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<ul><li>To become a professional <keyword id="2565006" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Drone-pilot" source="Orion">drone pilot</keyword> in <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>, candidates must get a certificate from an institute approved by <keyword id="6354787" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="dgca" source="Orion">DGCA</keyword>, the aviation regulator.</li><li>A 12th standard (or equivalent) passout can apply for drone pilot training and no college degree is required to <keyword id="14065823" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="become-a-drone-pilot" source="Orion">become a drone pilot</keyword>.</li><li>Candidates will have to clear a medical examination as specified by the DGCA, and a background check by the government agency concerned.</li></ul>The Indian government is promoting the drone industry in India – which is expected to create around one lakh jobs in the coming years. “India will be a drone hub by 2030,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the '<keyword id="14033273" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bharat-Drone-Mahotsav-2022" source="Orion">Bharat Drone Mahotsav 2022</keyword>' in New Delhi on May 27. The government eased regulations too and removed strict mandates needed to fly drones. However, to become a professional drone pilot in India, candidates must get a certificate from an institute approved by DGCA, the aviation regulator. <div type="twitter" handle="JM_Scindia" handlename="Jyotiraditya M. Scindia" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1307284742912516096/C5KNVjRt_normal.jpg" favoritecount="1141" retweetcount="172" status="Got a chance to meet &amp; interact with the young &amp;energetic drone community at the launch of @NITIAayog's Experience… https://t.co/o4K1afo0iE" createdat="1652170398000" id="1523939221509001216"></div> "We are actively working towards making drone services easily accessible. India will soon witness a higher number of industries embracing drone innovation. This will eventually lead to a revolution that will touch the life of every citizen,” said civil aviation minister <keyword id="29632" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jyotiraditya-Scindia" source="Orion">Jyotiraditya Scindia</keyword> during the launch of NITI Aayog’s Experience Studio on drones in Delhi on May 10. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Eligibility for becoming a drone pilot in India" comment="subhead" text="Eligibility for becoming a drone pilot in India">Eligibility for becoming a drone pilot in India</cmsannotation> The qualifications required for taking this course are low too. A 12th grade (higher secondary school or its equivalent) passout can go for a drone pilot training course, Scindia said. The maximum age to receive this certificate is also fixed at 65 years, to carry out commercial activities. Candidates will have to clear a <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/how-to/how-to-become-a-drone-pilot/articleshow/85653965.cms">medical examination</a> and a background check by the government agency concerned, as per DGCA guidelines. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Institutes and universities offering drone pilot training courses" comment="subhead" text="Institutes and universities offering drone pilot training courses">Institutes and universities offering drone pilot training courses</cmsannotation> These institutes and universities which offer drone pilot training as approved by DGCA: <ul><li>Flytech Aviation Academy, Hyderabad </li><li>Alliance University, Anekal, Bengaluru </li><li>Fore Institute Of Drone Technology And Research (FIDTR), Gurugram </li><li>Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi, Furstatganj Airfield, Amethi </li><li>Madhav Institute of Technology and Science, Gwalior </li><li>The Bombay Flying Club – Juhu Airport, Mumbai </li><li>CASR Anna University – Centre for Aerospace Research MIT Campus, Chennai </li></ul><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="More drone schools means less fees" comment="subhead" text="More drone schools means less fees">More drone schools means less fees</cmsannotation> The training period is low too — at 2-3 months, and the median salary could be as high as ₹30,000. However, the fee ranges anywhere between ₹30,000 and ₹1 lakh. This fee will also drop in the next few months, assured Scindia, as more institutes move to offer drone pilot courses. “So, now, the DGCA will only certify drone schools, and it is the drone school concerned which will grant certificates to pilots. We have completely removed bureaucracy from this process,” he said. Drone Destination, a Delhi-based company, is planning to establish at least 150 drone pilot training schools across the country by 2025, its CEO Chirag Sharma told PTI. "We intend to partner with universities, agricultural institutes and police academies to serve the distinct needs of the ecosystem and enable employment and entrepreneurship opportunities to over one lakh individuals required by our industry by 2025,” Sharma said. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="http://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/nykaa-to-face-competitive-heat-but-its-omni-channel-experience-maybe-the-game-changer/articleshow/91883946.cms">Nykaa to face competitive heat but its omni-channel experience maybe the game changer</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/united-states-looking-at-nuclear-powered-spacecraft-in-space-by-2027/articleshow/91882813.cms">After banning destructive satellite tests, US plans to use nuclear power systems in space</a>

Here’s all you need to know about drone pilot training courses in India

The government has approved the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for <keyword id="94769" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="drones" source="Orion">drones</keyword> and drone components for implementation during the current year (2022-23) till 2024-25 with an outlay of Rs 120 crore. Based on the consultations/meetings with the stakeholders, including the industry representatives and the concerned departments, the operational guidelines of the PLI scheme for drones and drone components have been finalised. A statement from the <keyword id="149609" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="ministry-of-civil-aviation" source="Orion">ministry of civil aviation</keyword> (MoCA) said that the objective behind this scheme is to incentivise the manufacturing of drones so as to make them self-sustaining and globally competitive. The statement said in order to make the country a global hub for the research and development, testing, manufacturing and operation of drones under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, the liberalised <keyword id="2730972" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="drone-rules" source="Orion">Drone Rules</keyword>, 2021, was released to create a growth-oriented regulatory framework for drones. To facilitate further growth, the government said it approved the PLI scheme for drones and drone components in <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>. Some of the operational guidelines which were notified for the stakeholders and the public were based on the definitions of the companies; eligibility; application and online portal; project management agency (PMA), empowered group of secretaries (EGoS) and the Competent Authority; approval under PLI and determination of baseline and calculation and disbursement of incentives. These applicants for the scheme are the companies registered in India that are manufacturing -- drones and drone components. The manufacturing can be carried out at one or more locations in India. According to the statement, the target segment covers drones and drone components. Drone components include airframe, propulsion systems (engine and electric), power systems, batteries and associated components, launch and recovery systems, communication systems, cameras, sensors, detect-and-avoid system, and software for drone and drone components, among others. In terms of applications, the statement said it should be with supporting documents and an application fee. Application acknowledgement date is the date on which it is acknowledged by the ministry after carrying out initial scrutiny. The application approval date is the date on which, based on an application, approval under the scheme is issued by the PMA. According to the guidelines, the scheme will be implemented through a nodal agency. Such nodal agency shall act as a PMA and will be responsible for providing secretarial, managerial and implementation support and carrying out responsibilities as assigned by the ministry from time to time. The PMA would be responsible for the appraisal of applications and verification of eligibility, examination of claims, a compilation of data, regarding the progress and performance of the scheme and to keep a check on any diversions arising out of any change in accounting policy or duplication of benefits on account of the same activity under different PLI schemes. The scheme shall have a provision for audit by an external auditor (chartered accountant or cost accountant). The EGoS will conduct periodic reviews of eligible companies with respect to their investments, employment generation, production and value addition under the scheme. It may revise incentivise rates, ceilings, and eligibility criteria as deemed appropriate during the scheme's tenure. The statement from the ministry said claim for disbursement of incentive shall be filed on an annual basis by the applicant within 12 months from the end of the financial year for the claims pertaining to FY22 (2021-22) and within six months from the end of the financial year to which the claim pertains for remaining tenure of the scheme. Applicants will be required to submit claims for disbursement of incentives to the PMA for claiming incentives under the scheme. Applicants must ensure that the claims are complete in all respects and accompanied by all the documents required as per the format prescribed. PMA will have to examine the disbursement claims as submitted by an applicant. The statement also said the PMA shall process claims for the disbursement of incentives and make appropriate recommendations to the Competent Authority. It also said the disbursement of incentives may be in the form of Direct Bank Transfer or through any other mechanism of adjustment in the name of the applicant only. In case of excess claims disbursed, the applicant shall reimburse MoCA for any incentive amount refundable along with interest calculated at three years. The PMA will submit budgetary requirements to MoCA as a consolidated amount on a quarterly basis. The statement also said that all approved applicants shall be required to furnish self-certified quarterly review reports within 30 days from the end of each quarter. The ministry also said these guidelines may be amended or modified at any time during the continuance of the scheme. Any dispute arising out of any conditions stipulated in the norms, selection of proposals and issues during the implementation under the scheme will be subject to courts/tribunals having jurisdiction under Delhi. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/rupee-at-80-against-the-usd-a-possibility-say-analysts-as-us-fed-hints-at-slower-rate-hikes/articleshow/95940818.cms">Rupee may hit 80/$ aided by trifecta of softer rates, cooling crude and stronger macros, say analysts</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/globalbees-to-cred-and-two-adani-group-companies-companies-which-command-high-valuations-with-low-revenues/articleshow/95929044.cms">The curious case of companies which command high valuations with low revenues</a>

Govt approves PLI scheme for making drones with outlay of Rs 120 cr, comes out with norms

<ul><li>The Defence Research and Development Organisation (<keyword id="6355142" type="DEFINITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="DRDO">DRDO</keyword>) announced new indigenous drones that will help the Indian Army guard the borders against China in the Eastern Ladakh region. </li><li>In addition to speeding up the purchase of <keyword id="1062453" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rafale-fighter-jets">Rafale fighter jets</keyword> from France, the Indian government also approved $5.55 billion of new arms projects. </li><li>The fund comes with special financial powers to rapidly buy weapons with a ceiling of $71.42 million. </li></ul>Tensions between India and China continue to prevail along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. The longer it trails on, it gives the Indian government an opportunity to upgrade its military technology for border surveillance. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (<a href="https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/indian-army-gets-bharat-drones-for-accurate-surveillance-along-china-border20200721151216/">DRDO</a>) announced that it will be deploying its indigenous drones for surveillance in the region. The delivery of the famed <keyword id="6381048" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="rafale">Rafale</keyword> fighter jets has also expedited on ‘special request’ from New Delhi amid the India-China border row. They are <a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1640014">expected to arrive by July 29.</a> <div type="image" title="rafale" msid="77099412" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Rafale fighter jet&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The Ministry of Defence has also entered a $74 million contract with Bharat Earth Movers Limited (<a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1639963">BEML</a>) for 1,512 Mine Ploughs for its T-90 <keyword id="9618839" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="bhishma-tanks">Bhishma Tanks</keyword>, which are currently deployed in Eastern Ladakh. <div type="image" title="bhishma" msid="77099394" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;T-90 Bhishma tanks&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> This development comes after India fast-tracked the finances needed to procure more weapons. On July 2, the <a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1635916">Defence Acquisition Council</a> approved collection of arms projects worth $5.55 billion. A majority of the share — around $4.44 billion — will be directed towards domestic efforts. Special powers to spend $71.42 million A portion of the funds, around $71 million, comes with special financial powers to rapidly buy up weapons. In short-run, the government has approved the emergency purchase of Excalibur artillery rounds of the M777 ultralight howitzers from the United States. The purchase is presumably to take on China’s new howitzer weapon which it added to its arsenal on the border in June. The short-cannon type weapon is capable of firing projectiles at high trajectories. The weapons are relatively new and only made their public debut during a military parade in Beijing in October 2019. The approval also includes emergency funding for the Igla-S air defence systems from Russia and Spike anti-tank guided missiles from Israel. Long term spending of $5.55 billion Under the new set of projects that have been approved by the council, India will be able to upgrade 59 of its MiG-29 jets in addition to purchasing 21 new ones from Russia for a sum total of $1 billion. <div type="image" title="mig29_edited" msid="77099461" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;MIG 29 jets&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> India also plans to order 12 more Russian-made Su-30MKI fighters from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for a whopping $1.53 billion. The approval also covers indigenous development programs like the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers, an upgrade of the BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles, software-defined radios, Nirbhay land-attack cruise missiles and Astra beyond-visual-range missiles. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/south-china-sea-tensions-cause-for-concern/articleshow/77060644.cms">The rising heat in the South China Sea should be a cause for concern</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/supercomputer-earth-3d-videos-show-how-planet-may-have-lost-half-of-its-atmosphere-to-create-the-moon/articleshow/77098789.cms">WATCH: Supercomputer generates 3D videos that show how Earth may have lost half of its atmosphere to create the Moon</a>

New drones, Rafale fighter jets, tanks and much more — India-China border dispute has lit a fire to upgrade military technology

<ul><li><keyword id="3820" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="mukesh-ambani" source="Orion">Mukesh Ambani</keyword> is leaving no stone unturned in his bid to diversify from a select few industries like oil, retail and telecom to software and beyond. </li><li>SankhyaSutra Labs, a subsidiary of <keyword id="9093411" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jio-Platforms" source="Orion">Jio Platforms</keyword>, showcased software for drone and aircraft design, pitting itself as an option as India liberalises its drone policies and doubles down on defence indigenisation. </li><li>Gautam Adani, too, has announced his foray by picking up a 50% stake in General Aeronautics, a drone maker. </li></ul>Mukesh Ambani has set his sights on the Indian government’s defence indigenisation efforts. After drones, Ambani Senior is looking to enter the critical space of aircraft design through a Bengaluru-based subsidiary, SankhyaSutra Labs. The Reliance subsidiary, under <keyword id="2003276" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jio" source="Orion">Jio</keyword> Platforms, showcased a Made in India software that can be used to design aircraft at the AeroCon 2022 — an aerospace conference organised by the Society of Automobile Engineering. The company said that it intends to launch a major product in October this year, but stopped short of specifying exactly what it would be about. SankhyaSutra’s focus seems to be on making it easier and cheaper to simulate aircraft designs. Simulation plays a significant role in all aircraft design, particularly in defence. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="91892935" title="These four drone company stocks gave record breaking returns in one year" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> “Accurate and reliable simulations can potentially reduce the need for expensive and time-consuming experiments, such as wind tunnel experiments, used for the design of aircraft,” said Dr. Vinay Kariwala, vice president of business development and SankhyaSutra Labs. “This opens up several possibilities by making aircraft design faster and cheaper, as well as allowing exploration of unconventional and radically new design alternatives,” he added. The company said it uses a combination of physics, mathematics and computer science for its designing tools. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Ambani joins Adani in capitalising on India’s drone needs" comment="subhead" text="Ambani joins Adani in capitalising on India’s drone needs">Ambani joins Adani in capitalising on India’s drone needs</cmsannotation> Last week, SankhyaSutra also showcased its products and solutions for drones at the Drone Festival of India 2022, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also present. India liberalised its drone policies and lifted restrictions on drone usage and expanded it from just defence to other sectors like — agriculture, tourism, healthcare and more. The potential of drones has caught the fancy of both Ambani and Gautam Adani - two of India’s richest men. The Adani Group recently picked up a 50% stake in a drone company called General Aeronautics. Drone company stocks have <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/these-four-drone-company-stocks-gave-record-breaking-returns-in-one-year/articleshow/91892935.cms">delivered record returns</a> of up to 160%. All the four listed entities – Paras Defence, Zen Technologies, RattanIndia Enterprises, and Bharat Electronics had gained momentum. It remains to be seen if Gautam Adani will follow Mukesh Ambani in launching a dedicated defence vertical as India doubles down on achieving Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/these-four-drone-company-stocks-gave-record-breaking-returns-in-one-year/articleshow/91892935.cms">These four drone company stocks gave record breaking returns in one year</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/ambani-and-adani-together-borrowed-more-than-1-out-of-every-5-from-foreign-lenders/articleshow/91909834.cms">Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani account for $1 out of every $5 of foreign loans</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/rakesh-jhunjhunwalas-delta-corp-stock-lost-more-than-a-third-of-its-value-in-two-months/articleshow/91957129.cms">Rakesh Jhunjhunwala’s gamble on this stock is proving to be a bust after it slips 20% in a month</a>

Mukesh Ambani sets sights on defence – showcases Made in India software for aircraft design

<ul><li>DRDO developed a counter-drone technology system in 2020, however it did not get any order from the Indian armed forces. </li><li>Experts believe that the drone as well as counter-drone technology are fairly young and still need improvements. </li><li>Indian government rolled out guidelines against rogue <keyword id="94769" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="drones">drones</keyword> in 2013, yet the country doesn’t have enough anti-drone devices.</li></ul>As the government of India has just started recognising the potential use cases of drones in the Indian healthcare system, it was hit with a harsh reality that the enemies of the state have taken leaps to incorporate this technology to harm the South Asian nation. Two bombs were<a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/jammu-iaf-base-drone-attack-jawans-saw-heard-bombs-drop-1821316-2021-06-30"> dropped</a> at the Indian Air Force station in Jammu, in the early hours of June 27 this year. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">June 27, 2021 </td><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Two bombs dropped on IAF base in Jammu between 1:43 a.m.-1:50 a.m. </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">June 27, 2021 </td><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Two more drones were spotted over IAF military stations at 11:45 p.m. and 2:40 a.m. </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">June 28, 2021 </td><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Two similar devices were noticed in Ratnuchak-Kaluchak military area in Jammu. This prompted soldiers to open fire. </td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Source: Media reports </td></tr></tbody></table> This compelled the Indian government and security forces to go on a shopping spree to buy expensive counter-drone systems. While there are not many counter-drone technology makers in India, few of these players include state-owned Defence Research &amp; Development Organisation (DRDO), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), ideaForge and Big Bang Boom Solutions. According to media <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bsf-it-ministry-companies-border-security-drone-attack-7386310/">reports</a>, there are over 500 companies that can help the country find a solution to its drone problem. All these companies may not make devices to harm or kill drones, but can certainly help in tracking them. There are also several military tech private companies in the country, including Adani Defence &amp; Aerospace and Kadet Defence Systems that make drones for surveillance and technology for other combat purposes; Atindriya Systems provides electronic systems and software solutions for defense, and Trijatta that develops radars and encryption devices for the military. The government of India has been aware of the potential threat that rogue drones could pose in the security of the nation and issued a <a href="https://www.civilaviation.gov.in/sites/default/files/Counter_rogue_drone_guidelnes_NSCS.pdf">National Counter Rogue Drone Guidelines </a>two years ago. The policy highlights that the drone factor should be taken seriously as unmanned aircrafts, consumer drones and do-it-yourself (DIY) drones are readily available over the internet. The policy, referring to the Israel-Lebanon war of 2006, highlights "In certain incidents, the small drones were also armed with explosive ordnance, to convert them into potentially lethal guided missiles, thus demonstrating the growing sophistication with which these potent warriors have found relevance in combat zones." Yet it has found itself short of any large scale counter-drone system. The Jammu attack in itself did not cost much, but it did highlight the urgency to invest in a counter-drone system that could prevent bigger attacks in the long run. In the coming months, the government of India wants to sign multi-million dollar [who’s saying this?] contracts with both domestic and foreign firms to procure these technologies. <div type="image" title="India has limited options for weapons that can take down enemy drones" msid="84836842" hostid="261"></div> The anti-drone technology has a massive headroom to cover Kruthi Aramanamada, head of marketing at ideaForge, explained to Business Insider that counter-drone technology is expensive and fairly new as it came into existence only a decade ago. The technology is not fully matured and there is still a lot of scope of research and development (R&amp;D) in this segment, she added. Meanwhile, Anshuman Tripathi, a drone technology expert who is also a member of the National Security Advisory Board, <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/combating-the-drone-menace-india-needs-to-pick-up-pace-with-anti-drone-measures-1823517-2021-07-03">said</a>, "Drones are still evolving and solutions to handle them are incomplete. It's a matter of a few years when the technology matures and you can standardise equipment as you go forward." Even developed countries like the US, Russia and Israel are <a href="https://theprint.in/opinion/brahmastra/india-needs-to-shop-for-anti-drone-systems-we-are-already-late/688517/">pumping billions</a> of dollars into research and development of both drones and counter-drone systems. However, they have not found a foolproof system for both hard and soft kill as yet. Indian armed forces on a look out for counter-drone systems In June 2020, IAF floated a Request for Information (RFI) for Indian vendors for Counter Unarmed Aircraft System (CUAS), which can be used to bring down the rogue drone. Apart from that, other ministries and departments are also looking to sign such contracts. However, there have not been many insights on who may end up getting such contracts. One of the possible beneficiaries of this spree is likely to be Israel-based company Smart Shooter, a company that has been developing systems to help militaries track and engage moving targets. Indian Navy had placed an order to <a href="https://theprint.in/defence/navy-orders-israeli-smash-2000-plus-systems-to-tackle-drones-more-contracts-in-offing/562955/">procure </a>an unspecified number of Smart Shooter’s SMASH 2000 Rifle Sights in December 2020. However, the Indian Army wasn’t quite impressed with it after their trials in January 2021. They found that the system may work well for the Navy as they work in open terrain, but it is not feasible for other terrains. This highlighted another major challenge among the counter-drone technology — use cases. The counter-drone system is not a ‘one size fits all’ type of solution and has to be customised based on the criticality of the situation, Aramanamada added. The debate between indigenous or foreign technology remains Prof. P B Sujit, adjunct faculty at School of Engineering and Technology at BML Munjal University, said that the current counter-drone tech is limited and mostly sourced or licensed from other countries. He also noted that there are few Indian startups in the segment as well, but the quality of those solutions is undetermined at the moment. “The trust in Indian developed tech is low. With the history of India importing from Israel, it's natural to import this. Moreover Israel has good tech which has been field tested with Palestine stuff... So the confidence levels are right with the Israel tech,” he added. Apart from the Israeli plan, the government is also on a look out for the technology developed by domestic players and foreign public as well as private sector units, drone original equipment manufacturers, defence tech firms and Defence Research &amp; Development Organisation (DRDO). Indian stand on the counter-drone infrastructure includes only a few players at the moment: <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">DRDO anti-drone system was<a href="https://www.drdo.gov.in/sites/default/files/drdo-news-documents/NPC_15-16_Aug_2020.pdf"> first </a>deployed in India in 2020, during various national events including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech. However, it is not being used. The device had the capability to detect, intercept and destroy small drones. </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">DRDO also carried out an urgent demonstration of its anti-drone system to armed forces at Kolar, a city in Karnataka, earlier in July 2021. The system has a detection capability of up to four kilometres with ‘soft kill’ option by radio frequency jamming. </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">National Security Guards had <a href="https://www.firstpost.com/india/why-india-needs-israel-as-drone-attacks-become-real-and-threatens-to-be-cataclysmic-9763551.html">awarded </a>a contract worth ₹1.49 crore to Bengaluru-based Accord Software &amp; System for procurement of indigenous Counter Drone Technology System. </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">ideaForge has partnered with German tech firm Aaronia AG to develop anti-drone tech devices. However, the solutions have not been deployed on the ground yet. </td></tr></tbody></table> Even though the army and security forces are yet to deploy DRDO’s anti-drone system, Bharat Electronics Limited and three<a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bsf-to-test-drdo-anti-drone-system-on-border-ied-laden-uav-shot-down-in-jammu-101627010670994.html"> undisclosed </a>private companies have signed a technology transfer agreement with the government. The agreement would enable these players to mass-produce the system. SEE ALSO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/political-media/news/there-are-at-least-four-hot-issues-in-india-that-the-government-has-no-data-for/articleshow/84820788.cms">There are at least four hot issues in India that the government has no data for</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/cryptocurrency/news/maharashtra-karnataka-and-telangana-plan-to-use-ethereum-in-their-fight-against-fake-degrees/articleshow/84823688.cms">This Indian startup is using Ethereum to help Maharashtra, Karnataka and Telangana fight against fake degrees</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/ola-expands-esop-pool-to-3000-crore-issues-stock-worth-400-crore-to-employees/articleshow/84820171.cms">Ola expands ESOP pool to ₹3,000 crore, issues stock worth ₹400 crore to employees</a>

India has limited options for weapons that can take down enemy drones

With a growing indigenous base of manufacturers, <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>'s <keyword id="2757731" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="drone-industry" source="Orion">drone industry</keyword> may play an instrumental role in public services such as agriculture, defence, healthcare and infrastructure maintenance in the future, say experts while also highlighting some concerns around the safety and privacy of these unmanned aerial vehicles. Drones are mini pilotless aircraft operated by remote control and can be accessed through simple devices like a smartphone app. These unmanned vehicles require far less effort, time and energy, and can reach far and difficult terrains while being controlled by a single person remotely. Popularity and adoption of drone technology is catching up across regions and sectors and India is no exception to it. Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said last month that India will need approximately one lakh drone pilots in the coming years. In order to showcase the potential of the indigenous drone industry, India recently organised its biggest drone festival in the national capital. Bharat Drone Mahotsav, a two-day event held on May 27 and 28 in the capital saw over 1,600 delegates, including government officials, foreign diplomats, PSUs, private companies and drone startups etc. as participants. The companies exhibited unmanned vehicles ready for fields such as defence, agriculture, survey mapping while also showcasing futuristic cutting edge projects that will entail the drones taking bigger roles such as carrying patients in emergencies to delivering goods and essentials at a mass level. New-Delhi based drone maker Theta Enerlytics along with Vega Aviation Products showcased their endurance &amp; hard body drones at the festival. "These drones can be used for various purposes like agriculture, forest management services, town and city planning services, revenue and planning departments, police services, smart cities within the public sector and industries, power plants, mining companies, construction companies to name a few," said <keyword id="14180187" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Karan-Dhaul" source="Orion">Karan Dhaul</keyword>, Chairman and co-founder, Theta Enerlytics. "Our drones are made with complete composite materials which enable a higher-flying time than any other drones in their class. Our Theta Falcon can fly up to 150 minutes in a single flight and can carry up to 1kilogramme of sensors and payloads," Dhaul told PTI. He noted that 'Theta Falcon' is ideal for mapping applications, surveillance and border security. The drone takes off vertically like a helicopter and then transitions into horizontal flight like an airplane. Another drone showcased at the festival, 'Hexacopter Theta Lotus', can carry a payload of up to 10 kg in ideal conditions and can be also used for stringing guidewires for transmission lines, ropeway bridges and cable cars. "The Lotus can fly up to 70 minutes on a single charge," said Dhaul. Many drones displayed at the festival have a specific and strong use case and will do well due to the burgeoning demand in the country, said Suhas <keyword id="2921292" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="chandak" source="Orion">Chandak</keyword>, owner of Karnataka-based Vega Aviation Products. "In India drone companies are already providing services worth 100 crores, and are poised to increase tenfold," Chandak told PTI. Drone technology expert Dharmendra Singh concurred, saying a huge market and demand for drones is coming very fast in the country. "Now, a lot of private players are coming in this area which will certainly reduce the cost of the drones as well as the services of the drones for different applications," Singh, professor at Department of Electronics &amp; Communication Engineering, <keyword id="55119" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Institute-of-Technology" source="Orion">Indian Institute of Technology</keyword> (IIT) Roorkee told PTI. "So, it might be possible that in near future India may have very cost-effective services in various places like agriculture, delivery system, project monitoring, health sector etc," he added. As India aims to become a global hub for drone technology by 2030, Singh said highly stable and precise drones with good coverage capability may play an instrumental role in public services. The professor noted that India has enough infrastructure, good supply chain and excellent technical capacity for deploying drones, however, some concerns remain. "Privacy, secret monitoring or spying and collisions of the drones are some of the concerns that can hinder their large-scale implementation," he added. Chandak said the government is well aware of these issues and the zoning of the country into green, orange and red zones has addressed most fears and concerns, especially those around privacy. "However, as an industry we must ensure failsafe against equipment failure or human error as a single accident can change the fate of any operator," said Chandak. "As a deterrent to rogue drones, it would be helpful if the government makes easier the indigenous manufacture and deployment of anti drone systems and jammers to help protect infrastructure against antisocial elements," he added. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="http://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/storks-are-flocking-to-haryana-and-ornithologists-are-studying-their-nest-location-patterns/articleshow/92171007.cms">Storks are flocking to Haryana and ornithologists are studying their nest location patterns</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="http://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/misleading-ads-to-get-10-lakh-penalty-says-govt-body-insisting-14-cos-withdrew-covid-efficacy-ads-after-notice/articleshow/92170866.cms">Misleading ads to get ₹10 lakh penalty says govt body insisting 14 cos withdrew COVID efficacy ads after notice</a>

India's indigenous drones set to take flight but concerns remain, say experts

<ul><li>The Indian government may not be able to fully utilise the budget it had allocated for the defence equipment and weapons purchases in 2021.</li><li>Strengthening the Navy may be one of the main focus for India's defence ministry as the threat coming from China rises.</li><li>India’s Defence budget has remained consistent roughly at 2% of the GDP in the last five years. </li></ul>The Indian government promised to spend 19% — of the ₹4.78 crore crore set aside for the defence sector — in buying new equipment, weapons, fighter jets et al before March 2022. That money may not be fully spent as planned, a national security and defence expert told Business Insider. The money may go into a corpus and is likely to be spent in the next year, according to <keyword id="300102" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sameer-Patil" source="Orion">Sameer Patil</keyword>, senior Fellow at ORF, who also believes that the upcoming budget on February 1 may focus more on strengthening India’s Navy. Not just Patil, another national security analyst Bhartendu Singh, also believes that while India’s allocation for defence will go up in absolute terms, it may remain small as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP). India’s defence budget has remained consistent roughly at 2% of the GDP in the last five years. Even though the recommended <a href="https://prsindia.org/budgets/parliament/demand-for-grants-2021-22-analysis-defence#:~:text=Growth%20of%203%25%20over%20Budget,central%20government%20expenditure%20of%2014%25.">share is 3%</a>. <div type="image" title="This year’s defence budget may focus on building submarines, drones, warships and aircraft carriers" msid="88989454" hostid="261"></div> Here’s why India needs to strengthen the Navy While India has been constantly battling China on its land borders, the budget this year may focus on building up and modernising its forces on the sea. This is largely because the Chinese threat in the Indian ocean has also been rising simultaneously, according to Patil. Commodore Anil Jai Singh, a submarine veteran, has also <a href="https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/china-raises-bay-of-bengal-security-concerns-with-ming-presence/2398960/">raised </a>concerns over China ‘gifting’ Type 035 Ming class diesel-electric submarine — the oldest class of submarines in the Chinese inventory — to Myanmar last month. China has been growing its presence in the Indian ocean even before the Galwan clash of 2021, Patil added. Some steps are already visible. “We have seen both L&amp;T and Mazagon dockyard have been shortlisted as India’s strategic partners for building the next set of submarines,” Patil added. This project — which aims to build P75i submarines — is likely to see an investment up to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/the-defence-acquisition-council-dac-clears-the-issuing-request-for-proposal-rfp-for-the-indian-navys-mega-deal-to-procure-six-submarines/articleshow/83229317.cms">₹45,000 crore</a>. The Indian Armed Forces is also looking to defend itself by building anti-submarine warfare capabilities, purchasing more maritime surveillance drones and building a fleet of 300 for the <keyword id="6355100" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-navy" source="Orion">Indian navy</keyword>. According to Elara Capital’s report published in October 2021 the Indian Navy's Fleet stands at 150 ships and submarines,and the Coast Guard fleet is at 130 vessels. Each of these is expected to grow to 200 vessels by 2027. Orders are likely to be placed for 165 warships in the medium term, the report added. Government of India’s undertaking Garden Reach Shipbuilders &amp; Engineers (GRSE), in its red herring prospectus, highlighted that the Navy’s estimated capital budget up to 2027 is expected to be ₹4.5 lakh crore. <div type="image" title="This year’s defence budget may focus on building submarines, drones, warships and aircraft carriers" msid="88989438" hostid="261"></div> If indeed, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman makes provisions for higher spending on the Navy, these are some of the stocks to watch out for on Budget day. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; table-layout: fixed; width: 468pt;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Stock </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Change in last one month </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Reliance Naval </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">-2.7% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Cochin Shipyard </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">4.98% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Garden Reach Shipbuilders &amp; Engineers </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">16.52% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Bharat Electronics </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">6.26% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Paras Defence </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">5.28% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Hindustan Aeronautics Limited </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">14.15% </td></tr></tbody></table>Source: BSE SEE ALSO <a class="tout-title-link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/bajaj-finance-bajaj-auto-hero-motocorp-and-other-hot-stocks-on-january-19/slidelist/88985936.cms">Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Auto, Hero MotoCorp and other hot stocks on January 19</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/indias-daily-covid-19-cases-surge-by-7-8-in-a-day-active-cases-stand-at-1831000/articleshow/88987362.cms">India’s daily COVID-19 cases surge by 7.8% in a day, active cases stand at 18,31,000</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/ags-transact-technologies-ipo-cash-management-firm-looking-to-halve-its-debt-with-ipo-money/articleshow/88987025.cms">AGS Transact is a cash management firm looking to halve its debt with IPO money</a>

This year’s defence budget may focus on building submarines, drones, warships and aircraft carriers

Apart from purchasing Apache and Chinook helicopters from the US, the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Indian+Air+Force+%28IAF%29+">Indian Air Force (IAF)</a> is also going to extend its fully-automated air surveillance and defence network in the entire country. 
 The <keyword id="80629" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Cabinet-Committee-on-Security">Cabinet Committee on Security</keyword>, apart from the $3 billion purchase of choppers from the US, has also cleared an almost Rs 8,000 crore project for extension of the IAF's defence network. 
 
The aim is to ensure any intrusion by a hostile aircraft, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=helicopter%2C+drone+">helicopter, drone</a> or micro-light to be detected and tackled as soon as it takes place. 
 
According to a source, the composite air picture would be available in real-time at centralised locations and the national command post. 
 
The country will have better surveillance system with the help of integrating all airborne and ground-based civilian and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=military+radars">military radars</a>. 
 
The IAF has already set-up five nodes of the integrated air command and control system (IACCS) in the western sector facing <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Pakistan+">Pakistan</a> at Barnala (Punjab), Wadsar (Gujarat), Aya Nagar (Delhi), Jodhpur (Rajasthan) and Ambala (Haryana) with help from defence <keyword id="437887" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="PSU-Bharat-Electronics">PSU Bharat Electronics</keyword>. 
 
There is now a plan to establish four new major nodes and 10 sub-nodes under Phase-II of the IACCS. While three nodes will be in eastern, central and southern India, the fourth is meant for the strategically-located Andaman and Nicobar Islands archipelago. 
 
Some of the new nodes will be located in underground complexes to improve survivability in face of enemy attacks, even as the entire IACCS infrastructure is also being upgraded with advanced early-warning, jam-resistant radars and the like. 
 
(Image: Indiatimes)

Rs 8000 cr for the Indian Air Force to get a better radar system to detect hostile aircraft, drone or even micro-light!

<ul><li>Finance minister <keyword id="129243" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> allocated ₹6,000 crore towards BharatNet.</li><li>The budget proposes to connect over 1 lakh Gram Panchayats in 2020.</li><li>It plans to bring rural and remote regions of India online through fiber to home (FTTH) connections.</li></ul> India’s finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced ₹6,000 crore for BharatNet to digitise 1 lakh Gram Panchayats in 2020. As a part of Digital India, the government wants of public sector enterprises to be digitised — even at the Gram Panchayat Level. “Our vision is that all public institutions at the Gram Panchayat level, such as aanganvaadis, health and wellness centres, government schools, PDS outlets, post offices, and police stations will all be provided with digital connectivity,” said Sitharaman. BharatNet was established in 2017 as a highly scalable network infrastructure accessible on a non-discriminatory basis to provide affordable access to the internet at speeds of at least 2 megabytes per second. “So, the fibre to home (FTTH) connections through BharatNet will link 100,000 Gram Panchayats this year itself. It is purposed therefore to provide ₹6,000 crore to BharatNet program 2020-21,” explained Sitharaman. BharatNet is funded by the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). This was set up by the government to improve telecom services in rural and remote regions of India. The aim is not only to provide the internet but to deliver digital services like e-governance, e-health, e-education, and e-banking among others. “The new economy is based on innovations that disrupt established business models. Artificial intelligence, internet of things, 3D printing, drones, DNA, data storage, quantum computing etc. are all rewriting the world economic order,” said Sitharaman explaining why it’s important to bring all of India online. She also pointed out that India has already embraced a new paradigms — such as the sharing economy with aggregator platforms displacing conventional businesses. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/budget-2020-aayushman-bharat-allocation-to-eradicate-tuberculosis-by-2025-announced-by-nirmala-sitharaman/articleshow/73832769.cms">Budget 2020 aims to eradicate tuberculosis by 2025 using AI and ML to empower Aayushman Bharat</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/budget-2020-nirmala-sitharaman-wants-nabard-to-geo-tag-cold-storage-facilities-to-make-them-more-efficient/articleshow/73832369.cms">Nirmala Sitharaman wants NABARD to geo-tag cold storage facilities to make them more efficient</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/isro-space-budget-2020-allocation-and-updates/articleshow/73830948.cms">ISRO Budget 2020 allocated ₹13,479 crore for space exploration</a>

Budget 2020 allocates ₹6,000 crore for BharatNet to connect 1 lakh Gram Panchayats

In her <keyword id="19906106" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Interim-Budget" source="keywords">Interim Budget</keyword> speech in February 2024, <keyword id="20385790" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Finance-Minister" source="keywords">Union Finance Minister</keyword> <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> celebrated what she termed as the Modi government's landmark achievement: unleashing 'nari shakti' or women's power through various initiatives since 2014. Among these, the creation of one crore 'Lakhpati Didis' — women whose annual household income exceeds one lakh rupees — under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), has garnered significant attention. <h2>The hype around it </h2>Imagine being a <keyword id="20416259" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lakhpati-Didi" source="keywords">Lakhpati Didi</keyword> — a rural woman whose annual household income exceeds Rs. 1 lakh. These women are not just financial achievers; they are community leaders who inspire others through their entrepreneurial journeys. Their success stories highlight the transformative impact of self-help groups (SHGs) and collective action in rural India. Launched amid much fanfare on August 15, 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself, the 'Lakhpati Didi' scheme aims to empower women through diverse skill development programs, from producing LED bulbs to operating agricultural drones. Partnering with entities like Patanjali, Flipkart, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the initiative also focuses on branding and marketing these products, ostensibly connecting women with credit lines and MUDRA loans for financial support. Almost an year on, the scheme is all set to get some well-deserved boost in the Budget 2024 to be presented on July 23. However, the time also apt to examine if it has actually contributed to <keyword id="20009191" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="women-empowerment" source="keywords">women empowerment</keyword> in the country. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111915324" title="Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to table Economic Survey in Parliament today" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2>The reality check </h2>Critics argue that such schemes may inadvertently tether women's SHGs to corporate networks, potentially benefiting transnational agribusiness giants aligned with the government. Programs like 'Namo Drone Didi', allocated Rs. 500 crore in the Interim Budget, exemplify this trend by integrating women into digital agriculture, albeit under the influence of corporate agendas. Further, while the Interim Budget championed the narrative of women's economic prosperity, it failed to adequately address their basic needs. Despite claims of empowerment, essential schemes such as PM Awas Yojana (Rural) and Har Ghar Jal have seen significant budgetary underspending, raising concerns about the government's commitment to women's welfare beyond mere rhetoric. For instance, the underutilisation of funds in Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) and the shrinking allocations for crucial subsidies like nutrition and education further highlight the disconnect between budgetary outlays and on-ground impact. This trend suggests a shift in responsibility towards state governments without commensurate support from the Union government, leaving vulnerable populations like widows and rural women at risk. Overall, the well-intentioned narrative around the scheme needs better translation and execution on ground to achieve desired outcomes. <h2>Looking ahead </h2>Until now, the budgetary allocation for women-centric programs have remained disproportionately low, with the Ministry of Women and Child Development having been allocated Rs 26,000 crore in 2024-25, an increase of 2.52% compared to the previous budget. This paltry investment underscores a broader pattern of neglecting systemic issues such as gender-based violence, social discrimination and pro-corporate stance. As Budget 2024 approaches, stakeholders eagerly anticipate policies that not only boost economic growth but also empower rural women as entrepreneurs and leaders. While Lakhpati Didi stands poised to empower rural women with opportunities and support, more steps are needed to make it more sustainable. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111689743" title="Union Budget 2024: A handy FAQ guide to decode the upcoming budget" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

Budget 2024: Can Lakhpati Didi Yojana’s reality inspire better focus on women?

<ul><li>Amid rising <keyword id="6358907" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="unemployment" source="Orion">unemployment</keyword> in the country, the central government announces 10 lakh job vacancies in various ministries and departments.</li><li>The positions will be filled up in the next 18 months.</li><li>The announcement comes after oppositions are raising concerns about the unemployment issue.</li></ul>To tackle the rising unemployment in the country, the central government on Tuesday, said that it will be filling 10 lakh job vacancies across various ministries and departments in the next year and a half. <div type="twitter" handle="PMOIndia" handlename="PMO India" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1134090740592627712/0Fp-U5-p_normal.png" favoritecount="24749" retweetcount="6244" status="PM @narendramodi reviewed the status of Human Resources in all departments and ministries and instructed that recru… https://t.co/Vcy7vbk0bQ" createdat="1655179051000" id="1536558426352123904"></div> “PM Modi reviewed the status of human resources in all departments and ministries and instructed that recruitment of 10 lakh people be done by the Government in mission mode in the next 1.5 years,” the government said in the tweet. Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh said in a Rajya Sabha meeting in July last year that there were around 8.72 lakh vacant posts in different central governments. According to the Times of India <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/centre-to-recruit-10-lakh-people-in-next-1-5-years/articleshow/92194928.cms">report</a>, PM Modi is focusing on filling up the vacancies quickly and to start the process within months. Following up on this, all departments and ministries were asked to prepare a list of vacancies in the sanctioned posts. “Prime Minister's review meeting comes more than two months after he suggested the secretaries of the central government take immediate steps to fill up existing vacancies in the ministries and departments,” Cabinet secretary Rajiv Gaubao told PTI. This announcement came after the opposition started raising issues and concerns over rising unemployment in India. The unemployment rate in May stood at 7.12%, according to the data by Center for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE). Earlier, the central government also announced one lakh jobs in the drone industry in the coming years as the industry is set to grow more in the country. “India will be a drone hub by 2030,” said Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="Orion">Narendra Modi</keyword> at the 'Bharat Drone Mahotsav 2022' in New Delhi on May 27. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/mukesh-ambani-disney-star-are-paying-11x-to-bcci-for-ipl-more-than-sony-did-during-the-first-ten-years/articleshow/92201201.cms">Mukesh Ambani, Disney Star are paying 11x more than Sony did during the first ten years of IPL</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="http://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/what-is-agnipath-recruitment-scheme-for-the-armed-forces/articleshow/92200821.cms">All about the Agnipath recruitment scheme for the armed forces</a>

Modi government to fill 10 lakh jobs in ministries and departments to tackle rising unemployment

<ul><li>Finance Minister of India Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget on February 1, 2022.</li><li>Struggling with high inflation and tepid rural demand, FMCG companies were hopeful for some positive news, steps and reforms that would help boost consumption in the economy.</li><li>However, with no changes in personal tax, there isn’t for hope for a drastic change in consumption and demand.</li><li>At the same time, there are enough subsidies to support the rural areas of the country.</li><li>Here’s what leading FMCG companies have to say about the Union Budget 2022-2023.</li></ul>The Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitaraman presented the Union Budget for 2022-2023 on February 01, 2022. The government announced that 5% of the annual collections under the Universal Service Obligation Fund will be allocated to improve broadband and mobile service penetration in rural India. This move will allow Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) brands and all businesses to cast their net a little wider in rural areas via mobile services. The government’s plan to expand the National Highway network by 25,000 KM, the Gati Shakti plan to strengthen seven engines of infrastructure, the launch of 100 new cargo terminals, will further open up new roads for brands and improve logistics efficiency. It will also create new job opportunities in rural areas, improving consumption and demand. The finance minister also mentioned that the government intends to pay ₹2.7 lakh crore worth of minimum support price (MSP) direct payments to wheat and paddy farmers. The government is also looking to deploy drones for agriculture monitoring, crop assessment, digitisation of land records and spraying of insect pesticides. These initiatives will help boost rural incomes and aid the growth of FMCG companies. The Union Budget aims to facilitate ease of doing business and give a push to consumption by providing employment opportunities, improving infrastructure, focusing on technological advancement and accessibility. Here’s how these subsidies for rural India will pave the way for FMCG growth: Mayank Shah, Senior Category Head, Parle Products: First of all, putting money in the hands of consumers really helps, so they go out and buy products. So that was more on the front of ensuring that the demand remained robust given that we have gone through two years of pandemic. That was something that industry expected, either by tax cut, or by increasing the slabs tax brackets or by probably increasing the standard deduction limit. Those were the things that we expected but not much has been done there. However, on the second front of job creation, the government has done a lot. The budget talks about seven engines driven by PM GatiShakti that will definitely boost employment and increase the number of jobs. The budget also talked about 60 new jobs to be created in the next five years. That is relatively a longer process compared to the first expectation which was putting money in the hands of consumers, which would have yielded immediate results. A 20,000 crore boost in transportation infrastructure will definitely help in terms of job creation going forward. Another thing the government would have ensured on the rural front was increased allocation to MGNREGA or direct benefit transfer. In Fact they chose the other way. In terms of rural demand, when you're talking about putting money in the hands of rural consumers by increased MSP and increased MSP allocation, it is also going to have an impact on the inflation because if you increase the MSP, that eventually is going to increase the cost of agri products, primary inputs in food processing. So procurement is going to be increased. The current challenge ahead of most FMCG companies, which is managing inflation, probably would be aggravated, so I consider it to be neutral. Probably placing this money in the hands of consumers through MGNREGA or DBT would have ensured demand to remain robust. Ahmed ElSheikh, President, PepsiCo India: Reviving economic growth, increasing consumption, and fostering investment to fuel post-pandemic growth have been key objectives for the government, and the <keyword id="12134566" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="union-budget-2022" source="Orion">Union Budget 2022</keyword> reflects this very intent. This year's Union Budget lays forth a vision for India at 100 years. The Government is leading from the front by raising public sector spending to keep the economic recovery on track. Digitization combined with infrastructural creation will accelerate economic development, stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship enhance living standards while keeping sustainability at its core. The increased outlay for PM Gati Shakti projects for multi-modal connectivity including 100 new railways logistics hubs coupled with steps like enhancing local oilseed production, extending the last date for starting production for new manufacturing units, encouraging alternate cropping will aid growth of the FMCG sector and further strengthen Govt’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat. Saugata Gupta, MD and CEO, Marico Limited: With this Union Budget, the government has laid out a growth oriented, future focused blueprint for India. By prioritising job creation, infrastructure growth and strengthening digital capabilities while making ‘inclusive development’ and ‘financing of investments’ two of the key focal points of the Budget, the government is successfully laying the groundwork for faster financial inclusion and expansion of the credit ecosystem. It has undertaken some key initiatives targeted towards credit growth, farmer welfare, improving the health and education infrastructure, digital currencies and start-ups which will benefit young aspirational Indians. If executed well, the budget will trigger the virtuous cycle of economic growth and employment creation, leading to momentum in growth. I believe that the budget has several inclusive measures and policies that balance consumer needs with industry requirements. It encapsulates the spirit of an Atmanirbhar Bharat and takes strong steps towards fulfilling that vision. Venkatesh Vijaraghavan, Director &amp; CEO - FMCG, CavinKare: We welcome the futuristic, investment-led, growth-oriented Budget with a strong impetus to infrastructure and capability building, which would boost GDP, Atmanirbartha, economic stability and job creation, thereby reaping demographic dividend. Ghanshyam Khandelwal, Chairman, BL Agro: The budget was as expected. We didn't anticipate the industry to take centre stage because several schemes for the FMCG sector have already been implemented in recent years. However, the mention of a rationalised strategy to improve domestic oilseed production and minimise reliance on imports was welcomed. A more promising statement was the package that centers on farmers adopting appropriate fruits and vegetables, as well as proper harvesting practices. The move will go a long way towards uplifting the food processing sector. Harsha V. Agarwal, Director, Emami: A very forward-looking budget with focus on capital expenditure which should drive growth. The ease of business in India has also been prioritised. So over all the budget pulls no surprises and focuses on growth of the Indian economy. Amrinder Singh, Director, Bonn Group of Industries: As the social security benefit of state and central government employees has been enhanced in this Union budget 2022, we are expecting that it will spur the consumption. The government has put money in consumer’s hands and ensured that the demand is not getting affected by increasing the tax deduction limit by 14 percent of the state government employees. Vikram Agarwal, Managing Director, Cornitos: The Union Budget 2022-23 is a progressive budget, our Government is concentrating on infrastructure, employment generation, and future developments. This appears to be a growth-oriented budget as efforts are being made to reduce compliance burdens and improve ease of doing business. The Budget has given an extension of the ECLGS Scheme which would provide much-needed help to the MSME sector especially the hospitality and related food processing segments. The past few years have been tumultuous for the hospitality segment and I am hopeful that this initiative gives the industry a much-needed boost.

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