Covid-19 vaccination drive begins in India

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched one of the world's biggest coronavirus vaccine programmes.

In his speech on Saturday, Narendra Modi, paid tribute to Indian frontline workers and scientists and warned against falling for propaganda or rumours over vaccines.

Giving India a new motto - "Dawai bhi, Kadai bhi (Vaccine as well as discipline)" - PM Modi also cautioned that even after vaccination, citizens must stay vigilant and maintain all precautions against the virus, including masks and distancing.

PM Modi said Indian vaccines were cheaper compared to the other global vaccines, which required stringent conditions for storage.

"India's vaccines are developed in a way keeping in mind the conditions of the country. They will give decisive victory to our country," he said.

The vaccination programme, aimed at inoculating 3 crore health and other frontline workers first, is using shots manufactured in India - one developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca, the other by Bharat Biotech with the country's top clinical research body.

Health workers, people over 50 and those deemed at high-risk are prioritised to receive one of the two approved vaccines.

On day one around 3,00,000 people will receive the first of two doses.

Authorities say they are drawing on their experience with elections and child immunisation programmes for polio and tuberculosis in rolling out the vaccine.

Meanwhile, India's COVID-19 caseload rose to 1,05,42,841 with 15,158 people testing positive for the infection in a day, while the recoveries have surged to 1,01,79,715 , according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Saturday.