27 June 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Ax-4 Docking Successful, Shukla Sets Foot in ISS

Source: The Hindu, Page 1 & 12, June 27, 2025

Topic: GS Paper 3 – Science and Technology (Space Technology)

Context

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla becomes the first Indian astronaut to board the ISS through the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) commercial mission, marking a historic step towards India’s Gaganyaan mission.

Content: 

• Milestone Achievement:

  • Shukla is the 634th astronaut globally and the first Indian on the ISS.

  • Part of Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission launched from Florida.

  • India paid over ₹500 crore to include Shukla in Ax-4 — a strategic move towards preparing for Gaganyaan.

• Significance for Gaganyaan:

  • Shukla is one of four designated astronauts for Gaganyaan, India’s indigenous human spaceflight program expected by 2026.

  • Exposure to ISS will help in understanding zero-gravity experiments, orbital docking, and international cooperation.

• Broader Impact:

  • Enhances India’s global space credentials.

  • Encourages public-private partnerships and international collaboration.

  • Paves the way for India’s space diplomacy and commercial space ventures.

Practice Question:

India’s participation in international space missions like Axiom-4 serves as both a technological and diplomatic milestone. Discuss its significance in the context of India’s Gaganyaan mission and space diplomacy.  (250 words / 15 marks)

2. India Declines to Sign SCO Statement on Terrorism

Source: Page 1 & 12, The Hindu, June 27 2025

Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations / Internal Security

Context

India refused to endorse the joint statement at the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting over lack of specific reference to terrorism, especially the Pahalgam attack.

Content:

• What Happened:

  • India objected to the exclusion of the Pahalgam attack (April 2025) and the inclusion of Balochistan-related incidents.

  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized a firm Indian stance on terrorism.

• Why It Matters:

  • Demonstrates India’s assertiveness in multilateral platforms.

  • Underscores Pakistan and China’s role in diluting anti-terrorism narratives in SCO.

  • Reinforces India’s national security concerns on global platforms.

• Strategic Implications:

  • Reflects growing fault lines within SCO.

  • India’s insistence on specific language shows an evolved diplomatic posture.

  • Raises questions about SCO’s credibility in dealing with terrorism.

Practice Question:

“In light of recent events at the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting, critically examine India’s evolving approach to terrorism in regional multilateral forums.” (250 words / 15 marks)

3. Strategic Misfire: The Iran-Israel Ceasefire and Its Fallout

Source: The Hindu, Page 8, June 27, 2025

Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations | GS Paper 3 – Security

Context

The recent ceasefire between Israel and Iran after a 12-day war highlights the fragility of the regional balance and the limits of military action.

Content:

• Conflict Highlights:

  • Iran suffered major damage to its nuclear infrastructure and military leadership.

  • Israel’s air defence vulnerabilities were exposed despite technical superiority.

• Geopolitical Implications:

  • U.S. involvement in striking Iran’s nuclear plants reveals the limits of Israeli self-reliance.

  • Iran maintains symbolic and real resistance, preventing outright strategic defeat.

• Broader Lessons:

  • Military action has not met its stated objectives.

  • Diplomacy is the only viable path forward — the U.S. must offer economic incentives and restrain Israel.

  • The ceasefire may mark a pause rather than a resolution.

Practice Question:

The recent Iran-Israel conflict has exposed the limitations of military strategy and highlighted the importance of diplomacy. Examine. (150 words / 10 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. Ax-4 Docking Successful, Shukla Sets Foot in ISS

Source: Page 1 & 12, The Hindu

Topic: GS Paper 3: Science & Technology (Space Technology)

Context

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to enter the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Ax-4 commercial mission by Axiom Space.

Analysis of the news:

• Shubhanshu Shukla is the first Indian astronaut on the ISS.

• Part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), a private space mission by Axiom Space.

• Launch site: Florida, USA, spacecraft: SpaceX Crew Dragon.

• Docked at ISS on June 26, 2025 over the North Atlantic.

• Shukla is also designated for Gaganyaan Mission (India’s human spaceflight program).

• India paid ₹500 crore for participation in the mission.

• Mission duration: 2 weeks, includes 8 ISRO experiments.

• Shukla was the pilot of the mission.

• Axiom Space is a U.S.-based private space company.

• Gaganyaan’s first crewed mission expected no earlier than 2026.

• Shukla becomes the 634th human in space.

2. India Declines to Sign SCO Statement on Terrorism

Source: Page 1 & 12, The Hindu

Topic: GS Paper 2: International Relations | Internal Security

Context

India refused to sign the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) joint statement as it did not mention the Pahalgam terror attack, highlighting India’s firm stance on terrorism.

Analysis of the news:

1. • The SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting was held in China.

   • India objected to the exclusion of the Pahalgam attack (April 22, 2025) in the joint statement.

   • The statement included Balochistan-related references, seen as a diversion by Pakistan & China.

   • Defence Minister: Rajnath Singh represented India.

   • India stressed stronger language on cross-border terrorism.

   • The joint statement was not adopted due to lack of consensus.

   • Randhir Jaiswal, MEA spokesperson, confirmed India’s reservations.

   • India is a full member of SCO since 2017.

   • SCO members include India, China, Russia, Pakistan, and Central Asian nations.

   • This reflects India’s evolving strategy in regional diplomacy and counter-terrorism narratives.

Check more: 26 June 2025 : Daily Current Affairs