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Is Omicron ‘subvariant’ more virulent? Concerns over BA.2 as India reports 530 samples to GISAID

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Is Omicron ‘subvariant’ more virulent? Concerns over BA.2 as India reports 530 samples to GISAID

British health authorities have identified hundreds of cases of the latest version of the Omicron variant, known as BA.2, amid concerns about its transmissibility. Due to the increasing number of domestic and foreign BA.2 sequences, the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) has designated the Omicron variant sublineage as a variant under investigation.

To date, 426 cases of Omicron BA.2 have been confirmed in the UK by whole genome sequencing (WGS), with the earliest case reported on 6 December 2021. Of these, 146 were confirmed BA-2 cases. The largest number of Omicron sub-variants reported in London is the UK, followed by the South East (97).

While uncertainty remains about the significance of the viral genome changes, earlier analysis by UKHSA showed an increase in growth rates compared to the original Omicron lineage BA.1.

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“[H] However, in the early stages of variation, the certainty of growth rates is lower and requires further analysis,” the health agency added.

A total of 40 countries have reported 8,040 Omicron sublineage sequences to GISAID, the leading source for open-access influenza and coronavirus genome data. The first sequences were submitted from the Philippines. To date, most samples for BA-.2 have been uploaded from Denmark, with a total of 6,411 sequences. India reported 530 samples of Omicron subvariants, followed by Sweden with 181 and Singapore with 127. Is it more toxic?

UKHSA’s Director of Covid-19 Events Dr Meera Chand said the nature of viruses was to evolve and mutate, so new variants were expected as the pandemic continued.

“To date, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether BA.2 causes more severe disease than Omicron BA.1, but data are limited and UKHSA is continuing to investigate,” Chand said.

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French epidemiologist Antoine Flahault expressed surprise at the rapid spread of the Omicron sub-variant in Denmark, according to AFP.

“(France) expected a spike in pollution in mid-January: it didn’t happen, maybe because of this sub-variant, which seems to spread easily, but is no more virulent than BA.1,” he said, stressing that countries As scientists step up monitoring, it is imperative to remain vigilant about the latest developments.

Citing early observations in India and Denmark, virologist Tom Peacock of Imperial College London said there was no significant difference in severity compared with BA.1.

In a series of tweets, he stressed that “we don’t have a strong control at this time…how much transmission capacity BA.2 might have over BA.1. However, we can make some guesses/early observations.”

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The latest variant should not question the effectiveness of existing vaccines, he added.

Complete News Source : Hindustan Times

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KKR issue clarification on viral Kuldeep Yadav slapping Rinku Singh moment with fresh video

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KKR issue clarification on viral Kuldeep Yadav slapping Rinku Singh moment with fresh video

A shocking clip went viral on social media after Delhi Capitals lost their second consecutive game at home against Kolkata Knight Riders. DC spinner Kuldeep Yadav was caught on live TV slapping KKR batter Rinku Singh twice after the game. The clip shows Kuldeep, Rinku, and a few other players sharing a laugh after the game. Kuldeep then slapped Rinku, likely playful.

Manner, but it did not sit well with the latter. Rinku was left embarrassed and shocked at the sight. Kuldeep then slapped him again, this time, leaving him enraged as he had a word with his India teammate. The context behind Kuldeep’s act remains unknown, and fans on social media have called it his “worst behavior” and called for BCCI to “ban” him. The incident.

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Sparked controversy and speculation on social media Kolkata, April 30, 2025 — Following a day of intense backlash and speculation surrounding a viral video where Kuldeep Yadav appeared to slap Rinku Singh twice during a live broadcast, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) issued an influence millions,” said cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle. “There’s a thin line between. official clarification late Tuesday evening, releasing a new behind-the-scenes video to address.

The incident, which took place during a post-match interview after the IPL 2025 game between Delhi Capitals and KKR, sparked social media fury, with many fans demanding disciplinary action against Kuldeep. The visuals showed the left-arm spinner walking up to Rinku Singh and slapping him twice in quick succession the second slap drawing a visibly.

The controversy and calm public outrage.stunned and displeased reaction from the KKR star. The clip went viral, drawing criticism and questions about player conduct on national This may have been a joke, but there needs to be an understanding of optics. Live sports television However, in their official statement, KKR clarified that the moment was taken “out of context” and that both players are long-time friends engaging in “harmless banter.”

KKR’s Statement and Video Release

In a post shared on social media platforms, KKR wrote There’s more to the story than meets the eye. Friends on and off the field — Kuldeep and Rinku share a close bond, and what appeared to be aggressive was nothing more than playful teasing. Here’s the full clip for context The franchise attached a longer, unedited video showing the two players laughing.

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The video appears to support KKR’s claim that the incident was light-hearted and not malicious, although some fans continue to debate whether the act was appropriate for a live telecast and joking both before and after the slapping moment. In the extended footage, Rinku is seen smiling and lightly pushing Kuldeep back after the second slap, with both players sharing a brief hug and continuing their chat casually with the media team.

Rinku and Kuldeep Speak Out

Adding to the clarification, Rinku Singh posted on Instagram banter and discomfort Former cricketer Aakash Chopra echoed a similar the takeaway should be more about self-awareness on public platforms Bhai hai mera, sab mazaak tha doston! Don’t believe everything you see in a 5-second clip. Chill karo Kuldeep is like a brother, it was all a joke, friends! Don’t believe.

Mixed Reactions from Fans and Experts

While many fans expressed relief at the clarification, others continued to stress the also responded via X (formerly Twitter) everything you see in a short clip “When your brother plays for the other team, you tease him a little! Love you, Rinku! Good game, bro to
importance of maintaining professionalism on live broadcasts, even among close friend.

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