Pink eye or conjunctivitis emerges as at the new Covid symptom. As per a recent study, it is particularly on a rise in infants. What is this new symptom? How will it affect Indian infants and children? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas | Conjunctivitis: The new Covid symptom

India has reported 7,830 Covid cases in the last 24 hours. During the same period, over 16 deaths have been reported. Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: India reports 7,830 Covid cases in 24 hours

The new COVID-19 cases in India have jumped by 40 per cent in the past 24 hours as the nation recorded 3,016 new cases on Thursday. According to the Union Health Ministry Data, the daily positivity rate is 2.

The new COVID-19 cases in India have jumped by 40 per cent in the past 24 hours as the nation recorded 3,016 new cases on Thursday. According to the Union Health Ministry Data, the daily positivity rate is 2.7 per cent, and the weekly positivity rate is 1.71 per cent. India’s active caseload now stands at 13,509, more than double what it was 10 days ago, with 14 deaths also recorded on Thursday. Let's take a look at the situation of COVID-19 in India. Is COVID-19 back in India? The number of COVID-19 cases reported on Thursday, March 30, 2023, was the highest in nearly six months. In 2022, the country reported 3,375 cases in October. The sudden surge in coronavirus cases has raised questions about the return of the COVID-19 pandemic to India. Furthermore, the COVID-19 death count has grown to 5,30,862. In the last 24 hours, the authorities have reported 14 deaths, including 3 in Maharashtra, 2 in Delhi, 1 in Himachal Pradesh and 8 in Kerala. A deeper dive into the numbers shows that active cases comprise 0.03 per cent of total infections. According to the official website of the Ministry of Health, the latest recovery rate is 98.78 per cent. Indian states on alert as coronavirus cases increase The alarming rise in coronavirus cases has pushed Indian states to hold emergency meetings. The administration in India's capital city, Delhi, requested the people not to panic. Delhi, which reported zero infection count on January 16, recorded 300 in the past day. The government has urged people to wear masks when visiting hospitals. Populated cities of Maharashtra, like Mumbai, Pune, Thane and Sangli, have reported a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases. The Maharashtra government stated that around one crore citizens did not take the booster dose in the state. The Uttar Pradesh state government has alerted all the frontline workers of government and private hospitals. The administration has also given instructions to take necessary actions and asked the officials to monitor the situation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

COVID-19: India reports 3,016 new cases, highest in nearly six months

A&nbsp;resurgence in coronavirus cases&nbsp; has been driving up cases in India as it recorded 1,573 new cases in the past 24 hours, taking the active cases to 10,981, health ministry data released on Tuesday said.&nbsp;

Tuesday’s tally was slightly lower compared to Monday’s figures, in which 1,805 new coronavirus cases were reported.

The active cases now comprise 0.02 per cent of the total infections, while the national Covid-19 recovery rate has been reported at 98.79 per cent, according to the ministry.

The number of casualties also a jump to 5,30,841 with four deaths reconciled by Kerala.

The daily positivity rate has been recorded at 1.30 per cent and the weekly positivity rate at 1.47 per cent.

The total tally of Covid cases was recorded at 4.47 crore (4,47,07, 525), the ministry said.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease has increased to 4,41,65,703, the data stated. The case fatality rate has been recorded at 1.19 per cent.

According to the ministry's website, 22 billion doses of Covid vaccine have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.

The uptick in the number of cases is attributed to the new XBB.1.16 variant. So far, 610 cases of the new mutation have been found across India.

Maharashtra and Gujarat states have recorded the most cases of this variant at 164 each, followed by 93 in Telangana and 86 in Karnataka, according to data by the government agency INSACO.

The XBB 1.16 variant was first found in January when two samples tested positive for the variant.

Meanwhile, the federal government has asked the states to review preparedness for pandemic management and the progress of vaccination.

Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan chaired the high-level meeting on Monday where he stressed on ramping up testing with a higher proportion of RT-PCR, and whole genome sequencing of positive samples.

He urged people to follow COVID-19-appropriate behaviour at all times and stressed the need to increase the administration of precautionary doses, especially in the vulnerable population group

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A resurgence in coronavirus cases has been driving up cases in India as it recorded 1,573 new cases in the past 24 hours, taking the active cases to 10,981, health ministry data released on Tuesday said.

A resurgence in coronavirus cases has been driving up cases in India as it recorded 1,573 new cases in the past 24 hours, taking the active cases to 10,981, health ministry data released on Tuesday said. Tuesday’s tally was slightly lower compared to Monday’s figures, in which 1,805 new coronavirus cases were reported. The active cases now comprise 0.02 per cent of the total infections, while the national Covid-19 recovery rate has been reported at 98.79 per cent, according to the ministry. The number of casualties also a jump to 5,30,841 with four deaths reconciled by Kerala. The daily positivity rate has been recorded at 1.30 per cent and the weekly positivity rate at 1.47 per cent. The total tally of Covid cases was recorded at 4.47 crore (4,47,07, 525), the ministry said. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease has increased to 4,41,65,703, the data stated. The case fatality rate has been recorded at 1.19 per cent. According to the ministry's website, 22 billion doses of Covid vaccine have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive. The uptick in the number of cases is attributed to the new XBB.1.16 variant. So far, 610 cases of the new mutation have been found across India. Maharashtra and Gujarat states have recorded the most cases of this variant at 164 each, followed by 93 in Telangana and 86 in Karnataka, according to data by the government agency INSACO. The XBB 1.16 variant was first found in January when two samples tested positive for the variant. Meanwhile, the federal government has asked the states to review preparedness for pandemic management and the progress of vaccination. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan chaired the high-level meeting on Monday where he stressed on ramping up testing with a higher proportion of RT-PCR, and whole genome sequencing of positive samples. He urged people to follow COVID-19-appropriate behaviour at all times and stressed the need to increase the administration of precautionary doses, especially in the vulnerable population group WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India logs 1,573 new Covid cases, four deaths; states huddle up to review pandemic preparedness

India was able to save over 3.4 million lives by undertaking a nationwide vaccination campaign against Covid at an unprecedented scale, a working paper by the Stanford University and Institute for Competitiveness has highlighted. Three cornerstones of the national strategy – containment, relief package, and vaccine administration - proved to be crucial in saving lives and cutting down the spread of the virus. The approach was instrumental in "ensuring economic activity by sustaining livelihoods, and developing immunity", underlines the working paper titled “Healing the Economy: Estimating the Economic Impact on India’s vaccination and related issues”. It was released on&nbsp; Friday (February 24) by Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya.

<h2>India vaccination campaign and 'positive impact for economy'</h2>

 
The vaccination campaign helped in preventing a loss of $18.3 billion, according to the report. "A net benefit of $15.42 billion occurred for the nation after taking into consideration the cost of the vaccination campaign," it stated, adding that "as against the top-down approach, a bottom-up approach was useful in curbing the spread of the virus". Contact tracing, mass testing, home quarantine, distribution of essential medical equipment, revamping healthcare infrastructure, and constant coordination among stakeholders at the centre, state, and district levels were the measures at the ground level that helped.

Also watch| India launches its first nasal vaccine 'iNCOVACC' against COVID-19

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&nbsp;

India's Health Minister on Friday hailed the decision of an early lockdown by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi as " a significant turning point," a government statement highlighted. The country saw one of the toughest lockdowns in the world. He also referred to the five-pronged strategy of "test- track – treat – vaccination – adherence" in the fight against coronavirus.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-scare-gets-real-woman-son-rescued-after-three-years-of-house-confinement-564909">Covid scare gets real ! Woman, son rescued after three years of house confinement</a>

The country began the world's largest vaccination campaign about two years ago and has so far given 2.2 billion doses. Since the start of the pandemic, the country has logged the second highest number of cases in the world after the United States. The Stanford research also observes the positive impact of schemes rolled out by the government to support small businesses and vulnerable people.

&nbsp;

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India was able to save over 3.4 million lives by undertaking a nationwide vaccination campaign against Covid at an unprecedented scale, a working paper by the Stanford University and Institute for Competitiveness has highlighted.

India was able to save over 3.4 million lives by undertaking a nationwide vaccination campaign against Covid at an unprecedented scale, a working paper by the Stanford University and Institute for Competitiveness has highlighted. Three cornerstones of the national strategy – containment, relief package, and vaccine administration - proved to be crucial in saving lives and cutting down the spread of the virus. The approach was instrumental in "ensuring economic activity by sustaining livelihoods, and developing immunity", underlines the working paper titled “Healing the Economy: Estimating the Economic Impact on India’s vaccination and related issues”. It was released on Friday (February 24) by Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya. India vaccination campaign and 'positive impact for economy' The vaccination campaign helped in preventing a loss of $18.3 billion, according to the report. "A net benefit of $15.42 billion occurred for the nation after taking into consideration the cost of the vaccination campaign," it stated, adding that "as against the top-down approach, a bottom-up approach was useful in curbing the spread of the virus". Contact tracing, mass testing, home quarantine, distribution of essential medical equipment, revamping healthcare infrastructure, and constant coordination among stakeholders at the centre, state, and district levels were the measures at the ground level that helped. Also watch| India launches its first nasal vaccine 'iNCOVACC' against COVID-19 × India's Health Minister on Friday hailed the decision of an early lockdown by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi as " a significant turning point," a government statement highlighted. The country saw one of the toughest lockdowns in the world. He also referred to the five-pronged strategy of "test- track – treat – vaccination – adherence" in the fight against coronavirus. Also read: Covid scare gets real ! Woman, son rescued after three years of house confinement The country began the world's largest vaccination campaign about two years ago and has so far given 2.2 billion doses. Since the start of the pandemic, the country has logged the second highest number of cases in the world after the United States. The Stanford research also observes the positive impact of schemes rolled out by the government to support small businesses and vulnerable people. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India Covid vaccination campaign saved 3.4 million lives: Stanford report

The week of the sudden surge of Covid-19 infections in China, India's Ministry of Health has issued some new guidelines for international arrivals in India to curb the spread of the virus. India has made RT-PCR tests mandatory for international arrivals from China, Thailand, South Korea, Japan and Hong Kong.

India: New Covid rules for incoming passengers; RT-PCR mandatory for international arrivals

India has now brought out a new set of airport testing rules which has come into effect from 10 am on Saturday. Two percent of international passengers coming in from different countries will be sampled. The chosen passengers can leave the airport once their sample has been submitted.

India Covid: New guidelines for air travel from Saturday; India to test 2% international travelers

India has achieved an impressive feat of administering 2 billion Covid-19 vaccines to its citizens. The country has now become the second nation to achieve this milestone after China. As per the government data, the second most populous country in the world achieved the vaccination milestone in just 18 months.

India becomes the second country to reach the 2 billion covid-19 milestone

India logged 17,073 new coronavirus infections, raising its tally to 4,34,07,046, while the daily positivity crossed 5 per cent after over four months, the Union Health Ministry said on Monday.

The death toll climbed to 5,25,020 with 21 fresh fatalities, data updated at 8 am by the ministry stated.

The active cases increased to 94,420, comprising 0.22 per cent of the total infections.

The national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.57 per cent, the ministry said.

An increase of 1,844 cases was recorded in the active COVID-19 case count in a span of 24 hours, as per the data.

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 5.62 per cent, while the weekly positivity rate was recorded at 3.39 per cent, it stated.

The daily positivity crossed 5 per cent after a gap of 139 days.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,27,87,606, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.21 per cent.

According to the ministry, 197.11 crore doses of vaccine have been administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 inoculation drive.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. The country crossed the grim milestone of two crore cases on May 4, 2021, three crore on June 23 and four crore cases on January 25 this year.

The 21 new fatalities include six from Kerala, five from Maharashtra, four from Delhi, two each from Goa and Punjab and one each from Jammu and Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh, the data stated.

India logged 17,073 new coronavirus infections, raising its tally to 4,34,07,046, while the daily positivity crossed 5 per cent after over four months, the Union Health Ministry said on Monday.

India logged 17,073 new coronavirus infections, raising its tally to 4,34,07,046, while the daily positivity crossed 5 per cent after over four months, the Union Health Ministry said on Monday. The death toll climbed to 5,25,020 with 21 fresh fatalities, data updated at 8 am by the ministry stated. The active cases increased to 94,420, comprising 0.22 per cent of the total infections. The national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.57 per cent, the ministry said. An increase of 1,844 cases was recorded in the active COVID-19 case count in a span of 24 hours, as per the data. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 5.62 per cent, while the weekly positivity rate was recorded at 3.39 per cent, it stated. The daily positivity crossed 5 per cent after a gap of 139 days. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,27,87,606, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.21 per cent. According to the ministry, 197.11 crore doses of vaccine have been administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 inoculation drive. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. The country crossed the grim milestone of two crore cases on May 4, 2021, three crore on June 23 and four crore cases on January 25 this year. The 21 new fatalities include six from Kerala, five from Maharashtra, four from Delhi, two each from Goa and Punjab and one each from Jammu and Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh, the data stated.

India records 17,073 new Covid cases, 21 deaths; daily positivity rate 5.62 per cent

The COVID-19 fourth wave fears continue to grow in India as 3,303 new cases and 39 deaths were reported on Thursday, according to the data provided by the Ministry of Health. This took the number of active cases to 16,980 and also increased the total death toll to 5,23,693.

The upward trend continues in the country as there were 701 more cases reported in comparison to Wednesday while the daily positivity rate also went up to 0.66 per cent. The growing number of cases has been a matter of concern and a lot of states have already implemented mask mandates.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-three-arrested-for-trafficking-arms-for-terrorists-474521" hreflang="en">Jammu and Kashmir: Three arrested for trafficking arms for terrorists</a>

Kerala became the latest state to make wearing masks mandatory in public after similar steps in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, and Punjab.

According to a recent survey, one in three Indians believed that the fourth wave has already started in the country. The survey conducted by an online platform included around 36,000 participants and around 34 per cent of them said that they believe that the fourth wave has started in April.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-fight-against-cybercrime-indian-govt-makes-strenuous-efforts-to-spread-awareness-474445" hreflang="en">In fight against cybercrime, Indian govt makes efforts to spread awareness</a>

Countries like China and South Korea have seen a huge jump in cases and with Shanghai and parts of Beijing going under lockdown, the trend in India has been a worrying trend for all experts.

However, the vaccination drive is underway with all adults eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot and government data shows that the number of doses given is around 188.4 crore. When it comes to testing, data shows that 4,97,669 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours.

WATCH |&nbsp;LIC IPO: India's insurance giant has biggest stock sale in India

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The COVID-19 fourth wave fears continue to grow in India as 3,303 new cases and 39 deaths were reported on Thursday, according to the data provided by the Ministry of Health.

The COVID-19 fourth wave fears continue to grow in India as 3,303 new cases and 39 deaths were reported on Thursday, according to the data provided by the Ministry of Health. This took the number of active cases to 16,980 and also increased the total death toll to 5,23,693. The upward trend continues in the country as there were 701 more cases reported in comparison to Wednesday while the daily positivity rate also went up to 0.66 per cent. The growing number of cases has been a matter of concern and a lot of states have already implemented mask mandates. Also read | Jammu and Kashmir: Three arrested for trafficking arms for terrorists Kerala became the latest state to make wearing masks mandatory in public after similar steps in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, and Punjab. According to a recent survey, one in three Indians believed that the fourth wave has already started in the country. The survey conducted by an online platform included around 36,000 participants and around 34 per cent of them said that they believe that the fourth wave has started in April. Also read | In fight against cybercrime, Indian govt makes efforts to spread awareness Countries like China and South Korea have seen a huge jump in cases and with Shanghai and parts of Beijing going under lockdown, the trend in India has been a worrying trend for all experts. However, the vaccination drive is underway with all adults eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot and government data shows that the number of doses given is around 188.4 crore. When it comes to testing, data shows that 4,97,669 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours. WATCH | LIC IPO: India's insurance giant has biggest stock sale in India

Amid fourth COVID-19 wave fears, India experiences substantial growth in daily number of cases

Delhi has recorded two cases of Omicron BA.2.12.1, amid concerns&nbsp;over impending Covid fourth wave in&nbsp;India’s national capital.

India’s coronavirus genomic surveillance centre INSACOG found several samples from Delhi with Omicron variant derivative BA.2.12.1 cases, which is said to be contributing to the recent rise in cases in the capital city.

Over 300 samples were genome sequenced in the first fortnight.&nbsp;

Even though an official declaration is awaited,&nbsp;Dr Sujeet Kumar Singh, director of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), confirmed the detection of the variant in Delhi but did not divulge further.

BA.2.12.1 and BA.2.12—two subvariants of Omicron BA.2—were recently identified by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in New York and other parts of the US.

"New sub-variants BA.2.12 (52 per cent samples) and BA.2.10 (11 per cent samples) are showing high transmission and have been found in over 60 per cent of the total samples from Delhi sequenced recently,” official sources told PTI news agency.

"The BA.2.12 variant appears to have a growth advantage of about 30% to 90% per week over BA.2 (Omicron)," the source added.

The scientists at INSACOG said that the new sub-variant appeared to be more infectious than BA.2, having the capability to re-infect people who have got COVID-19 virus before

The official said the same sub-variants more or less have been found in samples sequenced in neighbouring districts in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india/covid-19-in-india-amid-fourth-wave-fears-new-variants-of-the-omicron-possibly-emerging-in-new-delhi-472730" hreflang="en">Amid 4th wave fears, new variants of the Omicron 'possibly emerging' in Delhi</a>

Delhi logged 965 fresh Covid cases on Thursday, with the positivity rate hovering around 4.71 per cent. One person succumbed to the infection, according to data from the health department.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india/amid-4th-covid-wave-fears-india-reports-2380-new-cases-active-cases-increase-to-13433-472560">Amid 4th Covid wave fears, India reports 2,380 new cases, active cases increase to 13,433</a>

The government has already reversed its order removing the fine on masks. Masks have been made mandatory and fine of Rs 500 (US $6 approx.) was re-imposed on Wednesday.

WATCH |&nbsp;India: Mask mandate back in New Delhi as COVID-19 cases surge

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(With inputs from agencies)

Delhi has recorded two cases of Omicron BA.2.12.1, amid concerns over impending Covid fourth wave in India’s national capital. India’s coronavirus genomic surveillance centre INSACOG found several samples from Delhi with Omicron variant derivative BA.

Delhi has recorded two cases of Omicron BA.2.12.1, amid concerns over impending Covid fourth wave in India’s national capital. India’s coronavirus genomic surveillance centre INSACOG found several samples from Delhi with Omicron variant derivative BA.2.12.1 cases, which is said to be contributing to the recent rise in cases in the capital city. Over 300 samples were genome sequenced in the first fortnight. Even though an official declaration is awaited, Dr Sujeet Kumar Singh, director of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), confirmed the detection of the variant in Delhi but did not divulge further. BA.2.12.1 and BA.2.12—two subvariants of Omicron BA.2—were recently identified by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in New York and other parts of the US. "New sub-variants BA.2.12 (52 per cent samples) and BA.2.10 (11 per cent samples) are showing high transmission and have been found in over 60 per cent of the total samples from Delhi sequenced recently,” official sources told PTI news agency. "The BA.2.12 variant appears to have a growth advantage of about 30% to 90% per week over BA.2 (Omicron)," the source added. The scientists at INSACOG said that the new sub-variant appeared to be more infectious than BA.2, having the capability to re-infect people who have got COVID-19 virus before The official said the same sub-variants more or less have been found in samples sequenced in neighbouring districts in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Also read | Amid 4th wave fears, new variants of the Omicron 'possibly emerging' in Delhi Delhi logged 965 fresh Covid cases on Thursday, with the positivity rate hovering around 4.71 per cent. One person succumbed to the infection, according to data from the health department. Also read | Amid 4th Covid wave fears, India reports 2,380 new cases, active cases increase to 13,433 The government has already reversed its order removing the fine on masks. Masks have been made mandatory and fine of Rs 500 (US $6 approx.) was re-imposed on Wednesday. WATCH | India: Mask mandate back in New Delhi as COVID-19 cases surge × (With inputs from agencies)

Covid 4th wave in Delhi? New Omicron BA.2.12.1 sub-variant found to be causing surge in cases

Covid fourth wave in India? Here's what we know so far

Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKAY), which provides free foodgrains to poor people, played a key role in keeping extreme poverty in India at the lowest level of 0.8 per cent during the pandemic-hit 2020, according to a working paper of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The working paper titled 'Pandemic, Poverty, and Inequality: Evidence from India' presents estimates of poverty and consumption inequality in India for each of the years 2004-5 through the pandemic year 2020-21.

"Extreme poverty was as low as 0.8 per cent in the pre-pandemic year 2019, and food transfers were instrumental in ensuring that it remained at that low level in the pandemic year 2020," it said.

Under PMGKAY, which was launched in March 2020, the central government provides 5 kilograms of foodgrains per month for free. The additional free grain is over and above the normal quota provided under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) at a highly subsidised rate of Rs 2-3 per kilogram. PMGKAY has been extended till September 2022.

The working paper, prepared by Surjit S Bhalla, Karan Bhasin and Arvind Virmani, said that in the pandemic year 2020-21, extreme poverty was at its lowest level ever at 0.8 per cent of the population.

"Further, as early as 2016-17, extreme poverty had reached a low 2 per cent level. According to the more appropriate but 68 per cent higher Low Middle Income (LMI) poverty line of PPP (purchasing power parity) USD 3.2 a day, poverty in India registered 14.8 per cent in the pre-pandemic year 2019-20.

"This achievement is put in perspective by noting that in 2011-12, the official poverty level for the lower PPP USD 1.9 line was 12.2 per cent," it noted.

The working paper also said that for the first time in several decades, extreme poverty -- those falling below the USD 1.9 per person per day in terms of purchasing power parity -- in the world increased in the pandemic year 2020.

As per the working paper, the pandemic support measures instituted by the government were critical in preventing any increase in the prevalence of extreme poverty and that food subsidies have reduced poverty on a consistent basis since the enactment of the FSA in 2013 and the co-incidental increase in the efficiency of targeting via Aadhaar.

Further, it said the effect of the subsidy adjustments on poverty is striking.

"Real inequality, as measured by the Gini coefficient, has declined to near its lowest level reached in the last forty years - it was 0.284 in 1993-94 and in 2020-21 it reached 0.292.

"Possibly the more surprising result from the incorporation of food subsidies into the calculation of poverty is that extreme poverty has stayed below (or equal to) 1 per cent for the last three years," it said.

Post-food subsidy inequality at 0.294 is now very close to its lowest level of 0.284 observed in 1993-94, the working paper said, adding that in 2020, for the first time since the inception of the PDS system, the government was supplying, in full, the basic food ration needed to the bottom two-thirds of the population.

The food support (rations) was increased during the pandemic - the food grain ration was doubled for each recipient from 5 kg of wheat (or rice) per month to 10 kilograms in 2020, it added.

The author of the paper noted that an important implication of their results is that extreme poverty has been virtually eliminated, and both the government of India and the World Bank should formally switch to the LMI country poverty line of USD 3.2 PPP.

They also observed that the social safety net provided by the expansion of India's food subsidy programme absorbed a major part of the pandemic shock.&nbsp;

Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKAY), which provides free foodgrains to poor people, played a key role in keeping extreme poverty in India at the lowest level of 0.

Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKAY), which provides free foodgrains to poor people, played a key role in keeping extreme poverty in India at the lowest level of 0.8 per cent during the pandemic-hit 2020, according to a working paper of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The working paper titled 'Pandemic, Poverty, and Inequality: Evidence from India' presents estimates of poverty and consumption inequality in India for each of the years 2004-5 through the pandemic year 2020-21. "Extreme poverty was as low as 0.8 per cent in the pre-pandemic year 2019, and food transfers were instrumental in ensuring that it remained at that low level in the pandemic year 2020," it said. Under PMGKAY, which was launched in March 2020, the central government provides 5 kilograms of foodgrains per month for free. The additional free grain is over and above the normal quota provided under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) at a highly subsidised rate of Rs 2-3 per kilogram. PMGKAY has been extended till September 2022. The working paper, prepared by Surjit S Bhalla, Karan Bhasin and Arvind Virmani, said that in the pandemic year 2020-21, extreme poverty was at its lowest level ever at 0.8 per cent of the population. "Further, as early as 2016-17, extreme poverty had reached a low 2 per cent level. According to the more appropriate but 68 per cent higher Low Middle Income (LMI) poverty line of PPP (purchasing power parity) USD 3.2 a day, poverty in India registered 14.8 per cent in the pre-pandemic year 2019-20. "This achievement is put in perspective by noting that in 2011-12, the official poverty level for the lower PPP USD 1.9 line was 12.2 per cent," it noted. The working paper also said that for the first time in several decades, extreme poverty -- those falling below the USD 1.9 per person per day in terms of purchasing power parity -- in the world increased in the pandemic year 2020. As per the working paper, the pandemic support measures instituted by the government were critical in preventing any increase in the prevalence of extreme poverty and that food subsidies have reduced poverty on a consistent basis since the enactment of the FSA in 2013 and the co-incidental increase in the efficiency of targeting via Aadhaar. Further, it said the effect of the subsidy adjustments on poverty is striking. "Real inequality, as measured by the Gini coefficient, has declined to near its lowest level reached in the last forty years - it was 0.284 in 1993-94 and in 2020-21 it reached 0.292. "Possibly the more surprising result from the incorporation of food subsidies into the calculation of poverty is that extreme poverty has stayed below (or equal to) 1 per cent for the last three years," it said. Post-food subsidy inequality at 0.294 is now very close to its lowest level of 0.284 observed in 1993-94, the working paper said, adding that in 2020, for the first time since the inception of the PDS system, the government was supplying, in full, the basic food ration needed to the bottom two-thirds of the population. The food support (rations) was increased during the pandemic - the food grain ration was doubled for each recipient from 5 kg of wheat (or rice) per month to 10 kilograms in 2020, it added. The author of the paper noted that an important implication of their results is that extreme poverty has been virtually eliminated, and both the government of India and the World Bank should formally switch to the LMI country poverty line of USD 3.2 PPP. They also observed that the social safety net provided by the expansion of India's food subsidy programme absorbed a major part of the pandemic shock.

India's food subsidy programme kept extreme poverty low in pandemic-hit 2020: IMF working paper

The Indian government has denied reports of the first case of XE variant of Covid in western Maharashtra state.

The response came hours after the state government said it detected India’s first XE variant in Mumbai city.

"Hours after report of detection of XE variant of Coronavirus in Mumbai, @MoHFW_INDIA has said present evidence does not suggest the presence of the new variant," PIB Maharashtra said in a tweet, referring to the clarification by the Union health ministry.

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoHFW_INDIA</a> Clarification on Reported Case of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID</a> XE Variant in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mumbai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mumbai</a>: 
 
➡️ Hours after report of detection of XE variant of Coronavirus in Mumbai, <a href="https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoHFW_INDIA</a> has said present evidence does not suggest the presence of the new variant.<a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIB_India</a><a href="https://twitter.com/COVIDNewsByMIB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@COVIDNewsByMIB</a> 
 
(1/3)🧵
— PIB in Maharashtra 🇮🇳 (@PIBMumbai) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIBMumbai/status/1511721304344260612?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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XE is recombinant of Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 sublineages of COVID-19.

The health ministry said the individual who supposedly tested positive for XE variant is a fully vaccinated 50-year-old woman with no comorbidity and asymptomatic.

According to reports, she had come from South Africa on February 10 and had no prior travel history. Her identity has been kept confidential.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-who-warns-about-new-omicron-hybrid-xe-is-it-more-transmissible-467582">Explainer: WHO warns about new Omicron hybrid XE: Is it more transmissible?</a>

The ministry reportedly clarified that the woman had tested negative for the virus upon arrival.

So far, only UK had detected the XE variant. According to the World Health Organisation, the new Covid may be more transmissible than the BA.2 sublineage of COVID-19.

"The XE recombinant (BA.1-BA.2), was first detected in the United Kingdom on January 19 and 600 sequences have been reported and confirmed since," the WHO had said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-detects-first-case-of-omicron-xe-variant-in-mumbai-468855">COVID-19: India detects first case of Omicron XE variant in Mumbai</a>

“Early estimates based on limited preliminary data suggest that XE has a community growth rate advantage of about 10% as compared to BA.2. However, this finding requires further confirmation. Some media have misreported the potential growth advantage of 10% as 10 times. This is incorrect. If the 10% increase in growth is confirmed, this variant would be 1.1 times more transmissible, not 10 times,” the UN health body said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian government has denied reports of the first case of XE variant of Covid in western Maharashtra state. The response came hours after the state government said it detected India’s first XE variant in Mumbai city.

The Indian government has denied reports of the first case of XE variant of Covid in western Maharashtra state. The response came hours after the state government said it detected India’s first XE variant in Mumbai city. "Hours after report of detection of XE variant of Coronavirus in Mumbai, @MoHFW_INDIA has said present evidence does not suggest the presence of the new variant," PIB Maharashtra said in a tweet, referring to the clarification by the Union health ministry. .@MoHFW_INDIA Clarification on Reported Case of #COVID XE Variant in #Mumbai: ➡️ Hours after report of detection of XE variant of Coronavirus in Mumbai, @MoHFW_INDIA has said present evidence does not suggest the presence of the new variant.@PIB_India@COVIDNewsByMIB (1/3)🧵 — PIB in Maharashtra 🇮🇳 (@PIBMumbai) April 6, 2022 × XE is recombinant of Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 sublineages of COVID-19. The health ministry said the individual who supposedly tested positive for XE variant is a fully vaccinated 50-year-old woman with no comorbidity and asymptomatic. According to reports, she had come from South Africa on February 10 and had no prior travel history. Her identity has been kept confidential. Also read | Explainer: WHO warns about new Omicron hybrid XE: Is it more transmissible? The ministry reportedly clarified that the woman had tested negative for the virus upon arrival. So far, only UK had detected the XE variant. According to the World Health Organisation, the new Covid may be more transmissible than the BA.2 sublineage of COVID-19. "The XE recombinant (BA.1-BA.2), was first detected in the United Kingdom on January 19 and 600 sequences have been reported and confirmed since," the WHO had said. Also read | COVID-19: India detects first case of Omicron XE variant in Mumbai “Early estimates based on limited preliminary data suggest that XE has a community growth rate advantage of about 10% as compared to BA.2. However, this finding requires further confirmation. Some media have misreported the potential growth advantage of 10% as 10 times. This is incorrect. If the 10% increase in growth is confirmed, this variant would be 1.1 times more transmissible, not 10 times,” the UN health body said. (With inputs from agencies)

No Covid XE variant in India yet, government clarifies

As India continues to witness a dip in Covid cases, in contrast to its neighbour, China, some states have decided to do away with several restrictions that were placed during the first phase, including the mask mandates.

On Thursday, western Maharashtra state announced that it will lift all Covid-related restrictions from Saturday, April 2, as the state welcomes the Marathi New Year.

Additionally, the government has advised the people to use masks even though it hasn’t been made compulsory.

"All Covid restrictions in Maharashtra will be lifted, as we bring in the new year this Gudi Padwa!” Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray tweeted.

Gudi Padwa is a spring festival that marks the traditional New Year for Marathi and Konkani Hindus.

Maharashtra was one of the worst-affected states in India during the first and second waves of COVID-19.

The decision to drop all restrictions after nearly two years was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by the chief minister, state Health Minister Rajesh Tope told reporters.

The number of fresh daily Covid infections in the state has dwindled to around 100 a day and no new fatalities are being reported. On Monday, there were 964 active cases across 35 districts.

Similarly in the national capital Delhi, the authorities have decided not to impose a fine for not wearing face masks at public places, PTI news agency reported citing official sources.

The sources added that the Delhi Disaster Management Authority is likely to issue an advisory for people, asking them to wear masks at crowded places.

Currently, there is a fine of Rs 500 (US $6.59) for not wearing masks at public places in Delhi.

On Thursday,&nbsp;Delhi reported 113 fresh COVID-19 cases with a positivity rate of 0.49 per cent and zero death.&nbsp;The city has recorded zero fatality count on multiple days this month.

For the past few weeks, India had been seeing a drastic reduction in the number of Covid cases being reported across the country.

On Thursday, 1,225 new cases were recorded, along with 28 deaths in the past 24 hours. A day before, 1,233 new Coronavirus infections were reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

As India continues to witness a dip in Covid cases, in contrast to its neighbour, China, some states have decided to do away with several restrictions that were placed during the first phase, including the mask mandates.

As India continues to witness a dip in Covid cases, in contrast to its neighbour, China, some states have decided to do away with several restrictions that were placed during the first phase, including the mask mandates. On Thursday, western Maharashtra state announced that it will lift all Covid-related restrictions from Saturday, April 2, as the state welcomes the Marathi New Year. Additionally, the government has advised the people to use masks even though it hasn’t been made compulsory. "All Covid restrictions in Maharashtra will be lifted, as we bring in the new year this Gudi Padwa!” Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray tweeted. Gudi Padwa is a spring festival that marks the traditional New Year for Marathi and Konkani Hindus. Maharashtra was one of the worst-affected states in India during the first and second waves of COVID-19. The decision to drop all restrictions after nearly two years was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by the chief minister, state Health Minister Rajesh Tope told reporters. The number of fresh daily Covid infections in the state has dwindled to around 100 a day and no new fatalities are being reported. On Monday, there were 964 active cases across 35 districts. Similarly in the national capital Delhi, the authorities have decided not to impose a fine for not wearing face masks at public places, PTI news agency reported citing official sources. The sources added that the Delhi Disaster Management Authority is likely to issue an advisory for people, asking them to wear masks at crowded places. Currently, there is a fine of Rs 500 (US $6.59) for not wearing masks at public places in Delhi. On Thursday, Delhi reported 113 fresh COVID-19 cases with a positivity rate of 0.49 per cent and zero death. The city has recorded zero fatality count on multiple days this month. For the past few weeks, India had been seeing a drastic reduction in the number of Covid cases being reported across the country. On Thursday, 1,225 new cases were recorded, along with 28 deaths in the past 24 hours. A day before, 1,233 new Coronavirus infections were reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Signalling normalcy: Some Indian states lift all Covid restrictions, drop mask mandate rule

Covid vaccination for the 12-14 age group and precautionary doses for those above 60 kicked off across India on Wednesday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging people to turn up in large numbers and get themselves vaccinated.

While India initially started the Covid immunisation programme for adults aged 60 and above, the drive was gradually expanded to cover those aged 15 to 17 years from January 3.

Covaxin is being administered for those aged 15 to 17, while indigenous Cobervax vaccine is being given to the 12-14 age group, where 6 to 6.5 million youngers are expected to be covered.

Two doses of Biological E's intramuscular vaccine Corbevax would be administered to the beneficiaries in the 12 to 14 years age group in an interval of 28 days, the guidelines said

In a tweet, PM Modi called the vaccination for the adolescent groups an ''important step'' in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-becomes-first-country-in-world-to-administer-covid-19-dna-vaccine-450750">India becomes first country in world to administer COVID-19 DNA vaccine</a>

“Today is an important day in India’s efforts to vaccinate our citizens. Now onwards, youngsters in the 12-14 age group are eligible for vaccines &amp; all those above 60 are eligible for precaution doses. I urge people in these age groups to get vaccinated,” PM Modi said.

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Today is an important day in India’s efforts to vaccinate our citizens. Now onwards, youngsters in the 12-14 age group are eligible for vaccines and all those above 60 are eligible for precaution doses. I urge people in these age groups to get vaccinated.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1503949505699336197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Recalling the initial days of the programme where India fought vaccine hesitancy&nbsp;and shortage, Modi said the country is now in a much better position to fight this deadly pandemic, while urging people to follow all precautions.

&nbsp;“Today, India has many ‘Made in India’ vaccines. We have also granted approval to other vaccines after a due process of evaluation. We are in a much better position to fight this deadly pandemic. At the same time, we have to keep following all Covid-19 precautions,” he tweeted on Wednesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-were-pfizer-and-moderna-vaccines-not-available-in-india-health-minister-responds-454466">Why were Pfizer and Moderna vaccines not available in India? Health minister responds</a>

The Union government has asked states to organise dedicated COVID-19 vaccination sessions through earmarked centres and train vaccinators to avoid mixing of vaccines during the inoculation of adolescents.&nbsp;The states were also advised to ensure judicious utilisation of available COVID-19 vaccines.

(With inputs from agencies)

Covid vaccination for the 12-14 age group and precautionary doses for those above 60 kicked off across India on Wednesday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging people to turn up in large numbers and get themselves vaccinated.

Covid vaccination for the 12-14 age group and precautionary doses for those above 60 kicked off across India on Wednesday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging people to turn up in large numbers and get themselves vaccinated. While India initially started the Covid immunisation programme for adults aged 60 and above, the drive was gradually expanded to cover those aged 15 to 17 years from January 3. Covaxin is being administered for those aged 15 to 17, while indigenous Cobervax vaccine is being given to the 12-14 age group, where 6 to 6.5 million youngers are expected to be covered. Two doses of Biological E's intramuscular vaccine Corbevax would be administered to the beneficiaries in the 12 to 14 years age group in an interval of 28 days, the guidelines said In a tweet, PM Modi called the vaccination for the adolescent groups an ''important step'' in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Also read | India becomes first country in world to administer COVID-19 DNA vaccine “Today is an important day in India’s efforts to vaccinate our citizens. Now onwards, youngsters in the 12-14 age group are eligible for vaccines & all those above 60 are eligible for precaution doses. I urge people in these age groups to get vaccinated,” PM Modi said. Today is an important day in India’s efforts to vaccinate our citizens. Now onwards, youngsters in the 12-14 age group are eligible for vaccines and all those above 60 are eligible for precaution doses. I urge people in these age groups to get vaccinated. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 16, 2022 × Recalling the initial days of the programme where India fought vaccine hesitancy and shortage, Modi said the country is now in a much better position to fight this deadly pandemic, while urging people to follow all precautions. “Today, India has many ‘Made in India’ vaccines. We have also granted approval to other vaccines after a due process of evaluation. We are in a much better position to fight this deadly pandemic. At the same time, we have to keep following all Covid-19 precautions,” he tweeted on Wednesday. Also read | Why were Pfizer and Moderna vaccines not available in India? Health minister responds The Union government has asked states to organise dedicated COVID-19 vaccination sessions through earmarked centres and train vaccinators to avoid mixing of vaccines during the inoculation of adolescents. The states were also advised to ensure judicious utilisation of available COVID-19 vaccines. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi urges children to get vaccinated as India starts inoculation drive for 12-14 age group

The United States, European Union, India and South Africa have reached a consensus on key elements of a long-sought intellectual property waiver for COVID-19 vaccines, according to a proposed text reviewed by Reuters.

Sources familiar with the talks described the text as a tentative agreement among the four World Trade Organization members that still needs formal approvals from the parties before it can be considered official. Any agreement must be accepted by the WTO's 164 member countries in order to be adopted.

Some elements of the consensus deal, including whether the length of any patent waivers would be three years or five years, still need to be finalized, according to the text. It would apply only to patents for COVID-19 vaccines, which would be much more limited in scope than a broad proposed WTO waiver that had won backing from the United States, according to the document.

The document authorizes use of "patented subject matter required for the production and supply of COVID-19 vaccines without the consent of the right holder to the extent necessary to address the COVID-19 pandemic".

It said IP rights would also be waived for ingredients and processes necessary for COVID-19 vaccine manufacture, a move aimed at granting critical know-how to many countries lacking expertise, especially for advanced mRNA-type vaccines.

The text contained several limitations, including that the waiver is only available to WTO member countries that exported less than 10% of global exports of COVID-19 vaccine doses in 2021.

The tentative agreement does not include COVID-19 treatments or tests, and the limitations would likely exclude China from any waiver, a source familiar with the negotiations said.

The text, which was produced in negotiations last week, was being circulated to officials in Brussels, Washington, Johannesburg and New Delhi before being presented to other WTO members. Adoption of the IP waiver by the consensus-driven organization is far from certain.

'Promising path'

USTR spokesman Adam Hodge said the informal discussions among the four principal parties had not yet resulted in agreement, but had produced a promising compromise and consultations were continuing.

"The difficult and protracted process has resulted in a compromise outcome that offers the most promising path toward achieving a concrete and meaningful outcome," Hodge said in an emailed statement.

A WTO spokesperson did not immediately respond to a Reuters query on the talks.

The tentative deal comes after months of negotiations over how to accelerate COVID-19 vaccine production in developing countries, where vaccination rates have lagged far behind wealthy countries.

In talks brokered by WTO Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the United States, EU, India and South Africa broke away from negotiations among the organization's 164 members to try to craft an agreement.

Objections from some countries with large pharmaceuticals sectors, including Switzerland and Britain, had stalled progress in negotiations among the larger group. India and South Africa had first proposed the WTO vaccine IP waiver in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic exploded.

A spokesperson for pharmaceutical industry trade group PhRMA said efforts to waive intellectual property commitments are unnecessary and harm efforts to end the pandemic. Voluntary technology transfer and partnerships have helped vaccine makers to target production of 20 billion doses in 2022, more than enough for the world, she said.

The United States, European Union, India and South Africa have reached a consensus on key elements of a long-sought intellectual property waiver for COVID-19 vaccines, according to a proposed text reviewed by Reuters.

The United States, European Union, India and South Africa have reached a consensus on key elements of a long-sought intellectual property waiver for COVID-19 vaccines, according to a proposed text reviewed by Reuters. Sources familiar with the talks described the text as a tentative agreement among the four World Trade Organization members that still needs formal approvals from the parties before it can be considered official. Any agreement must be accepted by the WTO's 164 member countries in order to be adopted. Some elements of the consensus deal, including whether the length of any patent waivers would be three years or five years, still need to be finalized, according to the text. It would apply only to patents for COVID-19 vaccines, which would be much more limited in scope than a broad proposed WTO waiver that had won backing from the United States, according to the document. The document authorizes use of "patented subject matter required for the production and supply of COVID-19 vaccines without the consent of the right holder to the extent necessary to address the COVID-19 pandemic". It said IP rights would also be waived for ingredients and processes necessary for COVID-19 vaccine manufacture, a move aimed at granting critical know-how to many countries lacking expertise, especially for advanced mRNA-type vaccines. The text contained several limitations, including that the waiver is only available to WTO member countries that exported less than 10% of global exports of COVID-19 vaccine doses in 2021. The tentative agreement does not include COVID-19 treatments or tests, and the limitations would likely exclude China from any waiver, a source familiar with the negotiations said. The text, which was produced in negotiations last week, was being circulated to officials in Brussels, Washington, Johannesburg and New Delhi before being presented to other WTO members. Adoption of the IP waiver by the consensus-driven organization is far from certain. 'Promising path' USTR spokesman Adam Hodge said the informal discussions among the four principal parties had not yet resulted in agreement, but had produced a promising compromise and consultations were continuing. "The difficult and protracted process has resulted in a compromise outcome that offers the most promising path toward achieving a concrete and meaningful outcome," Hodge said in an emailed statement. A WTO spokesperson did not immediately respond to a Reuters query on the talks. The tentative deal comes after months of negotiations over how to accelerate COVID-19 vaccine production in developing countries, where vaccination rates have lagged far behind wealthy countries. In talks brokered by WTO Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the United States, EU, India and South Africa broke away from negotiations among the organization's 164 members to try to craft an agreement. Objections from some countries with large pharmaceuticals sectors, including Switzerland and Britain, had stalled progress in negotiations among the larger group. India and South Africa had first proposed the WTO vaccine IP waiver in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic exploded. A spokesperson for pharmaceutical industry trade group PhRMA said efforts to waive intellectual property commitments are unnecessary and harm efforts to end the pandemic. Voluntary technology transfer and partnerships have helped vaccine makers to target production of 20 billion doses in 2022, more than enough for the world, she said.

US, EU, India, South Africa reach compromise on COVID vaccine IP waiver text

With only 2,503 new Covid infections, Indian recorded its lowest single-day cases in the two years, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.

The death toll climbed to 5,15,877 with 27 fresh fatalities, including 15 from Kerala.

The active cases dipped to 36,168, the lowest in 675 days, comprising 0.08 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate further improved to 98.72 per cent, the ministry said.

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.47 per cent and the weekly positivity rate also stood at 0.47 per cent.

On Sunday, the country registered 3,116 infections along with 47 deaths and 5,559 recoveries.

&nbsp;The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,24,41,449 and the case fatality rate was recorded as 1.20 per cent.

The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 180 million.

Daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.47 per cent and weekly positivity rate at 0.47 per cent.

As many as 77 million total tests have been conducted so far and 5,32,232 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours.

A total of 5,15,877 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,43,752 from Maharashtra, 66,808 from Kerala, 40,018 from Karnataka, 38,023 from Tamil Nadu, 26,141 from Delhi, 23,492 from Uttar Pradesh and 21,187 from West Bengal.

The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

India's COVID-19 tally surpassed the 10-million mark on December 19, 2020. The country crossed the grim milestone of 2 million on May 4 and three million on June 23 last year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

With only 2,503 new Covid infections, Indian recorded its lowest single-day cases in the two years, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.

With only 2,503 new Covid infections, Indian recorded its lowest single-day cases in the two years, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday. The death toll climbed to 5,15,877 with 27 fresh fatalities, including 15 from Kerala. The active cases dipped to 36,168, the lowest in 675 days, comprising 0.08 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate further improved to 98.72 per cent, the ministry said. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.47 per cent and the weekly positivity rate also stood at 0.47 per cent. On Sunday, the country registered 3,116 infections along with 47 deaths and 5,559 recoveries. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,24,41,449 and the case fatality rate was recorded as 1.20 per cent. The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 180 million. Daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.47 per cent and weekly positivity rate at 0.47 per cent. As many as 77 million total tests have been conducted so far and 5,32,232 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours. A total of 5,15,877 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,43,752 from Maharashtra, 66,808 from Kerala, 40,018 from Karnataka, 38,023 from Tamil Nadu, 26,141 from Delhi, 23,492 from Uttar Pradesh and 21,187 from West Bengal. The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation. India's COVID-19 tally surpassed the 10-million mark on December 19, 2020. The country crossed the grim milestone of 2 million on May 4 and three million on June 23 last year. (With inputs from agencies)

India records 2,503 new Covid infections, lowest single-day rise in two years

&nbsp;As India reports a high number of Omicron BA.2 cases, a top Health Expert has said it is not a cause of concern because it will not lead to another COVID-19 surge in the country.

Speaking to ANI, Co-Chairman National IMA COVID Task Force Dr Rajeev Jayadevan said that BA.2 is a sub-lineage of Omicron variant, which fuelled the third wave in the country.According to him, BA.2 cannot infect those who have previously had BA.1 sub-variant of COVID-19.

"It will not cause another surge. BA.2 is not capable of infecting people who had BA.1. It's not a new virus or strain. BA.2 is a sub-lineage of Omicron," Dr Jayadevan said. The Expert further said that BA.2 will be more transmissible than BA.1 and it has mutated to increase its transmissibility.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/low-omicron-efficacy-behind-delay-of-pfizer-covid-vaccine-for-kids-under-5-wsj-454430">Low Omicron efficacy behind delay of Pfizer COVID vaccine for kids under 5: WSJ</a>

"BA.2 is a little bit more transmissible than BA.1. For the last two years, it has constantly evolved to increase its fitness, which is its ability to infect more people and to leap past natural immunity and vaccinated immunity," he said.

Dr Jayadevan also said that the Omicron variant showed that vaccine immunity can be "easily surpassed by variants" and this trend will continue to be seen in future, if new variants emerge after mutation of the virus.

"Omicron showed that even vaccine immunity can be easily surpassed by variants and this trend will be expected in the future as new variants arrive. But BA.1 and BA.2 both have immune escape ability which means that if you've been naturally infected, or if you've been vaccinated or both, this virus can still infect us," he noted.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/the-worst-is-yet-to-come-study-finds-that-omicron-is-10-times-better-than-delta-at-evading-covid-vaccines-454212">'The worst is yet to come': Study finds that Omicron is 10 times better than Delta at evading Covid vaccines</a>

Explaining the nature of BA.2, Dr Jayadevan said, "It is the sub-lineage of Omicron and is essentially as same as Omicron that was identified in November in South Africa. It now has BA.1, BA.2 and BA.3." He also said that virus will be around for a very long time time." Virus is going to be around. It will come in ups and downs for a very long time. When the next variant comes, there will be a surge. We do not know when that will be, but history says that it can happen once inevitably six to eight months and that is typically how it acts."

"But until then, we are now in the low phase Omicron. However, what we should remember is this virus is around which means that we must do everything we can to stop it from infecting us," he added.Citing a study conducted on hamsters in Japan, Dr Jayadevan said that BA.2 may cause severe lung disease. "As of today, symptoms of Omicron are no different between BA.1 and BA.2. So there is no difference in severity.

Watch |&nbsp;Will vaccines work against BA.2, the new sub-variant of Omicron? Covid-19

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/will-vaccines-work-against-ba2-the-new-sub-variant-of-omicron-covid-19-454480/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, there is a study from Japan done on hamsters. In this study, hamsters showed that BA.2 involved the lungs more than BA.1. "On the trend of the Omicron BA.2 cases globally, he said, "It is believed that BA.2 is increasing in India. But in several other Asian countries in the region and across Europe, the prevalence is slowly increasing, particularly in Denmark. There's a slight increase in the United States and also in Britain."&nbsp;

As India reports a high number of Omicron BA.2 cases, a top Health Expert has said it is not a cause of concern because it will not lead to another COVID-19 surge in the country.

As India reports a high number of Omicron BA.2 cases, a top Health Expert has said it is not a cause of concern because it will not lead to another COVID-19 surge in the country. Speaking to ANI, Co-Chairman National IMA COVID Task Force Dr Rajeev Jayadevan said that BA.2 is a sub-lineage of Omicron variant, which fuelled the third wave in the country.According to him, BA.2 cannot infect those who have previously had BA.1 sub-variant of COVID-19. "It will not cause another surge. BA.2 is not capable of infecting people who had BA.1. It's not a new virus or strain. BA.2 is a sub-lineage of Omicron," Dr Jayadevan said. The Expert further said that BA.2 will be more transmissible than BA.1 and it has mutated to increase its transmissibility. Also read | Low Omicron efficacy behind delay of Pfizer COVID vaccine for kids under 5: WSJ "BA.2 is a little bit more transmissible than BA.1. For the last two years, it has constantly evolved to increase its fitness, which is its ability to infect more people and to leap past natural immunity and vaccinated immunity," he said. Dr Jayadevan also said that the Omicron variant showed that vaccine immunity can be "easily surpassed by variants" and this trend will continue to be seen in future, if new variants emerge after mutation of the virus. "Omicron showed that even vaccine immunity can be easily surpassed by variants and this trend will be expected in the future as new variants arrive. But BA.1 and BA.2 both have immune escape ability which means that if you've been naturally infected, or if you've been vaccinated or both, this virus can still infect us," he noted. Also read | 'The worst is yet to come': Study finds that Omicron is 10 times better than Delta at evading Covid vaccines Explaining the nature of BA.2, Dr Jayadevan said, "It is the sub-lineage of Omicron and is essentially as same as Omicron that was identified in November in South Africa. It now has BA.1, BA.2 and BA.3." He also said that virus will be around for a very long time time." Virus is going to be around. It will come in ups and downs for a very long time. When the next variant comes, there will be a surge. We do not know when that will be, but history says that it can happen once inevitably six to eight months and that is typically how it acts." "But until then, we are now in the low phase Omicron. However, what we should remember is this virus is around which means that we must do everything we can to stop it from infecting us," he added.Citing a study conducted on hamsters in Japan, Dr Jayadevan said that BA.2 may cause severe lung disease. "As of today, symptoms of Omicron are no different between BA.1 and BA.2. So there is no difference in severity. Watch | Will vaccines work against BA.2, the new sub-variant of Omicron? Covid-19 However, there is a study from Japan done on hamsters. In this study, hamsters showed that BA.2 involved the lungs more than BA.1. "On the trend of the Omicron BA.2 cases globally, he said, "It is believed that BA.2 is increasing in India. But in several other Asian countries in the region and across Europe, the prevalence is slowly increasing, particularly in Denmark. There's a slight increase in the United States and also in Britain."

Omicron BA.2 will not cause another COVID-19 surge, says expert

India, the world's largest democracy and second most populous nation had a huge challenge when Covid pandemic hit its shores. The sheer size and complexities within the country made it quite a task to battle the disease. There was no medicine, no vaccine available during initial months. Priyam Gandhi-Mody, in her book 'A Nation to Protect: Leading India through the Covid crisis', has described how India battled and emerged from the deadly crisis under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Efforts of all Indians created a compounding effect under a strong leadership that made tackling the pandemic possible.

The launch of 'A Nation to Protect' took place on February 18 at Nehru Memorial Museum and Library in New Delhi. The book was launched by Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare along with Professor Shamika Ravi (Economist) and Dr VK Paul (member of NITI Aayog).

What followed was a discussion moderated by Sudhir Chaudhary, Editor In Chief&nbsp;of WION. The discussion saw Priyam Gandhi-Mody and the eminent panel discuss aspects of India's fight against the pandemic.

<img alt="Sudhir Chaudhary, Editor In Chief, WION (Photo: Manas Joshi)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6a0a021b-9ffb-46e0-81a4-d84cd9676d04" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Sudhir%20Chaudhary.jpeg" />

Sudhir Chaudhary, Editor In Chief, WION (Photo: Manas Joshi)

"I was able look at the situation in top-down manner," said Priyam Gandhi-Mody as she talked about her book. When asked about her approach she said that she attempted to capture the Indian response to the pandemic from an outsider's perspective.

In her opening remarks, Gandhi-Mody noted that doomsday predictions were made about India worldover.

"It was said that because of India, global Covid response would take a hit," she said. She expressed displeasure at 'political partisanship' that was observed in Indian political arena just when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was leading the country out of the grips of the pandemic.

Sudhir Chaudhary noted that a section of media was trying to cash in on the frenzy to target the establishment.

"Do you think they did a disservice to the nation through their coverage?" asked Chaudhary.

"It is often said that 'sadness is sexy'. But how sexy is it if you are going to do it at the expense of your country?" replied Gandhi-Mody. "A section of political leaders and media made this into 'us versus them' battle"

Union minister Mansukh Mandaviya said he believed that 'A Nation to Protect' describes the reality as it unfolded during last two years.

"We have seen what happens when there is a true leadership with a vision," said Mandaviya referring to PM Modi.

<img alt="A nation to protect" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5d142129-f62a-4701-a99c-33a5dbda7ee8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/20220218_174928.jpg" />

Union minister Mansukh Mandaviya with author Priyam Gandhi-Modi (Photo: Manas Joshi)

"PM Modi is a very good listener," said Dr VK Paul, member of NITI Aayog.&nbsp;

"I am often surprised at his capacity to read extensively," said Prof Shamika Ravi, the economist who has been a member of Economic Advisory Council to the prime minister.

"So do you think Covid is man-made?" Sudhir Chaudhary asked Priyam Gandhi-Mody towards the end of the session. She said that she would like more information to come out.

'A Nation to Protect' has been published by Rupa Publications.

India, the world's largest democracy and second most populous nation had a huge challenge when Covid pandemic hit its shores. The sheer size and complexities within the country made it quite a task to battle the disease.

India, the world's largest democracy and second most populous nation had a huge challenge when Covid pandemic hit its shores. The sheer size and complexities within the country made it quite a task to battle the disease. There was no medicine, no vaccine available during initial months. Priyam Gandhi-Mody, in her book 'A Nation to Protect: Leading India through the Covid crisis', has described how India battled and emerged from the deadly crisis under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Efforts of all Indians created a compounding effect under a strong leadership that made tackling the pandemic possible. The launch of 'A Nation to Protect' took place on February 18 at Nehru Memorial Museum and Library in New Delhi. The book was launched by Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare along with Professor Shamika Ravi (Economist) and Dr VK Paul (member of NITI Aayog). What followed was a discussion moderated by Sudhir Chaudhary, Editor In Chief of WION. The discussion saw Priyam Gandhi-Mody and the eminent panel discuss aspects of India's fight against the pandemic. Sudhir Chaudhary, Editor In Chief, WION (Photo: Manas Joshi) "I was able look at the situation in top-down manner," said Priyam Gandhi-Mody as she talked about her book. When asked about her approach she said that she attempted to capture the Indian response to the pandemic from an outsider's perspective. In her opening remarks, Gandhi-Mody noted that doomsday predictions were made about India worldover. "It was said that because of India, global Covid response would take a hit," she said. She expressed displeasure at 'political partisanship' that was observed in Indian political arena just when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was leading the country out of the grips of the pandemic. Sudhir Chaudhary noted that a section of media was trying to cash in on the frenzy to target the establishment. "Do you think they did a disservice to the nation through their coverage?" asked Chaudhary. "It is often said that 'sadness is sexy'. But how sexy is it if you are going to do it at the expense of your country?" replied Gandhi-Mody. "A section of political leaders and media made this into 'us versus them' battle" Union minister Mansukh Mandaviya said he believed that 'A Nation to Protect' describes the reality as it unfolded during last two years. "We have seen what happens when there is a true leadership with a vision," said Mandaviya referring to PM Modi. Union minister Mansukh Mandaviya with author Priyam Gandhi-Modi (Photo: Manas Joshi) "PM Modi is a very good listener," said Dr VK Paul, member of NITI Aayog. "I am often surprised at his capacity to read extensively," said Prof Shamika Ravi, the economist who has been a member of Economic Advisory Council to the prime minister. "So do you think Covid is man-made?" Sudhir Chaudhary asked Priyam Gandhi-Mody towards the end of the session. She said that she would like more information to come out. 'A Nation to Protect' has been published by Rupa Publications.

A Nation to Protect: Priyam Gandhi-Mody's book brings out India's fight against Covid

India’s Covid cases saw a marginal dip on Monday, with the country registering 3,06,064 new coronavirus infections in 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

On Sunday, India registered 3,33,533 cases,&nbsp;about 27,469 more than today.

The death toll has climbed to 4,89,848 with 439 fresh fatalities, the data stated.

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 20.75 per cent while the weekly positivity rate was recorded at 17.03 per cent, according to the ministry.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,68,04,145, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.24 per cent.

The 439 new fatalities include 77 from Kerala and 44 from Maharashtra.

A total of 4,89,848 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,42,115 from Maharashtra, 51,816 from Kerala,38,582 from Karnataka, 37,218 from Tamil Nadu, 25,620 from Delhi, 23,056 from Uttar Pradesh and 20,338 from West Bengal.

The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

“Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research,” the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

Meanwhile, India's COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed over 162 million doses.

At least 72 per cent of India's adult population is fully vaccinated whereas around 52 per cent of children in the 15-18 years old age group have been inoculated with the first dose of Covid vaccine, the government’s data said.

(With inputs from agencies)

India’s Covid cases saw a marginal dip on Monday, with the country registering 3,06,064 new coronavirus infections in 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

India’s Covid cases saw a marginal dip on Monday, with the country registering 3,06,064 new coronavirus infections in 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry data. On Sunday, India registered 3,33,533 cases, about 27,469 more than today. The death toll has climbed to 4,89,848 with 439 fresh fatalities, the data stated. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 20.75 per cent while the weekly positivity rate was recorded at 17.03 per cent, according to the ministry. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,68,04,145, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.24 per cent. The 439 new fatalities include 77 from Kerala and 44 from Maharashtra. A total of 4,89,848 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,42,115 from Maharashtra, 51,816 from Kerala,38,582 from Karnataka, 37,218 from Tamil Nadu, 25,620 from Delhi, 23,056 from Uttar Pradesh and 20,338 from West Bengal. The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. “Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research,” the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation. Meanwhile, India's COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed over 162 million doses. At least 72 per cent of India's adult population is fully vaccinated whereas around 52 per cent of children in the 15-18 years old age group have been inoculated with the first dose of Covid vaccine, the government’s data said. (With inputs from agencies)

India’s Covid tally dips marginally, over 3,00,000 new infections recorded

India’s northern Jammu and Kashmir has recorded a steep rise in Covid positive cases, with 5,720 new infections being detected in a span of 24 hours.

The Kashmir division recorded 3,830 Covid positive cases while the Jammu division reported 1,890. The total number of positive cases across the Union territory now stands at 3,84,381.&nbsp;

The state government further informed that five Covid deaths have been reported from J&amp;K, in which four are from the Jammu division and 1 from the Kashmir division.

''Out of 2,06,88,396 test results available, 3,84381 samples have tested positive, and 2,03,04,015 samples have been tested as negative till date. Besides, 82,903 Covid tests have been conducted in the last 24 hours.'' said the J&amp;K administration said in a statement.&nbsp;

Srinagar district with 1341 cases has reported the maximum, followed by Baramulla (688), Budgam (550), Pulwama (170), Kupwara (208), Anantnag (237), Bandipora (241), Ganderbal (246), Kulgam (106) and Shopian (43) as of today, said J&amp;K administration.&nbsp;

The government has 4,994 beds available for the Covid patients out of which 466 beds (9.33 per cent) are occupied by the patients.

The administration has imposed weekend lockdown across the Union territory. People have been advised to follow the Covid protocol.&nbsp;

India’s northern Jammu and Kashmir has recorded a steep rise in Covid positive cases, with 5,720 new infections being detected in a span of 24 hours. The Kashmir division recorded 3,830 Covid positive cases while the Jammu division reported 1,890.

India’s northern Jammu and Kashmir has recorded a steep rise in Covid positive cases, with 5,720 new infections being detected in a span of 24 hours. The Kashmir division recorded 3,830 Covid positive cases while the Jammu division reported 1,890. The total number of positive cases across the Union territory now stands at 3,84,381. The state government further informed that five Covid deaths have been reported from J&K, in which four are from the Jammu division and 1 from the Kashmir division. ''Out of 2,06,88,396 test results available, 3,84381 samples have tested positive, and 2,03,04,015 samples have been tested as negative till date. Besides, 82,903 Covid tests have been conducted in the last 24 hours.'' said the J&K administration said in a statement. Srinagar district with 1341 cases has reported the maximum, followed by Baramulla (688), Budgam (550), Pulwama (170), Kupwara (208), Anantnag (237), Bandipora (241), Ganderbal (246), Kulgam (106) and Shopian (43) as of today, said J&K administration. The government has 4,994 beds available for the Covid patients out of which 466 beds (9.33 per cent) are occupied by the patients. The administration has imposed weekend lockdown across the Union territory. People have been advised to follow the Covid protocol.

With 5,720 new infections, Jammu & Kashmir reports uptick in Covid cases

Passengers arriving from the UAE have been exempted from the mandatory seven-day home quarantine in India’s Maharashtra state.

Travellers will also no longer need to take a PCR test on arrival.&nbsp;

These directions will be enforced with effect from midnight January 17, 2022, Mumbai city’s civic agency, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, said in a statement.

To contain the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in the city, special SOPs for monitoring of international travellers arriving from United Arab Emirates (UAE) including Dubai in Mumbai were issued under circular No. MGC/F/5819 Dated 29.12.2021,” reads the issued on Sunday.

“As per these SOPs, 7-day home quarantine and on arrival RT-PCR test was made mandatory for such passengers. These directives are now revised as below: 1). No special SOPs henceforth will be applicable for passengers coming from United Arab Emirates (UAE) including Dubai 2). Guidelines applicable to international travellers arriving from ‘Countries other than Countries at-risk’ will be made applicable to travellers arriving from United Arab Emirates (UAE) including Dubai," it said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/is-covid-19-peaking-in-india-nation-logs-271202-new-cases-positivity-rate-at-1628-445138" hreflang="en">Is COVID-19 peaking in India? Nation logs 2,71,202 new cases today</a>

On Sunday, Maharashtra recorded 41,327 fresh coronavirus positive cases, 1,135 less than the day before, and 29 deaths, the state health department said.

The overall caseload in the state now stands at 72,11,810 and the death toll at 1,41,808.

On Saturday, the state had recorded 42,462 new cases and 23 fatalities.

Also, eight new Omicron cases came to light in the state during the day, raising the tally of such infections to 1,738.

A total of 932 Omicron patients have fully recovered so far in Maharashtra. Coronavirus case fatality rate in the state is 1.96 per cent while the recovery rate is 94.3 per cent.

(With inputs from agencies)

Passengers arriving from the UAE have been exempted from the mandatory seven-day home quarantine in India’s Maharashtra state. Travellers will also no longer need to take a PCR test on arrival.

Passengers arriving from the UAE have been exempted from the mandatory seven-day home quarantine in India’s Maharashtra state. Travellers will also no longer need to take a PCR test on arrival. These directions will be enforced with effect from midnight January 17, 2022, Mumbai city’s civic agency, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, said in a statement. To contain the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in the city, special SOPs for monitoring of international travellers arriving from United Arab Emirates (UAE) including Dubai in Mumbai were issued under circular No. MGC/F/5819 Dated 29.12.2021,” reads the issued on Sunday. “As per these SOPs, 7-day home quarantine and on arrival RT-PCR test was made mandatory for such passengers. These directives are now revised as below: 1). No special SOPs henceforth will be applicable for passengers coming from United Arab Emirates (UAE) including Dubai 2). Guidelines applicable to international travellers arriving from ‘Countries other than Countries at-risk’ will be made applicable to travellers arriving from United Arab Emirates (UAE) including Dubai," it said. Also read | Is COVID-19 peaking in India? Nation logs 2,71,202 new cases today On Sunday, Maharashtra recorded 41,327 fresh coronavirus positive cases, 1,135 less than the day before, and 29 deaths, the state health department said. The overall caseload in the state now stands at 72,11,810 and the death toll at 1,41,808. On Saturday, the state had recorded 42,462 new cases and 23 fatalities. Also, eight new Omicron cases came to light in the state during the day, raising the tally of such infections to 1,738. A total of 932 Omicron patients have fully recovered so far in Maharashtra. Coronavirus case fatality rate in the state is 1.96 per cent while the recovery rate is 94.3 per cent. (With inputs from agencies)

UAE passengers exempted from 7-day quarantine in India’s Maharashtra state

India detected 163 more Omicron cases in the past 24 hours, taking their tally to 1,431, data from India’s health showed on Saturday.

Maharashtra&nbsp;topped the list with the highest number of 454 cases, followed by Delhi with 351, Kerala 118 and Gujarat 115.

So far, 23 states and union territories have recorded 1,431 cases of the new variant of the coronavirus, of which 488 of them have either recovered or migrated.

Meanwhile, India saw 22,775 new infections and 406 deaths in the last 24 hours, with 8,949 recoveries.

With recorded new infections, the daily rise in COVID-19 cases crossed the 16,000-mark in the country after around 65 days, taking the infection tally to 3,48,61,579, while the count of active cases increased to 1,04,781, according to the data updated at 8 am.

<img alt="India's Omicron cases " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d910e481-0528-43da-8995-983dac215fc8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/hrr.jpeg" />

The active cases comprised 0.30 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.32 per cent, the health ministry said.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/first-omicron-death-registered-in-indias-maharashtra-state-441335">&nbsp;First ‘Omicron death’ registered in India’s Maharashtra state</a>

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5, 50 lakh on September 16, 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and the one-crore mark on December 19.

India crossed the grim milestones of two crore cases on May 4, 2021 and three crore on June 23.

Meanwhile, India has begun immunisation of children in the 15-18 age group against Covid.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-state-of-west-bengal-temporarily-suspends-flights-from-uk-amid-rise-in-omicron-cases-441196" hreflang="en">Indian state of West Bengal temporarily suspends flights from UK amid rise in Omicron cases</a>

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the COWIN portal is now accepting registration for vaccination of children in the age group against COVID-19.

Taking to Twitter, he requested people to register eligible children in their families for this.

"On the occasion of New Year, registration is being started on COWIN portal for immunization of children against #COVID19 in the age group of 15 to 18 years from today. I request the family members to register the eligible children for vaccination. #SabkoVaccineMuftVaccine," Mandaviya tweeted.

Covid vaccination for children in the 15-18 age group will start from January 3.

(With inputs from agencies)

India detected 163 more Omicron cases in the past 24 hours, taking their tally to 1,431, data from India’s health showed on Saturday. Maharashtra topped the list with the highest number of 454 cases, followed by Delhi with 351, Kerala 118 and Gujarat 115.

India detected 163 more Omicron cases in the past 24 hours, taking their tally to 1,431, data from India’s health showed on Saturday. Maharashtra topped the list with the highest number of 454 cases, followed by Delhi with 351, Kerala 118 and Gujarat 115. So far, 23 states and union territories have recorded 1,431 cases of the new variant of the coronavirus, of which 488 of them have either recovered or migrated. Meanwhile, India saw 22,775 new infections and 406 deaths in the last 24 hours, with 8,949 recoveries. With recorded new infections, the daily rise in COVID-19 cases crossed the 16,000-mark in the country after around 65 days, taking the infection tally to 3,48,61,579, while the count of active cases increased to 1,04,781, according to the data updated at 8 am. The active cases comprised 0.30 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.32 per cent, the health ministry said. Also read | First ‘Omicron death’ registered in India’s Maharashtra state India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5, 50 lakh on September 16, 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and the one-crore mark on December 19. India crossed the grim milestones of two crore cases on May 4, 2021 and three crore on June 23. Meanwhile, India has begun immunisation of children in the 15-18 age group against Covid. Also Read: Indian state of West Bengal temporarily suspends flights from UK amid rise in Omicron cases Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the COWIN portal is now accepting registration for vaccination of children in the age group against COVID-19. Taking to Twitter, he requested people to register eligible children in their families for this. "On the occasion of New Year, registration is being started on COWIN portal for immunization of children against #COVID19 in the age group of 15 to 18 years from today. I request the family members to register the eligible children for vaccination. #SabkoVaccineMuftVaccine," Mandaviya tweeted. Covid vaccination for children in the 15-18 age group will start from January 3. (With inputs from agencies)

India’s daily Covid cases rise by 22,775, Omicron tally stands at 1,431

As per the data released on Wednesday by the Union Health Ministry, India has documented 781 cases of the Omicron form of coronavirus across 21 states and UTs, with 241 people recovering or migrating.

Delhi had the most cases (238), followed by Maharashtra (167), Gujarat (73), Kerala (65), and Telangana (62).

India's total number of COVID-19 cases surged to 3,48,08,886, while the number of active cases jumped to 77,002.&nbsp;

According to the report, the death toll has risen to 4,80,592 with 302 new fatalities.

For the past 62 days, the daily increase in new coronavirus infections has been below 15,000 per day.

Active cases account for 0.22 per cent of all infections, the lowest since March 2020, according to the ministry, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was 98.40 per cent, the highest since March 2020.

In the last 24 hours, the active COVID-19 caseload has grown by 1,546 cases.&nbsp;

On August 7, 2020, India's COVID-19 tally surpassed 2 million, followed by 3 million on August 23, 4 million on September 5, and 5 million on September 16.

It exceeded the 6 million level on September 28, the 7 million mark on October 11, the 8 million mark on October 29, the 9 million mark on November 20, and the 10 million mark on December 19.

On May 4, India passed the 20 million mark, and on June 23, it passed the 30 million mark.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

As per the data released on Wednesday by the Union Health Ministry, India has documented 781 cases of the Omicron form of coronavirus across 21 states and UTs, with 241 people recovering or migrating.

As per the data released on Wednesday by the Union Health Ministry, India has documented 781 cases of the Omicron form of coronavirus across 21 states and UTs, with 241 people recovering or migrating. Delhi had the most cases (238), followed by Maharashtra (167), Gujarat (73), Kerala (65), and Telangana (62). India's total number of COVID-19 cases surged to 3,48,08,886, while the number of active cases jumped to 77,002. According to the report, the death toll has risen to 4,80,592 with 302 new fatalities. For the past 62 days, the daily increase in new coronavirus infections has been below 15,000 per day. Active cases account for 0.22 per cent of all infections, the lowest since March 2020, according to the ministry, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was 98.40 per cent, the highest since March 2020. In the last 24 hours, the active COVID-19 caseload has grown by 1,546 cases. On August 7, 2020, India's COVID-19 tally surpassed 2 million, followed by 3 million on August 23, 4 million on September 5, and 5 million on September 16. It exceeded the 6 million level on September 28, the 7 million mark on October 11, the 8 million mark on October 29, the 9 million mark on November 20, and the 10 million mark on December 19. On May 4, India passed the 20 million mark, and on June 23, it passed the 30 million mark. (With inputs from agencies)

India’s Omicron tally rises to 781, Delhi reports maximum cases

India detected 415 cases of Omicron variant of Covid-19, out of which 115 have recovered or migrated, Union health ministry’s data updated on Saturday.

Maharashtra reported the maximum with 108 Omicron cases, followed by Delhi at 79, Gujarat (43), Telangana (38), Kerala (37), Tamil Nadu (34) and Karnataka (31).

Meanwhile, 7,189 new Covid cases were reported in the last 24 hours, taking the tally to 3,47,79,815, while the active cases have declined to 77,032, according to the data updated at 8 am.

The death toll climbed to 4,79,520 with 387 more fatalities, the data showed.

The daily rise in new coronavirus cases has been recorded below 15,000 for the last 58 days now.

The active cases have declined to 77,032 comprising 0.22 per cent of the total infections, the lowest since March 2020, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.40 per cent, the highest since March 2020, the health ministry said.

A decrease of 484 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iit-kanpur-study-tells-when-third-covid-19-wave-in-india-may-peak-439713">&nbsp;IIT-Kanpur study tells when third COVID-19 wave in India may peak</a>

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.65 per cent. It has been less than two per cent for the last 82 days.

On Friday, Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan during a press conference had said that of 358 cases of Omicron reported till then, 183 were analysed and it was found that 87 of them were fully vaccinated with three having received booster doses while 70 per cent were asymptomatic.

As Omicron cases continue to gain a foothold in India, several states imposed fresh restrictions ahead of Christmas and New Year’s celebrations to curb the further spread of the virus.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/358-omicron-cases-in-india-says-govt-uttar-pradesh-state-imposes-night-curfew-439684">358 Omicron cases in India, says govt; Uttar Pradesh state imposes night curfew</a>

Six states imposed night curfew, assembly of more than five people in public places have been banned in two cities and the national capital Delhi banned all cultural events and social gatherings.

Maharashtra banned the assembly of more than five people in public places between 9 pm and 6 am and Uttar Pradesh and Haryana have imposed a night&nbsp;curfew— 11 pm to 5 am—from Saturday.

Madhya Pradesh government imposed similar mobility curbs and Odisha also imposed fresh restrictions on Friday on celebrations of Christmas and New Year’s Day, while Gujarat extended the duration of night&nbsp;curfew&nbsp;in eight cities by two hours.

(With inputs from agencies)

India detected 415 cases of Omicron variant of Covid-19, out of which 115 have recovered or migrated, Union health ministry’s data updated on Saturday. Maharashtra reported the maximum with 108 Omicron cases, followed by Delhi at 79, Gujarat (43), Telangana (38), Kerala (37), Tamil Nadu (34) and Karnataka (31).

India detected 415 cases of Omicron variant of Covid-19, out of which 115 have recovered or migrated, Union health ministry’s data updated on Saturday. Maharashtra reported the maximum with 108 Omicron cases, followed by Delhi at 79, Gujarat (43), Telangana (38), Kerala (37), Tamil Nadu (34) and Karnataka (31). Meanwhile, 7,189 new Covid cases were reported in the last 24 hours, taking the tally to 3,47,79,815, while the active cases have declined to 77,032, according to the data updated at 8 am. The death toll climbed to 4,79,520 with 387 more fatalities, the data showed. The daily rise in new coronavirus cases has been recorded below 15,000 for the last 58 days now. The active cases have declined to 77,032 comprising 0.22 per cent of the total infections, the lowest since March 2020, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.40 per cent, the highest since March 2020, the health ministry said. A decrease of 484 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. Also read | IIT-Kanpur study tells when third COVID-19 wave in India may peak The daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.65 per cent. It has been less than two per cent for the last 82 days. On Friday, Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan during a press conference had said that of 358 cases of Omicron reported till then, 183 were analysed and it was found that 87 of them were fully vaccinated with three having received booster doses while 70 per cent were asymptomatic. As Omicron cases continue to gain a foothold in India, several states imposed fresh restrictions ahead of Christmas and New Year’s celebrations to curb the further spread of the virus. Also read | 358 Omicron cases in India, says govt; Uttar Pradesh state imposes night curfew Six states imposed night curfew, assembly of more than five people in public places have been banned in two cities and the national capital Delhi banned all cultural events and social gatherings. Maharashtra banned the assembly of more than five people in public places between 9 pm and 6 am and Uttar Pradesh and Haryana have imposed a night curfew— 11 pm to 5 am—from Saturday. Madhya Pradesh government imposed similar mobility curbs and Odisha also imposed fresh restrictions on Friday on celebrations of Christmas and New Year’s Day, while Gujarat extended the duration of night curfew in eight cities by two hours. (With inputs from agencies)

415 Omicron cases detected in India, Maharashtra tops with 108 cases

As Omicron cases continue to spread across Indian states, the central government has decided to send a multi-disciplinary team to 10 states which are reporting an increasing number of COVID-19 cases or low vaccination rates.

The central government will be deploying teams to Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Mizoram, Karnataka, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Punjab.

“A decision has been taken to deploy multi-disciplinary central teams to 10 identified states, some of which are either reporting an increasing number of Omicron and COVID-19 cases or slow vaccination pace,” the Union health ministry said in a statement.

The decision to send a special team&nbsp;comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with various officials to assess the Covid situation in the country.

In the meeting, he directed the officials to be “alert and attentive” in view of the fast-spreading Omicron variant.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/415-omicron-cases-detected-in-india-maharashtra-tops-with-108-cases-439780">415 Omicron cases detected in India, Maharashtra tops with 108 cases</a>

After a presentation by the health ministry, he directed the authorities to ensure heightened and close monitoring of emerging hotspots through effective surveillance of cases.

“The fight against the pandemic is not over, he (the Prime Minister) said, and the need for continued adherence to Covid safe behaviour is of paramount importance even today,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

He reviewed the status of public health response measures for containment and management of the virus cases, and also took note on the strengthening of health infrastructure including the availability of drugs, oxygen cylinders and concentrators.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iit-kanpur-study-tells-when-third-covid-19-wave-in-india-may-peak-439713">&nbsp;IIT-Kanpur study tells when third COVID-19 wave in India may peak</a>

The government has been on alert as India detected 415 cases of the Omicron variant.

The highest number of Omicron cases has been reported in Maharashtra (108), followed by Delhi (79), Gujarat (43), Telangana (38), Kerala (37), Tamil Nadu (34) and Karnataka (31).

(With inputs from agencies)

As Omicron cases continue to spread across Indian states, the central government has decided to send a multi-disciplinary team to 10 states which are reporting an increasing number of COVID-19 cases or low vaccination rates.

As Omicron cases continue to spread across Indian states, the central government has decided to send a multi-disciplinary team to 10 states which are reporting an increasing number of COVID-19 cases or low vaccination rates. The central government will be deploying teams to Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Mizoram, Karnataka, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Punjab. “A decision has been taken to deploy multi-disciplinary central teams to 10 identified states, some of which are either reporting an increasing number of Omicron and COVID-19 cases or slow vaccination pace,” the Union health ministry said in a statement. The decision to send a special team comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with various officials to assess the Covid situation in the country. In the meeting, he directed the officials to be “alert and attentive” in view of the fast-spreading Omicron variant. Also read | 415 Omicron cases detected in India, Maharashtra tops with 108 cases After a presentation by the health ministry, he directed the authorities to ensure heightened and close monitoring of emerging hotspots through effective surveillance of cases. “The fight against the pandemic is not over, he (the Prime Minister) said, and the need for continued adherence to Covid safe behaviour is of paramount importance even today,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement. He reviewed the status of public health response measures for containment and management of the virus cases, and also took note on the strengthening of health infrastructure including the availability of drugs, oxygen cylinders and concentrators. Also read | IIT-Kanpur study tells when third COVID-19 wave in India may peak The government has been on alert as India detected 415 cases of the Omicron variant. The highest number of Omicron cases has been reported in Maharashtra (108), followed by Delhi (79), Gujarat (43), Telangana (38), Kerala (37), Tamil Nadu (34) and Karnataka (31). (With inputs from agencies)

Central govt dispatches special team to 10 states with high active cases and low vaccination rate

In a major milestone for India, around 60% of the country’s eligible population are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 virus, India’s health minister informed on Thursday.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in his tweet thanked the health workers for helping the country achieve a significant target.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Accomplishing more new feats! 
 
Congratulations India 🇮🇳 
 
Aided by public participation &amp; dedicated efforts of our health workers, over 60% of the eligible population fully vaccinated now 💉<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabkoVaccineMuftVaccine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabkoVaccineMuftVaccine</a> <a href="https://t.co/cts7lR8SzA">pic.twitter.com/cts7lR8SzA</a>
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) <a href="https://twitter.com/mansukhmandviya/status/1473880563215790080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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“Aided by public participation &amp; dedicated efforts of our health workers, over 60% of the eligible population fully vaccinated now,” he tweeted.

In the past 24 hours, the country has administered 70,17,671 (7 million) vaccine doses, taking the country's COVID-19 vaccination coverage to 139.70 crore, according to data by the ministry of health said today.

The government said that the recovery of 6,960 patients in the past 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally of recovered patients (since the beginning of the pandemic) to 3,42,08,926.

Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.40 per cent, which is the highest since March 2020.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-causes-40-45-less-hospitalisation-than-delta-variant-reveal-uk-studies-439162">Omicron causes 40-45% less hospitalisation than Delta variant, reveal UK studies</a>

“Sustained and collaborative efforts by the Centre and the states/UTs continue the trend of less than 15,000 daily new cases that are being reported for the last 56 days now. A total of 7,495 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours,” the ministry said.

India’s active caseload stands at 78,291 currently. Active cases constitute 0.23 per cent of the country's total positive cases, which is the lowest since March 2020

The historic feat comes at a time when Omicron strain is gradually making inroads into the Indian subcontinent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-alert-uk-records-over-100000-covid-19-cases-in-24-hours-439145">Omicron alert: UK records over 100,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours</a>&nbsp;

India recorded 236 cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus across 16 states and union territories out of which 104 people have recovered or migrated, the health ministry data said.

Maharashtra has recorded the maximum 65 cases of the Omicron variant followed by Delhi at 64, Telangana (24), Karnataka (19), Rajasthan (21) and Kerala (15).

The ministry data updated at 8 am also showed that India recorded 7,495 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of cases to 3,47,65,976.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a major milestone for India, around 60% of the country’s eligible population are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 virus, India’s health minister informed on Thursday.

In a major milestone for India, around 60% of the country’s eligible population are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 virus, India’s health minister informed on Thursday. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in his tweet thanked the health workers for helping the country achieve a significant target. Accomplishing more new feats! Congratulations India 🇮🇳 Aided by public participation & dedicated efforts of our health workers, over 60% of the eligible population fully vaccinated now 💉#SabkoVaccineMuftVaccine pic.twitter.com/cts7lR8SzA — Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) December 23, 2021 × “Aided by public participation & dedicated efforts of our health workers, over 60% of the eligible population fully vaccinated now,” he tweeted. In the past 24 hours, the country has administered 70,17,671 (7 million) vaccine doses, taking the country's COVID-19 vaccination coverage to 139.70 crore, according to data by the ministry of health said today. The government said that the recovery of 6,960 patients in the past 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally of recovered patients (since the beginning of the pandemic) to 3,42,08,926. Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.40 per cent, which is the highest since March 2020. Also read | Omicron causes 40-45% less hospitalisation than Delta variant, reveal UK studies “Sustained and collaborative efforts by the Centre and the states/UTs continue the trend of less than 15,000 daily new cases that are being reported for the last 56 days now. A total of 7,495 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours,” the ministry said. India’s active caseload stands at 78,291 currently. Active cases constitute 0.23 per cent of the country's total positive cases, which is the lowest since March 2020 The historic feat comes at a time when Omicron strain is gradually making inroads into the Indian subcontinent. Also read | Omicron alert: UK records over 100,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours India recorded 236 cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus across 16 states and union territories out of which 104 people have recovered or migrated, the health ministry data said. Maharashtra has recorded the maximum 65 cases of the Omicron variant followed by Delhi at 64, Telangana (24), Karnataka (19), Rajasthan (21) and Kerala (15). The ministry data updated at 8 am also showed that India recorded 7,495 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of cases to 3,47,65,976. (With inputs from agencies)

60% of eligible population in India fully vaccinated against Covid

India logged 6,317 new coronavirus infections on Wednesday, and 213 cases due to the Omicron variant, India’s health ministry said on Wednesday.

The Omicron cases have been detected across 15 states and union territories in which 90 people have recovered or migrated.

Delhi topped the list of Omicron cases with 57 infections, followed by Maharashtra at 54, Telangana (24), Karnataka (19), Rajasthan (18), Kerala (15) and Gujarat (14).

Meanwhile, the death toll has climbed to 4,78,325 with 318 fresh fatalities, the data by the government stated.

The daily rise in new coronavirus infections has been recorded below 15,000 for the last 55 days now.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-announces-fourth-booster-dose-for-over-60s-and-medics-as-omicron-rages-438890">Israel announces fourth booster dose for over 60s and medics as Omicron rages</a>

The active cases comprise 0.22 per cent of the total infections, the lowest since March 2020, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has further improved to 98.40 per cent, the highest since March 2020, the ministry said.

<img alt="State-wise list of Omicron cases" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6fb744a8-852b-4bc9-be06-3cdcf4d8ca05" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/oj.jpeg" />

A decline of 907 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.51 per cent. It has been less than two per cent for the last 79 days. The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 0.58 per cent. It has been below one per cent for the last 38 days, according to the ministry.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-3-times-more-transmissible-than-delta-centre-askes-states-to-take-prompt-action-438911">‘Omicron 3 times more transmissible than Delta’: Centre askes states to take prompt action</a>

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,42,01,966, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.38 per cent.

The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 138.96 crore.

The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

(With inputs from agencies)

India logged 6,317 new coronavirus infections on Wednesday, and 213 cases due to the Omicron variant, India’s health ministry said on Wednesday. The Omicron cases have been detected across 15 states and union territories in which 90 people have recovered or migrated.

India logged 6,317 new coronavirus infections on Wednesday, and 213 cases due to the Omicron variant, India’s health ministry said on Wednesday. The Omicron cases have been detected across 15 states and union territories in which 90 people have recovered or migrated. Delhi topped the list of Omicron cases with 57 infections, followed by Maharashtra at 54, Telangana (24), Karnataka (19), Rajasthan (18), Kerala (15) and Gujarat (14). Meanwhile, the death toll has climbed to 4,78,325 with 318 fresh fatalities, the data by the government stated. The daily rise in new coronavirus infections has been recorded below 15,000 for the last 55 days now. Also read | Israel announces fourth booster dose for over 60s and medics as Omicron rages The active cases comprise 0.22 per cent of the total infections, the lowest since March 2020, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has further improved to 98.40 per cent, the highest since March 2020, the ministry said. A decline of 907 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.51 per cent. It has been less than two per cent for the last 79 days. The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 0.58 per cent. It has been below one per cent for the last 38 days, according to the ministry. Also read | ‘Omicron 3 times more transmissible than Delta’: Centre askes states to take prompt action The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,42,01,966, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.38 per cent. The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 138.96 crore. The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation. (With inputs from agencies)

India logs over 6,300 new coronavirus infections as Omicron tally reaches 213

Noting that the Omicron variant is three times more transmissible than the Delta, the central government has directed states to activate ‘war rooms’ and impose strict restrictions in districts reporting high positivity rates.

The latest directive comes as India has 213 Omicron cases, with states Delhi and Maharashtra reporting 57 and 54 cases, respectively.

"Omicron is at least three times more transmissible than Delta. Hence, even greater foresight, data analysis, dynamic decision making, and strict and prompt containment action are required at the local and district level," Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan&nbsp;said in his letter to the state governments on Tuesday.

“The decision making at the State/UT and district level must be very prompt and focused and take containment measures and restrictions even before these thresholds are reached,” Bhushan added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazenecas-covid-vaccine-immunity-declines-after-3-months-says-lancet-study-438907">AstraZeneca’s Covid vaccine immunity declines after 3 months, says Lancet study</a>

Emphasising the local-level containment to prevent the further spread of the virus, Bhushan said, “Kindly activate the war rooms/EOCs (emergency operation centres) and keep analysing all trends and surges, no matter how small and keep taking proactive action at the district/local level. Regular reviews with field officers and proactive action in this regard will definitely control the spread of infection and flatten the curve.”

“This evidence should be the basis for effective decision making at the district level itself. Such a strategy ensures that infection is contained at the local level itself before it spreads to other parts of the state,” the letter stated.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-gradually-spreads-in-india-200-cases-detected-so-far-says-govt-438646">Omicron gradually spreads in India: 200 cases detected so far, says govt</a>

He provided a framework that states and union territories may use to decide on restrictions to be imposed in any district.&nbsp;

Bhushan said that if test positivity of 10 per cent or more has been reported in the last week in any district, or if the bed occupancy has reached 40 per cent or more on oxygen supported or ICU beds, then states can impose COVID-19 restrictions to prevent further spread of infection.&nbsp;

“In case any one of these parameters are met in any district, district-level containment measures and restrictions may be put in place forthwith. Equally important, the restrictions must be strictly enforced," he wrote.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Noting that the Omicron variant is three times more transmissible than the Delta, the central government has directed states to activate ‘war rooms’ and impose strict restrictions in districts reporting high positivity rates.

Noting that the Omicron variant is three times more transmissible than the Delta, the central government has directed states to activate ‘war rooms’ and impose strict restrictions in districts reporting high positivity rates. The latest directive comes as India has 213 Omicron cases, with states Delhi and Maharashtra reporting 57 and 54 cases, respectively. "Omicron is at least three times more transmissible than Delta. Hence, even greater foresight, data analysis, dynamic decision making, and strict and prompt containment action are required at the local and district level," Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said in his letter to the state governments on Tuesday. “The decision making at the State/UT and district level must be very prompt and focused and take containment measures and restrictions even before these thresholds are reached,” Bhushan added. Also read | AstraZeneca’s Covid vaccine immunity declines after 3 months, says Lancet study Emphasising the local-level containment to prevent the further spread of the virus, Bhushan said, “Kindly activate the war rooms/EOCs (emergency operation centres) and keep analysing all trends and surges, no matter how small and keep taking proactive action at the district/local level. Regular reviews with field officers and proactive action in this regard will definitely control the spread of infection and flatten the curve.” “This evidence should be the basis for effective decision making at the district level itself. Such a strategy ensures that infection is contained at the local level itself before it spreads to other parts of the state,” the letter stated. Also read | Omicron gradually spreads in India: 200 cases detected so far, says govt He provided a framework that states and union territories may use to decide on restrictions to be imposed in any district. Bhushan said that if test positivity of 10 per cent or more has been reported in the last week in any district, or if the bed occupancy has reached 40 per cent or more on oxygen supported or ICU beds, then states can impose COVID-19 restrictions to prevent further spread of infection. “In case any one of these parameters are met in any district, district-level containment measures and restrictions may be put in place forthwith. Equally important, the restrictions must be strictly enforced," he wrote. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Omicron 3 times more transmissible than Delta’: Centre asks states to take prompt action

India has detected 101 cases of Omicron variant of the Covid virus, the health authorities said on Friday, while asking people to keep new year celebrations a low-key affair.

While addressing reporters on the daily bulletin, join secretary of the health department, Lav Agarwal, said that the Omicron cases have been recorded in 11 states and union territories so far.

Among the states where Omicron cases have been reported are: Maharashtra with 32 cases, Delhi (22), Rajasthan (17), Karnataka (8), Telangana (8), Gujarat (5), Kerala (5), Andhra Pradesh (1), Chandigarh (1), Tamil Nadu (1) and West Bengal (1), the government said.

“Only a few Omicron cases are without travel history. There is nothing to conclude that we are in the community transmission phase of Omicron,” Agarwal said.&nbsp;

With the coronavirus' Omicron variant spreading very fast across Europe and other parts of the world, people need to avoid non-essential travel.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-might-not-need-booster-shot-of-vaccine-to-fight-omicron-fauci-436182">We might not need booster shot of vaccine to fight Omicron: Fauci</a>

“They must also avoid mass gatherings, and new year celebrations need to be at low intensity,” the government said.

The official pointed out that though daily COVID-19 cases are below 10,000 for the past 20 days, there is a need to stay vigilant in view of the new variant and rising cases in other countries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-cases-in-77-countries-spreading-at-unprecedented-rate-who-436962">Omicron cases in 77 countries, spreading at unprecedented rate: WHO</a>

Citing the World Health Organisation (WHO), the government said that it is likely that Omicron will outpace the Delta variant where community transmission occurs.

On the COVID-19 situation in the country, it said 19 districts are reporting weekly positivity between 5 and 10 per cent and five districts over 10 per cent.

It assured that sufficient systematic and strategic sampling is being undertaken for genome sequencing for the detection of Omicron cases in India.

(With inputs from agencies)

India has detected 101 cases of Omicron variant of the Covid virus, the health authorities said on Friday, while asking people to keep new year celebrations a low-key affair.

India has detected 101 cases of Omicron variant of the Covid virus, the health authorities said on Friday, while asking people to keep new year celebrations a low-key affair. While addressing reporters on the daily bulletin, join secretary of the health department, Lav Agarwal, said that the Omicron cases have been recorded in 11 states and union territories so far. Among the states where Omicron cases have been reported are: Maharashtra with 32 cases, Delhi (22), Rajasthan (17), Karnataka (8), Telangana (8), Gujarat (5), Kerala (5), Andhra Pradesh (1), Chandigarh (1), Tamil Nadu (1) and West Bengal (1), the government said. “Only a few Omicron cases are without travel history. There is nothing to conclude that we are in the community transmission phase of Omicron,” Agarwal said. With the coronavirus' Omicron variant spreading very fast across Europe and other parts of the world, people need to avoid non-essential travel. Also read | We might not need booster shot of vaccine to fight Omicron: Fauci “They must also avoid mass gatherings, and new year celebrations need to be at low intensity,” the government said. The official pointed out that though daily COVID-19 cases are below 10,000 for the past 20 days, there is a need to stay vigilant in view of the new variant and rising cases in other countries. Also read | Omicron cases in 77 countries, spreading at unprecedented rate: WHO Citing the World Health Organisation (WHO), the government said that it is likely that Omicron will outpace the Delta variant where community transmission occurs. On the COVID-19 situation in the country, it said 19 districts are reporting weekly positivity between 5 and 10 per cent and five districts over 10 per cent. It assured that sufficient systematic and strategic sampling is being undertaken for genome sequencing for the detection of Omicron cases in India. (With inputs from agencies)

101 cases of Omicron variant detected in India so far, says health department official

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