National
Innovation Challenge for Drone Application and Research (NIDAR 2.0)
Prelims:
Science & Technology
Mains:
GS Paper III-Science & Technology, Economy,
Internal Security
Current
relevance:
The Ministry of Electronics and
Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with the Drone
Federation India (DFI), has launched the National Innovation Challenge
for Drone Application and Research (NIDAR 2.0, 2026–27) under the SwaYaan
initiative.
Highlights:
About NIDAR (National
Innovation Challenge for Drone Application and Research):
1. Background:
i.
The first phase of NIDAR (2025–26) was
launched in 2025.
ii.
NIDAR 2.0, was launched in 2026,
the flagship innovation platform under the SwaYaan initiative.
iii.
It is jointly organised by the Ministry of
Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Drone Federation
India (DFI).
2. Objective:
To encourage students to develop autonomous drones, indigenous
drone components, and AI-enabled drone technologies using
Indian-made processors.
3. Key Focus:
The initiative promotes the development of smarter drones using the indigenous
VEGA processor and strengthens self-reliance in drone electronics
and semiconductor technologies.
About SwaYaan:
1. It
is
a Capacity Building initiative for Human Resource Development in Unmanned
Aircraft Systems (UAS), including drones and allied technologies.
2. It was
approved by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
in 2022.
3. Aim: To develop
a skilled workforce for India's rapidly growing drone ecosystem.
4. It is
implemented through a Hub-and-Spoke model involving 30 premier
institutions, including IISc, IITs, IIITs, NITs, C-DAC, and NIELIT.
5. It focuses
on five key themes:
i.
Aeromechanics
ii.
Drone Electronics
iii.
Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC)
Algorithms and Simulation
iv.
Drone Applications
v.
Allied Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)
Technologies
Source: PIB - https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2284236®=48&lang=1