Why new Omicron subvariant JN.1 is a global concern

A new sub-variant, named JN.1, of the coronavirus that causes Covid-19 has been identified in a woman in Kerala, raising concerns and emphasising the need for continued alert in the fight against the viral disease. ​​The Centre on December 16 confirmed the presence of JN.1 subvariant of Covid-19 in a patient from Kerala, the first such case detected in India. JN.1 is closely related to the BA.2.86 variant, also referred to as Pirola, which has been detected in the US and China recently.