Table of Contents
CURRENT AFFAIR
- On January 13, 2020, the Indian Aviation Ministry announced that registration of all drones in the country is mandatory.
- The Ministry has given January 31, 2020 as deadline for the users to register their drones.
Topic
- Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology.
Highlights
- Every drone is to be provided with a Unique Identification Number (UIN) under the scheme.
- GoI has opened an online portal called “digital sky” for the users to register their drones.
- Upon registration, the users will be provided with UIN, Unmanned Aircraft Operator Limit (UAOP), ownership acknowledge ment number and Drone acknowledgement number.
Legislation
- The drone owners failing to register their drones will face actions under the Aircraft act, 1934 and Indian Penal Code.
- The aircraft act governs aviation in the country.
STATUS
- According to the FICCI committee on drones, there are 50,000 to 60,000 illegal drones in the country.
Significance
- The latest drone tragedies across the world has forced the GoI to hasten its actions towards regulation of
- In December 2018, the world’s second busiest airport, the Heathrow airport remained closed for 3 days after multiple rogue drones were seen flying over the Around 1000 flights were cancelled.
- Major General Soleimani was killed by the US military drone fired missile in Baghdad airport in January 2020.
National Drones Policy
- Clarifies where, when and how drones can operate within India.
- Flying drones or remotely-piloted aircraft have become legal in India.
- Online registration of drones in India through its Digital Sky portal.
POLICY HIGHLIGHTS
- The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has designed five different categories of drones as Nano, Micro, Small, Medium, and Large.
- Under the new policy, Nano drones which weigh less than 250 grams or equal does not need a registration or
- However, drones that belong to remaining categories will need to be registered on the Digital Sky portal.
Digital Sky portal
- It is an online platform as part of an enforcement system designated as No Permission No Takeoff (NPNT).
- Here, a drone operator can obtain all the necessary paperwork required.
- It includes procedures to conduct a drone operation, including final flight permission immediately before the operation.
ZONES
- Flying in the ‘green zones’ will require only intimation of the time and location of the flights via the portal or the app.
- But permissions will be required for flying in ‘yellow zones’, and flights will not be allowed in the ‘red zones’.
INDIA’S NEW DRONE POLICY IS SHORTSIGHTED. CRITICALLY COMMENT.(250 WORDS)
- Discuss about the evolution of India’s drone policy
- key points of India’s drone policy
- The DGCA has segregated drones into five different categories
- Discuss the pros and cons of the policy
- Give a fair and balanced opinion
- Give suggestions.
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