Tears and fears as India's huge coronavirus vaccine push falters

14 Sept 02:57 Key points summarised by AI

India's ambitious coronavirus vaccination drive is significantly behind schedule, with a third of recipients failing to show up for appointments due to safety fears, technical glitches, and a growing belief that the pandemic is ending.
Public hesitancy is largely driven by concerns over potential side effects and the 'rushed' approval of Covaxin, a locally developed vaccine that has not yet completed Phase 3 trials, intensifying skepticism among health workers and the general population.
Operational issues, such as the inability to replace no-shows and subsequent wastage of vaccine doses, coupled with a sharp decline in COVID-19 cases, contribute to a sense of complacency, making many reluctant to get vaccinated.
The government is actively working to counter skepticism through awareness campaigns, celebrity endorsements, and creating positive vaccination experiences like 'selfie zones' and soothing music, aiming to build confidence as the rollout progresses.

Six injured after car smashes into On Nut shopping mall

Yesterday 22:44 Key points summarised by AI

A 67-year-old woman drove her car through the glass frontage of a Bangkok shopping mall, injuring six people, including a six-year-old girl.
The driver claimed she accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake after being startled, causing the vehicle to surge forward.
She apologized to the victims, promising insurance coverage and additional financial aid, while police continue to gather statements before filing charges.