RAS question
ZyCoV-D, developed by Zydus Cadila, was the world's first _______ COVID-19 vaccine:
Correct answer: (C) DNA plasmid-based.
ZyCoV-D, developed by Zydus Cadila, was the world's first DNA plasmid-based COVID-19 vaccine.
Explanation
ZyCoV-D is classified as a DNA plasmid-based COVID-19 vaccine, not an mRNA, inactivated-virus or viral-vector vaccine. The PIB release on its Emergency Use Authorization says Zydus Cadila received approval from the Drug Controller General of India on 20 August 2021 and describes ZyCoV-D as the world's first DNA-based COVID-19 vaccine to be administered in humans, including children and adults aged 12 years and above. Approval came in India in August 2021, the vaccine used a needle-free PharmaJet applicator, and it was also the first COVID-19 vaccine approved in India for adolescents aged 12-17. That is why the blank must be filled with DNA plasmid-based.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) mRNA-based is wrong because that platform is associated with vaccines such as Pfizer and Moderna, whereas ZyCoV-D is DNA plasmid-based.
- (B) Inactivated virus-based is wrong because Covaxin belongs in that category, while ZyCoV-D belongs to the DNA plasmid-based category.
- (D) Viral vector-based is wrong because that platform is linked with Covishield/AstraZeneca, not with ZyCoV-D.
Concept
This tests vaccine-platform terminology within Science and Technology, a recurring RAS area because public-health current affairs often turn on the exact technology behind an Indian innovation. ZyCoV-D is especially testable because the official approval note framed it as a world-first DNA-based COVID-19 vaccine.