Why Delta Covid variant is spreading rapidly

by Argus News

Beijing, July 22: People infected with the Delta variant of Covid-19 produce far more virus than those infected with the original version of coronavirus making it very easy to spread, according to a study.

Researchers at the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention in China found that viral load -- a measure of the density of viral particles in the body -- is roughly 1,000 times higher in people infected with the Delta variant than those infected with the original coronavirus strain, Nature reported.

According to current estimates, the Delta variant could be more than twice as transmissible as the original strain of SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing Covid-19. The variant, which was first identified in India in late 2020, has now become the predominant strain and has spread to at least 111 countries.

The team tracked 62 people who were quarantined after exposure to Covid-19 and tested their viral load every day throughout the course of infection to see how it changed over time. Researchers then compared participants' infection patterns with those of 63 people who contracted the original SARS-CoV-2 strain in 2020.

The findings, posted preprint, showed that the virus was first detectable in people with the Delta variant four days after exposure. On the other hand, the original strain took an average six days to be present in people. This suggests that Delta replicates much faster, said epidemiologist Jing Lu at China's CDC.

Individuals infected with Delta also had viral loads up to 1,260 times higher than those in people infected with the original strain.

The combination of a high number of viruses and a short incubation period makes sense as an explanation for Delta's heightened transmissibility, Benjamin Cowling, epidemiologist at the University of Hong Kong was quoted as saying to Nature.

Those infected with Delta carry a high number of viruses in the respiratory tract, which means that they can become superspreaders and infect more people. Moreover, a short incubation makes contact tracing more difficult, the researchers noted.

"Putting it all together, Delta's really difficult to stop," Cowling says.

(IANS)

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Telangana Assembly Polls: 63.94% Voter Turnout Recorded Till 5 PM

by Hemanta Pande

Hyderabad, Nov 30: Telangana recorded a voter turnout of 63.94 per cent till 5 pm in the assembly polls for 119 seats, according to the Election Commission of India.

According to the Election commission, Medak recorded a voter turnout of 80.28 per cent, Mahabubabad at 77.50 per cent, Adilabad at 73.58 per cent, Hanumankonda at 62.46 per cent and Hyderabad at 31.17 per cent till 5 pm.

Jangaon recorded 80.23 percent of voter turnout, while Kamareddy recorded 71 per cent.
The voter turnout in Khammam was recorded 73.77 per cent, Nalgonda recorded 75.72 per cent, Nizamabad at 68.30 per cent,

Sangareddy recorded 73.83 per cent and Rangareddy recorded 53.03 per cent.
Till 3 pm Telangana recorded a voter turnout of 51.89 per cent.

This time, there are as many as 2,290 contestants in the fray which includes Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, his Minister-son K.T. Rama Rao, State Congress President A Revanth Reddy and BJP Lok Sabha members Bandi Sanjay Kumar and D Arvind.

In 2018, BRS (then Telangana Rashtra Samithi) won 88 of the 119 seats and had 47.4 per cent of the vote share. The Congress came a distant second with just 19 seats.

Read: National News

Several big leaders including Chief Minister KCR, state minister KT Rama Rao, YSR Telangana Party president YS Sharmila, BJP's Arvind Dharmapuri and Union Minister G Kishan Reddy exercised their franchise and urged voters to cast a vote.
The counting of the votes will take place on December 3. (ANI)

IOA And NADA To Educate Core Group Athletes On Anti-Doping Rules Before Paris Olympics

by Hemanta Pande

New Delhi, Nov 30: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) will conduct in coming months a special seminar in coordination with the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) for its core group of athletes to educate them on the anti-doping rules to avoid any violation ahead of next year’s Olympic Games.

“We want to educate the athletes bound for the Olympic Games on the anti-doping rule violations to ensure proper compliance during the games,” IOA President Dr. P.T Usha said. “The IOA has put in place strict anti-doping measures to uphold the integrity of the sports”, the 52-year-old was quoted as saying in a release on Thursday.

On being asked how the IOA supports the athletes to prepare for the games, she said, “It is important to have good training facilities during the games and a smooth transport system from in the pre-competition time as well as during the main games. “IOA will also ensure athletes have adequate sports science backup to avoid injuries and stay healthy,” she added.

The IOA president was hopeful that all National Sports Federations (NSFs) have a proper road map in place for the Olympic Games. “Proper planning is important to ensure all aspects of the preparation are taken care of during the buildup months to the Olympic Games.

“All the NSFs must have prepared a detailed programme for the international exposure cum competition plan for next year,” she added.

Earlier in October this year during the International Olympic (IOC) session in Mumbai, Usha had also discussed the possibility of India hosting the Olympics in the future with IOC chief Thomas Bach. “It was a good and healthy discussion on various issues related to India’s bid to host the Youth Olympic in 2030 and 2036 Olympic Games as announced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India,” she said.

Usha termed it as a positive step that several private companies and state governments are investing in sports, which will boost sports development in the country. “More investment in sports will ensure good infrastructure and facilities across India. It will lead to a rise in the number of sports enthusiasts and inculcate sports culture in the country,” she added.

Read: Sports News

She also pointed out that the Khelo India project of the Sports Ministry has proved to be a good platform for budding athletes to showcase their talent. “The financial assistance under the Khelo India scheme is a big support to promising athletes,” Usha added. (IANS)

Shreya Ghoshal applauds 'Indian Idol 14' contestant's performance of 'Aye Mere Humsafar'

by Swati Sucharita

Mumbai, Nov 30: Singer and judge of 'Indian Idol 14', Shreya Ghoshal lauded the performance of Utkarsh Wankende and said that Nagpur is known for oranges, "but now, your name is attached to it as well."

This Saturday, the evergreen music-composer duo, Anand-Milind, will grace the stage of the singing reality show. Celebrating ‘Hits of Anand-Milind,’ the contestants will belt out their iconic chartbusters to impress judge Shreya Ghoshal and Shekhar Ravjiani, a guest judge for this weekend.

"Maharashtra ki Shaan" Utkarsh from Nagpur will captivate the judges and guests with his exceptional rendition of the song ‘Aye Mere Humsafar’ from the classic ‘Qayamat se Qayamat’, and ‘O Rabba Koi To Bataye’ from the movie ‘Sangeet.’

Shreya said: "Utkarsh, I recently returned from Nagpur and, let me tell you, the only voice I heard there was ‘Utkarsh!’. Everyone in your hometown is so proud of you. I feel so happy that you are gathering love from all over the country, especially your hometown. Nagpur is known for oranges, but now, your name is attached to it as well."

Why Delta Covid variant is spreading rapidly

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