India’s biggest vaccine rollout begins as SII ships 55 lakh doses

Fire has no impact on 'Covishield' vaccine production: Serum Institute of India

Serum Institute of India (SII) CEO Adar Poonawalla on January 22 informed that there is no impact of fire on the production of 'Covishield' vaccine. "The extent of the damage is more than 1,000 crores. The supply of COVID-19 will not be affected due to the fire (at Serum Institute of India facility). No actual vaccine was being made at that facility. The fire has no impact on the production of 'Covishield' vaccine and no damage has occurred to the existing stock either," said Adar Poonawalla. A major fire had occurred at Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII) on January 21 that claimed 5 lives also.

‘Don’t invite & insult’: Mamata declines to speak amid ‘Jai Shree Ram’ chants

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declined to speak at an event where ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans were raised in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The event was organized to celebrate Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's 125th birth anniversary in Kolkata. Slogans were raised after it was announced that Banerjee would address the programme. “I think a government programme should have some dignity. This is a government programme and not a political party's programme. I am grateful to the Prime Minister, Culture Ministry for organizing an event in Kolkata. But it is not right to invite someone and insult them. In protest, I won’t speak. Jai Hind, Jai Bangla,” wrapped up Mamata. BJP leader and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s grandnephew condemned Mamata’s behavior at the event. He said, “Jai Shree Ram isn't a statement where one should react in a very allergic manner. So, I think the honourable Chief Minister (Mamata Banerjee), with due respect to her, need not have reacted adversely to a slogan whether it's Jai Hind or Jai Shree Ram.” Watch the full video for more.

Bapu-Bangabandhu exhibition: Tracing histories of fathers of India, Bangladesh

The Bangabandhu-Bapu Digital Exhibition is part of events marking the 100th birth anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of the nation of Bangladesh, and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and Bangladesh. Their struggle and conviction led to the liberation of their countries and the exhibition tells the story of their resilience and unflinching spirit. The exhibition is currently on display at the Vigyan Bhavan and will be taken to different locations in Bangladesh and India and the UN before culminating in Kolkata in 2022.

Mamata Banerjee didn't need to react adversely to 'Jai Shree Ram' slogans: CK Bose

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's grandnephew and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Chandra Kumar Bose condemned West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's behaviour after she refused to speak when 'Jai Shree Ram' slogans were raised during the celebrations of 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at Victoria Memorial in Kolkata on January 23. He said, "Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose stood for unity. He had people of all communities in Azad Hind Fauj. Whether you say 'Jai Hind' or 'Jai Sri Ram', I don't find difference. 'Jai Sri Ram' isn't a statement where one should react in allergic manner. So, I think the honourable Chief Minister (Mamata Banerjee) need not have reacted adversely to a slogan whether it's 'Jai Hind' or 'Jai Shree Ram'. This is not the day to do any politics. It is a day to celebrate, it is a day to pay homage to the soldiers and martyrs of Indian National Army."

Tamil Nadu health minister gets Covaxin shot, says ‘let’s end Covid together’

Tamil Nadu health minister C Vijayabaskar voluntarily took the vaccine Covaxin at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai. Vijayabaskar, who is a doctor and a member of the IMA, had earlier said that he was taking the vaccine to instill confidence in the people about the vaccine. Opposition parties have been raising concerns about the efficacy of Covaxin. ‘I got my covaxin shot! Thanks to the team @gmcrgggh for the seamless experience. Appeal everyone to do it when your turn comes. Let's end #Covid19 together,’ Vijayabaskar tweeted after getting the jab. India launched the world’s biggest vaccination drive on 16th of January, 2021 after two vaccines were given approval by authorities. Watch the full video for all the details.

TN Health Min takes Bharat Biotech's Covaxin shot in Chennai

The Health and Family Welfare Minister of Tamil Nadu, Dr C Vijayabaskar took Bharat Biotech's Covaxin shot. He took the shot in Chennai on morning of January 22. Dr C Vijayabaskar requested all to get vaccinated and safeguard themselves from COVID-19 pandemic. Billed as the world's largest vaccination programme, covering the entire length and breadth of the country, the drive aims to first inoculate millions of its healthcare and frontline workers and reach an estimated 3 crore people by the end of its first phase. The mega COVID-19 vaccination drive began in India on January 16 (Saturday).

Love, practice your religion but don't hate others: VP Naidu

While addressing at an event in Hyderabad on January 23, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said, "By freedom, Netaji didn't mean merely emancipation from political bondage, but also equal distribution of wealth, the abolition of caste barriers and social inequalities, destruction of communalism and religious intolerance." "You love and practice your religion but don't hate others," he added.

Nationalism doesn't mean saying 'Jai Hind' or singing 'Vande Mataram': VP Naidu

While addressing at an event in Hyderabad on January 23, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said, "Nationalism doesn't mean only saying 'Jai Hind' or singing 'Jana Gana Mana' or 'Vande Matram'. 'Jai Hind' means every Indian's 'Jai ho' which is possible when their needs are taken care of, they are fed properly, have clothing and don't face discrimination." "Nation doesn't mean geographical boundaries, everything in the nation, their welfare, is nationalism. Ours is a glorious civilization which embodies value of share and care. Our forefathers have given to us philosophy of 'world is one family'," he added.

COVID vaccine is 99% safe, important to get vaccinated: Telangana Health Min

Speaking to ANI in Hyderabad on January 23, the Health Medical and Family Welfare Minister of Telangana, Eatala Rajender spoke on COVID- 19 vaccination drive. Rajender said, "The COVID-19 vaccine is 99% safe and it is important to get vaccinated. I believe that everyone will come forward for it in coming days."

Farmers march reaches Mumbai to join massive rally against farm laws

Thousands of farmers, who left from Nashik and other parts of the country on January 23, have reached Mumbai on January 24. Under the aegis of the All India Kisan Sabha's (AIKS) Maharashtra unit, these farmers are marching to join the statewide Vehicle March to Mumbai. They have camped at Azad Maidan. The massive rally is a part of the call given by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), which is leading the protests in Delhi, to intensify and broaden the struggle from January 23 to 26.

Watch: Full dress rehearsal in Bhubaneswar

A full dress rehearsal was conducted in Bhubaneswar ahead of the Republic Day celebrations on January 26. Even though the main parade takes place in the national capital - Delhi, respective events take place in every state with officers of the three services showcasing their strength.

Mexico's president tests positive for Covid-19

Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has tested positive for Covid-19, the president tweeted on his official Twitter account. CNN’s Rafael Romo has more.

Fauci: 'Need to assume' UK variant is more deadly

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, said on Sunday that the United States is closely watching the more infectious UK variant of COVID-19 after British officials warned that it may also be more deadly, and he maintained that vaccination is the "best protection against this evolution."

Nepal to begin inoculation drive against COVID-19 from next week

Following the recent delivery of million doses of COVID-19 vaccine from India on grant, Nepal is expected to begin an inoculation drive against the infection from next week.With the announcement of this valuable vaccination drive starting in next ten days, Nepal's Minister of Health and Population Hridayesh Tripathi requested India for continued support to deliver adequate numbers of vaccines to the Himalayan Nation to inoculate 72 percent of nearly 3 million population. COVISHIELD produced by Serum Institute of India reached the Himalyan nation on Thursday afternoon. The vaccine that arrived Nepal in grant assistance would be first administered to frontline workers. Indian Ambassador to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra also assured that India would continue to work on the spirit of People first and Neighborhood first Policy.

Watch: India sends SII's Covishield vaccines to Mauritius, Seychelles, Myanmar

India dispatched consignments of SII's Covishield to Myanmar, Seychelles and Mauritius. India is sending Covid-19 vaccines as part of donation program to neighbours and key partners. Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal were also part of India's initial rollout of vaccines. In addition, India plans to supply vaccine doses to Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. Covishield's commercial supplies to countries having agreements with SII have also begun. Two flights are slated to carry two million doses each to Brazil and Morocco on Friday. India is carrying out vaccine diplomacy under its 'Neighbourhood First' policy. Last week, India launched the world's biggest Covid-19 vaccination drive across the country.