Samsung, LG, Voltas and Others Move Court Against India’s New E-Waste Recycling Rules

According to Reuters, Several major electronics companies, both international and domestic, have launched legal challenges against India’s newly introduced e-waste recycling mandate. The policy, which seeks to formalise and regulate the country’s largely informal e-waste sector, has drawn criticism from industry giants who argue that the regulation imposes undue financial burdens without effectively addressing the root causes of recycling inefficiencies.

Companies Joining the Legal Battle

South Korean tech giants LG and Samsung have filed petitions before the Delhi High Court, contesting the e-waste regulation. They are joined by other manufacturers, including Daikin, Voltas (a Tata Group enterprise), Havells, and Blue Star. According to court submissions accessed by Reuters, the companies collectively argue that the regulation, while well-intentioned, places an inequitable burden on manufacturers without providing a comprehensive solution to existing systemic issues.

The Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear the case on Tuesday, considering the various petitions collectively.

Understanding the Contested Regulation

The regulation in question forms a part of India’s broader e-waste management framework. It mandates that electronics manufacturers must pay a minimum of ₹22 (approximately 25 US cents) per kilogram to authorised recyclers for the proper disposal of electronic waste. The objective, as outlined by the government, is to incentivise formal investment in a sector predominantly controlled by unregistered scrap dealers, who reportedly handle around 80% of India’s e-waste.

Despite being the world’s third-largest generator of electronic waste, after China and the United States, official figures show that only 43% of India’s e-waste was recycled through formal channels in the previous year.

Key Arguments Raised by Manufacturers

In its detailed 550-page court submission, LG argues that the regulation unfairly shifts the burden of waste management onto manufacturers under the guise of the “polluter pays” principle. The company maintains that the core issue lies in the lack of effective enforcement against the informal sector, rather than the actions of legitimate manufacturers. LG further states, “If the authorities have not been able to regulate the informal sector, then it is an enforcement failure.”

Samsung, in its 345-page filing, echoes these concerns. The company asserts that the regulation does not inherently contribute to environmental protection goals and would result in significant financial strain for manufacturers. Samsung also highlighted that the mandated payout is “5–15 times” higher than prevailing market rates for recycling services.

Regulatory and Environmental Context

The Environment Ministry, which drafted the regulation, has yet to publicly comment on the legal proceedings. The broader context for the policy is India’s ambition to regulate its rapidly expanding e-waste footprint, encouraging investment in licensed recycling operations and reducing environmental degradation caused by improper disposal practices.

However, the industry’s collective resistance underlines the challenges governments face when trying to transition from informal economies to formal systems, especially in sectors where informal networks are deeply entrenched.

Conclusion

The legal dispute over India’s e-waste recycling regulation has opened a significant debate about the balance between environmental responsibility and economic feasibility. As the Delhi High Court prepares to hear the petitions, the outcome of this case could have important implications not only for the electronics industry but also for the future trajectory of India’s environmental regulatory framework.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Colab Platforms Share Price Hits Upper Circuit After Launch of ₹250 Million Sports-Tech Accelerator

Colab Platforms Limited (formerly known as Colab Cloud Platforms Limited) announced a major development, launching a ₹250 million Sports-Tech Growth Accelerator Program aimed at transforming India’s sports innovation landscape. As of 1:33 PM, the share price of Colab Platforms hit the upper circuit on the BSE. 

The newly introduced Accelerator, housed under Colab’s Sports Innovation Division, is designed to empower startups, foster technological breakthroughs, and shape the future of sports performance, engagement, and fitness in India.

Read More: What is the Upper and Lower Circuit?. 

Backing Startups with Resources Beyond Capital

More than just funding, Colab’s Accelerator Program promises a comprehensive support system for early-stage sports-tech ventures. Selected startups will gain:

  • Access to advanced R&D infrastructure

  • Mentorship from industry experts

  • Business advisory services and go-to-market strategies

  • Networking opportunities with sports federations, universities, and private equity firms

Moreover, participants will have the opportunity to pilot their innovations within Colab’s broad ecosystem, which spans sports leagues, professional teams, events, and commerce platforms.

Focus Areas for Innovation and Growth

Colab’s Accelerator is geared towards scouting and scaling startups operating in multiple impact-driven sectors, including:

  • AI-driven performance analytics tools

  • Wearable sports technologies

  • Fan engagement and skill-based gaming platforms

  • Esports infrastructure and content creation

  • Grassroots and decentralised athlete development models

  • Gamified fitness and digital coaching solutions

  • Comprehensive 360° sports platforms and communities

This approach highlights Colab’s ambition to serve not just elite athletes but also everyday sports enthusiasts and emerging talent.

Building a Partnership-Driven Ecosystem

To strengthen its impact, Colab will collaborate with academic institutions, research centres, and national sports federations. These partnerships will enable co-branded innovation programmes, sandbox trials, and university-linked startup pipelines, fostering real-world testing, market validation, and intellectual property co-development.

Such a partnership model is expected to accelerate the growth of sports-tech startups, positioning them for faster scaling and broader market penetration.

A National Commitment to Global Innovation

India’s sports-tech sector is witnessing rapid expansion, fuelled by a younger demographic, increased investment, and initiatives such as Khelo India and Startup India. Colab’s ₹250 million commitment represents both a commercial opportunity and a national pledge to contribute to this dynamic growth.

“With this accelerator programme, we’re not just funding ideas—we’re building an innovation engine for the future of sports,” said Puneet Singh, Managing Director of Colab Platforms Limited.

About Colab Platforms Limited

Colab Platforms Limited operates at the intersection of sports, technology, commerce, and media. The company’s diverse initiatives include managing sports leagues, professional teams, and athletes, launching fan engagement platforms, and building integrated sports commerce ecosystems, laying the foundation for India’s next-generation sports economy.

Conclusion

The launch of Colab Platforms’ ₹250 million Sports-Tech Accelerator marks a significant stride towards innovation in India’s sports ecosystem. With its share price hitting the upper circuit, the initiative has clearly resonated with investor optimism.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

RBI Monitors Sale of Bad Loans to ARCs Amid Rising Concerns

According to a report, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is carefully observing how banks are selling non-performing assets (NPAs) to Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs), particularly in cases involving high-value transactions. Recent instances where ARCs recovered significantly more than the amount paid for acquiring bad loans have sparked questions about whether such deals are being structured fairly.

Are NPAs Being Sold at Undervalued Prices?

One of the key issues under scrutiny is whether banks are selling NPAs at valuations lower than their true potential worth. The significant profit margins earned by some ARCs on distressed loan recoveries have led to concerns that banks may not be accurately pricing these assets at the time of sale, possibly resulting in losses for the financial system.

Doubts Over Exhaustion of Recovery Efforts

The RBI is also evaluating whether banks are fully utilising available recovery mechanisms before deciding to sell NPAs. There is apprehension that in certain cases, banks might be choosing the easier route of selling bad loans rather than making concerted efforts to recover dues through their internal processes.

Read More: RBI Opens Applications for Account Aggregator Self-Regulatory Body

Possibility of Insider Coordination

Another area attracting the RBI’s attention is the potential for informal arrangements between banks, ARCs, and borrowers. Allegations of behind-the-scenes coordination could point towards a situation where the interests of the broader financial system are compromised in favour of select parties.

Conclusion

At present, the RBI has not issued any new regulations or launched formal investigations. However, it is closely tracking the differences between the amounts banks realise from bad loan sales and what ARCs subsequently recover. The central bank’s objective appears to be safeguarding the transparency and integrity of the loan resolution process to ensure it remains beneficial for the overall stability of the financial sector.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

15.43 Lakh New Employees, Including 3.35 Lakh Women, Enrolled Under ESI Scheme in February

The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has reported a robust addition of 15.43 lakh new employees under the ESI Scheme during February 2025. According to the provisional payroll data released by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the expansion highlights an encouraging trend in workforce formalisation and access to social security.

Additionally, 23,526 new establishments were brought under the ESI Scheme’s ambit in February, thereby extending social security benefits to a wider section of the workforce.

Youth Constitutes Nearly Half of New Registrations

An analysis of the new registrations reveals that the younger workforce is dominating enrolments. Approximately 7.36 lakh employees, amounting to around 47.7% of the total, belong to the age group of up to 25 years. This trend suggests that a significant number of young individuals are entering the formal workforce, often for their first employment, highlighting positive employment generation.

Increased Participation of Women and Transgender Employees

The gender-wise breakdown of enrolments indicates that 3.35 lakh women employees were newly registered under the ESI Scheme in February. In a notable step towards inclusivity, 74 transgender employees were also enrolled during the month. These efforts underline a broader commitment to extending social security benefits across all sections of society.

Continuous Revision of Payroll Data

It is important to note that the payroll data released is provisional. As data generation remains a continuous process, figures may be revised as more information becomes available in subsequent months.

EPFO Payroll Data Reflects Similar Trends

The ESIC figures follow closely after the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) released its payroll data earlier in the week, showing a net addition of 16.10 lakh members in February 2025. The year-on-year analysis highlights a 3.99% growth in net payroll additions compared to February of the previous year, indicating a rise in employment opportunities and greater awareness of employee benefits.

Read More: EPFO 3.0 Set to Launch by May-June: Will It Ease Withdrawal Challenges?. 

Conclusion

Within the EPFO enrolments, around 7.39 lakh new subscribers were recorded in February, with the 18-25 age group comprising a dominant 57.71% share. Approximately 4.27 lakh new subscribers were added within this young cohort, reflecting a continuation of the trend where fresh entrants into the organised workforce are predominantly young individuals securing their first jobs. Moreover, the net payroll addition for this age group saw a growth of 3.01 per cent compared to the same month last year.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

RBI Revises ATM Rules: Know Free Transaction Limits and New ₹23 Charge Effective May 2025

Introduction: An Important Update for Bank Customers

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced a revision in ATM withdrawal charges applicable from May 1, 2025. This change affects all bank customers across the country, following an official notification released in March 2025. The revision seeks to align withdrawal fees with the increasing costs associated with operating and maintaining ATM networks.

Background: Why the Revision Was Necessary

The RBI’s decision stems from the need to ensure the financial viability of ATM operations. As per data reported by Livemint, India had 2,16,706 ATMs as of January 2025, including 1,30,902 on-site and 85,804 off-site units. Rising operational costs—such as maintenance, cash handling, and technology upgrades—have made it necessary to adjust the fee structure to support continued ATM availability, especially for smaller banks and white-label operators.

Detailed Changes in ATM Charges and Limits

The key aspects of the RBI’s revised policy are as follows:

  • Effective Date: May 1, 2025

  • Previous Charge: ₹21 per transaction beyond free limits

  • New Charge: ₹23 per transaction beyond free limits

  • Free Transactions at Own Bank ATMs: 5 per month, including financial and non-financial transactions

  • Free Transactions at Other Bank ATMs: 3 per month in metro centres and 5 per month in non-metro centres

  • Scope: Applicable to all savings account holders across commercial banks, cooperative banks, regional rural banks, authorised ATM operators, and white-label ATM operators

  • Non-Financial Transactions: Activities such as balance enquiries, PIN changes, and mini-statements are counted within the free transaction limit

Read More: RBI Allows Children Aged 10 and Above to Open and Operate Bank Accounts. 

Impact on Key Stakeholders

Impact on Customers

Customers who frequently exceed the free transaction limit will face a marginally higher cost. For instance, a customer in a metro city making a fourth transaction at another bank’s ATM will now pay ₹23 instead of ₹21. This could encourage users to plan withdrawals more strategically to avoid additional charges.

Impact on Banks and ATM Operators

Smaller banks and white-label ATM operators, which rely heavily on interchange fees, may find some financial relief from this revision. Although the current interchange fee remains unchanged at ₹17 for financial and ₹6 for non-financial transactions, this adjustment in customer charges could support the sustainability of ATM networks, particularly in remote or less profitable areas.

Regulatory Scope and Standardisation

The RBI’s directive ensures a uniform structure across various banking and financial entities, including:

  • Commercial banks

  • Regional rural banks

  • Cooperative banks

  • Authorised ATM network operators

  • Card payment networks

  • White-label ATM operators

Such standardisation aims to create a level playing field while maintaining transparency for customers nationwide.

Conclusion

The RBI’s revision of ATM withdrawal charges reflects a broader effort to balance customer convenience with the rising cost of ATM operations. While the fee increase is modest, it signifies an evolving financial ecosystem where digital transactions continue to gain traction and physical cash handling demands more robust infrastructure support.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Apple Mulls to Shift all US-Bound iPhone Assembly to India by 2026

According to the news reports, in response to escalating trade tensions between the United States and China, Apple has accelerated its efforts to diversify its supply chain. According to sources cited by the Financial Times, the company plans to move the assembly of iPhones destined for the United States to India starting as early as next year. By 2026, Apple aims to shift the production of over 60 million iPhones sold annually in the US to Indian factories. This represents one of the most significant manufacturing shifts for Apple in decades, following the company’s recent investments in India.

Impact of Rising Tariffs on Chinese Manufacturing

Apple has traditionally relied on Chinese manufacturers such as Foxconn to assemble its devices. However, increasing tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, which reached over 100% on some Chinese imports, have significantly raised production costs in China. While smartphones received temporary exemptions from the highest tariff brackets, a 20% duty still applies to Chinese-made devices entering the US. These tariffs have prompted Apple to seek alternative manufacturing locations, with India emerging as a viable option due to more favourable trade conditions.

India’s Role in Apple’s Manufacturing Expansion

Apple’s plans to shift production to India are supported by the country’s ongoing negotiations with the United States for a bilateral trade deal, which could secure India the first-ever trade agreement with the US and avoid reciprocal tariffs. Apple has already scaled up its production in India through partnerships with Tata Electronics and Foxconn, with over three million iPhones shipped from India in the first quarter of 2025. In addition to increasing manufacturing capacity, Apple plans to open four new retail stores in Bengaluru, Pune, Delhi-NCR, and Mumbai, further expanding its presence in the country.

Tech Giants Shifting Production to India

Apple is not the only tech company eyeing India as a manufacturing hub. Reports indicate that Samsung is considering moving its smartphone production from Vietnam to India in response to a steep 46% tariff on Vietnamese imports. Additionally, Alphabet Inc., Google’s parent company, is also reportedly in talks with manufacturers like Foxconn and Dixon Technologies to relocate some of its Pixel smartphone production from Vietnam to India. As India continues to improve its trade relations with the US, it is poised to become a major player in global tech manufacturing.

Read More: India iPhone Exports Soar to ₹1.5 Trillion in FY25, Surpassing PLI Target by 2x

Conclusion

Apple’s decision to shift its iPhone manufacturing to India is a response to rising tariffs on Chinese imports and the need to diversify its supply chain. This move will significantly increase India’s role in global tech production, with other major companies expected to follow suit.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

 

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Reliance FMCG Segment Matches Tata Consumer in Size, Surpasses Marico and Emami

According to the news reports, Reliance’s FMCG business has grown massively, becoming as big as Tata Consumer and even larger than Marico. Its sales are almost equal to Dabur’s and three times higher than Emami’s. By the end of the March quarter, Reliance Consumer Brands had reached 1 million stores. 

Sales and Market Performance

In just its second year, Reliance Consumer Brands achieved sales of ₹11,450 crore, showing a 3.5 times increase compared to the previous year. It has now become the fastest-growing FMCG company in India. Their beverage brand, Campa, also secured a double-digit market share in important markets.

 

Reliance’s FMCG portfolio includes many brands such as: 

 

  • Beverages: Campa and Spinners  

 

  • Staples: Independence 

  • Spreads and Sauces: Sil 

  • Personal Care: Velvette 

  • Dishwashing: Dozo 

  • Soaps: Glimmer and Puric 

  • Home Care: HomeGuard 

  • Fabric Care: Enzo  

Future Plans 

Reliance Consumer Brands plans to rapidly grow its store network from 1 million to between 5 and 6 million stores over the next three years, strengthening its presence across India.

 

The table below shows how Reliance Consumer’s sales stack up against major competitors in the FMCG sector:

 

Company FY25 / Trailing 12-Month Sales (₹ Cr)
Hindustan Unilever 61,469
Nestle India 20,202
ITC (FMCG) 19,559
Britannia 17,580
Dabur 12,548
Reliance Consumer 11,450
Tata Consumer (India) 11,241
Marico 10,379

 

Read More: ONGC, Reliance and BP Alliance Win Offshore Oil Block in Gujarat

Share Performance 

As of April 28, 2025, at 11:55 AM, Reliance Industries share price is trading at ₹1,359.00 per share, reflecting a surge of 4.51% from the previous closing price. Over the past month, the stock has surged by 6.58%. The stock’s 52-week high stands at ₹1,608.80 per share, while its low is ₹1,114.85 per share.

Conclusion

Reliance Consumer Brands is rising quickly in the FMCG sector with strong sales growth, wide product offerings and an ambitious store expansion plan. With this pace, it is set to challenge even bigger players in the coming years.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

New India Assurance Accounts for 16% of India’s Health Insurance Premiums in FY25

According to the latest data released by the General Insurance Council (GIC), non-life insurance companies and standalone health insurers in India collectively received a gross premium of ₹1.18 lakh crore in health insurance during FY25. This marks a 9% growth compared to FY 2024, highlighting the sector’s continuing expansion in both group and retail health segments.

New India Assurance Secures Top Spot in Overall Health Insurance Business

New India Assurance has emerged as the leading insurer, collecting a gross premium of ₹19,200 crore in its health insurance business in FY 2025. This represents a 4.77% increase over FY24 figures. The company accounts for approximately 16% of the total health insurance premiums collected across the country, reinforcing its position as a dominant player in the sector.

Star Health & Allied and Oriental Insurance Follow Closely

Star Health & Allied Insurance secured the second position, reporting a health insurance premium collection of ₹16,500 crore, contributing around 14% to the total market share in FY25. The Oriental Insurance Company stands third, albeit at a significant distance, with a premium collection of ₹8,243 crore during the same period.

Other Key Players in the Health Insurance Segment

Several other insurers also made notable contributions to the industry’s growth. Care Health and Bajaj Allianz recorded premium collections of ₹8,140 crore and ₹7,800 crore, respectively.
National Insurance, ICICI Lombard, United India Insurance, Niva Bupa, and HDFC Ergo complete the list of the top 10 health insurance companies. Together, these 10 insurers accounted for approximately 80% of the total health insurance premiums collected in FY 2025.

Star Health & Allied Dominates the Retail Health Segment

In the retail health insurance segment, Star Health & Allied Insurance holds a commanding lead with a collected premium of ₹15,400 crore. Care Health follows with ₹5,100 crore in premiums.
 Other notable players include Niva Bupa with ₹4,400 crore, HDFC Ergo General Insurance with ₹4,200 crore, and New India Assurance with ₹3,400 crore. The overall health insurance premium from individual retail policies stood at ₹47,300 crore in FY25.

Read More: What is Life Insurance & How it Works? Types, Benefits. 

Group Health Insurance Premiums Witness Strong Growth

Group health insurance policies generated a gross premium of ₹60,800 crore in FY25, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 10.54%. New India Assurance once again led the group health segment, with a premium collection of ₹13,000 crore. Oriental Insurance followed with ₹5,800 crore, while ICICI Lombard General Insurance collected ₹5,400 crore. National Insurance and United India Insurance reported group health premiums of ₹4,800 crore and ₹3,550 crore, respectively, reinforcing their significance in the corporate health insurance market.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

EPFO Reforms to Benefit Over 1.25 Crore Members; ₹90,000 Crore PF Transfers to Be Simplified with Revamped Form 13

In a move aimed at enhancing member convenience and promoting “Ease of Living”, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced a significant simplification in the transfer of Provident Fund (PF) accounts. As of January this year, EPFO has revamped the Form 13 functionality, removing the need for employer approval in most cases when an employee changes jobs.

Previously, transferring PF accumulations required the involvement of 2 EPF offices — the Source Office and the Destination Office. The new process eliminates the mandatory approval at the Destination Office. Once a transfer claim is approved at the Source Office, the PF amount will be automatically and instantly credited to the member’s new account at the Destination Office.

Additionally, the revamped system now bifurcates taxable and non-taxable components of PF accumulations, enabling accurate calculation of Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on taxable PF interest.

This reform is expected to benefit more than 1.25 crore members and facilitate the transfer of around ₹90,000 crores annually by significantly speeding up the transfer process.

Introduction of Bulk UAN Generation without Aadhaar Seeding

In a parallel initiative designed to further the “Ease of Doing Business”, EPFO has launched a facility enabling employers to generate Universal Account Numbers (UANs) in bulk without the prior requirement of Aadhaar seeding.

This change addresses a critical challenge — the accounting of past accumulations remitted by Exempted PF Trusts after the surrender or cancellation of their exemption, and in other cases involving remittances following quasi-judicial or recovery proceedings. EPFO has now relaxed the Aadhaar requirement for generating UANs and crediting past accumulations for such members.

A dedicated software functionality has been deployed and made available to Field Offices, allowing bulk generation of UANs based on member IDs and other available information. Importantly, to ensure the security of member funds, all UANs generated through this route will remain in a frozen state. They will only be activated once Aadhaar seeding is completed.

Read More: UAN Member Portal: EPFO Member Portal Registration. 

Conclusion

These initiatives are expected to dramatically improve EPFO’s service delivery by reducing grievances related to PF transfer delays and improper accounting of past contributions. Furthermore, streamlining validations for the auto-settlement of eligible claims will provide greater efficiency and transparency in EPFO operations.

By introducing these member-centric reforms, EPFO continues to align with its commitment to simplifying processes and enhancing the experience for millions of its members.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

DRDO Achieves Breakthrough with Over 1,000 Seconds of Scramjet Combustor Testing

The Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), a Hyderabad-based facility under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has achieved a significant breakthrough in the development of hypersonic weapon technology. On 25 April 2025, DRDL successfully conducted the ground testing of an Active Cooled Scramjet Subscale Combustor for a duration exceeding 1,000 seconds. The testing took place at the newly established Scramjet Connect Test Facility in Hyderabad.

This achievement follows an earlier test conducted in January 2025, where the scramjet combustor was tested for 120 seconds. The successful long-duration testing brings the system closer to readiness for full-scale flight-worthy combustor evaluations.

Understanding the Hypersonic Cruise Missile Programme

Hypersonic Cruise Missiles represent a transformative class of weapon systems capable of travelling at speeds greater than five times the speed of sound, exceeding 6,100 kilometres per hour. These missiles rely on air-breathing propulsion systems, where supersonic combustion plays a pivotal role in sustaining long-duration flight conditions.

The recent successful ground test validates not only the scramjet combustor’s design but also the operational efficacy of the state-of-the-art testing facility. It stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between DRDO, Indian industry partners, and academic institutions, further strengthening the foundation of India’s Hypersonic Cruise Missile Development Programme.

Government and Scientific Leadership Celebrate the Achievement

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh extended his congratulations to DRDO, industry partners, and academia, describing the achievement as a reflection of the Government’s steadfast commitment to realising critical hypersonic weapon technologies for national security.

Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, also applauded the efforts of the scientific team. He specifically congratulated Shri U Raja Babu, Director General (Missiles & Strategic Systems), Dr GA Srinivasa Murthy, Director of DRDL, and their teams for successfully demonstrating supersonic combustion for over 1,000 seconds, a milestone involving cutting-edge technologies.

Read More: Afcons Infrastructure Secures ₹1,084.54 Crore DRDO Contract. 

Conclusion

The successful test marks a significant step forward for India’s defence research capabilities. It demonstrates not only technological maturity in scramjet propulsion systems but also strengthens the nation’s pursuit of advanced hypersonic platforms. As DRDO continues to innovate in this domain, the results from the latest ground tests are expected to accelerate further developments in hypersonic flight and missile systems.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.