Ex-bureaucrat E.A.S. Sarma seeks judicial probe into starlink deal, cites security, legal concerns
New Delhi: Former Union Secretary E.A.S. Sarma has called for an independent judicial inquiry into the government’s decision to assign satellite spectrum directly to Elon Musk’s Starlink, raising concerns over national security, transparency, and financial loss to the public exchequer.
In a letter dated June 9, 2025, addressed to Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan, Sarma reiterated that the move violates the Supreme Court’s judgment in the 2G spectrum case, and claimed that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) made “imprudent concessions” to Starlink. He accused the government of bypassing standard procedures and enabling a “near-monopoly” in satellite services to a foreign company allegedly aligned with the US defence establishment.
Sarma, a 1965 batch IAS officer, had raised similar objections in letters dating back to November 2024. He cited national interest and strategic risks, urging that spectrum be reserved for Indian agencies such as ISRO, defence forces, and strategic public sector enterprises. He expressed concern that Starlink had been granted exemptions from standard security conditions, especially regarding installation near international borders.
In earlier communications, Sarma also flagged the risk of cartelisation, alleging that Starlink had formed an arrangement with domestic telecom operators Jio and Airtel, which could harm competition and consumer interests. He compared the situation to the 2G spectrum allocation, describing it as potentially “far worse.”
In his latest letter, Sarma referred to a Washington Post report detailing security lapses associated with Starlink terminals installed near sensitive locations in the United States, including the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington D.C. The report cited concerns from White House IT staff and a House Oversight Committee member about Starlink’s potential to bypass secure networks.
Sarma stated that these revelations should prompt the Indian government to reassess its engagement with Starlink. He urged a judicial probe into whether the spectrum assignment violated Supreme Court guidelines, altered licence conditions to benefit Starlink, and caused a financial loss by not opting for a transparent auction.
Concluding his letter, Sarma warned that continued inaction would indicate a lack of accountability. He added that if the government fails to respond, he may be compelled to seek judicial intervention.
The Centre has not yet issued a public response to Sarma’s latest allegations.
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New Zealand women's captain Sophie Devine to retire from ODIs after World Cup
Auckland, Jun 17 (PTI): New Zealand women's team captain and prolific all-rounder Sophie Devine will retire from the ODIs after the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka later this year.
The 35-year-old is widely regarded as one of the most prolific all-rounders in women's cricket, having amassed 3990 runs from 152 ODIs at an average of 31.66 with the help of eight centuries. She has also scored 3431 runs from 146 T20Is with one century.
She has also taken 107 and 119 wickets in the ODIs and T20Is respectively. She, however, has not played in any Test.
"It feels like the right time for me to start stepping away. I feel very fortunate to have NZC’s support in finding a solution that means I can still give to the WHITE FERNS," said Devine in a statement issued by New Zealand Cricket on Tuesday.
Devine's statement came ahead of the announcement of the 17 centrally contracted players by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Wednesday. She will remain available for T20I cricket on a "casual playing arrangement" but will not be centrally contracted.
"It's important that everyone knows I'm focused and dedicated to giving this group everything I can before I step away. I'm really excited by where this young group’s going and I'm looking forward to playing my part in the next six to nine months."
Her decision to retire after the ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2 came after Devine took a break from cricket to prioritise her mental health in January. She will lead the team in the ODI World Cup in September.
Devine was permanent captain of the White Ferns in 2020, and has since led the team to new heights, including a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and a maiden ICC Women's T20 World Cup victory last year.
NZC's head of women's high performance Liz Green said Devine had the organisation's full support.
"Sophie's given nearly 20 years of service to the White Ferns and NZC is fully supportive of her quest to find more balance at this stage in her career," Green said.
"We're pleased to be able to reach an agreement that means she can continue to be involved with the White Ferns on a case-by-case basis, whilst opening up the opportunity for another player to be contracted in full."
NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink praised Devine’s contribution to the White Ferns.
"Sophie has been an extraordinary leader and ambassador for the WHITE FERNS. Supporting her move to a casual playing agreement will allow her to continue contributing to the WHITE FERNS environment," he said.
The White Ferns are scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign against seven-time champions Australia on October 1 in Indore.
