The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change visited scientific facilities in Bengaluru – including the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) – and reviewed the progress of various projects.

The committee led by Chairperson and Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Medha Vishram Kulkarni, who arrived in Bengaluru on August 20, visited the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), and the National Institute of Data Science and AI (CSIR-NIDSA) facilities over the last few days.

The committee, in a visit to the ISRO headquarters - Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), reviewed the current status of India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan.

They also interacted with the ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan and other senior scientists and engineers besides reviewing the planning and preparedness for ISRO’s upcoming missions at the UR Rao Satellite Centre.

At IIA, Dr. Kulkarni chaired a review meeting and held discussions on India’s progress in astronomy, astrophysics, solar physics, and upcoming telescope projects.

“We also explored ways to strengthen research infrastructure and ensure policy support, empowering our scientists with the resources needed to lead global space missions,” Dr. Kulkarni said.

At NAL, the committee reviewed the ongoing work and progress in India’s civil aircraft development programmes and were briefed on the capabilities of HANSA-NG and the ongoing development of indigenous passenger aircraft for regional connectivity.

At NIDSA, the committee reiwed the progress in high-performance computing, the National Data Grid, and practical AI applications.

“Had a very productive discussion with senior officials from DSIR and the scientific team at the institute. We went through their progress in high-performance computing, the National Data Grid and practical AI applications, especially how data modeling can help with early weather alerts, stronger cybersecurity and simpler citizen services,” she said.

Published - August 23, 2026 03:21 pm IST