Pan genomic analysis of the global SARS-CoV-2 isolates has resulted in the identification of several regions of increased genetic variation but there is absence of research on its association with the clinical outcome. The present study fills the vacuum and does mutational analysis of genomic sequence of Indian SARS-CoV-2 isolates. Results reveal the existence of non-synonymous G614 spike protein mutation in 61.45% of the total study genome along with three other mutations. Further, temporal variation in the frequencies of G614 genotype in the country is observed. The examination of the probable association of G614 genotype with COVID-19 severity shows that CFR G614 genotype in India is positively and strongly correlated. It appears that the clinical outcome of the COVID-19 cases in India are significantly and adversely affected by the increasing trend in the G614 genotype; which needs to be addressed combining both laboratory experiments and epidemiological investigations.

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Introduction Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging infection and quickly disseminated around the world. This article studies the epidemiology and early transmission dynamics of COVID-19 in Karnataka, which would be useful for effective epidemic management and policy formulation. Materials and Methods All COVID-19 cases reported in the state of Karnataka, India, till June 12, 2020, are included in the study. The epidemiology and transmission dynamics of COVID-19 in Karnataka is studied through descriptive statistical analysis. Results The findings illustrate a gender-, age-, and region-based disparity in the susceptibility and fatality. There appears to be a male preponderance in the susceptibility, but a female preponderance in fatality. It is also found that the adults are more susceptible to the infection, while the elderly have the risk of high fatality. Further, infected individuals in the region with urbanization have a higher risk of fatality than other regions. The study shows that the chances of recovery for females are lower than males, and further, the chances of recovery are positively related to the age of the infected person. The chances of recovery are higher if the infected individual is younger and they diminish if the individual is older. The study also explores that the chances of recovery are affected by the patient’s geographical location. It is also noted that individuals who returned from foreign travel have better chances of recovery than the locally transmitted individuals. Conclusion Though the risk of susceptibility to COVID-19 infection is equal to all, the burden of getting infected and the burden of fatality is unequally distributed among different demographic categories. To manage the contagious spread of epidemic, to reduce fatality, and to increase the chances of recovery, targeted policy actions are suggested to benefit the vulnerable demographic categories.

Article History JEL Classification:F31; F32; F41.The fundamental economic theories presume a relationship between exchange rate and trade balance that depreciation in the exchange rate would affect trade balance. Magee (1973) formulated a hypothesis that for a given currency devaluation or depreciation, the trade balance reacts differently in short run and long run. It has been argued that with the depreciation of domestic currency the trade balance deteriorates in the short run and improves in the long run leading to J-shaped pattern of response. Since then some studies have empirically investigated the J-curve hypothesis with mixed results. The theory is hardly tested to Indian scenario. The present study, hence, examines the nature of response of India's trade balance to exchange rate shocks. The study specially focuses on the response of India's bilateral trade with U.S for continuous depreciation of Indian rupee against U.S dollar. The study uses monthly data for the period from 2009 to 2017. Using the VAR methodology, the Impulse Response Function has been fitted and the results do not have evidence for J-curve pattern of trade balance rather it appears to be 'inverted J-curve'. Contribution/ Originality:This study contributes to the existing literature as it disproves the theoretical perception at least in Indian scenario that currency depreciation/devaluation would accelerate exports in the long run. The result has policy significant implications. The paper contributes immensely to the policy makers towards perusing appropriate exchange rate and export policies.

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