UPSC-Relevant News Items

1. Aviation Sector Grapples With Rising Incidents of GPS Jamming and Spoofing

Page: 8

Summary:

• Incidents of GNSS jamming (overpowering signals) and spoofing (deceptive signals) are surging globally, posing significant safety risks to flight operations.
• India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation reported incidents near major airports including Delhi and Mumbai; global data shows a 220% jump in signal loss events between 2021 and 2024.
• Interference risks misrouting and diversions, necessitating pilots to use independent navigational systems and cross-reference multiple data sources to ensure safety.

Additional Facts:

• The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) mandates specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for pilots, requiring them to utilize back-up Inertial Reference Systems (IRS) and procedural contingency navigation to counter GNSS interference and maintain flight safety.
• The Ministry of Civil Aviation, in coordination with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), manages spectrum allocation and investigates unauthorized signal interference under the provisions of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, to safeguard critical aviation radio navigation services.

Linkage with UPSC course:

• General

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