India Approves First Indigenous mRNA Vaccine for Seasonal Flu
The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has granted emergency use authorization for the country's first indigenous mRNA vaccine for seasonal influenza.
Key Points for Quick Revision
- India's first indigenous mRNA vaccine for seasonal flu approved.
- Developed using mRNA technology for faster adaptation to strains.
- Approved by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI).
- Strengthens India's vaccine self-reliance and pandemic readiness.
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | High | 4–8 | Basic science, space missions, ISRO launches, and defence technology are standard SSC GK topics. |
| UPSC / State PCS | Medium | 5–8 | UPSC tests Science & Technology through governance: space policy, biotech regulations, cyber security. |
| Railway (RRB NTPC / Group D) | Very High | 6–10 | Science and Technology is one of the largest GK sections in Railway papers. |
| State PCS / PSC | Medium | 3–5 | Space missions, defence acquisitions, and health research appear regularly. |
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 India's newly approved indigenous flu vaccine?
- Inactivated virus
- mRNA
- Viral vector
- Protein subunit
Explanation: The newly approved vaccine uses mRNA (messenger RNA) technology.
Q2. Who is the regulatory authority for vaccine approval in India?
- ICMR
- DCGI
- AIIMS
- NITI Aayog
Explanation: The Drug 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.