Current Affairs 27 June 2025

Content:

1. Ax-4 docking successful, Shukla sets foot in ISS
2. Is voter registration being subject to fraud?
3. What sparked the Keeladi controversy?
4. What are the most commonly used cancer drugs?
5. Schools can take time to use mother tongue as medium’
6. Staggered polls cannot be considered an immutable feature of Constitution: ex-CJI
7. Additional demand behind delay in Jal Jeevan Mission’
8. At Bangkok event, a commitment to count every birth and death

Ax-4 docking successful, Shukla sets foot in ISS

India’s Historic Entry to the ISS

• Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to enter the International Space Station (ISS).
• He was part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), a commercial space mission organized by Axiom Space.
• Onboard SpaceX’s Dragon capsule, the crew docked with the ISS on June 27, 2025, at 4:01 p.m. IST, over the North Atlantic Ocean.

Relevance : GS 3(Space )

Mission Highlights

• Mr. Shukla served as the mission pilot, reflecting India’s growing capabilities in human spaceflight.
• He greeted the nation with a “Namaskar from space” as the capsule orbited Earth before docking.
• This marks a milestone for India’s space ambitions, bridging global cooperation and national goals.

Link to Gaganyaan Mission

• Mr. Shukla is one of the four astronaut designates for India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.
• Fellow astronaut Prasanth Nair was part of the Ax-4 backup crew, also designated for Gaganyaan.
• ISRO paid ₹500+ crore to Axiom Space to secure training and flight participation for Indian astronauts.

Scientific and Strategic Objectives

• The Ax-4 crew will spend two weeks at the ISS, conducting scientific experiments, including eight from ISRO.
• The mission also serves as a training ground for space operations and life support readiness before Gaganyaan’s launch (expected no earlier than 2026).

Global Collaboration

• Axiom Space is a private U.S. company facilitating commercial missions to the ISS, supported by NASA and SpaceX.
• The Ax-4 launch was initially planned for May 29, 2025, but faced multiple delays before successful liftoff on June 26 (IST).

National Significance

• The mission is being celebrated as a landmark in India’s space history, enhancing India’s role in international human spaceflight.
• Union Minister of State for Space, Jitendra Singh, hailed the moment as one watched “with excitement and expectation”.

Conclusion

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s successful arrival at the ISS through the Ax-4 mission marks a symbolic and operational leap in India’s space journey, strengthening the country’s preparedness for Gaganyaan and fostering international partnerships in space exploration.

Is voter registration being subject to fraud?

Context: Electoral Roll Concerns in Maharashtra

• A sudden increase of 40 lakh voters in Maharashtra between the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections raised questions.
• By comparison, only 32 lakh voters were added over the previous five years in the state.
• This pattern appeared statistically inconsistent with past trends and population growth rates, especially considering declining fertility rates.

Relevance : GS 2(Elections -Reforms)

Key Arguments by Analysts

• Praveen Chakravarty (data expert):
  • The spike in new voters over a few months exceeds typical demographic trends.
  • Questions the process of verification and documentation for newly enrolled voters.
  • Argues that voter list data should be provided in machine-readable formats to enable better scrutiny.
  • Also called for CCTV footage post-5 p.m. on polling days due to observed surges in turnout.

• R. Rangarajan (public policy expert):
  • Acknowledges that a 40 lakh increase is unusual, but notes similar short-term increases occurred in previous election years.
  • Points out that changes like quarterly cut-off dates for enrolment could partially explain the spike.
  • Emphasises that both wrongful inclusions and exclusions need attention.
  • Stresses the importance of transparency and political party participation in maintaining robust rolls.

Election Commission of India’s (ECI) Position

• Maintains that tampering with voter rolls is nearly impossible due to existing checks.
• Called for a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of rolls in Bihar and other states to improve accuracy and transparency.
• Suggested political parties could have used the existing appeals process if they found anomalies.

Broader Electoral Roll Issues

• Discrepancies may arise from:
  • Delays or inefficiencies in field verification.
  • Shifts in enrolment cut-off dates.
  • Issues with documentation and data processing.

• There is growing demand for:
  • Digital and accessible voter roll formats.
  • Better tracking of voter additions and deletions.
  • Enhanced mechanisms to reduce duplicates without wrongful exclusions.

Ongoing Efforts and Recommendations

• The upcoming Special Intensive Revisions (SIRs) aim to:
  • Ensure that all eligible citizens are included.
  • Remove ineligible or duplicate entries.
  • Introduce more transparency in voter list management.

• Experts suggest:
  • Independent audits of electoral rolls.
  • Public awareness and participation in revision processes.
  • Stronger coordination between the ECI and all political stakeholders to ensure accuracy.

Conclusion

The discussion highlights the importance of accurate and trustworthy electoral rolls. While questions have been raised about recent trends, experts agree that solutions lie in data transparency, procedural reforms, and collaborative oversight, not just in reactive allegations.

What sparked the Keeladi controversy?

Background of the Keeladi Excavation

• The Keeladi excavation site is located near the Vaigai River in Tamil Nadu.
• Initiated in 2014 by archaeologist K. Amarnath Ramakrishna, the site has yielded over 7,500 artifacts, including brick structures, wells, and drainage systems.
• Findings suggest the presence of a well-planned urban settlement dating back to around the 2nd century BCE, aligning with the Sangam period.

Relevance : GS 1(Culture ,Heritage)

Scientific Significance of the Findings

• Carbon dating and stratigraphy techniques were used to estimate the age of the site.
• The absence of religious symbols suggested a civic and secular lifestyle in the ancient settlement.
• The findings contributed to the understanding of urbanisation and literacy in ancient South India.

Submission of the Report

• In 2021, Mr. Ramakrishna submitted a 982-page report based on the first two phases of excavation (2014–2016).
• The report detailed the site’s chronology and the scientific methods used to date the artifacts.

ASI’s Request for Revision

• After reviewing the report for over two years, the ASI requested revisions in early 2024.
• The ASI raised questions regarding the dating and depth of the artifacts, seeking further scientific validation.
• Mr. Ramakrishna declined to revise the report, stating that it adhered to established archaeological standards, including Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) and stratigraphic sequencing.

Administrative Developments

• Mr. Ramakrishna was transferred to a different role in June 2024, moving from his previous post in Delhi to Greater Noida.
• His new position is within the National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA).

Ongoing Work and Public Interest

• Since 2019, the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology has continued further excavation and published its own findings.
• A museum dedicated to Keeladi has been established to display artifacts and educate the public.
• The site continues to attract attention from researchers, students, and visitors interested in ancient history.

Conclusion

• The Keeladi excavation has made a significant contribution to the understanding of early urban life in South India.
• Scientific discussions about dating methods and interpretation are part of the natural process of archaeological review and validation.
• The ongoing research aims to further uncover and preserve the historical and cultural insights offered by this important site.

What are the most commonly used cancer drugs?

Key Finding: Global Quality Concerns

• A major investigation found that widely used cancer drugs, shipped to over 100 countries, had failed quality tests.
• Raises urgent concerns about the safety and effectiveness of cancer treatment worldwide.

Relevance : GS 2(Health ,Governance) ,GS 3(Science)

Understanding Chemotherapy

• Cancer is caused by uncontrolled cell growth due to gene mutations.
• Chemotherapy drugs work by disrupting DNA synthesis or function, inhibiting cancer cell replication.
• Goal: Target cancer cells while minimizing harm to normal cells.

Common Chemotherapy Drugs and Their Profiles

1. Cisplatin

• Mechanism: Binds to and damages DNA in cancer cells.
• Used for: Testicular, ovarian, bladder, and lung cancers.
• Side Effects:
  • Kidney damage
  • Nausea
  • Hearing loss
  • Immune suppression

2. Oxaliplatin

• Similar to: Cisplatin (also platinum-based).
• Used for: Advanced colorectal cancer, especially post-surgery.
• Side Effects: Comparable to cisplatin (kidney, immune system issues).

3. Cyclophosphamide

• Used for: Breast cancer, leukemia, sarcoma, lymphoma.
• Mechanism: Disrupts DNA and suppresses immune system.
• Side Effects:
  • Drop in white blood cells
  • Bladder inflammation
  • Increased infection risk

4. Doxorubicin

• Derived from Streptomyces bacteria; originally studied as an antibiotic.
• Used for: Breast cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, sarcoma.
• Mechanism: Interferes with DNA replication.
• Side Effects:
  • Heart damage
  • Hair loss
  • Increased infection risk

5. Methotrexate

• Used for: Leukemia, lymphoma, solid tumors.
• Mechanism: Inhibits DNA synthesis by blocking folate metabolism.
• Side Effects:
  • Bone marrow suppression
  • Requires leucovorin rescue therapy to protect healthy cells

6. Leucovorin (Folinic Acid)

• Not a chemo drug, but a supportive agent used to:
  • Reduce toxicity of methotrexate
  • Enhance effects of other chemotherapy regimens

Common Severe Side Effects Across Drugs

• Kidney and heart damage
• Immune system suppression
• Hair loss, skin changes
• Bladder irritation, hearing loss
• Increased vulnerability to infection

Conclusion

• Chemotherapy drugs are life-saving but highly toxic, requiring strict quality control.
• The investigation exposes a critical gap in global pharmaceutical regulation.
• Emphasizes the need for strengthened drug safety standards and better oversight, especially in low- and middle-income countries where these drugs are widely distributed.

‘Schools can take time to use mother tongue as medium’

Policy Background

• NEP 2020 recommends teaching in mother tongue/local language up to Class 5 to enhance conceptual understanding and inclusivity.
• CBSE recently released language implementation guidelines to aid this transition.

Relevance : GS 1(Society ) ,GS 2(Education )

Challenges in Metro Schools

• Metropolitan CBSE schools (approx. 800–900 institutions) face practical issues due to:
  • Linguistic diversity among students from varied backgrounds.
  • Lack of a single dominant mother tongue in many classrooms.
• Switching medium of instruction could be confusing or impractical in such multilingual settings.

No Immediate Mandate

• CBSE clarified:
  • No school is being forced to implement mother tongue instruction immediately.
  • No penalties or disaffiliation for non-compliance at this stage.
  • The goal is to ease into implementation, not enforce abruptly.

Implementation Strategy

• Schools asked to conduct a language-mapping exercise to identify students’ language preferences.
• A potential strategy: section-wise division of classes based on mother tongue to allow targeted instruction.
• CBSE is organizing webinars and workshops to build capacity and awareness among school administrators and teachers.

Key Takeaway

• While CBSE supports NEP 2020’s mother tongue-based pedagogy, it acknowledges the practical difficulties in metros.
• The approach remains flexible, consultative, and gradual, with an emphasis on training, adaptation, and localized solutions.

Staggered polls cannot be considered an immutable feature of Constitution: ex-CJI

Constitutional Standpoint

• Free and fair elections are a basic feature of the Constitution.
• The Constitution does not mandate that elections must be non-simultaneous to ensure fairness.
• Staggered elections are not an immutable feature of the Constitution.

Relevance : GS 2(Elections , Constitution)

Voter Autonomy & Maturity

• The argument that simultaneous polls manipulate voters assumes that the Indian electorate is naive.
• This, Chandrachud argues, this undermines the spirit of universal adult franchise, which has been a core value since 1950.

On Tiered Governance

• The fear that simultaneous elections would blur lines between Centre and State issues is not constitutionally grounded, per Chandrachud.
• Voters are capable of distinguishing between national and regional concerns even if elections are held together.

Smaller/Regional Parties

• Chandrachud acknowledges concerns that simultaneous polls may disadvantage smaller/regional parties.
• But argues that these challenges exist independent of the timing of elections and are not created by simultaneous elections per se.

Parliamentary Review Context

• Chandrachud will formally present his views on July 11 to the Joint Committee reviewing:
  • Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024
  • Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024
• Former CJI J.S. Khehar has also been invited.
• Other ex-CJIs have flagged infirmities in the draft legislation during earlier consultations.

Conclusion

• Chandrachud’s submission appears to support the constitutional feasibility of simultaneous elections.
• He challenges the presumptions against voter maturity and the rigidity of staggered elections.
• However, he also acknowledges the need to address political and practical concerns, especially for regional representation.

Additional demand behind delay in Jal Jeevan Mission’

Jal Jeevan Mission: Overview & Targets

• Launched in 2019 to provide functional household tap connections (FHTCs) to all rural households by 2024.
• Initial target: 19.3 crore rural households; only 16% (3.2 crore) had tap connections in 2019.
• Aim: 55 litres per capita per day (LPCD) of potable water, conforming to BIS:10500 standards.

Relevance : GS 2(Health , Governance)

Current Progress & Expansion

• As of March 2024: On track with 80% (15.6 crore) coverage.
• Post-March 2024: Target expanded due to the discovery of 4 crore additional households needing connections.
• Minister acknowledged the initial estimate of 19.3 crore households remains unchanged on the official site, causing a data mismatch.

Implementation Challenges

• Groundwater insufficiency in many regions necessitated shift to surface water sources, increasing infrastructure demands.
• Contractor errors and technical issues further delayed implementation.
• Surface water infrastructure is costlier and slower to build.

Funding and Utilisation

• Total expenditure so far: ₹3.6 lakh crore since 2019.
• Budgeted outlay:
  • 2023–24: ₹69,992 crore
  • 2024–25: ₹70,000 crore
  • 2025–26 (projected): ₹67,000 crore
• As of Feb 2025: Only ₹22,694 crore spent out of ₹70,000 crore – indicating underutilisation of ~₹50,000 crore.

Timeline Extension

• Mission deadline extended to 2028 (announced in Union Budget 2024–25) due to expanded scope and infrastructural challenges.
• Despite extension, the original target data hasn’t been revised, affecting transparency.

Key Issues Going Forward

• Ground vs surface water dependency: Need for sustainable water sourcing strategies.
• Infrastructure bottlenecks, especially in remote and arid regions.
• Data transparency and dynamic target updating remain gaps.
• Budget underutilisation may reflect delays in procurement, execution, or reporting.

At Bangkok event, a commitment to count every birth and death

Regional Commitments and Progress

• Governments across Asia-Pacific signed a landmark declaration to ensure universal birth and death registration by 2030.
• The decision is part of extending the “CRVS Decade” (2015–2024) initiative led by UN-ESCAP to “get everyone in the picture”.
• Birth and death registrations are seen as foundational to legal identity and access to rights/services.
• Vital events include births, deaths, marriages, divorces, and causes of death.

Relevance : GS 2(International Relations , Governance)

Statistical Gains (2012–2022)

• Children under 5 without birth registration dropped from 135 million to 51 million (60% decline).
• 29 countries have achieved over 90% birth registration; 30 countries for death registration.
• Improved quality of cause of death reporting noted.
• Yet, 14 million children remain unregistered at birth each year, and 6.9 million deaths go unrecorded annually.

Why CRVS Matters

• Birth registration enables access to education, health, protection from trafficking and child marriage.
• Death certificates help with inheritance, insurance, and closure of identity.
• Tied to SDG 16.9: “Legal identity for all, including birth registration”.

India’s Efforts

• Birth registration rate rose from 86% to 96% during the CRVS decade.
• Digital transformation enabled by amendments to the RBD Act (1969):
  • Online registration
  • Use of DigiLocker
  • Recognition of surrogate, adopted, abandoned, and single-parent children.
• New central CRVS portal launched; cause-of-death reporting made mandatory for medical institutions.
• Support from UNICEF for digitising old records.

Voices from the Conference

• Children’s advocacy highlighted: “Bureaucracy shouldn’t be the reason we remain invisible.”
• ESCAP’s Armida Alisjahbana praised political will, digital innovation, and regional cooperation.
• Fiji’s Justice Minister emphasized shared commitment: “Together we can ensure everyone is seen, heard, and counted.”

Challenges and Future Actions

• Remaining gaps due to:
  • Bureaucracy and lack of awareness
  • Weak inter-departmental coordination
  • Low prioritisation at state/local levels
• Focus areas till 2030:
  • Inclusive service delivery
  • Digital transformation
  • Legal strengthening and privacy safeguards
  • Gender equity in registration