France, Jan. 7 -- As the number of Covid-19 cases in China continues to surge, India has stepped up efforts to prepare for a similar explosion of the infection rate. Measuresincluding ramping up the genome sequencing of Covid-positive samples to identify variants.

India saw a decline in the daily number ofCovid cases this week. Official figures showthe total number of infections at 44.7 million and more than530,000 deaths.

However, with infection rates surging in several Asiancountries, notably China,India has taken proactive measures to be ready for any contingency.

Last week, authoritiesconducted mock drills across a number of health facilities in several states to ensure their readiness.

"Covid cases are rising all over the world, ...