India marks 1st anniversary of nationwIndia marks the first anniversary of the nationwide vaccination drive against Covid-19 today. It was on this day last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the world’s largest vaccination drive to combat the pandemic. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister had said, never before in history, has this type of a large-scale vaccination campaign been undertaken.
 
Vaccination had begun with health workers on 16th January last year. Then it opened for frontline workers on 2nd February last year, followed by the 60-plus age group and those above 45-years and comorbid from 1st March and for all above 18 years from 1st May in 2021. The drive for administering precautionary dose to the healthcare workers, frontline workers and sixty plus individuals commenced on 10th this month.
 
Vaccination of children in the age-group of 15-18 years was started from 3rd of this month. Meanwhile, India’s Covid vaccination coverage has crossed 156 crore 63 lakh mark. Health Ministry said, more than 57 lakh 29 thousand Doses were administered yesterday. More than 42 lakh 69 thousand Precaution Doses have been administered so far.ide vaccination drive against Covid-19 today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paid tributes to the great poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar on Thiruvalluvar Day. In a tweet, Mr Modi said, his ideals are insightful and practical and they stand out for their diverse nature and intellectual depth. Prime Minister also shared a video that he took last year of the Thiruvalluvar Statue and Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari. 

Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur has greeted the Indian Army on the occasion of Army Day. In a tweet today, Mr. Thakur said, Happy Army Day to all the heroes of the Indian Army and their families. He said, Indian Army is a symbol of courage, valor and sacrifice. He saluted to all the brave soldiers who made supreme sacrifice while protecting their motherland. He said, all Indians are proud of selfless service and dedication of soldiers towards the nation.

The Monumental National Flag, which is the world’s largest national flag made of Khadi fabric will be put to a grand public display along the India - Pakistan Border at Longewala in Jaisalmer to celebrate Army Day today. Longewala was the center stage of the historic battle between India and Pakistan in 1971.

The Flag, which symbolizes the collective spirit of Indianness and the heritage artisanal craft of Khadi, has been conceptualized and prepared by Khadi and Village Industries Commission, KVIC, to celebrate 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav'- 75 years of Independence. KVIC has handed over the flag to the Defence forces for displaying the same at prominent places on historic occasions.

Indian Army will introduce a light and more climate-friendly combat uniform for its personnel on Army Day today. The new Army Combat Pattern Uniform has been developed with the help of NIFT after going through options of 15 patterns, eight designs, and four fabrics. The camouflage uniform will be based on a ‘digital disruptive’ pattern and will be available in 13 sizes.
 
The new uniform has been designed to serve two purposes--Protection against harsh climatic conditions, and to provide soldiers’ outfits with field camouflage, to increase survivability. The Army's uniform is made of a combination of cotton and polyester in a ratio of 70:30. The fabric of the Indian Army's new uniform will be lightweight and will dry quickly, thus will be more comfortable for the troops during the operation. The new uniform will be much more durable as well as comfortable in both summers and winters.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu today paid his tributes to the great philosopher, distinguished saint and revered Tamil poet, Thiruvalluvar on Thiruvalluvar Day. In a tweet, Mr Naidu called upon everyone to read Thiruvalluvar iconic and timeless scripture, Thirukkural which is a guide to living a virtuous life.

Union Education and Skill Development Minister Dharmendra Pradhan invited students, teachers and parents to participate in the 5th edition of "Pariksha Pe Charcha 2022”. In a tweet, Mr Pradhan said, it is a chance to be mentored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pariksha Pe Charcha is a unique interactive program where students, parents, teachers across the nation and also from overseas interact with Prime Minister Modi to discuss and overcome the stress emerging out of examinations.

The Education and Skill Development Ministry said that the programme will be conducted in online mode like last year. An online creative writing competition is being conducted on various topics from 28th of last month to 20th of this month to select participants. School students of classes 9 to 12, teachers and parents shall be selected through this competition.

Minister of State for Culture Meenakashi Lekhi launched 'North East on Wheels Expedition’ in New Delhi on Thursday to promote the Culture of Northeastern States. The Bike Expedition is scheduled between 8th to 16th April this year to mark the celebrations of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

75 Bikers participating in this expedition will be selected from all over the country and will cover about 9000 km in the North East Region in 6 groups. The expedition will also promote the Dekho Apna Desh initiative of the Ministry of Tourism. The Riders will also carry the message of importance of Road Safety.

Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya has announced that counselling for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test - Under Graduate, NEET -UG by Medical Counselling Committee will start from 19th January, 2022. In a tweet, he said that all these students are the future of the country. He also hoped that all of them will give a new direction to their career with the mantra of service is duty. Dr Mandaviya also extended his best wishes to all the students.

On the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti and during the celebrations of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Ministry of AYUSH hosted the first-ever global Surya Namaskar demonstration programme today. Minister of Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal, addressed the people on the occasion and gave his message on Surya Namaskar.
 
Keeping in view the recent upsurge of corona cases, the Ayush Minister  had advised people to do 'Surya Namaskar' from home and upload videos on the links used for registration. Leading Yoga masters and gurus from global institutions also shared their messages.