Reuters
Published: 27 May 2021 04:50 PM BdST
Updated: 27 May 2021 04:50 PM BdST Pramila Devi, 36, who is suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), lies on a bed as she is treated at a government dispensary in Kaljikhal, in the northern state of Uttarakhand, India, May 23, 2021. REUTERS
India has recorded the world s sharpest spike in coronavirus infections this month, with political and financial capitals New Delhi and Mumbai running out of hospital beds, oxygen and medicines. );
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Scientists are studying what led to the unexpected surge, and particularly whether a coronavirus variant first detected in India is to blame. The variant, named B.1.617, has been reported in at least 26 countries, raising global concern. Here are the basics:
Karan Thapar | Why did Centre fail to act despite a surge warning?
Published May 14, 2021, 12:00 am IST
Updated May 14, 2021, 12:00 am IST
The government had been effectively forewarned to expect a possible exponential rise in cases but did virtually nothing
Mass cremation of COVID-19 victims at Parwati Ghat as coronavirus cases surge in Jamshedpur, Monday, May 10, 2021. (PTI Photo)
I want to tell you about a news report that hasn’t got the attention it deserves. With very few exceptions it’s been ignored by our newspapers and television channels. Yet it raises deeply disturbing questions about the government’s handling of the entire coronavirus crisis. Indeed, you could even say it provides “proof” of the government’s irresponsibility. That’s why it’s a story we need to know about so each of us can decide what we make of it. In that spirit I shall proceed.
10 hours ago
Related video: Nanaia Mahuta refusing to send repatriation flights to Kiwis stuck in India. Credits: Video - Newshub; Image - Getty Images
India has recorded the world s sharpest spike in coronavirus infections this month, with political and financial capitals New Delhi and Mumbai running out of hospital beds, oxygen and medicines.
Scientists are studying what led to the unexpected surge, and particularly whether a variant of the novel coronavirus first detected in India is to blame. The variant, named B.1.617, has been reported in 17 countries, raising global concern. Here are the basics:
What is the Indian variant?
The B.1.617 variant contains two key mutations to the outer spike portion of the virus that attaches to human cells, said senior Indian virologist Shahid Jameel.