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The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for <keyword id="19899038" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="drones" source="keywords">drones</keyword> and drone components is a kickstarter for the sector to progress and should not be considered as a permanent subsidy scheme by the government, according to Union Minister <keyword id="19895367" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Piyush-Goyal" source="keywords">Piyush Goyal</keyword>. "The <keyword id="19981334" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="PLI-scheme" source="keywords">PLI scheme</keyword> is not an end to itself, infect the purpose of the PLI is to kickstart the industry. This is not a permanent subsidy. The aim is not to make the industry dependent on the subsidy of the government," Goyal said. The Union Minister's remaks came during his address at the International Innovation Conclave organised by the <keyword id="22293565" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="PHD-Chamber-of-Commerce-Industry" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="PHD Chamber of Commerce &amp; Industry" meta.hostid="329" meta.entityid="PHD Chamber of Commerce &amp; Industry">PHD Chamber of Commerce &amp; Industry</keyword> (PHDCCI) in New Delhi on Thursday. Goyal noted that technological progress in the drone industry will help farmers in getting higher quality crops and will also help in increasing the yield of crops, The minister pointed out that drones will help in combating erratic weather patterns. Praising the development of technology and growth in the drone industry on the strength of innovation, he asserted that the development of the drone ecosystem and deploying them in villages across the nation aligns with the PM's 'NAMO Drone Didi' initiative that will help empower the women in the agriculture sector. "In the third term of the PM's administration we will work at triple the speed, ensure three times the result and hope to become the third largest economy in the world", said the Union Minister. He further stated that drones have the ability to contribute to the cooperative sector, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and to Farmers Producer Organisation (FPOs) as a shared facility with the help of agri-infra funds in delivering fertilisers and reducing wastage and expenses of the farmers. The Union Minister said that for financing and mentoring of the drone ecosystem, (Small Industries Development Bank of India) SIDBI can be roped in to promote the sector. On the startup ecosystem, the Minister said that 18 Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) have already been offered in the first half of 2024 and 17 IPOs were offered in 2023. Goyal added that under the guidance of <keyword id="19899320" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="PM-Modi" source="keywords">PM Modi</keyword>, the country has seen windfall investments from foreign investors and there has been a massive push for infrastructure. He further stated that easing of regulations and compliance burden on startups along with enabling Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) have been the primary focus of PM Modi's government. The minister also added that infrastructure growth has a multiplier effect on the economy that leads to demand for goods and services and increases consumption in the country. He stated that PM's infra push has enabled growth of industry and generation of employment that has put the nation on a virtuous cycle of growth. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/upcoming-smartphones-launching-in-india-in-july-2024/slidelist/111304902.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/upcoming-smartphones-launching-in-india-in-july-2024/slidelist/111304902.cms" target="_blank">Upcoming smartphones launching in India in July 2024</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/upcoming-cars-launching-in-india-in-july-2024/slidelist/111341281.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/upcoming-cars-launching-in-india-in-july-2024/slidelist/111341281.cms" target="_blank">Upcoming cars launching in India in July 2024</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/hp-envy-x360-14-review/articleshow/111407165.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/hp-envy-x360-14-review/articleshow/111407165.cms" target="_blank">HP Envy x360 14 review – feature-packed laptop with a sleek design</a>

Production Linked Incentive scheme for drones to kickstart industry, not permanent subsidy: Piyush Goyal

Blood delivery through drones can soon be expanded to the whole country, a senior official said after the <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>n Council of Medical Research successfully conducted a trial run of blood bag delivery by <keyword id="6354474" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="drone" source="Orion">drone</keyword>s under its iDrone initiative on Thursday. The initiative was in continuance with the national mission of expanding the drone ecosystem in India. The 'i-DRONE' was first used by <keyword id="6364396" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="icmr" source="Orion">ICMR</keyword> during the COVID-19 pandemic for distributing vaccines to hard-to-reach areas. "Today, we are transporting blood and blood-related products which are supposed to be kept at a low temperature. After the experiment, we found that not only can we maintain the temperature but there was also no damage to the products transported. "We sent another sample through an ambulance and if there are no differences in the samples sent using the two modes then drones will be used all over India," said Dr Rajiv Bahl, the director general of ICMR. He also said that "clarity on challenge mapping and identifying the possible solutions can be achieved by developing indigenous capacities in research and introduction of innovations and technologies in the mainstream". "With digitisation, efficient manufacturing of vaccines and development of a rapid delivery mechanism, India achieved 90 per cent coverage within a year. The boost of technology is an accelerator which is gradually pushing India towards achieving the status of being a developed nation," he added. The trial run as part of a path-breaking validation study has been undertaken for the first time in the country by the collaborative efforts of ICMR, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, Government Institute of Medical Sciences, Greater Noida, and Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida. The inaugural trial flight carried 10 units of whole blood samples between the Government Institute of Medical Sciences, Greater Noida, and Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, in visual line of sight, according to an official statement. Some countries are already using drones to deliver blood products, vaccines, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and even organs to remote, rural areas or areas with poor infrastructure. In Ghana, drone delivery of blood -- both as laboratory samples and as emergency blood and blood product delivery -- is now available for thousands of health facilities serving millions of people. In the US, where whole blood and blood products are often sparse in rural areas, drones are more highly regulated and air traffic is more congested, the feasibility of drone delivery of blood and blood products is still being assessed. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/google-pixel-7a-vs-oneplus-11r-comparison-which-phone-should-you-buy-under-50000/slidelist/100153385.cms">Pixel 7a vs OnePlus 11R – which phone should you buy under ₹50,000</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/pixel-fold-pixel-7a-pixel-tablet-and-everything-announced-at-google-i/o-2023/articleshow/100143082.cms">Pixel Fold, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet and everything announced at Google I/O 2023</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/survey-reveals-three-out-of-four-indians-suffer-from-nomophobia-heres-what-it-means/articleshow/100073985.cms">Survey reveals three out of four Indians suffer from NoMoPhobia: Here’s what it means</a>

Blood delivery by drones across India may soon be reality, says ICMR after successful trial run

<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

<ul><li>The New <keyword id="2823175" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="drone-policy" source="Orion">Drone Policy</keyword> of 2021 will replace the Unmanned Aircrafts Systems Rules of 2021.</li><li>The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has abolished several approvals from the latest <keyword id="6354474" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="drone" source="Orion">drone</keyword> policy.</li><li>Number of permissions reduced from 25 to 5 under the <keyword id="2730972" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="drone-rules" source="Orion">Drone Rules</keyword> of 2021.</li></ul>The government of India has announced the much-awaited New Drone Policy of 2021 today, which will replace the Unmanned Aircrafts Systems Rules of 2021. Despite the recent increase in drone attacks in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has abolished several approvals from the latest drone policy. MoCA has also increased the coverage of drones under the New Drone Policy of 2021 from 300 kilograms to 500 kilograms to include heavy payload-carrying drones and drone taxis. Other takeaways from Drone Rules, 2021: <ol><li>Number of permissions reduced from 25 to 5.</li><li>Maximum penalty under Drone Rules, 2021, reduced to ₹1 Lakh. This will not be applicable on penalties in respect to other laws.</li><li>No security clearance required before registration or licence issuance.</li><li>Fees for permissions will be reduced to nominal levels.</li><li>Interactive airspace maps with green, yellow and red zones will be displayed on the digital sky platform. Red zones are prohibited areas, yellow zones are controlled airspace and green zones are airspace from the ground up to a vertical distance of 400 feet.</li><li>The yellow zone has been reduced from 45 kilometre (km) to 12 km from the airport perimeter.</li><li>No permission required to operate a drone in green zone, upto 200 feet, between 8-12 KM from airport perimeter.</li><li>Online registration of all drones shall happen through the Digital Sky Platform.</li><li>Easy process prescribed for transfer and deregistration of existing drones in the country.</li><li>Safety features like ‘no permission-no takeoff (NPNT), real-time tracking beacon, geofencing to be notified from now. A minimum six-month lead time will be provided for compliance.</li><li>All drone training and examination to be carried out by an authorised drone school. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will prescribe training requirements, oversee drone schools and provide pilot licenses online.</li><li>No requirement of type certificate, unique identification number, prior permission and remote pilot licence for R&amp;D entities.</li><li>No pilot license is required for operating nano and micro stones for non-commercial use.</li><li>Drone corridors will be developed for cargo deliveries.</li><li>Import of drones to be regulated by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).</li><li>Unmanned Aircraft Systems Promotion Council to be set up to facilitate a business-friendly regulatory regime.</li></ol>Earlier, there were many permissions required to operate drones in India but they have now been abolished. These include unique authorisation number, unique prototype identification number, certificate of conformance, certificate of maintenance, operator permit, authorisation of research and development (R&amp;D) organisation, student remote pilot licence, remote pilot instructor authorisation, drone port authorisation, and import permission for drone components. SEE ALSO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/enterprise/news/amazon-twitter-hyundai-and-dominos-are-buying-indian-software-fuelling-a-75-billion-dream-chased-by-top-vcs-like-sequoia-and-tiger-global/articleshow/85646116.cms">Amazon, Twitter, Hyundai, and Domino’s are buying Indian software fuelling a $75 billion dream chased by top VCs like Sequoia and Tiger Global </a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/infosys-airtel-kaveri-seed-and-other-top-stocks-to-watch-out-for-on-august-26/slidelist/85645299.cms">Infosys, Airtel, Kaveri Seed and other top stocks to watch out for on August 26</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/personal-finance/news/investors-will-be-able-to-open-fixed-deposit-accounts-fds-on-google-pay/articleshow/85646488.cms">Google Pay to let users open fixed deposits on its platform</a>

India is making it easier to buy, fly and sell drones with these 16 policy changes

<ul><li>The Indian government is currently looking into counter UAV measure to take down 'rogue' drones. </li><li>Even though there are guidelines in place, the government doesn't have a mechanism in place to tell good drones from 'rogue' drones. </li><li>Nearly 50,000 drones in the Indian airspace are flying without meeting the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR). </li></ul>It's not rare to find illegal drones <a href="http://www.micetalk.com/editions/2017/MTJul17.pdf">filming Indian weddings</a> or social events across the country. But the big, fat, Indian wedding may have to wait with the government mulling over options to counter unlicensed drones in India's airspace. "We don't know which drone is rogue and which is good. We should have technology to counter it. Whether you go in for commercial or security purposes, the technology has to be such which can prevent the <keyword id="6039791" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="rogue-drones">rogue drones</keyword> in our country," Rakesh Asthaana, Director General, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) said. "We have taken the live trials; second pilot has just been completed and we are in the process of finalising our reports which we will be submitting to the ministry soon," Asthaana shared. Before the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/flying-drones-is-finally-legal-in-india/articleshow/65573434.cms">drone guidelines</a> were implemented in India, there were around 50,000 drones operating in its air space, according to a report by FICCI and E&amp;Y. Even though these drones were flying around, almost none of them meet the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) and aren't compliant with the no-permission no-take off (NPNT) mandate. So there's no way to stop them even if they're spotted flying against the law. Social 'rogue' drones It's not just weddings that are in question. The risk is greater when the event in question is on a bigger scale — like the Kumbh Mela were <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/allahabad/1-4-crore-people-take-dip-as-kumbh-mela-begins/articleshow/67543932.cms">140 million</a> people were taking a dip in the Ganga this year. At the same time, there was a <a href="https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india-kumbh-mela-2019-isis-issues-threats-of-chemical-attack-ndrf-conducts-mock-drill-499659">terrorist threat</a> at large. A disruption from a 'rogue' drone at this time can potentially result in severe damage, according to the report. It also highlights that India more vulnerable to collateral damage because of its high population density of 411 persons per square kilometer. Drones, which can be controlled wirelessly, can be controlled from anywhere within a 13 square kilometer area — larger than an Indian city suburb. So, that makes tracking the person controlling the drone difficult to track down. Irresponsible 'rogue' drones The threat of drones isn't only to people on the ground but also to other vehicles that share the same air space. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that India's aviation industry will continue to grow at a rapid pace. As of March 2019, India had 103 operation airports with India planning to hit 190 to 200 airports by 2040. The increasing amount of aircraft means there more air traffic for drones to be wary of. Irresponsible or mistaken 'rogue' drones can increase the risk faced by flights. CAR can't stop 'rogue' drones The first official notice to ban the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the Indian air force was issued back in 2014 by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). But, despite the notice it was difficult to actually enforce the ban. India's geographical vastness limits the ability of the government to monitor flights of these 50,000 'rogue' drones that aren't registered with the authorities. And, that's where counter unmanned aerial system (cUAS) technology comes in. Traditional methods like anti-aircraft radars don't generally pick up on drones because they have been designed to detect large metallic object that move fast. Drones, on the other hand, move slower and fly lower. The first step is normally to mandate no-fly zones, which is something the Indian government has already implemented with the green, amber and red zones. The NPNT process ensures that drones are automatically directed back to their home location before they actually enter a fly zone. But, a complete cUAS system has to be capable of detecting, tracking as well as intercepting drones. "If we can manufacture world class drones within the country, we can obviously manufacture world class <keyword id="7937097" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="counter-drone-measures">counter drone measures</keyword>. Otherwise what will happen is dependence on global market will continue for the anti-drone measures as it is for drones currently," shared Sanjay Jaju, Joint Secretary in the Department of Defence Production at the Ministry of Defence.

Drones at big, fat, Indian weddings might not be able to fly under the radar anymore

<ul><li>The Directorate General of <keyword id="6368649" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="civil-aviation">Civil Aviation</keyword> issued ‘<keyword id="2720096" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="drone-regulations">Drone Regulations</keyword> 1.0’ which highlight where, when and how <keyword id="94769" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="drones">drones</keyword> can operate within <keyword id="3658" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword>.</li><li>Civilian drones can fly anywhere in the ‘green zone’ while staying within 450m, in the line of sight. </li><li><keyword id="1995476" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="commercial-drones">Commercial drones</keyword> are now allowed in agriculture, health and relief disaster.</li></ul>Flying drones in India is finally going to be legal starting December 1, 2018. Until now, flying drones in the country, until and unless specifically sanctioned by the government, was illegal. Not illegal in the sense that there was stringent surveillance, but if you got caught, you were definitely in trouble. That being said, it’s never been illegal to buy drones in India. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s new Drone Regulations 1.0 layout the framework for how unmanned aircrafts will be allowed to operate within the country. 
	
	
	<div type="twitter" handle="MoCA_GoI" handlename="Ministry of Civil Aviation" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/971668841007693824/jJO9tBIm_normal.jpg" favoritecount="278" retweetcount="182" status="Press Release on Drones: https://t.co/6ZlPeLJpxB" createdat="1535372301000" id="1034052494752546816"></div>







 Drone away Even with the new regulation coming in to place, there are few terms and conditions that apply. While the commercial use of drones in sectors like agriculture, health and disaster relief will be allowed, making ‘deliveries’ of any kind didn’t make the cut. That means Zomato and Swiggy can’t use drones to deliver your food, and Amazon and Flipkart will have to wait their turn as well. On the other hand, civilian drones can fly about all they like. That is, during the day and within the visual line of sight, which is around 450m high, making it the ‘green zone’. It’s not that you can’t fly higher, you just need to get police permission to do so since it falls in to the ‘yellow zone’. And, then comes common sense. Civilian or commercial, drones can’t fly around airports, near the international border, near the coast line or around secretariat complexes.Strategic locations, vital and military installations can’t have drone activity either. These are the ‘red zones’. But, for some reason, they can’t be used for wedding photography. Probably due to the frequency and sheer volume of how often weddings happen. Any drone, that isn’t a micro-drone or owned by the <keyword id="145763" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Technical-Research-Organisation">National Technical Research Organisation</keyword>, will have to be registered and issued a Unique Identification Number (UIN). If you break a regulation the least that can happen to you is that your UIN will be cancelled or suspended. On the other hand, if the offence is bad enough, you could be booked under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. How are they going to enforce all this? Rules and regulations are all well and good, but it’s their actual implementation that will make all the difference. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has come up with something called the Digital Sky Platform. It’s a nifty little tool that the government can use to keep an eye on what your drone is upto. All pilots have to do is register, ask for permission and it will be approved depending on terms put forward in the new set of regulations. The Digital Sky Platform will be in touch with defence and civil air traffic controllers to coordinate drone activity. In case you’re thinking of going rogue, the system has a ‘no permission, no takeoff’ mantra that prevents drones from violating any of the rules. In fact, the SIM card required for drones is put in place for this precisely reason. If your drone violated any rules, like going higher than prescribed or leaving your flight path, that SIM can be used to shut down drone systems entirely. Economic boost Allowing drones to be legally flown around India opens up a whole new sector for entrepreneurs to invest in. There are already number of startups working on drone <keyword id="6355118" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="technology">technology</keyword> or industrial solutions that use drones. The government, from their side, noted that these regulations have been put in place to encourage the Make in India scheme. The Drone Regulations 1.0 might not seem perfect or even ideal, but Drone Regulations 2.0 are already being fine tuned. <div type="Youtube" id="OmoIY0EjtTg" title="Flying drones is finally legal in India" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/OmoIY0EjtTg/mqdefault.jpg"></div>

Flying drones are finally legal in India

<ul><li>The government has proposed to set up a dedicated <keyword id="7243568" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="drone-corridor">drone corridor</keyword>, create drone ports and allow 100% foreign direct investment (FDI). </li><li>However, the Indian drone industry needs much more than regulations to fly. </li><li>Funding is a major challenge that startups face.</li></ul>From photography to now possibly e-commerce delivery, <keyword id="94769" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="drones">drones</keyword> have gone from “hyped and expensive” to now being legal in <keyword id="3658" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword>. However, other than for recreation, they are hardly in use. Since their launch, drones have been used mostly for photography - wedding or travel. Even that had faced issues from authorities. Drones have just failed to take over the Indian skies, as expected, even after the Indian government declared them <a href="https://www.businesstoday.in/sectors/aviation/flying-drones-to-be-legal-in-india-from-december-1/story/281690.html">legal.</a> In 2016, the government announced a <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/economy/policy/drone-policy-2-0-india-pitches-for-optimum-utilisation-of-drones-3399661.html">new draft policy</a>, under which it has proposed to set up a dedicated drone corridor, create drone ports and allow 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in manufacturing the remotely piloted aircraft in the country. The Indian government is also asking drone companies to <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/tech/drone-companies-asked-to-install-safety-chip-to-avoid-mishaps/articleshow/67581061.cms">install chips</a> in their drones, so that they can be disabled in case they go rogue. One of the most important use cases of drones was meant to be the Indian agriculture industry – from surveillance to crop health monitoring and treatment, which is still looked at only by a few startups. India’s <keyword id="2823175" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="drone-policy">drone policy</keyword> also looks into the optimum utilization of drones allowing them to be used for delivery of goods. This could be a big boost for the Indian e-commerce industry. Recently, food tech unicorn Zomato had acquired TechEagle innovation, a drone startup, which fuelled rumours that the company will soon be experimenting with aerial food delivery. “Drones will be an integral part of our lives be it for last mile delivery, security, 3D mapping, agriculture and several other use cases. Food delivery via drones will help reduce the last mile delivery leg and make the process more convenient and cost-effective. <keyword id="6370270" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="unmanned-aerial-vehicles">Unmanned aerial vehicles</keyword> will significantly mitigate the delivery time while also increasing the reach,” said Vikram Singh Meena, Founder, TechEagle. Even with all the ‘supposed’ encouragement from the government in the form of favourable regulation, there are many hurdles that grapple the Indian <keyword id="4005978" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="drone-startups">drone startups</keyword>. “Some of the key challenges which still exists is the timely certification of the drones, readiness by the manufacturers and democratization of the applications, ” said Vipul Singh, CEO and Co-founder, Aarav Unmanned Systems. “Research and Development ecosystem for drones in India is lagging way behind the global ecosystem.” Globally, Amazon declared in 2013 that it will be experimenting drone delivery which sent the entire world into a frenzy. However, cut to 2019 and the global e-retail giant is still <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6583693/Amazon-secretly-testing-delivery-drones-UK-countryside.html">‘testing’ </a>drone delivery. At this stage, Singh believes that Indian drone startup sector is still very small and needs extreme support from the government – which could come in in the form of a drone VC fund, more pilot projects, skill development programs, financial support for working capital, and expedited development of certification and testing centers, among others. He added that with the introduction of regulation, on one hand most of the demands by both the government and private enterprises are going to scale up. On the other hand, most of the benefit will reach companies that follow regulatory compliance and use certified equipment. See Also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/arm-the-allies-india-might-become-first-country-out-of-nato-to-buy-armed-drones-from-the-us/articleshow/65053966.cms">Arm the allies: India might become first country out of NATO to buy armed drones from the US</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/europes-busiest-airport-is-shut-down-after-a-drone-sighting/articleshow/67444726.cms">Europe's busiest airport is shut down after a drone sighting</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/alphabets-drone-delivery-company-is-testing-a-quieter-delivery-drone-after-its-original-model-annoyed-townspeople-and-their-dogs/articleshow/67390414.cms">Alphabet's drone delivery company is testing a quieter delivery drone after its original model annoyed townspeople and their dogs</a>

India has over 40,000 drones, but where are they really?

<ul><li>The <keyword id="6355725" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="tata-group">Tata Group</keyword> is planning to submit a proposal to fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drones in India according to a report by the Economic Times. </li><li>The $10 trillion conglomerate has already been involved in commercial tests for crop spraying, using drones. </li><li>The Tata Group has not specified an exact use cases but reportedly plans to use drone solutions for specific applications across its many businesses. </li></ul>The Tata Group is joining the drone race in India and plans to test its unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The $10 trillion conglomerate plans to seek certification from India’s apex drone regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) according to a report by the <a href="https://tech.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/technology/tatas-may-soon-join-queue-for-drone-clearance-from-dgca/69949932">Economic Times</a> before the July 10 deadline. The DGCA <a href="http://dgca.nic.in/tenders/EOI-BVLOS(May2019).pdf">invited applications</a> for companies to showcase their beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drones. The Tata Group sees this as an opportunity to use drones for specific applications across its many businesses, it hasn’t revealed an exact use case. The group has interests in steel, automobiles, retail, power, technology, consumer electronics to name a few. In the past, the Tata Group had commercially tested crop spraying drones. Though the technology is ready, it was awaiting clarity from DGCA to start using it. Tata’s not alone The Tata Group is not the only player to respond the DGCA’s call for BVLOS drones. Delhivery, Zomato, Swiggy, Zipline, ShopX are also looking to certified by the agency to use drones for their services. Zipline, a Silicon Valley company, is also looking to expand its medical delivery drone solutions to India. It already conducts around 500 deliveries in Ghana and Rwanda. RedWing, another medical delivery drone service, has also submitted its application. The company has previously partnered with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to make its services available in Papua New Guinea. More rural than urban Experts who spoke to the Economic Times speculate that regulators are more likely to permit drone flights in rural areas before introducing drones in dense urban settings. They also ascertain that drone application in rural areas can also help the Indian government reduce costs and monitor progress of ongoing infrastructure projects. The Tata Group did not respond to Business Insider India seeking a comment on these developments. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/flying-drones-in-india-may-be-legal-but-that-doesnt-mean-youre-getting-doorstep-deliveries/articleshow/66932352.cms">Flying drones in India may be 'legal' — but that doesn’t mean you’re getting doorstep deliveries</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/flying-drones-is-finally-legal-in-india/articleshow/65573434.cms">Flying drones are finally legal in India</a>

Tatas seeks permit to test drones after Zomato, Swiggy and others

What's tiny, flies at 120kph and can perform acrobatics in the air? A racing <keyword id="6354474" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="drone">drone</keyword>, of course. Contrary to what many think, drones are not completely illegal in <keyword id="3658" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword>. In fact, there's a budding <keyword id="2913897" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="drone-racing">drone racing</keyword> community in the country, flying drones at breakneck speeds and slowly making careers out of the sport. As with many things in technology today, India isn't that far behind the world either. Sure, there's work to be done, governments to convince and more people to onboard. Yet, Karan Kamdar, the man behind 1 Martian Way, the company that created the <keyword id="6462453" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="indian-drone-racing">Indian Drone Racing</keyword> League (<keyword id="4634776" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="idrl">IDRL</keyword>), says his community has been growing fast. The IDRL began just under two years ago. Kamdar's community was slow at first but has reached over 800 members now. The organisation has tie-ups with colleges, including IITs, BITS Pilani and more. It gets 15-25 participants in each race, most of which are held between October and April. What is drone racing? Like any race, drone races are about speed, timing and competing against one another. However, no drone race is complete without the first person view. That's why most drone racing events are prefixed by an "FPV". Unlike other races, a drone pilot doesn't see the world in front of him/her. They see what the drone sees, through tiny cameras fitted atop the drone. The pilot wears a head-mounted display, looking at the live stream from the drone's camera. That's all they have to steer the drone. There are also online events for drone racers. In these, pilots hook their controllers to computers and a software simulates a real-world drone race. The pilot chooses the drone they want and still get the first person view. They clear simulated obstacles and race against each other, while the software calculates the time they take to finish a course, determining the winner. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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<keyword id="6462454" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="ritvik-nesargi">Ritvik Nesargi</keyword> with his head-mounted display, controller and drone 
 
 
 
 
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The FPV element is what drives many pilots. Siddharth Nayak, a.k.a FlyingSid pegs this feeling as the reason for why people like racing drones. The video below is one Nayak made while flying his drones. Nayak has been a professional drone racer for about two years now, although he still does it as a hobby and not his primary source of income. The tracks for these races include obstacles that pilots have to manoeuvre. Currently, Indian drone races use football nets to make "gates" that pilots have to fly their drones through. As Nayak explains, avoiding and manoeuvring around the obstacles is necessary, not just to win races but to protect one's drone. 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
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 Racing drones fly at 120kph (and even faster), so a sudden crash can be devastating on the drone itself. And the pilot's pocket. Equipment To drone pilots, as with any sportsperson, the equipment is important. While most drone-related coverage in India centres around companies like DJI and their intelligent drones, the ones used for racing are custom made. Pro drone pilots like Nayak and Ritvik Nesargi build their own drones, with custom fitted motors, controllers and more. Nayak and Nesargi are two of India's top drone racing pilots. The cost of making a drone depends on the parts used. Nayak, who has been doing this for about two years, and is one of India's premiere pilots, says he and his brethren have lakhs of rupees on equipment already. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 You need some technical know-how to become a drone pilot. IDRL's Kamdar says pro pilots are differentiated from amateurs not just by skill, but by how well they understand the engineering. Their understanding of motors, controllers and what would best suit their drones can differentiate the best from the rest. An entry-level drone can be built for as little as Rs. 10,000, but if you want to race against serious pros, it's going to be expensive. When you're learning, you'll likely wreck your drone often, making and remaking it with each new step. There are also no drone racing tracks available in the country, so you'll have to make one for yourself. Nayak says he's bought some football nets for himself and he goes to parks and other open areas to practice. Easier said than done That said, practising has its own challenges. When organisations like IDRL are involved, dealing with regulations becomes a tad easier. However, both Nesargi and Nayak have to inform the police every time they decide to fly their drones in public. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) allows nano-drones (drones that weigh under 250 grams) to be flown without registration. However, Nesargi and Nayak still have to inform their local police stations whenever they practise in public. 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
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 Nayak, Nesargi and Kamdar agree that for drone racing to be an accepted sport, the regulations need to be simpler. In fact, Kamdar says the government confuses between racing drones and regular drones. Unlike other drones, racing drones record only while racing, fly for only three minutes at a time and can't rise more than a few feet in the air. They're all about racing and manoeuvrability. Drones are also allowed to fly within educational institutions, as long as they're for educational purposes. Nayak says drone pilots have a responsibility to not fly over crowded areas and they should respect that too. Private support The IDRL, for the longest time, has been the only real place for drone racers to get competition. To keep afloat, IDRL now charges membership fees and sells merchandise (like jerseys) right now. It also charges colleges small sums for arranging drone racing competitions at various campuses. IDRL has established tie-ups with companies in Korea, perhaps the country where drone racing is most widely accepted. It also has tie-ups in the US and more. Kamdar says he will increase international efforts when the IDRL's member-base reaches around 2000. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 That said, the IDRL was instrumental in sending Nesargi to the Eurogamer Expo in the UK recently. In turn, Nesargi won races there, ending up in the finals of the event. And all that is now being supplemented by Smaaash, a gaming and entertainment company in India. You may have seen their outlets, spread over Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Gurgaon and other cities. Smaaash's establishments have so far been known for embracing virtual reality and other future-facing technologies for entertainment. The company just started its own Drone Racing league in Mumbai over the weekend. However, the weekend event is just the beginning. Shripal Morakhia, the founder of Smaaash says he plans to make it an international level league. There's a larger event planned for November, where Morakhia will be inviting international drone racers to compete against Indian pros. The first event saw amateurs race against each other, while pros battled it out on their own terms too. The amateur and pro races were separate, but Smaaash's efforts could bring more interested parties into the community. On the sidelines of Smaaash's event, the company creates drone-based games. The Drone Castle Race is a game that emulates Mario, with jumping drones clearing obstacles and racing against each other. On the other hand, Drone Soccer is a game of football played with drones instead of humans. Smaaash plans to incorporate these into its establishments around the country eventually. Making a career But much like any sport, private support can help open doors. When asked about drone racing as a career, Nayak said you don't do it for the money, you do it for passion. While Nayak has earned from his escapades, he doesn't see it as a viable career just yet. Neither does Nesargi, who also races drones as a hobby. Nesargi is currently a student at the Maharashtra Institute of Engineering in Pune. He says most of a drone racers income comes from prize money, which is not aplenty right now. 
	
	
	
	
	
	
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 Smaaash is offering a prize pool of Rs. 3,20,000 to the winners. There will be three winners in the pro races, with Rs. 1,00,000, Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 25,000 to the first, second and third positions, respectively. (Update: Nesargi and Nayak took the first and second spots, respectively.) IDRL also offers prize money at its events. However, the cost of equipment, travel, stay etc. usually cover the income from most events, including Smaaash's. Nesargi says you can make about Rs. 30,000 if you're regularly winning events. Lower rung competitors can still get travel and stay expenses, but none of that is enough to make a legitimate profession out of drone racing just yet. This is what private players can solve. In 2016, the World Drone Prix in Dubai had a million dollar prize pool. The winner, 15-year-old Luke Bannister from the UK, won $250,000 for his efforts, the biggest ever prize in drone racing at the time. If 1 Martian Way, Smaaash and future entrants are able to build enough interest, similar returns could be arranged. 
 
 
 
 
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 Opportunity to grow Internationally, drone racing is quickly becoming a legitimate profession. While it's not really a large community yet, the sport has a certain thrill to it, just like professional wrestling. Smaaash's races are going to be held at night, for which drones are fitted with LEDs. While it doesn't change the racing aspect for the pilots, it's more flashy and makes for a better watch. 
 
 
 
 
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The fact that there are so many drones and AI companies already means sponsorships should never be a problem. And to top it all, Indian drone pilots certainly do not lack the technical know-how required to do well. The drone racing community in India has been growing steadily, but it has picked up in the last year. Smaaash's event is one of the first big private investments in the sport and racers do hope there are more to come. It's as Nayak says, there's a long way to go, but there's definitely some potential here.

Inside India's budding drone racing community

<ul><li>The US is looking to ramp up arms sales to India, including those of armed drones that can carry over 1,000 pounds of bombs and missiles, said a media report, noting the "new push" comes following the violent clashes in June between Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh. </li><li>Quoting the officials, the magazine said the US in recent months has laid the groundwork for new arms sales to India that "go above and beyond what previous administrations considered, including longer-term weapon systems with higher levels of technology and sophistication, such as armed drones". </li><li>This will allow the US to consider the sale of armed drones, which had previously been restricted because of their speeds and payloads, to allow them to be considered alongside surveillance drones, the news report said. </li></ul> The US is looking to ramp up arms sales to India, including those of armed drones that can carry over 1,000 pounds of bombs and missiles, said a media report, noting the "new push" comes following the violent clashes in June between Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh. Twenty Indian army personnel were killed during the clashes with Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh's Galwan Valley on June 15. The Chinese side also suffered casualties in the clashes but it is yet to give out details. The number of casualties on the Chinese side was 35, according to a US intelligence report. "The Trump administration is looking to ramp up arms sales to India in the wake of the country's deadly border clashes with China, opening a new front of tensions between <keyword id="6354998" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="washington">Washington</keyword> and Beijing," the Foreign Policy magazine reported based on interviews with <keyword id="47901" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="US-officials">US officials</keyword> and Congressional aides. Quoting the officials, the magazine said the US in recent months has laid the groundwork for new arms sales to India that "go above and beyond what previous administrations considered, including longer-term weapon systems with higher levels of technology and sophistication, such as armed drones". President <keyword id="6354484" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Donald-Trump">Donald Trump</keyword> has officially amended rules that restrict the sale of military-grade drones to foreign partners like India, it said, adding that prominent among them being the recent announcement by the Trump administration changing its interpretation of the <keyword id="471445" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Missile-Technology-Control-Regime">Missile Technology Control Regime</keyword>. This will allow the US to consider the sale of armed drones, which had previously been restricted because of their speeds and payloads, to allow them to be considered alongside surveillance drones, the news report said. "They are going to want to provide India with armed [category-1] Predators," a Congressional aide familiar with the matter told Foreign Policy, while referring to MQ-1 Predator drones that can carry more than 1,000 pounds of bombs and missiles. The aide, according to the magazine, said the State and Defense Departments had been pushing for a transaction. "Part of the calculation behind the policy change was to free themselves up from the international and multilateral constraints so they could increase the sales pitch to India on [drones]," the aide told the magazine. Simultaneously, a legislative move has been made to bring India at par with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies when it comes to sale of arms by the US, it reported. Friends of India in the Congress hope that their efforts go through the National Defense Authorization Act this year. One of them being by senators John Cornyn and Mark Warner, who are co-chairs of the Senate India Caucus, according to Foreign Policy. US' defence sales to India has jumped from near zero in 2008 to over USD 20 billion this year. Some of the recent and significant prior defence sales are to include the MH-60R Seahawk helicopters (USD 2.8 billion), the Apache helicopters (USD 796 million), and the Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure (USD 189 million). India was the first non-treaty partner to be offered a Missile Technology Control Regime Category-1 Unmanned Aerial System - the Sea Guardian UAS manufactured by General Atomics. The US is advocating for the Lockheed Martin's F-21 and Boeing's F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-15EX Eagle as part of India's future fighter aircraft acquisitions. The potential selection of any of these platforms would enhance India's military capabilities, increase US-India military interoperability, and protect shared security interests in the Indo-Pacific region. Since 2015, the US also authorised India over USD 3 billion in defense articles via <keyword id="9700699" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="the-direct-commercial-sales">the Direct Commercial Sales</keyword> (DCS) processes, which licenses the export of the defence equipment, services, and related manufacturing technologies controlled under the 21 categories of the US Munitions List (USML). The top DCS categories to India during this period were military electronics (USML category XI); fire control, laser, imaging, and guidance equipment (category XII); and aircraft and related articles, it stated. In 2016, the US designated India as a Major Defense Partner. Commensurating with this designation, in 2018, India was elevated to Strategic Trade Authorization Tier 1 status, which allows it to receive licence-free access to a wide range of military and dual-use technologies regulated by the Department of Commerce, a top <keyword id="6362444" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="pentagon">Pentagon</keyword> official had earlier said. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/the-beirut-explosion-created-a-huge-mushroom-cloud-and-visible-blast-wave-but-nuclear-weapons-experts-say-it-wasnt-an-atomic-blast-heres-why-/articleshow/77362144.cms">The Beirut explosion created a huge mushroom cloud and visible blast wave, but nuclear weapons experts say it wasn't an atomic bomb. Here's why.</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/microsoft-for-startups-lathika-pai-says-entrepreneurs-pitching-for-investments-need-to-have-this-one-question-answered-in-their-pitch-decks/articleshow/77352935.cms">Microsoft for Startups’ Lathika Pai says entrepreneurs pitching for investments need to have this one question answered in their pitch decks</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/linkedin-tcs-disney-hotstar-zee-and-other-companies-hiring-right-now-in-india/slidelist/77352775.cms">LinkedIn, TCS, Disney+ Hotstar, Zee and other companies hiring right now in India</a>

US is looking to increase arms sales to India and wants to sell "restricted" drones that can carry over 1,000 pounds of bombs and missiles

<ul><li>‘Regulation 1.0’, India’s new rules and regulations for flying drones in the country, went live on December 1. </li><li>While flying drones may be legal, they can’t be used for e-commerce deliveries. </li><li>The Indian government’s agenda includes using drones for health care-related emergency situations such as when road congestion is a huge obstacle. </li><li>The country’s army chief has also stated that drones may be used to safeguard India’s borders against <keyword id="3001" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pakistan">Pakistan</keyword> in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. </li></ul>Announced in August earlier this year, the rules and regulations for legally flying drones in India went live on December 1. It's important to note that unlike the United States and other countries where flying drones is legal, the use of drones doesn't yet apply to e-commerce. That means that you won't be getting <keyword id="6358351" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="pizza">pizza</keyword> and online orders delivered to your doorstep. So why did India choose to legalise drones? The move seems to, more or less, to placate the public where the 'recreational use' of drones is now feasible. But there are applications for agricultural data collection, insurance and infrastructure asset maintenance, among others, that could benefit the larger public. Not-so-recreational Currently, the implementation plans of drones seem to be in the realm of facilitating drones from transporting organs and other emergency medical supplies. Drones will also be likely be used by the Indian military. The Indian army chief has stated that India may use 'armed drones' to protect the borders of Jammu and Kashmir, one of India's most volatile states. He added that this form of 'Hybrid Warfare' would also be used across the line-of-control (LoC) on the Pakistani side. 'Regulations 1.0' may make flying drones in India feasible, but it's not as easy as just buying a drone and setting it loose in the sky. In fact, there are a bunch of regulatory formalities that come into play like applying for digital permits called the Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit (UAOP), limitations on high drones can fly, and adhering to 'no-fly' zones -- that are all seen as reasonable regulation. The government has also clarified that if there's a new application for how drones should be used, they would relax the rules on a case-by-case basis. Simon Johnson, the Vice President of the Drone Association of <keyword id="103" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Switzerland">Switzerland</keyword>, said, "Regulations are absolutely necessary to ensure accountability. Integrating autonomous systems into society has its own challenges. And for India, I think the new set of regulations is a great step forward," at the Game of Drones conference in Bengaluru. Melanie Guittet doesn't see the regulations as obstacles at all saying that, "I think it’s is an enabler, a catalyser for the growth of drone industry. Else, it’ll shrink to small scale without regulations." The country still seems divided on whether the legalisation of drones is progressive or a security concern, but either way, the drones are here and it seems as though rather than be vary, it's time to responsible to ensure that they bring about positive change. 
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Flying drones in India may be 'legal' — but that doesn’t mean you’re getting doorstep deliveries

Drone lovers, it’s bad news! From now, anyone entering India with <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Investors-are-pouring-money-into-drone-startups/articleshow/50938342.cms">drones </a>will have to declare its possession upon arrival. 
 This because the Indian government has recently decided to include <keyword id="94769" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="drones">drones</keyword> in the list of prohibited and taxed goods starting April 1. The recent move seems to be a step in government's efforts to restrict the use of drones in the country. 
 As of now, drones are imported easily in the absence of official guidelines and are used for filming royal weddings and <keyword id="143" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bollywood">Bollywood</keyword> films. Moreover, Chinese toy <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/This-Indian-startup-is-using-drones-to-capture-the-beauty-of-the-country-and-its-absolutely-stunning/articleshow/49578874.cms">drone companies</a> are selling their products freely in several cities and online stores to give civilians a chance to experience how these unmanned aerial vehicles work. These have been a hit among Indians because they come really cheap. 
 
India is still miles away from having clear laws and regulations for drones, but several countries across the world have innovative ways in place to regulate the use of drones. In the Netherlands, police trains eagles to grab rogue drones. In Tokyo, the police uses drones with nets to catch dangerous drones. In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration requires the country's users to register their small unmanned aircraft with the government. But in India, it is still illegal for civilians to use drones due to security threats. Anyone seen flying a drone in a public place usually lands in the police net. Even as cops know it’s not a serious criminal act, they feel there is a need to investigate because, they say, terrorists can use paragliders and remote-controlled microlight aircraft for attacks. 
 
Earlier this year, an unidentified drone spotted near the international airport in Delhi had raised serious security concerns. As a result, Delhi cops were asked to monitor drone usage before India's Republic Day in January. In one such incident in Mumbai, a drone was found photographing an atomic research centre in July. Since then, police has been issuing a monthly order against using drones. 
 
Most recently, an American tourist was arrested for photographing the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/24-incredible-new-UNESCO-World-Heritage-Sites/articleshow/47978811.cms">UNESCO World Heritage Site</a> of Khajuraho with a drone camera without taking the government's permission. When he was questioned, he said he was not aware that drone photography was not allowed there. He also said there were no signboards anywhere which said it was prohibited in the area. 
 
In India, only the government can use drones to monitor the country's borders and surveillance in conflict-ridden areas. The only time when the cops planned to do something different with drones was in Lucknow. They planned on using the device as pepper spray to control crowds. 
 
(Image credits: Reuters)

Bringing a drone into India just got a lot harder

<keyword id="1739133" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Travis-Kalanick">Travis Kalanick</keyword>, founder of <keyword id="1042120" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Uber">Uber</keyword> Cabs, is in India to talk about future of urban mobility. 
 After Travis talked about how they started Uber in the US with the sole thought of "pushing a button to get a cab", Travis went on talking about competition with <keyword id="6354720" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ola">Ola</keyword>, automation and flying vehicles. 
 
Here are a few highlights 
 
He talked about how India is far at adopting new technology and while Uber has had their issues with regulation all over the world India is not a problem area on that. And he says Uber is fine too follow rules as long as it benefits the customers 
 
Only two things can get him riled up if there are issues with low cost and flexible service 
 
He says being local is our main motto in India, "Uber is driven by sons and daughters of India" 
 
On its main competition in India market Ola, Travis agreed Ola is strong competition in India but he also believes competition is good for consumers 
 
There is no plan to partner with Ola like how Uber has merged with other similar mobility service in China 
 
For Uber there have been the most difficult markets to function in, Germany, Spain, Seoul, Tokyo. 
 
India will be the last place to get automated cars given how badly Indians drive on roads 
 We are working on flying cars with a similar concept of <keyword id="94769" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="drones">drones</keyword>

You Searched For "drone regulations india" and got 13 results

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