Fight against Covid-19 will be a ‘long haul’, early reporting of cases key: Dr Paul

India records 13,788 new COVID cases in last 24 hours

As per the data released by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), India on January 18 reported single-day spike of 13,788 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours. 145 deaths in the same period pushed the COVID-19 toll in the country to 1,52,419. India's confirmed cases of coronavirus stand at 1,05,71,773 which include 2,08,012 active infections. More than 1,02,11,342 people have recovered from the virus with 14,457 new discharges in last 24 hours. According to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a total of 5,48,168 samples were tested on January 17. Cumulative samples tested for COVID-19 till January 17 are 18,70,93,036.

Music producer Phil Spector, convicted of murder, dead at 81

Rock producer Phil Spector, who changed the sound of pop music in the 1960s with his "Wall of Sound" recordings and was convicted of murder for the 2003 murder of a Hollywood actress, has died at age 81 of COVID-19, according to authorities and media reports. This report produced by Yahaira Jacquez.

Covid: Dr VK Paul, AIIMS director urge people to trust researchers on vaccine

Urging the people to have faith in India's researchers, scientists, regulatory authorities, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Director Dr Randeep Singh Guleria on Saturday reassured the nation that Bharat Biotech's COVAXIN vaccine is safe. Dr Guleria along with NITI Aayog member VK Paul were administered the COVID-19 vaccine shot at AIIMS Delhi on the inaugural day of the nationwide roll-out of vaccination on Saturday. Talking about the experience, he said, "I am humbled to get vaccinated in the first slot and feel so proud. I hope more and more people come forward when it comes to getting vaccinated so that we can reduce mortality and prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection." Dr VK Paul said that the vaccine is safe and people should trust the scientific process. Watch the full video for more details.

Phase 3 trial of Pfizer, Moderna underway, benefits are overwhelming compared to risk: VK Paul

NITI Aayog Member (Health) Dr VK Paul said that phase 3 trial of Pfizer, Moderna is still going on but the benefits are overwhelming compared to risk. "World has decided to move forward, take benefit and ensure what's needed in this stage," he said. "Safety proven without doubt on thousands and thousands of individuals. We should respect the scientific processes that unfolded in extremely different, difficult and unusual circumstances. Today, 2 great vaccines are available. Whatever vaccine you're allotted, please take it," he added.

Watch: AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria gets COVID-19 vaccine shot

The director of AIIMS Dr. Randeep Guleria got COVID-19 vaccine shot in Delhi on Jan 16 in presence of Union Minister Harsh Vardhan. NITI Aayog's member Dr VK Paul also took the vaccine jab. The mega COVID-19 vaccination drive began in India today.