The Union government of India, the country’s central federal administration, on Monday confirmed several instances of GPS spoofing near Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) and other major airports. Officials said that despite the interference, all flights continued to operate safely and without disruption. The clarification came after reports pointed to digital interference affecting aircraft navigation systems during approach procedures at some of the busiest airports in the country.

What Is GPS Spoofing?

GPS spoofing is a form of signal interference where false Global Positioning System (GPS) signals are broadcast to mislead navigation systems. For aircraft, it can temporarily confuse onboard systems about their true location or altitude. While pilots and air traffic controllers are trained to manage such situations, repeated interference requires immediate reporting and stronger safeguards.

Government Confirms Incidents at Multiple Airports

India’s Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu informed Parliament that several flights approaching Delhi reported GPS spoofing while using satellite-based landing procedures on Runway 10. In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, the minister confirmed that similar signal interference reports have been received from several India’s major airports, including Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Amritsar, and Chennai. He explained that when GPS spoofing was detected in Delhi, contingency procedures were activated for flights approaching the affected runway. The rest of the airport continued functioning normally through conventional ground-based navigation systems, preventing any impact on overall flight operations.

Safety Procedures and New Reporting System

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for real-time reporting of GPS spoofing and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference around IGI Airport. The minister added that since DGCA made reporting mandatory in November 2023, regular interference alerts have been received from major airports across the country. These reports are helping regulators identify patterns and respond more quickly to any navigation-related disturbances. India continues to maintain a network of traditional navigation and surveillance systems such as Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) and radar. These systems act as dependable backups if satellite-based navigation is interrupted, following global aviation best practices.

Airports on High Cyber Vigilance

The government said India is actively engaging with global aviation bodies to stay updated on the latest technologies, methods, and safety measures related to aviation cybersecurity. Meanwhile, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is deploying advanced cybersecurity tools across its IT infrastructure to strengthen protection against potential digital threats. Although the cyber-related interference did not affect flight schedules, the confirmation of GPS spoofing attempts at major airports has led to increased monitoring across key aviation hubs. These airports handle millions of passengers every year, making continuous vigilance essential.

Recent Aviation Challenges

The GPS spoofing reports come shortly after a separate system failure at Delhi Airport in November, which caused major delays. That incident was later linked to a technical issue with the Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS) and was not related to cyber activity. The aviation sector also faced another challenge recently when Airbus A320 aircraft required an urgent software update. The A320, widely used in India, led to around 388 delayed flights on Saturday. All Indian airlines completed the required updates by Sunday, allowing normal operations to resume. Despite reports of interference, the Union government emphasised that there was no impact on passenger safety or flight operations. Established procedures, trained crews, and reliable backup systems ensured that aircraft continued operating normally. Authorities said they will continue monitoring navigation systems closely and strengthening cybersecurity measures across airports to safeguard India’s aviation network.

The Government of India’s Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) has launched the Digital Life Certificate (DLC) Campaign 4.0, a national drive to make pension services more accessible and efficient for millions of retired central government employees. The Digital Life Certificate 4.0 initiative aims to simplify how pensioners verify their annual life certificates — an essential process to continue receiving pension benefits. Through Face Authentication Technology, biometric devices, mobile applications, and doorstep services, pensioners can now complete the process without visiting a government office or bank.

Simplifying Pension Submissions Through Digital Life Certificate 4.0

The Digital Life Certificate 4.0, also known as Jeevan Pramaan, is a key part of India’s digital governance efforts. It allows pensioners to verify their identity remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits and paperwork. This move is especially beneficial for elderly citizens and those living in distant locations, including Indian pensioners residing overseas. The Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare continues to expand its reach through the DLC 4.0 campaign, running from November 1 to November 30, 2025, to ensure that every pensioner can submit their life certificate easily and securely through digital means. [caption id="attachment_106602" align="aligncenter" width="725"] Source: https://www.staffnews.in/2025/11/[/caption]

Strengthening Cybersecurity Awareness

With the growing adoption of online systems, the department has also issued an important cybersecurity advisory to protect pensioners from fraud, identity theft, and misuse of personal information. The India pensioners cybersecurity advisory emphasizes that while digital services improve convenience, cybersecurity awareness is crucial to ensure safe transactions. Below are the key precautions the department has advised all pensioners to follow:

1. Use Only Authorized Platforms

Pensioners should submit their Digital Life Certificate 4.0 only through verified government channels such as:

• The official Jeevan Pramaan Portal
• The Post Office app
• The Aadhaar Face RD Application

The government has cautioned against using unverified apps or agents claiming to assist with certificate submissions.

2. Safeguard Personal Information

Pensioners are advised not to share their Aadhaar number, OTPs, bank details, Pension Payment Order (PPO) number, or mobile number with anyone other than authorized officials. Sharing such details can lead to financial or identity-related fraud.

3. Beware of Fake Calls and Messages

The government clarified that no official agency will ever ask for a pensioner’s password, bank PIN, or OTP over the phone or email. Pensioners are encouraged to double-check any communication claiming to be from a government source.

4. Keep Devices and Internet Secure

It is important to update mobile phones and computers with the latest software and antivirus protection. Pensioners should also use secure Wi-Fi or mobile networks while submitting their life certificates online.

5. Report Suspicious Activity

If pensioners suspect any misuse or fraudulent activity, they should immediately report it to their respective banks or file a complaint on India’s official Cyber Crime Portal at https://cybercrime.gov.in.

Building a Safer Digital Ecosystem

By combining convenience with cybersecurity, the Indian government is ensuring that digital initiatives like DLC 4.0 are both user-friendly and secure. The campaign represents a broader national effort to promote digital inclusion, enabling senior citizens to access government services with confidence. For pensioners—particularly those who may be less familiar with online systems—this advisory serves as an essential guide to safe digital practices. It reminds users that while technology makes life easier, vigilance remains the best defense against cyber threats. The Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare’s advisory, issued with the approval of the competent authority, underscores India’s growing focus on building a secure and trusted digital future for its citizens. As the DLC 4.0 campaign continues through November 30, 2025, pensioners in India and abroad are encouraged to make use of these digital options—safely, confidently, and with full awareness of the cybersecurity measures that protect them.