The 13 kilo litre liquid oxygen tank had been in use only for the last 21 days before a malfunction in one of its valves led to the leak.

Oxygen tank leak in Nashik hospital kills 24

India's health ministry data on Thursday showed a steep spike in daily number of coronavirus cases. More than 314,000 COVID-19 cases were recorded in just 24 hours. This has brought the total number of cases to 15,930,965.

At 314,835, the number of new cases is highest ever recorded in any country.

The death toll has increased to 184,657 with a record 2,104 new fatalities.

Number of active COVID-19 cases has increased to 229,1428, according to the ministry.

In an alarming development, the national recovery rate has dropped to 84.46 per cent. But fatality rate has dropped to 1.16 per cent.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/britains-heathrow-airport-turns-down-airline-requests-for-extra-flights-from-india-379144">Britain's Heathrow Airport turns down airline requests for extra flights from India</a>

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed 10 million mark by December 19. The grim milestone of 15 million was crossed on April 19.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's health ministry data on Thursday showed a steep spike in daily number of coronavirus cases. More than 314,000 COVID-19 cases were recorded in just 24 hours.

India's health ministry data on Thursday showed a steep spike in daily number of coronavirus cases. More than 314,000 COVID-19 cases were recorded in just 24 hours. This has brought the total number of cases to 15,930,965. At 314,835, the number of new cases is highest ever recorded in any country. The death toll has increased to 184,657 with a record 2,104 new fatalities. Number of active COVID-19 cases has increased to 229,1428, according to the ministry. In an alarming development, the national recovery rate has dropped to 84.46 per cent. But fatality rate has dropped to 1.16 per cent. Also Read | Britain's Heathrow Airport turns down airline requests for extra flights from India India's COVID-19 tally had crossed 10 million mark by December 19. The grim milestone of 15 million was crossed on April 19. (With inputs from agencies)

India's new daily Covid cases top 300,000, highest in the world

In the Covid-ravaged 2020-21 fiscal (April 2020 to March 2021), the economy is projected to have contracted by up to 8 per cent.

Brokerages downgrade India's GDP growth projections for FY'22

The number of Corona cases in India wreaks havoc as the nation recorded over 2 lakh new cases and 1,185 deaths in last 24 hours. The Chief Minister of Delhi yesterday in order to curb the spread of Covid cases has imposed weekend curfew and orders to shut down gyms and spas until next order.

India Covid: 217,353 new cases and 1,185 deaths in last 24 hours

India is currently witnessing a second wave of Novel Coronavirus with around more than 1 Lakh new cases daily. Amid such a surge, pilgrims all over India are coming to Haridwar's Kumbh Festival to perfom sacred bath which is another cause of concern as people are seen flouting Covid norms. Watch this latest report

India: Covid rules flouted during polls campaigning and Kumbh Festival

India reported another record daily surge in coronavirus infections Monday to overtake Brazil as the second-worst hit country.

India overtakes Brazil as world's 2nd worst-Hit nation

India on Saturday recorded 89,129 new COVID-19 cases in a day, the highest daily rise in around six-and-half-months, taking the nationwide tally of infections to over 1.23 crore, according to the Union Health Ministry data on Saturday.

The death toll increased to 1,64,110 with 714 more fatalities in a day, also the highest since October 21.

The jump in cases reported on Saturday was the highest since September 20 last year when 92,605 new infections were recorded in a span of 24 hours.

Corresponding to the rapid surge in cases, the number of active cases too have registered a steady increase for the 24th day in a row with the tally reaching 6,58,909, which is 5.32?per cent of the total infections. The recovery rate has further dropped to 93.36 per cent, the data stated.

The active caseload was the lowest at 1,35,926 on February 12 and comprised 1.25 per cent of the total infections.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,15,69,241, while the case fatality rate has dropped to 1.32 per cent, the health ministry data stated.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16 last year. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20. The one-crore mark was breached on December 19 last year.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 24,69,59,192 samples have been tested for COVID-19 up to April 2 with 10,46,605 of them being tested on Friday.&nbsp;

India on Saturday recorded 89,129 new COVID-19 cases in a day, the highest daily rise in around six-and-half-months, taking the nationwide tally of infections to over 1.

India on Saturday recorded 89,129 new COVID-19 cases in a day, the highest daily rise in around six-and-half-months, taking the nationwide tally of infections to over 1.23 crore, according to the Union Health Ministry data on Saturday. The death toll increased to 1,64,110 with 714 more fatalities in a day, also the highest since October 21. The jump in cases reported on Saturday was the highest since September 20 last year when 92,605 new infections were recorded in a span of 24 hours. Corresponding to the rapid surge in cases, the number of active cases too have registered a steady increase for the 24th day in a row with the tally reaching 6,58,909, which is 5.32?per cent of the total infections. The recovery rate has further dropped to 93.36 per cent, the data stated. The active caseload was the lowest at 1,35,926 on February 12 and comprised 1.25 per cent of the total infections. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,15,69,241, while the case fatality rate has dropped to 1.32 per cent, the health ministry data stated. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16 last year. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20. The one-crore mark was breached on December 19 last year. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 24,69,59,192 samples have been tested for COVID-19 up to April 2 with 10,46,605 of them being tested on Friday.

India records 89,129 COVID-19 cases, 714 fatalities in a day, highest in over six months

India on Thursday has recorded 81,466 new Coronavirus cases and this has been the highest spike of new cases in last 6 months, according to Health Ministry

Covid-19: India records 81,466 new cases, 469 deaths in last 24 hours

Klas Molin, Sweden's envoy to India,&nbsp;has said that his country "congratulates" India for being the pharmacy of the world, and appreciated how production and rollout of Covid-19 vaccines&nbsp;is taking&nbsp;place in India and&nbsp;how it is helping its neighbours.

Speaking to WION Principal Diplomatic Correspondent&nbsp;Sidhant&nbsp;Sibal, Klas talked about the recent India- Sweden virtual summit and explained that both have "very active partnership".

The two countries held a virtual summit last week, making&nbsp;Sweden the second Nordic country with which Indian PM Narendra Modi has held such a summit, after last year's India-Denmark virtual summit.&nbsp;

Modi had gone to&nbsp;Sweden in 2018 on a bilateral visit as well as for the first India-Nordic summit. The second India-Nordic summit is expected to take place later this year in Denmark.

On recent allegations of a Swedish company being involved in bribes in India, the envoy said, "these issues are taken very seriously by the Swedish govt as well as the Indian govt, am sure relevant authorities will look at this". Swedish news channel SVT reported on Tuesday that Swedish truck maker Scania had allegedly paid bribes to win contracts in India.

&nbsp;

<h2>Sidhant&nbsp;Sibal: How was the India Sweden virtual summit? The key outcomes?</h2>

Klas Molin: The virtual summit is the latest of five interactions between our Prime Ministers in recent years. They had a good working relationship, during the Covid times. This is the mode they have to follow, which is virtual. It was a good opportunity to run through what is a very active partnership. They have a joint action plan together and also an innovation partnership. This summit really gave a wonderful opportunity to run through the priorities, which remain the same. We have very strong cooperation in trade and investment, various kinds of research on health, a number of key issues like climate change is another area that they discussed. Sweden has decided to join the International Solar Alliance. Our Prime Ministers are partners in lead IT group, which is a leadership group on Industrial transition, which is looking at new production methods down line in industries that have been key emitters. These are some examples.

&nbsp;

<h2>Sidhant&nbsp;Sibal: How are both countries cooperating to deal with Covid crisis, particularly the vaccines?</h2>

Klas Molin: We had interaction with our health ministers over the year and we had a number of other interactions of experts from both sides. We have a health MoU, in effect over a decade. Our minister for health and social affairs was here two years ago with a big delegation. Under the MoU, one of the keys that was discussed and highlighted last Friday was a health hub that has been created at AIIMS, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. This is the latest manifestation of cooperation. Of course, Covid is an obvious discussion point at this time and I believe and it's fair to say, Sweden is congratulating India for the work it is doing in so many areas including being the pharmacy to the world in producing vaccines. It's true, AstraZeneca is here in a big way, cooperating with the Serum Institute in Pune. We are watching both the production and rollout of vaccines for vaccination in India, also internationally efforts under Covax, and also bilaterally, what India is doing to help its neighbours. Ghana was the first country that received Indian vaccines under the Covax. So very impressive and this was recognised.

&nbsp;

<h2>Sidhant&nbsp;Sibal: How has the progress been on the innovation dialogue that was announced in 2018?</h2>

Klas Molin: We have an innovation partnership, it's part of the joint action plan, but it's also a standalone partnership. So we have excellent cooperation between our research foundations, our funding agencies. The PM of Sweden is personally very engaged in innovation. He chairs the national innovation council himself. When the state visit took place in late 2019 here in India, the King and Queen came, we also had the first innovation dialogue. The PM and King of Sweden jointly inaugurated the first dialogue. It is a way to learn from each other and also have our agencies, ministries but not least both the private sector, research and academia involved in innovation. It is a collective effort for everything that is going on and is an innovation partnership for a sustainable future. It needs to be sustainable in terms of climate and also in job creation, which is always an important factor for India, Sweden and globally.

<h2>&nbsp;</h2>

<h2>Sidhant&nbsp;Sibal: Was Myanmar discussed during the virtual summit?</h2>

Klas Molin: The Prime ministers expressed concerns, definite and strong concerns over recent developments in last month as the new Parliament was about to take their seats, the govt was overtaken by military authorities. It is particularly troubling, given the last 10 years of democratic change, the opportunities, the free elections for 2015, the elections in Nov 2020, that had given an increasing clear majority for a party and civilian rule. The leaders acknowledged how serious they view it and how important is for the international community to step in and denounce the development.

&nbsp;

<h2>Sidhant&nbsp;Sibal: Any update on the India Nordic summit?</h2>

Klas Molin: The first summit happened in Stockholm, back-to-back with PM Modi's visit in April and we were very happy and honored to host that. I think it is a very useful way of combining, I mean the Nordic countries have a long history of cooperation, we are neighbours, cousins and similar, both when it comes to many of the policy issues. Also, the focus of our economies, being sustainable, being green and very heavily into information and technology. If I may speak for India, it is very clearly a useful way of meeting several leaders who happen to be similar in focus. We of course are independent countries, some of us members of the EU, some are outside, but in one stop you get chance to meet five heads of government&nbsp;and you can set out ways of cooperation which are similar to bilateral aims, but also have multiplying effects. When it comes to population, fairly humble, but economic output and interest in cooperating with India is huge and benefit for us&nbsp;and for India is definitely there, and that is why PM and Indian government&nbsp;see it in interest to approach us in the group, combined with bilateral relations.

&nbsp;

<h2>Sidhant&nbsp;Sibal: Reports have emerged in Swedish media on a Swedish company being allegedly involved in paying bribes in India. Any reaction?</h2>

Klas Molin: I haven't seen it, I have seen the headlines. I think it's a news story, if there is anything to allegations that are being made, sure relevant authorities will be looking into this. But naturally, these issues are taken very seriously by the Swedish govt as well as the Indian govt, am sure relevant authorities will look at this and we will see what they have to say if there is anything to say. &nbsp;

Klas Molin, Sweden's envoy to India, has said that his country "congratulates" India for being the pharmacy of the world, and appreciated how production and rollout of Covid-19 vaccines is taking place in India and how it is helping its neighbours.

Klas Molin, Sweden's envoy to India, has said that his country "congratulates" India for being the pharmacy of the world, and appreciated how production and rollout of Covid-19 vaccines is taking place in India and how it is helping its neighbours. Speaking to WION Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Klas talked about the recent India- Sweden virtual summit and explained that both have "very active partnership". The two countries held a virtual summit last week, making Sweden the second Nordic country with which Indian PM Narendra Modi has held such a summit, after last year's India-Denmark virtual summit. Modi had gone to Sweden in 2018 on a bilateral visit as well as for the first India-Nordic summit. The second India-Nordic summit is expected to take place later this year in Denmark. On recent allegations of a Swedish company being involved in bribes in India, the envoy said, "these issues are taken very seriously by the Swedish govt as well as the Indian govt, am sure relevant authorities will look at this". Swedish news channel SVT reported on Tuesday that Swedish truck maker Scania had allegedly paid bribes to win contracts in India. Sidhant Sibal: How was the India Sweden virtual summit? The key outcomes? Klas Molin: The virtual summit is the latest of five interactions between our Prime Ministers in recent years. They had a good working relationship, during the Covid times. This is the mode they have to follow, which is virtual. It was a good opportunity to run through what is a very active partnership. They have a joint action plan together and also an innovation partnership. This summit really gave a wonderful opportunity to run through the priorities, which remain the same. We have very strong cooperation in trade and investment, various kinds of research on health, a number of key issues like climate change is another area that they discussed. Sweden has decided to join the International Solar Alliance. Our Prime Ministers are partners in lead IT group, which is a leadership group on Industrial transition, which is looking at new production methods down line in industries that have been key emitters. These are some examples. Sidhant Sibal: How are both countries cooperating to deal with Covid crisis, particularly the vaccines? Klas Molin: We had interaction with our health ministers over the year and we had a number of other interactions of experts from both sides. We have a health MoU, in effect over a decade. Our minister for health and social affairs was here two years ago with a big delegation. Under the MoU, one of the keys that was discussed and highlighted last Friday was a health hub that has been created at AIIMS, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. This is the latest manifestation of cooperation. Of course, Covid is an obvious discussion point at this time and I believe and it's fair to say, Sweden is congratulating India for the work it is doing in so many areas including being the pharmacy to the world in producing vaccines. It's true, AstraZeneca is here in a big way, cooperating with the Serum Institute in Pune. We are watching both the production and rollout of vaccines for vaccination in India, also internationally efforts under Covax, and also bilaterally, what India is doing to help its neighbours. Ghana was the first country that received Indian vaccines under the Covax. So very impressive and this was recognised. Sidhant Sibal: How has the progress been on the innovation dialogue that was announced in 2018? Klas Molin: We have an innovation partnership, it's part of the joint action plan, but it's also a standalone partnership. So we have excellent cooperation between our research foundations, our funding agencies. The PM of Sweden is personally very engaged in innovation. He chairs the national innovation council himself. When the state visit took place in late 2019 here in India, the King and Queen came, we also had the first innovation dialogue. The PM and King of Sweden jointly inaugurated the first dialogue. It is a way to learn from each other and also have our agencies, ministries but not least both the private sector, research and academia involved in innovation. It is a collective effort for everything that is going on and is an innovation partnership for a sustainable future. It needs to be sustainable in terms of climate and also in job creation, which is always an important factor for India, Sweden and globally. Sidhant Sibal: Was Myanmar discussed during the virtual summit? Klas Molin: The Prime ministers expressed concerns, definite and strong concerns over recent developments in last month as the new Parliament was about to take their seats, the govt was overtaken by military authorities. It is particularly troubling, given the last 10 years of democratic change, the opportunities, the free elections for 2015, the elections in Nov 2020, that had given an increasing clear majority for a party and civilian rule. The leaders acknowledged how serious they view it and how important is for the international community to step in and denounce the development. Sidhant Sibal: Any update on the India Nordic summit? Klas Molin: The first summit happened in Stockholm, back-to-back with PM Modi's visit in April and we were very happy and honored to host that. I think it is a very useful way of combining, I mean the Nordic countries have a long history of cooperation, we are neighbours, cousins and similar, both when it comes to many of the policy issues. Also, the focus of our economies, being sustainable, being green and very heavily into information and technology. If I may speak for India, it is very clearly a useful way of meeting several leaders who happen to be similar in focus. We of course are independent countries, some of us members of the EU, some are outside, but in one stop you get chance to meet five heads of government and you can set out ways of cooperation which are similar to bilateral aims, but also have multiplying effects. When it comes to population, fairly humble, but economic output and interest in cooperating with India is huge and benefit for us and for India is definitely there, and that is why PM and Indian government see it in interest to approach us in the group, combined with bilateral relations. Sidhant Sibal: Reports have emerged in Swedish media on a Swedish company being allegedly involved in paying bribes in India. Any reaction? Klas Molin: I haven't seen it, I have seen the headlines. I think it's a news story, if there is anything to allegations that are being made, sure relevant authorities will be looking into this. But naturally, these issues are taken very seriously by the Swedish govt as well as the Indian govt, am sure relevant authorities will look at this and we will see what they have to say if there is anything to say.

Exclusive: Sweden congratulates India for being the pharmacy of the world

India begins one of the world's biggest coronavirus vaccine programmes on Saturday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the programme virtually in New Delhi -- with around 300,000 people receiving the first of two doses on day one.

The world's second-most populous nation hopes to inoculate around 300 million of its 1.3 billion people by July.

On the first day, around 100 people will be voluntarily vaccinated in each of the 3,006 centres in the country, the government said this week, calling it the start of the biggest such campaign in the world.

“This will be the world’s largest vaccination programme covering the entire length and breadth of the country,” Modi’s office said in a statement this week.

Health workers, people over 50 and those deemed at high-risk are prioritised to receive one of two approved vaccines, although one has yet to complete clinical trials.

Authorities say they are drawing on their experience with elections and child immunisation programmes for polio and tuberculosis in rolling out the vaccine.

About 150,000 staff in 700 districts have been specially trained, and India has held several national dry runs involving mock transportation of vaccines.

Both vaccines approved so far need to be kept refrigerated at all times, and others being developed will need to be stored at ultra-low temperatures too.

To account for this, India has readied tens of thousands of refrigeration tools -- including 45,000 ice-lined refrigerators, 41,000 deep freezers and 300 solar refrigerators.

There are also concerns about plans to manage the entire process digitally via India's own app, CoWIN -- of which there are already several fake versions.

More than 150,000 Indians have died from Covid-19 and the economy is one of the worst-hit worldwide, with millions losing their livelihoods.

New infection rates have fallen sharply in recent months but experts are concerned a new wave might hit, fuelled by a string of recent mass religious festivals.

And as in other countries, there is scepticism about the vaccine, fuelled by a torrent of hoaxes and rumours online about the virus.

Modi, 70, has said politicians will not be considered frontline workers.

On Saturday, he is also expected to formally inaugurate the government’s online platform Co-WIN that will provide information on vaccine stocks, storage temperature and keep track of beneficiaries.

The government has already bought 11 million doses of the AstraZeneca COVISHIELD shot, produced by the Serum Institute of India, and 5.5 million of Bharat Biotech’s COVAXIN.

COVISHIELD is 72% effective, according to the Indian drug regulator, while Bharat Biotech says COVAXIN’s last-stage trial results are expected by March.

(with inputs from agencies)

India begins one of the world's biggest coronavirus vaccine programmes on Saturday. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the programme virtually in New Delhi -- with around 300,000 people receiving the first of two doses on day one.

India begins one of the world's biggest coronavirus vaccine programmes on Saturday. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the programme virtually in New Delhi -- with around 300,000 people receiving the first of two doses on day one. The world's second-most populous nation hopes to inoculate around 300 million of its 1.3 billion people by July. On the first day, around 100 people will be voluntarily vaccinated in each of the 3,006 centres in the country, the government said this week, calling it the start of the biggest such campaign in the world. “This will be the world’s largest vaccination programme covering the entire length and breadth of the country,” Modi’s office said in a statement this week. Health workers, people over 50 and those deemed at high-risk are prioritised to receive one of two approved vaccines, although one has yet to complete clinical trials. Authorities say they are drawing on their experience with elections and child immunisation programmes for polio and tuberculosis in rolling out the vaccine. About 150,000 staff in 700 districts have been specially trained, and India has held several national dry runs involving mock transportation of vaccines. Both vaccines approved so far need to be kept refrigerated at all times, and others being developed will need to be stored at ultra-low temperatures too. To account for this, India has readied tens of thousands of refrigeration tools -- including 45,000 ice-lined refrigerators, 41,000 deep freezers and 300 solar refrigerators. There are also concerns about plans to manage the entire process digitally via India's own app, CoWIN -- of which there are already several fake versions. More than 150,000 Indians have died from Covid-19 and the economy is one of the worst-hit worldwide, with millions losing their livelihoods. New infection rates have fallen sharply in recent months but experts are concerned a new wave might hit, fuelled by a string of recent mass religious festivals. And as in other countries, there is scepticism about the vaccine, fuelled by a torrent of hoaxes and rumours online about the virus. Modi, 70, has said politicians will not be considered frontline workers. On Saturday, he is also expected to formally inaugurate the government’s online platform Co-WIN that will provide information on vaccine stocks, storage temperature and keep track of beneficiaries. The government has already bought 11 million doses of the AstraZeneca COVISHIELD shot, produced by the Serum Institute of India, and 5.5 million of Bharat Biotech’s COVAXIN. COVISHIELD is 72% effective, according to the Indian drug regulator, while Bharat Biotech says COVAXIN’s last-stage trial results are expected by March. (with inputs from agencies)

India begins mega-rollout of Covid vaccine

Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday said that 1,65,714 beneficiaries inoculated with COVID-19 vaccines till 5.30 pm across India on the first day.

A total of 16,755 vaccinators were also involved in the process across India, it said, adding that no case of post-vaccination hospitalisation was reported.

"Serum Institute of India produced COVISHIELD was supplied to all States/UTs, while Bharat Biotech's COVAXIN was supplied to 12 States. Total 3351 sessions held across the country with both the vaccines."

The government also said that COVID-19 vaccination drive was successful on Day 1. No case of post-vaccination hospitalisation reported so far.

"Since it was the first day of vaccination, a few issues came up- delay in uploading beneficiary list at some session sites and healthcare workers vaccinated though not scheduled for today's session," the government clarified in its press briefing. Resolutions provided for both the issues, it added.

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) had earlier this month approved Oxford COVID-19 vaccine Covishield, manufactured by the Serum Institute, and indigenously developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use in the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday said that 1,65,714 beneficiaries inoculated with COVID-19 vaccines till 5.30 pm across India on the first day.

Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday said that 1,65,714 beneficiaries inoculated with COVID-19 vaccines till 5.30 pm across India on the first day. A total of 16,755 vaccinators were also involved in the process across India, it said, adding that no case of post-vaccination hospitalisation was reported. "Serum Institute of India produced COVISHIELD was supplied to all States/UTs, while Bharat Biotech's COVAXIN was supplied to 12 States. Total 3351 sessions held across the country with both the vaccines." The government also said that COVID-19 vaccination drive was successful on Day 1. No case of post-vaccination hospitalisation reported so far. "Since it was the first day of vaccination, a few issues came up- delay in uploading beneficiary list at some session sites and healthcare workers vaccinated though not scheduled for today's session," the government clarified in its press briefing. Resolutions provided for both the issues, it added. The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) had earlier this month approved Oxford COVID-19 vaccine Covishield, manufactured by the Serum Institute, and indigenously developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use in the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus in India: 165,714 people vaccinated today, says health ministry

India's drugs regulator has given final emergency-use approval for two coronavirus vaccines -- Serum Institute of India's Covishield, developed by Oxford University and pharma major AstraZeneca, and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin.

The country&nbsp;is now expected to start a massive immunisation programme within weeks.

Drug Controller General of India (DGCI) chief VG Somani said both firms submitted data on their trial runs and both have been granted permission for "restricted use".

"Safety immunogenicity data submitted by SII found efficacy was 70.42 per cent. Restricted use in emergency conditions allowed. The clinical trials will continue. Covaxin has been developed in collaboration with ICMR and NIV," he said in a press briefing on Sunday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the approval a decisive turning point to strengthen a spirited fight, and congratulated&nbsp;scientists and&nbsp;innovators.

He said, "The DCGI granting approval to vaccines of Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech accelerates the road to COVID-free nation."

Invoking 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', PM Modi said it would&nbsp;make every Indian proud that two vaccines given emergency use approval are made in India.

The approval is expected to kick off one of the world's biggest vaccination drives in coming days in the country of 1.3 billion people.

The CDSCO is expected to announce the dosage and other details about the shot later. SII had applied for a two full-dose regime about 28 days apart.

The government has already been holding nationwide drills ahead of the mass inoculation drive and 96,000 health workers have been trained to administer the shots.

Somani added to reporters after the briefing that the drug regulator would "never approve anything if there is the slightest safety concern".

"The vaccines are 100 percent safe," he said, adding that side effects such as "mild fever, pain and allergy are common for every vaccine".

India has so far reported more than 10.3 million COVID-19 cases and around 150,000 deaths, though its rate of infection has come down significantly from a mid-September peak.

The country hopes to inoculate 300 million of its 1.35 billion people in the first six to eight months of this year.

SII, the world's biggest producer of vaccines, has already stockpiled about 50 million doses of the AstraZeneca/Oxford shot, which will be sold to the government at about 250 rupees ($3.42) per dose and 1,000 rupees on the private market.

A government minister said earlier the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine had been given the green light on Friday, paving the way for a huge immunisation campaign in the world's second most populous country.

India's drugs regulator has given final emergency-use approval for two coronavirus vaccines -- Serum Institute of India's Covishield, developed by Oxford University and pharma major AstraZeneca, and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin.

India's drugs regulator has given final emergency-use approval for two coronavirus vaccines -- Serum Institute of India's Covishield, developed by Oxford University and pharma major AstraZeneca, and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin. The country is now expected to start a massive immunisation programme within weeks. Drug Controller General of India (DGCI) chief VG Somani said both firms submitted data on their trial runs and both have been granted permission for "restricted use". "Safety immunogenicity data submitted by SII found efficacy was 70.42 per cent. Restricted use in emergency conditions allowed. The clinical trials will continue. Covaxin has been developed in collaboration with ICMR and NIV," he said in a press briefing on Sunday. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the approval a decisive turning point to strengthen a spirited fight, and congratulated scientists and innovators. He said, "The DCGI granting approval to vaccines of Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech accelerates the road to COVID-free nation." Invoking 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', PM Modi said it would make every Indian proud that two vaccines given emergency use approval are made in India. The approval is expected to kick off one of the world's biggest vaccination drives in coming days in the country of 1.3 billion people. The CDSCO is expected to announce the dosage and other details about the shot later. SII had applied for a two full-dose regime about 28 days apart. The government has already been holding nationwide drills ahead of the mass inoculation drive and 96,000 health workers have been trained to administer the shots. Somani added to reporters after the briefing that the drug regulator would "never approve anything if there is the slightest safety concern". "The vaccines are 100 percent safe," he said, adding that side effects such as "mild fever, pain and allergy are common for every vaccine". India has so far reported more than 10.3 million COVID-19 cases and around 150,000 deaths, though its rate of infection has come down significantly from a mid-September peak. The country hopes to inoculate 300 million of its 1.35 billion people in the first six to eight months of this year. SII, the world's biggest producer of vaccines, has already stockpiled about 50 million doses of the AstraZeneca/Oxford shot, which will be sold to the government at about 250 rupees ($3.42) per dose and 1,000 rupees on the private market. A government minister said earlier the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine had been given the green light on Friday, paving the way for a huge immunisation campaign in the world's second most populous country.

India approves SII and Bharat Biotech's Covid-19 vaccines for restricted emergency use

India on Saturday staged nationwide drills to start one of the world's biggest coronavirus vaccination programmes as the drug regulator prepared to approve the first vaccine.

A government panel on Friday recommended emergency use of the AstraZeneca-Oxford University shot and the first injections could be given in the coming week after the Drugs Control Authority of India gives final approval.&nbsp;

India, which has the world's second highest number of pandemic cases -- more than 10.2 million -- has set an ambitious target of inoculating 300 million of its 1.3 billion people by mid-2021.

The activity was conducted by all state and union territory administrations on January 2 to test the linkages between planning and implementation and to identify the challenges, the Centre had said on Thursday.

Three sites across the national capital were selected, while seven districts shortlisted in Chhattisgarh.

District hospital, community health centres (CHCs) and primary health centres (PHCs) were selected as centres for the exercise which will start from 10 am onwards.

A video conference was held under the chairmanship of the Delhi health secretary on Friday for conducting a dry run for COVID vaccination at three selected sites, one each in Central District, Shahdara District and South West district, according to the latest health bulletin.

From installing freezers to setting up cold chain equipment, arrangements are being made at a Delhi government hospital here for storing the vaccine, whenever it arrives.

The Delhi government is fully prepared to receive, store and administer COVID-19 vaccine to 51 lakh priority category persons in the city in the first phase of vaccination, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had said on December 24.

These people include healthcare workers, frontline workers, people aged above 50 and those below 50 years but with co-morbidities.

Once the vaccine is available, 2.53 lakh health care personnel will be administered it in the first phase of roll out.&nbsp;

In Pune, a total of 17 registered beneficiaries&nbsp;underwent&nbsp;the mock drill at three health care centres in Pune city, Pune rural and Pimpri Chinchwad.

The Punjab government conducted the drive in Patiala on January 2 and 3.

The first dry run in Gujarat was successfully held on December 28 and 29. The new dry run was conducted in the districts of Dahod, Bhavnagar, Valsad and Anand, said state Commissioner of Health Jai Prakash Shivahare.

Serum Institute of India, the world's biggest vaccine producer, has already stockpiled tens of millions of doses of AstraZeneca's Covishield ready for the campaign and &nbsp;96,000 health workers have been trained for the inoculation drive.

Health minister Harsh Vardhan said the exercise would help build expertise "so that the upcoming vaccination drive may proceed without any glitch." He has also called for a campaign to counter "misleading rumours" that may scare people off getting the vaccine.

(with inputs from agencies)

India on Saturday staged nationwide drills to start one of the world's biggest coronavirus vaccination programmes as the drug regulator prepared to approve the first vaccine.

India on Saturday staged nationwide drills to start one of the world's biggest coronavirus vaccination programmes as the drug regulator prepared to approve the first vaccine. A government panel on Friday recommended emergency use of the AstraZeneca-Oxford University shot and the first injections could be given in the coming week after the Drugs Control Authority of India gives final approval. India, which has the world's second highest number of pandemic cases -- more than 10.2 million -- has set an ambitious target of inoculating 300 million of its 1.3 billion people by mid-2021. The activity was conducted by all state and union territory administrations on January 2 to test the linkages between planning and implementation and to identify the challenges, the Centre had said on Thursday. Three sites across the national capital were selected, while seven districts shortlisted in Chhattisgarh. District hospital, community health centres (CHCs) and primary health centres (PHCs) were selected as centres for the exercise which will start from 10 am onwards. A video conference was held under the chairmanship of the Delhi health secretary on Friday for conducting a dry run for COVID vaccination at three selected sites, one each in Central District, Shahdara District and South West district, according to the latest health bulletin. From installing freezers to setting up cold chain equipment, arrangements are being made at a Delhi government hospital here for storing the vaccine, whenever it arrives. The Delhi government is fully prepared to receive, store and administer COVID-19 vaccine to 51 lakh priority category persons in the city in the first phase of vaccination, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had said on December 24. These people include healthcare workers, frontline workers, people aged above 50 and those below 50 years but with co-morbidities. Once the vaccine is available, 2.53 lakh health care personnel will be administered it in the first phase of roll out. In Pune, a total of 17 registered beneficiaries underwent the mock drill at three health care centres in Pune city, Pune rural and Pimpri Chinchwad. The Punjab government conducted the drive in Patiala on January 2 and 3. The first dry run in Gujarat was successfully held on December 28 and 29. The new dry run was conducted in the districts of Dahod, Bhavnagar, Valsad and Anand, said state Commissioner of Health Jai Prakash Shivahare. Serum Institute of India, the world's biggest vaccine producer, has already stockpiled tens of millions of doses of AstraZeneca's Covishield ready for the campaign and 96,000 health workers have been trained for the inoculation drive. Health minister Harsh Vardhan said the exercise would help build expertise "so that the upcoming vaccination drive may proceed without any glitch." He has also called for a campaign to counter "misleading rumours" that may scare people off getting the vaccine. (with inputs from agencies)

India holds dry run for Covid vaccination ahead of inoculation drive

India reported as many as 20,036 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of positive cases in the country to 1,02,86,710, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed on Friday.

With this, the total number of active cases now stands at 2,54,254.

As many as 256 lives were claimed by the coronavirus in the last 24 hours, taking the death toll to 1,48,994.

So far 98,83,461 recoveries have been reported in the country.

Maharashtra, one of the worst-affected states, reported 3,509 new cases and 58 deaths in the last 24 hours. So far, 18,28,546 people have recovered, while the death toll stands at 49,521, the state health department informed.

Kerala reported 5,215 new cases, 5,376 recoveries and 30 deaths on Thursday. The total number of active cases in the state now stands at 65,381.

As many as 574 new coronavirus cases and 888 recoveries were reported in the national capital on Thursday, as per the Delhi Health Department. The total number of positive cases now stands at 6,25,369, while the death toll stands at 10,536, including 13 on Thursday. There are currently 5,511 active cases in the national capital.

With 10,62,420 samples tested for the coronavirus on Thursday, the total number of samples tested so far stands at 17,31,11,694, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) informed.

India reported as many as 20,036 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of positive cases in the country to 1,02,86,710, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed on Friday.

India reported as many as 20,036 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of positive cases in the country to 1,02,86,710, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed on Friday. With this, the total number of active cases now stands at 2,54,254. As many as 256 lives were claimed by the coronavirus in the last 24 hours, taking the death toll to 1,48,994. So far 98,83,461 recoveries have been reported in the country. Maharashtra, one of the worst-affected states, reported 3,509 new cases and 58 deaths in the last 24 hours. So far, 18,28,546 people have recovered, while the death toll stands at 49,521, the state health department informed. Kerala reported 5,215 new cases, 5,376 recoveries and 30 deaths on Thursday. The total number of active cases in the state now stands at 65,381. As many as 574 new coronavirus cases and 888 recoveries were reported in the national capital on Thursday, as per the Delhi Health Department. The total number of positive cases now stands at 6,25,369, while the death toll stands at 10,536, including 13 on Thursday. There are currently 5,511 active cases in the national capital. With 10,62,420 samples tested for the coronavirus on Thursday, the total number of samples tested so far stands at 17,31,11,694, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) informed.

India reports 20,036 new COVID-19 cases, 256 deaths

India surged past 10 million coronavirus cases on Saturday -- the second highest in the world although new infection rates appear to have fallen sharply in recent weeks.

The number of cases increased by just over 25,000 in 24 hours, according to the health ministry, while the total number of deaths from the virus in India now stands at 145,136.

The 10-million mark came as the world's second-most populous nation gears up for the colossal and challenging task of starting to vaccinate the population next year.

The government aims to inoculate 300 million people initially, with health workers and other frontline staff expected first in line.

India has yet to approve any vaccines but several drugmakers have applied for authorisation, including AstraZeneca, which has partnered with India's Serum Institute, the world's largest vaccine maker.

India has lifted restrictions on most activities to boost the struggling economy, although some states and territories have reimposed curbs.

Health ministry officials were expected to meet the Election Commission -- which carries out vast state and national polls -- as they map out how to distribute the shots, the Press Trust of India reported Thursday.

Experts have cautioned that the country could struggle because of its weak cold-chain infrastructure -- needed for keeping vaccines refrigerated -- particularly in poor and densely populated urban areas and remote rural regions.

The United States, with a population a quarter the size of India's, has been reporting upwards of 200,000 new cases daily in recent weeks, 10 times as many as India.

India's fatality rate is also considerably lower -- less than half that of the US.

India surged past 10 million coronavirus cases on Saturday -- the second highest in the world although new infection rates appear to have fallen sharply in recent weeks.

India surged past 10 million coronavirus cases on Saturday -- the second highest in the world although new infection rates appear to have fallen sharply in recent weeks. The number of cases increased by just over 25,000 in 24 hours, according to the health ministry, while the total number of deaths from the virus in India now stands at 145,136. The 10-million mark came as the world's second-most populous nation gears up for the colossal and challenging task of starting to vaccinate the population next year. The government aims to inoculate 300 million people initially, with health workers and other frontline staff expected first in line. India has yet to approve any vaccines but several drugmakers have applied for authorisation, including AstraZeneca, which has partnered with India's Serum Institute, the world's largest vaccine maker. India has lifted restrictions on most activities to boost the struggling economy, although some states and territories have reimposed curbs. Health ministry officials were expected to meet the Election Commission -- which carries out vast state and national polls -- as they map out how to distribute the shots, the Press Trust of India reported Thursday. Experts have cautioned that the country could struggle because of its weak cold-chain infrastructure -- needed for keeping vaccines refrigerated -- particularly in poor and densely populated urban areas and remote rural regions. The United States, with a population a quarter the size of India's, has been reporting upwards of 200,000 new cases daily in recent weeks, 10 times as many as India. India's fatality rate is also considerably lower -- less than half that of the US.

India's coronavirus cases pass 10 million

The total active <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus cases </a>in the country has declined to 363,749, the lowest in 146 days, the health ministry said on Friday.

"The country has reported a trend of sustained decrease in the number of active cases. India's present active caseload consists of just 3.71 per cent of India's total cases," said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Affairs.

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"India's total active caseload has significantly dropped to 3.63 lakh (363,749) today. This is the lowest after 146 days. The total active cases were 358,692 on 18th July, 2020."&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-lockdowns-positive-impact-on-environment-348993/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It also said that the country has recorded 29,398 cases in the last 24 hours and added that the total recoveries are closing in on 9.3 million.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, India on Friday recorded less than 30,000 cases, a figure witnessed for the second time in the month and suggests that the deadly virus's decline in the country continues.&nbsp;

As many as 9,290,834 people have recuperated from the virus, taking the overall recovery rate to 94.84 per cent.&nbsp;

After touching a peak of about 100,000 cases a day, India is witnessing a significant drop in the number of cases and deaths on a daily basis.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The total active coronavirus cases in the country has declined to 363,749, the lowest in 146 days, the health ministry said on Friday. "The country has reported a trend of sustained decrease in the number of active cases.

The total active coronavirus cases in the country has declined to 363,749, the lowest in 146 days, the health ministry said on Friday. "The country has reported a trend of sustained decrease in the number of active cases. India's present active caseload consists of just 3.71 per cent of India's total cases," said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Affairs. Also read | Britons could be banned from EU after January 1 under Covid rules "India's total active caseload has significantly dropped to 3.63 lakh (363,749) today. This is the lowest after 146 days. The total active cases were 358,692 on 18th July, 2020." Watch | It also said that the country has recorded 29,398 cases in the last 24 hours and added that the total recoveries are closing in on 9.3 million. Meanwhile, India on Friday recorded less than 30,000 cases, a figure witnessed for the second time in the month and suggests that the deadly virus's decline in the country continues. As many as 9,290,834 people have recuperated from the virus, taking the overall recovery rate to 94.84 per cent. After touching a peak of about 100,000 cases a day, India is witnessing a significant drop in the number of cases and deaths on a daily basis.

India's active coronavirus cases lowest in about five months

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Ahmedabad on Saturday as part of his three-city visit to review coronavirus vaccine development work at facilities there.

Modi visited pharma major Zydus Cadila's plant near Ahmedabad to get information about its vaccine development. The plant is located in the Changodar industrial area, over 20 km from Ahmedabad.

Zydus Cadila has announced that the phase-I clinical trial of its vaccine candidate ZyCoV-D was over and it has commenced phase-II clinical trials from August.

Modi is also slated to visit Hyderabad where he is scheduled to visit vaccine maker Bharat Biotech's facility.

After landing at Hakimpet Air Force station, Modi will reach Bharat Biotech's facility at Genome Valley at 1.30 pm. The facility is around 50 km from Hyderabad.

Bharat Biotech's Covaxin is undergoing phase-3 trials.

After his hour-long visit to the facility, the PM will proceed to Pune, where he will visit the Serum Institute of India (SII), which has partnered with global pharma giant AstraZeneca and the Oxford University for the vaccine.

The prime minister will reach Serum Institute campus around 4.30 pm, an official said. 
Modi's hour-long visit to SII is aimed at reviewing the status of the vaccine candidate for coronavirus infection and to know about its launch, production and distribution mechanism, he said.

The prime minister will fly back to Delhi in the evening.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Ahmedabad on Saturday as part of his three-city visit to review coronavirus vaccine development work at facilities there. Modi visited pharma major Zydus Cadila's plant near Ahmedabad to get information about its vaccine development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Ahmedabad on Saturday as part of his three-city visit to review coronavirus vaccine development work at facilities there. Modi visited pharma major Zydus Cadila's plant near Ahmedabad to get information about its vaccine development. The plant is located in the Changodar industrial area, over 20 km from Ahmedabad. Zydus Cadila has announced that the phase-I clinical trial of its vaccine candidate ZyCoV-D was over and it has commenced phase-II clinical trials from August. Modi is also slated to visit Hyderabad where he is scheduled to visit vaccine maker Bharat Biotech's facility. After landing at Hakimpet Air Force station, Modi will reach Bharat Biotech's facility at Genome Valley at 1.30 pm. The facility is around 50 km from Hyderabad. Bharat Biotech's Covaxin is undergoing phase-3 trials. After his hour-long visit to the facility, the PM will proceed to Pune, where he will visit the Serum Institute of India (SII), which has partnered with global pharma giant AstraZeneca and the Oxford University for the vaccine. The prime minister will reach Serum Institute campus around 4.30 pm, an official said. Modi's hour-long visit to SII is aimed at reviewing the status of the vaccine candidate for coronavirus infection and to know about its launch, production and distribution mechanism, he said. The prime minister will fly back to Delhi in the evening.

PM Modi to visit vaccine making units in Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Pune

India’s tally of COVID-19 infections has crossed 9.3 million to stand as the world’s second highest after the United States, with 135,715 deaths.

India -- the world’s fastest-growing major economy until a few years ago -- now looks to be headed for its first full-year contraction this fiscal year since 1979, according to a Reuters poll which predicted gross domestic product would take over a year to return to pre-COVID-19 levels.

But despite these numbers, India seems to be doing much better at handling the economy woes than other nations. And there are a few parameters to substantiate and corroborate the claim.

DEATH RATE

The true measure of a country’s performance is number of cases per million and number of deaths per million.

As of November 28, India has 6,731 cases per million population. In comparison, USA has 40,000 cases per million, UK has 23,361, France has 33,424, Brazil has 29,129 while Italy has 25,456. Most of these countries have about 4-5 times the number of cases than India, on a per million basis.

When it comes to number of deaths per million population. India saw 98 deaths per million population.

In contrast, USA saw 813, Brazil saw 805, France saw 780, Spain saw 955, UK saw 846 and Italy 888. Almost all these countries have about 8-9 times more deaths than India on a per million basis.

Currently, India’s curve is showing a downward trend. From the peak of almost 97,894 daily cases in mid-September, on November 26, there were 43,174 cases.

QUICK DECISION MAKING

The Oxford University COVID-19 Government Response Stringency Index shows how proactively and decisively a country’s government has acted against the spread of the pandemic.

On March 21, when the USA first achieved its highest score (72.69), it had 16.24 daily confirmed COVID cases per million. On March 26, UK (75.93) already had 21.39 daily confirmed COVID cases per million population, 2.74 daily deaths per million population and 10.22 total COVID deaths per million population.

Similarly, on April 12, Italy (93.52) already had 77.64 daily confirmed COVID cases per million population, 10 daily deaths per million population and 322 total COVID deaths per million population.

In contrast, when India first achieved its highest score (100%) on the Stringency Index on March 25, it had only 0.04 daily confirmed COVID cases per million population, 0 daily deaths per million population and less than 0.01 total COVID deaths per million population.

This implies Prime Minister Narendra Modi took quick and proactive decisions, and went all out to attack the pandemic even before it could spread major havoc in the country.

- India was among the quickest to react at the government and institutional level

- China notified the world on January 7 about the virus. The very next day, India had a mission meeting

- India started screening passengers from January 17, among the first countries in the world to do so

- First case of the virus in India was detected on January 30, and aggressive containment and screening measures were instituted

- On the other end of the spectrum, India was among the first to introduce Rapid Antigen Tests along with RT-PCR tests. India was criticised initially for this strategy but later the WHO itself has adopted this model

- It was in March first week itself that PM Modi announced that he would not join any Holi Milan event since the scientific advice was to stay away from social gatherings. It was among the earliest examples among world leaders to send a message to the country

- When PM Modi sent this message of staying away from mass gatherings to millions of countrymen, India did not even have 50 cases

- Large parts of India made masks mandatory way back in April itself, with Modi himself wearing masks in public since early April, while the WHO waited till June before recommending it the world over

EARLY LOCKDOWN

- When PM Modi called for a complete lockdown on March 24, India had just about 500 cases

- The growth rate of new cases had increased from 10.9% to 19.6% in just one week and the doubling time was just over three days. That is when Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the decision to impose a national lockdown, which till then no other country had taken so early. This one decision changed India’s trajectory

- The government utilised the period of lockdown to create 15,362 dedicated COVID1-19 health facilities, about 15.40 lakh isolation beds, 2.70 lakh oxygen supported beds and 78,000 ICU beds

- It also delivered 32,400 ventilators to government hospitals across the country. Compare this with fact that in the last 70 years, these government hospitals possessed only 12,000 ventilators. It also provided 3.70 crore N95 Masks and 1.60 crore PPEs to State Governments

PM MODI WAS THE DIFFERENCE

- PM Modi led the way in refraining from social gatherings in early March during the festival of Holi. He addressed the nation and came out with a unique Jan Bhagidari initiative called ‘Janata Curfew’. He exhorted the people themselves to observe a countrywide lockdown of one day and show the world how India could unite to fight the pandemic

- PM Modi announced a nationwide lockdown from March 24. In the same address, he gave the message of ‘Jaan Hai Toh Jahaan Hai’ to convey the seriousness of the situation

- He also asked people to wear masks and clean hands regularly, much needed. Yet again, people responded

- During the lockdown, PM Modi called for people to light lamps and show solidarity with each other. He also asked them to show support to healthcare professionals in a unique way. This sent a wave of positivity across the nation

- Before the ‘Unlock’ phase, PM Modi addressed the nation again and guided them with the philosophy of ‘Jaan Bhi Jahaan Bhi’

- Throughout these phases, his personal leadership assured every Indian that they were in safe hands that was following sound scientific advice and putting the objective of saving lives above everything else

- This is the reason for today’s situation where India’s infections per million and deaths per million are both much lower than many developed countries

GOVT PROGRAMMES

- Through the Rs 1.70 lakh crore Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP), the Government announced free food grains and cash payment to women and poor senior citizens and farmers

- The numbers achieved by this programme are mindboggling and could have made some world records in itself

- Around 42 crore poor people received financial assistance of Rs 68,820 crore

- Rs 17,891 crore was transferred under PM-KISAN scheme to almost 9 crore farmers

- Nearly Rs 31,000 crore was transferred to 20 crore women Jan Dhan account holders in three instalments

- Rs 2,814.50 crore was transferred to about 2.81 crore old age persons, widows and disabled persons in 2 installments

- 1.82 crore building and construction workers received financial support worth Rs 4,987.18 crore

- About 13 crore free Ujjwala gas cylinders were delivered to poor households

- Under Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, nearly 80 crore people received free foodgrains and pulses till November, month on month

PHARMACY OF THE WORLD

- On Saturday, PM Modi reviewed the vaccine development and manufacturing process of three vaccine makers in India. He visited the Zydus Biotech Park in Ahmedabad, Bharat Biotech in Hyderabad and Serum Institute of India in Pune

- Two of these sites are where India is indigenously developing vaccines to fight COVID and one of these sites is where crores of vaccines to save the world will be manufactured

- India is not only leading the world in research for vaccines but will also be crucial for the world’s vaccine production

- Ambassadors of 100 countries are scheduled to visit Pune on December 4, they will visit Serum Institute of India and Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Limited

IMPACT

- Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose from 56.8 in September to 58.9 in October, 2020, registering the highest figure in over a decade

- PMI Services index also rose to 54.1 in October, ending the seven-month sequence of contraction, signalling improved market conditions

- Power consumption clocked double digit YoY growth of 12.1 per cent in October and 4.5 per cent in the first 24 days of November, reflecting a post-recovery rebound and even in growth economic activity across all spheres – agriculture, industry and services

- Passenger vehicle sales reported 2 per cent growth in October 2020, while total domestic sales of two-wheelers increased 16.8 per cent, auguring well for consumption demand

- Domestic tractor sales posted a 7 per cent YoY growth in October, auguring well for rural demand and signaling an early indicator of the transformation arising from agricultural reforms introduced under Aatmanirbhar Bharat package

- E-way bills generated witnessed a double-digit YoY growth of 21.4 per cent in October, reaching an all-time high of 641 lakh, and 7 per cent in the first 23 days of November

- GST collections swelled to eight-month high at ₹1.05 lakh crore in October – crossing ₹1 lakh crore after February, 2020 – registering a positive year on year growth of 10.2 per cent

- Railway freight grew YoY at 15.4 per cent in October and 13.6 per cent in the first 10 days of November. Also, gross revenue from railway passenger bookings stood at ₹533.27 crore in the first ten days of November, reaching 8 per cent of October levels

- Cargo traffic volumes in October have reached 7 per cent of previous year levels, registering a 1.23 per cent YoY growth

- Domestic aviation passengers increased from 2.8 lakh in May to 28.32 lakh in August and 39.43 lakh in September and 52.71 lakh in October

- Under MGNREGA, 252.4 crore person days of work have been created during April to October of FY 2021 as against 159.7 crore person days in the corresponding period of previous year

- GDP for Q2 of FY20 contracted by (-) 7.5 per cent, much smaller when compared to the contraction of (-) 23.9 percent reported for Q1 of FY20

- Between these two quarters, already a huge improvement can be seen in private consumption expenditure. Agriculture reported a growth of 3.4% in Q2, the same as in Q1

- Manufacturing has grown by 0.6% in Q2 as compared to a contraction of (-) 39.3% in Q1

India’s tally of COVID-19 infections has crossed 9.3 million to stand as the world’s second highest after the United States, with 135,715 deaths. India -- the world’s fastest-growing major economy until a few years ago -- now looks to be headed for its first full-year contraction this fiscal year since 1979, according to a Reuters poll which predicted gross domestic product would take over a year to return to pre-COVID-19 levels.

India’s tally of COVID-19 infections has crossed 9.3 million to stand as the world’s second highest after the United States, with 135,715 deaths. India -- the world’s fastest-growing major economy until a few years ago -- now looks to be headed for its first full-year contraction this fiscal year since 1979, according to a Reuters poll which predicted gross domestic product would take over a year to return to pre-COVID-19 levels. But despite these numbers, India seems to be doing much better at handling the economy woes than other nations. And there are a few parameters to substantiate and corroborate the claim. DEATH RATE The true measure of a country’s performance is number of cases per million and number of deaths per million. As of November 28, India has 6,731 cases per million population. In comparison, USA has 40,000 cases per million, UK has 23,361, France has 33,424, Brazil has 29,129 while Italy has 25,456. Most of these countries have about 4-5 times the number of cases than India, on a per million basis. When it comes to number of deaths per million population. India saw 98 deaths per million population. In contrast, USA saw 813, Brazil saw 805, France saw 780, Spain saw 955, UK saw 846 and Italy 888. Almost all these countries have about 8-9 times more deaths than India on a per million basis. Currently, India’s curve is showing a downward trend. From the peak of almost 97,894 daily cases in mid-September, on November 26, there were 43,174 cases. QUICK DECISION MAKING The Oxford University COVID-19 Government Response Stringency Index shows how proactively and decisively a country’s government has acted against the spread of the pandemic. On March 21, when the USA first achieved its highest score (72.69), it had 16.24 daily confirmed COVID cases per million. On March 26, UK (75.93) already had 21.39 daily confirmed COVID cases per million population, 2.74 daily deaths per million population and 10.22 total COVID deaths per million population. Similarly, on April 12, Italy (93.52) already had 77.64 daily confirmed COVID cases per million population, 10 daily deaths per million population and 322 total COVID deaths per million population. In contrast, when India first achieved its highest score (100%) on the Stringency Index on March 25, it had only 0.04 daily confirmed COVID cases per million population, 0 daily deaths per million population and less than 0.01 total COVID deaths per million population. This implies Prime Minister Narendra Modi took quick and proactive decisions, and went all out to attack the pandemic even before it could spread major havoc in the country. - India was among the quickest to react at the government and institutional level - China notified the world on January 7 about the virus. The very next day, India had a mission meeting - India started screening passengers from January 17, among the first countries in the world to do so - First case of the virus in India was detected on January 30, and aggressive containment and screening measures were instituted - On the other end of the spectrum, India was among the first to introduce Rapid Antigen Tests along with RT-PCR tests. India was criticised initially for this strategy but later the WHO itself has adopted this model - It was in March first week itself that PM Modi announced that he would not join any Holi Milan event since the scientific advice was to stay away from social gatherings. It was among the earliest examples among world leaders to send a message to the country - When PM Modi sent this message of staying away from mass gatherings to millions of countrymen, India did not even have 50 cases - Large parts of India made masks mandatory way back in April itself, with Modi himself wearing masks in public since early April, while the WHO waited till June before recommending it the world over EARLY LOCKDOWN - When PM Modi called for a complete lockdown on March 24, India had just about 500 cases - The growth rate of new cases had increased from 10.9% to 19.6% in just one week and the doubling time was just over three days. That is when Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the decision to impose a national lockdown, which till then no other country had taken so early. This one decision changed India’s trajectory - The government utilised the period of lockdown to create 15,362 dedicated COVID1-19 health facilities, about 15.40 lakh isolation beds, 2.70 lakh oxygen supported beds and 78,000 ICU beds - It also delivered 32,400 ventilators to government hospitals across the country. Compare this with fact that in the last 70 years, these government hospitals possessed only 12,000 ventilators. It also provided 3.70 crore N95 Masks and 1.60 crore PPEs to State Governments PM MODI WAS THE DIFFERENCE - PM Modi led the way in refraining from social gatherings in early March during the festival of Holi. He addressed the nation and came out with a unique Jan Bhagidari initiative called ‘Janata Curfew’. He exhorted the people themselves to observe a countrywide lockdown of one day and show the world how India could unite to fight the pandemic - PM Modi announced a nationwide lockdown from March 24. In the same address, he gave the message of ‘Jaan Hai Toh Jahaan Hai’ to convey the seriousness of the situation - He also asked people to wear masks and clean hands regularly, much needed. Yet again, people responded - During the lockdown, PM Modi called for people to light lamps and show solidarity with each other. He also asked them to show support to healthcare professionals in a unique way. This sent a wave of positivity across the nation - Before the ‘Unlock’ phase, PM Modi addressed the nation again and guided them with the philosophy of ‘Jaan Bhi Jahaan Bhi’ - Throughout these phases, his personal leadership assured every Indian that they were in safe hands that was following sound scientific advice and putting the objective of saving lives above everything else - This is the reason for today’s situation where India’s infections per million and deaths per million are both much lower than many developed countries GOVT PROGRAMMES - Through the Rs 1.70 lakh crore Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP), the Government announced free food grains and cash payment to women and poor senior citizens and farmers - The numbers achieved by this programme are mindboggling and could have made some world records in itself - Around 42 crore poor people received financial assistance of Rs 68,820 crore - Rs 17,891 crore was transferred under PM-KISAN scheme to almost 9 crore farmers - Nearly Rs 31,000 crore was transferred to 20 crore women Jan Dhan account holders in three instalments - Rs 2,814.50 crore was transferred to about 2.81 crore old age persons, widows and disabled persons in 2 installments - 1.82 crore building and construction workers received financial support worth Rs 4,987.18 crore - About 13 crore free Ujjwala gas cylinders were delivered to poor households - Under Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, nearly 80 crore people received free foodgrains and pulses till November, month on month PHARMACY OF THE WORLD - On Saturday, PM Modi reviewed the vaccine development and manufacturing process of three vaccine makers in India. He visited the Zydus Biotech Park in Ahmedabad, Bharat Biotech in Hyderabad and Serum Institute of India in Pune - Two of these sites are where India is indigenously developing vaccines to fight COVID and one of these sites is where crores of vaccines to save the world will be manufactured - India is not only leading the world in research for vaccines but will also be crucial for the world’s vaccine production - Ambassadors of 100 countries are scheduled to visit Pune on December 4, they will visit Serum Institute of India and Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Limited IMPACT - Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose from 56.8 in September to 58.9 in October, 2020, registering the highest figure in over a decade - PMI Services index also rose to 54.1 in October, ending the seven-month sequence of contraction, signalling improved market conditions - Power consumption clocked double digit YoY growth of 12.1 per cent in October and 4.5 per cent in the first 24 days of November, reflecting a post-recovery rebound and even in growth economic activity across all spheres – agriculture, industry and services - Passenger vehicle sales reported 2 per cent growth in October 2020, while total domestic sales of two-wheelers increased 16.8 per cent, auguring well for consumption demand - Domestic tractor sales posted a 7 per cent YoY growth in October, auguring well for rural demand and signaling an early indicator of the transformation arising from agricultural reforms introduced under Aatmanirbhar Bharat package - E-way bills generated witnessed a double-digit YoY growth of 21.4 per cent in October, reaching an all-time high of 641 lakh, and 7 per cent in the first 23 days of November - GST collections swelled to eight-month high at ₹1.05 lakh crore in October – crossing ₹1 lakh crore after February, 2020 – registering a positive year on year growth of 10.2 per cent - Railway freight grew YoY at 15.4 per cent in October and 13.6 per cent in the first 10 days of November. Also, gross revenue from railway passenger bookings stood at ₹533.27 crore in the first ten days of November, reaching 8 per cent of October levels - Cargo traffic volumes in October have reached 7 per cent of previous year levels, registering a 1.23 per cent YoY growth - Domestic aviation passengers increased from 2.8 lakh in May to 28.32 lakh in August and 39.43 lakh in September and 52.71 lakh in October - Under MGNREGA, 252.4 crore person days of work have been created during April to October of FY 2021 as against 159.7 crore person days in the corresponding period of previous year - GDP for Q2 of FY20 contracted by (-) 7.5 per cent, much smaller when compared to the contraction of (-) 23.9 percent reported for Q1 of FY20 - Between these two quarters, already a huge improvement can be seen in private consumption expenditure. Agriculture reported a growth of 3.4% in Q2, the same as in Q1 - Manufacturing has grown by 0.6% in Q2 as compared to a contraction of (-) 39.3% in Q1

How India has been leading the way in fight against coronavirus

India confirmed 48,648 new novel coronavirus cases on Monday, taking the total number of cases to 8,088,851, while the active caseload declined below 600,000.&nbsp;

As per the latest updates by the health ministry, 563 new deaths were also reported in the last 24 hours, causing the death toll climb to 121,090.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-vaccine-production-delivery-capacity-to-help-all-humanity-in-fighting-covid-19-mea-338838">India's vaccine production, delivery capacity to help all humanity in fighting COVID-19: MEA</a>

On Monday, India's Covid-19 recovery rate also surpassed 91 per cent as a total of 73,73,375 people have recuperated from the deadly virus so far.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/oxfords-covid-19-vaccine-will-be-ready-by-december-serum-institute-ceo-adar-poonawalla-338684">Oxford's COVID-19 vaccine will be ready by December: Serum Institute CEO Adar Poonawalla</a>

India has the second-highest coronavirus caseload, but in recent weeks, the daily coronavirus figures are on a decline.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the coronavirus situation in the US once again has started to escalate as the country recorded more than 90,000 cases in the last 24 hours, highest-ever since the pandemic began, according to a tally by John Hopkins University.&nbsp;

The US has about 9 million cases, the highest globally and is followed by India and Brazil.&nbsp;

The country has also seen the most number of Covid-19 deaths, 228,625 and Brazil and India are next on the list with 159,000 and 121,090 deaths respectively.&nbsp;

A special report by United Nations biodiversity panel has said future pandemics will happen more often and far deadlier than Covid-19 if there is not a fundamental shift on how humans treat nature.&nbsp;

India confirmed 48,648 new novel coronavirus cases on Monday, taking the total number of cases to 8,088,851, while the active caseload declined below 600,000. As per the latest updates by the health ministry, 563 new deaths were also reported in the last 24 hours, causing the death toll climb to 121,090.

India confirmed 48,648 new novel coronavirus cases on Monday, taking the total number of cases to 8,088,851, while the active caseload declined below 600,000. As per the latest updates by the health ministry, 563 new deaths were also reported in the last 24 hours, causing the death toll climb to 121,090. Also read | India's vaccine production, delivery capacity to help all humanity in fighting COVID-19: MEA On Monday, India's Covid-19 recovery rate also surpassed 91 per cent as a total of 73,73,375 people have recuperated from the deadly virus so far. Also read | Oxford's COVID-19 vaccine will be ready by December: Serum Institute CEO Adar Poonawalla India has the second-highest coronavirus caseload, but in recent weeks, the daily coronavirus figures are on a decline. Meanwhile, the coronavirus situation in the US once again has started to escalate as the country recorded more than 90,000 cases in the last 24 hours, highest-ever since the pandemic began, according to a tally by John Hopkins University. The US has about 9 million cases, the highest globally and is followed by India and Brazil. The country has also seen the most number of Covid-19 deaths, 228,625 and Brazil and India are next on the list with 159,000 and 121,090 deaths respectively. A special report by United Nations biodiversity panel has said future pandemics will happen more often and far deadlier than Covid-19 if there is not a fundamental shift on how humans treat nature.

Coronavirus: India records over 48,000 cases; death toll climbs to 121,090

India has now recorded more than 50,000 deaths as the total number of cases in the country has now surpassed 2.6 million. Watch report.

COVID-19 Pandemic: India records 58,000 cases and more than 900 deaths in last 24 hours

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How India has been leading the way in fight against coronavirus

Coronavirus: India records over 48,000 cases; death toll climbs to 121,090

COVID-19 Pandemic: India records 58,000 cases and more than 900 deaths in last 24 hours

COVID-19 Pandemic: India records 58,000 cases and more than 900 deaths in last 24 hours