India on Thursday recorded 72,330 new coronavirus cases, pushing the overall count in the country to 1,22,21,665, data from the Union health ministry showed. The toll climbed by 459 to 1,62,927.

As many as 1,14,74,683 patients have recovered from the infection, while the active cases tally stood at 5,84,055.

India also began its third phase of the coronavirus vaccination drive under which all people above 45 years will be covered. So far, 6,51,17,896 Covid-19 vaccines doses have been administered.

On Wednesday, the Centre met officials of states and Union Territories to review the vaccination process. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan has asked the states and Union Territories to ensure vaccine wastage is kept under 1%, as compared to the current national figure of 6%.

Meanwhile, the Drugs Controller General of India or DCGI, India’s drug regulator, has extended the shelf life of Covishield, the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine, from six to nine months from its manufacturing date, reported PTI.

All India Institute Of Medical Sciences Director General Randeep Guleria told NDTV that AstraZeneca and Bharat Biotech, whose vaccines are being used in the country, are conducting studies to determine safe and effective doses for children.

Meanwhile, singer Bappi Lahiri has tested positive for the coronavirus, the Hindustan Times reported, citing his spokesperson. He has been admitted to the Breach Candy hospital in Mumbai and is being kept under observation.

State updates

Global scenario