Content :

1. Qualified cheer
2. A lofty concept, a Governor and unwanted controversy
3. The ‘Axis of Upheaval’ in the West Asia conflict

Qualified Cheer

Historic Achievement

• Shubhanshu Shukla becomes the first Indian to reach ISS and first in orbital space since Rakesh Sharma (1984).
• Launched aboard Axiom-4 (commercial mission) from NASA’s Florida spaceport on June 25, 2025.
• Mission includes eight experiments from ISRO and is expected to last two weeks.

Relevance : GS 3(Space )

Practice Question : “India’s participation in commercial space missions marks a strategic shift in its human spaceflight programme.” Critically examine the significance of Shubhanshu Shukla’s Axiom-4 mission for India’s Gaganyaan programme and broader space ambitions. (250 words)

Significance for Indian Space Programme

• Marks a major milestone in preparing for India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight (planned for 2027).
• Provides firsthand data and experience in human spaceflight operations, crucial before launching indigenous missions.
• Cost: ₹548 crore for the seat and advanced training (alongside backup astronaut Prasanth Nair).

Scientific & Strategic Value

• Facilitates human systems testing in microgravity, crew coordination, and experiment management.
• Exposure to global space standards (NASA, SpaceX, Axiom protocols) enhances ISRO’s readiness.
• Could strengthen US-India collaboration in space technology (NASA, Blue Origin show interest in Gaganyaan tech).

Concerns & Gaps

• Lack of transparency: The Department of Space has not clarified the cost-benefit rationale of the paid mission.
• Raises questions amid ₹20,200 crore Gaganyaan budget and limited communication from ISRO.

Geopolitical & Commercial Landscape

• Axiom is a private firm, highlighting growing commercialisation of space.
• Uncertainty in U.S. space access (e.g., SpaceX’s political dynamics under Trump) adds instability to future collaborations.
• ISS decommissioning by 2030 adds urgency for India to define its post-ISS strategy.

The Way Forward

• India must:
  • Communicate more transparently on mission goals, costs, and strategic intent.
  • Invest in private space sector with more tangible policy and funding.
  • Maintain strategic autonomy while leveraging global partnerships.
• ISRO’s next big challenge post-mission: sustaining public trust and meeting rising expectations.

A lofty concept, a Governor and unwanted controversy

Context of the Issue

• A painting of Bharat Mata was displayed at official events at Raj Bhavan, Kerala.
• The image featured a woman holding a saffron flag, with a lion in the background and the map of India.
• The Governor of Kerala has been offering floral tributes to the image before official functions.
• The state government raised concerns, stating this image is not part of officially recognised national symbols.

Relevance : GS 2(Governance ,Federalism )

Practice Question : “In a federal democracy, public symbolism must adhere to constitutional decorum.”Discuss the constitutional and legal framework governing the use of symbols in official spaces, in the context of the recent Kerala Raj Bhavan episode. (250 words)

Constitutional and Legal Perspective

• India recognises specific national symbols: the flag, anthem, emblem, etc., under the Constitution or statutory provisions.
• No specific visual representation of Bharat Mata has been officially adopted as a national symbol.
• In public functions, especially those held in government venues, symbols are usually guided by official protocols and approvals.

Role of the Governor

• As per constitutional norms, the Governor acts on the advice of the elected state government in matters of governance.
• Supreme Court rulings and Constituent Assembly debates (including views of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar) have emphasized that the Governor does not act independently in executive matters.
• Placement of portraits or symbols in official spaces typically follows guidelines set by the state administration.

Understanding the Bharat Mata Concept

• The concept of Bharat Mata originated in the late 19th century.
• Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay introduced a mother figure as Banga Mata in Anandamath.
• The first visual depiction was by Abanindranath Tagore in 1905; the image was later popularised by Sister Nivedita as Bharat Mata.
• Jawaharlal Nehru, in The Discovery of India, interpreted Bharat Mata as representing the people of India, rather than a specific image.

Symbolism in Public Spaces

• In a diverse and plural society like India, the use of imagery in official settings is approached with sensitivity and inclusiveness.
• Public institutions often follow a secular and neutral framework for official ceremonies to reflect the country’s constitutional values.

Institutional Coordination

• Raj Bhavan, while being the Governor’s residence, is also a public institution that hosts official state functions.
• Decisions regarding visual displays at such venues are generally made in consultation with the government, ensuring alignment with established norms and public expectations.

Way Forward

• Coordination between constitutional authorities helps maintain the smooth functioning of governance.
• Public institutions can benefit from clear communication and adherence to constitutional protocols in organising official events.
• Discussions on national identity and symbolism can be approached with respect, balance, and institutional consensus.

Disclaimer : The views and opinions expressed here are based on the original article published in THE HINDU and do not reflect the official stance of Legacy IAS Academy. This content is provided solely for Academic purposes.

The ‘Axis of Upheaval’ in the West Asia conflict

Backdrop of the Conflict

• A ceasefire followed the escalation between Israel and Iran, including U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
• The incident challenges the idea of the world being divided into Cold War-like blocs, as key partners like Russia and China did not intervene militarily in support of Iran.
• Iran faces significant political and military setbacks, creating questions around the depth and reliability of its strategic alignments.

Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)

Practice Question : “The so-called ‘Axis of Upheaval’ reflects geopolitical fluidity rather than a formal power bloc.” Analyze how the recent West Asia conflict exposes the limits of informal strategic alignments among Iran, Russia, and China. (250 words)

Understanding the ‘Axis of Upheaval’

• Term coined to describe a perceived counter-West alliance of Russia, China, and Iran.
• These partnerships are not bound by formal military treaties, making collective defense actions unlikely.
• Shared goals include:
  • De-dollarisation of the global economy.
  • Alternatives to SWIFT (global payment system).
  • Strengthening groupings like BRICS and SCO.
  • Promoting multipolar global governance.

Iran’s Strategic Position

• Iran has provided drones to Russia in the Ukraine war and cooperated with Russia in Syria.
• China remains a key oil buyer, helping sustain Iran’s economy despite sanctions.
• Strategic partnerships with Russia (2025) and China (2021) are mainly economic, not defense-oriented.

Russia’s Constraints

• Russia’s resources are largely committed to the Ukraine conflict, limiting its ability to support Iran militarily.
• With Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s exit and shift in Syria’s foreign policy, Russia’s military presence in West Asia has weakened.
• Moscow’s support remains diplomatic; offers to mediate the Iran-Israel conflict were declined.

China’s Position

• China has condemned Israeli strikes and urged restraint but refrains from military engagement.
• Strategic tension in West Asia may serve Chinese interests by:
  • Diverting U.S. focus away from the Indo-Pacific.
  • Providing space for China to strengthen regional positions.

Implications of U.S. Involvement

• The U.S.–Iran conflict may affect U.S. capacity to manage other global theatres (e.g., Ukraine, Indo-Pacific).
• A U.S.-backed ceasefire is currently in place but remains fragile.

Challenges for Iran

• Iran’s regional allies (e.g., Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis) are currently weakened.
• Lacks military backing from its larger strategic partners.
• The experience may reinforce Tehran’s belief in the strategic value of nuclear deterrence.

Key Takeaway

• The idea of an anti-West bloc appears more rhetorical than operational.
• While Russia and China align with Iran economically and politically, the absence of formal defense pacts limits coordinated action.
• The episode highlights asymmetries in global alliances and evolving power dynamics in West Asia.