“Indian Covid Variant is a global concern,” says WHO

Preliminary studies indicate the B.1.617 variant spreads more easily than any other variants and requires further study.

According to WHO, the Indian variant has already been reported in more than 30 countries around the world.

Three other variants recorded in South Africa, Brazil, and the UK have been given the same designation.

A variant is said to move from a "variant of interest" to a "variant of concern" (VOC) when it shows evidence of fulfilling at least one of several criteria, including easy transmission, more severe illness, reduced neutralization by antibodies, or reduced effectiveness of treatment and vaccines.

The Indian variant is being studied to establish whether it is responsible for a deadly surge in India, which is currently overwhelming hospitals and crematoriums.

India recorded 366,161 new cases and 3,754 deaths on Monday; however, experts say the actual figures could be far much higher than the reported.

An increased number of cases have meant that oxygen shortages continue to be a problem and have spread beyond the nation’s capital, Delhi.

The Indian government says there is evidence of a link between the variant and India's deadly second wave, but that the correlation is not yet "fully established".

However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is facing criticism for allowing massive gatherings at Hindu festivals and election r