India's health ministry has reported 37,379 new Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours, the most since early September as the Omicron coronavirus variant overtakes Delta in places such as the capital New Delhi, Reuters reports.

Deaths have risen by 124 to reach a total of 482,017. Total infections stand at 34.96 million.

A policeman asks people to leave the promenade at Marine drive, during restrictions to limit public gatherings amidst the spread of the coronavirus, in Mumbai, India, January 3. — Reuters
A policeman asks people to leave the promenade at Marine drive, during restrictions to limit public gatherings amidst the spread of the coronavirus, in Mumbai, India, January 3. — Reuters

Opinion

Editorial

A difficult story
Updated 12 Jun, 2026

A difficult story

Unless productivity becomes the dominant target of economic policy, Pakistan will continue to oscillate between crises and fragile recovery.
Rough waters
12 Jun, 2026

Rough waters

AMONGST the key potential triggers for fresh conflict in South Asia is water. The Indian state is behaving in an...
Politicised football
12 Jun, 2026

Politicised football

ALMOST three-and-half years since Lionel Messi led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory, the latest edition of...
GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...