India reported 2,85,914 new COVID-19 cases, 665 deaths and 2,99,073 recoveries in the last 24 hours.
In his customary address on the eve of the 73rd Republic Day, President Ram Nath Kovind urged citizens to remain alert in light of growing COVID-19 cases and reminded of their duty to follow precautions.
Meanwhile, the annual Republic Day parade on Wednesday, 26 January, was relatively muted affair, with COVID-appropriate changes and health protocols in place for a curtailed guest list.
Those attending were fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and children below 15 years of age were not allowed to attend the function.
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya virtually interacted with the health ministers of nine states and Union territories on Tuesday, and urged them to increase testing
Jammu and Kashmir recorded 6,570 fresh coronavirus cases on Tuesday – the highest single-day spike since pandemic began
In Kerala, 49,771 new COVID cases were detected on Wednesday, and the state's positivity rate touched 48.06 percent
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Gujarat Sees 14,718 Fresh Cases
Gujarat reported 14,781 fresh coronavirus cases, 20,829 recoveries, and 21 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to ANI.
Active cases in the state now stand at 1,28,192, while the death toll has reached 10,323.
Kerala Reports 49,771 New Cases, 140 Deaths
Kerala continued witnessing a COVID-19 surge on Wednesday as the state reported 49,771 fresh infections, while the daily test positivity rate stood at 48.06 percent.
The death toll rose to 52,281 with 140 COVID-19-related deaths being registered. The state's total caseload is now 57,74,857.
Mumbai Reported 1,858 New Cases
Mumbai reported 1,858 new coronavirus infections and 13 deaths on Wednesday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) stated.
Active cases in the city stand at 22,364.
Delhi Reports 7,498 New Cases & 29 Deaths
Delhi reports a surge in cases, records 7,498 fresh COVID cases, 11,164 recoveries, and 29 deaths in the last 24 hours. Today's positivity rate in the national capital is 10.59% and active cases stand at 38,315.