Independence Day highlights: Ready to counter global challenges against India, says PM Modi

PM Narendra Modi Speech highlights: PM Modi stated it is a day to pay tribute to the countless people who made sacrifices and struggled for the country's freedom

1:18 PM

US Secretary of State Blinken extends wishes to India on its 78th Independence Day

“On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of India as they celebrate the anniversary of their country's independence on August 15. On this momentous day, we celebrate the rich and diverse history of the Indian people and the bright future of US-Indian relations,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

12:49 PM

Kejriwal modern day freedom fighter, paid price for serving people: Gahlot

Delhi Home Minister Kailash Gahlot hoisted the national flag at Chhatrasal stadium on Independence Day, the event marked by the absence of the Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who was dubbed by him as a "modern day freedom fighter". The country did not get freedom just so an elected chief minister could be put in jail; it got it to defeat illiteracy, poverty, unemployment, and diseases, he said.

 

12:13 PM

'Design in India, design for the world,' says PM Modi

PM Modi appealed to the industry to improve the quality of India’s products, asking them to 'design in India, design for the world' and make 'Indian standard' a benchmark for international standard of quality. Read here for more details.

11:53 AM

Narendra Modi delivers longest-ever Independence Day speech by an Indian PM

PM Modi today delivered his longest Independence Day speech at 98 minutes as he addressed the country from the ramparts of historic Red Fort. His longest I-day speech before Thursday was 96 minutes in 2016 while his shortest speech was in 2017 when he spoke for around 56 minutes.

11:31 AM

India exceeds G20 climate goals; PM Modi reaffirms net-zero future on I-Day

PM Modi highlighted India's crucial role in tackling global climate issues, stating that the nation has "reassured and surprised" the world with its proactive stance. "I want to share with the world the strength of my country’s people. My nation and its citizens have achieved what no other G20 nation has," PM Modi stated. Read here for a more detailed story.

11:08 AM

PM Modi's top quotes from Red Fort

Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on the 78th Independence Day, PM Modi shared a roadmap for India’s progress to make it ‘viksit’ by 2047. Read a detailed story on the issues PM Modi highlighted here.

10:45 AM

India must leave its mark in global gaming market, says PM Modi

PM Modi stated that Indian professionals must lead the global gaming market, not just in playing but also in producing games. PM Modi also added that India must leverage its rich ancient legacy and literature to come up with Made in India gaming products.

10:36 AM

75,000 new medical seats to be added in next five years, says PM Modi

 “Around 25,000 youths every year go abroad for medical education and they go to such countries, I get surprised when I hear about them. So we have decided... 75,000 new seats will be created in the medical line in the next five years,” PM Modi said during his address from the Red Fort. Read here for more details.

10:29 AM

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: Nepal PM extends wishes to PM Modi on Independence Day

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India on their 78th Independence Day. "Warm congratulations to Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji and the people of India on 78th Independence Day!" he wrote on social media platform X. He expressed hopes that the day would strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Nepal.

10:16 AM

Transforming the agriculture sector is the need of the hour, says PM Modi

"It is very important to transform our agriculture system. This is the need of the hour," PM Modi stated.  He underscored the centre's  efforts to improve the lives of farmers.

 

10:03 AM

Govt will build such an education system so that youngsters need not go abroad, says PM

"We want to build such an education system in India that youngsters do not need to go abroad to study. In fact we would want foreign students to come here and study," PM Modi said. "Even today, children, mostly belonging to the middle class, are going abroad for medical education. They spend lakhs and crores on medical education abroad. Around 25,000 youths every year go abroad for medical education and they go to such countries, I get surprised when I hear about them."

9:53 AM

I-Day speech update: India only G20 nation to achieve climate targets ahead of schedule, says PM Modi

9:49 AM

PM Modi seeks to involve youth in political landscape

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for the removal of caste-based and dynastic politics in India. PM Modi underscored the need to involve fresh talent in the political landscape, stating, "Soon, we want to bring forward one lakh youth from families with no political associations. They may join any party, but such fresh blood will strengthen India's democracy."

9:46 AM

New criminal laws have reformed the justice system: PM Modi

“We have prioritised justice over punishment by abolishing 1,500 laws. All those laws that sent people to jails for trivial issues have been ended. The new criminal laws have reformed the criminal justice system and strengthened the feeling of Nagrik ko Nyaya,” PM Modi said in his Independence Day speech.

9:33 AM

Crucial for India to unite behind idea of 'one nation, one election': PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged support for the concept of 'one nation, one election,' citing frequent elections as an obstacle to the country’s progress. "I request everyone to come together to achieve the resolve of ‘one nation, one election.  Frequent elections create stagnation in the nation. Today, every scheme and initiative seems to be influenced by election cycles, and every action is colored by political considerations," PM Modi said. 

9:29 AM

Independence Day LIVE updates: Olympics games in 2036 should happen in India, says PM Modi

Addressing the nation from the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India should host the Olympic games in 2036. “We are preparing for that,” he added.

9:22 AM

Independence Day 2024 Live: PM Modi expresses concern over violence against Hindus in Bangladesh

"I hope things will soon be normal in Bangladesh. 140-crore people in India want that Hindus and minorities there to be safe. We want our neighbouring countries to tread the path of peace and happiness. We will remain well-wishers of Bangladesh," PM Modi said.

9:17 AM

Independence Day 2024: There is a need for a ‘secular civil code’ in India, says PM Modi

“It is need of hour to have a secular civil code and do away with discriminatory communal civil code,”  PM Modi said in his Independence Day speech.

9:09 AM

PM Modi mentions Lakhpati Didi scheme in I-Day speech

In his I-Day speech, PM Modi compared the global success of Indian CEOs to the achievements of women in self-help groups, noting, “While our CEOs gain global recognition, one crore women are becoming Lakhpati Didis.” 

9:06 AM

India leading in renewable energy efforts among G20 nations: PM Modi

India has made more efforts in the renewable energy sector compared to other G20 countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today in his Independence Speech. PM  Modi asserted that India is working to become self-reliant for its energy needs and to deal with the global problem of climate change.

8:55 AM

PM Modi announces 75,000 new seats in medical colleges in 5 years

“Every year, many children from our country go abroad to pursue medical education. To address this, we are introducing 75,000 new medical seats in the next five years,” he said. “Visit Bharat’ should also mean ‘Healthy Bharat.’ The first generation of a prosperous Bharat must be healthy, which is why we have launched the Poshan Mission,” PM Modi said.

8:54 AM

Space sector an essential element towards making India a powerful nation, says PM Modi

PM Modi stated that many startups are getting involved in the space sector. "Today, many startups are entering this sector. Space sector which is becoming vibrant is an essential element towards making India a powerful nation. We are focusing and giving strength to this sector with a long-term idea," PM Modi said.

8:47 AM

100 million women joined self-help groups in last decade, says PM Modi

"In last 10 years, 100 million women joined women self-help groups. 10 crore women are becoming financially independent. When women become financially independent they become part of the decision-making system in a household leading to social change...Till now, 9 lakh crores have been given to self-help groups in the country," PM Modi stated.

8:37 AM

Red-tapism a thing of the past, says PM Modi in I-Day address

“Red-tapism is a thing of the past. The nation is being led by good governance. Now, the government goes to people for support and not vice versa,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today.

8:30 AM

During Covid-19 pandemic, India administered vaccines to crores of people: PM Modi

"How can we forget the Corona period? Our country administered vaccines to crores of people the fastest of all, across the world. This is the same country where terrorists used to come and attack us. When the armed forces of the country execute surgical strike, when it does airstrike, the youth of the country are filled with pride. That is why the 140 crore citizens of the country are proud today," PM Modi stated in his address from the Red Fort.

8:25 AM

People had to endure ‘mai-baap’ culture, we transformed the governance model, says PM Modi

The banking sector plays a significant role in the lives of the middle class, providing loans for education and business ventures, PM Modi stated today. "I am pleased to see that now even fishermen and farmers are benefiting from banking loans," he said. "Unfortunately, in the past, people had to endure a ‘mai-baap’ culture, where they had to plead with the government for every necessity. Today, we have transformed this governance model. The government is now actively involved in youth skill development and is taking steps to improve access to essential services, such as installing gas connections and water connectivity directly in people's homes," said PM Modi. 

8:18 AM

'Vocal for Local' has become a new mantra for India's economic system: PM Modi

"We gave the mantra for 'Vocal for Local'. Today, I am happy that Vocal for Local has become a new mantra for the economic system. Every district has started taking pride in its produce. There is an environment conducive for 'One District One Product'," PM Modi said in his Independence Day speech.

8:14 AM

Reforms designed to strengthen the nation, says PM Modi

"Some people question why we should work for future generations. However, many across the country have long awaited significant reforms. When we came to power, we made the decision to advance major reforms aimed at transforming lives. I want to assure the public that these reforms are not merely for temporary attention; they are designed to strengthen the nation. That is why I can confidently say that today, these reforms have become the blueprint for our growth," Prime Minister Modi asserted, while addressing the nation on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day, Prime Minister Modi said.

8:04 AM

Actively working towards the vision of 'Viksit Bharat 2047’, says PM Modi

On the occasion of the 78th Independence Day,  Prime Minister Modi said, "Viksit Bharat 2047 is more than just a phrase for a speech; it represents a significant commitment and effort. We are actively working towards this vision and have sought input from citizens to shape it. The dreams and aspirations of every individual—whether young or old, urban or rural, including farmers and Dalits—have been integrated into this vision."

8:00 AM

I express my sympathy to families affected by natural calamities: PM Modi

“Natural disasters have heightened our concern over the last few years. I express my sympathies to affected families,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. “Several people have lost their family members, property in natural calamity. Out nation too has suffered losses. Today, I express my sympathy to all of them and I assure them that this nation stands with them in this hour of crisis,” PM Modi added.