India Approves First Indigenous mRNA Vaccine for Seasonal Flu
The DCGI has granted emergency use authorization to India's first indigenously developed mRNA vaccine for seasonal influenza.
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- India's first indigenous mRNA flu vaccine receives DCGI approval.
- Developed using mRNA technology for faster adaptation to variants.
- Collaboration between private industry and the Department of Biotechnology.
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC / State PCS | Medium | 5–8 | UPSC tests Science & Technology through governance: space policy, biotech regulations, cyber security. |
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | High | 4–8 | Basic science, space missions, ISRO launches, and defence technology are standard SSC GK topics. |
| Railway (RRB NTPC / Group D) | Very High | 6–10 | Science and Technology is one of the largest GK sections in Railway papers. |
What to Memorize from This Topic
- ISRO missions: satellite name, purpose, launch date, orbit type
- Defence acquisitions: system name, origin country, inducted into which force
- COVID/health research: vaccine names, institutes involved, approval status
- Technology achievements: first-ever milestones, world records, India-specific achievements
- Scientific organizations: HQ, head, purpose (CSIR, DRDO, BARC, ICAR)
Practice Questions
Q1. Which technology is used in the newly approved indigenous flu vaccine?
- Inactivated Virus
- Viral Vector
- mRNA
- Protein Subunit
Explanation: The newly approved vaccine uses mRNA (messenger RNA) technology.
Q2. Who is the regulatory authority for approving vaccines in India?
- ICMR
- DCGI
- AIIMS
- Ministry of Health
Explanation: The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) is the head of the CDSCO and is responsible for vaccine approvals.
How to Prepare Science & Technology for Government Exams
For Railway exams, make flashcards for every major ISRO launch — name, payload, purpose, date. These repeat frequently.
For SSC, focus on defence acquisitions and their strategic significance rather than technical specs.
For UPSC, connect every scientific development to policy — climate targets, digital India, health policy.
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