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India's COVID-19 infection tally climbed to 1,08,80,603 with 9,309 new cases in a day, while 1,05,89,230 people have recuperated so far pushing the national recovery rate to 97.32 per cent on Friday, according to Union Health Ministry data.
There are 1,35,926 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country which accounts for 1.25 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.
The death count climbed to 1,55,447 with the novel coronavirus virus claiming 87 lives in a span of 24 hours in the country, the data showed.
The COVID-19 case fatality rate stood at 1.43 per cent.
Meanwhile, Union minister Dr Harsh Vardhan Thursday wrote to Chhattisgarh health minister TS Singh Deo, who has gone public with his concerns about Bharat Biotech's Covaxin. The primary concerns of the state are the inhibitions regarding the "incomplete third phase trials" of the vaccine and the "absence of expiration date on the vials", Mr Deo had tweeted, enclosing his letter to the Centre on the issue. He had also requested the Centre to "halt the supply of COVAXIN to Chhattisgarh until these issues are addressed".
Here are the Highlights:
Allahabad High Court Appreciates Work Done In Containing Covid In UPThe Allahabad High Court has appreciated the work done in Uttar Pradesh to contain coronavirus and expressed hope that people in the state get themselves vaccinated against the infection.
US firm Moderna wants to pack 50% more Covid vaccine per vial
US biotech firm Moderna said Friday it was seeking clearance with regulators around the world to put 50 percent more coronavirus vaccine into each of its vials as a way to quickly boost current supply levels.
The company issued a statement after The New York Times first reported the US Food and Drug Administration had already cleared it to increase levels by 40 percent. "In order to better maximize resources as well as maximize opportunities to deliver more doses into each market faster, Moderna has proposed filling vials with up to 15 doses of vaccine versus the previous 10 doses," a spokesperson said.
Over 77.66 lakh healthcare, frontline workers vaccinated against COVID-19: Health Ministry
The number of healthcare and frontline workers vaccinated against COVID-19 has reached 77.66 lakh on the 28th day of the countrywide inoculation programme, the Union Health Ministry said on Friday.
The cumulative number of healthcare and frontline workers vaccinated against COVID-19 till 6 pm on Friday is 77,66,319 as per the provisional report, the ministry said.
Coronavirus could last indefinitely despite global vaccine rollout: EU official
The head of the EU's disease control agency warned Friday that the novel coronavirus could last indefinitely even as global infections slowed by nearly half in the last month and vaccine rollouts gathered pace in parts of the world.
ECDC chief Andrea Ammon urged European countries in particular not to drop their guard against a virus that "seems very well adapted to humans" and may require experts to tweak vaccines over time, as is the case for the seasonal flu. "So we should be prepared that it will remain with us," according to Ammon, head of the Stockholm-based European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
Such allegations are totally baseless. The way officers, healthcare workers & social workers have served people of Bihar during COVID-19 pandemic is an example: Bihar Deputy CM Tarkishore Prasad on alleged manipulation of COVID-19 testing data in Bihar (12.02.2021) pic.twitter.com/ORrnHDdrhd
- ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2021
Serbia gets first Russian approval to produce Sputnik V jab
Russia has given preliminary approval for its Covid-19 Sputnik V vaccine to be manufactured in Serbia, a minister said on Friday. "The first phase of the production of Russia's vaccine Sputnik V on Serbia's territory has been preliminarily approved," Serbia's minister for innovations Nenad Popovic said in a statement.
The announcement was made after a delegation of experts from Russia's industry and commerce ministries, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) -- which financed the vaccine -- and the Balkan country's state institute for drugs visited the Belgrade-based virology institute.
COVID-19 test mandatory for attending Odisha Budget session
All MLAs have to undergo RT-PCR tests for COVID-19 to attending the ensuing Budget session of the Odisha assembly that will begin on February 18, officials said on Friday.
A temporary camp will be set up in the assembly premises for conducting COVID-19 tests of all MLAs, their personal security officers, drivers, assembly staff, ministerial employees as well as journalists, as per a letter by the Health Department.
Canada Covid vaccine rollout soon back on track: PM Justin Trudeau
Canada's Covid-19 vaccines rollout will be back on track in March with stepped up deliveries of doses to make up for recent delays, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday. Outstanding deliveries of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines plus the purchase of additional doses from Moderna -- the only two approved for use in Canada, so far -- will bring the nation's total supply to 84 million doses by the end of September, he said.
That is more than enough to inoculate all of Canada's 38 million people using the two-dose vaccines. "We've been continuing to work every single day on getting as many doses as possible as quickly as possible into Canadians' arms," Trudeau told a news conference.
"All Hypotheses Remain Open" On Covid Origins: WHO Chief
Following the return of a WHO investigation mission to Wuhan, China, where the virus was first detected, Tedros told a press conference: "Some questions have been raised as to whether some hypotheses have been discarded... I wish to confirm that all hypotheses remain open."
World Health Organization director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Monday that "all hypotheses remain open" on the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Following the return of a WHO investigation mission to Wuhan, China, where the virus was first detected, Tedros told a press conference: "Some questions have been raised as to whether some hypotheses have been discarded... I wish to confirm that all hypotheses remain open."
Bengal Governor Condemns Police Action On Left Activists In Kolkata
Speaking to reporters after attending a programme in Joygopalpur in Basanti in the South 24 Parganas district, Mr Dhankhar expressed hope that the upcoming elections would be conducted in a transparent manner, and said it is just a matter of time that Bengal will again become ''shonar Bangla''.
"People have every right to peacefully protest against the government if they have some issue. Police did not do the right thing by baton-charging the protestors," he said.
West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday condemned the police action on student and youth activists of the Left in Kolkata, stating everyone has the right to peacefully protest in a democracy.
Speaking to reporters after attending a programme in Joygopalpur in Basanti in the South 24 Parganas district, Mr Dhankhar expressed hope that the upcoming elections would be conducted in a transparent manner, and said it is just a matter of time that Bengal will again become ''shonar Bangla''.
"People have every right to peacefully protest against the government if they have some issue. Police did not do the right thing by baton-charging the protestors," he said.
Maharashtra Records 3,670 New Coronavirus Cases, 36 Deaths
The state also reported 36 new fatalities, taking the death count due to the pandemic to 51,451, he said.
Of new deaths, 19 were from the past 48 hours and 13 from the last one week, while four deaths had taken place even earlier, the official said.
A total of 2,422 patients were discharged from hospitals on Friday, taking the overall number of recoveries in Maharashtra to 19,72,475.
The state has 31,474 active cases now.
Maharashtra reported 3,670 new coronavirus infections on Friday, taking the caseload to
20,56,575, a health department official said.The state also reported 36 new fatalities, taking the death count due to the pandemic to 51,451, he said.
Of new deaths, 19 were from the past 48 hours and 13 from the last one week, while four deaths had taken place even earlier, the official said.
A total of 2,422 patients were discharged from hospitals on Friday, taking the overall number of recoveries in Maharashtra to 19,72,475.
The state has 31,474 active cases now.
Mumbai's Byculla Zoo To Reopen From February 15
The zoo, which houses a variety of animals ranging from deer and monkeys to elephants and a hippopotamus besides birds, was closed for patrons on March 15 last year.
"The zoo will be opened for public from Monday. All visitors will have to follow COVID-19 protocols like social distancing and wearing masks etc. While the zoo was shut for 11 months, we made some changes and the visit now would be a completely new experience," the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation official said.
The Veermata Jijabai Garden and Zoo, popularly known as Byculla Zoo, will be open for visitors from February 15, almost a year after it was shut due to the coronavirus outbreak, a BMC official said on Friday.
The zoo, which houses a variety of animals ranging from deer and monkeys to elephants and a hippopotamus besides birds, was closed for patrons on March 15 last year.
"The zoo will be opened for public from Monday. All visitors will have to follow COVID-19 protocols like social distancing and wearing masks etc. While the zoo was shut for 11 months, we made some changes and the visit now would be a completely new experience," the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation official said.
Campaigning Ends For Civic Body Polls In Punjab
Eight municipal corporations, 109 municipal councils and nagar Panchayats will go to the polls on Sunday with 9,222 candidates in the fray, state Election Commission officials said.
The election campaign came to an end at 5 pm.
The required election material and EVMs will be handed over to polling parties on February 13 while voting will take place on February 14 from 8 am to 4 pm, the officials said, adding that the counting will take place on February 17.
The campaigning for the civic body elections scheduled to be held on February 14 in Punjab ended on Friday.
Eight municipal corporations, 109 municipal councils and nagar Panchayats will go to the polls on Sunday with 9,222 candidates in the fray, state Election Commission officials said.
The election campaign came to an end at 5 pm.
The required election material and EVMs will be handed over to polling parties on February 13 while voting will take place on February 14 from 8 am to 4 pm, the officials said, adding that the counting will take place on February 17.
Lok Sabha To Meet At 10 PM Tomorrow Instead Of 4 PM
The Rajya Sabha had been meeting at 9 am due to COVID-19 distancing norms.
Some Rajya Sabha members also sit in the Lok Sabha chamber.
Lok Sabha has been meeting at 4 pm and some of its members sit in the Rajya Sabha chamber to maintain social distancing amid the pandemic outbreak.
Since Rajya Sabha went on a recess on Friday and would reconvene on March 8, the Lok Sabha would meet in the morning.
The Lok Sabha will convene at 10 am instead of the usual 4 pm on Saturday, Speaker Om Birla has announced.
The Rajya Sabha had been meeting at 9 am due to COVID-19 distancing norms.
Some Rajya Sabha members also sit in the Lok Sabha chamber.
Lok Sabha has been meeting at 4 pm and some of its members sit in the Rajya Sabha chamber to maintain social distancing amid the pandemic outbreak.
Since Rajya Sabha went on a recess on Friday and would reconvene on March 8, the Lok Sabha would meet in the morning.
Retail Inflation Eases To 4.06% In January Amid Decline In Vegetable Prices
The rate of price rise in the food basket was 1.89 per cent in January, significantly down from 3.41 per cent in December, revealed the data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO).
Retail inflation in January eased to 4.06 per cent due to a decline in vegetable prices, according to government data released on Friday.
Retail inflation eased to 4.06 per cent in January, mainly on account of a decline in vegetable prices, as per government data released on Friday. The inflation based on Consumer Price Index (CPI) was 4.59 per cent in December 2020.
The rate of price rise in the food basket was 1.89 per cent in January, significantly down from 3.41 per cent in December, revealed the data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO).
Retail inflation in January eased to 4.06 per cent due to a decline in vegetable prices, according to government data released on Friday.
Delhi Reports 141 New Covid Cases, 136 Recoveries And 3 Deaths In The Last 24 Hours
Delhi reports 141 new #COVID19 cases, 136 recoveries and 3 deaths in the last 24 hours.
- ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2021
Total cases 6,36,670
Total recoveries 6,24,728
Death toll 10,889
Active cases 1053 pic.twitter.com/FmNLdfDWix
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Announces Measures To Keep Check On Forest Fires
"To stop forest fires, additional officials have been appointed to check for fires in the state. This is the country's first integrated commandant control centre to monitor the status of fires through satellites technology systems," the Chief Minister told the media.
He further said that the new system would allow authorities to keep a check on where the fires have taken place or are likely so that swift action can be taken.
Additional officials have been appointed to check for forest fires, said Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat on Friday while announcing measures to keep a check on such fires in the state with the forest fire season expected in the coming months.
"To stop forest fires, additional officials have been appointed to check for fires in the state. This is the country's first integrated commandant control centre to monitor the status of fires through satellites technology systems," the Chief Minister told the media.
He further said that the new system would allow authorities to keep a check on where the fires have taken place or are likely so that swift action can be taken.
Satellite Pics Show "Dangerous" Lake Formed By Uttarakhand Avalanche
Scientists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and others are working on a plan to avoid another disaster, should water from this lake gush through a breach, NDTV has learnt.
Choppers have taken videos of this artificial lake, which is thrice the length of a football field.
The satellite images indicate the block on the Rishi Ganga that is fed by the fast-flowing Ronti River.
High resolution satellite images have identified the exact spot where a "dangerous" lake was formed by the debris of the avalanche that left dozens dead and 200 missing on Sunday.
Scientists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and others are working on a plan to avoid another disaster, should water from this lake gush through a breach, NDTV has learnt.
Choppers have taken videos of this artificial lake, which is thrice the length of a football field.
The satellite images indicate the block on the Rishi Ganga that is fed by the fast-flowing Ronti River.
Repeal Farm Laws Before Talking To Farmers: Rahul Gandhi To PM Modi
While addressing ''Kisan Mahapanchayat'' at Pilibanga in Rajasthan, Rahul Gandhi said, "Modi Ji says he wants to speak with farmers. What do you want to talk about? Repeal the laws, farmers will speak with you. You are taking away their land, future and then you want to talk. Take back laws first, then talk".
He further said, "the attack is not only on farmers but on the 40 per cent of people involved in the agriculture business, which include the farmers, small and medium businessmen, and labour".
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the three farm laws and asked him to take back the laws first, and then talk to farmers.
While addressing ''Kisan Mahapanchayat'' at Pilibanga in Rajasthan, Rahul Gandhi said, "Modi Ji says he wants to speak with farmers. What do you want to talk about? Repeal the laws, farmers will speak with you. You are taking away their land, future and then you want to talk. Take back laws first, then talk".
He further said, "the attack is not only on farmers but on the 40 per cent of people involved in the agriculture business, which include the farmers, small and medium businessmen, and labour".
The day farm laws get implemented, business of 40% people, of Rs 40 Lakh Cr, of businessmen, vendors, farmers & workers, will go into hands of just 2 people. This isn't farmers' agitation but agitation of India. Farmers have shown light in darkness: Rahul Gandhi in Sri Ganganagar pic.twitter.com/AyRZ9JIQOZ
- ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2021
BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal Moves Privilege Motion Notice Against Rahul Gandhi
BJP Lok Sabha MP Sanjay Jaiswal has moved Privilege Motion Notice against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, citing "serious breach of privilege and contempt of the House on 11 February 2021."
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each has been approved from PMNRF for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to a fire in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu. Rs. 50,000 would be given to those seriously injured.
- PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 12, 2021
Rahul Gandhi Offers Condolences To Victims Of Tamil Nadu Firecracker Factory Fire
Heartfelt condolences to the victims of the firecracker factory fire in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu.
- Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 12, 2021
It's heart wrenching to think of those still trapped inside.
I appeal to the state government to provide immediate rescue, support & relief.
"We wanted to take the entire country together, but if one state (West Bengal) refused to send the list, they didn't get the amount and benefits reserved for them," says Finance Minister #NirmalaSitharaman on PM Kisan pic.twitter.com/lREmRozgop
- NDTV (@ndtv) February 12, 2021
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on defence allocation in Budget 2021
"It's become a habit for Opposition to constantly allege, despite all that Modi govt has been doing for the poor, that this govt only works for crony capitalists. A false narrative is being created to accuse," says Finance Minister #NirmalaSitharaman in Rajya Sabha pic.twitter.com/6yUVihHS8l
- NDTV (@ndtv) February 12, 2021
JustIn| Nirmala Sitharaman Replies To Budget Discussions In Parliament
JustIn| Trinamool MP Dinesh Trivedi announces resignation in parliament, ahead of Bengal election
Satellite Pics Show "Dangerous" Lake Formed By Uttarakhand Avalanche
High resolution satellite images have identified the exact spot where a "dangerous" lake was formed by the debris of the avalanche that left dozens dead and 200 missing on Sunday. Scientists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and others are working on a plan to avoid another disaster, should water from this lake gush through a breach, NDTV has learnt. Read more
High resolution satellite images have identified the exact spot where a "dangerous" lake was formed by the debris of the avalanche that left dozens dead and 200 missing on Sunday. Scientists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and others are working on a plan to avoid another disaster, should water from this lake gush through a breach, NDTV has learnt. Read more
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to address 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' at Hanumangarh today
JustIn| Former ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar granted bail in corruption case, can't leave country without court permission
India exports COVID-19 vaccines worth about Rs 338 crore so far: Piyush Goyal
India's exports of the COVID-19 vaccine stood at around Rs 338 crore till February 8, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said in the Rajya Sabha on Friday.
The exports include grant of the vaccine doses to friendly countries and commercial shipments.
Replying to supplementary questions in the House, Mr Goyal said exports of the vaccine started in January.
India is taking care of the domestic vaccine requirement first and based on that "giving vaccines to friendly countries," he said.
"Total export is about Rs 338 crore worth of COVID vaccine," the minister said.
Giving details, Mr Goyal said export of Covishield vaccine manufactured by the Serum Insitute of India, Pune as Government of India grant stood at 62.7 lakh doses with FoB (free on board) value of about Rs 125.4 crore.
Paid exports of 1.05 crore doses were valued at about Rs 213.32 crore.
COVID-19: Nineteen fresh cases in Puducherry
Puducherry logged 19 new COVID-19 cases during the last 24 hours ending 10 am on Friday, taking the infection count to 39,416.
No fresh fatality was reported from any of the four regions of Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam, Director of Health and Family Welfare Services S.Mohan Kumar said.
The toll remained at 656.
Active cases stood at 284, while 38,476 patients recovered and were discharged, the director said.
He said 31 patients were discharged from hospitals after recovery during the last 24 hours.
JustIn| Assam to cut petrol, diesel price by Rs 5, reduce duty on liquor by 25%, months ahead of election
Coronavirus News Updates: Arunachal reports one new COVID-19 case, tally at 16,832
One more person tested positive for COVID-19 in Arunachal Pradesh, taking the tally in the state to 16,832, a health department official said on Friday.
The fresh case from Namsai district was detected through rapid antigen test, he said.
No one was cured of the disease on Thursday, and the total number of recoveries remained at 16,771, State Surveillance Officer (SSO) Dr Lobsang Jampa said.
The recovery rate among coronavirus patients in the state stood at 99.63 per cent.
Arunachal Pradesh now has five active cases, while 56 people have succumbed to the infection.
JustIn| Twitter, centre get Supreme Court notice on new petition seeking mechanism to check fake news
Members of Left parties and Congress block a road in the North 24 Parganas district's Barasat area.
The Left Front has called for a 12-hour bandh in the state today to protest after its workers were allegedly beaten up during a march to Nabanna in Kolkata yesterday
Members of Left parties block a road near Sukanta Setu during 12-hour bandh called by the Left Front in the West Bengal.
Our teams are continuously searching for bodies. A team has also been deployed to search for bodies along the river. All agencies involved in rescue operation are working round the clock: PK Tiwary NDRF Commandant, at Tapovan tunnel in Chamoli district
Rajya Sabha proceedings chaired by M Venkaiah Naidu begin for the day
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will reply on Budget discussion in the House today.
Uttarakhand Glacier Disaster: Rescue operation continues at Tapovan in Chamoli District on the sixth day
36 bodies have been recovered, 204 people missing, according to the State Government.
Update| Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will reply on Budget discussion in Rajya Sabha today.
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: West Bengal to resume schools for classes 9 to 12 from today, following COVID19 guidelines
JustIn| 9,309 fresh COVID-19 cases in India, nearly 28% lower than yesterday; 1.08 crore total cases, 1,55,447 deaths
Joe Biden talked with Xi Jinping about concerns over China's coercive, unfair economic practices: White House official
US President Joe Biden in his maiden phone call with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping talked about the fundamental concerns he has with Beijing's coercive and unfair economic practices, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said on Thursday, a day after the two-hour-long conversation between the two leaders.
Biden wants to lead with a clear and compelling affirmative US policy agenda and take steps to strengthen the US economy, she said.
"He wants to work with our partners and allies, as you've seen from the readouts we've done from the President's engagement. He wants to take steps across government...," Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference.
"He also is committed to being clear and candid in his engagements, as he was last night in...his lengthy conversation with President Xi, where he talked about the fundamental concerns he has, we have, about Beijing's coercive and unfair economic practices. That obviously covers a range of concern, a range of issues: the crackdown in Hong Kong, human rights abuse across the country, increasingly assertive actions in the region, including toward Taiwan," Psaki said.
WHO Praises PM Modi Over Coronavirus Response
Lauding the efforts by India in the fight against COVID-19, country representative of World Health Organisation (WHO) Dr Roderico Ofrin on Thursday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making it a Jan Andolan.
"The access, affordability and the speed which you get the result of the test, communicating and engaging with the community to be able to do COVID-19 appropriate behaviours-- it was all on the call of Prime Minister, the Jan Andolan," Dr Ofrin told ANI.
The WHO country's representative also said that the Government of India should be proud of the resilience shown during the pandemic.
Lauding the efforts by India in the fight against COVID-19, country representative of World Health Organisation (WHO) Dr Roderico Ofrin on Thursday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making it a Jan Andolan.
"The access, affordability and the speed which you get the result of the test, communicating and engaging with the community to be able to do COVID-19 appropriate behaviours-- it was all on the call of Prime Minister, the Jan Andolan," Dr Ofrin told ANI.
The WHO country's representative also said that the Government of India should be proud of the resilience shown during the pandemic.
