India has approved QDENGA (TAK-003), the country’s first dengue vaccine, marking a major step in preventing the mosquito-borne disease. Developed by Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda, the vaccine protects against all four dengue virus strains and is given in two doses, three months apart. Unlike older dengue vaccines, QDENGA does not require prior dengue infection testing before vaccination. Clinical trials showed strong protection against severe dengue and hospitalisation. While the vaccine’s price and rollout timeline in India are yet to be announced, health experts say it will complement mosquito control, early diagnosis and public awareness efforts. (PC: X)

Andhra Pradesh reported seven new Covid-19 cases on Tuesday, taking the state's total infections to 26, the Health Department said. Officials said the fresh cases were detected across different districts and are not linked to any cluster outbreak. Of the total cases, 10 patients are hospitalised, nine are in home isolation, three have recovered and been discharged, while four have died. Authorities said all four deceased patients had pre-existing health conditions. So far, 145 samples have been tested. The new cases include four from Guntur, two from East Godavari and one from Bapatla. Kadapa has reported the highest caseload with eight infections, followed by Guntur with six overall. (PC: The Indian Express)

India's drug regulator has approved Japanese drugmaker Takeda's Qdenga, making it the country's first approved dengue vaccine. The two-dose vaccine, designed for individuals aged 4 to 60, protects against all four dengue virus serotypes and can be administered regardless of prior dengue infection. Takeda expects Qdenga to become available in India during the first half of 2027 through private healthcare settings. In late-stage trials, the vaccine demonstrated 80.2% efficacy against confirmed dengue cases one year after the second dose and 90.4% efficacy against dengue-related hospitalisations after 18 months. Takeda is also partnering with Biological E to expand manufacturing capacity for global supply. (PC: Reuters)

Andhra Pradesh has recorded 12 COVID-19 cases and four deaths since June 26, according to State health officials. Authorities clarified that the fatalities involved elderly patients with serious underlying health conditions, and COVID-19 was not the sole cause of death in every case. Officials emphasized that the current situation remains under control and there is no reason for public panic. Hospitals have been instructed to maintain surveillance, ensure adequate preparedness, and continue testing when necessary. Citizens have been advised to follow basic hygiene practices, seek medical attention if symptomatic, and remain informed through official health updates. (PC: The Hindu)

Scientists at the University of Oxford will soon begin human trials of a new Ebola vaccine in the UK. The vaccine targets the Bundibugyo strain, which is spreading in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The study will include 50 healthy adults aged 18 to 55. Volunteers are being recruited, and vaccinations will begin after regulatory approval. The vaccine was developed only weeks after the outbreak was declared. More than 1,900 Ebola cases and over 700 deaths have been reported in the DRC. Researchers hope the vaccine will help control the outbreak and protect people from the deadly disease. (PC: Reuters)

India has launched Awiqli, a once-weekly insulin treatment for adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, offering a new option to help manage blood sugar levels. Developed by Novo Nordisk, the insulin is designed to reduce the number of injections from 365 to 52 a year, potentially improving treatment adherence and convenience for patients. Doctors say the therapy provides blood sugar control comparable to daily basal insulin while maintaining a similar safety profile. The launch marks a significant step in diabetes care, although patients should use the medication only under medical supervision and follow their doctor's advice.  

India has launched Awiqli, a once-weekly insulin treatment for adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, offering a new option to help manage blood sugar levels. Developed by Novo Nordisk, the insulin is designed to reduce the number of injections from 365 to 52 a year, potentially improving treatment adherence and convenience for patients. Doctors say the therapy provides blood sugar control comparable to daily basal insulin while maintaining a similar safety profile. The launch marks a significant step in diabetes care, although patients should use the medication only under medical supervision and follow their doctor's advice.  

Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo are investigating a suspected Ebola outbreak after at least 30 people died in a refugee camp, raising fears that the virus could be spreading rapidly. Medical teams have been deployed to contain the situation, trace contacts, and conduct laboratory tests to confirm the cause of the deaths. The outbreak has heightened concerns due to crowded living conditions and limited healthcare resources in the camp. International health agencies are closely monitoring developments and coordinating with Congolese authorities to prevent a wider public health crisis across the region. (PC: Reuters)

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard released newly declassified records alleging former NIAID chief Anthony Fauci influenced government assessments on COVID-19 origins and maintained close contact with intelligence officials during reviews of the pandemic. The ODNI claims communications, whistleblower complaints and intelligence records raise questions about Fauci’s testimony to Congress, gain-of-function research funding linked to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, and the role of NIAID-funded scientists in assessments challenging the lab-leak theory. The documents also cite allegations that analysts supporting a laboratory-origin hypothesis faced professional repercussions. Fauci has previously denied covering up COVID-19 origins. The disclosures intensify a long-running debate over the pandemic’s beginnings.

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has released declassified COVID-19 records alleging former NIAID chief Anthony Fauci played a role in shaping US government assessments on the virus’s origins. The ODNI claims the documents reveal Fauci’s interactions with intelligence officials and scientists during reviews of whether COVID-19 emerged naturally or from a laboratory-related incident. The agency alleges some communications conflict with Fauci’s 2024 congressional testimony and references whistleblower complaints regarding gain-of-function research. Additional whistleblower claims suggest analysts supporting a lab-leak theory faced professional repercussions. The disclosures intensify ongoing debate over COVID-19 origins, intelligence assessments, transparency, accountability and pandemic-era decision-making in Washington.