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News 16 of 20

DGS Proposes Stricter Penalties Under Indian Telecom Act 2023 For Illegal Satellite Phone Use In Indian Waters

Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
22 Feb 2026
~2 min
Source: The Hindu
Key Data:July 12, 2023
Bodies:Directorate General of Shipping (DGS)
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.Security alerts highlight illegal use of portable satellite communication devices (satellite phones, Zoleo devices) on vessels in Indian waters as a national security threat.

2.The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has issued a draft order proposing punitive action under the Indian Telecommunications Act, 2023, and the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, for violations.

3.The core security challenge is the inability to monitor Iridium-based devices due to the absence of ground stations in India, making their unauthorized use a critical vulnerability.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

Security agencies have flagged the illegal use of satellite phones in Indian waters as a national security threat. The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) is proposing stricter penal action under new telecom and shipping laws to curb this menace, focusing on unauthorized devices like Iridium and Zoleo systems that cannot be monitored.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Alerting AgencyDirectorate General of Shipping (DGS)
Key Acts for Penal ActionIndian Telecommunications Act, 2023 & Merchant Shipping Act, 2025
Permitted Use (Conditional)Iridium-based devices for GMDSS Distress & Safety Comms
Remains BannedThuraya satellite equipment
DGS Order DateJuly 12, 2023

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Alerting Agency: Directorate General of Shipping (DGS)
  • ›Key Acts for Penal Action: Indian Telecommunications Act, 2023 & Merchant Shipping Act, 2025
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Directorate General of Shipping (DGS)
  • ›Target this Legal Point: Indian Telecommunications Act, 2023 & Merchant Shipping Act, 2025
  • ›Target this Security Gap: No Iridium gateways/ground stations in India
  • ›Target this Conditional Permission: Iridium for GMDSS Distress & Safety Comms only

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), which issued the alert on illegal satellite phone use, operates under which Union Ministry?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the use of satellite communication devices in Indian waters as per the news article:

1. The use of Thuraya satellite equipment is completely banned in Indian waters.

2. Iridium-based satellite communication equipment is permitted unconditionally for all types of communication on ships.

3. The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has proposed penal action under the Indian Telecommunications Act, 2023, for violations.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the article, on which date did the DGS issue an order permitting conditional use of Iridium-based satellite communication equipment for distress purposes?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary national security concern highlighted by the DGS regarding the illegal use of Iridium-based portable satellite devices in Indian waters?

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