Page 2 - Latest Updates on Independence Day
Indians are living longer: 80 years of India's health transformation
Eight decades of falling mortality, improving maternal and child survival, and expanding healthcare have added years to Indian lives, while creating new health challenges
 "Indians are living longer: 80 years of India's health transformation")
From school access to student retention: India's education challenge at 80
India has expanded schools, enrolment and literacy since Independence. But dropout rates and weak learning outcomes show that keeping students in education remains the next big challenge
 "From school access to student retention: India's education challenge at 80")
Independence Day 2026: When and where to watch Modi's speech on Aug 15?
India will celebrate its 80th Independence Day on 15 August with PM Modi's address from the ramparts of the Red Fort. PM is expected to outline the govt programmes and policies
 "Independence Day 2026: When and where to watch Modi's speech on Aug 15?")
I-Day sales rush: Retailers gear up for deal seekers to drive strong growth
Retailers expect strong footfalls and sales growth over the Independence Day weekend, backed by buoyant consumer sentiment, higher discounted inventory and offers
 "I-Day sales rush: Retailers gear up for deal seekers to drive strong growth")
India@80: Clear road map, bumpy ride on the long journey to Viksit Bharat
The objective is clear: to achieve growth and income levels that ensure prosperity for its citizens
 "India@80: Clear road map, bumpy ride on the long journey to Viksit Bharat")
Independence Day weekend lifts hotel bookings, travel demand across India
Hotel and travel platforms report higher bookings, with younger travellers driving last-minute trips and demand spilling over into the first half of the coming week
 "Independence Day weekend lifts hotel bookings, travel demand across India")
From reforms to self-reliance: PM's speeches chart India's economic journey
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver his 13th Independence Day address from the Red Fort, with reforms, jobs and self-reliance likely to feature prominently
 "From reforms to self-reliance: PM's speeches chart India's economic journey")
Students are architects of India's future, says President Droupadi Murmu
In I-Day eve speech, Murmu highlights the need to 'achieve the objectives' of women's reservation law
 "Students are architects of India's future, says President Droupadi Murmu")
Great anxiety to Viksit Bharat: Tracing India's changing economic narrative
An analysis of India's Budget speeches since Independence reveals a growing confidence in tone
 "Great anxiety to Viksit Bharat: Tracing India's changing economic narrative")
BSNL expands indigenous 4G network in J&K, Ladakh; unveils I-Day offers
The state-run telecom operator has also launched a ₹1,111 fibre plan with speeds of up to 200 Mbps, 5,000 GB monthly data and 25-plus OTT platforms.
 "BSNL expands indigenous 4G network in J&K, Ladakh; unveils I-Day offers")
Red Fort security tightened with multi-layered arrangements for I-Day
Security agencies have also carried out mock drills and advance liaison with various stakeholders to ensure better coordination during the celebrations
 "Red Fort security tightened with multi-layered arrangements for I-Day")
CRPF bags highest 86 gallantry, service medals among paramilitary forces
The country's largest paramilitary force received 24 gallantry medals (GM), five President's Medals for Distinguished Service (PSM) and 57 Medals for Meritorious Service (MSM)
 "CRPF bags highest 86 gallantry, service medals among paramilitary forces")
Delhi HC, IGI Airport receive bomb threats ahead of I-Day, declared hoax
Police declared all threats to be a hoax after carrying out searches and security checks
 "Delhi HC, IGI Airport receive bomb threats ahead of I-Day, declared hoax")
I-Day: 1,057 personnel awarded Gallantry and Service medals; 3 posthumously
Of the 1,057 awards, 301 awards are related to the Medal for Gallantry, 92 for President's Medal for Distinguished Service and 664 for Medal for Meritorious Service
 "I-Day: 1,057 personnel awarded Gallantry and Service medals; 3 posthumously")
PM Modi remembers victims of Partition on Horrors Remembrance Day
The Modi government has been observing August 14 as the 'Partition Horrors Remembrance Day' since 2021 in remembrance of those who lost their lives in riots after the country's division
 "PM Modi remembers victims of Partition on Horrors Remembrance Day")
Sonam Wangchuk calls for 'peaceful revolution' to reshape India's politics
Activist Sonam Wangchuk called for a 'second Independence movement' and urged citizens to help identify selfless, fearless leaders to bring change in India's political leadership
 "Sonam Wangchuk calls for 'peaceful revolution' to reshape India's politics")
I-Day: Delhi Police digitally maps 7 parking locations near Red Fort
The parking information is available on Delhi Traffic Police's official X handle
 "I-Day: Delhi Police digitally maps 7 parking locations near Red Fort")
Independence Day 2026: Theme, history and what to expect on August 15
With an emphasis on independence, technology, green development, and youth involvement, Independence Day 2026 also offers a chance to look ahead to 'Viksit Bharat 2047'
US states issue proclamations to commemorate August 15 as 'India Day'
Delaware is the latest US state, after New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts, to issue a proclamation on the occasion of India's independence day, declaring August 15, 2026, as 'India Day'
 "US states issue proclamations to commemorate August 15 as 'India Day'")
Massachusetts declares August 15 as 'India Day' to honour Indian diaspora
A similar proclamation was also issued by Michelle Wu, the Mayor of Boston, declaring August 15 as India Day
 "Massachusetts declares August 15 as 'India Day' to honour Indian diaspora")