'Fake news': Government on NDTV report that Covid vaccine proposals were not cleared

A little less than an hour ago, NDTV reported that the Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech's proposals for "emergency vaccine use" were not cleared today over "inadequate safety and efficacy data". The story cited "sources" and said the two had been asked to provide more data.

The decision was taken at a special meeting of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, NDTV said.

The news was gradually reported by other media houses as well, all of whom cited "sources". This included News18 and India Today.

Soon after, however, the fact-check wing of the government's Press Information Bureau said NDTV's claim was "fake".

This was swiftly followed by the health ministry.

NDTV's story has not been taken down or modified.

This is a developing story.