UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27th June 2025
Shubhanshu Shukla became 634th astronaut to reach space
Why in News?
- Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the 634th astronaut to travel to space and the first Indian in 40 years to reach the International Space Station as part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission.
Introduction
- On June 26, 2025, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force officer, made history by becoming India’s latest astronaut and the 634th human to travel to space.
- He reached the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, signifying India’s re-entry into human spaceflight after a gap of four decades.
- This achievement places India in an elite league of nations contributing not only to space science and exploration but also to international human space missions.
Background: Axiom-4 Mission
- Launched From: Kennedy Space Center, Florida (USA)
- Date of Launch: June 25, 2025
- Mission Duration: 14 days at the ISS
- Spacecraft: SpaceX Crew Dragon
- Mission Organizer: Axiom Space (a private American space company) in collaboration with NASA and international agencies
Crew Members:
- Peggy Whitson (USA): Mission Commander, former NASA astronaut
- Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (India)
- Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland)
- Tibor Kapu (Hungary)
India’s Role in Axiom-4
India’s participation marks a watershed moment in its space diplomacy and capability, showcasing collaboration with global space players like NASA and private entities such as Axiom Space.
- Shukla’s inclusion in a private space mission emphasizes India’s increasing integration with the global space ecosystem.
- It aligns with ISRO’s future ambitions, including the Gaganyaan mission, aimed at launching Indian astronauts on indigenous platforms.
Highlights of the Mission
1. Shubhanshu Shukla’s Journey to the ISS
- Journey Duration: ~28 hours from launch to docking
- Warmly received aboard the ISS by members of Expedition 73
- Received astronaut pins in a symbolic welcome ceremony
- Carried the Tiranga (Indian Tricolour) as a mark of national pride
2. Scheduled Activities on the ISS
- Scientific Experiments: Collaborative research across domains like microgravity effects on human physiology, material science, and biology.
- Educational Outreach: Interaction with students and scientists on Earth via live sessions.
- Diplomatic and Cultural Representation: Flag-carrying mission for India in a global cooperative space setting.
Broader Implications for India’s Space Program
1. International Collaboration:
- Enhances India’s credentials as a reliable spacefaring partner
- Encourages joint ventures with private and public entities globally
2. Technological Leap:
- Exposure to ISS infrastructure and operations informs India’s planning for Gaganyaan
- Opportunity to learn from experienced astronauts like Peggy Whitson
3. Inspiration and Outreach:
- Inspires Indian youth towards STEM education and careers in aerospace
- Helps democratize interest in space missions beyond elite scientific circles.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
- Human Spaceflight Readiness: India must ensure timely and safe implementation of the Gaganyaan mission with indigenous launch capability.
- Private Sector Integration: India must develop a robust regulatory and financial framework to integrate startups and private players into manned missions.
- Global Competition: As more nations and private players enter the domain, India must innovate rapidly and build strategic space partnerships.
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Economic Implications
For Indian Exporters
- These reforms reduce transaction costs and compliance hurdles
- Encourage a more competitive and efficient export environment
- Promote value addition in key sectors like leather
For Tamil Nadu
- The reforms particularly benefit the state’s leather industry, a major contributor to employment and exports
- Boost the marketability of GI-tagged E.I. leather, enhancing rural and traditional industries
For Trade Policy
- These decisions indicate a shift from regulatory controls to policy facilitation
Reinforce the goals of Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and India’s ambition to become a leading export power
Recently, BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, claimed that India has overtaken Japan to become the fourth-largest economy in the world, citing data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
India’s rank as the world’s largest economy varies by measure—nominal GDP or purchasing power parity (PPP)—each with key implications for economic analysis.
