On Wednesday, the Centre said that a novel variant of the Sars-Cov-2 i.e., coronavirus is detected in seven states of India. Here are few points that were detected and possibly caused a surge in cases:

• The variant has mutations that are denoted by E484Q and L452R, that have separately linked to characteristics making the virus spread more voluntarily and reduce to some extent the immunity gained from a vaccine or past infection.
• E484Q and L452R, is a combination variant and the government describes it as “double mutant”.
• The double mutant had been found in a large number of samples, 206 samples in Maharashtra, which is having its worst second wave of infections.
• The Union health ministry said in a statement that these mutations are found in approximately 15-20% of samples and do not match any earlier catalogued variants of concern. 
• Sujeet Kumar, director of the National Centre for Disease Control, said that as 206 samples from Maharashtra had found the new variant but data does not allow to make a direct link for the increase in cases. However, the other experts stated that the possibility of a correlation is very high.
• Dr Gagandeep Kang, India’s top vaccinologist, said that if 20% of samples in states like Maharashtra have found mutant variants, then it is possible that the rise in COVID-19 cases is by these mutations.
• The government confirmed that a large number of people with the UK variant (B.1.1.7) in Punjab (almost 336 cases) and in the case of this mutant variant too.
• Delhi has recorded the 2nd highest number of samples (75 samples) with this new variant.
• The UK variant is one of three variants of concerns.
• The other two variants were first seen in South Africa (B.1.351) and Brazil (P.1).
• 771 samples from 18 states are positive for these variants of concerns.
• Experts said that the situation should be closely watched, predominantly in states where a large number of samples have identified the novel variant or the variants of concern.
• On Wednesday, Maharashtra reported for 60% of the 53,410 daily fresh cases in India and Punjab reported 5% of the cases that had sharply risen from a low base.

Source: Hindustan Times