India slammed Volkan Bozkir, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) president for his remark that Pakistan was 'duty bound' to raise the Jammu and Kashmir issue more strongly in the UN.

India slams UNGA chief for remark on Jammu & Kashmir during Pak visit

As India's vaccination drive kicks into high gear, catch the ground report from our correspondent Johan Castell as he visits one of India's largest vaccination centres and receives his first dose of the Covishield Coronavirus vaccine in New Delhi. Get to know what to expect and what the process looks like for those getting the jab.

Getting vaccinated for Coronavirus in India

Indian authorities Friday announced a tentative&nbsp;easing&nbsp;of the&nbsp;lockdown&nbsp;in the capital New&nbsp;Delhi&nbsp;as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> infections fall in major cities after weeks of restrictions.

Rural areas of the country are now seeing the brunt of a surge in cases that has overwhelmed the health care system and killed at least 160,000 people since the start of March.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/record-1761-deaths-in-a-day-in-india-lockdown-in-delhi-378740">Record 1,761 deaths in a day in India; Lockdown in Delhi</a>

Arvind Kejriwal,&nbsp;Delhi's chief minister, said that from Monday construction work and factories can resume, "keeping the poorest section of our society, the labourers and daily wage workers, in mind".&nbsp;

"We are starting the process of reopening&nbsp;very, very&nbsp;slowly. We will reassess it after a week based on experts and people's opinions," he said.

Daily infections reported across <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news">India</a> have more than halved from more than 400,000 earlier this month, according to official statistics.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lowest-in-44-days-india-reports-186-lakh-fresh-covid-19-cases-387960">Lowest in 44 days: India reports 1.86 lakh fresh COVID-19 cases</a>

Deaths per day have also fallen but by much less, with 3,660 reported on Friday in the previous 24 hours. This is widely seen as a major underestimate.

Delhi&nbsp;reported Friday about 1,100 new infections, down from about 25,000 daily cases when the&nbsp;lockdown&nbsp;was announced six weeks earlier.

Even as he announced reopening from Monday, Kejriwal urged the people of&nbsp;Delhi&nbsp;to "not step out of your homes unnecessarily".&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-open-delhi-phase-wise-from-may-31-kejriwal-388002">Will open Delhi phase-wise from May 31: Kejriwal</a>

"This is a&nbsp;very&nbsp;sensitive time and we have to function with full responsibility so that we can together save our&nbsp;Delhi&nbsp;and our country," he said.

The devastating surge was blamed on new virus variants and the government has allowed most of the activities&nbsp;to return to normal including mass religious and political gatherings.

Coronavirus patients died in droves outside hospitals or at home because of a lack of beds, medical oxygen and drugs, prompting a flood of desperate pleas on social media.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/black-fungus-drug-amphotericin-b-to-be-priced-at-rs-1200-for-each-vial-in-india-387750">Black fungus drug Amphotericin B to be priced at Rs 1200 for each vial in India</a>

Since mid-April thousands of COVID-19 patients have also contracted the often deadly and usually&nbsp;very&nbsp;rare infection mucormycosis or "black fungus".

Many other parts of India including the states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are now also considering&nbsp;easing&nbsp;restrictions on activity.

India's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination</a> programme meanwhile is making only&nbsp;slow&nbsp;progress due to shortages, confusion and squabbling between the central government and state authorities.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/thinking-of-mixing-and-matching-vaccine-doses-on-trial-basis-government-adviser-387854">Thinking of mixing and matching vaccine doses on trial basis: Government adviser</a>

So far about 160 million people, equivalent to only 12.5 per cent of the Indian population, have received one dose, and 45 million, or 3.4 per cent, two shots.

India's information and broadcasting minister Prakash Javadekar on Friday said the vaccination process would be completed by the end of the year.

"Last week, the health ministry gave details in their press conference. They said that about 216 crore (2.16 billion) vaccine doses will be available by December. 108 crore (1.08 billion) people will be vaccinated," the minister said.

"They (the health ministry) also shared a breakdown of vaccines that will be available -- both locally manufactured and those that will come from outside," Javadekar added.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lockdown-in-delhi-extended-by-a-week-amid-covid-19-spike-380079">Lockdown in Delhi extended by a week amid COVID-19 spike</a>

The crisis has put Prime Minister Narendra Modi under severe pressure, with critics accusing his government of being more focused on deflecting criticism than the pandemic.

"I would request him (Modi) to stop worrying about his image and start worrying about the problem in front of him," Rahul Gandhi from the main opposition Congress party said Friday.

"Which is now killing people and will probably end up killing millions of people."

Indian authorities Friday announced a tentative easing of the lockdown in the capital New Delhi as coronavirus infections fall in major cities after weeks of restrictions.

Indian authorities Friday announced a tentative easing of the lockdown in the capital New Delhi as coronavirus infections fall in major cities after weeks of restrictions. Rural areas of the country are now seeing the brunt of a surge in cases that has overwhelmed the health care system and killed at least 160,000 people since the start of March. Also Read | Record 1,761 deaths in a day in India; Lockdown in Delhi Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi's chief minister, said that from Monday construction work and factories can resume, "keeping the poorest section of our society, the labourers and daily wage workers, in mind". "We are starting the process of reopening very, very slowly. We will reassess it after a week based on experts and people's opinions," he said. Daily infections reported across India have more than halved from more than 400,000 earlier this month, according to official statistics. Also Read | Lowest in 44 days: India reports 1.86 lakh fresh COVID-19 cases Deaths per day have also fallen but by much less, with 3,660 reported on Friday in the previous 24 hours. This is widely seen as a major underestimate. Delhi reported Friday about 1,100 new infections, down from about 25,000 daily cases when the lockdown was announced six weeks earlier. Even as he announced reopening from Monday, Kejriwal urged the people of Delhi to "not step out of your homes unnecessarily". Also Read | Will open Delhi phase-wise from May 31: Kejriwal "This is a very sensitive time and we have to function with full responsibility so that we can together save our Delhi and our country," he said. The devastating surge was blamed on new virus variants and the government has allowed most of the activities to return to normal including mass religious and political gatherings. Coronavirus patients died in droves outside hospitals or at home because of a lack of beds, medical oxygen and drugs, prompting a flood of desperate pleas on social media. Also Read | Black fungus drug Amphotericin B to be priced at Rs 1200 for each vial in India Since mid-April thousands of COVID-19 patients have also contracted the often deadly and usually very rare infection mucormycosis or "black fungus". Many other parts of India including the states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are now also considering easing restrictions on activity. India's vaccination programme meanwhile is making only slow progress due to shortages, confusion and squabbling between the central government and state authorities. Also Read | Thinking of mixing and matching vaccine doses on trial basis: Government adviser So far about 160 million people, equivalent to only 12.5 per cent of the Indian population, have received one dose, and 45 million, or 3.4 per cent, two shots. India's information and broadcasting minister Prakash Javadekar on Friday said the vaccination process would be completed by the end of the year. "Last week, the health ministry gave details in their press conference. They said that about 216 crore (2.16 billion) vaccine doses will be available by December. 108 crore (1.08 billion) people will be vaccinated," the minister said. "They (the health ministry) also shared a breakdown of vaccines that will be available -- both locally manufactured and those that will come from outside," Javadekar added. Also Read | Lockdown in Delhi extended by a week amid COVID-19 spike The crisis has put Prime Minister Narendra Modi under severe pressure, with critics accusing his government of being more focused on deflecting criticism than the pandemic. "I would request him (Modi) to stop worrying about his image and start worrying about the problem in front of him," Rahul Gandhi from the main opposition Congress party said Friday. "Which is now killing people and will probably end up killing millions of people."

Delhi announces 'very, very slow' easing of lockdown

Indian Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said that all Indians will be vaccinated against the novel Coronavirus by December 2021. This after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed that only 3 percent of the country’s population is vaccinated against COVID-19.

Prakash Javadekar: All Indians will be vaccinated against COVID-19 by December 2021

The war of words between India and Twitter escalated with the social media company accusing the government of intimidation. New Delhi hit back saying Twitter is undermining India's legal system. How long can big tech fight regulation? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Twitter concerned for its staff in India

At a time when India is reeling from the effects of the second wave of the COVID-19 epidemic, Mucormycosis, commonly known as 'black fungus', has become a cause of concern for people across the country. As of May 25, more than 11,700 black fungus cases were reported in India.

Black Fungus becomes major concern after COVID-19 pandemic in India

In an effort to boost the vaccination program, India has decided to phase out local trials for "well-established" foreign coronavirus vaccines. India had promised to accelerate imports last month, but a dispute over local tests and a dispute over indemnification stalled discussions with Pfizer.

India scrap local trials for "well-established" imported COVID-19 vaccine

Deadly waves of COVID-19 are sweeping across South Asia. Families are losing loved ones, & vaccines are running out. WION correspondents show you what's happening in 4 different countries.

COVID-19 in South Asia: 4 countries, 4 Ground reports

'Blood Moon' rising: Harbinger of Doom or a beautiful celestial event?

WhatsApp is taking the Indian government to court. The company claims the new media code will compel it to "break privacy protections". India says the right to privacy is "fundamental, but not absolute". Palki Sharma tells you why the world is watching this lawsuit.

Gravitas: Why WhatsApp has sued the Indian government

Pfizer is ready to send 50 million doses to India by July this year. But, it wants significant regulatory relaxations from India. What are Pfizer's demands? Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: What Pfizer wants from India

India has hit back at Twitter saying Twitter needs to stop beating around the bush and comply with the laws of the land. It said Twitter is just a social media platform and has no locus in dictating what India's legal policy framework should be.

Twitter needs to stop beating around the bush, comply with law of land: India

Heavy rains and howling winds lashed eastern India on Wednesday as the Covid-stricken country's second cyclone in as many weeks battered the coast, forcing more than 1.2 million people to seek shelter.

Many scientists say cyclones are becoming more frequent and severe in the northern Indian Ocean as climate change warms the sea.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/one-dead-7-missing-as-country-boats-capsize-in-a-river-in-andhra-pradesh-387210" hreflang="en">One dead, 7 missing as country boats capsize in a river in Andhra Pradesh</a>

Last week Cyclone Tauktae claimed at least 155 lives in western India. The latest system, Cyclone Yaas, has forced the evacuation of more than 1.2 million people in the eastern states of West Bengal and Odisha.

The Indian Meteorological Department said landfall began around 9:00 am (0330 GMT) and warned that it would generate waves higher than rooftops in some areas.

Coastal areas experienced wind gusts up to 155 kilometres (95 miles) an hour and pounding rain.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/another-cyclone-yaas-looms-for-india-week-after-deadly-storm-tauktae-386945" hreflang="en">Another cyclone Yaas looms for India, week after deadly storm Tauktae</a>

"We have been experiencing heavy rainfall and strong winds since last night," said Bibhu Prasad Panda, a resident of Balasore district in the storm's path.

"Several trees have been uprooted. The cyclone has also led to snapping of overhead electricity cables."

A tornado that preceded the storm left two dead electrocuted as it tore through West Bengal's Hooghly district, authorities said.

Kolkata, West Bengal's main city, ordered its international airport to shut down for most of Wednesday. The airport in Odisha's capital, Bhubaneswar, followed suit.

"Every life is precious," said Odisha's chief minister Naveen Patnaik as he appealed for people not to "panic" and to move away from the coast.&nbsp;

A record 4,800 disaster workers had been positioned in the two states, equipped with tree and wire cutters, emergency communications, inflatable boats and medical aid, the National Disaster Response Force said.&nbsp;

- 'Terrible blow' - 
&nbsp;&nbsp;

Both states are struggling with the coronavirus wave that has left more than 120,000 dead across India in the past six weeks.

While masks have been distributed in emergency shelters and relief workers are trying to impose social distancing, many officials fear the new cyclone will only speed up the spread of the virus.

"This cyclone spells double trouble for millions of people in India as there is no respite from COVID-19," said Udaya Regmi, South Asia head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

The storm "is a terrible blow for many people in coastal districts whose families have been struck down by Covid-19 infections and deaths," West Bengal state minister Bankim Chandra Hazra told AFP.

Hazra added that it would be "a big challenge" to maintain social distancing in the emergency shelters.

Some vaccination centres in threatened districts as well as Kolkata suspended operations because of the storm and a special operation had been launched to ensure the supply of oxygen and medicines to hospitals, officials said.

Officials in neighbouring Bangladesh, a regular target of cyclones, said they expected the low-lying delta nation to be spared this time.

Some of the deadliest storms in history have formed in the Bay of Bengal, including one in 1970 that killed half a million people in what is modern-day Bangladesh.

Odisha's worst-ever cyclone, in 1999, killed 10,000 people. Last year Cyclone Amphan, the worst since 1999, caused widespread devastation but timely evacuations meant fatalities were fewer than 150.

Heavy rains and howling winds lashed eastern India on Wednesday as the Covid-stricken country's second cyclone in as many weeks battered the coast, forcing more than 1.

Heavy rains and howling winds lashed eastern India on Wednesday as the Covid-stricken country's second cyclone in as many weeks battered the coast, forcing more than 1.2 million people to seek shelter. Many scientists say cyclones are becoming more frequent and severe in the northern Indian Ocean as climate change warms the sea. Also read | One dead, 7 missing as country boats capsize in a river in Andhra Pradesh Last week Cyclone Tauktae claimed at least 155 lives in western India. The latest system, Cyclone Yaas, has forced the evacuation of more than 1.2 million people in the eastern states of West Bengal and Odisha. The Indian Meteorological Department said landfall began around 9:00 am (0330 GMT) and warned that it would generate waves higher than rooftops in some areas. Coastal areas experienced wind gusts up to 155 kilometres (95 miles) an hour and pounding rain. Also read | Another cyclone Yaas looms for India, week after deadly storm Tauktae "We have been experiencing heavy rainfall and strong winds since last night," said Bibhu Prasad Panda, a resident of Balasore district in the storm's path. "Several trees have been uprooted. The cyclone has also led to snapping of overhead electricity cables." A tornado that preceded the storm left two dead electrocuted as it tore through West Bengal's Hooghly district, authorities said. Kolkata, West Bengal's main city, ordered its international airport to shut down for most of Wednesday. The airport in Odisha's capital, Bhubaneswar, followed suit. "Every life is precious," said Odisha's chief minister Naveen Patnaik as he appealed for people not to "panic" and to move away from the coast. A record 4,800 disaster workers had been positioned in the two states, equipped with tree and wire cutters, emergency communications, inflatable boats and medical aid, the National Disaster Response Force said. - 'Terrible blow' - Both states are struggling with the coronavirus wave that has left more than 120,000 dead across India in the past six weeks. While masks have been distributed in emergency shelters and relief workers are trying to impose social distancing, many officials fear the new cyclone will only speed up the spread of the virus. "This cyclone spells double trouble for millions of people in India as there is no respite from COVID-19," said Udaya Regmi, South Asia head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The storm "is a terrible blow for many people in coastal districts whose families have been struck down by Covid-19 infections and deaths," West Bengal state minister Bankim Chandra Hazra told AFP. Hazra added that it would be "a big challenge" to maintain social distancing in the emergency shelters. Some vaccination centres in threatened districts as well as Kolkata suspended operations because of the storm and a special operation had been launched to ensure the supply of oxygen and medicines to hospitals, officials said. Officials in neighbouring Bangladesh, a regular target of cyclones, said they expected the low-lying delta nation to be spared this time. Some of the deadliest storms in history have formed in the Bay of Bengal, including one in 1970 that killed half a million people in what is modern-day Bangladesh. Odisha's worst-ever cyclone, in 1999, killed 10,000 people. Last year Cyclone Amphan, the worst since 1999, caused widespread devastation but timely evacuations meant fatalities were fewer than 150.

Cyclone Yaas batters eastern India, 1.2 million seek shelter

Will social media companies like Facebook and Twitter fail to operate in India in two days? Palki Sharma tells you why major social media companies are in trouble in India.

Gravitas: Twitter raided in India

A severe cyclonic storm made landfall in the Indian state Odisha. This is the second cyclonic storm that the country is witnessing in the span of few weeks. Cyclone Yass intensified into a 'severe cyclonic storm' after pounding the coast of Odisha.

Cyclone Yaas hits India's East coast, likely to move Northwestwards

WhatsApp has filed a legal complaint in Delhi High Court against the Indian government seeking to block regulations coming into force on Wednesday that experts say would compel the California-based Facebook unit to break privacy protections.

WhatsApp challenges Indian government's new it rules in Delhi High Court

India has got a new drug to treat Wuhan virus patients. It can help mild to moderate patients recover quickly. Palki Sharma tells you all about it.

Gravitas: India gets a new drug to treat Wuhan virus

Social Media giants Facebook and Twitter had three months to comply with India's new rules. They failed to meet the deadline. Can Facebook and Twitter get banned for non-compliance? Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Social Media giants face heat in India

The UK government on Tuesday faced accusations of 'confusion and uncertainty' after it introduced additional guidance to curtail non-essential travel in and out of so-called hotspots of the B1.617.2 variant of concern (VOC), first identified in India, as part of measures to control the spread of the virus.&nbsp;

Local authorities in the affected areas said they were not consulted or informed as the government's coronavirus restrictions website changed its guidance over the last few days for people living in eight areas of Bedford council, Blackburn with Darwen council, Bolton Metropolitan council, Burnley council, Kirklees council, Leicester council, Hounslow council and North Tyneside council.&nbsp;

The guidance also calls upon residents of these regions of England to avoid indoor gatherings, which is now currently permitted in most other parts of the country as part of the lockdown lifting roadmap.&nbsp;

"In the areas listed... Wherever possible, you should try to meet outside rather than inside where possible; keep 2 metres apart from people that you don't live with (unless you have formed a support bubble with them), this includes friends and family you don't live with; avoid travelling in and out of affected areas unless it is essential, for example for work (if you cannot work from home) or education," the website notes.&nbsp;

However, a row has broken out after the new guidance appeared to have been issued without a widespread announcement.&nbsp;

"This is a major change to policy that will have a huge impact on people's lives. Simply updating the government website without an official announcement is a recipe for confusion and uncertainty," said Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran, the chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Coronavirus.&nbsp;

"It seems crucial lessons have still not been learnt about the importance of clear messaging during a pandemic," she said.&nbsp;

Cabinet minister Therese Coffey told 'Sky News', the government had been "working in close contact" with affected areas and she was "surprised to hear that people think this has come out of the blue, "it hasn't".&nbsp;

"This is just part of a coordinated effort and the guidance is simply a formality recognising people need to be extra careful in those communities in particular where the issue has been spreading," she said, adding that all the guidance does is simply formalise what was already effectively happening in practice in the locality.&nbsp;

A Downing Street source told the BBC that all the areas were informed about the latest advice and pointed out that it was advice rather than law and therefore dismissed allegations of localised lockdown by stealth.&nbsp;

According to the latest Public Health England (PHE) data released last week, B1.617.2 VOC cases had risen by 2,111 over the previous week to hit 3,424 cases across the UK and experts are certain of its higher transmissibility than the dominant local B1.1.7 VOC, first discovered in the England county of Kent. The health officials continue to monitor both mutations to try and keep the UK's planned end to lockdown on track for June 21.&nbsp;

The UK has reported more than 4,480,760 confirmed cases and over 127,986 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 tracker.&nbsp;

The UK government on Tuesday faced accusations of 'confusion and uncertainty' after it introduced additional guidance to curtail non-essential travel in and out of so-called hotspots of the B1.

The UK government on Tuesday faced accusations of 'confusion and uncertainty' after it introduced additional guidance to curtail non-essential travel in and out of so-called hotspots of the B1.617.2 variant of concern (VOC), first identified in India, as part of measures to control the spread of the virus. Local authorities in the affected areas said they were not consulted or informed as the government's coronavirus restrictions website changed its guidance over the last few days for people living in eight areas of Bedford council, Blackburn with Darwen council, Bolton Metropolitan council, Burnley council, Kirklees council, Leicester council, Hounslow council and North Tyneside council. The guidance also calls upon residents of these regions of England to avoid indoor gatherings, which is now currently permitted in most other parts of the country as part of the lockdown lifting roadmap. "In the areas listed... Wherever possible, you should try to meet outside rather than inside where possible; keep 2 metres apart from people that you don't live with (unless you have formed a support bubble with them), this includes friends and family you don't live with; avoid travelling in and out of affected areas unless it is essential, for example for work (if you cannot work from home) or education," the website notes. However, a row has broken out after the new guidance appeared to have been issued without a widespread announcement. "This is a major change to policy that will have a huge impact on people's lives. Simply updating the government website without an official announcement is a recipe for confusion and uncertainty," said Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran, the chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Coronavirus. "It seems crucial lessons have still not been learnt about the importance of clear messaging during a pandemic," she said. Cabinet minister Therese Coffey told 'Sky News', the government had been "working in close contact" with affected areas and she was "surprised to hear that people think this has come out of the blue, "it hasn't". "This is just part of a coordinated effort and the guidance is simply a formality recognising people need to be extra careful in those communities in particular where the issue has been spreading," she said, adding that all the guidance does is simply formalise what was already effectively happening in practice in the locality. A Downing Street source told the BBC that all the areas were informed about the latest advice and pointed out that it was advice rather than law and therefore dismissed allegations of localised lockdown by stealth. According to the latest Public Health England (PHE) data released last week, B1.617.2 VOC cases had risen by 2,111 over the previous week to hit 3,424 cases across the UK and experts are certain of its higher transmissibility than the dominant local B1.1.7 VOC, first discovered in the England county of Kent. The health officials continue to monitor both mutations to try and keep the UK's planned end to lockdown on track for June 21. The UK has reported more than 4,480,760 confirmed cases and over 127,986 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 tracker.

COVID-19: UK issues localised directions on travel, gatherings to tackle B1.617.2 variant  

Moderna is in talks with Cipla and other Indian pharma firms to launch its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine in India by the year 2022. Meanwhile, Pfizer has reportedly indicated that it can provide 5 crore doses of its vaccine this year.

Report: India may get single-dose Moderna COVID-19 vaccine by 2022

Jammu & Kashmir is all set to create a vaccination record of being the first region in India with four districts completing the target of vaccinating all people above the age of 45 with at least the first dose of COVID-19 vaccines.

J&K: 4 districts achieve 100% vaccination of people above 45

Moderna is expecting to launch a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine in India next year and is in talks with Cipla among other Indian firms, while another US giant Pfizer is ready to offer 50 million shots in 2021 itself but it wants significant regulatory relaxations including indemnification, sources said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

While Moderna has conveyed to Indian authorities that it does not have surplus vaccines to share in 2021, there are limited prospects of Johnson &amp; Johnson exporting its jabs from the US to other countries in the near future, the sources privy to discussions added.&nbsp;

Two rounds of high-level meetings chaired by the Cabinet Secretary were held last week on the availability of vaccines in the global as well as domestic markets as it was felt that there is an urgent need to procure the jabs at a time the country is reeling under an unprecedented second wave of COVID-19 and a widening gap between supply and requirement.&nbsp;

Currently, the country is using two 'Made in India' jabs, Covishield and Covaxin, to inoculate its billion-plus population and has administered numerous doses since launching the world's largest vaccination drive in mid-January. A third vaccine, Russian-made Sputnik V, has been approved by the government and is being used on a smaller scale at present.&nbsp;

In the high-level meeting officials from the Ministry of External Affairs, NITI Aayog, Department of Biotechnology, Law Ministry and Health Ministry were present.&nbsp;

It was discussed that Moderna doesn't have surplus vaccines to share in 2021 and that it plans to launch its single-dose vaccine for the Indian market only in 2022, for which, they are in discussion with Cipla and other Indian companies, a source said.&nbsp;

It is learnt that Cipla has already evinced interest in procuring 50 million doses from Moderna for 2022 and has requested confirmation from the central government in respect of stability in regulatory requirements/policy regime. The Health Ministry has also been asked to take an early decision on Cipla's request regarding support required by them for procurement of Moderna vaccines.&nbsp;

In the case of Pfizer, the US pharma giant has indicated availability of 50 million vaccine doses, 10 million in July, 10 million in August, 20 million in September and 10 million in October, for supply to India in 2021 and that it will deal only with Government of India and payment for vaccines will have to be made by GOI to Pfizer India.&nbsp;

The central government will make its own arrangement for further channelization of procured vaccines in the domestic market.&nbsp;

According to another source, for the supply of vaccines to India, Pfizer has asked for indemnification from the Government of India and a document in this regard has been received from Pfizer Inc.&nbsp;

Further, Pfizer has also sought certain relaxations in the regulatory regime, including relaxation in the requirement of post-approval bridging trials and dispensing the requirement of testing their vaccines in CDL (Central Drugs Laboratory).&nbsp;

Taking into consideration the track record of the company, similar arrangements done with other countries in the world and the current pandemic situation, an overall view may be taken to indemnify the company by the government, officials said but flagged that in case a view is taken to indemnify the company, similar demands may be made by other companies.&nbsp;

As per the information furnished by Pfizer, around 116 countries in the world including the USA have signed the indemnification document.&nbsp;

Further, considering that over 14.7 crore doses of Pfizer had been administered worldwide without any significant reports of adverse effects, a view needs to be taken to indemnify the company in order to supplement the availability of vaccines in India, officials discussed at one recent meeting.&nbsp;

It was suggested that a decision on the issue of Pfizer Inc may be taken at the earliest and that NEGVAC (National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19) may hold a meeting immediately on these issues.&nbsp;

At a press conference on Monday, in response to a question on states being unable to procure vaccines directly from Moderna and Pfizer, Health Ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal had said, "Whether it is Pfizer or Moderna, at the Centre-level, we have been coordinating with them."&nbsp;

"Also, the order book of both Pfizer and Moderna is full so it depends on their surplus that how much they can provide in India... They will come back to the Centre and we will help in facilitation to states," he said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Moderna is expecting to launch a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine in India next year and is in talks with Cipla among other Indian firms, while another US giant Pfizer is ready to offer 50 million shots in 2021 itself but it wants significant regulatory relaxations including indemnification, sources said on Tuesday.

Moderna is expecting to launch a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine in India next year and is in talks with Cipla among other Indian firms, while another US giant Pfizer is ready to offer 50 million shots in 2021 itself but it wants significant regulatory relaxations including indemnification, sources said on Tuesday. While Moderna has conveyed to Indian authorities that it does not have surplus vaccines to share in 2021, there are limited prospects of Johnson & Johnson exporting its jabs from the US to other countries in the near future, the sources privy to discussions added. Two rounds of high-level meetings chaired by the Cabinet Secretary were held last week on the availability of vaccines in the global as well as domestic markets as it was felt that there is an urgent need to procure the jabs at a time the country is reeling under an unprecedented second wave of COVID-19 and a widening gap between supply and requirement. Currently, the country is using two 'Made in India' jabs, Covishield and Covaxin, to inoculate its billion-plus population and has administered numerous doses since launching the world's largest vaccination drive in mid-January. A third vaccine, Russian-made Sputnik V, has been approved by the government and is being used on a smaller scale at present. In the high-level meeting officials from the Ministry of External Affairs, NITI Aayog, Department of Biotechnology, Law Ministry and Health Ministry were present. It was discussed that Moderna doesn't have surplus vaccines to share in 2021 and that it plans to launch its single-dose vaccine for the Indian market only in 2022, for which, they are in discussion with Cipla and other Indian companies, a source said. It is learnt that Cipla has already evinced interest in procuring 50 million doses from Moderna for 2022 and has requested confirmation from the central government in respect of stability in regulatory requirements/policy regime. The Health Ministry has also been asked to take an early decision on Cipla's request regarding support required by them for procurement of Moderna vaccines. In the case of Pfizer, the US pharma giant has indicated availability of 50 million vaccine doses, 10 million in July, 10 million in August, 20 million in September and 10 million in October, for supply to India in 2021 and that it will deal only with Government of India and payment for vaccines will have to be made by GOI to Pfizer India. The central government will make its own arrangement for further channelization of procured vaccines in the domestic market. According to another source, for the supply of vaccines to India, Pfizer has asked for indemnification from the Government of India and a document in this regard has been received from Pfizer Inc. Further, Pfizer has also sought certain relaxations in the regulatory regime, including relaxation in the requirement of post-approval bridging trials and dispensing the requirement of testing their vaccines in CDL (Central Drugs Laboratory). Taking into consideration the track record of the company, similar arrangements done with other countries in the world and the current pandemic situation, an overall view may be taken to indemnify the company by the government, officials said but flagged that in case a view is taken to indemnify the company, similar demands may be made by other companies. As per the information furnished by Pfizer, around 116 countries in the world including the USA have signed the indemnification document. Further, considering that over 14.7 crore doses of Pfizer had been administered worldwide without any significant reports of adverse effects, a view needs to be taken to indemnify the company in order to supplement the availability of vaccines in India, officials discussed at one recent meeting. It was suggested that a decision on the issue of Pfizer Inc may be taken at the earliest and that NEGVAC (National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19) may hold a meeting immediately on these issues. At a press conference on Monday, in response to a question on states being unable to procure vaccines directly from Moderna and Pfizer, Health Ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal had said, "Whether it is Pfizer or Moderna, at the Centre-level, we have been coordinating with them." "Also, the order book of both Pfizer and Moderna is full so it depends on their surplus that how much they can provide in India... They will come back to the Centre and we will help in facilitation to states," he said.

Moderna's single-dose vaccine in India likely next year; Pfizer ready with 50 mn doses for 2021

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