Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation at 5 pm on Monday, hours after announcing the same on Twitter.
In a speech that lasted close to 35 minutes, the PM primarily focused on India's new vaccine strategy. He said the Centre, after observing developments during the deadly second wave of infections, has decided to once again take charge of procuring vaccines and will provide them to the States. He added that those in the 18-44 age group will henceforth get their doses free.
He also announced the distribution of free rations under PM Garib Kalyan Yojana will be extended till Diwali.