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Catch India’s First Nano Drone Racing Tournament This Weekend

Shireen Jamooji

Have you ever dreamed of a fully automated future? One where driverless cars fill the roads and your personal C3PO takes care of the housework. Well, India may be a little far from making that a reality but there is one aspect of futuristic technology that we have totally under control and that’s the use of drones. The government currently has regulations in place concerning the use and distribution of drones in Indian airspace. However, these rules only apply to drones above 250 gm in weight. Which means Nano drones, which weigh roughly between 40 and 100 gm, are available for use by anyone who can get their hands on one.

Drone-racing has becoming an increasingly popular hobby to the point where they even have their own official league. However, last weekend saw the start of the first official competitive drone racing event, the Pluto Racing League (PRL), started by Drona Aviation. To enter you didn’t need to be an experienced drone pilot, all participants were given a crash course in flying as well as access to Drona’s own stock of Pluto drones.

On the 2nd and 3rd of September trial rounds were held where the 51 initial participants were whittled down to 32. The next round of qualifiers will take place on the 9th where they’ll be challenged to complete three laps through a row of 15-20 hoops as quickly as possible. The final eight remaining will compete again on the 10th to be the ultimate champion. Even though you won’t be able to apply as a competitor at this time, entry for spectators is free and its a great opportunity to watch nano-drones in action as well as pick the brains of India’s drone experts. After all, drones are all set to take over the future, so why not make their acquaintance now.

When: 9th & 10th September

Where: One Indiabulls, Lower Parel

Contact: 8779952098 for more information

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