Bengaluru, 23 August (H.S.): The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change has reviewed the progress of major space, aviation, astronomy and artificial intelligence projects during a visit to leading scientific institutions in Bengaluru.

The committee, headed by its Chairperson and Rajya Sabha MP Dr Medha Vishram Kulkarni, arrived in the city on August 20. Over the following days, its members visited the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) and CSIR-National Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (NIDSA).

During its visit to ISRO headquarters and the Human Space Flight Centre, the panel assessed preparations for Gaganyaan, India’s first human spaceflight mission. Members interacted with ISRO Chairman Dr V. Narayanan and senior scientists and engineers.

The committee also visited the UR Rao Satellite Centre, where officials briefed it on the planning, technological readiness and preparations for ISRO’s forthcoming satellite missions.

At the IIA, Kulkarni chaired a review meeting focusing on India’s advances in astronomy, astrophysics and solar physics. Discussions also covered upcoming telescope projects and measures required to strengthen research infrastructure and provide scientists with adequate policy and institutional support.

The panel reviewed India’s civil aircraft development programmes during its visit to NAL. Scientists briefed the members on the capabilities of the HANSA-NG trainer aircraft and the development of indigenous passenger aircraft aimed at improving regional air connectivity.

At NIDSA, the committee examined work in high-performance computing, the National Data Grid and practical applications of artificial intelligence.

Kulkarni said the discussions highlighted how advanced data modelling could improve early weather-warning systems, strengthen cybersecurity and make public services simpler and more accessible. The committee also interacted with senior officials of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and scientists involved in the projects.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman