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

Maid held for stealing 250 gm gold from elderly woman in northwest Delhi

Domestic help arrested after allegedly stealing 250 gm gold jewellery from an 82-year-old woman’s home…

April 20, 2026

Delhi: Domestic help among 3 held in Golf Links dacoity case

A newly hired domestic help allegedly aided a Golf Links dacoity, with Rs 25 lakh…

April 20, 2026

Delhi: Man dies after ‘falling ill’ at Jahangirpuri police station

Suspected custodial death in northwest Delhi as a 34-year-old man dies after falling ill at…

April 20, 2026

NDMC identifies pigeon, stray dogs feeding points, ramps up sanitation

Civic body tells NGT it has marked feeding zones, issued challans and stepped up cleaning…

April 20, 2026

Man stabbed to death after quarrel in northeast Delhi, accused identified

Elderly man stabbed multiple times following a heated argument over an alleged stare; prior rivalry…

April 20, 2026

‘Art Vanguards of Rajasthan – Rasa Panchaka’: A group art exhibition

A group exhibition titled Art Vanguards of Rajasthan – Rasa Panchaka, curated by Nikhat Ansari,…

April 20, 2026