UIDAI partnered with Starlink for Aadhaar-based verification

Current Context: On 20 August 2025, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) partnered with Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet division, to enable Aadhaar-based electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) verification for broadband onboarding.

• Starlink India was designated as a Sub-Authentication User Agency (Sub-AUA) and Sub-eKYC User Agency (Sub-KUA), allowing secure, paperless customer verification.
• This initiative aims to connect remote regions using satellite internet while ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Over 20 lakh users are expected to be onboarded in the initial phase.
• The move highlights India’s digital infrastructure capabilities and supports transparent service delivery.
• Starlink is also collaborating with Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio for distribution.

Question:

Q.1 On 20 August 2025, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) partnered with which company’s satellite internet division to enable Aadhaar-based e-KYC verification for broadband onboarding?
a) OneWeb
b) Amazon Kuiper
c) Starlink (SpaceX)
d) Inmarsat

Answer: c) UIDAI partnered with Starlink, the satellite internet division of SpaceX, for Aadhaar-based e-KYC onboarding in broadband services.