India's drugs experts approve AstraZeneca, local COVID vaccines

13 Sept 07:23 Key points summarised by AI

India's drug regulator experts recommended emergency use authorization for two COVID-19 vaccines: the AstraZeneca/Oxford shot (produced locally as Covishield) and the indigenous COVAXIN.
The final decision, expected to be a formality due to the urgent need for a vaccine in the world's second most populous country, will be made by the Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation's (CDSCO) chief.
The AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine is recognized for its affordability and ease of storage, while COVAXIN, developed by Bharat Biotech, received approval for restricted use, particularly against new mutant strains of the virus.
India aims to inoculate 300 million of its 1.35 billion people within the first six to eight months of the year, with two additional vaccines (Zydus Cadila's ZyCoV-D and Russia's Sputnik V) currently undergoing trials.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

19 Oct 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.