A new double mutant variant of the coronavirus and 771 others have been detected in samples collected from 18 states across India.
Out of the 10,787 samples taken in India, 736 were positive for the UK Covid variant, 34 for the South African Covid variant, and one for the Brazilian Covid variant.
As per virologist Shahid Jameel, a double mutation is when two mutations come together in the same virus.
"A double mutation in the key areas of the virus's spike protein may increase these risks and allow the virus to escape the immune system and make it more infectious," said Shahid Jameel.
Spike protein is the part of the virus that it uses to penetrate human cells.
Although the report comes amid a recent surge in Covid cases in India, the government of India said there was no link between the spike in cases and these variants.
Meanwhile, India has reported 47,262 cases and 275 deaths on Wednesday - the sharpest daily rise this year.
Out of the 10,787 samples taken in India, 736 were positive for the UK Covid variant, 34 for the South African Covid variant, and one for the Brazilian Covid variant.
As per virologist Shahid Jameel, a double mutation is when two mutations come together in the same virus.
"A double mutation in the key areas of the virus's spike protein may increase these risks and allow the virus to escape the immune system and make it more infectious," said Shahid Jameel.
Spike protein is the part of the virus that it uses to penetrate human cells.
Although the report comes amid a recent surge in Covid cases in India, the government of India said there was no link between the spike in cases and these variants.
Meanwhile, India has reported 47,262 cases and 275 deaths on Wednesday - the sharpest daily rise this year.
