Virus isolation of the newer variants was in process at the institute, which would help assess vaccine effectiveness and support India’s indigenous efforts for vaccine development.
Kerala has reported the first case of JN.1, a descendant of Omicron with a mutation that makes it more infectious. Experts say JN.1 does not appear worrying, but India needs nation-wide serosurvey.
From researchers retracting study tracing origins of Omicron to Modi govt sparring with WHO over excess Covid deaths, the global scientific fraternity was hit by many a controversy.
Resources are already stretched to the breaking point in many hospitals in the country, as Covid-19 & sickness levels amongst staff have been particularly high, said medical staff.
Apart from preparedness of health infrastructure and logistics, the Prime Minister also assessed the status of the vaccination campaign in the country.
Amid a surge in Covid-19 cases globally, Kejriwal had convened a meeting at his residence, stating that the new Omicron sub-variant BF.7 has not been detected in Delhi so far.
The country's narrow criteria for identifying Covid-19 deaths will only include deaths caused by pneumonia & respiratory failure, said a leading Chinese medical expert Tuesday.
The first case of BF.7 was detected in October by Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre. Two cases have been reported from Gujarat & one case from Odisha, according to officials.
The Karnataka government’s concerns about regulating misleading speech may be genuine, but the heavy-handed approach adopted in the fake news bill does not seem to pass constitutional muster.
Working paper invited backlash from several farmers’ groups including BKU & BKS who opposed recommendation for import of genetically modified soybean & corn for oil extraction.
Zohran Mamdani’s faith, support for Gaza, dislike of Modi and Netanyahu are reasons why many in India are unhappy to see his rise rather than celebrate it as another ‘Indian’ conquest.
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