India Administers One Billion COVID-19 Vaccine Doses

India announced that it administered the billionth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday, six months after a huge surge in infections raised concerns about the healthcare system's collapse. The Indian government stated that approximately three-quarters of the country’s 1.3 billion population received at least one dose, and about thirty percent are fully vaccinated. India experienced a significant peak of the pandemic in April and May, during which more than 400,000 infections and 4,000 deaths were reported daily, while hospitals faced overwhelming situations and crematoriums were filled with bodies. However, since then, the number of daily infections has sharply declined to below 15,000, and most activities have returned to normal. India is the second country to administer one billion doses after China, which has given out more than 2.3 billion doses, according to the Chinese government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude to healthcare workers, while special announcements were made at train stations and airports, and buildings were illuminated in the colors of the Indian flag to celebrate this achievement. Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will present a new song performed by singer Kailash Kher and an audiovisual display at the Red Fort, a historic site in New Delhi. The Health Minister wrote on Twitter, "Congratulations to India! This is the result of the capable leadership of our visionary Prime Minister Modi."