Delhi and Beyond

76 samples of new Covid variant XBB1.16 found in India: INSACOG

Published by
Patriot Bureau

The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) has reported the discovery of 76 cases of COVID-19’s XBB.1.16 variant across eight regions in India.

The regions include Karnataka, Maharashtra, Puducherry, Delhi, Telangana, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Odisha.

This variant was first identified in January 2023, with only two samples testing positive, and by February 59 samples were found.

In March, 15 additional cases were detected. Some experts believe that this variant could be responsible for the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the country.

Dr Randeep Guleria, former AIIMS director and national Covid task force leader, has advised people to follow Covid-appropriate behavior to contain the spread of infection.

Vipin M Vashishtha, a consultant pediatrician, has expressed concern that this variant has been detected in at least 12 countries and that the world should be seriously worried if it could successfully infect the population in India.

On Saturday, India recorded over 800 cases of COVID-19 in a single day after 126 days, and the number of active cases has reached 5,389. (With inputs from PTI)

Patriot Bureau

Published by
Patriot Bureau

Recent Posts

NDMC forms panel to review ‘transfer anomalies’, halts fresh postings

NDMC set up a panel to review employee transfers since January over alleged anomalies, freezing…

September 30, 2026

The vintage vault: 5 nostalgia, thrift and analog gems in Hauz Khas Village

From rare vinyl and vintage Bollywood posters to Y2K fashion and reworked denim, discover five…

September 30, 2026

Between classrooms and counselling rooms

Psychology students providing mental health support navigate academic pressure, emotional demands, grief and the challenge…

September 30, 2026

Fake Apple tech-support call centre targeting US citizens busted in Delhi, 7 arrested

Delhi Police busted a fake Apple call centre in Naraina targeting US citizens via gift-card…

September 30, 2026

Cabinet approves Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) for Delhi

Union Cabinet approves Rs 1,789.52-crore ITMS for Delhi, covering 42 traffic corridors with adaptive signals,…

September 30, 2026

Delhi riots 2020: HC refuses bail to Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam in UAPA case

The Delhi High Court dismissed the third bail pleas of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam…

September 30, 2026