Covovax, Novavax's Indian version, will be tested on 1,400 volunteers across 20 cities by Serum Institute, which has already begun production of the Covid vaccine.
SII's problems have become a key illustration of how the effort to inoculate developing world has failed, & a cautionary tale for becoming over-reliant on one manufacturer.
Modi government has so far stood firm on not offering indemnity to Covid vaccine makers. But vaccine shortage could force it reconsider as it negotiates with foreign companies.
The SII has already told the government that it will be able to manufacture and supply 10 crore Covishield doses in June and is also manufacturing the Novavax vaccine.
In early May, SII had informed the Central govt that production of Covishield would be ramped up to 6.5 crore in June, 7 crore in July and 10 crore each in August and September.
SII has a tie-up with US' Novavax to manufacture and supply Covovax vaccine in India and in low- and middle-income countries as part of the COVAX vaccine alliance countries.
Driving an electric vehicle for months, the Hyundai IONIQ5, BMW iX and now the Kia Carens Clavis electric, has convinced me of the viability of EVs for city and mid-range commutes.
With the US-India trade deal yet to get done, rupee depreciation may be helping to mitigate India’s loss of competitiveness. The other problem is extreme despondence among overseas equity investors.
Of the total package, $649 million will be utilised for additional hardware, software, and support services, and the remaining for Major Defence Equipment (MDE).
Don’t blame misfortune. This is colossal incompetence and insensitivity. So bad, heads would have rolled even in the old PSU-era Indian Airlines and Air India.
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