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<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

<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 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

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 <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

<ul><li><keyword id="1334" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="China">China</keyword> successfully tested the Feihong-98 (FH-98) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in the Inner Mongolia region on Tuesday. </li><li>With the capacity to carry 1.5 tons expanding along 15 cubic meters, this is the ‘largest <keyword id="6970585" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="transport-drone">transport drone</keyword>’ in the world. </li><li>While it’s a commercial drone, there is potential for it to be applied in the situations of natural disasters and disaster relief.</li></ul>Drones are the cutting edge of technology but every generation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are different. The <a href="http://innermongolia.chinadaily.com.cn/baotou/2018-10/18/c_283049.htm">newest development</a> comes from China where they’ve turned their Shifei Y5B indigenously developed transport plane into the Feihong-98 (FH-98) unmanned transport aircraft. 
	<div type="twitter" handle="dafengcao" handlename="dafeng cao" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/749479581623521280/UMNBdBaC_normal.jpg" favoritecount="20" retweetcount="9" status="A demo flight of unmanned Y-5B today in Inner Mongolia. https://t.co/LaAKshMuiM" createdat="1539658161000" id="1052028696779882497"></div>



 And with a maximum capacity of 5.25 tons as well as 15 cubic meters as its disposal for storage, it’s the largest commercial drone in the world. According to China Daily, the drone was successfully tested in North China's Inner Mongolia region on Tuesday. Developed in collaboration between the China Academy of Aerospace Electronics Technology (CAAET) and SF Express, it’s not a military drone, but meant for for commercial use. The main intent of the drone is to make deliveries, but with FH-98’s potential, the drone could have wider applications. And, here’s why: The drone has a range of 1,200kms, that’s nearly how far Mumbai is on the western coast of <keyword id="3658" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> from Puducherry on the eastern coast. On top of that, it can carry a maximum payload of 1.5 tonnes (3,300 pounds) or 3 average sized polar bears. And when on the move, the drone can travel at a speed of 180 km/hr. This means that in emergency situations or when natural calamities strike, this drone can actually be used to transport much needed supplies for disaster relief. The added benefit is that since it only needs a simple runway to take off and land, its infrastructural requirements for efficiency aren’t extensive. Though it’s unlikely that the plane will rule over the skies anytime soon, the drone is a part of China’s ‘Made in China 2025’ program. The program is similar to India’s ‘Make in India’ policy that focuses of expanding they country’s manufacturing base.

China transforms its transport plane into the largest transport drone in the world

<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 class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="20851936" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ukrainian-drones" source="keywords">Ukrainian drones</keyword> won't need operators in as little as six months, a Ukrainian commander said.</li><li>Artificial intelligence-enabled drones are being rapidly developed, tested, and deployed.</li></ul>In just a matter of months, Ukraine may no longer need pilots for its drone force, a special drone unit commander said recently. The expected shift towards autonomous and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-allies-look-to-ai-for-help-with-naval-operations-2023-12">artificial intelligence-enabled systems</a> would mark an important development in the continued <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-russia-locked-cat-and-mouse-game-drone-production-official-2024-6">drone arms race between Russia and Ukraine</a>. In as little as six months, Ukraine's drone force could shift to <keyword id="20233903" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AI-systems" source="keywords">AI systems</keyword>, <keyword id="23328745" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Robert-Brovdi" source="keywords">Robert Brovdi</keyword>, the founder and commander of the "<keyword id="23328746" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Madyar-Birds" source="keywords">Madyar Birds</keyword>" special drone unit, said in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOzLRul3o3A">a conversation with The Economist</a> earlier this month. He said the unmanned aerial vehicles will be "pilotless completely without any operators." He talked about the ongoing development and testing of hundreds of AI systems, explaining that soldiers will only need to launch the aircraft. From there, the drone "will decide on its own where to go and how to hit the target." Brovdi added that the weapons will be able to tell friends from foes. It's unclear to which systems Brovdi is referring, although various Ukrainian and Western companies have been working on autonomous capabilities for drones. One Ukrainian company's AI drones have already been used on the battlefield to carry out <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidhambling/2023/10/17/ukraines-ai-drones-seek-and-attack-russian-forces-without-human-oversight/">autonomous strikes</a> on Russian forces. But many of the drones on the battlefield, be they cheap first-person-view drones or higher-end systems, still use human operators. Brovdi said that the Ukrainian soldiers who have been at the forefront of employing unmanned systems in the war have garnered years of experience and will be able to help train NATO militaries in <keyword id="20675065" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="drone-warfare" source="keywords">drone warfare</keyword>. Brovdi said that "this will become an element of our practical gratitude for your assistance in our fight for our freedom and for our country and for our families," referencing the ongoing support for Ukraine from its Western partners. <div type="image" title="US Army drones at a military base in Poland." height="1414" width="2121" msid="113642773" hostid="261"></div>Brovdi's comments highlight the continued development of various drone capabilities amid the war in Ukraine. Drones have become a defining element of the war, as has the resulting arms race. Both sides in this conflict are using unmanned systems en masse and developing new countermeasures. As FPV drones emerged as a serious threat, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russian-electronic-warfare-shows-us-needs-for-future-wars-2024-5">extensive electronic warfare</a> was employed to counter them. Tethered drones connected to the operator by <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russias-unjammable-wired-drones-arent-end-all-game-changer-2024-8">fiber optic cables</a> were then used to defeat jamming. Autonomous, AI-driven drones would also be immune. Drones have drastically changed what the modern battlefield looks like and pushed Western armies such as the US to further prioritize the development of unmanned systems and options for eliminating them in combat. <div type="image" title="A missile explodes in Gaza City during an Israeli air strike on October 8, 2023." height="4373" width="6550" msid="113642774" hostid="261"></div>Discussions about AI in drones and other weapons systems have been ongoing in recent years. Earlier this year, the Pentagon <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/stricter-ai-rules-fears-pentagon-building-killer-robots-in-basement-2024-1" target="_blank">updated its directive on autonomy in weapons systems</a>, a move the deputy secretary of defense, Kathleen Hicks, attributed to "the dramatic advances in technology happening all around us." Militaries like the US have been thinking bigger when it comes to AI, including <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-militarys-ai-fighter-jet-pilot-making-dramatic-advances-officer-2024-6">autonomous fighter jets</a>, warships, and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-navy-drone-boats-deadly-weapons-first-time-middle-east-2023-11">more</a>. But with the rise of AI comes a range of concerns about letting autonomous systems make kill decisions. Earlier this year, reports of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/israel-using-ai-gaza-targets-terrifying-glimpse-at-future-war-2024-4">Israel using AI to locate and target Hamas operatives</a> raised a number of concerns about how to keep the human in the loop. The <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ai-could-shape-future-of-war-starting-with-wargaming-experts-2024-2">AI race in militaries</a> has also led to international disputes about whether to impose regulations on how to develop and use AI weapons. Some major players, such as the US, Russia, and Israel have argued there's no need for new international regulations on such capabilities. Others, however, argue that <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/future-of-warfare-is-catastrophic-and-robotic-former-general-says-2023-5">rules need to be put in place</a> sooner rather than later. Correction: September 26, 2024 — An earlier version of this story misspelled the surname of the US deputy secretary of defense. She's Kathleen Hicks, not Kathleen Kicks.

Ukrainian unit commander predicts drone warfare will be truly unmanned in a matter of months and won't need human pilots

Adani's joint venture company with Israeli firm Elbit as well as IdeaForge Technology are among the 14 drone companies that have been selected as beneficiaries of the production-linked incentive (<keyword id="53367" type="General" weightage="60" keywordseo="pli" source="Orion">PLI</keyword>) scheme to boost <keyword id="12100363" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="drone-manufacturing" source="Orion">drone manufacturing</keyword> in India, the aviation ministry said on Wednesday. Under the <keyword id="8941225" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="pli-scheme" source="Orion">PLI scheme</keyword> that was announced last year, the incentive for a manufacturer of drones and drone components will be 20 per cent of the “value addition” made by the company during the next three years. The value addition is calculated as the annual sales revenue from drones and drone components (net of GST) minus the purchase cost (net of GST) of drone and drone components. On Wednesday, the ministry released the names of 14 drone companies selected as beneficiaries of the PLI scheme. Dhaksha Unmanned Systems, IdeaForge Technology, IoTechWorld Aviation, Omnipresent Robot Technologies and Raphe Mphibr are five drone manufacturers selected as beneficiaries, it mentioned. Absolute Composites, Adani-Elbit Advanced Systems India, Adroitec Information Systems, Alpha Design Technologies, Inventgrid India, Paras Aerospace, SASMOS HET Technologies, ZMotion Autonomous Systems and Zuppa Geo Navigation Technologies are nine drone component manufacturers selected for the PLI scheme, it noted. The Ministry of Civil Aviation had on March 10 invited applications from the drone industry for the PLI scheme. The ministry had on September 16, 2021, announced a PLI scheme for drones and drone components with an allocation of Rs 120 crore spread over three financial years. The ministry said on Wednesday: “The list of beneficiaries is likely to be expanded further since some more manufacturers are likely to exceed the eligibility criteria for the full financial year 2021-22." "The final list of PLI beneficiaries is expected to be released by June 30 after detailed scrutiny of their financial results and other specified documents," it mentioned. The ministry said the eligibility criteria for the PLI scheme includes an annual sales turnover of Rs 2 crore for drone companies and Rs 50 lakh for drone components manufacturers; and value addition of over 40 per cent of sales turnover. The PLI scheme came in September 2021 as a follow-through of the liberalised <keyword id="2730972" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="drone-rules" source="Orion">Drone Rules</keyword>, 2021, released by the ministry on August 25, 2021. Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia had on September 16, 2021 said that the Indian drone industry will have a total turnover of up to Rs 15,000 crore by 2026 as the government has given a major boost to the sector with the PLI scheme. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/banks/news/five-banks-that-offer-cheaper-home-loan-rates-in-india/articleshow/90959872.cms">Five banks that offer cheaper home loan rates in India</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sustainability/article/indian-livelihoods-turn-less-green-sharp-decline-in-hiring-green-jobs-over-the-last-five-years-compared-to-the-global-average/articleshow/90971775.cms">Indian livelihoods turn less green! Sharp decline in hiring green jobs over the last five years compared to the global average</a>

Adani JV and IdeaForge among 14 firms shortlisted as beneficiaries for drone PLI scheme

E-commerce giant <keyword id="18635" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="Amazon" source="Orion">Amazon</keyword> has unveiled the design of its new <keyword id="15489880" type="General" weightage="70" keywordseo="Prime-Air-delivery-drone" source="Orion">Prime Air delivery drone</keyword>, which will handle high temperatures and light rain. The new '<keyword id="15490143" type="General" weightage="70" keywordseo="MK30" source="Orion">MK30</keyword>' drone will enter into service in 2024 and is expected to be 25 per cent quieter than current ones, the company said in a blog post. "The purpose and objectives of the new drone are the same as its predecessor's designs: transport packages weighing up to five pounds while flying hundreds of feet in the air," it added. The current hexagonal 'MK27-2' drone will be replaced by the new 'MK30', which will be lighter and smaller. While it's impossible to eliminate all risks from flying, "we have taken a proven aerospace approach to design safety into our system", the company said. The new drone will undergo rigorous evaluation by national aerospace authorities like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to prove its safety and reliability. "We have created a sophisticated and industry-leading sense-and-avoid system that will allow our drones to operate at greater distances while safely and reliably avoiding other aircraft, people, pets, and obstacles," said Amazon. Earlier this year, the company had announced that customers who live in Lockeford, California, and College Station, Texas, in the US would be among the first to receive Prime Air deliveries later this year. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/fintech-startup-offering-gold-loans-to-improve-credit-availability-in-tier-23-cities-raises-1-5-million-in-seed-funding/articleshow/95446427.cms">Fintech startup offering gold loans to improve credit availability in Tier-2,3 cities raises $1.5 million in seed funding</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/reliance-jio-5g-services-now-available-in-hyderabad-and-bengaluru-taking-total-cities-to-eight/articleshow/95440828.cms">Reliance Jio 5G services now available in Hyderabad and Bengaluru, taking total cities to eight</a>

Amazon unveils design of new Prime Air delivery drone

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

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

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.

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