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Indian Express
24-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
New Covid-19 subvariant detected in India: Here's what you should know
As various states report a surge in cases of Covid-19, at least one sample of a new subvariant, NB.1.8.1, has been detected in India. This was collected and sequenced in April. The sample has been submitted to India's Covid-19 genome sequencing consortium INSACOG from Tamil Nadu. Most of the Sar-CoV-2 samples sequenced in India over the last couple of weeks were BA.2 and JN.1 variants. Recent media reports have highlighted an increase in Covid-19 cases in Singapore and Hong Kong in the last few weeks. As per the preliminary information available, the cases are mostly mild, not associated with unusual severity or mortality. The World Health Organisation's Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution has designated the Sars-CoV-2 variant NB.1.8.1 as 'Variant Under Monitoring' — a variant with significant changes in virus characteristics but whose epidemiological impact remains unclear. The variant is derived from a recombinant ancestor XDV.1.5.1, with the earliest samples reported from January 22, 2025. This variant carries six mutations in the spike protein as compared to the currently circulating LP 8.1 and eight mutations as compared to JN.1. Some of these mutations are known to be linked to increased affinity to the human receptors which could increase its transmission, and a reduction in neutralisation, which could result in the virus evading existing immunity more effectively. As of May 18, there were 518 NB.1.8.1 sequences submitted to the global Covid-19 genome sequence database from 22 countries, representing 10.7 per cent of the globally available sequences. 'This is also a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant and does not appear to be lethal. So far, there is no sign that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe illness than previous strains. But it binds to human cells faster. Early research from China suggests the variant binds more effectively to human cells, which could make it more contagious than its predecessors. Hence it is more easily transmissible,' says Dr Jatin Ahuja, infectious disease specialist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi. Although we do not have a specific vaccine for this sub-variant, he says, the Omicron wave not too long ago can give us some protection. 'Past infection can still trigger memory T cells which can sense the similarity of the virus and can limit disease severity,' says Dr Ahuja. Symptoms too are similar like sore throat, cough and fever, all akin to symptoms of flu-like illnesses. Just rest, hydrate yourself, self-isolate and take antivirals. Those with co-morbidities need to mask up and be more hygiene-conscious. How prepared is India? The Director General of Health Services (DGHS) has found the current Covid-19 situation in India to be under control. Almost all of the cases so far have been mild, with no hospitalization required. A robust system for surveillance of respiratory viral illnesses, including Covid-19, also exists in the country through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and ICMR. The Health Ministry remains vigilant and proactive in monitoring the situation closely. Anonna Dutt is a Principal Correspondent who writes primarily on health at the Indian Express. She reports on myriad topics ranging from the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension to the problems with pervasive infectious conditions. She reported on the government's management of the Covid-19 pandemic and closely followed the vaccination programme. Her stories have resulted in the city government investing in high-end tests for the poor and acknowledging errors in their official reports. Dutt also takes a keen interest in the country's space programme and has written on key missions like Chandrayaan 2 and 3, Aditya L1, and Gaganyaan. She was among the first batch of eleven media fellows with RBM Partnership to End Malaria. She was also selected to participate in the short-term programme on early childhood reporting at Columbia University's Dart Centre. Dutt has a Bachelor's Degree from the Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune and a PG Diploma from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. She started her reporting career with the Hindustan Times. When not at work, she tries to appease the Duolingo owl with her French skills and sometimes takes to the dance floor. ... Read More
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First Post
21-05-2025
- Health
- First Post
Covid-19 cases spike in India too: Is ‘Pirola' descendant a threat as vaccine immunity declines?
Experts have raised concerns that this strain can dodge existing immunity and can spread from human to human rapidly read more India is witnessing a surge in COVID -19 cases, with most of them being reported from states like Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. The fresh spike is caused by JN.1 sub-variant of the BA.2.86, also known as 'Pirola' strain, belonging to the Omicron lineage. Experts have raised concerns that this strain can dodge existing immunity and can spread from human to human rapidly. 'This strain can evade existing immunity and is more transmissible. But it has so far not differed much from the symptoms associated with Omicron,' Dr Jatin Ahuja, infectious disease specialist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi, was quoted as saying by the Indian Express. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD More about the JN.1 variant? JN.1 is a version of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 with about 30 changes in its structure. These changes don't necessarily make it more dangerous, but they help the virus slip past our immune system. The changes are in the spike protein, which the virus uses to enter our cells, making it easier for JN.1 to spread. Is 'Pirola' descendant a threat as vaccine immunity declines? Even though it's been a while since the Omicron wave, our immune system's memory T cells and B cells can still fight it. These cells 'remember' the virus from past infections or vaccines, helping to reduce how severe the illness gets. A study in PLoS Pathogens shows T cells can recognise parts of the Omicron variant, and B cells make antibodies that can stop it. Who needs to be extra careful? People with health issues like uncontrolled diabetes, chronic kidney disease, HIV, or those who've had transplants need to be extra careful. The elderly, pregnant women, and children are also at higher risk. Do we need new vaccines? Older vaccines, made for earlier strains using weakened or inactivated virus, don't work as well against JN.1. Newer mRNA vaccines, like Gemcovac-19, are better because they can be updated for new variants. They use lab-made mRNA to trigger an immune response. However, Gemcovac-19 isn't widely available. Unlike other mRNA vaccines that require freezing temperatures, this one can be stored at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, making it easier to handle. mRNA vaccines are great for preventing infection as they can be quickly adjusted for new variants.
Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Covid-19 cases rising in India: Is waning vaccine immunity a concern?
Following a spike in Covid-19 in Southeast Asia, India has also seen fresh cases of Covid-19 in recent weeks, with most cases being reported from Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. However, most of the cases are mild and not associated with severity or mortality. 'So far cases have been sporadic. The JN.1 sub-variant of the virus, which is believed to be a part of the surge in Asia, is already present in India. It is a descendant of the BA.2.86, also known as 'Pirola' strain, belonging to the Omicron lineage. This strain can evade existing immunity and is more transmissible. But it has so far not differed much from the symptoms associated with Omicron,' says Dr Jatin Ahuja, infectious disease specialist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi. What is JN.1 all about? JN.1 is a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant. The virus has had around 30 mutations. That does not mean it is becoming more dangerous but it is looking for ways to evade our immune systems. The changes are in the surface receptors, the spike protein (the part of the virus that enters our cells). These trick the immune system, making the virus more easily transmissible. Do we need to worry because the immunity acquired from vaccination is waning and we do not have a vaccine that factors in JN.1? More than vaccination, we went through the Omicron wave not too long ago. This can still trigger both memory T cells and memory B cells, which upon encountering the virus or its similar variant again, can fight it and limit disease severity. Memory T cells can recognize multiple parts of the virus, including those in the Omicron variant, according to a study published in the journal PLoS Pathogens. Memory B cells produce antibodies that can neutralize the Omicron variant. Are there distinctive signs and symptoms? No, what we are seeing are sore throat, cough and fever, all akin to symptoms of flu-like illnesses. Some may have nausea, some conjunctivitis like in earlier waves. Just rest, hydrating yourself, self-isolation and antivirals should help you settle down. Can JN.1 lead to complications? There are chances in those living with co-morbidities or the immuno-compromised. People with uncontrolled diabetes, chronic kidney disease, HIV and transplant patients need to be cautious. The elderly, pregnant women and children are vulnerable to it. Do we need another round of vaccinations? No. The older vaccines were developed for ancestral strains only. Besides they were made from a weakened or inactivated virus. Now you need mRNA vaccines, like Gemcovac-19, which use lab-made mRNA to create a protein, or a piece of it, to trigger an immune response. Unfortunately, this vaccine is not readily available. The new vaccine can be stored at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, compared to other mRNA vaccines that require sub-zero temperatures. The mRNA technology works best for preventive vaccines because they can be tweaked for emerging variants. For other preventive measures, go back to the drill. Wear a mask in crowded and polluted places, practise hand hygiene and stay away from close contact with the infected.
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Nissan cuts non-core operations to manage costs
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Weeks after selling its stake in Renault Nissan Automotive India (RNAIPL), Nissan Motor India is further trimming operations to manage costs. According to an internal circular seen by ET, Nissan is cutting non-core operations at Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India (RNTBCI), which handles back-office services like finance, HR, and IS/IT through its Global Business Services (GBS) and shared service centre part of this move, Nissan is transferring GBS and shared service centre employees to Accenture (for IS/IT roles) and Genpact (for finance and HR roles). The transition, communicated to employees on April 24 by Massimiliano Messina, senior vice president, finance and Information Technology for the AMIEO region, is expected to completed by explained that the decision stems from a regular assessment of operations across regions. Tight cost management and financial discipline are critical for ensuring sustainability as Nissan undergoes a transformation to build a stronger future in the region, he said. "As we are transforming our company to improve our competitiveness and meet the challenges ahead in the most optimal way, we have reviewed the operations of our non-core activities and have concluded that changes are needed to improve our processes. There are no further changes to our business organisation to announce at this time. We can confirm there will be no job losses as a result of this project," said a Nissan India spokesperson in an email Nissan has struck a bulk deal with a multi-brand pre-owned car retailer through one of its dealers-Uwe Motors, to offload over half of the 150 X-Trail SUVs it imported in July 2024. Big Boy Toyz (BBT), the Gurugram-based retailer is offering these "zero mile" seven-seater SUVs at around a 40% discount. Originally priced at ₹49.92 lakh, the vehicles are now being sold at ₹29,50,000. Jatin Ahuja , founder, BBT declined to bulk sale has upset Nissan's authorised dealers. Several dealers told ET they had previously requested permission to sell the X-Trail at a lower price of around ₹35 lakh, but were refused. "Now they are selling it to a third party at a steeper discount. This is unfair," a dealer said. Another questioned why Nissan bypassed its own dealer to ET's queries, a Nissan spokesperson downplayed the move. "Bulk queries and corporate deals for products are a normal industry practice through authorised dealer partners and the details of the same remain confidential. The 4th Generation Nissan X-Trail is a globally renowned product, reflecting Nissan's design excellence and Japanese SUV DNA," the spokesperson corporate deals for slow-selling models are not uncommon, industry veterans noted that resorting to a bulk sale within a year of launch is unusual, especially without taking channel partners into confidence. They attributed the X-Trail's poor performance to its high pricing and omission of standard features.
