As India witnesses a fresh surge in COVID-19 infections, an RT-PCR test has been made mandatory for all ministers meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sources told India Today TV. The move comes as active cases in the country crossed the 7,000 mark on Wednesday, prompting heightened precautions at the highest levels of government.

According to the Union Health Ministry, India reported 306 new COVID-19 cases and six deaths in the past 24 hours. Of the fatalities, Kerala accounted for three, while Maharashtra and Karnataka reported one and two deaths, respectively.

Kerala remains the state with the highest single-day spike, recording 170 new cases. Gujarat followed with 114 infections and currently has 1,223 active cases. Karnataka also saw a notable increase with 100 new cases reported.

Delhi, which has been relatively stable in recent months, logged 66 fresh cases in the last 24 hours, pushing the city's active caseload to 757, the Health Ministry data revealed.