The 18th day of the monsoon session of Parliament began with disruptions from the opposition. Protests and sloganeering erupted over the Bihar SIR (Special Intensive Revision). Amidst the uproar, a discussion commenced in the Lok Sabha at 2 PM concerning Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhansu Shukla’s historic space mission. However, the opposition’s disruption continued, leading to the Lok Sabha’s adjournment until Tuesday, August 19th, at 11 AM. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his displeasure regarding the chaos in the House. Singh shared a post on social media, stating that the opposition’s behavior during the special discussion on Group Captain Shubhansu Shukla’s International Space Station (ISS) journey and subsequent return was highly unfortunate. The discussion centered on India’s space program and its role in a developed India by 2047, encompassing national achievements, the country’s honor, pride, and future scientific and national security prospects. Singh criticized the opposition’s obstruction, calling their conduct disappointing. He suggested the opposition could have participated in the discussion to provide constructive criticism and suggestions regarding India’s space program. Singh emphasized the importance of keeping space-related topics, crucial for India’s scientific and strategic vision in the 21st century, above partisan politics. Astronaut Shubhansu Shukla returned to India on Sunday, August 17th. Union Minister Jitendra Singh, along with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan, welcomed Shukla and his backup astronaut, Prashant Balakrishnan Nair. A special discussion, titled ‘India’s First Astronaut on the International Space Station – The Important Role of the Space Program for a Developed India by 2047,’ was organized in the Lok Sabha to mark Shukla’s return.
