prosecution&nbsp;sought a maximum sentence for the convicts, saying that they were a “trained killer squad”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sentence on Tuesday (Jan 30) came 10 days after the court found eight out of the 15 people accused in the case directly involved in the murder, while others were said to be guilty of criminal conspiracy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 15 convicted are Naisam, Ajmal, Anoop, Mohammed Aslam, Abdul Kalam alias Salam, Saffaruddin, Manshad, Jaseeb Raja, Navas, Sameer, Nazir, Abdul Kalam, Zakir Hussain, Shaji and Shernas Ashraf.</p>

<h2><strong>Local BJP leader’s ‘brutal’ murder</strong></h2>

<p>Sreenivasan was reportedly hacked to death in front of his wife, mother and minor daughter on December 19, 2021. In line with the cruel manner in which the victim was killed, the prosecution argued that it brings the case within the scope of the “rarest of the rarest” of crimes.</p>

<p>On January 20, the Kerala court found all 15 accused in the case guilty, with eight directly involved and four others, who showed up with deadly weapons at the scene of the crime, guilty of murder.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/section-144-imposed-within-100-metre-radius-of-jharkhand-cm-sorens-residence-685029">Section 144 imposed within 100 metre radius of Jharkhand CM Soren's residence</a></strong></p>

<p>It was also their job to prevent the victim from leaving the house or letting anyone who heard the screams enter. Additionally, the court also found three others who hatched the conspiracy to kill Sreenivasan&nbsp;guilty of murder.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The fatal attack on Sreenivasan is regarded as an act of retaliation that took place hours after the PFI’s political wing, Social Democratic Party of India’s (SDPI) leader KS Shan was killed by a gang on December 18, 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The trial for the Shan murder case will commence on February 2.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A court in the Indian state of Kerala, on Tuesday (Jan 30) sentenced to death 15 people associated with the now-banned Islamist outfit Popular Front of India (PFI) days after they were convicted of their role in the murder of ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, reported news agency PTI.

A court in the Indian state of Kerala, on Tuesday (Jan 30) sentenced to death 15 people associated with the now-banned Islamist outfit Popular Front of India (PFI) days after they were convicted of their role in the murder of ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, reported news agency PTI. About the sentence The death sentence was given by Mavelikkara Additional District Judge VG Sreedevi to 15 people who were found guilty of the murder of 45-year-old BJP Other Backward Class (OBC) wing leader, Ranjith Sreenivasan. All 15 are associated with the now-banned PFI. ALSO READ | If Modi comes to power 'there will be dictatorship,' says Congress chief Kharge Sreenivasan was said to have been brutally attacked and killed in his home in Kerala’s Alappuzha district in December 2021. The sentence comes after the prosecution sought a maximum sentence for the convicts, saying that they were a “trained killer squad”. The sentence on Tuesday (Jan 30) came 10 days after the court found eight out of the 15 people accused in the case directly involved in the murder, while others were said to be guilty of criminal conspiracy. The 15 convicted are Naisam, Ajmal, Anoop, Mohammed Aslam, Abdul Kalam alias Salam, Saffaruddin, Manshad, Jaseeb Raja, Navas, Sameer, Nazir, Abdul Kalam, Zakir Hussain, Shaji and Shernas Ashraf. Local BJP leader’s ‘brutal’ murder Sreenivasan was reportedly hacked to death in front of his wife, mother and minor daughter on December 19, 2021. In line with the cruel manner in which the victim was killed, the prosecution argued that it brings the case within the scope of the “rarest of the rarest” of crimes. On January 20, the Kerala court found all 15 accused in the case guilty, with eight directly involved and four others, who showed up with deadly weapons at the scene of the crime, guilty of murder. ALSO READ | Section 144 imposed within 100 metre radius of Jharkhand CM Soren's residence It was also their job to prevent the victim from leaving the house or letting anyone who heard the screams enter. Additionally, the court also found three others who hatched the conspiracy to kill Sreenivasan guilty of murder. The fatal attack on Sreenivasan is regarded as an act of retaliation that took place hours after the PFI’s political wing, Social Democratic Party of India’s (SDPI) leader KS Shan was killed by a gang on December 18, 2021. The trial for the Shan murder case will commence on February 2. (With inputs from agencies)

India: 15 men linked to banned group PFI sentenced to death by Kerala court for killing of local BJP leader

A Kerala court has awarded death sentence to 14 PFI affiliated men convicted of killing BJP leader Ranjith Sreenivasan. The BJP’s OBC Morcha Secretary, was killed at his home on 19 December of 2021 right in front of his family.

India: Kerala court sentences 14 persons related to PFI to death for BJP leader's murder

<p>The governor of the southern Indian state of Kerala broke protocols of his office on Saturday (Jan 27) and staged a sit-in protest on the roadside when he was shown black flags by the members of a student wing backed by the ruling party. Governor <strong>Arif Mohammad Khan</strong> also accused the police personnel of being complicit in a ‘conspiracy’ and of shielding the protestors.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | "I will not leave from here. Police is giving them protection, " says Governor Arif Mohammed Khan after SFI activists held a protest against him in Kollam. Police present on the spot <a href="https://t.co/nQHF9PWqpr">https://t.co/nQHF9PWqpr</a> <a href="https://t.co/RHFFBRCh9s">pic.twitter.com/RHFFBRCh9s</a></p>
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<p>Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) currently rules the state and its student wing - Student Federation of India (SFI) - was holding a black flag protest against the governor.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why were SFI members protesting?</strong></h2>

<p>The SFI members were protesting against the governor’s alleged move to appoint the national ruling party BJP-backed nominees in the state-funded varsities.</p>

<p>A&nbsp;SFI worker as quoted by India Today said, “Without any qualifications, just because K Surendran recommended these nominees from the BJP office, they were taken to the senate. So, SFI has been staging state-wide protest against the governor for many months now. Today’s protest was part of that.”</p>

<p>K Surendran is the head of the BJP’s state unit.</p>

<p>It must be noted that in the capacity of the governor of the state, Khan also serves as the Chancellor of universities in Kerala.</p>

<p>So, when Khan’s motorcade swept past them at 11 am IST near Nilamel in Kollam district, they started waving black flags at him.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Maldives President Mohammad Muizzu under fire over 'anti-India' stance</strong></p>

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<p>This prompted the governor to rush out of his vehicle and walk towards the protestors. Police personnel formed a human shield around him as he loudly shouted at the student protestors.</p>

<h2><strong>Governor vs police</strong></h2>

<p>The governor then directed his ire against the police officials. “Will you allow protestors to muster along the Chief Minister’s route? I hold you accountable for the failure”, Khan told the supervisor officer at the scene.</p>

<p>He then seated himself on a chair on the roadside and rejected officials’ plea to continue his journey.</p>

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<p>Khan first demanded a copy of the first information report (FIR) filed against the students and what charges were slapped against them.</p>

<p>He also rejected the police’s statement that they had arrested 12 protestors. “There were more than 50 of them. Where are the rest? Is it a case of conspiracy?” he asked.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The governor of the southern Indian state of Kerala broke protocols of his office on Saturday (Jan 27) and staged a sit-in protest on the roadside when he was shown black flags by the members of a student wing backed by the ruling party.

The governor of the southern Indian state of Kerala broke protocols of his office on Saturday (Jan 27) and staged a sit-in protest on the roadside when he was shown black flags by the members of a student wing backed by the ruling party. Governor Arif Mohammad Khan also accused the police personnel of being complicit in a ‘conspiracy’ and of shielding the protestors. #WATCH | "I will not leave from here. Police is giving them protection, " says Governor Arif Mohammed Khan after SFI activists held a protest against him in Kollam. Police present on the spot https://t.co/nQHF9PWqpr pic.twitter.com/RHFFBRCh9s — ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2024 × Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) currently rules the state and its student wing - Student Federation of India (SFI) - was holding a black flag protest against the governor. Why were SFI members protesting? The SFI members were protesting against the governor’s alleged move to appoint the national ruling party BJP-backed nominees in the state-funded varsities. A SFI worker as quoted by India Today said, “Without any qualifications, just because K Surendran recommended these nominees from the BJP office, they were taken to the senate. So, SFI has been staging state-wide protest against the governor for many months now. Today’s protest was part of that.” K Surendran is the head of the BJP’s state unit. It must be noted that in the capacity of the governor of the state, Khan also serves as the Chancellor of universities in Kerala. So, when Khan’s motorcade swept past them at 11 am IST near Nilamel in Kollam district, they started waving black flags at him. Watch: Maldives President Mohammad Muizzu under fire over 'anti-India' stance × This prompted the governor to rush out of his vehicle and walk towards the protestors. Police personnel formed a human shield around him as he loudly shouted at the student protestors. Governor vs police The governor then directed his ire against the police officials. “Will you allow protestors to muster along the Chief Minister’s route? I hold you accountable for the failure”, Khan told the supervisor officer at the scene. He then seated himself on a chair on the roadside and rejected officials’ plea to continue his journey. Also read: Russia`s Putin heaps praise on PM Modi, says `can rely on India because...` Khan first demanded a copy of the first information report (FIR) filed against the students and what charges were slapped against them. He also rejected the police’s statement that they had arrested 12 protestors. “There were more than 50 of them. Where are the rest? Is it a case of conspiracy?” he asked. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan stages sit-in protest against police for 'shielding' protestors

The holiday is upon us and it is time to make merry but there are familiar concerns that are creeping back. There is talk about masking, restrictions and preventive measures after the detection of a new Covid-19 strain JN.1. Vikram Chandra speaks to Dr Randeep Guleria, former director of AIIMS Delhi about prevention, symptoms and vaccines.

Covid-19 India: WHO says, 'JN.1 poses low risk at present' | The India Story

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kerala’s Kochi Tuesday evening for a two-day visit of the state, where he held a mega roadshow from the Maharaja College ground to the government guest house.

PM Modi holds mega roadshow in Kerala, visits Leepakshi temple in Andhra Pradesh

The spread of JN.1 subvariant of Covid-19 is causing concern in UK, confirming the presence of the varinat in the UK. Health Secretary has expressed over the alarming rise in the cases.

UK Covid: Experts warn of another Covid wave in the UK by next week | World News | WION

Aditya L1, India's maiden mission to study the Sun, has reached its destination after successfully injecting into its final orbit on Saturday (January 6). ISRO performed the final manoeuvre to inject the spacecraft in the orbit at around 4 PM IST.

ISRO's first Sun mission Aditya-L1 to enter final orbit

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 1 January launched its first mission of the year 2024.

ISRO launches XPoSat to study black hole emissions

After a highly successful 2023, the Indian Space Agency, or ISRO is geared up for its maiden launch of this new year. India's PSLV-C58 mission is all set to launch the x-ray polarimeter satellite or XPOSAT today. The mission is the first dedicated polarimetry mission of the nation. The XPOSAT mission will try to unravel the mysteries of black holes...

ISRO's first mission of 2024, XPoSat, to be launched today

After a highly productive 2023, with the successful launch of the third Lunar Mission Chandrayaan-3 and the first Sun exploratory Aditya-L1, a buoyant Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will usher in 2024 with the launch of PSLV-C58/X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) mission on January 1st.

India: ISRO to usher in 2024 with XPoSat mission

After a highly productive 2023, with the successful launch of the third Lunar Mission Chandrayaan-3 and the first Sun exploratory Aditya-L1, a buoyant Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will usher in 2024 with the launch of PSLV-C58/X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) mission on January 1.

The most common cake that comes to mind when we talk of Christmas cakes is the plum cake and fruit cake. But there are some very unique and diverse cakes in India that have some very interesting back stories. In this segment we take a look at some of them.

Christmas: Mambally bakery in Kerala claims to have baked the first Christmas cake in India | WION

As millions of Americans plan their holiday travel, COVID levels are surging across the US, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand are also on guard.

Gravitas: Wuhan virus raises alarm in US

<p>India has reported a total of 22 cases of the COVID-19 subvariant JN.1, prompting health authorities to implement precautionary measures to curb further spread. While all reported cases exhibit mild symptoms, officials are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any clustering of infections.</p>

<h2><strong>Genomic sequencing directive</strong></h2>

<p>In response to a sudden increase in Covid&nbsp;cases across various states, the central government has instructed states to send samples of all positive test swabs for whole genome sequencing. This initiative aims to identify the specific set of mutations associated with the JN.1 subvariant.</p>

<p>As of the latest update, India recorded 640 new Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the active tally to 2,997. The total death toll stands at 5,33,328, with one new death reported in Kerala. The country's overall Covid-19 case tally has reached&nbsp;45000000.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-more-than-200-fresh-covid-cases-a-death-recorded-in-last-24-hours-672621">Also read |&nbsp;India: More than 200 fresh Covid cases, one death recorded in last 24 hours in Kerala</a></p>

<h2><strong>Affected states and individual surveillance guidelines</strong></h2>

<p>States experiencing a notable increase in Covid-19 cases include Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Goa, Puducherry, Gujarat, Telangana, Punjab, and Delhi. In response, several states are formulating individual surveillance guidelines.</p>

<p><strong>State-level responses</strong></p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Kerala:</strong> Health minister Veena George assures that the situation is under control, emphasizing the high testing rates in the state. Genomic sequencing has been underway since November.</li>
	<li><strong>Karnataka:</strong> Health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao urges caution but reassures the public that no immediate restrictions will be imposed.</li>
	<li><strong>Rajasthan:</strong> Officials establish a state-level team for the prevention and control of Covid-19 infections in light of the rising cases.</li>
	<li><strong>Bihar:</strong> Chief minister Nitish Kumar chairs a meeting, directing officials to enhance testing rates and ensure the availability of essential resources in hospitals. He stressed on awareness campaigns about Covid-appropriate behaviour.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;COVID-19 India: WHO says, 'JN.1 poses low risk at present' | The India Story</strong></p>

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<p>Government data indicates that 93 per cent of those infected with the JN.1 subvariant exhibit mild symptoms and are isolating at home. Former WHO chief scientist Dr&nbsp;Soumya Swaminathan has urged people not to panic and has&nbsp;characterised&nbsp;the variant as a "variant of interest" rather than a "variant of concern." Only a small percentage of infected individuals require ventilator support, ICU admission, or oxygen support.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India has reported a total of 22 cases of the COVID-19 subvariant JN.1, prompting health authorities to implement precautionary measures to curb further spread. While all reported cases exhibit mild symptoms, officials are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any clustering of infections.

India has reported a total of 22 cases of the COVID-19 subvariant JN.1, prompting health authorities to implement precautionary measures to curb further spread. While all reported cases exhibit mild symptoms, officials are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any clustering of infections. Genomic sequencing directive In response to a sudden increase in Covid cases across various states, the central government has instructed states to send samples of all positive test swabs for whole genome sequencing. This initiative aims to identify the specific set of mutations associated with the JN.1 subvariant. As of the latest update, India recorded 640 new Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the active tally to 2,997. The total death toll stands at 5,33,328, with one new death reported in Kerala. The country's overall Covid-19 case tally has reached 45000000. Also read | India: More than 200 fresh Covid cases, one death recorded in last 24 hours in Kerala Affected states and individual surveillance guidelines States experiencing a notable increase in Covid-19 cases include Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Goa, Puducherry, Gujarat, Telangana, Punjab, and Delhi. In response, several states are formulating individual surveillance guidelines. State-level responses Kerala: Health minister Veena George assures that the situation is under control, emphasizing the high testing rates in the state. Genomic sequencing has been underway since November. Karnataka: Health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao urges caution but reassures the public that no immediate restrictions will be imposed. Rajasthan: Officials establish a state-level team for the prevention and control of Covid-19 infections in light of the rising cases. Bihar: Chief minister Nitish Kumar chairs a meeting, directing officials to enhance testing rates and ensure the availability of essential resources in hospitals. He stressed on awareness campaigns about Covid-appropriate behaviour. Also watch | COVID-19 India: WHO says, 'JN.1 poses low risk at present' | The India Story Government data indicates that 93 per cent of those infected with the JN.1 subvariant exhibit mild symptoms and are isolating at home. Former WHO chief scientist Dr Soumya Swaminathan has urged people not to panic and has characterised the variant as a "variant of interest" rather than a "variant of concern." Only a small percentage of infected individuals require ventilator support, ICU admission, or oxygen support. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid JN.1 scare: India registers 22 subvariant cases; Centre orders genome sequencing

More COVID-19 cases have been reported in India. There were six deaths in the last 24 hours. Should you be scared? What precautions should you take?

Gravitas: Chinese Covid-19 continues to rise in India

After Kerala, JN.1 variant has now been found in Goa. 21 new cases have been reported in India in the last 24 hours which makes it 2,669 active cases. Singapore has become a country of concern, Indonesia is asking travellers to be vigilant. In Malaysia, cases have doubled. This is December Deja Vu.

Covid-19 India: 2,669 active cases of Covid in India, highest surge in Kerala

Covid-19 India: Goa reports highest number of JN.1 cases; Active cases reach 2,669 in India | WION

Wuhan virus variant JN.1 is spreading fast. Since December 11, cases have more than doubled in India. The Indian health ministry has advised states to take precautions and monitor the situation closely.

Gravitas: Wuhan Virus variant JN.1 spreading fast | Why it's time for India to mask up again

<p>In a crucial response to the surge in COVID-19 cases, particularly in the south Indian state of Kerala, the Union Health Ministry convened a high-level meeting on Wednesday (Dec 20).</p>

<p>The focus of the meeting, chaired by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, was to comprehensively review the sudden uptick in COVID-19 cases and related fatalities, exacerbated by the recent identification of the Covid sub-variant JN.1 in Kerala state.</p>

<p>Joining the Health Minister in this critical discussion were Union Ministers SP Singh Baghel and Bharati Pravin Pawar, along with key officials such as Health Secretary Sudhansh Pant, Secretary Department of Health Research Dr Rajiv Bahl, and Dr VK Paul, Member (Health) at NITI Aayog.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/20-years-and-counting-pm-modi-expresses-anguish-over-mocking-of-vice-president-dhankhar-671593">'20 years and counting': PM Modi expresses anguish over mocking of Vice President Dhankhar</a></p>

<p>Kerala, in particular, has witnessed a surge with 292 new active cases of COVID-19 and three deaths reported on December 19, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, media reports said.</p>

<p>The state's total active cases stand at 2,041, with a cumulative COVID-related death toll reaching 72,056 since the outbreak three years ago.</p>

<p>Despite the rise in cases, State Health Minister Veena George assured on Tuesday (Dec 19) that the state is well-prepared to manage the situation effectively. She highlighted the issuance of directives to provide specialised facilities for COVID-19 patients, ensuring the availability of isolation wards, rooms, oxygen beds, ICU beds, and ventilators in hospitals.</p>

<p>In the broader national context, India reported 341 new cases by 8 am on Wednesday (Dec 20), with 224 individuals recovering or being discharged in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-hits-out-at-imf-on-excessive-currency-intervention-comment-671573">India hits out at IMF on "excessive" currency intervention comment</a></p>

<p>Responding to the emergence of the JN.1 sub-variant of COVID-19, the Centre issued an advisory to states, emphasising the need for public health measures and arrangements to minimise disease transmission during the upcoming festive season.</p>

<p>The advisory urged states to monitor and report influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory illness cases regularly, updating details in the Integrated Health Information Platform and ensuring adequate testing in all districts.</p>

<section>
<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-mamata-banerjee-proposes-congress-chief-mallikarjun-kharge-as-pm-face-of-india-bloc-671575">India: Mamata Banerjee proposes Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge as PM face of INDIA bloc</a></strong></p>

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<p>The JN.1 variant, considered a descendant of the Omicron sub-variant BA.2.86 or Pirola, was first identified in the United States in September 2023. China reported seven infections of this sub-variant on December 15.</p>

<p>Symptoms associated with JN.1 include mild fever, coughing, discomfort in the nasal passages, sore throat, runny nose, facial pain or pressure, headache, and gastrointestinal issues.&nbsp;WHO classified the JN.1 variant as a "variant of interest" on December 19 by maintaining that it does not pose much threat to the public.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>
</section>


In a crucial response to the surge in COVID-19 cases, particularly in the south Indian state of Kerala, the Union Health Ministry convened a high-level meeting on Wednesday (Dec 20).

In a crucial response to the surge in COVID-19 cases, particularly in the south Indian state of Kerala, the Union Health Ministry convened a high-level meeting on Wednesday (Dec 20). The focus of the meeting, chaired by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, was to comprehensively review the sudden uptick in COVID-19 cases and related fatalities, exacerbated by the recent identification of the Covid sub-variant JN.1 in Kerala state. Joining the Health Minister in this critical discussion were Union Ministers SP Singh Baghel and Bharati Pravin Pawar, along with key officials such as Health Secretary Sudhansh Pant, Secretary Department of Health Research Dr Rajiv Bahl, and Dr VK Paul, Member (Health) at NITI Aayog. Also Read | '20 years and counting': PM Modi expresses anguish over mocking of Vice President Dhankhar Kerala, in particular, has witnessed a surge with 292 new active cases of COVID-19 and three deaths reported on December 19, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, media reports said. The state's total active cases stand at 2,041, with a cumulative COVID-related death toll reaching 72,056 since the outbreak three years ago. Despite the rise in cases, State Health Minister Veena George assured on Tuesday (Dec 19) that the state is well-prepared to manage the situation effectively. She highlighted the issuance of directives to provide specialised facilities for COVID-19 patients, ensuring the availability of isolation wards, rooms, oxygen beds, ICU beds, and ventilators in hospitals. In the broader national context, India reported 341 new cases by 8 am on Wednesday (Dec 20), with 224 individuals recovering or being discharged in the last 24 hours. Also Read | India hits out at IMF on "excessive" currency intervention comment Responding to the emergence of the JN.1 sub-variant of COVID-19, the Centre issued an advisory to states, emphasising the need for public health measures and arrangements to minimise disease transmission during the upcoming festive season. The advisory urged states to monitor and report influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory illness cases regularly, updating details in the Integrated Health Information Platform and ensuring adequate testing in all districts. Watch | India: Mamata Banerjee proposes Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge as PM face of INDIA bloc × The JN.1 variant, considered a descendant of the Omicron sub-variant BA.2.86 or Pirola, was first identified in the United States in September 2023. China reported seven infections of this sub-variant on December 15. Symptoms associated with JN.1 include mild fever, coughing, discomfort in the nasal passages, sore throat, runny nose, facial pain or pressure, headache, and gastrointestinal issues. WHO classified the JN.1 variant as a "variant of interest" on December 19 by maintaining that it does not pose much threat to the public. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Union health minister holds high-level review meet amid rising COVID-19 cases

Cases of a new Omicron sub-variant called JN.1 are rising worldwide; Singapore, India, UK, Germany among many nations report rising cases. The World Health Organisation urges nations to take strict measures.

India: 2,311 active Covid cases, highest surge in Kerala; 341 new JN.1 Covid strain cases | WION

After Kerala, JN.1 variant has now been found in Goa. 142 new cases have been reported in India in the last 24 hours. Singapore has become a country of concern, Indonesia is asking travellers to be vigilant. In Malaysia, cases have doubled. This is December Deja Vu.

Gravitas: Covid-19: After Kerala, JN.1 variant reported in Goa

<p>COVID-19 doesn’t seem to be in the mood&nbsp;to leave us alone anytime soon, as new variants keep popping up now and then. One such new subvariant of the virus, JN.1 that raised concerns in the US has now been detected in the Indian state of Kerala. Meanwhile, the US continues to see the emergence of new Covid variants and is now struggling to bring the HV.1 variant under control.</p>

<p>JN.1, a descendant of Pirola or BA.2.86, increased worries for Kerala’s healthcare system as it was detected for the first time in the state, dodging India’s genome surveillance efforts. The new variant can have a potential impact on the already-rising cases in the state, as per experts.</p>

<p>Now the Indian government has issued an advisory for all the Indian states to stay alert amid the rising number of cases. Winter especially is a time when the virus starts rearing its head again. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/smriti-irani-opposes-menstruation-leave-policy-says-its-not-handicap-669398">Smriti Irani opposes menstruation leave policy, says it's 'not handicap'</a></p>

<h2><strong>New COVID-19 subvariant&nbsp;JN.1 detected in Kerala</strong></h2>

<p>The presence of the latest subvariant in Kerala was confirmed by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dr Rajeeb Jayadevan, co-chairman, of the National Indian Medical Association (IMA) Covid Task Force, said JN.1 could be a contributing factor in the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in India, specifically in Kerala.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>India’s active case count has reached 938, with Kerala recording the highest number of patients, a total of 768.</p>

<p>The new variant was first detected in Europe in August 2023. Luxembourg reported the first case of the new variant, followed by England, Iceland, France and the US. The scientists in the US found the JN.1 variant to be more infectious as it can evade vaccine immunity.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>US grappling with HV.1 now</h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the United States is now seeing another increase in the number of Covid cases owing to the HV.1 variant. The country is already going through the respiratory virus season and Covid is making matters worse. After JN.1 and&nbsp;EG.5 or&nbsp;Eris,&nbsp;HV.1 has become the dominant variant in the county and accounts for an estimated one-third of cases nationwide.&nbsp;</p>

<p>HV.1 rapidly started spreading in October and November.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the&nbsp;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HV.1 accounts for&nbsp;nearly 30 per cent&nbsp;of new COVID-19 infections in the US, while JN.1 makes up around 21 per cent of new COVID-19 cases.</p>

<p>Experts say that the number of new cases is expected to grow with the winter season kicking in.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Decoding JN.1, the new COVID-19 variant</strong></h2>

<p>JN.1 is a descendant of the Omicron subvariant BA.2.86. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified it as a “notable descendant lineage” of Omicron, indicating its potential for increased transmissibility or immune evasion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>JN.1 carries a mutation that gives it extra immune-evading capabilities. The preprint paper testing how the new vaccines performed against HV.1 also showed that they produced antibodies effective against JN.1, but not as many.</p>

<p><strong>Signs and symptoms</strong></p>

<p>Symptoms of JN.1 subvariant include-</p>

<p>Fever</p>

<p>Coughing</p>

<p>Tiredness</p>

<p>Nasal congestion</p>

<p>Runny nose</p>

<p>Diarrhea</p>

<p>Headaches</p>

<p><i>(With inputs from agencies)</i></p>


COVID-19 doesn’t seem to be in the mood to leave us alone anytime soon, as new variants keep popping up now and then. One such new subvariant of the virus, JN.1 that raised concerns in the US has now been detected in the Indian state of Kerala.

COVID-19 doesn’t seem to be in the mood to leave us alone anytime soon, as new variants keep popping up now and then. One such new subvariant of the virus, JN.1 that raised concerns in the US has now been detected in the Indian state of Kerala. Meanwhile, the US continues to see the emergence of new Covid variants and is now struggling to bring the HV.1 variant under control. JN.1, a descendant of Pirola or BA.2.86, increased worries for Kerala’s healthcare system as it was detected for the first time in the state, dodging India’s genome surveillance efforts. The new variant can have a potential impact on the already-rising cases in the state, as per experts. Now the Indian government has issued an advisory for all the Indian states to stay alert amid the rising number of cases. Winter especially is a time when the virus starts rearing its head again. Also Read | Smriti Irani opposes menstruation leave policy, says it's 'not handicap' New COVID-19 subvariant JN.1 detected in Kerala The presence of the latest subvariant in Kerala was confirmed by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG). Dr Rajeeb Jayadevan, co-chairman, of the National Indian Medical Association (IMA) Covid Task Force, said JN.1 could be a contributing factor in the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in India, specifically in Kerala. Also Read | Indian Parliament security breach: Who is BJP MP Pratap Simha who issued passes to the intruders? India’s active case count has reached 938, with Kerala recording the highest number of patients, a total of 768. The new variant was first detected in Europe in August 2023. Luxembourg reported the first case of the new variant, followed by England, Iceland, France and the US. The scientists in the US found the JN.1 variant to be more infectious as it can evade vaccine immunity. US grappling with HV.1 now Meanwhile, the United States is now seeing another increase in the number of Covid cases owing to the HV.1 variant. The country is already going through the respiratory virus season and Covid is making matters worse. After JN.1 and EG.5 or Eris, HV.1 has become the dominant variant in the county and accounts for an estimated one-third of cases nationwide. HV.1 rapidly started spreading in October and November. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HV.1 accounts for nearly 30 per cent of new COVID-19 infections in the US, while JN.1 makes up around 21 per cent of new COVID-19 cases. Experts say that the number of new cases is expected to grow with the winter season kicking in. Decoding JN.1, the new COVID-19 variant JN.1 is a descendant of the Omicron subvariant BA.2.86. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified it as a “notable descendant lineage” of Omicron, indicating its potential for increased transmissibility or immune evasion. JN.1 carries a mutation that gives it extra immune-evading capabilities. The preprint paper testing how the new vaccines performed against HV.1 also showed that they produced antibodies effective against JN.1, but not as many. Signs and symptoms Symptoms of JN.1 subvariant include- Fever Coughing Tiredness Nasal congestion Runny nose Diarrhea Headaches (With inputs from agencies)

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