New Covid variant ‘FLiRT’ capable of evading the immune system: Experts
Symptoms of the new variant are similar to those of other Omicron sub-variants. The new Covid-19 variant ‘FLiRT’, which is spreading fast in the US,... Key Points
The Tribune IndiaCovid-19 JN.1 variant is spreading fast, but experts are not worried: Here's why
Despite its high transmissibility rate, JN.1 variant hasn't shown signs of severe illness. Key Points
India TodayJN.1 Covid variant 'more transmissible, more infectious': Ex-ICMR expert warns of more cases in India
Dr Soumya Swaminathan warns that the JN.1 Covid-19 variant is more transmissible and infectious than other variants. However, she assures that the public health risk is still low due to immunity from vaccines and past infections. Key Points
mintCovid-19 has a new variant: Why is it always in December?
A new Covid-19 variant is once again raging across the world, including in India, and once again it is December that has seen the new spike. We analyse why it is in December that these new variants mushroom up. Key Points
India TodayJN.1 Covid variant more transmissible but not causing severe infections: Expert
Former AIIMS director Randeep Guleria said that the data suggests that coronavirus sub-variant JN.1 is not causing severe infections and hospitalisation. Key Points
India Today
‘Covid JN.1 variant spreading more rapidly, but…': Ex-AIIMS director
India has reported as many as 22 cases of the new Covid-19 variant JN.1 so far. | Latest News India Key Points
Hindustan TimesNew variant won’t affect most people: BHU don
Prof Gyaneshwar Chaubey of BHU says the new variant JN.1 of Covid-19 will have minimal adverse effects on most of India's population as over 90% have been infected. Elderly and those with comorbidities should be cautious. JN.1 is a variant of interest that grows fast but its severity is not yet evident. Key Points
Hindustan TimesCovid update: WHO warns of global rise in cases, says…
Due to its rapidly increasing spread, WHO is classifying the variant JN.1 as a separate variant of interest (VOI) from the parent lineage BA.2.86. It was previously classified as VOI as part of BA.2.86 sublineages. Key Points
mintSend all Covid positive samples for genome sequencing: Centre tells states
The directive comes in a week when the outbreak of JN.1 variant in some states triggered concern that it could spark wider outbreaks. | Latest News India Key Points
Hindustan TimesCOVID-19: India sees 22 cases of JN.1 variant as states brace for fresh outbreak
India records 22 cases of COVID-19 JN.1 variant, deemed a 'Variant of Concern' by WHO. Key Points
mint
More JN.1 Covid cases expected as transmissibility high: Kerala health minister
JN.1 variant of Covid has been in circulation in India probably since November first week and as of now there is nothing to panic, experts said. | Latest News India Key Points
Hindustan TimesCovid variant JN.1 Live Updates: Active cases go past 3,000-mark, states on virus alert
Covid variant JN.1 Live Updates: Over a year after Omicron, India is witnessing another virus wave triggered by JN.1, a sub-variant of the coronavirus. JN.1 has been classified as a "variant of interest" by the WHO because of "its rapidly increasing spread". The number of active Covid-19 cases in India has crossed the 3,000- mark and one death was reported in Kerala. Key Points
Business TodayJN.1 outbreak: 1 in 24 infected in England; all cases in Goa dormant | 10 facts
An overview of key facts surrounding the JN.1 outbreak, including its prevalence in India and the characteristics of the sub-variant. | Latest News India Key Points
Hindustan TimesCovid-19 JN.1 variant is spreading fast, but experts are not worried: Here's why
But despite its high transmissibility rate, JN.1 hasn't shown signs of severe illness. Key Points
India Today21 cases of JN.1 variant detected in India; doctors on alert, advise precaution
The WHO has classified JN.1 as a separate "variant of interest" given its rapidly increasing spread but said it poses a "low" global public health risk. | Latest News India Key Points
Hindustan Times
A wave or a splash? Know what experts say on new Covid variant JN.1
With 21 cases of new Covid variant JN.1 detected in India, the government has issued advisories for preparedness. Dr. V K Paul of NITI Aayog emphasized calm, stating the scientific community is closely studying the variant. Despite a rise in daily positivity rates in certain states, including Kerala, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Karnataka, officials assert there's no immediate concern with JN.1. Key Points
Economic TimesWHO classifies JN.1 as COVID-19 'variant of interest' but says it poses low risk
The World Health Organization (WHO) designated the JN.1 coronavirus strain as a variant of interest but with a low global public health risk. It's now classified separately from the BA.2.86 lineage due to its rapid spread. Recently, a case of JN.1 coronavirus strain was detected in India. Key Points
Economic TimesCovid's JN.1 variant in India: Top signs and symptoms to watch out for
New Covid variant JN.1 has been found in Kerala. Persistent coughing to sore throat, here are signs and symptoms of Covid's JN.1 you must be aware of. | Health Key Points
Hindustan TimesCovid-19 JN.1: Is your vaccine effective against the new variant?
While research on vaccine effectiveness against JN.1 is ongoing, booster doses could enhance protection by boosting the immune response, said expert. Key Points
India TodayJN.1 Covid variant: Should we worry?
The JN.1 sub-variant a new sub-lineage of the BA.2.86 (also known as Pirola) — by itself an off-shoot of the widely circulating Omicron variant. | Latest News India Key Points
Hindustan Times
How dangerous is JN.1 Covid variant? Experts, doctors reveal
The first case of JN.1 in India was confirmed in a 79-year-old woman exhibiting mild symptoms. | Latest News India Key Points
Hindustan TimesNew Covid-19 variant JN.1 detected: How worried should you be
Experts have said that JN.1 does not seem to be more severe or dangerous than other known Covid variants. Key Points
India TodayChina detects seven cases of new Covid-19 subvariant JN.1. What are symptoms?
Chinese authorities said that prevalence level of JN.1 remains ‘very low’, but added that they cannot rule out the possibility of it becoming a dominant strain. | World News Key Points
Hindustan TimesHighly contagious new Covid variant HV.1 spreading across US
A new Covid-19 variant has emerged across the United States and is rising quickly. Here's all you need to be aware of. Key Points
Hindustan TimesNew Covid variant JN.1 detected in US, UK; Symptoms and preventive tips
New Covid variant JN.1 is a descendent of Pirola or BA.2.86. Know symptoms, important facts and preventive measures from experts. | Health Key Points
Hindustan Times/cloudfront-us-east-2.images.arcpublishing.com/reuters/ZVHZKD4JKRJOBLJTOPWJXKQKTY.jpg)
Explainer: Do I need to worry about COVID again?
New data from scientists and vaccine makers Moderna (MRNA.O) and Pfizer (PFE.N)/BioNTech (22UAy.DE) suggests that a newer, highly mutated variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 is not as alarming as some experts had feared when it was first detected several weeks ago. Key Points
ReutersExplainer: Do I need to worry about COVID again?
New data from scientists and vaccine makers Moderna (MRNA.O) and Pfizer (PFE.N)/BioNTech (22UAy.DE) suggests that a newer, highly mutated variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 is not as alarming as some experts had feared when it was first detected several weeks ago. Key Points
ReutersCanada detects first case of highly mutated coronavirus variant BA.2.86
The individual is not hospitalized, and the detection of BA.2.86 virus has not changed the risk to people in British Columbia, the province's top doctor, Bonnie Henry, and Health Minister Adrian Dix said in a joint statement. Key Points
Economic TimesHighly mutated COVID variant found in new countries but pandemic in 'a different phase’
It was first spotted in Denmark on July 24 after the virus infecting a patient at risk of becoming severely ill was sequenced. It has since been detected in other symptomatic patients, in routine airport screening, and in wastewater samples in a handful of countries. Key Points
Business TodayHighly mutated COVID variant BA.2.86 detected in 2 more countries, but 'pandemic in a different phase’, says WHO
Highly mutated COVID variant BA.2.86 detected in Switzerland and South Africa, in addition to other countries but pandemic in 'a different phase’ Key Points
mint
‘Just like Omicron…’: Why scientists paying more attention to new Covid variant?
Much like Omicron, BA.2.86, which is causing spike in Covid cases in the US, UK. But, should you be worried? Let's find out what scientists say. | World News Key Points
Hindustan TimesHighly mutated Covid variant detected in four countries: What experts said
Scientists are closely monitoring the emergence of a new mutation BA.2.86, primarily because it has 36 mutations. | World News Key Points
Hindustan TimesNew Covid variant causing concern among scientists detected in London
It is unclear whether BA.2.86 causes more severe disease but its detection in several countries has put scientists on alert Key Points
the GuardianAfter EG.5, WHO flags another Covid variant BA.2.86
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a new sub-variant of Omicron, BA.X.BA.2.86, as a variant under monitoring (VUM) due to the large number of mutations it contains. The sub-variant has been detected in just five cases in Denmark, Israel, the UK and the USA; nonetheless, concerns have been raised over its large mutations, potentially exacerbating fears of further Covid-19 cases. Key Points
Economic TimesShould we be worried about Covid variant ‘Pi’? Potential concerns and overview
A novel variant designated Pi, officially recognized as BA.6, has emerged, igniting extensive discussions within scientific and medical circles and the virus's consistent mutation continues to raise significant alarms. Key Points
Economic Times
WHO tracking new Covid variant with numerous mutations. What we know so far
The lineage named BA.2.86 has been detected in the United States, Denmark and Israel, according to US Centers for Disease Control. | Latest News India Key Points
Hindustan TimesUS CDC is tracking a new lineage of the virus that causes COVID
The lineage is named BA.2.86, and has been detected in the United States, Denmark and Israel, the CDC said in a post on messaging platform X. Key Points
ThePrintWhat is new Covid variant Eris, now on WHO's radar, and what are its symptoms
New Delhi: The emergence of a new SARS-CoV-2 variant, Omicron EG.5.1 — nicknamed ‘Eris’ — has sparked fresh worries around the globe as the US and the UK report a surge in the number of fresh coronavirus infections resulting in hospitalisations. The World Health Organization (WHO) in July classified the mutant virus a ‘variant under […] Key Points
ThePrintOmicron variant Eris sparks concerns, puts UK on Covid alert
UK health authorities have alerted about new Covid variant Eris (EG.1.5) that has spread rapidly constituting 14.6% of cases in the region. | World News Key Points
Hindustan TimesNew COVID-19 variant 'Eris' spreading quickly in UK: Report
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), EG.5.1, also known as Eris, accounts for one out of every seven new COVID cases, according to a report. Key Points
Business Today
Scientists find clue to what makes multiple sclerosis worse
Researchers have discovered a genetic variant related to faster disease progression in multiple sclerosis. They hope their findings can develop new therapies. | Health Key Points
Hindustan TimesAll you need to know about Arcturus, the new coronavirus variant causing Covid-19 surge in India
It is a sub-variant of Omicron, also known as the XBB.1.16 strain, and has been found in 22 countries, including Singapore, Australia, the UK, and the US Key Points
The Indian ExpressExperts identify new symptoms of Arcturus, a highly transmissible Covid variant
The Indian government has conducted mock drills to ensure that hospitals are prepared for rising coronavirus infections as XBB.1.16 cases are increasing in the country. Key Points
mintPeople need to remain vigilant against new COVID strain: Official
A new COVID-19 variant has been isolated and studied in India, with a top Union Health Ministry official saying it poses less of a risk of hospitalisations. However, he urged people to remain vigilant. The official suggested the current surge in cases can be attributed to the spread of the XBB 1.16 variant, as the country recorded a single-day jump of 3,641 fresh cases taking the total number of cases to 4.47 crore. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 6.12%, while the weekly positivity rate dropped to 2.45%. Key Points
Economic TimesNew Omicron subvariant accounts for 60% Covid cases
He said 25-30% cases are of other sub lineages of XBB variant only. The Insacog, a network of laboratories monitoring genomic variations of Covid-19 virus, will hold a meeting on Friday to review the solution. So far be said no unusual pattern has been seen, he said. Key Points
Economic Times
XBB.1.16 has potential to drive fresh Covid wave? Former AIIMS director answers
A total of 76 samples of XBB.1.16 variant of coronavirus have been found which might be behind the recent rise of cases in the country, according to INSACOG data. | Latest News India Key Points
Hindustan Times76 samples of new COVID variant XBB1.16 found in India: INSACOG data
The XBB 1.16 variant was first found in January when two samples tested positive for the variant while in February a total of 59 samples were found. Key Points
The HinduApple MacBook Air M2 gets a significant price cut in India: Check new price, specs and more
Apple introduced the new MacBook Air M3 series with prices starting at ₹1,14,990 in India. The M2 laptops have received a significant price cut and now start at ₹99,999. Key Points
mint34 Covid cases of JN.1 variant confirmed in Karnataka
Till Sunday, a total of 63 cases of the JN.1 variant had been reported in the country. Of these, 34 cases were from Goa, 9 from Maharashtra, 8 from Karnataka, 6 from Kerala, 4 from Tamil Nadu and 2 from Telangana. Key Points
Business TodayCovid-19 variant JN.1 detected in Kerala: All you need to know
The JN.1 variant, detected in a 78-year-old woman in Kerala, can spread faster and evade immunity. Key Points
India Today
New COVID-19 variant BA.2.86 more infectious, capable of causing infection in vaccinated individuals: US CDC
CDC warns new BA.2.86 lineage of coronavirus may be more capable of causing infection in previously infected or vaccinated individuals. Key Points
mintNew Covid variant ‘Arcturus' appears to have this different symptom: Report
Arcturus Covid Variant: The WHO declared XBB.1.16 a “variant under monitoring” in late March saying that it is the most transmissible variant yet. | World News Key Points
Hindustan TimesCoronavirus in US: Covid JN.1 subvariant raises fears ahead of Christmas. How to remain safe during New Ye
Covid JN.1 subvariant has raised concerns ahead of the Christmas. However, it's not the time to panic as a few precautions may help against Coronavirus on December 25 and New Year holiday period. Key Points
Economic TimesWHO classifies Omicron sub-variant JN.1 as 'variant of interest'
The World Health Organization on Tuesday classified the JN.1 coronavirus strain as a "variant of interest". However, it said the variant did not pose much of a health risk. Key Points
India TodayResearch shows specific genetic variant can help prevent obesity
Washington DC [US], December 8 (ANI): A preclinical study conducted by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers reveals that a certain human genetic variant of a receptor that increases insulin release may help individuals be more resistant to obesity. The researchers revealed that this version operates differently in the cell, which may lead to more effective metabolism. […] Key Points
ThePrint
Steady rise in number of Covid-19 cases: Government not considering travel curbs, mask mandates for now
While public health experts say that Covid-19 cases will increase in winters, they, however, stressed that there is no need to get another vaccine shot as the potential to cause severe illness from the latest variant of coronavirus is less than the previous variants. Our best information is that the current Coronavirus vaccines, even those based on the ancestral strain such as those administered in India, should continue to work on JN.1. The disease severity associated with the sub variant JN.1 is expected to be comparable to the other circulating variants, not worse, said Gautam Menon, professor of physics and biology at Ashoka University. Key Points
Economic TimesCovid-19 cases rise in India: Existing vaccines protect against JN.1 sub-variant? What expert says
New covid variant JN.1, a variant of interest, has been classified by the World Health Organization. Vaccines may not completely block JN.1 infections, but they can reduce the likelihood of severe illness and hospitalisation Key Points
mintCovid is spiking again. Just how serious is it now?
Identified as a descendant of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, JN.1 is the result of a highly mutated strain from the BA.2.86 variant, nicknamed Pirola. Key Points
mintCOVID-19: 436 cases of XBB1.16.1 mutated sub-variant found in India
XBB1.16.1 is a mutation of Omicron's infectious XBB1.16 variant. The XBB 1.16 variant was first found in January when two samples tested positive for the variant Key Points
Firstpost436 cases of XBB1.16.1 mutated sub-variant found in India: INSACOG
The INSACOG data has shown that 2,735 cases of the XBB1.16 variant have been found in a total of 24 states and Union Territories. India has recorded 9,111 new coronavirus infections, while active cases have increased to 60,313, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday. Key Points
Economic Times
WHO classifies new Covid strain JN.1 as 'variant of interest', says its poses 'low risk'
The health organisation said the current vaccines will continue to protect against severe disease and death from JN.1 and other circulating variants of the COVID-19 virus. Key Points
ThePrintNew Covid strain classified as 'variant of interest' by WHO
Last week, China detected seven infections of the COVID subvariant. The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday classified the JN.1 coronavirus strain as a "va Key Points
The Tribune IndiaNew Covid variant JN.1 could be more infectious: All you need to know about it
The JN.1 strain is a descendant of the BA.2.86 Covid variant, also known as Pirola, which came from Omicron. Key Points
India TodayPfizer's updated Covid vaccine effective against 'Eris' variant in mice study
EG.5, nicknamed by some as "Eris", is similar to the XBB.1.5 subvariant and a sub-lineage of the still-dominant Omicron variant. | World News Key Points
Hindustan TimesEG.5: How is Eris different from other Omicron variants?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared EG.5, a family of Omicron variants, a variant of interest following the rise of EG.5.1, known as Eris. Eris has been reported across the globe, particularly in Asia and now makes up the largest proportion of COVID cases in the US. Although no evidence suggests that EG.5.1 causes more severe disease than other Omicron variants, it is more transmissible and potentially vaccine-resistant. However, the bivalent vaccine antibody responses to EG.5.1 are similar to those for earlier variants with bivalent vaccine doses, generating a five-fold increase in antibodies that protect against variants in circulation. Key Points
Economic Times
Covid Boosters Can’t Outpace New Mutations. Here’s Why They Still Work
The latest vaccines are designed to target XBB.1.5, the dominant variant throughout much of 2023—until now. Key Points
WIREDNew Covid strain classified as 'variant of interest' by WHO
Last week, China detected seven infections of the COVID subvariant. The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday classified the JN.1 coronavirus strain as a "va Key Points
The Tribune IndiaAll about leading COVID-19 variants HV.1, EG.5 and others spreading wings in US
Four new variants of COVID-19 namely, HV.1, EG.5, BA.2.86 and JN.1 are being tracked by scientists in the US. Here's all you need Key Points
Hindustan TimesVolkswagen launches GT DSG variant of Virtus, priced at ₹16.19 lakh
In this variant, the sedan is powered by a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, which churns out 148 bhp power and 250 Nm torque. Key Points
Hindustan TimesJN.1 Covid sub-variant: 21 cases found in three states across India
According to official sources, 19 cases of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 have been traced in Goa and one each in Kerala and Maharashtra. | Latest News India Key Points
Hindustan Times
21 cases of JN.1 Covid variant found in 3 states, says NITI Aayog member VK Paul
Union Health Secretary says even though cases of Covid-19 infection are on the rise, 92.8% of those who tested positive opted for home isolation, indicating mild illness. Key Points
ThePrintMoto G54 5G gets a significant price cut in India. New price, specs, bank offers and more
Motorola has reduced the price of its Moto G54 5G smartphone in India by up to ₹3,000, making it available for under ₹15,000. This comes at a time when several affordable 5G phones have been launched in India from brands like Poco, Realme, Redmi, Oppo, and more. Key Points
mintMahindra XUV400, XUV300 and other SUVs get discount up to ₹3.05 lakhs this festive season: Details
Mahindra and Mahindra has announced substantial discounts on select models for November, offering benefits up to ₹3.50 lakh on models such as the XUV400, XUV300, Bolero, Bolero Neo, and Marazzo. Key Points
mintNew covid variant JN.1: India logs 21 cases; Know mask guidelines, other details | 10 updates
A 41-year-old has tested positive for new Covid-19 sub-variant JN.1 in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra.The Karnataka government has issued an advisory asking people above 60 years to wear masks Key Points
mint22 JN.1 Corona variant cases reported in India till December 21: Sources
India recorded 22 JN.1 Coronavirus variant cases till December 21, sources said. Key Points
India Today
New Covid variant: Govt issues advisory as JN.1 sub variant detected in India | 10 updates
In India, the Covid subvariant JN.1 has been detected in Kerala so far .In the United States, JN.1 was first detected in September 2023 Key Points
mint'Report symptoms, increase testing': Govt advisory amid Covid spike, new JN.1 variant
In view of an upsurge in the Covid-19 cases and the new JN.1 variant, which has been detected in India, the Centre has asked the states to increase the number of RT-PCR tests and send the positive samples for genome sequencing. Key Points
mintNepal reports first COVID-related death in three months, logs in over new daily 100 cases
Nepal reports first COVID-19-related death in the last three months with 106 new cases of the virus in the past 24 hours, a week after confirming the detection of the new Omicron variant XBB1.16 . The country-wide death toll stands at 12,021, and currently, there are 469 active COVID-19 cases across the country. Nepal confirmed the detection of the XBB1.16 variant on April 3, which has been identified and spreading in neighboring India. Key Points
Economic TimesIndia conducts nationwide mock drill in hospitals to test COVID preparedness
India began a two-day COVID preparedness mock drill amid the continuing surge in cases which the Health Ministry attributed to the newly emerged recombinant coronavirus variant XBB.1.16. Mock drills were conducted at all major government and private hospitals across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, and Mumbai. Key Points
The HinduMahindra XUV700 will now be available in 40 weeks, as waiting period reduced
Mahindra has reduced the waiting period for its XUV700 SUV in Bengaluru to a maximum of 40 weeks, down from 48 weeks. The vehicle is priced from Rs. 14.01 lakh in India and has received over 78,000 bookings. Key Points
mint
China detects 7 infections of COVID subvariant JN.1; is this a variant of concern? Here are the details
This week, the COVID subvariant JN.1, a descendant of the Omicron subvariant BA.2.86, was detected for the first time in Kerala. Key Points
mintAndhra Pradesh: We better mask up
The WHO recommends that everyone adopt all COVID precautions amid the new COVID-19 variant XBB.1.16 fast spreading in the country Key Points
The HinduICMR approves RT-qPCR kit to detect influenza, SARS-CoV-2, RSV; here's how it works
The approval for KRIVIDA Trivus comes at the time when the country is seeing surge in Covid variant XBB.1.16 and influenza. Key Points
mintCovid variant Arcturus has new symptom not seen in earlier waves: Experts
Red sticky eyes (conjunctivitis) has been also been reported by some physicians but some doctors say that it too early to say that this red eye is more common with XBB 1.16 variant or Arcturus. Experts believe that XBB 1.16 variant is believed to be highly contagious. Key Points
Economic TimesNew Covid variant XEC is spreading fast in Europe: Know all about it
The new XEC variant of coronavirus was identified in Germany and is spreading rapidly in Europe. It is a hybrid of two omicron subvariants. Key Points
India Today