On Thursday, India achieved the milestone of administering one billion Covid vaccines to eligible population. As the world leaders came ahead to congratulate India, the country is already making its way to the next goal.<o:p></o:p>

As per the medical experts of the country, India will be able to achieve the target of administering another billion of vaccines in the next three to four months.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vocal-for-local-pm-modi-urges-people-to-buy-made-in-india-products-on-diwali-422855">‘Vocal for local’: PM Modi urges people to buy ‘Made in India’ products on Diwali</a></o:p>

In an exclusive interview to a media house, NDTV, Dr NK Arora, the chief of Expert Group on Vaccine Administration, said that the government and health experts are aiming to vaccinate almost all of the eligible population by the end of this year. <o:p></o:p>

"How do I reach 100% of the population by the end of the year? At least one dose we should be able to give most of the adults by the end of the year and within the next 4-6 weeks second doses will also be given," he said.<o:p></o:p>

The expert also added that while it took India over nine months to reach this target of administering one billion vaccine, the next billion can be achieved within the next three to four months. He explained that the reason behind this delay of India achieving the target was due to a delay in supply.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-administers-1-billion-doses-of-wuhan-virus-vaccines-422782">WATCH |</a></o:p>

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"We finished 50 crores on 7th August. In October, we had expected 100 crores because that was the supply side, we knew about it. Then in the coming three months, we have the arrangement for about 80-90 crore doses. In fact, by January we will have nearly 100 crore doses. We should be able to do it (another 100 crore) within the next three to four months," he said.<o:p></o:p>

Till now, at least 31 per cent of the eligible population has been fully vaccinated and 75 per cent of the eligible population has received the first dose of approved Covid vaccines.<o:p></o:p>

Arora has claimed that as per the current progress, India will be able to vaccinate 100 per cent of the population with at least the first dose. We are left with 20% which is about 18-20 crore people who will have to be given an additional one dose. We think by the end of this year everybody will get at least one dose and there will be few who will be left for the second dose," he explained.<o:p></o:p>

On Thursday, India achieved the milestone of administering one billion Covid vaccines to eligible population. As the world leaders came ahead to congratulate India, the country is already making its way to the next goal.

On Thursday, India achieved the milestone of administering one billion Covid vaccines to eligible population. As the world leaders came ahead to congratulate India, the country is already making its way to the next goal. As per the medical experts of the country, India will be able to achieve the target of administering another billion of vaccines in the next three to four months. Also read | ‘Vocal for local’: PM Modi urges people to buy ‘Made in India’ products on Diwali In an exclusive interview to a media house, NDTV, Dr NK Arora, the chief of Expert Group on Vaccine Administration, said that the government and health experts are aiming to vaccinate almost all of the eligible population by the end of this year. "How do I reach 100% of the population by the end of the year? At least one dose we should be able to give most of the adults by the end of the year and within the next 4-6 weeks second doses will also be given," he said. The expert also added that while it took India over nine months to reach this target of administering one billion vaccine, the next billion can be achieved within the next three to four months. He explained that the reason behind this delay of India achieving the target was due to a delay in supply. WATCH | "We finished 50 crores on 7th August. In October, we had expected 100 crores because that was the supply side, we knew about it. Then in the coming three months, we have the arrangement for about 80-90 crore doses. In fact, by January we will have nearly 100 crore doses. We should be able to do it (another 100 crore) within the next three to four months," he said. Till now, at least 31 per cent of the eligible population has been fully vaccinated and 75 per cent of the eligible population has received the first dose of approved Covid vaccines. Arora has claimed that as per the current progress, India will be able to vaccinate 100 per cent of the population with at least the first dose. We are left with 20% which is about 18-20 crore people who will have to be given an additional one dose. We think by the end of this year everybody will get at least one dose and there will be few who will be left for the second dose," he explained.

India to administer next billion vaccines in next 3-4 months: Vaccine panel head

India's Covaxin&nbsp;has shown 77.8 per cent efficacy against coronavirus in phase 3 trial data in review by the subject expert committee, news agency ANI quoting sources reported on Tuesday.

According to ANI sources, Covaxin is likely to get clearance from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) today.

Watch:

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The development comes as the health ministry said on Tuesday that the average daily <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/abdala-vaccine-9228-effective-against-covid-19-says-cuba-393134">vaccination</a> was 34,62,841 in the country, therefore 88 lakh vaccines and capacity is possible.

India on Monday administered 88.09 lakh <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-82-million-vaccine-doses-administered-across-india-health-ministry-393026">vaccine</a> jabs in a single day reaching a historic milestone with Madhya Pradesh inoculating the highest number of doses numbering over 17 lakh followed by Karnataka with 11 lakh doses, Uttar Pradesh with 7 lakh jabs and Bihar with 5.75 lakh doses

The health ministry informed that Indian vaccines Covishield and Covaxin are effective against the Delta variant.

Niti Aayog's&nbsp;VK Paul informed that more than half of the doses administered over the last few weeks were inoculated in rural areas.

Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan informed that the new Delta Plus variant has been found in 16 of the 22 cases including Ratnagiri and Jalgaon in Maharashtra including Kerala and Madhya Pradesh.

As India continues to battle the virus, the health ministry announced that in 553 districts in the country the coronavirus positivity rate has dipped to less than 5 per cent.

The ministry said that over 2.14 crore coronavirus vaccine doses were still available with the states and Union Territories and over 33,80,590 vaccine doses are in the pipeline.

On Monday, the Indian government had started the "Free Vaccination For All campaign".

According to the revised guidelines, vaccine doses will be provided free of cost by the Centre based on criteria such as state's population, disease burden and vaccination progress. All adults above 18 years will be eligible for the free jabs.

India's Covaxin has shown 77.8 per cent efficacy against coronavirus in phase 3 trial data in review by the subject expert committee, news agency ANI quoting sources reported on Tuesday.

India's Covaxin has shown 77.8 per cent efficacy against coronavirus in phase 3 trial data in review by the subject expert committee, news agency ANI quoting sources reported on Tuesday. According to ANI sources, Covaxin is likely to get clearance from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) today. Watch: The development comes as the health ministry said on Tuesday that the average daily vaccination was 34,62,841 in the country, therefore 88 lakh vaccines and capacity is possible. India on Monday administered 88.09 lakh vaccine jabs in a single day reaching a historic milestone with Madhya Pradesh inoculating the highest number of doses numbering over 17 lakh followed by Karnataka with 11 lakh doses, Uttar Pradesh with 7 lakh jabs and Bihar with 5.75 lakh doses The health ministry informed that Indian vaccines Covishield and Covaxin are effective against the Delta variant. Niti Aayog's VK Paul informed that more than half of the doses administered over the last few weeks were inoculated in rural areas. Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan informed that the new Delta Plus variant has been found in 16 of the 22 cases including Ratnagiri and Jalgaon in Maharashtra including Kerala and Madhya Pradesh. As India continues to battle the virus, the health ministry announced that in 553 districts in the country the coronavirus positivity rate has dipped to less than 5 per cent. The ministry said that over 2.14 crore coronavirus vaccine doses were still available with the states and Union Territories and over 33,80,590 vaccine doses are in the pipeline. On Monday, the Indian government had started the "Free Vaccination For All campaign". According to the revised guidelines, vaccine doses will be provided free of cost by the Centre based on criteria such as state's population, disease burden and vaccination progress. All adults above 18 years will be eligible for the free jabs.

Covaxin has shown 77.8 per cent efficacy against virus: Report

In a bid to vaccinate more people on priority, India’s Prime Minister, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/narendra-modi">Narendra Modi</a>, has launched 'Teeka Utsav' around the country to inoculate the maximum number of people against the deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus.</a>

The mass <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination</a> programme will continue from April 11 to 14 and the PM has urged all Chief Ministers to monitor the situation closely.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-fastest-to-administer-100-million-covid-vaccine-doses-376682" hreflang="en">India fastest to administer 100 million COVID vaccine doses</a>

"From today onwards, all of us are launching the Teeka Utsav across the country. I have four requests from the countrymen in this phase of the fight against Corona," Modi said.

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आज से हम सभी, देशभर में टीका उत्सव की शुरुआत कर रहे हैं। कोरोना के खिलाफ लड़ाई के इस चरण में देशवासियों से मेरे चार आग्रह हैं… <a href="https://t.co/8zXZ0bqYgl">https://t.co/8zXZ0bqYgl</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1381095427034861570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"I urge countrymen to abide by 4 things – assist those who need help getting inoculated, help people in COVID treatment, wear masks &amp; motivate others &amp; if someone tests positive, create micro-containment zone in the area," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-infections-hit-another-record-weekend-lockdown-in-maharashtra-376594" hreflang="en">India's Covid infections hit another record, weekend lockdown in Maharashtra&nbsp;</a>

This has come a day after India became the fastest country to administer 100 million coronavirus vaccine doses in just 85 days, leaving behind countries such as the US and China that took 89 and 102 days respectively.

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— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1381104813740490759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Frontline workers, citizens aged 60 and above as well as those aged 45 years and above have been given preference in the initial stages of India's coronavirus vaccination drive.

The programme has been launched to control the widespread of coronavirus cases in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-fastest-nation-to-administer-100-vaccine-jabs-376754">Watch |</a>

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On Sunday morning, the Union Health Ministry reported 152,879 new Covid cases, 90,584 discharges, and 839 deaths in the last 24 hours.

This has increased the total Covid toll to 13,358,805, out of which 1,108,087are active cases, death toll to 169,275, while 12,081,443 people have recovered till now.

A total of 101,595,147 people have been vaccinated till now.

In a bid to vaccinate more people on priority, India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has launched 'Teeka Utsav' around the country to inoculate the maximum number of people against the deadly coronavirus.

In a bid to vaccinate more people on priority, India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has launched 'Teeka Utsav' around the country to inoculate the maximum number of people against the deadly coronavirus. The mass vaccination programme will continue from April 11 to 14 and the PM has urged all Chief Ministers to monitor the situation closely. Also read | India fastest to administer 100 million COVID vaccine doses "From today onwards, all of us are launching the Teeka Utsav across the country. I have four requests from the countrymen in this phase of the fight against Corona," Modi said. आज से हम सभी, देशभर में टीका उत्सव की शुरुआत कर रहे हैं। कोरोना के खिलाफ लड़ाई के इस चरण में देशवासियों से मेरे चार आग्रह हैं… https://t.co/8zXZ0bqYgl — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 11, 2021 × "I urge countrymen to abide by 4 things – assist those who need help getting inoculated, help people in COVID treatment, wear masks & motivate others & if someone tests positive, create micro-containment zone in the area," he added. Also read | India's Covid infections hit another record, weekend lockdown in Maharashtra This has come a day after India became the fastest country to administer 100 million coronavirus vaccine doses in just 85 days, leaving behind countries such as the US and China that took 89 and 102 days respectively. टीका उत्सव पर देशवासियों से आग्रह। pic.twitter.com/GvGV3OCnP7 — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 11, 2021 × Frontline workers, citizens aged 60 and above as well as those aged 45 years and above have been given preference in the initial stages of India's coronavirus vaccination drive. The programme has been launched to control the widespread of coronavirus cases in the country. Watch | On Sunday morning, the Union Health Ministry reported 152,879 new Covid cases, 90,584 discharges, and 839 deaths in the last 24 hours. This has increased the total Covid toll to 13,358,805, out of which 1,108,087are active cases, death toll to 169,275, while 12,081,443 people have recovered till now. A total of 101,595,147 people have been vaccinated till now.

PM Modi launches 'Teeka Utsav' as India records 152,879 new Covid cases

India reported 9,121 new coronavirus cases including 81 fatalities in the last 24 hours as the number of active cases rose to 1,36,872.

Watch:

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The death toll due to the virus in India has been declining in recent weeks. The county had reported 90 deaths on Monday. India's health ministry had said that the number of daily new deaths has been declining since October 1, 2020.

The total death toll due to the virus has risen to 1,55,813 even as&nbsp;vaccinations across the country has reached 87,20,82, according to the health ministry.

According to the health ministry, the first dose of the vaccine has been given to 60,57,162 people while the second dose has been administered&nbsp;to 97,732 beneficiaries.

Maharashtra which has been the worst-hit state in the country due to the virus reported &nbsp;3,365 new coronavirus cases including 23 deaths in the past 24 hours with the total death toll rising to 51,552.

The number of active cases in the state has reached 36,201 with the total number of cases rising to 20,67,643. Tamil Nadu which has also been hit hard with the virus reported 455 new coronavirus cases including 6 deaths with the total death toll rising to 12,425.

In Karnataka, there were 368 new coronavirus cases with two deaths with the total deaths rising to &nbsp;12,267. The total number of cases in the state has risen to 9,45,638.

India reported 9,121 new coronavirus cases including 81 fatalities in the last 24 hours as the number of active cases rose to 1,36,872. Watch: The death toll due to the virus in India has been declining in recent weeks.

India reported 9,121 new coronavirus cases including 81 fatalities in the last 24 hours as the number of active cases rose to 1,36,872. Watch: The death toll due to the virus in India has been declining in recent weeks. The county had reported 90 deaths on Monday. India's health ministry had said that the number of daily new deaths has been declining since October 1, 2020. The total death toll due to the virus has risen to 1,55,813 even as vaccinations across the country has reached 87,20,82, according to the health ministry. According to the health ministry, the first dose of the vaccine has been given to 60,57,162 people while the second dose has been administered to 97,732 beneficiaries. Maharashtra which has been the worst-hit state in the country due to the virus reported 3,365 new coronavirus cases including 23 deaths in the past 24 hours with the total death toll rising to 51,552. The number of active cases in the state has reached 36,201 with the total number of cases rising to 20,67,643. Tamil Nadu which has also been hit hard with the virus reported 455 new coronavirus cases including 6 deaths with the total death toll rising to 12,425. In Karnataka, there were 368 new coronavirus cases with two deaths with the total deaths rising to 12,267. The total number of cases in the state has risen to 9,45,638.

India reports over 9,000 COVID-19 cases, death rate continues to decline

The Active Covid-19 cases in the country are showing a consistent decline as more than 1.06 Cr (1,06,33,025) people have recovered so far, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed.

India continues to follow the trajectory of steady decline in active cases with the country's total active caseload dropping to 1.36 lakh (1,36,872) today.

The present active caseload now consists of just 1.25 per cent of India's total positive cases.

More than 1.06 crore (1,06,33,025) of people have recovered so far. A total of 11,805 patients have recovered and got discharged in the last 24 hours.

India's Recovery Rate of 97.32 per cent is amongst the highest in the world. The difference between the recovered and active cases has further increased to 1,04,96,153 today.

In another positive development, 31 states/Union Territories have reported recovery rate more than the national average. Daman and Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli have a recovery rate of 99.88 per cent.

Seventeen states/Union Territories reported no deaths in the last 24 hours. These are Lakshadweep, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Chandigarh, J&amp;K (UT), Meghalaya, Ladakh (UT), Manipur, Haryana, A&amp;N Islands, Rajasthan, Nagaland, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

Also, six states/union territories have reported no new cases in the last 24 hours. These are Sikkim, Meghalaya, A&amp;N Islands, Nagaland, Tripura, and Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

As of February 16, 2021, till 8 am, the cumulative number of healthcare and frontline workers vaccinated against COVID-19 in the country has surpassed 87 lakhs. The countrywide vaccination drive was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 16, 2021.

A total of 87,20,822 beneficiaries have been vaccinated through 1,84,303 sessions, as per the provisional report till 8 am today. These include 61,07,120 HCWs (1st dose), 1,60,291 healthcare workers (2nd dose) and 24,53,411 frontline workers (1st dose).

Around 81 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours. Five states account for 70.37 per cent of the new deaths.

Maharashtra saw the maximum casualties at 23. Kerala follows with 13 daily deaths and Punjab has reported 10 new deaths. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Active Covid-19 cases in the country are showing a consistent decline as more than 1.06 Cr (1,06,33,025) people have recovered so far, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed.

The Active Covid-19 cases in the country are showing a consistent decline as more than 1.06 Cr (1,06,33,025) people have recovered so far, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed. India continues to follow the trajectory of steady decline in active cases with the country's total active caseload dropping to 1.36 lakh (1,36,872) today. The present active caseload now consists of just 1.25 per cent of India's total positive cases. More than 1.06 crore (1,06,33,025) of people have recovered so far. A total of 11,805 patients have recovered and got discharged in the last 24 hours. India's Recovery Rate of 97.32 per cent is amongst the highest in the world. The difference between the recovered and active cases has further increased to 1,04,96,153 today. In another positive development, 31 states/Union Territories have reported recovery rate more than the national average. Daman and Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli have a recovery rate of 99.88 per cent. Seventeen states/Union Territories reported no deaths in the last 24 hours. These are Lakshadweep, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Chandigarh, J&K (UT), Meghalaya, Ladakh (UT), Manipur, Haryana, A&N Islands, Rajasthan, Nagaland, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Also, six states/union territories have reported no new cases in the last 24 hours. These are Sikkim, Meghalaya, A&N Islands, Nagaland, Tripura, and Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. As of February 16, 2021, till 8 am, the cumulative number of healthcare and frontline workers vaccinated against COVID-19 in the country has surpassed 87 lakhs. The countrywide vaccination drive was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 16, 2021. A total of 87,20,822 beneficiaries have been vaccinated through 1,84,303 sessions, as per the provisional report till 8 am today. These include 61,07,120 HCWs (1st dose), 1,60,291 healthcare workers (2nd dose) and 24,53,411 frontline workers (1st dose). Around 81 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours. Five states account for 70.37 per cent of the new deaths. Maharashtra saw the maximum casualties at 23. Kerala follows with 13 daily deaths and Punjab has reported 10 new deaths. (With inputs from agencies)

India's Covid-19 recoveries hit 1.06 crore, national recovery rate now at 97.32%

Highlighting India's vaccine outreach to a number of countries, India's ambassador to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma has said that New Delhi believes in "vaccine cooperation" and not vaccine competition or nationalism.

Speaking to the Russian media, he said, "we do not believe in vaccine competition we do not believe in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bahrain-becomes-first-country-in-west-asia-to-get-indias-covid-19-vaccine-gift-359867">vaccine</a> nationalism, we believe in vaccine cooperation and friendship and we intend to extend our hand of friendship to support the vaccination program of a number of countries who are in need of this."

He explained, "We will work through the UN, WHO as we move forward and I am sure in the weeks ahead there will cooperation between India and Russia on the global vaccination program."

Russia has its COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V, which will be produced in India. India is known as the pharmacy of the world and supplies 60 per cent of the world's vaccines.

"We wish to reach out to our dear friends and neighbours and we have done so. We have given vaccination doses, supplies have been sent by air" to several neighbouring countries," Varma said, adding "this is just the beginning."

India has so far provided vaccines to over 10 countries, a majority have been gifted and include neighbouring countries like Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Bangladesh, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, Myanmar.

Interestingly, the Indian envoy has been vaccinated using Russia's Sputnik V. Asked about it, he said, "'I'm very happy to tell you that I already received my first dose of the Sputnik V vaccine last week. I feel very well, there are no side effects." 
Many of the Indian diplomats at the embassy have also been vaccinated using the same vaccine.

Highlighting India's vaccine outreach to a number of countries, India's ambassador to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma has said that New Delhi believes in "vaccine cooperation" and not vaccine competition or nationalism.

Highlighting India's vaccine outreach to a number of countries, India's ambassador to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma has said that New Delhi believes in "vaccine cooperation" and not vaccine competition or nationalism. Speaking to the Russian media, he said, "we do not believe in vaccine competition we do not believe in vaccine nationalism, we believe in vaccine cooperation and friendship and we intend to extend our hand of friendship to support the vaccination program of a number of countries who are in need of this." He explained, "We will work through the UN, WHO as we move forward and I am sure in the weeks ahead there will cooperation between India and Russia on the global vaccination program." Russia has its COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V, which will be produced in India. India is known as the pharmacy of the world and supplies 60 per cent of the world's vaccines. "We wish to reach out to our dear friends and neighbours and we have done so. We have given vaccination doses, supplies have been sent by air" to several neighbouring countries," Varma said, adding "this is just the beginning." India has so far provided vaccines to over 10 countries, a majority have been gifted and include neighbouring countries like Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Bangladesh, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, Myanmar. Interestingly, the Indian envoy has been vaccinated using Russia's Sputnik V. Asked about it, he said, "'I'm very happy to tell you that I already received my first dose of the Sputnik V vaccine last week. I feel very well, there are no side effects." Many of the Indian diplomats at the embassy have also been vaccinated using the same vaccine.

We believe in vaccine cooperation, not competition, says Indian envoy to Russia Venkatesh Varma

Bahrain has become the latest country to get India's COVID-19 vaccine gift. India has sent a gift of 1 lakh COVID-19 vaccines to Bahrain. Bahrain is the first country in west Asia to which New Delhi has sent the vaccine gift.

Overall, it is the ninth country to which India has sent the vaccine gift. Vaccines gifts have been sent to Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal., Bangladesh, Myanmar, Seychelles, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka. India has got requests for vaccines from a whole host of countries across the globe, including from half a dozen Arab countries like Egypt, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait.

India and Bahrain ties have drawn closer with high-level engagements. External affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar had visited the country in November last year. During the visit, India's EAM had thanked the leadership of the country for taking "exceptional care" for the Indian community in the country amid the pandemic.

New Delhi had also provided assistance to Bahrain&nbsp;with supplies of medicines, medical equipment, and medical professionals amid the pandemic. Both countries have also operationalized the air bubbles arrangement for travel between the two countries.

Bahrain has become the latest country to get India's COVID-19 vaccine gift. India has sent a gift of 1 lakh COVID-19 vaccines to Bahrain. Bahrain is the first country in west Asia to which New Delhi has sent the vaccine gift.

Bahrain has become the latest country to get India's COVID-19 vaccine gift. India has sent a gift of 1 lakh COVID-19 vaccines to Bahrain. Bahrain is the first country in west Asia to which New Delhi has sent the vaccine gift. Overall, it is the ninth country to which India has sent the vaccine gift. Vaccines gifts have been sent to Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal., Bangladesh, Myanmar, Seychelles, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka. India has got requests for vaccines from a whole host of countries across the globe, including from half a dozen Arab countries like Egypt, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait. India and Bahrain ties have drawn closer with high-level engagements. External affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar had visited the country in November last year. During the visit, India's EAM had thanked the leadership of the country for taking "exceptional care" for the Indian community in the country amid the pandemic. New Delhi had also provided assistance to Bahrain with supplies of medicines, medical equipment, and medical professionals amid the pandemic. Both countries have also operationalized the air bubbles arrangement for travel between the two countries.

Bahrain becomes first country in West Asia to get India's COVID-19 vaccine gift

The Indian government has got requests for India-made vaccines from all across the world with New Delhi partnering with all interested in a "phased manner". The request has come from developed as well as developing countries from all the continents due to India's huge "manufacturing capacity".

India started shipping out vaccines last week and so far, has gifted<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-extends-vaccination-drive-to-foreign-missions-359146"> vaccines</a> to seven&nbsp;countries in the immediate neighbourhood and commercially sent supplies to three&nbsp;countries - Brazil, Morocco and Bangladesh. India has already supplied India has already gifted 44 lakh 50 thousand locally manufactured vaccines, and commercially sent 90 lakh doses of vaccines so far.

From North America, it has got a request from Canada, in the Caribbean (CARICOM Countries), the request has come from the Dominican Republic, in South America, from Brazil. The request has come from the Pacific islands, Europe and several Arab countries -&nbsp;&nbsp;Egypt, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and&nbsp;Kuwait among others.

When it comes to Africa it has got a request from Morocco in the north to South Africa covering a wide expanse of the continent.&nbsp;In the neighbourhood, all the countries barring one and a whole host of countries in Asia--from Mongolia, Cambodia and many central Asian countries have sent the request to New Delhi.&nbsp;

Termed as Delhi's "vaccine diplomacy" is expected to continue for a long period of time and can take months or even years. The number of requests from global capitals is increasing with each passing week, with New Delhi taking the call keeping in view number of facts such a domestic need. India started its countrywide mega vaccination on 16th January and so far, 19.5 lakh healthcare workers have been vaccinated.

Most of the COVID-19 vaccines India is exporting come from Pune based Serum Institute of India (SII) which is the world's largest manufacturers of vaccines.

SII has been given certain territorial rights by Oxford-AstraZeneca to produce the covid vaccine--COVISHIELD for the neighbourhood, Africa and Latin America. The company has an agreement with Gavi--Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization from which many African and other countries are expected to get.

The Indian government has got requests for India-made vaccines from all across the world with New Delhi partnering with all interested in a "phased manner". The request has come from developed as well as developing countries from all the continents due to India's huge "manufacturing capacity".

The Indian government has got requests for India-made vaccines from all across the world with New Delhi partnering with all interested in a "phased manner". The request has come from developed as well as developing countries from all the continents due to India's huge "manufacturing capacity". India started shipping out vaccines last week and so far, has gifted vaccines to seven countries in the immediate neighbourhood and commercially sent supplies to three countries - Brazil, Morocco and Bangladesh. India has already supplied India has already gifted 44 lakh 50 thousand locally manufactured vaccines, and commercially sent 90 lakh doses of vaccines so far. From North America, it has got a request from Canada, in the Caribbean (CARICOM Countries), the request has come from the Dominican Republic, in South America, from Brazil. The request has come from the Pacific islands, Europe and several Arab countries - Egypt, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait among others. When it comes to Africa it has got a request from Morocco in the north to South Africa covering a wide expanse of the continent. In the neighbourhood, all the countries barring one and a whole host of countries in Asia--from Mongolia, Cambodia and many central Asian countries have sent the request to New Delhi. Termed as Delhi's "vaccine diplomacy" is expected to continue for a long period of time and can take months or even years. The number of requests from global capitals is increasing with each passing week, with New Delhi taking the call keeping in view number of facts such a domestic need. India started its countrywide mega vaccination on 16th January and so far, 19.5 lakh healthcare workers have been vaccinated. Most of the COVID-19 vaccines India is exporting come from Pune based Serum Institute of India (SII) which is the world's largest manufacturers of vaccines. SII has been given certain territorial rights by Oxford-AstraZeneca to produce the covid vaccine--COVISHIELD for the neighbourhood, Africa and Latin America. The company has an agreement with Gavi--Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization from which many African and other countries are expected to get.

Vaccine diplomacy: India gets request from all across the world; partnering in phased manner

In her New Year's address to the nation, Myanmar's state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi has announced that her country will get the COVID-19 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-begin-coronavirus-vaccine-roll-out-in-10-days-government-354599">vaccine</a> from India and that a contract has been signed regarding it.&nbsp;

&nbsp;"The purchase contract for buying the first batch of the vaccines from India has already been signed. As soon as the authorities concerned in India have issued permission to use this vaccine, we have made arrangements for the import of these vaccines into Myanmar,"

Last year the Indian foreign secretary Harsh Shringla and Army Chief MM Naravane had jointly visited the country. The visit saw high-level assurances from India that Myanmar will be a priority when it comes to the vaccine. Shringla also handed over 3000 vials of Remdesivir as a symbol of India‘s commitment to helping Myanmar mitigate the impact of COVID-19.

Myanmar has signed MoU with the Serum Institute of India for Covishield. Over the weekend, India's drug regulator gave approval for its use.

The state counsellor highlighted that the first priority group to get the vaccine will be medical professionals and medical personnel which will take place in February.&nbsp;

"There is a lot of competition as all the countries of the world are trying to get this vaccine. However, we believe that the vaccination programme could be carried out all over the country step-by-step," San Suu Kyi added.

"During the period when the vaccines are still not available, I wish to appeal to the people to abide by the health rules and regulations and give support to our efforts to beat COVID-19. Please be vigilant; please be patient. Please brace yourself by visioning the future. We are all in this together," she added.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, India reaffirmed its position as the pharma capital of the world by sending medicines like HCQ, paracetamol to more than 150 countries.&nbsp;

New Delhi also organised training to build capacity. In fact, for the neighbourhood, India has organized two training modules in which about 90 health experts and scientists have participated.

In her New Year's address to the nation, Myanmar's state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi has announced that her country will get the COVID-19 vaccine from India and that a contract has been signed regarding it.

In her New Year's address to the nation, Myanmar's state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi has announced that her country will get the COVID-19 vaccine from India and that a contract has been signed regarding it. "The purchase contract for buying the first batch of the vaccines from India has already been signed. As soon as the authorities concerned in India have issued permission to use this vaccine, we have made arrangements for the import of these vaccines into Myanmar," Last year the Indian foreign secretary Harsh Shringla and Army Chief MM Naravane had jointly visited the country. The visit saw high-level assurances from India that Myanmar will be a priority when it comes to the vaccine. Shringla also handed over 3000 vials of Remdesivir as a symbol of India‘s commitment to helping Myanmar mitigate the impact of COVID-19. Myanmar has signed MoU with the Serum Institute of India for Covishield. Over the weekend, India's drug regulator gave approval for its use. The state counsellor highlighted that the first priority group to get the vaccine will be medical professionals and medical personnel which will take place in February. "There is a lot of competition as all the countries of the world are trying to get this vaccine. However, we believe that the vaccination programme could be carried out all over the country step-by-step," San Suu Kyi added. "During the period when the vaccines are still not available, I wish to appeal to the people to abide by the health rules and regulations and give support to our efforts to beat COVID-19. Please be vigilant; please be patient. Please brace yourself by visioning the future. We are all in this together," she added. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, India reaffirmed its position as the pharma capital of the world by sending medicines like HCQ, paracetamol to more than 150 countries. New Delhi also organised training to build capacity. In fact, for the neighbourhood, India has organized two training modules in which about 90 health experts and scientists have participated.

In New Year speech, Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi announces contract to get COVID-19 vaccine from India

The Indian government announced today that it is preparing to roll out its coronavirus vaccination campaign within ten days as part of emergency&nbsp;use authorisation(EUA).&nbsp;

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indias-vaccine-rollout-354478/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Union health ministry said that there are 41 cold storage system in India and vaccines will be distributed from these&nbsp;centres which would be digitally monitored.

"There are four primary vaccine stores called GMSD located in Karnal, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata and there are 37 vaccine stores in the country. They store vaccines in bulk," health secretary Rajesh Bhushan said.

The health secretary informed that the overall burden on health delivery structure has declined appreciably with 44 per cent of active cases in the hospital with moderate or severe coronavirus symptoms and 56 per cent cases who have mild or asymptomatic symptoms and are in home isolation.&nbsp;

"The active cases in the country is less than 2.5 lakhs and continues to decline," the health secretary said.

India has the second-highest coronavirus infection cases in the world, according to Johns Hopkins coronavirus resource centre with over 10.3 million cases and over 149, 840 fatalities.

The government informed that 286 sites across 125 districts in all states and Union Territories have been prepared as "model session sites".

The government asserted that vaccination teams have been identified and trained with all SOPs operationalised against COVID-19.

The Indian government announced today that it is preparing to roll out its coronavirus vaccination campaign within ten days as part of emergency use authorisation(EUA).

The Indian government announced today that it is preparing to roll out its coronavirus vaccination campaign within ten days as part of emergency use authorisation(EUA). Watch: Union health ministry said that there are 41 cold storage system in India and vaccines will be distributed from these centres which would be digitally monitored. "There are four primary vaccine stores called GMSD located in Karnal, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata and there are 37 vaccine stores in the country. They store vaccines in bulk," health secretary Rajesh Bhushan said. The health secretary informed that the overall burden on health delivery structure has declined appreciably with 44 per cent of active cases in the hospital with moderate or severe coronavirus symptoms and 56 per cent cases who have mild or asymptomatic symptoms and are in home isolation. "The active cases in the country is less than 2.5 lakhs and continues to decline," the health secretary said. India has the second-highest coronavirus infection cases in the world, according to Johns Hopkins coronavirus resource centre with over 10.3 million cases and over 149, 840 fatalities. The government informed that 286 sites across 125 districts in all states and Union Territories have been prepared as "model session sites". The government asserted that vaccination teams have been identified and trained with all SOPs operationalised against COVID-19.

India to begin coronavirus vaccine roll out in 10 days: Government

As US pharma giant Pfizer announced that its coronavirus <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/final-results-show-coronavirus-vaccine-95-effective-says-pfizer-343912">vaccine</a> is 95 per cent effective, the Indian government said that it is a "big challenge" to arrange the cold-chain storage needed to store the COVID-19 vaccine.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/countries-queue-for-pfizers-covid-19-vaccine-342960/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr VK Paul who heads the National Task Force on COVID-19, asserted that the government was examining the possibility of acquiring Pfizer's vaccine.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-to-begin-vaccine-delivery-programme-in-four-us-states-343698">Also Read:&nbsp;Pfizer to begin vaccine delivery programme in four US states</a>

The Pfizer vaccine needs to be stored at a temperature of minus 70 degrees Celsius. However, the NITI Aayog member said that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lead-scientist-behind-pfizers-covid-19-vaccine-ugur-sahin-says-life-will-not-return-to-normal-till-next-winter-343465">vaccine</a> won't be arriving in the country soon, but informed that the government would be working "out a strategy" to acquire and store the vaccine.

Paul underlined that the government was "watching the developments" as Pfizer prepares to apply to the US Food and Drug Administration(FDA), and moves to get regulatory approvals.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pfizer-in-talks-with-government-to-bring-its-covid-19-vaccine-to-india-report-342387">Pfizer</a> had earlier said that it would apply for Emergency Use Authorization in the third week of November while stating that it was "very close" to submit its findings to the US regulators.

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said on Wednesday that its vaccine had "no serious side effects" and it will apply for emergency use authorization from FDA within days. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volunteers-face-severe-hangover-headache-and-pain-after-getting-pfizer-vaccine-shot-342518">Pfizer's</a> vaccine is being co-developed along with Germany's BioNTech.

"With hundreds of thousands of people around the globe infected every day, we urgently need to get a safe and effective vaccine to the world," &nbsp;Bourla said.

According to Moncef Slaoui, head of Trump administration's "Operation Warp Speed" initiative the FDA may approve the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine early next month and added that from January, 25 million people in the United States would be vaccinated per month.

As US pharma giant Pfizer announced that its coronavirus vaccine is 95 per cent effective, the Indian government said that it is a "big challenge" to arrange the cold-chain storage needed to store the COVID-19 vaccine.

As US pharma giant Pfizer announced that its coronavirus vaccine is 95 per cent effective, the Indian government said that it is a "big challenge" to arrange the cold-chain storage needed to store the COVID-19 vaccine. Watch: NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr VK Paul who heads the National Task Force on COVID-19, asserted that the government was examining the possibility of acquiring Pfizer's vaccine. Also Read: Pfizer to begin vaccine delivery programme in four US states The Pfizer vaccine needs to be stored at a temperature of minus 70 degrees Celsius. However, the NITI Aayog member said that the vaccine won't be arriving in the country soon, but informed that the government would be working "out a strategy" to acquire and store the vaccine. Paul underlined that the government was "watching the developments" as Pfizer prepares to apply to the US Food and Drug Administration(FDA), and moves to get regulatory approvals. Pfizer had earlier said that it would apply for Emergency Use Authorization in the third week of November while stating that it was "very close" to submit its findings to the US regulators. Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said on Wednesday that its vaccine had "no serious side effects" and it will apply for emergency use authorization from FDA within days. Pfizer's vaccine is being co-developed along with Germany's BioNTech. "With hundreds of thousands of people around the globe infected every day, we urgently need to get a safe and effective vaccine to the world," Bourla said. According to Moncef Slaoui, head of Trump administration's "Operation Warp Speed" initiative the FDA may approve the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine early next month and added that from January, 25 million people in the United States would be vaccinated per month.

Indian government 'watching' Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine development, set to work out strategy to acquire it

As the coronavirus cases are on a rise again, India is combining resources to fast track the production of a COVID-19 vaccine,&nbsp;COVAXIN.

A senior government scientist&nbsp;told a news agency, Reuters, that the COVID-19 vaccine could be launched by February 2021, as the vaccine trials have been showing good results and the last stage of the trial will begin this month.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wuhan-coronavirus-india-to-get-a-vaccine-in-february-340941/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

COVAXIN is being developed a private Indian company,&nbsp;Bharat Biotech, with the aid of government-run&nbsp;&nbsp;Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

The news has come as a welcome surprise as the company had earlier claimed that the vaccine could only be ready by the second quarter of 2021.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-adds-over-50000-new-coronavirus-cases-in-a-day-340753" hreflang="en">India adds over 50,000 new coronavirus cases in a day</a>

"The vaccine has shown good efficacy," senior ICMR scientist Rajni Kant, who is also a member of its COVID-19 task-force, said at the research body`s New Delhi headquarters on Thursday.

"It is expected that by the beginning of next year, February or March, something would be available."

The statement came after India recorded more than 50,201 coronavirus cases in the country on Thursday morning taking the toll beyond 8.3 million, and the death toll rose to&nbsp;124,315.

"It has shown safety and efficacy in the phase 1 and 2 trials and in the animal studies - so it is safe but you can`t be 100% sure unless the phase 3 trials are over," Kant, head of ICMR's research management, policy, planning and coordination cell said.

"There may be some risk, if you are ready to take the risk, you can take the vaccine. If necessary, the government can think of giving the vaccine in an emergency situation."

As the coronavirus cases are on a rise again, India is combining resources to fast track the production of a COVID-19 vaccine, COVAXIN. A senior government scientist told a news agency, Reuters, that the COVID-19 vaccine could be launched by February 2021, as the vaccine trials have been showing good results and the last stage of the trial will begin this month.

As the coronavirus cases are on a rise again, India is combining resources to fast track the production of a COVID-19 vaccine, COVAXIN. A senior government scientist told a news agency, Reuters, that the COVID-19 vaccine could be launched by February 2021, as the vaccine trials have been showing good results and the last stage of the trial will begin this month. Watch | COVAXIN is being developed a private Indian company, Bharat Biotech, with the aid of government-run Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The news has come as a welcome surprise as the company had earlier claimed that the vaccine could only be ready by the second quarter of 2021. Also read| India adds over 50,000 new coronavirus cases in a day "The vaccine has shown good efficacy," senior ICMR scientist Rajni Kant, who is also a member of its COVID-19 task-force, said at the research body`s New Delhi headquarters on Thursday. "It is expected that by the beginning of next year, February or March, something would be available." The statement came after India recorded more than 50,201 coronavirus cases in the country on Thursday morning taking the toll beyond 8.3 million, and the death toll rose to 124,315. "It has shown safety and efficacy in the phase 1 and 2 trials and in the animal studies - so it is safe but you can`t be 100% sure unless the phase 3 trials are over," Kant, head of ICMR's research management, policy, planning and coordination cell said. "There may be some risk, if you are ready to take the risk, you can take the vaccine. If necessary, the government can think of giving the vaccine in an emergency situation."

India's COVID-19 vaccine to be ready by February: Sources