Which Indian vaccine company developed the Typbar typhoid conjugate vaccine that received pre qualification from the World Health Organisation (WHO) for global use?

Introduction / Context:
This question is a current affairs and biology crossover that focuses on vaccines and public health. Typbar typhoid conjugate vaccine is an important vaccine developed to protect against typhoid fever, especially in children. The World Health Organisation pre qualification indicates that the vaccine meets international standards and can be used in global immunisation programmes. Knowing which Indian company developed this vaccine is a common question in competitive exams that cover science and national achievements.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question mentions Typbar typhoid conjugate vaccine. - It states that the vaccine received WHO pre qualification for global use. - Four Indian healthcare or biotech companies are listed as options. - It is assumed that the exam tests awareness of major Indian contributions in vaccine development.

Concept / Approach:
Typbar TCV is a typhoid conjugate vaccine designed to provide long lasting immunity, especially in young children where earlier polysaccharide vaccines were less effective. This vaccine was developed by Bharat Biotech, a Hyderabad based Indian biotechnology company known for several indigenous vaccines. The WHO pre qualification allows United Nations agencies and other global partners to procure and distribute the vaccine worldwide. Other companies listed, such as Panacea Biotech, Biocon, and Bharat Serums and Vaccines, are also active in the health sector but are not credited with developing Typbar TCV. Therefore, the correct answer is Bharat Biotech.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the key phrase Typbar typhoid conjugate vaccine, also known as Typbar TCV. Step 2: Recall from science and current affairs news that this vaccine was developed by Bharat Biotech. Step 3: Recognise that WHO pre qualification is a quality stamp that allows procurement by international agencies such as UNICEF and Gavi. Step 4: Examine options and locate Bharat Biotech among them. Step 5: Note that Panacea Biotech, Biocon, and Bharat Serums and Vaccines are notable Indian companies but are not associated with Typbar TCV as the primary developer. Step 6: Conclude that Bharat Biotech is the correct company credited with developing this vaccine.

Verification / Alternative check:
Reports and press releases about Typbar TCV emphasise that it is the world first typhoid conjugate vaccine to achieve WHO pre qualification and that it was developed by Bharat Biotech. Public health discussions around typhoid prevention in endemic regions often mention Bharat Biotech by name when referring to Typbar TCV. Other Indian companies may produce different vaccines and biologics, but news coverage and official documentation consistently connect Typbar TCV with Bharat Biotech. This confirms that option B is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Panacea Biotech: Although this company manufactures various vaccines and pharmaceutical products, it is not the developer of Typbar typhoid conjugate vaccine mentioned in the question. Biocon: Primarily known for biopharmaceuticals, especially insulin and biosimilars, Biocon is not associated with the development of Typbar TCV. Bharat Serums and Vaccines: This company focuses on specialised biological products and vaccines but is not credited with Typbar TCV in official WHO or government releases.

Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to guess based on partial familiarity with company names without recalling the specific context of Typbar TCV. Students may also confuse Bharat Biotech with Bharat Serums due to the similar first word. To avoid mistakes, remember the specific pairing: Bharat Biotech and Typbar TCV. Linking this to headlines about WHO pre qualification and India contribution to global vaccination helps fix the association in memory.

Final Answer:
The Typbar typhoid conjugate vaccine was developed by Bharat Biotech.