India is witnessing a surge in COVID-19 cases; nearly 358 fresh infections have been recorded in the past 24 hours, Union Health Ministry data showed. Reportedly, the surge in cases is due to the Covid sub-variant JN.1, which was first detected in Kerala. 

With three deaths reported from Kerala in the past 24 hours, the toll rose to 5,33,327 while the number of people recovered increased to 4,44, 70, 576 and the national recovery rate was 98.81 per cent, the health ministry data showed, according to the report.