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India.com
19-05-2025
- Health
- India.com
COVID-19 resurgence in Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong: Things you must know about JN.1 variant
It was just a few years ago when the world was hit by a major pandemic of COVID-19, infecting millions and causing widespread disruptions. But after a long lull, the world tried to re-adjust to the post-pandemic reality. However, once again, an alarming situation has caused a buzz. Several parts of Asia, like Hong Kong, Singapore, China and Thailand, are seeing a sharp surge in the number of coronavirus cases. Driven by the new Omicron sub-variant like JN.1 and its descendants, it is spreading like wildfire. Health care officials and professionals have given a heads-up on an alarming situation and have been staying on high alert. They have also warned people to be more cautious and be vigilant about hygiene. From 11,000 cases last week of April to over 14,000 cases in early May 2025, the infection has seen a surge. However, until now, there has been no evidence on whether the latest variant is more transmissible or severe than the prior one. According to the report by New18, the subvariants of JN 1, like LF.7 and NB.1.8, are currently the most common variants and account for two-thirds of the recorded cases in Singapore. India is also not left behind in being affected by these cases, currently, there are about 93 active COVID-19 cases in India as of May 19. Even though the jump in India is not as high as of now, however, doctors do believe that India could witness a similar surge, considering the drop in immunity of the population. 'The recent surge in countries like Hong Kong and China is being linked to waning antibodies, and the same could hold true for India,' Dr Vikas Maurya, Senior Director and Head of Pulmonology at Fortis Shalimar Bagh, told ET HealthWorld. He further added, 'It is possible that India might see a similar spike. In China, the rise in cases is attributed to decreased antibodies or immunity over time — the same could happen here. Many people in India were vaccinated a long time ago. If their immunity has dropped, more individuals could catch and spread the infection'. Dr. Sandeep Budhiraja, Group Medical Director, Max Healthcare, also emphasised the unusual timing of this spread because he believes that respiratory issues are typically not at peak in summer. 'What is disturbing is that this wave is increasingly affecting populations in Southeast Asia during the summer months — a time when respiratory viruses typically don't peak,' Budhiraja added. 'COVID-19 has never truly disappeared — it has lingered in an endemic form, occasionally causing local or regional outbreaks. As immunity diminishes over time, especially among vulnerable groups like the elderly or those with comorbidities, the virus finds an opportunity to spread,' Budhiraja said. The BA.2.86 variant is a descendant of the JN1 variant. It is also called Pirola and was initially seen in August 2023. In December, the World Health Organisation labeled it a 'Variant of Interest.' It possesses approximately 30 mutations that make it evade immunity more efficiently compared to most prior variants. While BA.2.86 did not achieve dominance, JN.1 evolved greater transmission capacity through further mutations, according to Johns Hopkins University. Yale Medicine also adds that JN.1 is slightly different from its parent strain because it has a single mutation in its spike protein, which could potentially give it an advantage in evading the immune system, although this would require further research. Symptoms are mostly the same as previous strains. Individuals affected by JN.1 might have sore throat, fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, tiredness, body pain, and sometimes loss of smell or taste. Most of the mild infections are self-manageable at home, but individuals with low immunity should remain cautious.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
When Kangana Ranaut slammed actors for not speaking up about important issues: "Aap successful hai kyu?"
Kangana Ranaut has always been honest to her heart and spoken up about concerns she feels are important to address. In a now-viral clip of the 39-year-old actress, she is being critical of the Bollywood folks who are placed on a pedestal but often don't use it to speak about the crucial matters. Kangana Ranaut questions the artists... In a clip posted by the Bollywood Hungama six years ago, Kangana bashed the artists who avoid speaking about the political issues because they get into a difficult situation. While addressing paparazzi and multiple media outlets, for which the actress is getting all sorts of praise, she further said, 'If you, the successful people for whom the 25 media cameras follow everywhere, won't talk about it, then who will?' "You have been placed on a pedestal by the audience..." Questioning the success of the artists, Kangana asked, 'Why are you successful? What is the point of your success? You earn your money, you eat, drink and have fun.' 'This is not real - You haven't been placed on a pedestal so that you could live your little life and then get going. You have been placed on a pedestal by the audience, so that you could think about them as well,' Ranaut continued in frustration. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scarlett Johansson, 40, Shows Off Her Real Size In A New Vacation Photos 33 Bridges Undo Kangana Ranaut's frustration with artists and sportsmen embracing... A couple of years later, the Padma Shri awardee bashed Bollywood artists and Indian sportsmen who embrace artists from Pakistan and China, claiming that it would be demoralising for the soldiers to witness the love while they guard the borders. Kangana stated in an interview with New18 while promoting her film 'Tejas,' 'I have noticed in the TV debates, where the soldiers ask when Bollywood is showcasing its love for the artists of Pakistan and China, cricketers are hugging them, then am I the only one who thinks of them as enemies?' 'What does a soldier feel? When they are guarding our borders, they have an emphasised notion, but it must be demoralising when the people of the country speak in such a manner,' she added. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . And don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ibrahim Ali Khan talks about nerve-wracking first day on film set with Kajol and Prithviraj: 'He is a powerhouse'
, who garnered attention with his impressive debut in ' Nadaaniyan ', recently shared insights about his entry into the film industry and his emotions during his very first day on a movie set. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Reflecting on his early career in a recent interview, he revealed that the first project he worked on has not yet been released to the public. First Day on an Unreleased Film Set In an interview with New18, Ibrahim, son of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, revealed that his very first day on a film set was for a movie that has yet to be released. He worked alongside and the South Indian actor Prithviraj. Ibrahim described his experience working with as life-changing, praising him as a cool and talented star. It was during this project that Ibrahim developed a deep appreciation and love for the South Indian film industry. Admiration for the South Indian Film Industry Ibrahim didn't hesitate to share his admiration for the South Indian film industry and expressed a keen interest in joining it in the near future. He said. He said, 'There's something really intriguing about the industry, and I really want to do a movie there. I wonder who will work with me? I hope someone will. One thing is for certain—Prithviraj is a powerhouse." Nerve-Wracking Experience on Set Despite his excitement, Ibrahim revealed that his first day of shooting was quite nerve-wracking. He learned a great deal by observing Prithviraj and found Kajol to be phenomenal. However, working with both of these accomplished actors on his very first day added to the pressure and made the experience particularly intense. Upcoming Projects On the work front, Ibrahim has several projects in the pipeline. His upcoming film, ' Sarzameen ', will see him reunite with Kajol.
Time of India
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Did you know Moushumi Chatterjee and Rekha once fought over a movie poster?
Over the years, Bollywood has seen a lot of petty fights, be it full-blown arguments or subtle indications of dislike. While many resolve themselves and get over it, some believe in holding a grudge that can last for more than a decade. This has often resulted in some of the most intense catfights of Bollywood over time. As today is Moushumi Chatterjee 's birthday, an interesting piece is doing the rounds on the net. Moushumi Chatterjee is one of the most renowned actresses of Indian Cinema, known for her contributions in both Hindi and Bengali movies. She entered the industry at a young age and quickly rose to fame during the 1970s and 1980s. She has appeared in various successful films, showcasing her versatility across genres. Some of her notable works include: 'Roti Kapda Aur Makaan', 'Manzil', 'Angoor', and many more. Moushumi Chatterjee's continuing presence in Indian cinema demonstrates her talent and versatility, making her a popular character among audiences across every generation. Among such celebrated actresses comes Rekha, known for versatility and exceptional acting skills, she has a career spanning over five decades. While she charmed the audience with her beauty and dancing skills, she has also been a part of various controversies, including but not limited to her marriage and rumors of her affairs. One such conflict was in a professional setting, Rekha and Moushumi Chatterjee were the parallel lead in the 1978 film Bhola Bhala with Rajesh Khanna, according to a report in New18. When the poster of the film was released and Rekha was placed in front of Moushumi, the latter got upset and was reported to have an argument with Rekha on the sets of the film. She even went on and pressured the makers to change it, but unfortunately for her, that did not happen. Moushumi in retaliation, went and vented her anger in front of the media. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Another such conflict arose when Rekha was on top of her career and was reported to have been linked with Amitabh Bachchan. The actor was married to Jaya Bachchan at the time. When the rumors of their alleged affairs surfaced, Jaya was visibly upset as she went on the set of the film, where the two actors were sitting together in a corner, and had a huge fight with Rekha.
