Content :
- DRDO achieves significant milestone in Scramjet Engine Development
- World Malaria Day – 2025
DRDO achieves significant milestone in Scramjet Engine Development
Context : Technical Achievement
- Milestone: DRDL (Hyderabad-based lab under DRDO) successfully conducted Active Cooled Scramjet Subscale Combustor ground testing for >1,000 seconds.
- Location: Scramjet Connect Test Facility, Hyderabad.
- Date of test: 25 April 2025.
- Significance: This is a continuation of an earlier test (120 seconds) done in January 2025, showing substantial progress.
Relevance : GS 3(Science and Technology)
About Scramjet & Hypersonic Technology
- Scramjet (Supersonic Combustion Ramjet):
- Operates efficiently at hypersonic speeds (Mach 5 and above).
- Air-breathing engine: Uses atmospheric oxygen, reducing the need to carry oxidizers onboard (unlike rockets).
- Requires supersonic combustion – extremely challenging due to high temperatures and pressures.
- Hypersonic Cruise Missiles:
- Can travel >6,100 kmph (Mach 5+).
- Maintain sustained cruise capability at extreme speeds.
- Ideal for penetration of enemy air defences due to low reaction time and high kinetic energy.
What Was Tested
- Active Cooled Combustor:
- Uses cooling mechanisms to withstand high heat from supersonic combustion.
- Ensures thermal stability during extended duration tests.
- Subscale Combustor Test:
- Validates design before full-scale integration.
- Proves feasibility of sustained combustion and component durability.
Technological Significance
- Validates both:
- Design of the long-duration scramjet combustor, and
- Capabilities of the new Scramjet Connect Test Facility.
- Essential step toward flight-worthy scramjet integration for missile systems.
Collaborative Effort
- Developed through integrated contributions of:
- Multiple DRDO laboratories
- Indian industry partners
- Academic institutions
- Symbolic of India’s growing defence R&D ecosystem and technology self-reliance (Atmanirbharta).
Strategic & Defence Relevance
- A cornerstone for India’s Hypersonic Cruise Missile Programme.
- Enhances next-gen missile capabilities with improved speed, reach, and survivability.
- Aligns with global race in hypersonic weapons by countries like USA, Russia, China.
What’s Next
- Preparation for full-scale combustor testing in flight conditions.
- Roadmap towards operational deployment of indigenous hypersonic cruise missiles.
Ramjet vs Scramjet – Comparative Value Addition
| Feature | Ramjet | Scramjet |
| Full Form | Ram-air jet engine | Supersonic Combustion Ramjet |
| Airflow Speed at Combustion | Subsonic (air slowed down before combustion) | Supersonic (air remains at supersonic speed during combustion) |
| Operational Speed Range | ~Mach 3 to Mach 6 | Mach 5 to Mach 10+ |
| Combustion Efficiency | Efficient at lower hypersonic speeds | Efficient at higher hypersonic speeds |
| Complexity | Relatively simpler design | More complex (thermal management, materials, airflow dynamics) |
| Fuel Usage | Hydrocarbon or hydrogen-based fuels | Same, but must sustain combustion in supersonic air |
| Examples | BrahMos missile (with a solid rocket booster) | Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV), US X-51 Waverider |
| Limitations | Cannot function at zero velocity; limited speed range | Only works at extremely high speeds; highly sensitive design |
World Malaria Day – 2025
Context and Background
- World Malaria Day is observed annually on 25th April, instituted by the WHO in 2007.
- It serves to raise awareness, encourage global investment, and foster partnerships to eliminate malaria.
- Malaria is an age-old disease that has plagued humanity for over 4,000 years, and was a major health burden in post-independence India.
Relevance : GS 2(Health )
India’s Progress and Global Recognition
- Malaria cases declined by 80.5% and deaths by 78.38% between 2015 and 2023.
- India exited WHO’s High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) group in 2024, a significant global recognition.
- 122 districts reported zero malaria cases in 2023.
- Transition reflects a paradigm shift in India’s malaria trajectory and health governance.
India’s Elimination Targets
- Zero indigenous cases by 2027.
- Full malaria elimination by 2030, aligning with the WHO Global Technical Strategy (2016–2030).
- India’s national roadmap includes:
- National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME) 2016–2030.
- National Strategic Plan 2023–2027.
Malaria – Disease Overview
- Caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted via infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
- Not contagious person-to-person, but can spread via infected blood or needles.
- Symptoms: Fever, headache, chills (early); confusion, seizures, jaundice, difficulty breathing (severe).
- Treatment:
- ACTs for Plasmodium falciparum.
- Chloroquine + Primaquine for Plasmodium vivax and ovale.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are critical.
Global Burden
- 597,000 global deaths in 2023, slightly down from 600,000 in 2022.
- 11 HBHI countries accounted for 66% of cases and 68% of deaths.
- Despite gains, malaria remains a leading cause of illness and death in tropical regions.
India’s Key Strategies & Interventions
Core Interventions:
- Test, Treat, Track strategy: Widespread surveillance, rapid diagnosis, and treatment.
- Vector control: LLIN (Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets), insecticide sprays, and larval source management.
- Data-driven governance: Real-time surveillance, digital tracking systems.
Focus Projects:
- Intensified Malaria Elimination Project – 3 (IMEP-3): Targets 159 high-burden districts across 12 states.
- Uses customized strategies for vulnerable populations and regional challenges.
Behaviour Change & Awareness:
- Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) using local influencers, media campaigns, and community engagement.
- Community participation recognised by the PM as key to success (Mann Ki Baat – Dec 2024).
Inter-sectoral & Capacity Building:
- Collaboration across ministries (health, environment, housing, etc.) to address determinants of malaria.
- Training of 850+ health professionals in 2024.
- Emphasis on research in insecticide resistance and therapeutic efficacy.
Integration with Ayushman Bharat:
- Malaria services integrated with Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and Community Health Officers.
- Ensures last-mile delivery and universal health access.
District-Level Differentiation
- NFME categorizes districts into:
- Category 3 (Intensified Control Phase) for high-transmission areas.
- Encourages district-specific planning, especially for P. vivax prevalent zones.
Lessons from India’s Approach
- Blend of top-down planning and bottom-up execution.
- Leveraging community ownership, tech-enabled governance, and public-private coordination.
Theme 2025 – “Malaria Ends With Us”
- Emphasizes collective responsibility and ownership at all levels.
- Urges the world to reinvest in innovation, reimagine public health systems, and reignite momentum for eradication.
Conclusion
- India is on track to set a global benchmark in disease elimination.
- The malaria elimination journey underscores the strength of science-led health policy, resilient institutions, and citizen engagement.
- A malaria-free India by 2030 is not just a health goal, but a symbol of inclusive development and public health leadership.
