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

Chronic kidney diseases may accelerate cognitive decline; effects sex-specific: Study

The decline is primarily due to damage to the "heart-brain link" triggered by chronic kidney…

December 5, 2025

Café du Jardin: where Delhi trades concrete for croissants along a revived Yamuna

A French-style open-air café is drawing Delhiites back to a river they long forgot

December 5, 2025

Realme P4x 5G debuts in India with 7,000mAh battery, 45W fast charging

The handset features a dual rear cameras, 6.72-inch 144Hz display, IP64 water resistance, and up…

December 5, 2025

Illegal bar busted in north-west Delhi; 25 people, including customers, held

Delhi Police raided a late-night illegal bar in Samaypur Badli, detaining 25 people and seizing…

December 5, 2025

Tamil Nadu Police bus, car gutted in fire after collision in Delhi, no casualty

A rear-end crash near Delhi Haat triggered a blaze that gutted both vehicles, though no…

December 5, 2025

Red Fort blast: Court extends NIA custody of accused Soyab by 10 days

Court grants probe agency more time as NIA pursues wider links in Red Fort blast…

December 5, 2025