The monsoon session of Parliament faced disruption on Monday, marking its 18th day, as the opposition initiated protests. The protests were centered on the issue of Bihar SIR, resulting in sloganeering and disorder. Despite the unrest, a discussion concerning Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhansu Shukla’s space mission was initiated in the Lok Sabha at 2 PM. The opposition’s continued disruptions led to the adjournment of the Lok Sabha until the following day. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his dissatisfaction with the disruption. He posted on social media, criticizing the opposition’s actions during the special discussion on Group Captain Shubhansu Shukla’s International Space Station (ISS) journey and subsequent return, considering it deeply regrettable. The discussion revolved around India’s space program and its significance in achieving a developed India by 2047, including national milestones, national pride, and future scientific and national security prospects. Singh stated that the obstruction by the opposition was highly disappointing. He indicated that the opposition could have contributed to the discussion by offering constructive feedback and suggestions on India’s space program. Singh emphasized that matters related to space, which are of paramount importance to India’s scientific and strategic interests in the 21st century, should be beyond political division. Astronaut Shubhansu Shukla returned to India on Sunday, August 17th. Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan greeted Shukla and his backup astronaut, Prashant Balakrishnan Nair. A special discussion was held in the Lok Sabha, focusing on ‘India’s First Astronaut on the International Space Station – The Important Role of the Space Program for a Developed India by 2047,’ to honor Shukla’s return.
