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20 persons found with the new mutant variant of SARS- CoV-2 virus reported from UK;Daily Recoveries outnumbering daily New Cases successively since last 33 days further push down the Active Caseload;India's Cases per million and Deaths per million population one of the lowest in the world

Total of 20 persons have been found with the mutant variant of SARS- CoV-2 virus reported from UK. These include the six persons reported earlier (3 in NIMHANS, Bengaluru, 2 in CCMB, Hyderabad and 1 in NIV, Pune). 107 samples were tested in the 10 labs. Government of India has constituted the INSACOG (Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium) comprising 10 labs (NIBMG Kolkata, ILS Bhubaneswar, NIV Pune, CCS Pune, CCMB Hyderabad, CDFD Hyderabad, InSTEM Bengaluru, NIMHANS Bengaluru, IGIB Delhi, NCDC Delhi) for genome sequencing. The situation is under careful watch and regular advice is being provided to the States for enhanced surveillance, containment, testing and dispatch of samples to the INSACOG labs. Daily recoveries have outnumbered the daily new cases since last 33 days successively. In the last 24 hours, 20,549 persons were found to be COVID positive in the country. During the same period, 26,572 new recoveries were registered ensuring drop in the Active Caseload. India’s cumulative recoveries stand at 98,34,141 today. This is the highest globally. The Recovery Rate has also reached nearly 96% (95.99%). The gap between recoveries and active cases is consistently widening (95,71,869).India’s total Active Caseload of 2,62,272 consists of just 2.56% of India’s Total Positive Cases. The new recoveries have led to a net decline of 6,309 in the Total Active cases. When compared globally, India's Cases per million population are amongst the lowest in the world (7,423). 78.44% of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in 10 States/UTs. Maharashtra has reported the maximum number of single day recoveries with 5,572 newly recovered cases. 5,029 people recovered in Kerala followed by 1,607 in Chhattisgarh. 79.24% of the new cases are from 10 States and UTs. Kerala reported the highest daily new cases at 5,887. It is followed by Maharashtra with 3,018 new cases. West Bengal recorded 1,244 new cases.286case fatalities have been reported in the past 24 hours. Ten States/UTs account for 79.37% of the new deaths. Maharashtra saw the maximum casualties (68). West Bengal and Delhi follow with 30 and 28 daily deaths, respectively. Daily deaths in India are on a sustained decline. Deaths per million population in India (107) are amongst the lowest in the world.

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Health Ministry recommends extension of temporary suspension of international flights from the UK to India till 7th Jan 2021

The Health Ministry has recommended to the Ministry of Civil Aviation the extension of the temporary suspension of flights originating from UK into India to be further extended till 7th January (Thursday), 2021. This has been recommended based on the inputs received from the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) headed by the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) and the National Task Force jointly headed by DG, ICMR and Member (Health), NITI Aayog. It has also been suggested to Ministry of Civil Aviation that after 7^th January 2021, strictly regulated resumption of limited number of flights originating from UK into India may be considered. The specifics of such a mechanism may be worked out by Ministry of Civil Aviation in consultation with Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. The Union Health Secretary has written to all the States to keep a strict vigil on all events that could be potential "super spreader" events, and to curb crowding in the wake of the New Year celebrations and various events associated with it as well as on-going winter season.The recent advice and guidance to the States by Home Ministry has been reiterated by the Health Ministry.

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Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan nominated to the Board of GAVI, The Vaccine Alliance

Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare has been nominated by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) as a member on the GAVI Board. Dr. Harsh Vardhan will be representing the South East Area Regional Office(SEARO)/ Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) constituency on the GAVI Board. The seat is currently held by Mr. MyintHtwe of Myanmar. Dr. Harsh Vardhan will be representing India from 1^stJanuary 2021 until 31^st December 2023. The Board normally meets twice a year in June and November/ Decemberand holds an annual retreat, normally in March or April. The GAVIBoard is responsible for strategic direction and policy-making, oversees the operations of the Vaccine Alliance and monitors programme implementation. With membership drawn from a range of partner organisations, as well as experts from the private sector, the Board provides a forum for balanced strategic decision making, innovation and partner collaboration.

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Dry run for COVID-19 Vaccination successfully conducted in Four states

Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare conducted a two-day dry run for activities entailed in Covid-19 vaccination in four states Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab and Gujarat on 28th and 29th December 2020.Backed with the experience of rolling out Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) and conducting nationwide multiple wide-range injectable vaccination campaigns such as measles-rubella (MR) and adult Japanese Encephalitis (JE) campaign, required steps are being undertaken to vaccinate priority population groups such as Health care workers, Frontline workers and people above 50 years for Covid-19. The dry run exercise is aimed at end-to-end testing of COVID-19 vaccination process and will include planning & preparations as per the Operational Guidelines; creation of facilities & users on Co-WIN application, session site creation & mapping of sites, Health Care Workers (HCW) data upload, receipt of vaccines and vaccine allocationby the district, session planning, deployment of vaccination team, logistics mobilization at session site, mock drill of conducting vaccination and reporting and review meetings at block, districts and state level. The objective of dry the run is also to undertake and confirm field implementation of IT platform Co-WIN and guide way forward prior to actual implementation

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Dr Harsh Vardhan releases the report Action Agenda for an AtmaNirbharBharat(AAAN) prepared by TIFAC in New Delhi

The Minister of Science& Technology, Earth Sciences and Health & Family Welfare Dr HarshVardhan released the report Action Agenda for an AtmaNirbharBharat(AAAN) prepared byTechnology Information, Forecasting and assessment Council (TIFAC) in New Delhi yesterday. Secretary, DST, Prof Ashutosh Sharma; ED, TIFAC Prof Pradeep Srivastava and other senior scientists from TIFAC were present on the occasion.The comprehensive report AAAN is a consequential follow-up of the TIFAC’s White Paper on Focused Interventions for ‘Make in India’: post COVID -19 which was released earlier in July, 2020 by Dr Harsh Vardhan.The White Paper highlighted five thrust sectors namely, Healthcare, Machinery, ICT, Agriculture, Manufacturing, and Electronics that would be critical for India’s economic growth post-COVID using technology stimulus and captured sector-specific strengths, market trends and opportunities.Addressing at the event, Dr Harsh Vardhan said that the vision of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has stood by us during the Covid pandemic. It is this which has given confidence to the people of the country, “ We have been able to beat the virus, we have even left behind the professional acumen of the world”. “We have shown to the world ‘When India decides, it does’” , the Minister stated.

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Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) Labs release initial results of Genome sequencing of mutant variant of SARS-CoV-2

Government of India took cognizance of the reports of mutant variant of SARS- CoV-2 virus reported from UK and put in place a pro-active and preventive strategy to detect and contain the mutant variant. This strategy includes:-Temporary suspension of all flights coming from UK with effect from the midnight of 23^rd December 2020 till 31^stDecember 2020, Mandatory testing of all UK returnee air passengers through RT-PCR test. The samples of all UK returnees found positive in RT-PCR test to be genome sequenced by a consortium of 10 govt. labs i.e. INSACOG, Meeting of the National Task Force (NTF) on Covid-19 on 26th December 2020 to consider and recommend Testing, Treatment, Surveillance and Containment Strategy and  Standard Operating Protocol for States/UTs to tackle the mutant variant of SARS-CoV-2 issued on 22nd December 2020.The entire issue was examined at length by NTF on 26th December 2020 and the NTF concluded that there is no need to change either the existing National Treatment Protocol or existing Testing Protocols in view of the mutant variant. NTF also recommended that in addition to the existing surveillance strategy, it is critical to conduct enhanced genomic surveillance.

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Dr Harsh Vardhan inaugurates Country’s First Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine

Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare on Monday inaugurated India’s first pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV). The vaccine “Pneumosil” has been developed by the Serum Institute of India Private Limited (SIIPL) in collaboration with partners like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Recognizing SIIPLas the world’s largest manufacturer of vaccines by number of doses and its contribution to India’s economy, Dr. Harsh Vardhan remarked that Serum Institute’s Vaccines are used in 170 countries and every third child in the world is immunized with the manufacturer’s Vaccine. He reminded the audience that SIIPL developed and got license of first indigenous Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) from Government of India during COVID-19 pandemic lock-downin line with Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi ji’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. He also mentioned about the extraordinary efforts of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in this endeavour to make Indiaself-reliantin PCV. Detailing the achievements of SIIPL in tailoring a vaccine for India’s needs, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said, “Serum Institute’s first Indigenous Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine will be available in the market under brand name “Pneumosil” at an affordable price in single dose (vial and pre-filled syringe) and Multidose (vial) presentations. Speaking on the Prime Minister’s commitment of Atmanirbhar Bharat and his vision of ‘Making In India for the World’, Dr. Harsh Vardhan noted, “Pneumosil is an example of India's capability in Research & Development & manufacturing high end sophisticated Vaccines. In fact, it is matter of pride for our country for this historical milestone during COVID-19 Pandemic because till now we are fully dependent on Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine manufactured by Foreign Manufacturers which are available at very high prices.”

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Dr. Harsh Vardhan digitally inaugurates the 7th NHM National Summit on Good, Replicable Practices through a video conference

Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare digitally inaugurated the 7th National Summit on Good, Replicable Practices through a video conference on Monday. Dr. Vardhan also launched New Health Management Information System (HMIS) along with the Operational Guidelines for TB services at AB-HWCs and the Operational Guidelines 2020 on Active Case Detection and Regular Surveillance for Leprosy. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare holds the National Summit on Good, Replicable Practices and Innovations in Public Healthcare Systems in India. Dr. Vardhan expressed his happiness on the event and congratulated everyone for organizing this event amid the pandemic situation. He said, “It is important to focus on innovative convergence strategies which will take India’s healthcare system to a new height. In the year 2020, 210 new initiatives were uploaded by the States and UTs in the National Healthcare Innovation Portal. The ultimate goal of these innovations is to improve the health status of the people on one hand and strengthen Public Health Systems in a sustainable manner on the other.” He also stressed on the need to involve and integrate the grassroots healthcare workers for brainstorming on the innovations in the healthcare ecosystem, and benefit from the collective wisdom which emanates from years of experience and expertise of working with people’s health delivery systems.

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Technological advances are often termed as ‘Disruptions’, but this year they helped us overcome the big disruption to a great extent: President Kovind

The Coronavirus has changed the world in terms of social relations, economic activities, healthcare, education and several other aspects of life. Yet, life has not come to a standstill – thanks largely to information and communication technology. Technological advances are often termed as ‘disruptions’, but this year they helped us overcome the big disruption to a great extent, said the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind. He was speaking on the occasion of presentation of the Digital India Awards 2020 today (December 30, 2020) via video conferencing. The President noted that due to proactive digital interventions, we have been able to ensure operational continuity of important government services during and after the lockdown. He said that the role of our digital warriors has been commendable in helping the country overcome challenges posed by the pandemic. Proactive implementation of platforms such as Arogya Setu, e-Office and video conferencing services backed by a robust ICT infrastructure has helped the country reduce the pandemic hardships.

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PM to lay Foundation Stone of AIIMS at Rajkot on 31 December

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will lay the Foundation Stone of AIIMS at Rajkot, Gujarat on 31st December 2020 at 11 AM via video conferencing. Governor of Gujarat, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Union Health Minister and Union MoS for Health will also be present on the occasion. For the project, 201 acres of land has been allotted. It will be built at an estimated cost Rs. 1195 crores, and is expected to be completed by mid of 2022. The state-of-the-art 750 bed hospital will also have a 30 bed AAYUSH block. It will have 125 MBBS seats and 60 nursing seats.

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PM flags off 100th Kisan Rail

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi flagged off the 100th Kisan Rail from Sangola in Maharashtra to Shalimar in West Bengal on Monday via video conferencing. Union Ministers, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar and Shri Piyush Goyal were also present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister termed the Kisan Rail Service as a major step towards increasing the income of the farmers of the country. He expressed happiness that even during the Corona pandemic, 100 Kisan Rails were launched in the last 4 months. He said this service will bring a major change in the economy related to farming and will also increase the strength of the country's cold supply chain.

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VP Naidu reiterates that skilling and training our youth is the key for a better future

The Vice President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu on Monday advised youth to turn the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic into opportunities.Addressing the gathering after presentation of certificates to the trainees at Swarna Bharat Trust, Vijayawada, the Vice President underlined that while the pandemic has impacted many sectors, it has also opened avenues in many others.Noting that more than 65 percent of the population is under the age of 35, Shri Naidu reiterated that if we can utilize these human resources, youth and women can become key partners in furthering our nation’s growth. With these great human resources, we can shape the future world, he added. In this regard, he recalled various efforts of the State and Central governments to up-skill the youth and called for intensification of these programmes.Emphasising that skilling must be in tune with the 21st century needs, the Vice President called for private participation in this field.

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Vice President calls for mass media campaign to educate people on single use plastics

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu called for a mass media campaign to bring behavioural changes in how people dispose of plastic products. He emphasised that the problem is not with plastics, instead the problem lies in our attitude towards handling of plastics.Addressing the students, faculty and staff of the Central Institute of Petrochemical Engineering & Technology (CIPET) in Vijayawada on Mondaythe Vice President expressed concern about the environmental challenge posed by the durability and longevity of plastics. He stressed the need to follow the best practices of plastics waste management and wanted people to be made aware of the importance of the 3Rs - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Shri Naidu specifically appreciated the importance of plastics during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as they have been used extensively in manufacturing of medical protection equipment and PPE kits, which have played a significant role in preventing its spread. Polymeric materials are also being used widely to create medical tools and devices like insulin pens, IV tubes, implants and tissue engineering as well.Underlining the importance of polymers in Indian economy, the Vice President said that 30,000 plus plastics processing units are employing over four million people across the country.

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MHA extends Guidelines for Surveillance, Containment and Caution

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued an Order on Monday to extend the earlier Guidelines for Surveillance to remain in force upto 31.01.2021. While there has been a continuous decline in the active and new COVID-19 cases, there is need to maintain surveillance, containment and caution, keeping in view the surge in cases globally, and emergence of a new variant of the virus in the United Kingdom (UK). Accordingly, Containment Zones continue to be demarcated carefully; prescribed containment measures strictly followed within these zones; COVID-appropriate behaviour promoted and strictly enforced; and the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) prescribed in respect of various permitted activities followed scrupulously. Therefore, the focused approach on surveillance, containment and strict observance of the guidelines/ SOPs issued by MHA and Ministry of Health &Family Welfare (MOHFW), as envisaged in the Guidelines issued on 25.11.2020; need to be enforced strictly by States and UTs.

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KVIC Distributed Rs. 30 crore to Khadi Artisans in J&K During Covid- 19 to Sustain Their Lives

Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) lent special focus on Khadi artisans in Jammu & Kashmir during the Covid-19 period. While KVIC worked tirelessly for creating sustainable employment across the country, it disbursed Rs 29.65 crore to Khadi Institutions in the hilly terrains of J&K alone, which has been the focus area of the Central Government. This amount has been disbursed from May 2020 to September 2020 to 84 Khadi institutions in J&K benefitting 10,800 Khadi artisans associated with these institutions.

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INPUTS FROM PIB FIELD OFFICES

• Kerala: Kerala government has initiated steps to screen passengers arriving from Europe in the wake of reports that 20 UK returnees tested positive for the mutant strain of Covid-19 in various parts of the country. The state has been on tenterhooks after 18 UK returnees tested positive for Covid-19. Their samples were sent to the NIV, Pune for whole genome sequencing to check whether they are of mutated strain. Results are awaited. Health Minister K K Shailaja has said that in the case of people turning positive for the new virus strain, the existing Covid-19 treatment will continue. After the recently held local body polls in Kerala, it was feared that there would be a massive surge in COVID-19 cases in the state. However, the number of new positive cases reported in the last fortnight at least negates such fears. The state recorded 5,887 new COVID-19 cases and 5,029 recoveries on Tuesday. The death toll is 3014. The current test positivity rate is 9.5.
• Tamil Nadu:As on today, Tamil Nadu recorded 8,16,132 total cases, 12,092 deaths, 8747 Active cases and 7,95,293 discharges:
• Karnataka: Total cases reached 9,17,571, Active cases: 11,861, Deaths 12074 and discharges: 8,93,617 as on today
• Andhra Pradesh: A two-day dry run to assess the readiness of the mechanism laid out for the Covid-19 immunisation drive was successfully conducted in Andhra Pradesh, along with Gujarat, Punjab and Assam. The end-to-end exercise was undertaken by specific teams formed for various tasks in Krishna district on Monday and Tuesday.  The dry run was to check the operational feasibility of Co-WIN in the field, besides the planning, implementation and reporting mechanism. Activities like uploading of dummy beneficiary data, session site creation, vaccine allocation and communication vaccination details to vaccinators and beneficiaries, and beneficiary mobilisation were carried out.The State government is on high alert after laboratory reports confirmed that a woman who had evaded health authorities at Delhi airport on returning from the UK last week was carrying the mutated strain of the novel coronavirus. State so far traced 1,406 UK returnees out of the identified 1,423 and also identified 6,364 of their contacts. Amid the Covid pandemic which has made its lasting impact on the year which is going to end in a couple of days, Covid flower baskets have appeared in the market to woo denizens in Tirupati. With many people scared of buying flower bouquets with the fear of spread of virus, florists are taking extra caution in preparing them to create confidence in buyers
• Telangana: As on date, total cases reached 2,81,730 Active cases: 6590, Deaths 1538. Discharges :2,85,939.Authorities in Telangana are gearing up to tackle the threat from the mutant UK variant of Covid-19 after after a 49 year old man from Warangal tested positive for it after the analysis at CCMB. Meanwhile the Director of CCMB Dr. Rakesh Mishra has urged people not to let their guard down as the UK variant has potential to create a 2nd wave of infections. The MD of Bharat Biotech Dr. Krishna Ella has assured that the Covaxin it is producing would protect against the new mutants too.
• Assam:In Assam, 66 more people tested positive for COVID-19 and 87 patients discharged on Tuesday. Total cases rise to 216063, total discharged patients 211720, active 3300 and 1040 total death. Two patients died yesterday.
• Sikkim:In Sikkim, 19 more people tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday. Total cases rise to 5864 and 537 active cases.

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