Gayathri Kallukaran is a Junior Journalist with Eastern Eye. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Paul’s College, Bengaluru, and brings over five years of experience in content creation, including two years in digital journalism. She covers stories across culture, lifestyle, travel, health, and technology, with a creative yet fact-driven approach to reporting. Known for her sensitivity towards human interest narratives, Gayathri’s storytelling often aims to inform, inspire, and empower. Her journey began as a layout designer and reporter for her college’s daily newsletter, where she also contributed short films and editorial features. Since then, she has worked with platforms like FWD Media, Pepper Content, and Petrons.com, where several of her interviews and features have gained spotlight recognition. Fluent in English, Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi, she writes in English and Malayalam, continuing to explore inclusive, people-focused storytelling in the digital space.
India’s total number of active COVID-19 cases has risen above 6,000, with health authorities reporting 358 new infections in the past 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). While there were no Covid related deaths during this period, the increase in cases is prompting state-level monitoring and precautionary measures.
Current case load and recoveries
As of 8:00 a.m. on June 9, 2025, India has 6,491 active Covid-19 cases. The central health ministry confirmed that 358 fresh cases were detected in the last 24 hours, with no fatalities reported in the same timeframe.
According to the ministry’s data, 624 patients recovered or were discharged across the country since the previous update, contributing to the ongoing efforts to manage the spread of the virus through home care and hospital treatment where necessary.
Kerala, Gujarat and Delhi among most affected
Kerala continues to be the worst-affected state, reporting 1,957 active cases. The state added seven new cases in the past day. Gujarat follows with 980 active cases, after recording 158 fresh infections in the same period.
West Bengal stands third with 747 active cases, including 54 new cases reported since Sunday. Delhi is close behind, with 728 active cases, having reported 42 new infections in the last 24 hours. In contrast, Tamil Nadu recorded 25 new cases, bringing its active tally to 219.
Low case numbers in the Northeastern and Eastern states
Some states continue to report relatively low numbers. Assam, for instance, now has six active cases, with two new recoveries in the past 24 hours. Since January 2025, Assam has reported seven total recoveries. Similarly, Odisha reported just four new cases, bringing its total active cases to 34. The state's health department has advised the public, especially those showing flu-like symptoms, to avoid attending the upcoming Rath Yatra in Puri on 27 June.
Situation in Karnataka and other states
Karnataka recorded 57 new Covid-19 cases, increasing its total active case count to 423. Meanwhile, Delhi discharged over 100 patients in the last 24 hours. This trend of simultaneous new infections and recoveries reflects a manageable situation, with healthcare systems largely coping under the current load.
New variants and government advisory
The recent uptick in cases is being attributed to new sub-variants of the Omicron strain, including JN.1, NB.1.8.1, LF.7, and XFC. These variants are believed to be more transmissible but are, so far, associated with milder symptoms. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies them as "Variants Under Monitoring"—meaning they do not currently pose significant concern but should be watched closely.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus is now regarded as endemic, according to public health experts, and no longer represents the same emergency-level threat it once did. The virus is behaving more like seasonal influenza, with periodic surges expected.
West Bengal urges calm
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held a review meeting on Monday to assess the state’s Covid-19 preparedness. Emphasising calm, she stated, “There is no need for panic or to get scared about Covid.” She clarified that although the virus still circulates, the government has made adequate preparations at all administrative levels.
Health officials across the country have also encouraged individuals with symptoms to isolate and seek testingiStock
Banerjee added that the WHO now considers Covid endemic, though she advised residents to verify this independently. West Bengal’s tally stood at 747 active cases, including the 54 new infections added on Monday.
Precautionary measures continue
Several states are maintaining or reintroducing basic precautionary measures, especially in public gatherings and institutions. For instance, Odisha plans to reopen schools on 20 June with Covid safety protocols in place, according to Education Minister Nityananda Gond.
Health officials across the country have also encouraged individuals with symptoms to isolate and seek testing, while hospitals and clinics continue to monitor patients for signs of complications.
The impact
While the recent rise in Covid-19 cases in India has drawn attention, authorities emphasise that the situation remains under control. The absence of new deaths, widespread recoveries, and a growing understanding of the current variants are helping states manage the impact more effectively.
Officials continue to urge vigilance, not panic, as the country adapts to living with Covid-19 in its endemic form.
INDIA's commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will be a game changer in the areas of trade, investment and services.
Speaking to PTI after signing the agreement with UK secretary of state for business and trade Jonathan Reynolds, Goyal said it was “remarkable” that talks which began over 20 years ago have now led to a “fair, equitable and balanced agreement”. The signing was witnessed by prime ministers Narendra Modi and Keir Starmer at Chequers in Buckinghamshire.
“Truly this is going to be a game changer, in trade, in investments, in the services sector and help both India and the UK grow and our people benefit,” Goyal said. He said the agreement has the potential to double India-UK trade to USD 120 billion in the next five years.
He said the FTA will create new opportunities for farmers, MSMEs, and various sectors. “Our farmers will get a lot of opportunities, because we can process those farm products and market them in the UK. Our MSME sector will get a plethora of opportunities in aircraft parts and auto components, various engineering products. Our textiles will see a massive spurt in demand, because now on a competitive basis, we will be right on top with zero duties,” he said.
He added that other sectors such as leather, footwear, toys, furniture and pharma products will also benefit. “A very wide range of India's own strengths, which we are currently exporting in big measure across the world, will find markets in the United Kingdom,” Goyal said.
The minister also spoke about the Double Contribution Convention (DCC), which will be enforced along with the FTA.
“Our people who come and serve in UK for short term, two years or three years, who today land up losing almost 25 per cent of their earnings in Social Security, which never gives them any benefit, will now have an opportunity under the DCC to pay this money into their provident fund account in India, and that money will be secure. That money will be giving them an over 8 per cent tax-free return and will become their pension and Social Security in the long run,” he said.
He said that although parliamentary ratification in the UK will take time, the agreement already brings clarity to businesses, given the bipartisan support in Britain.
“The UK parliamentary process will take a few months. The good part is that it has always had bipartisan support. It was largely negotiated when the Conservatives were in power, and today, with the Labor government, it has culminated into a robust and very fair and balanced agreement, and therefore, I think this will get cleared pretty quickly,” Goyal said.
“Businesses will be already planning, because there's a stable and predictable environment. The Free Trade Agreement will be known to everybody, and businesses can start integrating their supply chains and can start planning the benefits of this agreement, planning their business growth because of this agreement. So, I think the work will start right away. The benefits will start accruing in a few months,” he added.
Goyal described the agreement as a personally fulfilling moment and said it was concluded with a good rapport with his UK counterpart.
“I feel very humbled that prime minister Modi reposed confidence and faith in me to be able to conclude this agreement, which has been quite complicated,” he said.
“Many, many years have gone by. Talks have been on and off, but I feel very humbled by the experience. I feel very, very satisfied with the outcome, and I'm sure what started as a very difficult negotiation, but has concluded in a very friendly and very amiable relationship, will continue in the years to come to be a torch bearer for the progress and development of both countries,” Goyal said.
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At Chequers, Starmer and Modi interacted with players from Buckinghamshire Street Cricket Hubs. (Photo: X/@narendramodi)
INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi used a cricketing reference to describe India’s ties with the UK during his meeting with British prime minister Keir Starmer on Thursday.
“There may be a swing and a miss at times, but we always play with a straight bat!” Modi said in a media statement after the talks, referring to the India-UK relationship.
He added that both countries are committed to building a strong and productive partnership. “For both of us, cricket is not just a game, but a passion. And also, a great metaphor for our partnership. There may be a swing and a miss at times, but we always play with a straight bat! We are committed to building a high-scoring, solid partnership.”
Modi said the agreements concluded on Thursday, along with the Vision 2035 roadmap, were important steps in that direction.
India and the UK signed a landmark free trade agreement during the bilateral meeting.
Modi and Starmer also met players from the Buckinghamshire Street Cricket Hub at Chequers in London. “India and the UK are connected by a shared passion for cricket. At Chequers, PM Keir Starmer and I interacted with players from Buckinghamshire Street Cricket Hubs. Great to see sport fostering people-to-people ties between our nations,” Modi wrote on X.
Modi also presented the players with a cricket bat signed by the Indian team that won the T20 World Cup.
Cricket, which originated in the UK, is the most followed sport in India.
The Indian cricket team, led by captain Shubman Gill, is currently touring England for a five-match Test series. The fourth Test is being played in Manchester.
(With inputs from PTI)
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Air India, in a statement, said the notices were based on voluntary disclosures made over the past year. (Photo: Reuters)
INDIA's aviation regulator has warned Air India of possible enforcement action over lapses in fatigue management and training, according to government notices seen by Reuters.
The airline had self-reported the issues to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) last month. The disclosure came just days after an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed in Ahmedabad, resulting in the deaths of 260 people.
Four DGCA notices dated July 23 outlined repeated failures in safety compliance by the airline. The notices follow previous warnings and stated that Air India could face penalties, including fines or removal of senior executives.
The latest notices detail 29 violations, including failure to provide mandatory rest to pilots, inadequate compliance with simulator training, lack of training for operating at a high-altitude airport, and deploying insufficient cabin crew on international flights.
"Despite repeated warning and enforcement action of non-compliance in the past, systemic issues related to compliance monitoring, crew planning, and training governance remain unresolved," one of the notices said.
"The recurrence of such violations suggests a failure to establish and enforce effective control mechanisms," it added.
Air India, in a statement, said the notices were based on voluntary disclosures made over the past year. It said it would respond to the regulator.
"We remain committed to the safety of our crew and passengers," the airline said.
The airline has faced growing scrutiny since the Ahmedabad crash, which has been described as the worst aviation disaster globally in a decade.
According to a preliminary investigation report, the aircraft’s fuel control switches were flipped almost simultaneously after takeoff, and there was confusion between the pilots. One pilot asked the other why he had cut off the fuel, and the response was that he hadn’t done so, the report said.
(With inputs from Reuters)
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The deal was formalised during Indian prime minister Narendra Modi’s brief visit to the UK, where he held talks with his British counterpart Keir Starmer. (Photo: Getty Images)
INDIA and the United Kingdom signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Thursday during Indian prime minister Narendra Modi’s brief visit to the UK. The deal, finalised after three years of negotiations, aims to boost annual bilateral trade by around £25.5 billion.
The agreement was signed by India’s commerce minister Piyush Goyal and the UK’s secretary of state for business and trade Jonathan Reynolds following formal talks between Modi and prime minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, northwest of London.
Modi arrived in London at around 8.30 pm on Wednesday and is scheduled to leave later on Thursday, spending less than 24 hours in the country.
After the signing, Modi was expected to have lunch with Starmer and meet King Charles at Sandringham.
getty images
Deal details and economic impact
The agreement will reduce tariffs on a wide range of goods and services. India will lower tariffs on nearly 90 per cent of UK goods. Scotch whisky tariffs will fall from 150 per cent to 75 per cent immediately and reduce to 40 per cent over the next decade. Tariffs on cars will drop from over 100 per cent to 10 per cent under a quota system. The UK will also cut tariffs on cosmetics, medical devices, salmon, chocolates, biscuits, clothes, footwear, and food products such as frozen prawns.
The UK will offer duty-free access to 99 per cent of Indian goods. Indian exports including textiles, footwear, gems and jewellery, auto components, chemicals, furniture and machinery will benefit. Average tariffs UK firms face in India will fall to 3 per cent from 15 per cent.
According to the UK government, the agreement is expected to increase UK GDP by £4.8 billion annually in the long term. The UK and India are the sixth and fifth largest global economies, respectively, with current bilateral trade worth around £41 billion. The deal is the UK’s most economically significant bilateral trade agreement since leaving the European Union.
Standing alongside Modi, Starmer said, “This is not the extent or the limit of our collaboration with India. We have unique bonds of history, of family and of culture and we want to strengthen our relationship further, so that it is even more ambitious, modern and focused on the long term.”
He described the agreement as a “landmark moment” and said it would bring “huge benefits” for both countries, making trade “cheaper, quicker and easier.”
Modi called the deal a “blueprint for our shared prosperity” and said the visit would “go a long way in advancing the economic partnership between our nations.”
The FTA includes provisions for temporary business visitors, contractual service providers, yoga instructors, chefs, and musicians, though visa arrangements are not covered.
Indian workers and their employers on temporary postings in the UK will be exempt from paying social security contributions, with estimated annual savings of around £342 million.
Modi and Starmer meet children playing cricket at Chequers.
UK businesses will gain access to India’s non-sensitive government procurement market, which includes about 40,000 tenders worth around £38 billion annually.
The agreement also covers services such as insurance and includes provisions for British firms to participate in Indian projects in areas like clean energy.
Modi and Starmer having tea at Chequers.
India did not receive an exemption from the UK’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which will come into effect in 2027. Talks on a separate bilateral investment treaty are still ongoing.
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Air India's Boeing 787-8 aircraft, operating flight AI-171 to London Gatwick, crashed into a medical hostel complex shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12.
SEVERAL British families who lost loved ones in the Air India crash on 12 June say they received the wrong remains, according to aviation lawyer James Healy-Pratt.
One family cancelled funeral plans after discovering the body in the coffin was not their relative, The Guardian reported. Another received “commingled” remains of multiple victims, which had to be separated before burial, The Daily Mail reported.
The errors came to light during checks by senior coroner Dr Fiona Wilcox, who verified identities by matching DNA with samples from relatives, according to The Mail.
The London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 241 people onboard, including 52 Britons. Nineteen people on the ground also died and 67 were seriously injured. A preliminary report said both fuel switches were moved to the cut-off position, stopping fuel to the engines.
Healy-Pratt said the families were in contact with MPs, the Foreign Office, and the prime minister’s and foreign secretary’s offices. “On the known evidence, the chain of custody of these lost loved ones was unacceptably poor,” he said.
Air India declined to comment but told The Guardian the hospital handled identification. India’s external affairs ministry said all remains were identified using established protocols.