India is witnessing a renewed rise in COVID-19 infections, with active cases nearing the 4,000 mark. According to data released by the Union Health Ministry on Monday, June 2, the number of active cases rose to 3,961, up from 3,758 the previous day.

Experts have attributed this uptick to the fast-spreading NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 variants currently circulating across several states.

As per the data, West Bengal saw the sharpest rise, adding 82 new infections within 24 hours. Delhi recorded 47 fresh cases, pushing its active tally to 436, while Gujarat crossed the 300 mark. Kerala remains the worst-hit, with over 1,400 active cases. Maharashtra follows with 485 infections and seven reported deaths to date.

Kerala and Karnataka also confirmed two additional fatalities over the weekend, raising India’s death toll since January 2025 to 28.

Health officials are advising high-risk groups, particularly the elderly and unvaccinated with pre-existing conditions, to exercise extra caution. “We are closely monitoring the variants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7. There is no need for panic, but we do urge people to avoid crowded spaces if they’re symptomatic,” a senior official told Media.

While hospitalisations remain low, the government has flagged typical symptoms of these new variants, which include fever, throat pain, nausea, and digestive discomfort. Officials have also recommend undergoing an RT-PCR test if symptoms persist beyond four days.

A health ministry spokesperson told Media, “Medical infrastructure is well-equipped to manage a rise in cases. We are prepared.”

In contrast to national trends, some states like Sikkim have reported only a handful of cases, underscoring the uneven spread of the virus.

New Delhi, May 31: On the occasion of World No-Tobacco Day, Delhi’s Rohini area witnessed a strong show of public awareness and health advocacy through a walkathon organised to spread the message against tobacco consumption.

The event, themed ‘Walk for Life’, brought together medical professionals, civic leaders, and local residents in a collective stand against the harmful effects of tobacco.

Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, who flagged off the walkathon, delivered a powerful message on the dangers of tobacco. “Tobacco is not just an addiction; it’s a poison,” he said, addressing the gathering. “It is a dangerous habit that ruins lives, and the only effective way to combat it is through sustained awareness and education,” he added.

Organised by the Indian Medical Association in collaboration with the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, the event saw enthusiastic participation from doctors, healthcare workers, and members of the public.

The walkathon aimed to raise awareness, especially among the youth, about the health risks associated with tobacco, including its direct link to life-threatening diseases like cancer.

“The younger generation often views smoking and tobacco use as fashionable, but we must help them understand the long-term consequences,” Gupta added, urging collective efforts to curb the rising trend of tobacco use among the youth.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Sudhir Rawal, Medical Director at the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute, emphasised the medical impact: “Tobacco is one of the main avoidable causes of cancer. If you don’t use tobacco, you significantly reduce your risk of developing cancer, especially lung and mouth cancer.”

The event also featured health-themed activities, including group exercises and educational talks, to create a more engaging and impactful experience for participants.

As part of a broader initiative across the country, the Rohini walkathon served as a crucial reminder of the importance of quitting tobacco and promoting healthier, smoke-free lives.

Mumbai: The State of Maharashtra reported 66 new COVID-19 cases on May 27, with nearly half originating from Mumbai, recording 31 cases in past 24 hours. Other districts saw fewer cases, with Pune reporting 18, Thane at 7, Navi Mumbai at 4, Pimpri Chinchwad at 3, Nagpur at 2, and Sangli at 1. As of May 26, the total active cases in Maharashtra stood at 210, reflecting an addition of 154 new cases since May 19, 2025. Nationwide, India had 1,010 active cases, with Kerala leading at 430.

Reports from the Union Health Ministry indicate that current COVID-19 infections are mostly mild, with no significant severity or death rates. However, a 47-year-old woman from Kalyan tested positive posthumously, representing the fifth COVID-related death in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) within a week.

She was treated for typhoid but deteriorated rapidly, leading to her hospitalization where she died before her COVID-19 diagnosis. KDMC officials noted three other COVID patients, with one recovering and two receiving treatment. In response, KDMC has set up isolation wards and an RTPCR lab, assuring the public that most cases are mild and do not require alarm.

In light of rising COVID-19 cases noted in Singapore and Hong Kong, India has ramped up monitoring efforts. Experts attribute the recent surge to the JN.1 variant, part of the Omicron family. The Health Ministry has stated that they are carefully reviewing the situation to mitigate risks while remaining proactive in safeguarding public health.

Meanwhile, the state’s daily COVID-19 case count rose from 43 on Sunday to 69 on Monday, as reported by the state health department. Out of these cases, 37 were identified in Mumbai, 19 in Thane, and seven in Navi Mumbai, with Pune recording two cases and one case each in Pimpri Chinchwad, Kolhapur, Raigad, and Latur

The recent uptick in COVID-19 cases has been evident over the past few weeks, with May alone accounting for 269 of the 285 cases recorded since January. Additionally, four patients with COVID-19 have died since May 18, which included a 14-year-old girl with kidney issues, a 59-year-old cancer patient, a 70-year-old with heart complications, and a 21-year-old suffering from diabetes-related ketoacidosis.

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