New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 20 took an indirect remark at the Leader of Opposition while highlighting India’s advances in space technology. He noted that 28-year-old team members drove the success of startup Skyroot Aerospace rather than any older figure. Speaking to reporters before the Monsoon Session began, the Prime Minister pointed to recent space sector gains and young innovators in the country.
He stated that shortly before last year’s session an Indian reached the International Space Station, and two days earlier a domestic startup reached a major milestone. Few nations have seen such private efforts, he said, adding that India’s youth have advanced into space with a significant achievement.
Regarding the Skyroot team, he observed that the average age across the group stands at 28 years. These younger workers completed the project, he emphasized, referring to startups with that age profile that have placed India’s mark in space.
The Prime Minister also hoped the current monsoon and the parliamentary session would both benefit the nation. Visible monsoon gains and the session’s start could together support national welfare and all living beings, he said.
Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 completed its first test flight by reaching orbit, the initial launch of India’s first privately built orbital rocket. The vehicle finished its final burn and placed payloads into a roughly 450-kilometer orbit, positioning India as the third nation with private orbital launch ability.
The effort, called Mission Aagaman, lifted off from Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The 24-metre carbon-composite rocket performed all planned steps, including stage separations and activation of its Orbital Adjustment Module.
The Monsoon Session opened on July 20, with the Lok Sabha set to present the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, along with obituary references, Question Hour, tabled papers, a ministerial statement and other items listed in the day’s business.
Under legislative work, a minister will seek leave to introduce the bill that would raise the sanctioned number of Supreme Court judges from 33 to 37, replacing a prior ordinance.
The lower house will also consider a motion on the Joint Committee on Offices of Profit. The Lok Sabha will open with obituary references for several former members and a foreign dignitary, followed by Question Hour and the laying of papers by various ministers. A statement on implementation of a standing committee report will be delivered, and matters under Rule 377 will be taken up later.
