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WORLD NEWS- 2021

New potent Coronavirus strands

New strains of the Covid-19 virus have been developing in different parts of the world. A new strain that is airborne and more potent was recently discovered in Sri Lanka. This variant is highly transmissible since the droplets can remain airborne for nearly an hour. This variant is infecting more younger people.

On the other hand, four new strains were discovered in Kyrgyzstan, samples of which were sent to the WHO reference lab in Russia on March 26. In addition, two new strains were found circulating in India- referred to as the double mutant (B.1.617) and triple mutant. Like common flu, seemingly the Covid-19 also keeps changes in small ways as it transfers from person to person. Some are insignificant mutations, whereas others may trigger changes in the spike protein used by the virus to latch on to and enter human cells making it more infectious and more likely to be unresponsive to vaccines. Another concern for scientists is the South African variant whose mutation is such that it may be able to evade the antibody response triggered by vaccines or a previous infection.

Vaccine shortage hits poor countries

Many nations across the world, including many poor countries, will be facing an acute vaccine shortage. This shortage is due to the blocking of the global program through which deliveries were to be made till June. It has been estimated that a majority of people will only receive the first dose of vaccination. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreysus stated that while one in four people has received the dose in rich countries, only one in 500 has received the vaccine in poor countries. COVAX, the initiative to provide vaccines to countries that are unable to negotiate for materials, has stated that they will only ship vaccines that have been cleared by the WHO. Some countries have only received the first dose, and as to when they will receive the second dose is still doubtful. It is now feared that people who received only the first dose of vaccine may have immunity problems if not given the second dose.

Experimental antiviral effective against Covid?

Researchers believe that a recent experimental drug, MK 4482, can prove effective in the prevention and treatment of the virus causing the Covid-19 infections. According to the study from the US National Institutes of Health, the drug significantly decreased the level of virus and disease damage in the lungs of hamsters treated for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Scientists found that the treatment was effective when administered up to 12 hours before or after infecting the hamsters with the virus. MK-4482 is currently undergoing 2 nd and 3 rd phases of human clinical trials. Scientists believe that the drug could mitigate high-risk exposure to the virus and can be used alone or in combination with other agents.

The second-biggest spike in Global CO2 emissions

According to a new report of the International Energy Agency (IEA), the global energy- related carbon dioxide emissions are about to surge by 1.5 billion tonnes in 2021 making it the second-largest increase in the course of history. This reverses the decline in global CO2 emissions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. This is the biggest rise annual rise in emissions since 2010. The key reason, according to experts, is the demand for coal in the power sector which is set to rise by 4.5% surpassing all previous levels.

Earthquakes in Java and Assam

On April 11, Indonesia’s Java island was hit by an earthquake of 6.0 magnitude. The epicenter of the earthquake was centered in Malang District in East Java province. The head of Indonesia’s earthquake and tsunami center in his statement said that the undersea earthquake did not have the potential to cause a tsunami. However, the tourist hotspot of Bali has reported the death of 6 people due to the earthquake. Further on April 28, Assam, a north-eastern state of India was hit by a 6.4 magnitude earthquake and at least 21 aftershocks of varying magnitude within 33 hours. The earthquake originated in the Sonitpur district of Assam. As per reports, the state is still experiencing aftershocks. The strong jolts caused damage to several buildings.