Ministry of Civil Aviation notifies Drone Rules, 2021
The Hindu
The all-up weight of an unmanned aircraft system has been increased from 300 kg to 500 kg
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has , under which the coverage of all-up weight of an unmanned aircraft system has been increased from 300 kg to 500 kg to include heavy payload-carrying drones and drone taxis. Under the new rules, no security clearance will be required before any registration or licence issuance for drones. The number of forms or permissions has been reduced from 25 to just five. No pilot licence will be required for operating nano drones and micro drones for non-commercial use. While the fees for permissions have been reduced to nominal levels, the maximum penalty has been brought down to ₹1 lakh. This will, however, not apply to penalties in respect of violation of other laws.
Madras University emerged the overall champions at the 85th All India Inter-University Athletics Championship 2025–26 by scoring 134 points while Mangalore University emerged the runners up by scoring 109 points
Special Intensive Revision of Tamil Nadu's electoral rolls ends January 18, with over 12.8 lakh seeking inclusion.
PM Modi visits Assam for a mass dance event and to initiate the Kaziranga elevated corridor project on January 17-18.
Chennai's People's Educational Trust urges the DMK to enhance Ambedkar Memorial amenities in its 2026 election manifesto.
Kannur leads in the Gold Cup race at the State School Arts Festival, with Thrissur and rivals close behind.
Indian diplomat's meeting with Jamaat Ameer deemed routine by MEA, emphasizing regular diplomatic interactions in Bangladesh.
Government increases TDR compensation for plot owners near water bodies to encourage conservation efforts and attract participation.
Lakshya Sen's inconsistent performance leads to his exit from the India Open, concluding India's challenge in the tournament.
Rooster fights defy state bans in Krishna and Godavari districts, drawing large crowds and illegal betting during Sankranti festivities.
SRM University-AP students excel in athletics, winning three gold medals at the All-India Inter-University Championships 2025-26.
The Central Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Friday pledged to mobilise people in resistance against the BJP-led Union government’s “anti-agricultural worker, anti-farmer, anti-worker, anti-people” laws and policies till they are all repealed, the party said on Friday. In a statement issued here, the CPI(M) said the members took the pledge following a three-day meeting held at Thiruvananthapuram.
Celebrated Kannada writer and thinker K. P. Poornachandra Tejaswi’s deep connection with literature, nature, and the Malnad landscape has taken centre stage at Lalbagh’s Republic Day Flower Show, themed ‘Tejaswi Vismaya’.
Pro-Iran rallies in Kashmir and Kargil express solidarity with Iran's regime amid ongoing domestic protests and international criticism.