Bengaluru, August 23
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change has reviewed the progress of major projects in space exploration, aviation, astronomy and artificial intelligence during a visit to leading research institutions in Bengaluru.
The committee, headed by Chairperson and Rajya Sabha MP Dr Medha Vishram Kulkarni, arrived in the city on August 20 and visited facilities under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) and the CSIR-National Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (NIDSA).
At ISRO headquarters and the Human Space Flight Centre, the panel assessed preparations for Gaganyaan, India’s first human spaceflight mission. Members held discussions with ISRO Chairman Dr V. Narayanan and senior scientists and engineers involved in the programme.
The delegation also visited the UR Rao Satellite Centre, where officials presented updates on the planning, technological readiness and preparations for ISRO’s forthcoming satellite missions.
During its visit to the IIA, Kulkarni chaired a review meeting on India’s progress in astronomy, astrophysics and solar physics. The discussions covered upcoming telescope projects and the need to strengthen research infrastructure and institutional support for scientists.
At NAL, the committee examined India’s civil aircraft development programmes. Scientists briefed members on the capabilities of the HANSA-NG trainer aircraft and efforts to develop indigenous passenger planes to improve regional air connectivity.
The committee subsequently reviewed NIDSA’s work in high-performance computing, the National Data Grid and practical applications of artificial intelligence.
Kulkarni said advanced data modelling could help improve early weather-warning systems, strengthen cybersecurity and make public services more accessible. The panel also interacted with senior officials from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and scientists associated with the projects.
