Active Covid cases rise for 2nd day in a row; day’s toll 500+

India’s active Covid-19 cases rose for the second straight day on Wednesday - signalling a post-Diwali spurt in the pandemic with fresh infections outnumbering the recoveries — even as Delhi showed some improvement in the situation by slipping to the third spot in the state-wise tally after remaining on the top of the chart in daily cases for nine consecutive days.