India’s R value, an indicator of how fast infection is spreading, had hit an all-time high of 2.89 in mid-January, but now the wave shows signs of dissipating.
As Omicron becomes predominant strain in cities, government warns against complacency based on perception that it is mild. First death from Omicron confirmed in Rajasthan.
This R value is higher than numbers seen in early 2020, when Covid prevention protocols were not in place, mask mandates had not been implemented, and the population was unvaccinated.
Delhi's R for Covid has jumped to 2.54 between 23 & 29 Dec from 1.12 around 17 Dec. R values are higher than those reported at start of pandemic, when people were not vaccinated.
For Delhi, the value of R rose further to 1.30 this week from 1.12 on 17 December. R for Bengaluru has increased to 1.14, while Kolkata’s is also above 1 this week.
A poor Muslim man from Kurnool, selling khoya buns during the Medaram Jatara in Telangana, was harassed by some YouTubers and surrounded by a mob over allegations of 'food jihad'.
Indian refiners are testing Venezuelan barrels again as Russian supply sinks, but analysts say volumes will remain limited due to refinery constraints & supply capacity.
This is the game every nation is now learning to play. Some are finding new allies or seeing value among nations where they’d seen marginal interest. The starkest example is India & Europe.
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