India records 15,510 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, 106 deaths

During the same period, 106 people lost their lives due to COVID-19.

The death toll due to the disease now stands at 157157.

There are 168627 active cases in the country at present.

India has recorded 1,10,96,731 COVID-19 cases in totality so far.

So far, 10786457 people have cured from the disease.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday took the first dose of COVID-19 vaccination at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here to kick-start India’s second phase of the immunisation drive.

Modi shared a picture of himself being administered the vaccine by two healthcare workers and tweeted, "Took my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS. Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19. I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine."

"Together, let us make India COVID-19 free!" he appealed to the eligible population to take the vaccine.

According to sources, PM Modi reached AIIMS around 0625 hrs. A statement from his office said he chose to take the shot early and was taken to AIIMS without any special route restrictions to avoid any inconvenience to the people.

He was administered the home-grown Covaxin developed by Bharat Biotech and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) as India entered its second phase of inoculation for people over 60 and those above 45 with comorbidities.