Amethi (UP):; The Centre-run flight training institute Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA) here on Saturday announced its expansion plan to begin drone pilot training courses, a first of its kind initiative by a government body.

The premier aircraft pilot training institute in Uttar Pradesh had recently entered into an agreement with Delhi-based private firm Drone Destination for the collaborative effort.

Noting that drones are an absolutely new and emerging area with immeasurable potential and opportunities, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MOCA) Secretary Pradeep Singh Kharola said the making of drones is becoming a reality in India .

We led the software revolution, and in the drone revolution also we have the potential of becoming number one. In that direction, we have taken a small step. The first thing is even drone operations require pilots and one of the first training centers for drones is being established in IGRUA, Kharola said.

The entire regulatory framework for drones has been put in place and very soon drones would be regulated, monitored, observed, and controlled just as is being done for aircraft, he added.

He also noted that in the coming years, the number of drones flying in the Indian skies may go into hundreds of thousands and their monitoring would be a challenge.

The challenge is that we have to ensure that not only we become leaders in drone manufacturing but also in their management, Kharola said.

He also mooted the idea for IGRUA, a government-run autonomous institute, to eventually move into drone manufacturing, design, and management besides imparting training for its pilots.

Kharola, who was joined by MOCA Joint Secretary Amber Dubey, was speaking at the 36th foundation day of IGRUA.

IGRUA Director Krishnendu Gupta said drone pilot training would begin shortly at the institute's campus located at Fursatganj in Amethi.

Under the collaborative initiative, IGRUA will provide its resources while the Drone Destination will chip in with its expertise in drones to train the aspirants, Gupta told PTI.

He said the course duration would be around two-weeks and added that the institute will soon also begin a programme on English Language Proficiency (ELP).

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



Amritsar (PTI): Former president Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said that with digital transformation, economic reforms and a strong focus on the ease of doing business, India is moving towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 19th edition of the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) in Amritsar.

The former president said that this 19th edition of PITEX is being organised at a time when India is recognised as one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the event organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) the former president, while referring to Punjab, said the state is a living example of courage, sacrifice and enterprise.

"The spiritual light of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) inspires peace and humanity across the world. The heritage of Punjab is deep and inspiring," Kovind said, according to a statement issued by the PITEX.

The former president congratulated the PHDCCI for hosting the 19th edition of PITEX and suggested that the chamber should expand PITEX outside Punjab.

He proposed that a similar event should also be held in New Delhi.