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There will be a gap of 28 days between two doses of COVID-19 vaccine and its effectiveness will begin 14 days after the second dose, the Health Ministry said on Tuesday.

Addressing a press briefing, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said vaccine effectiveness will be seen only after 14 days.

"So we urge people to keep following COVID appropriate behavior," he said.

Bhushan said there will be a gap of 28 days between two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

India will launch its COVID-19 vaccination drive from January 16 with priority to be given to nearly three crore healthcare and frontline workers. India had recently granted emergency use authorisation to two vaccines, Oxford's Covishield being manufactured by Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin.

Both vaccines, the statement from the Health Ministry said, have established safety and immunogenicity.

Dr V K Paul member, NITI Aayog member, said these two vaccines have been tested in thousands of people, they are the safest and there is no risk of any significance.

"We should have no doubt that the two vaccines approved are the safest of the vaccines. Both the vaccines have been tested on thousands of people and side-effects are negligible. There is no risk of any significance," he said.

Bhushan said that as said earlier, there will be a sequential rollout of COVID-19 vaccination.

"Healthcare workers (approximately one crore) will be on the top priority, followed by frontline workers (approximately 2 crore) and prioritized age groups (approximately 27 crore). The cost of healthcare workers and frontline workers will be borne by the central government," Bhushan said.

There will be a gap of 28 days between two doses of COVID-19 vaccine and its effectiveness will begin 14 days after the second dose, the Health Ministry said on Tuesday.

There will be a gap of 28 days between two doses of COVID-19 vaccine and its effectiveness will begin 14 days after the second dose, the Health Ministry said on Tuesday. Addressing a press briefing, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said vaccine effectiveness will be seen only after 14 days. "So we urge people to keep following COVID appropriate behavior," he said. Bhushan said there will be a gap of 28 days between two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. India will launch its COVID-19 vaccination drive from January 16 with priority to be given to nearly three crore healthcare and frontline workers. India had recently granted emergency use authorisation to two vaccines, Oxford's Covishield being manufactured by Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin. Both vaccines, the statement from the Health Ministry said, have established safety and immunogenicity. Dr V K Paul member, NITI Aayog member, said these two vaccines have been tested in thousands of people, they are the safest and there is no risk of any significance. "We should have no doubt that the two vaccines approved are the safest of the vaccines. Both the vaccines have been tested on thousands of people and side-effects are negligible. There is no risk of any significance," he said. Bhushan said that as said earlier, there will be a sequential rollout of COVID-19 vaccination. "Healthcare workers (approximately one crore) will be on the top priority, followed by frontline workers (approximately 2 crore) and prioritized age groups (approximately 27 crore). The cost of healthcare workers and frontline workers will be borne by the central government," Bhushan said.

Gap of 28 days between two Covid vaccine doses, effectiveness to begin after 14 days: Government

President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday said farming and farmers have contributed immensely to the progress and development of the country.

Extending greetings to fellow citizens on the eve of Lohri, which is on Wednesday, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Bhogali Bihu, Uttarayan and Poush Parva, on January 14, he said these festivals are an opportunity for the countrymen to honour the relentless hard work of the farmers.

These festivals are celebrated in different forms throughout India, but they all are associated with the joy and gaiety related to harvesting new crops, Kovind said.

He said people celebrate these festivals with a sacred bath, special offerings, charity and rituals.

"Farming and farmers have contributed immensely to the progress and development of the country. These festivals are an opportunity for the countrymen to honour the relentless hard work of our farmers," the president was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

"May these festivals strengthen the bond of love, affection and harmony in our society and increase prosperity and happiness in the country," he said.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday said farming and farmers have contributed immensely to the progress and development of the country. Extending greetings to fellow citizens on the eve of Lohri, which is on Wednesday, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Bhogali Bihu, Uttarayan and Poush Parva, on January 14, he said these festivals are an opportunity for the countrymen to honour the relentless hard work of the farmers.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday said farming and farmers have contributed immensely to the progress and development of the country. Extending greetings to fellow citizens on the eve of Lohri, which is on Wednesday, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Bhogali Bihu, Uttarayan and Poush Parva, on January 14, he said these festivals are an opportunity for the countrymen to honour the relentless hard work of the farmers. These festivals are celebrated in different forms throughout India, but they all are associated with the joy and gaiety related to harvesting new crops, Kovind said. He said people celebrate these festivals with a sacred bath, special offerings, charity and rituals. "Farming and farmers have contributed immensely to the progress and development of the country. These festivals are an opportunity for the countrymen to honour the relentless hard work of our farmers," the president was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan. "May these festivals strengthen the bond of love, affection and harmony in our society and increase prosperity and happiness in the country," he said.

Farming, farmers contributed immensely to development of country: President Ram Nath Kovind

Nothing is same after the outbreak of coronavirus, not even the way of paying obeisance to God.

'Sashtang pranam' or prostration before the deity is no longer allowed in Gujarat temples.

Instead, devotees can only bring their palms together to offer a`namaste'.

Carrying 'prasad' (offerings) inside the sanctum sanctorum is also not allowed in line with the standard operating protocol of the state government, authorities said.

Temples and other places of worship reopened in the state in June, 75 days after the lockdown came into effect.

"Sashtang pranam is not allowed as per the government guidelines.

No devotee is allowed to touch anything as per the SOP," said Vijaysinh Chavda, manager of the famous Somnath temple.

"People are allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum only for `darshan' to ensure minimum contact in view of the pandemic," he said.

Sashtang pranam or namaskar involves prostrating oneself in such a way that eight parts of the body touch the floor.

"No devotees are allowed entry in the temple for aarti which is performed thrice a day, and no more than five devotees are allowed to sit for prayers at once.

No more than three persons are allowed during yagna," Chavda further said.

Ambaji Mata Temple in Banaskantha district, another major shrine in Gujarat, too has banned sashtang pranam as per government guidelines, said its spokesperson Ashish Raval.

Social distancing and wearing a mask are compulsory and devotees are allowed inside only after thermal screening, he said.

Nothing is same after the outbreak of coronavirus, not even the way of paying obeisance to God. 'Sashtang pranam' or prostration before the deity is no longer allowed in Gujarat temples.

Nothing is same after the outbreak of coronavirus, not even the way of paying obeisance to God. 'Sashtang pranam' or prostration before the deity is no longer allowed in Gujarat temples. Instead, devotees can only bring their palms together to offer a`namaste'. Carrying 'prasad' (offerings) inside the sanctum sanctorum is also not allowed in line with the standard operating protocol of the state government, authorities said. Temples and other places of worship reopened in the state in June, 75 days after the lockdown came into effect. "Sashtang pranam is not allowed as per the government guidelines. No devotee is allowed to touch anything as per the SOP," said Vijaysinh Chavda, manager of the famous Somnath temple. "People are allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum only for `darshan' to ensure minimum contact in view of the pandemic," he said. Sashtang pranam or namaskar involves prostrating oneself in such a way that eight parts of the body touch the floor. "No devotees are allowed entry in the temple for aarti which is performed thrice a day, and no more than five devotees are allowed to sit for prayers at once. No more than three persons are allowed during yagna," Chavda further said. Ambaji Mata Temple in Banaskantha district, another major shrine in Gujarat, too has banned sashtang pranam as per government guidelines, said its spokesperson Ashish Raval. Social distancing and wearing a mask are compulsory and devotees are allowed inside only after thermal screening, he said.

Covid-19: No sashtang pranam, only namaste in Gujarat temples

The Centre said 54.72 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses have been received at designated national and state-level stores till Tuesday afternoon, and all the shots -- 1.1 crore from the Serum Institute of India and 55 lakh from Bharat Biotech -- will be received by January 14.

A massive pan-India inoculation drive against COVID-19 was set in process with Covishield vaccine leaving Pune for 13 cities across India early in the morning, four days before vaccination is scheduled to begin on January 16.

Apart form the 1.1 crore doses of Covishield being procured from the Serum Institute of India, 55 lakh doses of indigenously developed Covaxin were being obtained from Bharat Biotech, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said at a press conference.

"Fifty-five lakh doses of Covaxin are being procured from Bharat Biotech. For 38.5 lakh doses the price is Rs 295 each, excluding taxes. Bharat Biotech is providing 16.5 lakh doses for free which ultimately brings the cost of Covaxin down to Rs 206 per dose," he said.

Bhushan said there are four Central Government Medical Stores Depots at Chennai, Karnal, Kolkata and Mumbai where the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine, Covishield, doses are being received.

Besides this, all states have at least one regional vaccine store. Some big states have multiple stores. Uttar Pradesh has nine such stores, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat four each, Kerala has three such facilities, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka and Rajasthan two each, he said.

"As we speak, 54,72,000 doses have already been received till 4 pm at these vaccine stores, while 100 per cent doses, 1.1 crore from Serum Institute and 55 lakh from Bharat Biotech, will be received by January 14 in all states and Union Territories," the health secretary added.

NITI Aayog member Dr V K Paul, Covishield and Covaxin have been tested on thousands of people. "They are the safest and there is no risk of any significant side effect."

Bhushan said that Zydus Cadila, Russia''s Sputnik V, Biological E and Gennova are the other vaccines which are in advanced stages of clinical trials in India.

"In the coming days some of these vaccines too may be approaching the drug controller for emergency use authorisation. There will be sequential roll-out of COVID-19 vaccination.

"Healthcare workers will be on the top of priority list, followed by frontline workers and prioritized age groups. The cost of vaccination for healthcare and frontline workers will be borne by the central government," the Union health secretary said.

Giving a scenario of the price of vaccines available round the world, Bhushan said each dose of the vaccine developed by Pfizer-BioNTech costs Rs 1,431 per dose, Moderna Rs 2,348 to Rs 2,715, Sinovac Rs 1,027, Novavax Rs 1,114, Sputnik V less than Rs 734 and the one developed by Johnson and Johnson at Rs 734.

"All these vaccines except the one developed by Pfizer can be stored between two to eight degrees Celsius. The one developed by Pfizer needs to be stored at -70 degrees Celsius," he added.

About the effectiveness of the vaccines, Bhushan said those can be observed only after 14 days. "So we urge people to keep following COVID-appropriate behaviour."

The health secretary said the five key principles for anti-coronavirus vaccination are to ensure people''s participation, utilise the experience of elections and universal immunisation programme, making no compromise on scientific and regulatory norms and neither on existing healthcare services.

Noting that the COVID-19 situation is worrisome around the world, he said even though daily new cases are declining in India, there should not be any laxity in following COVID-appropriate behaviour.

India's overall COVID-19 positivity rate stands at 5.7 per cent while positivity rate in the last one week was recorded at 2 per cent, Bhushan said, adding that about 43.96 per cent of the total COVID-19 patients are in healthcare facilities while 56.04 per cent patients are in home isolation.

The Centre said 54.72 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses have been received at designated national and state-level stores till Tuesday afternoon, and all the shots -- 1.

The Centre said 54.72 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses have been received at designated national and state-level stores till Tuesday afternoon, and all the shots -- 1.1 crore from the Serum Institute of India and 55 lakh from Bharat Biotech -- will be received by January 14. A massive pan-India inoculation drive against COVID-19 was set in process with Covishield vaccine leaving Pune for 13 cities across India early in the morning, four days before vaccination is scheduled to begin on January 16. Apart form the 1.1 crore doses of Covishield being procured from the Serum Institute of India, 55 lakh doses of indigenously developed Covaxin were being obtained from Bharat Biotech, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said at a press conference. "Fifty-five lakh doses of Covaxin are being procured from Bharat Biotech. For 38.5 lakh doses the price is Rs 295 each, excluding taxes. Bharat Biotech is providing 16.5 lakh doses for free which ultimately brings the cost of Covaxin down to Rs 206 per dose," he said. Bhushan said there are four Central Government Medical Stores Depots at Chennai, Karnal, Kolkata and Mumbai where the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine, Covishield, doses are being received. Besides this, all states have at least one regional vaccine store. Some big states have multiple stores. Uttar Pradesh has nine such stores, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat four each, Kerala has three such facilities, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka and Rajasthan two each, he said. "As we speak, 54,72,000 doses have already been received till 4 pm at these vaccine stores, while 100 per cent doses, 1.1 crore from Serum Institute and 55 lakh from Bharat Biotech, will be received by January 14 in all states and Union Territories," the health secretary added. NITI Aayog member Dr V K Paul, Covishield and Covaxin have been tested on thousands of people. "They are the safest and there is no risk of any significant side effect." Bhushan said that Zydus Cadila, Russia''s Sputnik V, Biological E and Gennova are the other vaccines which are in advanced stages of clinical trials in India. "In the coming days some of these vaccines too may be approaching the drug controller for emergency use authorisation. There will be sequential roll-out of COVID-19 vaccination. "Healthcare workers will be on the top of priority list, followed by frontline workers and prioritized age groups. The cost of vaccination for healthcare and frontline workers will be borne by the central government," the Union health secretary said. Giving a scenario of the price of vaccines available round the world, Bhushan said each dose of the vaccine developed by Pfizer-BioNTech costs Rs 1,431 per dose, Moderna Rs 2,348 to Rs 2,715, Sinovac Rs 1,027, Novavax Rs 1,114, Sputnik V less than Rs 734 and the one developed by Johnson and Johnson at Rs 734. "All these vaccines except the one developed by Pfizer can be stored between two to eight degrees Celsius. The one developed by Pfizer needs to be stored at -70 degrees Celsius," he added. About the effectiveness of the vaccines, Bhushan said those can be observed only after 14 days. "So we urge people to keep following COVID-appropriate behaviour." The health secretary said the five key principles for anti-coronavirus vaccination are to ensure people''s participation, utilise the experience of elections and universal immunisation programme, making no compromise on scientific and regulatory norms and neither on existing healthcare services. Noting that the COVID-19 situation is worrisome around the world, he said even though daily new cases are declining in India, there should not be any laxity in following COVID-appropriate behaviour. India's overall COVID-19 positivity rate stands at 5.7 per cent while positivity rate in the last one week was recorded at 2 per cent, Bhushan said, adding that about 43.96 per cent of the total COVID-19 patients are in healthcare facilities while 56.04 per cent patients are in home isolation.

54.72 lakh Covid-19 vaccine doses received till Tuesday afternoon: Centre

Tirumurti told the Council that India has been steadfast in extending support to the countries of the region in their efforts to bring back peace, stability and normalcy.

India at UNSC expresses concern over terror acts by Boko Haram, IS in West Africa

India has continued its focus on Afghanistan at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) even as China once again played games at the top UN body.

China, which is one of the Permanent Five or P5 members of the body, prevented India from heading the UNSC 1267 (ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida) Sanctions committee that lists international terrorists.&nbsp;

The same list, that has on its roll Pakistani terrorist nationals including Masood Azhar, Hafiz Saeed, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi. Many of them responsible for terror attacks in India, including the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks for which Islamabad has yet to take action.

Last week it was announced that India will be heading 3 crucial committees--the Taliban sanctions committee, the counter-terrorism committee for the year 2022, and the Libya sanctions committee.

Al-Qaida and Taliban Sanctions Committee was split in 2011, creating the new Taliban Sanctions Committee to separately deal with the Taliban.

By being at the Taliban sanctions committee, India gets a crucial multilateral foothold in the Afghan peace process. The Taliban need approval from this grouping to travel, and an increased level of violence in Afghanistan could impact future approvals. In fact, Taliban leadership had a few weeks back visited Pakistan to meet Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and Foreign Minister SM Qureshi.&nbsp; 
What raised the eyebrows and drew the ire of Kabul was Taliban leadership meeting cadres in the country.

New Delhi also chairs the Counter-terror body of UNSC in 2022 and can see India taking special initiatives. The committee was formed after the 9/11 attacks in New York and bolsters the ability of United Nations Member States to prevent terrorist acts both within their borders and across regions.

It is not the first time China has created problems for India at UNSC. In 2019, in the aftermath of India removing special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, China at the behest of Pakistan tried to rake the issue at the body. Ultimately the attempt was thwarted, given most members saw it as India's internal matter and the issue was never put on UNSC records.

In fact, French President Macron's top diplomatic advisor Emmanuel Bonne extended his country's support to India at the body last week and said, "I mean the direct threats to India, we have always been very clear. Whether on Kashmir we have been very supportive of India in the Security Council, we have not let the Chinese play any kind of procedural games."

Interestingly, the actions of China in Hong Kong were raised at UNSC last year by member countries, much to the embarrassment of Beijing which could not stop it.

India has continued its focus on Afghanistan at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) even as China once again played games at the top UN body. China, which is one of the Permanent Five or P5 members of the body, prevented India from heading the UNSC 1267 (ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida) Sanctions committee that lists international terrorists.

India has continued its focus on Afghanistan at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) even as China once again played games at the top UN body. China, which is one of the Permanent Five or P5 members of the body, prevented India from heading the UNSC 1267 (ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida) Sanctions committee that lists international terrorists. The same list, that has on its roll Pakistani terrorist nationals including Masood Azhar, Hafiz Saeed, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi. Many of them responsible for terror attacks in India, including the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks for which Islamabad has yet to take action. Last week it was announced that India will be heading 3 crucial committees--the Taliban sanctions committee, the counter-terrorism committee for the year 2022, and the Libya sanctions committee. Al-Qaida and Taliban Sanctions Committee was split in 2011, creating the new Taliban Sanctions Committee to separately deal with the Taliban. By being at the Taliban sanctions committee, India gets a crucial multilateral foothold in the Afghan peace process. The Taliban need approval from this grouping to travel, and an increased level of violence in Afghanistan could impact future approvals. In fact, Taliban leadership had a few weeks back visited Pakistan to meet Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and Foreign Minister SM Qureshi. What raised the eyebrows and drew the ire of Kabul was Taliban leadership meeting cadres in the country. New Delhi also chairs the Counter-terror body of UNSC in 2022 and can see India taking special initiatives. The committee was formed after the 9/11 attacks in New York and bolsters the ability of United Nations Member States to prevent terrorist acts both within their borders and across regions. It is not the first time China has created problems for India at UNSC. In 2019, in the aftermath of India removing special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, China at the behest of Pakistan tried to rake the issue at the body. Ultimately the attempt was thwarted, given most members saw it as India's internal matter and the issue was never put on UNSC records. In fact, French President Macron's top diplomatic advisor Emmanuel Bonne extended his country's support to India at the body last week and said, "I mean the direct threats to India, we have always been very clear. Whether on Kashmir we have been very supportive of India in the Security Council, we have not let the Chinese play any kind of procedural games." Interestingly, the actions of China in Hong Kong were raised at UNSC last year by member countries, much to the embarrassment of Beijing which could not stop it.

India puts focus on Afghanistan, as China plays games at UNSC by blocking entry at key sanctions committee

The Chief of Indian Army staff General MM Naravane said Pakistan continues to use terrorism as an instrument of state policy and India will continue to confront the menace effectively.

General Naravane: Pakistan continues to use terror as state policy

Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed the implementation of three <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/extremely-disappointed-sc-pulls-up-centre-for-handling-farmers-protest-356022">farms</a> laws until further orders and formed a committee to hold talks.

Chief Justice of India had said that a committee is being formed to have a clearer picture.&nbsp;

"We don't want to hear arguments that farmers will not go to the committee. We are looking to solve the problem," India's Chief Justice&nbsp;SA Bobde&nbsp;said.

On Tuesday, India's apex court began hearing several petitions challenging the three<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-farmers-agree-to-meet-government-over-contentious-farm-laws-352618"> farm</a> laws passed by the Parliament and removal of protesting farmers from Delhi's borders.

"This committee will be for us. All of you people who are expected to solve the issue will go before this committee. It will not pass an order or punish you, it will only submit a report to us," India's CJI added.

Advocate ML Sharma who had filed a plea challenging the farm laws&nbsp;had told the top court that farmers have said they will not appear before any committee constituted by the court.

"We are concerned about the validity of the laws and also about protecting life and property of citizens affected by protests. We are trying to solve the problem in accordance with the powers we have. One of the powers we have is to suspend the legislation and make a committee," Bobde&nbsp;said.

Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed the implementation of three farms laws until further orders and formed a committee to hold talks. Chief Justice of India had said that a committee is being formed to have a clearer picture.

Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed the implementation of three farms laws until further orders and formed a committee to hold talks. Chief Justice of India had said that a committee is being formed to have a clearer picture. "We don't want to hear arguments that farmers will not go to the committee. We are looking to solve the problem," India's Chief Justice SA Bobde said. On Tuesday, India's apex court began hearing several petitions challenging the three farm laws passed by the Parliament and removal of protesting farmers from Delhi's borders. "This committee will be for us. All of you people who are expected to solve the issue will go before this committee. It will not pass an order or punish you, it will only submit a report to us," India's CJI added. Advocate ML Sharma who had filed a plea challenging the farm laws had told the top court that farmers have said they will not appear before any committee constituted by the court. "We are concerned about the validity of the laws and also about protecting life and property of citizens affected by protests. We are trying to solve the problem in accordance with the powers we have. One of the powers we have is to suspend the legislation and make a committee," Bobde said.

Supreme Court puts three farms laws on hold; forms committee to hold talks

With 12,584 new coronavirus infections reported in the last 24 hours on Tuesday, India recorded the lowest single-day figure in over seven months taking India`s overall tally to 1,04,79,179. 
 
Before this, the lowest number was recorded on June 17 last year, when India reported 12,881 fresh Covid cases in a day. 
 
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said 167 deaths were reported in the past 24 hours taking the death toll to 1,51,327.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/first-flight-of-coronavirus-vaccine-covishield-flown-to-delhi-356150" hreflang="en">First flight of coronavirus vaccine Covishield flown to Delhi</a>

Since the last 18 days, less than 300 new deaths per day have been recorded in the country. 
 
As per the ministry data, till now, 1,01,11,294 people have recovered. Currently, there are 2,16,558 active cases. 
 
The recovery rate stands at 96.43 per cent while the fatality rate is 1.44 as per cent. 
 
The total number of samples tested up to January 11 were 18,26,52,887 including 8,97,056 samples tested on Monday, the Indian Council of Medical Research said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-unsc-india-expresses-concern-over-terror-acts-by-boko-haram-islamic-state-in-west-africa-356117" hreflang="en">At UNSC, India expresses concern over terror acts by Boko Haram, Islamic State in West Africa</a> 
 
About 82.25 per cent of the daily new cases were being reported from nine states -- Kerala, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Bihar and Gujarat. 
 
Meanwhile, the most-awaited mass vaccination drive is slated to begin from January 16, with approval of two vaccines. The Central government plans to vaccinate nearly three crore people in the first phase of the drive. 
 
The vaccine will be offered to one crore healthcare workers, along with two crore frontline and essential workers, 26 crore people above the age of 50 and one crore below 50 with comorbidities.&nbsp;

With 12,584 new coronavirus infections reported in the last 24 hours on Tuesday, India recorded the lowest single-day figure in over seven months taking India`s overall tally to 1,04,79,179.

With 12,584 new coronavirus infections reported in the last 24 hours on Tuesday, India recorded the lowest single-day figure in over seven months taking India`s overall tally to 1,04,79,179. Before this, the lowest number was recorded on June 17 last year, when India reported 12,881 fresh Covid cases in a day. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said 167 deaths were reported in the past 24 hours taking the death toll to 1,51,327. Also read| First flight of coronavirus vaccine Covishield flown to Delhi Since the last 18 days, less than 300 new deaths per day have been recorded in the country. As per the ministry data, till now, 1,01,11,294 people have recovered. Currently, there are 2,16,558 active cases. The recovery rate stands at 96.43 per cent while the fatality rate is 1.44 as per cent. The total number of samples tested up to January 11 were 18,26,52,887 including 8,97,056 samples tested on Monday, the Indian Council of Medical Research said. Also read| At UNSC, India expresses concern over terror acts by Boko Haram, Islamic State in West Africa About 82.25 per cent of the daily new cases were being reported from nine states -- Kerala, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Bihar and Gujarat. Meanwhile, the most-awaited mass vaccination drive is slated to begin from January 16, with approval of two vaccines. The Central government plans to vaccinate nearly three crore people in the first phase of the drive. The vaccine will be offered to one crore healthcare workers, along with two crore frontline and essential workers, 26 crore people above the age of 50 and one crore below 50 with comorbidities.

India reports 12.5K new COVID cases, lowest in 7 months

After Delhi, the first consignment of India's Serum Insitute's coronavirus <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-to-bear-vaccination-cost-of-3-crore-health-frontline-workers-pm-modi-356105">vaccine</a> arrived in Hyderabad airport.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/first-flight-of-coronavirus-vaccine-covishield-flown-to-delhi-356150">Also Read:&nbsp;First flight of coronavirus vaccine Covishield flown to Delhi</a>

"The first consignment of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-to-bear-vaccination-cost-of-3-crore-health-frontline-workers-pm-modi-356105">vaccine</a> will be going to 11 destinations outside the state by this evening," Hyderbad airport CEO Pradeep Panicker said.

Chennai also received the first batch of coronavirus vaccine&nbsp;"Covishield".

Tamil Nadu health secretary J Radhakrishnan said that 5.56 lakh vaccine doses have been dispatched from Pune.

Radhakrishnan said that the vaccine will be distributed to regional centres and 51 walk-in coolers at the district level by Tuesday evening and later it will go to the actual vaccination site in cold boxes.

"The dispatch details of remaining 20,000 doses of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/oxford-astrazeneca-vaccine-to-cost-rs200-a-vial-in-india-purchase-order-placed-with-sii-reports-356029">Covaxin</a> are yet to be received," the Tamil Nadu health secretary said.

The first consignment of 2.76 lakh doses of the COVID-19 vaccine is also due to arrive in Ahmedabad today with the vaccine being distributed to Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar and Bhavnagar zones.

As the vaccines are being transported to various centres across the country, India on Tuesday reported 12,584 new COVID-19 case with 167 fatalities in the last 24 hours.

The total number of coronavirus cases in the country has now shot up to 1,04,79,179 with 1,51,327 deaths. There are 2,16,558 active cases nationwide, according to India's health ministry.

After Delhi, the first consignment of India's Serum Insitute's coronavirus vaccine arrived in Hyderabad airport. Also Read: First flight of coronavirus vaccine Covishield flown to Delhi "The first consignment of the vaccine will be going to 11 destinations outside the state by this evening," Hyderbad airport CEO Pradeep Panicker said.

After Delhi, the first consignment of India's Serum Insitute's coronavirus vaccine arrived in Hyderabad airport. Also Read: First flight of coronavirus vaccine Covishield flown to Delhi "The first consignment of the vaccine will be going to 11 destinations outside the state by this evening," Hyderbad airport CEO Pradeep Panicker said. Chennai also received the first batch of coronavirus vaccine "Covishield". Tamil Nadu health secretary J Radhakrishnan said that 5.56 lakh vaccine doses have been dispatched from Pune. Radhakrishnan said that the vaccine will be distributed to regional centres and 51 walk-in coolers at the district level by Tuesday evening and later it will go to the actual vaccination site in cold boxes. "The dispatch details of remaining 20,000 doses of Covaxin are yet to be received," the Tamil Nadu health secretary said. The first consignment of 2.76 lakh doses of the COVID-19 vaccine is also due to arrive in Ahmedabad today with the vaccine being distributed to Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar and Bhavnagar zones. As the vaccines are being transported to various centres across the country, India on Tuesday reported 12,584 new COVID-19 case with 167 fatalities in the last 24 hours. The total number of coronavirus cases in the country has now shot up to 1,04,79,179 with 1,51,327 deaths. There are 2,16,558 active cases nationwide, according to India's health ministry.

Coronavirus vaccine arrives in Hyderabad; Gujarat, Tamil Nadu set to receive consignment

Testing of eight samples sent to a Bhopal-based laboratory has confirmed bird flu in Delhi, officials said on Monday.

All eight samples -- four from a park in Mayur Vihar Phase 3, three from Sanjay Lake and one from Dwarka -- have been found positive for avian influenza, Dr Rakesh Singh from the animal husbandry unit of the Development Department said.

The report of the test results arrived on Monday morning, he said.

Officials earlier said that around 50 crows had died in Central Park, Mayur Vihar Phase 3 in a span of three to four days.

Ten ducks were found dead in the Sanjay Lake recently.

A few samples were also sent to a lab in Jalandhar. Their results are awaited, Singh said.

The Delhi Development Authority has already closed Hauz Khas Park, Dwarka Sector 9 Park, Hastsal Park and Sanjay Lake as a precautionary measure in view of the bird flu scare.

Hauz Khas Park in south Delhi has a huge water body and attracts a large crowd every day. However, no death of birds has been reported there.

The poultry market in Ghazipur has also been shut down temporarily.

Testing of eight samples sent to a Bhopal-based laboratory has confirmed bird flu in Delhi, officials said on Monday. All eight samples -- four from a park in Mayur Vihar Phase 3, three from Sanjay Lake and one from Dwarka -- have been found positive for avian influenza, Dr Rakesh Singh from the animal husbandry unit of the Development Department said.

Testing of eight samples sent to a Bhopal-based laboratory has confirmed bird flu in Delhi, officials said on Monday. All eight samples -- four from a park in Mayur Vihar Phase 3, three from Sanjay Lake and one from Dwarka -- have been found positive for avian influenza, Dr Rakesh Singh from the animal husbandry unit of the Development Department said. The report of the test results arrived on Monday morning, he said. Officials earlier said that around 50 crows had died in Central Park, Mayur Vihar Phase 3 in a span of three to four days. Ten ducks were found dead in the Sanjay Lake recently. A few samples were also sent to a lab in Jalandhar. Their results are awaited, Singh said. The Delhi Development Authority has already closed Hauz Khas Park, Dwarka Sector 9 Park, Hastsal Park and Sanjay Lake as a precautionary measure in view of the bird flu scare. Hauz Khas Park in south Delhi has a huge water body and attracts a large crowd every day. However, no death of birds has been reported there. The poultry market in Ghazipur has also been shut down temporarily.

Bird flu confirmed in Delhi, all eight samples sent to Bhopal lab test positive

Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli in an exclusive conversation with WION's Executive Editor Palki S Upadhyay alluded to the relationship shared by its neighbours and urged them not to have any superiority complex.

On being asked to comment on his statement "We are working to deepen ties with India based on sovereign equality.” the Nepal PM replied that "We want to remove all kind of inferiority complex from our Nepalese people and want our neighbours to not have any superiority complex."

Watch the full interview below:

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On being asked that does he make this concept of 'sovereign equality' a prerequisite in his engagement with China also, he said that we talk with Indian and China in the same way and TALKING with everyone in the same language works.

On his controversial statement about taking back Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh areas from India he said that these three places which are located east of the Mahakali River belong to Nepal as per the Sugauli Treaty.

He also mentioned that there is a dispute between Nepal and India about the Susta area.

He said that Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh are a sacred part of Nepal. For 146 years that area was under Nepal’s control but the territory was not in our use after 1962. We are not in a position to claim territories of India and China but Nepal will try to solve this dispute through diplomatic talks.

He said that Nepal’s relationship with India is much better now than before. We are gradually developing our friendship and both the countries are in the final stage of developing our ties.

Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli in an exclusive conversation with WION's Executive Editor Palki S Upadhyay alluded to the relationship shared by its neighbours and urged them not to have any superiority complex.

Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli in an exclusive conversation with WION's Executive Editor Palki S Upadhyay alluded to the relationship shared by its neighbours and urged them not to have any superiority complex. On being asked to comment on his statement "We are working to deepen ties with India based on sovereign equality.” the Nepal PM replied that "We want to remove all kind of inferiority complex from our Nepalese people and want our neighbours to not have any superiority complex." Watch the full interview below: On #Gravitas with @palkisu: + Nepal PM @kpsharmaoli speaks exclusively to WION + Is China casting a shadow on domestic politics of Nepal? + Will elections be held this summer? + What is Nepal's relationship with India today?#NepalPMOnWION https://t.co/p5me1MyRzH — WION (@WIONews) January 11, 2021 × On being asked that does he make this concept of 'sovereign equality' a prerequisite in his engagement with China also, he said that we talk with Indian and China in the same way and TALKING with everyone in the same language works. On his controversial statement about taking back Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh areas from India he said that these three places which are located east of the Mahakali River belong to Nepal as per the Sugauli Treaty. He also mentioned that there is a dispute between Nepal and India about the Susta area. He said that Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh are a sacred part of Nepal. For 146 years that area was under Nepal’s control but the territory was not in our use after 1962. We are not in a position to claim territories of India and China but Nepal will try to solve this dispute through diplomatic talks. He said that Nepal’s relationship with India is much better now than before. We are gradually developing our friendship and both the countries are in the final stage of developing our ties.

WION exclusive | We talk to India-China in the same manner with 'sovereign equality', says Nepal PM K P Sharma Oli

India has expressed its concerns on acts of terrorism in West Africa at the United Nations Security Council pointing out to increased activities of Boko Haram and&nbsp;Islamic State's West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Highlighting out how, "terrorism, drug trafficking, and organized crime have continued unabated", India's envoy to United Nations, TS Tirumurti said, "The terror attacks in Burkina Faso, particularly in regions bordering Mali and Niger, have again underscored the urgent need to intensify efforts to combat terrorism, which is spilling over into other countries and regions"

He explained, "The activities of Boko Haram in Nigeria and Lake Chad have not subsided either". Adding, "the recent terror attacks by the Islamic State's West Africa Province (ISWAP) are more brutal than those carried out by Boko Haram. ISWAP, supported by elements in West Asia and North Africa, is emerging as a radicalized and brutal terrorist entity, posing a serious threat to peace and stability in the region"

India was speaking at a security council meeting on West Africa and Sahel region. The council had taken up the latest report of the Secretary-General on the activities of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) between 23 June to 14 December 2020.

The Indian envoy called for "closer coordination in counter-terrorism cooperation in the region and its periphery, to counter the growth of terrorist entities effectively.". In fact, India has commenced counter-terrorism training in the region.&nbsp;

New Delhi also conveyed its deep condolences for the terror attack in Niger earlier this month that killed around 100 people and the&nbsp;deaths of French soldiers involved in Operation Barkhane in Mali.&nbsp;Operation Barkhane is an ongoing anti-insurgent operation by France and 5 countries of Sahel--G5 Sahel--Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger. The British and Estonia have also extended support to it.

The Indian envoy commended the "efforts of regional counter-terrorism initiatives such as G-5 Sahel Joint Force, and Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which is a model that illustrates the ownership taken by countries of the region for their collective security. The Council and the international community need to actively support these initiatives."

India expressed its concern vis a vis "piracy hotspot" of Gulf of guinea that has seen 17 incidents in last 6 months. Several Indian sailors have been victims of piracy and kidnappings in that region for which&nbsp;Tirumurti&nbsp;called for "urgent need to increase surveillance to ensure maritime security in the area, through increased international collaboration."

India has expressed its concerns on acts of terrorism in West Africa at the United Nations Security Council pointing out to increased activities of Boko Haram and Islamic State's West Africa Province (ISWAP).

India has expressed its concerns on acts of terrorism in West Africa at the United Nations Security Council pointing out to increased activities of Boko Haram and Islamic State's West Africa Province (ISWAP). Highlighting out how, "terrorism, drug trafficking, and organized crime have continued unabated", India's envoy to United Nations, TS Tirumurti said, "The terror attacks in Burkina Faso, particularly in regions bordering Mali and Niger, have again underscored the urgent need to intensify efforts to combat terrorism, which is spilling over into other countries and regions" He explained, "The activities of Boko Haram in Nigeria and Lake Chad have not subsided either". Adding, "the recent terror attacks by the Islamic State's West Africa Province (ISWAP) are more brutal than those carried out by Boko Haram. ISWAP, supported by elements in West Asia and North Africa, is emerging as a radicalized and brutal terrorist entity, posing a serious threat to peace and stability in the region" India was speaking at a security council meeting on West Africa and Sahel region. The council had taken up the latest report of the Secretary-General on the activities of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) between 23 June to 14 December 2020. The Indian envoy called for "closer coordination in counter-terrorism cooperation in the region and its periphery, to counter the growth of terrorist entities effectively.". In fact, India has commenced counter-terrorism training in the region. New Delhi also conveyed its deep condolences for the terror attack in Niger earlier this month that killed around 100 people and the deaths of French soldiers involved in Operation Barkhane in Mali. Operation Barkhane is an ongoing anti-insurgent operation by France and 5 countries of Sahel--G5 Sahel--Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger. The British and Estonia have also extended support to it. The Indian envoy commended the "efforts of regional counter-terrorism initiatives such as G-5 Sahel Joint Force, and Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which is a model that illustrates the ownership taken by countries of the region for their collective security. The Council and the international community need to actively support these initiatives." India expressed its concern vis a vis "piracy hotspot" of Gulf of guinea that has seen 17 incidents in last 6 months. Several Indian sailors have been victims of piracy and kidnappings in that region for which Tirumurti called for "urgent need to increase surveillance to ensure maritime security in the area, through increased international collaboration."

At UNSC, India expresses concern over terror acts by Boko Haram, Islamic State in West Africa

The second edition of the biennial pan-India coastal defence exercise `Sea Vigil-21` will be conducted on January 12-13, with the aim to assess country`s preparedness in the domain of maritime security and coastal defence, Indian Navy informed on Monday.

The exercise will be undertaken along the entire 7,516 kilometres coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone of India and will involve all the 13 coastal states and Union Territories along with other maritime stakeholders, including the fishing and coastal communities, according to an official release.As per the release, the entire coastal security set up was reorganised after the 26/11 Terror attack at Mumbai which was launched via the sea route.

Navy said that the scale and conceptual expanse of the exercise is unprecedented in terms of the geographical extent, the number of stakeholders involved, the number of units participating and in terms of the objectives to be met.

"The exercise is a build-up towards the major Theatre level exercise TROPEX [Theatre-level Readiness Operational Exercise] which the Indian Navy conducts every two years. SEA VIGIL and TROPEX together will cover the entire spectrum of maritime security challenges, including the transition from peace to conflict," the release said.Assets of the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Customs and other maritime agencies will participate in SEA VIGIL.

"It provides opportunity, at the apex level, to assess our preparedness in the domain of maritime security and coastal defence. Exercise `SEA VIGIL 21` will provide a realistic assessment of our strengths and weaknesses and thus will help in further strengthening maritime and national security," the release further said.

The inaugural edition of this exercise was conducted in January 2019.

The second edition of the biennial pan-India coastal defence exercise `Sea Vigil-21` will be conducted on January 12-13, with the aim to assess country`s preparedness in the domain of maritime security and coastal defence, Indian Navy informed on Monday.

The second edition of the biennial pan-India coastal defence exercise `Sea Vigil-21` will be conducted on January 12-13, with the aim to assess country`s preparedness in the domain of maritime security and coastal defence, Indian Navy informed on Monday. The exercise will be undertaken along the entire 7,516 kilometres coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone of India and will involve all the 13 coastal states and Union Territories along with other maritime stakeholders, including the fishing and coastal communities, according to an official release.As per the release, the entire coastal security set up was reorganised after the 26/11 Terror attack at Mumbai which was launched via the sea route. Navy said that the scale and conceptual expanse of the exercise is unprecedented in terms of the geographical extent, the number of stakeholders involved, the number of units participating and in terms of the objectives to be met. "The exercise is a build-up towards the major Theatre level exercise TROPEX [Theatre-level Readiness Operational Exercise] which the Indian Navy conducts every two years. SEA VIGIL and TROPEX together will cover the entire spectrum of maritime security challenges, including the transition from peace to conflict," the release said.Assets of the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Customs and other maritime agencies will participate in SEA VIGIL. "It provides opportunity, at the apex level, to assess our preparedness in the domain of maritime security and coastal defence. Exercise `SEA VIGIL 21` will provide a realistic assessment of our strengths and weaknesses and thus will help in further strengthening maritime and national security," the release further said. The inaugural edition of this exercise was conducted in January 2019.

Indian Navy to kick-start second edition of coastal defence exercise 'Sea Vigil' on Tuesday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Monday that the central government will bear the expenses of vaccinating nearly three crore healthcare and frontline workers in the first round and suggested that public representatives, a reference to politicians, should not be part of this initial exercise.

Interacting with chief ministers, PM Modi underscored the enormity of what he described as the world's biggest vaccination exercise, which begins from January 16, saying over 30 crore citizens will get the jabs in the next few months in India against only 2.5 crore people who have received them in over 50 countries in around a month so far.

The two already approved made-in-India COVID-19 vaccines are more cost-effective than any other in the world and have been developed as per the country's needs, he said in his remarks in the meeting called to discuss the COVID-19 situation and the vaccination rollout.

Besides the two vaccines -- Covishield developed by Oxford and British-Swedish company AstraZeneca and manufactured by Serum Institute of India, and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin, four others are being developed, PM Modi said, asserting that India's fight against the pandemic will enter a decisive stage with the vaccination roll-out.

More vaccines may be available when the exercise moves into the second round, he added.

The Prime Minister also sought to dispel concerns expressed by some opposition leaders and experts over the approval given to Covaxin without the availability of efficacy data, asserting that scientists have taken all precautions to provide citizens with effective vaccines.

The Prime Minister said he has been maintaining from the beginning that the scientific community will have the final word on the issue.

India's drug regulator has given approval to Covishield and Covaxin for the emergency use authorisation. It is a matter of pride that both the vaccines are ''made in India'', he said, adding that it can be imagined how much hardship India would have faced if it had to depend on foreign vaccines.

Noting that the first round of vaccination is meant for healthcare and frontline workers, he said, "This is my personal suggestion and no one should take it otherwise. We public representatives are not part of it."

In some countries, including the US and Israel, leading public figures have taken the jabs while top functionaries in a few others have chosen to follow the standard protocol and wait for their turn.

Talking about the COVID-19 situation in India, PM Modi said the country is in a much better place than many others in terms of the pandemic's spread, and added that this is a matter of happiness but should not induce carelessness.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Monday that the central government will bear the expenses of vaccinating nearly three crore healthcare and frontline workers in the first round and suggested that public representatives, a reference to politicians, should not be part of this initial exercise.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Monday that the central government will bear the expenses of vaccinating nearly three crore healthcare and frontline workers in the first round and suggested that public representatives, a reference to politicians, should not be part of this initial exercise. Interacting with chief ministers, PM Modi underscored the enormity of what he described as the world's biggest vaccination exercise, which begins from January 16, saying over 30 crore citizens will get the jabs in the next few months in India against only 2.5 crore people who have received them in over 50 countries in around a month so far. The two already approved made-in-India COVID-19 vaccines are more cost-effective than any other in the world and have been developed as per the country's needs, he said in his remarks in the meeting called to discuss the COVID-19 situation and the vaccination rollout. Besides the two vaccines -- Covishield developed by Oxford and British-Swedish company AstraZeneca and manufactured by Serum Institute of India, and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin, four others are being developed, PM Modi said, asserting that India's fight against the pandemic will enter a decisive stage with the vaccination roll-out. More vaccines may be available when the exercise moves into the second round, he added. The Prime Minister also sought to dispel concerns expressed by some opposition leaders and experts over the approval given to Covaxin without the availability of efficacy data, asserting that scientists have taken all precautions to provide citizens with effective vaccines. The Prime Minister said he has been maintaining from the beginning that the scientific community will have the final word on the issue. India's drug regulator has given approval to Covishield and Covaxin for the emergency use authorisation. It is a matter of pride that both the vaccines are ''made in India'', he said, adding that it can be imagined how much hardship India would have faced if it had to depend on foreign vaccines. Noting that the first round of vaccination is meant for healthcare and frontline workers, he said, "This is my personal suggestion and no one should take it otherwise. We public representatives are not part of it." In some countries, including the US and Israel, leading public figures have taken the jabs while top functionaries in a few others have chosen to follow the standard protocol and wait for their turn. Talking about the COVID-19 situation in India, PM Modi said the country is in a much better place than many others in terms of the pandemic's spread, and added that this is a matter of happiness but should not induce carelessness.

Centre to bear vaccination cost of 3 crore health, frontline workers: PM Modi

This is with reference to an article that was carried on Wionews.com. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
On January 9, 2021, we carried a news report, ‘Ex-Pakistani diplomat admits 300 terrorists died in Balakot airstrike’ provided by News Agency ANI, which said that a former Pakistani diplomat Zafar Hilaly admitted on a news television show that 300 terrorists had died in the Balakot airstrike on February 26, 2019.&nbsp;

The aforementioned claim is false and was based on a spliced video clip of Hilaly speaking to Pakistani channel Hum News in December, last year.

News agency ANI had done the article, titled 'Former Pak diplomat admits 300 casualties in Balakot airstrike by India'.&nbsp;

The report is not true.

Wionews.com has deleted the said article and has instituted stringent protocols to ensure such errors are not repeated.

This is with reference to an article that was carried on Wionews.com. On January 9, 2021, we carried a news report, ‘Ex-Pakistani diplomat admits 300 terrorists died in Balakot airstrike’ provided by News Agency ANI, which said that a former Pakistani diplomat Zafar Hilaly admitted on a news television show that 300 terrorists had died in the Balakot airstrike on February 26, 2019.

This is with reference to an article that was carried on Wionews.com. On January 9, 2021, we carried a news report, ‘Ex-Pakistani diplomat admits 300 terrorists died in Balakot airstrike’ provided by News Agency ANI, which said that a former Pakistani diplomat Zafar Hilaly admitted on a news television show that 300 terrorists had died in the Balakot airstrike on February 26, 2019. The aforementioned claim is false and was based on a spliced video clip of Hilaly speaking to Pakistani channel Hum News in December, last year. News agency ANI had done the article, titled 'Former Pak diplomat admits 300 casualties in Balakot airstrike by India'. The report is not true. Wionews.com has deleted the said article and has instituted stringent protocols to ensure such errors are not repeated.

Corrigendum on story about a statement of Pakistani diplomat Zafar Hilaly

As India is setting up to launch one of the biggest vaccination drives of the world from January 16, it has been revealed that the vaccine will be available&nbsp;for&nbsp;₹200 a vial in India.

It has also been reported that the Centre has sent a&nbsp;&nbsp;purchase order with the Serum Institute of India (SII)&nbsp;on Monday, January 11, as reported by Reuters citing CNBC-TV 18 sources.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/myanmar-orders-30-million-coronavirus-vaccines-from-india-355773" hreflang="en">Myanmar orders 30 million coronavirus vaccines from India</a>

The news has come days after the Prime Minister's Office announced the vaccination drive will begin in India from January 16. "On 16th January, India takes a landmark step forward in fighting COVID-19. Starting that day, India’s nation-wide vaccination drive begins. Priority will be given to our brave doctors, healthcare workers, frontline workers including Safai Karamcharis," Prime Minister Narendra Modi had tweeted.

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Speaking at the interaction with CMs on vaccination rollout. <a href="https://t.co/gbWZ4LsQGB">https://t.co/gbWZ4LsQGB</a>
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As the news of the purchase order broke out, Modi held a virtual meeting with the Chief Ministers of the states of India to discuss the readiness for the upcoming&nbsp;on vaccination rollout.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-records-16311-new-coronavirus-cases-161-deaths-in-last-24-hours-355958" hreflang="en">India records 16,311 new coronavirus cases, 161 deaths in last 24 hours</a>

Till now, 89 hospitals in the national capital New Delhi have been chosen for vaccination drive's first phase. Of these 89, 40 are government-run and 49 are private.&nbsp;

The Centre has decided&nbsp;around 5,000 vaccination sites across India.&nbsp;"As per the instruction of the Central government, the Delhi government has prepared these 89 sites which are different hospitals of Delhi,"&nbsp;Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain told a press conference.

"At every centre, there will be 8-9 people who will handle the drive. With this preparation, the Delhi government will start the first phase of vaccination from January 16."

As India is setting up to launch one of the biggest vaccination drives of the world from January 16, it has been revealed that the vaccine will be available for ₹200 a vial in India.

As India is setting up to launch one of the biggest vaccination drives of the world from January 16, it has been revealed that the vaccine will be available for ₹200 a vial in India. It has also been reported that the Centre has sent a purchase order with the Serum Institute of India (SII) on Monday, January 11, as reported by Reuters citing CNBC-TV 18 sources. Also read| Myanmar orders 30 million coronavirus vaccines from India The news has come days after the Prime Minister's Office announced the vaccination drive will begin in India from January 16. "On 16th January, India takes a landmark step forward in fighting COVID-19. Starting that day, India’s nation-wide vaccination drive begins. Priority will be given to our brave doctors, healthcare workers, frontline workers including Safai Karamcharis," Prime Minister Narendra Modi had tweeted. Speaking at the interaction with CMs on vaccination rollout. https://t.co/gbWZ4LsQGB — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 11, 2021 × As the news of the purchase order broke out, Modi held a virtual meeting with the Chief Ministers of the states of India to discuss the readiness for the upcoming on vaccination rollout. Also read| India records 16,311 new coronavirus cases, 161 deaths in last 24 hours Till now, 89 hospitals in the national capital New Delhi have been chosen for vaccination drive's first phase. Of these 89, 40 are government-run and 49 are private. The Centre has decided around 5,000 vaccination sites across India. "As per the instruction of the Central government, the Delhi government has prepared these 89 sites which are different hospitals of Delhi," Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain told a press conference. "At every centre, there will be 8-9 people who will handle the drive. With this preparation, the Delhi government will start the first phase of vaccination from January 16."

Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to cost ₹200 a vial in India; purchase order placed with SII: Reports

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday interacted with chief ministers of all states via video conferencing for reviewing the plan for nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive.

'India set to begin world's biggest vaccination drive', says PM Modi while interacting with CM's

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that Indian coronavirus vaccines are the most cost effective in the world. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/oxford-astrazeneca-vaccine-to-cost-rs200-a-vial-in-india-purchase-order-placed-with-sii-reports-356029">Also read | Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to cost ₹200 a vial in India; purchase order placed with SII: Reports</a> 
 
Interacting with Chief Ministers of several states ahead of the massive COVID-19 vaccination drive, he said that "our vaccines are more affordable than any other vaccine on the globe. If India needed vaccine from other countries, it would've been a big challenge." 
 
Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/myanmar-orders-30-million-coronavirus-vaccines-from-india-355773" hreflang="en">Myanmar orders 30 million coronavirus vaccines from India</a>

"India's vaccination experience will help during COVID vaccination programme," he added.

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Speaking at the interaction with CMs on vaccination rollout. <a href="https://t.co/gbWZ4LsQGB">https://t.co/gbWZ4LsQGB</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1348591718388568066?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Around three crore healthcare workers and frontline workers will be vaccinated in the first phase of vaccination. In the second phase, those above 50 years and those under 50 years with co-morbid conditions will be vaccinated, confirmed PM Modi.

The government is planning to vaccinate over 30 crore people in the next few months.

PM Modi then announced, "If you look at the number of health and frontline workers across all states, it stands at around three crore. It has been decided that state governments will not have to bear the expenses of vaccination of these 3 crore people in the first phase. Govt of India will bear these expenses."

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that Indian coronavirus vaccines are the most cost effective in the world. Also read | Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to cost ₹200 a vial in India; purchase order placed with SII: Reports Interacting with Chief Ministers of several states ahead of the massive COVID-19 vaccination drive, he said that "our vaccines are more affordable than any other vaccine on the globe.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that Indian coronavirus vaccines are the most cost effective in the world. Also read | Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to cost ₹200 a vial in India; purchase order placed with SII: Reports Interacting with Chief Ministers of several states ahead of the massive COVID-19 vaccination drive, he said that "our vaccines are more affordable than any other vaccine on the globe. If India needed vaccine from other countries, it would've been a big challenge." Also read| Myanmar orders 30 million coronavirus vaccines from India "India's vaccination experience will help during COVID vaccination programme," he added. Speaking at the interaction with CMs on vaccination rollout. https://t.co/gbWZ4LsQGB — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 11, 2021 × Around three crore healthcare workers and frontline workers will be vaccinated in the first phase of vaccination. In the second phase, those above 50 years and those under 50 years with co-morbid conditions will be vaccinated, confirmed PM Modi. The government is planning to vaccinate over 30 crore people in the next few months. PM Modi then announced, "If you look at the number of health and frontline workers across all states, it stands at around three crore. It has been decided that state governments will not have to bear the expenses of vaccination of these 3 crore people in the first phase. Govt of India will bear these expenses." (With inputs from agencies)

Indian vaccines more affordable than any other on the globe: PM Modi

The Supreme Court on Monday slammed the Central government for its handling of the farmers' protest against the recently-approved farm, saying it is "extremely disappointed" and an expert committee will be constituted to resolve the deadlock.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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The top court also considered staying the implementation of the three laws and refused to give the government extra time for finding a solution.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/im-a-farmers-son-know-more-about-agriculture-than-rahul-gandhi-rajnath-singh-353287">I’m a farmer’s son, know more about agriculture than Rahul Gandhi: Rajnath Singh</a>

"We have given you long rope, Mr Attorney General, please don't lecture us on patience," a bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.&nbsp;

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that the bench has made "harsh" observations on the government's handling of the crisis to which the top court replied, "that was the most the innocuous factual thing for us to say".&nbsp;

The SC said that it was "extremely disappointed" with the negotiation process and told the Centre that state government are "rebelling" against the laws.&nbsp;

"We don't want to make any stray observations on your negotiations but we are extremely disappointed with the process," the top court said.&nbsp;

The SC also asked the parties to suggest names of former chief justices that can head the panel

The Supreme Court on Monday slammed the Central government for its handling of the farmers' protest against the recently-approved farm, saying it is "extremely disappointed" and an expert committee will be constituted to resolve the deadlock.

The Supreme Court on Monday slammed the Central government for its handling of the farmers' protest against the recently-approved farm, saying it is "extremely disappointed" and an expert committee will be constituted to resolve the deadlock. Watch | The top court also considered staying the implementation of the three laws and refused to give the government extra time for finding a solution. Also read | I’m a farmer’s son, know more about agriculture than Rahul Gandhi: Rajnath Singh "We have given you long rope, Mr Attorney General, please don't lecture us on patience," a bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that the bench has made "harsh" observations on the government's handling of the crisis to which the top court replied, "that was the most the innocuous factual thing for us to say". The SC said that it was "extremely disappointed" with the negotiation process and told the Centre that state government are "rebelling" against the laws. "We don't want to make any stray observations on your negotiations but we are extremely disappointed with the process," the top court said. The SC also asked the parties to suggest names of former chief justices that can head the panel

'Extremely disappointed': SC pulls up Centre for handling farmers' protest

Air India's longest direct flight from San Francisco to Bengaluru with an all-woman cockpit crew successfully landed in the southern city on Monday.

The national carrier had said on Saturday that this flight would be the longest commercial flight in the world to be operated by any Indian airline and the total flight time on this route would be of more than 17 hours depending on the wind speed on that day.

The direct distance between the two cities at opposite ends of the world is 13,993 km with a time zone change of around 13.5 hours.

"In a moment to cherish and celebrate, women professionals of Indian civil aviation create history," Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Puri said on Twitter.

"Heartiest Congratulations to Capt Zoya Aggarwal, Capt Papagari Thanmai, Capt Akansha Sonaware &amp; Capt Shivani for flying over North Pole to land in Bengaluru from San Francisco,"&nbsp;he stated.

Flight AI176 departed from San Francisco in the USA at around 8.30 pm (local time) on Saturday and landed at the Kempegowda International Airport at around 3.45 am (local time) on Monday.

The flight was operated with a Boeing 777-200LR aircraft with a seating capacity of 238 seats, including eight First Class, 35 Business Class,195 Economy class configuration besides four cockpit and 12 cabin crew.&nbsp;

Air India's longest direct flight from San Francisco to Bengaluru with an all-woman cockpit crew successfully landed in the southern city on Monday. The national carrier had said on Saturday that this flight would be the longest commercial flight in the world to be operated by any Indian airline and the total flight time on this route would be of more than 17 hours depending on the wind speed on that day.

Air India's longest direct flight from San Francisco to Bengaluru with an all-woman cockpit crew successfully landed in the southern city on Monday. The national carrier had said on Saturday that this flight would be the longest commercial flight in the world to be operated by any Indian airline and the total flight time on this route would be of more than 17 hours depending on the wind speed on that day. The direct distance between the two cities at opposite ends of the world is 13,993 km with a time zone change of around 13.5 hours. "In a moment to cherish and celebrate, women professionals of Indian civil aviation create history," Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Puri said on Twitter. "Heartiest Congratulations to Capt Zoya Aggarwal, Capt Papagari Thanmai, Capt Akansha Sonaware & Capt Shivani for flying over North Pole to land in Bengaluru from San Francisco," he stated. Flight AI176 departed from San Francisco in the USA at around 8.30 pm (local time) on Saturday and landed at the Kempegowda International Airport at around 3.45 am (local time) on Monday. The flight was operated with a Boeing 777-200LR aircraft with a seating capacity of 238 seats, including eight First Class, 35 Business Class,195 Economy class configuration besides four cockpit and 12 cabin crew.

Air India flight with all-woman cockpit crew successfully lands at Bengaluru airport

India on Monday handed over the Chinese soldier who was apprehended by Indian forces along the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-detains-chinese-soldier-found-on-indian-side-of-lac-355630">Line of Actual Control</a>(LAC).

Watch:

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The PLA soldier was handed to Chinese authorities at Chushul. The Chinese soldier was detained on Friday morning.

"The PLA soldier is being dealt with as per laid down procedures, and circumstances under which he had crossed the LAC are being investigated," the Indian Army had said in a statement.

The PLA's daily had said that soldier went missing in "the darkness and complicated terrain".

"India should strictly abide by the relevant agreements between the two countries, and promptly transfer the missing person to China, to help with cooling and de-escalating the China-Indian border situation," the PLA daily said.

It is the second time India has detained a Chinese solider, in October last year Indian forces had detained a Chinese soldier.

Indian and Chinese troops have at loggerheads ever since they clashed in Galwan Valley in June-15-16 last year although the Chinese army had suffered casualties as well but the country's foreign ministry has refused to divulge the casualty figure.

Although several rounds of talks have been conducted by Indian and Chinese commanders but there are a large number of troops from both sides deployed along the LAC.

India's foreign ministry said on Friday that both countries had agreed to conduct another round of talks between its Army commanders.

"In the meantime, both sides have maintained communication at the ground level to avoid any misunderstandings and misjudgements," the MEA said.

India on Monday handed over the Chinese soldier who was apprehended by Indian forces along the Line of Actual Control(LAC). Watch: The PLA soldier was handed to Chinese authorities at Chushul.

India on Monday handed over the Chinese soldier who was apprehended by Indian forces along the Line of Actual Control(LAC). Watch: The PLA soldier was handed to Chinese authorities at Chushul. The Chinese soldier was detained on Friday morning. "The PLA soldier is being dealt with as per laid down procedures, and circumstances under which he had crossed the LAC are being investigated," the Indian Army had said in a statement. The PLA's daily had said that soldier went missing in "the darkness and complicated terrain". "India should strictly abide by the relevant agreements between the two countries, and promptly transfer the missing person to China, to help with cooling and de-escalating the China-Indian border situation," the PLA daily said. It is the second time India has detained a Chinese solider, in October last year Indian forces had detained a Chinese soldier. Indian and Chinese troops have at loggerheads ever since they clashed in Galwan Valley in June-15-16 last year although the Chinese army had suffered casualties as well but the country's foreign ministry has refused to divulge the casualty figure. Although several rounds of talks have been conducted by Indian and Chinese commanders but there are a large number of troops from both sides deployed along the LAC. India's foreign ministry said on Friday that both countries had agreed to conduct another round of talks between its Army commanders. "In the meantime, both sides have maintained communication at the ground level to avoid any misunderstandings and misjudgements," the MEA said.

India-China standoff: India releases Chinese soldier apprehended along LAC

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar will be addressing the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday. He will be addressing a meet on “Threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts: International cooperation in combating terrorism 20 years after the adoption of resolution 1373”.

It will see all UNSC members speaking on 20 years of adoption of resolution 1373, which was adopted on 28th September 2001 in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in New York. It calls on UN member states to implement measures to prevent and counter-terror at home and around the world. The meet will happen via video conference and will start at around 7 pm IST or 8.30 am New York time (EST).

Tunisian foreign minister will chair the meet given that the country is the chair of the top body for the current month. Other key speakers will be Under-Secretary-General of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism Vladimir Voronkov, Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate, Michèle Coninsx. A presidential statement is under negotiation and is an anticipated outcome.

The development comes at a time even as India is all set to chair the Taliban sanctions committee and the counter-terrorism committee for the year 2022. The Taliban sanctions committee which is also a committee dealing with terror and counter-terror committee, the spotlight is expected to increase on Islamabad's lacklustre record on acting on cross-border terror.

India took over its two-year term at the UNSC as a "non-permanent"&nbsp;member from January 1. Last week India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla addressed a meet at the body highlighting New Delhi's commitment to the African continent.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar will be addressing the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday. He will be addressing a meet on “Threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts: International cooperation in combating terrorism 20 years after the adoption of resolution 1373”.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar will be addressing the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday. He will be addressing a meet on “Threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts: International cooperation in combating terrorism 20 years after the adoption of resolution 1373”. It will see all UNSC members speaking on 20 years of adoption of resolution 1373, which was adopted on 28th September 2001 in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in New York. It calls on UN member states to implement measures to prevent and counter-terror at home and around the world. The meet will happen via video conference and will start at around 7 pm IST or 8.30 am New York time (EST). Tunisian foreign minister will chair the meet given that the country is the chair of the top body for the current month. Other key speakers will be Under-Secretary-General of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism Vladimir Voronkov, Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate, Michèle Coninsx. A presidential statement is under negotiation and is an anticipated outcome. The development comes at a time even as India is all set to chair the Taliban sanctions committee and the counter-terrorism committee for the year 2022. The Taliban sanctions committee which is also a committee dealing with terror and counter-terror committee, the spotlight is expected to increase on Islamabad's lacklustre record on acting on cross-border terror. India took over its two-year term at the UNSC as a "non-permanent" member from January 1. Last week India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla addressed a meet at the body highlighting New Delhi's commitment to the African continent.

EAM Jaishankar to address UNSC on Tuesday

India on Monday recorded 16,311 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/18645-fresh-cases-push-indias-covid-19-tally-to-10450284-355722">coronavirus</a> cases and 161 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the health ministry.

Watch:

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The total number of cases in the country has now reached 1,04,66,595 with the death toll reaching 1,51,160. The number of active cases due to the virus has now touched 2,22,526.

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) informed that the total number of samples tested till January 10 was 18,17,55,831 including 6,59,209 samples tested on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Puducherry reported 22 new<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-begin-coronavirus-vaccination-drive-from-january-16-pm-modi-355608"> coronavirus</a> cases taking the total number of cases to 38,478 in the state. The number of fatalities due to the virus in Puducherry has climbed to 638.

In Odisha, 244 new coronavirus cases were recorded with the number of active cases in the state climbing to 2,118.

In Telangana, 224 new coronavirus cases were detected in the last 24 hours along with one death. The total number of cases in the state has gone up to 2,90,008 with the death toll going up to 1,566.

Amid the rising number of cases, Dr Gauri Agarwal, founder-director, Genestrings Genetic Laboratory said: Four out of 186 passengers tested positive for coronavirus on an Air India flight that arrived from the UK today morning at Delhi airport."

India on Monday recorded 16,311 new coronavirus cases and 161 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the health ministry. Watch: The total number of cases in the country has now reached 1,04,66,595 with the death toll reaching 1,51,160.

India on Monday recorded 16,311 new coronavirus cases and 161 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the health ministry. Watch: The total number of cases in the country has now reached 1,04,66,595 with the death toll reaching 1,51,160. The number of active cases due to the virus has now touched 2,22,526. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) informed that the total number of samples tested till January 10 was 18,17,55,831 including 6,59,209 samples tested on Sunday. Meanwhile, Puducherry reported 22 new coronavirus cases taking the total number of cases to 38,478 in the state. The number of fatalities due to the virus in Puducherry has climbed to 638. In Odisha, 244 new coronavirus cases were recorded with the number of active cases in the state climbing to 2,118. In Telangana, 224 new coronavirus cases were detected in the last 24 hours along with one death. The total number of cases in the state has gone up to 2,90,008 with the death toll going up to 1,566. Amid the rising number of cases, Dr Gauri Agarwal, founder-director, Genestrings Genetic Laboratory said: Four out of 186 passengers tested positive for coronavirus on an Air India flight that arrived from the UK today morning at Delhi airport."

India records 16,311 new coronavirus cases, 161 deaths in last 24 hours

Indian-American Vijaya Gadde, 45, who takes care of Twitter's legal affairs has been instrumental in permanently suspending President Donald <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/arnold-schwarzenegger-blasts-trump-compares-us-capitol-violence-to-rise-of-nazi-germany-355912">Trump's</a> Twitter account.

Watch:

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Twitter had earlier suspended Trump's account but later moved to block the US president's account amid riots in US Capitol which the company believed encouraged rioters.

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The account of <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> has been permanently suspended from Twitter due to the risk of further violence. We've also published our policy enforcement analysis - you can read more about our decision here: <a href="https://t.co/fhjXkxdEcw">https://t.co/fhjXkxdEcw</a>
— Vijaya Gadde (@vijaya) <a href="https://twitter.com/vijaya/status/1347686841881821184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"The account of @realDonaldTrump has been permanently suspended from Twitter due to the risk of further violence," Gadde had tweeted on Friday.

President Trump's Twitter account was "permanently suspended due to the risk of further incitement of violence," the company said.

Gadde who was born in India grew up in Texas graduated from Cornell University and New York University Law School and had joined Twitter in 2011.

The Indian-American actively oversaw the US elections declaring that of the "300,000 flagged tweets, 456 were covered over by a warning message and had engagement features limited -- users could not like, retweet or reply to the posts."

"During the election period, Twitter posted messages on American users' pages which were seen 389 million times that "reminded people that election results were likely to be delayed, and that voting by mail is safe and legitimate," she said.

Vijaya Gadde had accompanied Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey when had met US President Donald Trump last year and had accompanied Dorsey when he met India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi three years ago.

Twitter said Trump's tweets were assessed under "glorification of violence"&nbsp;policy and that it determined that they were "highly likely to encourage and inspire people to replicate the criminal acts that took place at the US&nbsp;Capitol on January 6, 2021."

"President’s statements can be mobilized by different audiences, including to incite violence, as well as in the context of the pattern of behaviour from this account in recent weeks," it added.

Indian-American Vijaya Gadde, 45, who takes care of Twitter's legal affairs has been instrumental in permanently suspending President Donald Trump's Twitter account.

Indian-American Vijaya Gadde, 45, who takes care of Twitter's legal affairs has been instrumental in permanently suspending President Donald Trump's Twitter account. Watch: Twitter had earlier suspended Trump's account but later moved to block the US president's account amid riots in US Capitol which the company believed encouraged rioters. The account of @realDonaldTrump has been permanently suspended from Twitter due to the risk of further violence. We've also published our policy enforcement analysis - you can read more about our decision here: https://t.co/fhjXkxdEcw — Vijaya Gadde (@vijaya) January 8, 2021 × "The account of @realDonaldTrump has been permanently suspended from Twitter due to the risk of further violence," Gadde had tweeted on Friday. President Trump's Twitter account was "permanently suspended due to the risk of further incitement of violence," the company said. Gadde who was born in India grew up in Texas graduated from Cornell University and New York University Law School and had joined Twitter in 2011. The Indian-American actively oversaw the US elections declaring that of the "300,000 flagged tweets, 456 were covered over by a warning message and had engagement features limited -- users could not like, retweet or reply to the posts." "During the election period, Twitter posted messages on American users' pages which were seen 389 million times that "reminded people that election results were likely to be delayed, and that voting by mail is safe and legitimate," she said. Vijaya Gadde had accompanied Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey when had met US President Donald Trump last year and had accompanied Dorsey when he met India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi three years ago. Twitter said Trump's tweets were assessed under "glorification of violence" policy and that it determined that they were "highly likely to encourage and inspire people to replicate the criminal acts that took place at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021." "President’s statements can be mobilized by different audiences, including to incite violence, as well as in the context of the pattern of behaviour from this account in recent weeks," it added.

Meet Indian-American Vijaya Gadde who moved to ban Trump's Twitter account

Three men in the state of Uttar Pradesh have been arrested after they were filmed beating an endangered river dolphin to death.

The video has since gone viral.

The December 31 attack involved at least seven&nbsp;young men violently hitting a Gangetic dolphin with wooden rods and an axe until it bled. They then suffocated the animal beneath the water of the Sharda canal. The dolphin carcass had injury marks.

The video shows one of the men as saying: "You are attacking it for no reason."

Another person then adds: "Hit it now, hit it now."

The dolphin was later found dead by a local official from the forest department.

But after footage of the attack went viral, three men were identified and arrested.

The Gangetic dolphin is an endangered and protected species and the national aquatic animal of India. There are thought to be fewer than 5,000 Gangetic dolphins left.

It is usually found in India’s Ganges river and Pakistan’s Indus river, and can be recognised by its long snout nose

Police have identified one of the arrested youth as Anuj. The other two share the same name, Rahul.

The rare freshwater dolphin is essentially blind, and is known locally as "susu," a reference to the noise it makes when it breathes, according to the WWF. Female Ganges river dolphins give birth once every two to three years to only one calf.

Three men in the state of Uttar Pradesh have been arrested after they were filmed beating an endangered river dolphin to death. The video has since gone viral. The December 31 attack involved at least seven young men violently hitting a Gangetic dolphin with wooden rods and an axe until it bled.

Three men in the state of Uttar Pradesh have been arrested after they were filmed beating an endangered river dolphin to death. The video has since gone viral. The December 31 attack involved at least seven young men violently hitting a Gangetic dolphin with wooden rods and an axe until it bled. They then suffocated the animal beneath the water of the Sharda canal. The dolphin carcass had injury marks. The video shows one of the men as saying: "You are attacking it for no reason." Another person then adds: "Hit it now, hit it now." The dolphin was later found dead by a local official from the forest department. But after footage of the attack went viral, three men were identified and arrested. The Gangetic dolphin is an endangered and protected species and the national aquatic animal of India. There are thought to be fewer than 5,000 Gangetic dolphins left. It is usually found in India’s Ganges river and Pakistan’s Indus river, and can be recognised by its long snout nose Police have identified one of the arrested youth as Anuj. The other two share the same name, Rahul. The rare freshwater dolphin is essentially blind, and is known locally as "susu," a reference to the noise it makes when it breathes, according to the WWF. Female Ganges river dolphins give birth once every two to three years to only one calf.

Men beat dolphin to death in Uttar Pradesh, three arrested

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