Latest news with #DGCA-approved
India Gazette
7 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
Union Minister Paswan inaugurates Garuda Aerospace's Agri-Drone Indigenisation Facility
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], June 14 (ANI): Union Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan inaugurated Garuda Aerospace's new Agri-Drone Indigenisation Facility in Chennai on Saturday. The launch also witnessed a dynamic live demonstration of agri-drones by highly skilled Drone Didis, showcasing Garuda Aerospace's commitment to fostering self-reliance and innovation within the burgeoning drone ecosystem. The Minister also inaugurated 300 Centres of Excellence and flagged off Garuda Aerospace's DGCA-approved Train the Trainer (TTT) programme. Supporting this milestone launch were key members of the Bharat Drone Association (BDA), Rural Development Ministry release said. Speaking on the occasion, Kamlesh Paswan praised Garuda Aerospace and its Founder and CEO, Agnishwar Jayaprakash, for their visionary efforts in making India self-reliant in drone technology. He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of transforming India into a Global Drone Hub can truly be realized through the dedication of innovative companies like Garuda Aerospace, the release said. He also lauded the Bharat Drone Association for uniting local component manufacturers under one roof at the Indigenization Factory, a state-of-the-art facility capable of manufacturing over one lakh drones in the next two years. The Minister expressed his admiration, noting that he has never seen 2,000 agri-drones in a single location, as he witnessed at the Garuda Indigenous Manufacturing Facility--a feat showcasing India's capability to lead in drone innovation and scale. Agnishwar Jayaprakash said PM Modi 'gave us a vision in 2022 to manufacture one lakh Made-in-India drones by 2026'. 'We have delivered 4,000 drones so far, and are confident we will achieve this target in the next two years'. Spread across 35,000 square feet, Garuda Aerospace's Agri-Drone Indigenization Facility is the country's first-of-its-kind hub for the design, manufacturing, and rigorous testing of advanced Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). The new facility marks the expansion of Garuda Aerospace's existing manufacturing unit and is a major leap in advancing drone manufacturing and skill development in India, the release said. The Train the Trainer (TTT) programme is Garuda Aerospace's flagship skill building and development initiative which is designed to empower educators and professionals to become certified drone instructors. Additionally, the strategically located 300 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) across India in collaboration with academic institutions and industry partners will advance drone innovation, research, and skill development through a strong partner network, the release said. (ANI)
Hans India
14-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Dedication of young entrepreneurs can transform India into global drone hub: Minister
New Delhi: Dedication of young entrepreneurs can transform India into a global hub for drone technology, said Union Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan while inaugurating Garuda Aerospace's new agri-drone indigenisation facility in Chennai. The Minister also inaugurated 300 Centres of Excellence (CoE) and flagged off Garuda Aerospace's DGCA-approved Train the Trainer (TTT) programme. Paswan lauded Garuda Aerospace for its visionary efforts in making India self-reliant in drone technology. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji's vision of transforming India into a global drone hub can truly be realised through the dedication of young entrepreneurs,' said Paswan. He also lauded the Bharat Drone Association for uniting local component manufacturers under one roof at the indigenisation factory, a state-of-the-art facility capable of manufacturing over 1 lakh drones in the next two years. The Minister expressed his admiration, noting that he had never seen 2,000 agri-drones in a single location, as he witnessed at the Garuda Indigenous Manufacturing Facility -- a remarkable feat showcasing India's capability to lead in drone innovation and scale. The launch also witnessed a dynamic live demonstration of Agri-Drones by highly skilled Drone Didis showcasing Garuda Aerospace's commitment to fostering self-reliance and innovation within the burgeoning drone ecosystem. 'Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave us a vision in 2022 to manufacture one lakh made-in-India drones by 2026. We have delivered 4,000 drones so far, and are confident we will achieve this target in the next two years,' said Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace. Spread across 35,000 square feet Garuda Aerospace's state-of-the-art agri-drone indigenisation facility is the country's first-of-its-kind hub for the design, manufacturing, and rigorous testing of advanced Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). The new facility marks the expansion of Garuda Aerospace's existing manufacturing unit and is a major leap in advancing drone manufacturing and skill development in India. The TTT programme, on the other hand, is Garuda Aerospace's flagship skill-building and development initiative which is designed to empower educators and professionals to become certified drone instructors. In addition, the strategically located 300 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) across India in collaboration with academic institutions and industry partners will advance drone innovation, research, and skill development through a strong partner network.
Time of India
12-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Ahmedabad plane crash: How are pilots taught to deal with mid-air emergencies? Check training, protocols
Foundation of Pilot Training Simulator-Based Emergency Training Handling Emergencies: SOPs and CRM Oversight and Recertification The recent crash of Air India Flight AI171—a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that went down minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing all 242 people onboard—has placed renewed focus on how airline pilots in India are trained to respond to aviation emergencies. As investigations continue, attention has turned toward pilot preparedness and the emergency protocols built into India's aviation training in India begins with ground school, a rigorous academic phase overseen by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Students enrolled in DGCA-approved training programs study flight theory, aircraft systems, aviation meteorology, navigation, and air regulations. The curriculum also includes human factors and emergency management, covering scenarios such as engine failure, cabin depressurization, bird strikes, and extreme weather theoretical components ensure that pilots build a strong knowledge base before taking control of an aircraft.A key aspect of Indian pilot training is the use of full flight simulators. Airlines and training organizations across the country use DGCA-approved Level D simulators to provide hands-on experience in dealing with high-stress scenarios. These simulations replicate system malfunctions, sudden weather changes, engine fires, and rapid descents—allowing pilots to develop instincts and decision-making skills without risking current DGCA regulations, simulator sessions are mandatory for both type rating and recurrent checks. Indian pilots are required to demonstrate competence in managing emergencies at least twice a flight crews operate under strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), especially during abnormal situations. Pilots are trained to use step-by-step checklists designed to stabilize the aircraft, assess the situation, and coordinate a response.A critical element of this process is Crew Resource Management (CRM), which focuses on communication, leadership, and teamwork within the cockpit. This training teaches pilots and co-pilots to work together under pressure, helping avoid misjudgments that can escalate emergencies. CRM is a mandatory part of Indian aviation training and is reinforced regularly through scenario-based DGCA enforces regular assessments to maintain safety standards. Pilots must undergo recurrent training every six months, during which they are evaluated on emergency procedures, use of checklists, and ability to communicate effectively with Air Traffic Control (ATC). These evaluations ensure that skills remain sharp and up to institutions such as CAE Simulation Training (Gondia and Greater Noida), Indira Gandhi Institute of Aviation Technology (IGIAT), and other DGCA-recognized flight schools are equipped to deliver such training according to ICAO aviation system, like many others, is built on layers of safety. While human error or mechanical failure cannot be entirely ruled out, robust training protocols help prepare pilots for the unexpected. These safeguards are especially critical for long-haul international operations, such as the Ahmedabad–London route taken by the investigation into the crash continues. However, the framework already in place in India shows the seriousness with which pilot preparedness is treated.
Hans India
11-06-2025
- Health
- Hans India
AVPL drones keep water bodies pest-free
Hyderabad: Amid the season of rain, many local initiatives are required to avoid diseases like dengue and malaria. To work towards the same, AVPL International deployed advanced medium category drones across Banjara Lake and Sangareddy Lake in Hyderabad to spray mosquito larvicide, targeting mosquito breeding grounds. The initiative covered a total area of 3 acres over a two-day operation, marking the beginning of a year-long project aimed at comprehensive mosquito control in the region. A medium-category drone equipped with a centrifugal nozzle was used for the spraying, ensuring precise application of the larvicide while minimising human exposure and maximising coverage. The operations were conducted by a team comprising 2 pilots, trained and certified by AVPL's DGCA-approved Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO). Speaking about the initiative, Preet Sandhuu, Founder and MD of AVPL International, said, 'It is an honor to work towards this transformative public health and safety initiative. At AVPL, we are deeply committed to serving the nation, whether by nurturing talent or safeguarding communities for societal benefit.' The use of drone technology to treat inaccessible water bodies, was a success ensuring comprehensive coverage and leaving no mosquito breeding grounds untreated. This targeted approach aims to significantly reduce the spread of vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria, creating a safer and healthier environment for Hyderabad's residents.
The Hindu
31-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Carve your path
I finished Chemistry and am preparing for the UPSC. But I would like to be a pilot. How can I achieve this goal? Unnikrishnan Dear Unnikrishnan, Transitioning from Chemistry to becoming a pilot is achievable but requires a different set of qualifications and training. Balancing the UPSC preparation with flight training will be challenging. You need to create a structured study plan and manage time effectively. Consider prioritising one goal at a time. What about taking the UPSC CDS instead of UPSC CSE with the goal of joining the IAF as a pilot? The standard route for aspiring commercial pilots is to get the Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and certification from a DGCA-approved flying school in India. You also need to pass a Class I medical and written examination conducted by the DGCA to obtain a Student Pilot License (SPL) before starting flight training. Flight training is expensive and becoming a pilot requires significant dedication and hard work. Visit the DGCA website for detailed information on licensing requirements and speak with experienced pilots to gain insights. Is a Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication a good choice for an English Language and Literature graduate? Anjana Dear Anjana, It can be an excellent choice because of the synergy of skills. English Literature provides a strong theoretical foundation in writing, analysis, and critical thinking, which are valued in journalism and mass communication. A deep understanding of language is essential for literary analysis, crafting compelling narratives, effective communication, reporting, storytelling, and so on. The study of literature also cultivates analytical and critical thinking skills, again crucial for evaluating information, understanding context, and presenting a balanced perspective. Career opportunities include print, broadcast, and digital media, content writing and editing, public relations, corporate communications, social media management, advertising and marketing, digital marketing and online content creation. I am doing Computer Science (AI and ML), and am interested in Machine Learning. Are there any opportunities in the government sector or any exams I should take to get a good job? Anaswara Dear Anaswara, While the private sector currently dominates AI/ML jobs, government opportunities are emerging, and certain exams can help you access them. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) utilises AI/ML for various defence applications, including image analysis, pattern recognition, and autonomous systems. Research scientist positions or roles related to AI/ML development in DRDO open up from time to time. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) uses AI/ML for satellite data analysis, image processing, and mission planning. Opportunities exist in areas like remote sensing and data analytics. The National Informatics Centre (NIC) is involved in developing and implementing IT solutions for various government departments. AI/ML skills are increasingly relevant for data analysis, automation, and citizen services. The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) is involved in research and development in advanced computing technologies, including AI/ML. Opportunities exist for research scientists and engineers. All these organisations have their own recruitment processes and exams. Many government research labs and institutes are involved in AI/ML research, particularly in areas like healthcare, agriculture, and environmental science. Government Data Analytics Roles have a growing demand for data analysts and data scientists with AI/ML expertise. Exams to consider are the GATE, NIC Scientist 'B' exam, CSIR exams, the UPSC and State Public Service Commission Exam. Keep an eye on the websites of government organisations and recruitment agencies for job openings and exam notifications. I am in the first year of a Master's in Public Administration and Policy Studies. I want to start my own business but need financial support until I can do so. How should I go about this? Gowtham Dear Gowtham, Balancing academic pursuits with entrepreneurial aspirations requires careful planning. Leverage your academic skills and consider part-time jobs related to your field of study. This will provide income and relevant experience. Consider being a research assistant at your university, interning or explore part-time roles at local government offices or non-profit organisations, freelancing and writing or doing research for policy-related projects, grant writing for non-profits, consulting for small businesses or organisations who need policy guidance, online tutoring or teaching. Explore options like scholarships or grants for graduate students, especially those with entrepreneurial ambitions. Some organisations support students pursuing social entrepreneurship or businesses aligned with public policy goals. Explore student loan options, but study the long-term repayment implications. Start researching small business loan and grant programmes. Even if you are not ready to apply, this will help you understand the requirements and prepare for future applications. Study government programmes supporting small businesses. If your business idea has a strong social impact component, consider crowdfunding to raise initial capital. Network by attending industry events, conferences, and workshops to connect with professionals in your field and identify potential mentors. Work on a business plan and utilise university resources using market research, financial projections, taking courses on business creation and small business management. Does your university offer resources for aspiring entrepreneurs, such as business incubators, entrepreneurship workshops, and mentorship programmes?
