Editorial Snapshot: 26-June-2025

Qualified cheer: On Shubhanshu Shukla,  Axiom-4 mission

On June 25, 2025, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla launched to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard NASA’s Axiom-4 commercial mission, marking the first Indian in orbital space since Rakesh Sharma in 1984. If the Dragon capsule docks successfully on June 26, he will be the first Indian aboard the ISS. Over two weeks, he will conduct experiments, including eight from ISRO. Though his ₹548 crore seat purchase is seen as costly, it provides vital experience for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission, slated for 2027. However, the Department of Space has not explained the rationale behind this expenditure. With changing global space dynamics, uncertainty around U.S. policies, and the ISS nearing decommissioning in 2030, India’s space future faces challenges. While NASA and private firms show interest in collaborating with India, especially through Gaganyaan, the Indian government’s support for its private space sector remains limited. Post-mission, ISRO must address growing public expectations, particularly in terms of transparency and readiness for human spaceflight.

Cause and effect: On human rights, citizenship cases

Concerns over citizenship in India’s border States have resurfaced, with courts offering interim relief to individuals facing harassment. On June 24, 2025, the Supreme Court stayed the deportation of Jaynab Bibi, declared a “foreigner” by the Assam Foreigners’ Tribunal and Gauhati High Court, despite her long-standing family ties in Assam and proper documentation. In Jammu and Kashmir, the High Court directed the Union Home Secretary to repatriate Rakshanda Rashid, a Pakistani national who had lived in India for 38 years and was deported after the Pahalgam terror attack, despite her pending 1996 citizenship application. Citing a 2024 Supreme Court case, lawyers highlighted how people in Assam are being labelled as foreigners without proper evidence. The 2019 Citizenship (Amendment) Act’s exclusion of Muslims has been criticized for its arbitrary view of religious persecution. Combined with hostile rhetoric from BJP leaders, these actions have deepened fears among marginalised communities. The government must uphold individual rights and dignity as enshrined in the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, without requiring judicial intervention.

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