India’s Covid-19 caseload went past 98 lakh after the country recorded 30,006 new cases in the 24 hours ending 8 am Saturday. 

Out of the total 98,26,775 cases, over 3.59 cases are active while over 93.24 lakh people have recovered after testing positive. 

With 442 new fatalities, the death toll now stands at 1,42,628. Kerala and Maharashtra remain the biggest contributors of new cases, reporting more than 4,000 each.

India’s first indigenous mRNA vaccine candidate developed by Gennova has received approval to initiate human trials, the Department of Biotechnology said Friday. 

The mRNA vaccines are different from the conventional models of vaccine in the way in which they produce an immune response. These vaccines are “scientifically the ideal choice” and they are considered safe as they are “non-infectious, non-integrating in nature,” DBT said.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Friday ordered the extension of night curfew in the state till January 1, 2021 across the state. The chief minister also extended curbs on the number of people at gatherings until New Year. 

Directives have been issued to the Punjab police to ensure strict compliance by people in the state, especially in marriage halls.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has tested positive for COVID-19. Taking to Twitter, the chief minister tweeted that he is under home isolation and is experiencing mild symptoms and urged all those who had come in contact with him over the last five days to keep a watch on their health.

BDST: 1435 HRS, DEC 12, 2020
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