Page 2 - Latest Updates on Independence Day 2024

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

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

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

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

India@80: Clear road map, bumpy ride on the long journey to Viksit Bharat

.India@80: The gains, the gaps Sneha Sasikumar As India marks 80 years of independence, the country is chasing the aspiration of becoming "Viksit Bharat"- its goal of becoming a developed nation b

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

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

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

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

BSNL expands indigenous 4G network in J&K, Ladakh; unveils I-Day offers

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited has announced a series of customer-centric initiatives and special offerings, including expansion of its indigenous 4G network and additional validity for prepaid subscribers, on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has ordered over 602 additional 4G Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, in addition to 2,247 sites already planned for deployment -- 1,843 in J&K and 404 in Ladakh. Addressing a press conference here, Chief General Manager Telecom, J&K Circle, Kush Kumar said, "BSNL remained committed to providing reliable, secure and affordable telecom services, particularly in geographically challenging areas, while advancing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and digital India". "BSNL has ordered over 602 additional 4G Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, in addition to 2,247 sites planned earlier. Of these, 1,757 4G BTS in J&K and 343 in Ladakh have

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

CRPF bags highest 86 gallantry, service medals among paramilitary forces

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) bagged the maximum gallantry and service medals -- 86 in total -- among the central paramilitary forces on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day. 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), according to a Ministry of Home Affairs notification on Friday. The gallantry medals were earned from two counter-terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir and one operation against insurgents in Manipur, both taking place in 2024, officials said. The force is expected to get a few gallantry medals that are issued by the Ministry of Defence too, they said. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) M Dhinakaran is among the PSM awardees. The officer, who earlier served in the Special Protection Group (SPG), currently heads the CRPF Recruit Training Centre in Avadi, Chennai. Dhinakaran has served in the paramilitary force for over t

Delhi HC, IGI Airport receive bomb threats ahead of I-Day, declared hoax

The Delhi High Court on Friday received a bomb threat via e-mail that led to panic in the premises. The threat comes a day ahead of Independence Day. According to court sources, the registrar general of the high court is in touch with the Delhi Police for necessary assistance. The sources said the email mentioned "blast Delhi High Court @ 2:11 pm". A bomb disposal squad and sniffer dogs also reached the high court premises and security has been beefed up. Police said several government installations in the national capital received bomb threat emails on Friday, prompting multiple agencies to launch searches and security checks a day ahead of the Independence Day and high alert in the capital. Police source said dog squad, bomb disposal squad, fire department and many other security agencies are conducting checking, nothing suspicious so far found. Security agencies and local police teams launched searches at the locations following the threats. "Nothing suspicious has been found a

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

PM Modi remembers victims of Partition on Horrors Remembrance Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the victims of the 1947 Partition on Friday, the eve of Independence 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 and the ensuing exodus. "Today we mark #PartitionHorrorsRemembranceDay. We recall the courage of all those who were impacted by Partition. It was a moment in history that tore apart several lives - families were uprooted, loved ones were lost and immense suffering was endured," Modi said on X. The prime minister said that despite the turmoil, people rebuilt their lives from nothing, turned adversity into achievement and contributed to the nation's progress. Their lives remind everyone of the strength of the human spirit, he said. "May this day deepen our resolve to preserve harmony and brotherhood in our nation and collectively work towards building a 'Viksit Bharat'," Modi said. "Let

Sonam Wangchuk calls for 'peaceful revolution' to reshape India's politics

Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Thursday called for a "peaceful revolution" in the way India chooses its political leadership, saying the country needs a major change if it is to remain a "respectable nation" by 2047. In a video message ahead of Independence Day, Wangchuk also called for "India's second Independence movement", urging citizens to suggest "selfless, fearless men and women of character and substance" who can help shape the country's future. He said he had been unwell over the past few days and had spent time thinking about the country and its future. "Fifty years ago, the neighbouring countries that were behind us, or were equal to us, have now gone miles away from us," he said, naming Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. "If we talk about per capita GDP, and if this continues, then in 2047, we will not be a developed country, but we will not even be able to show our face in the world market," he said. Wangchuk congratulated those who had sought change

I-Day: Delhi Police digitally maps 7 parking locations near Red Fort

Delhi Traffic Police on Thursday said it has digitally mapped seven designated locations near the Red Fort to facilitate hassle-free parking and navigation for visitors and dignitaries attending the Independence Day celebrations. The initiative has been undertaken in collaboration with Google Maps and Mappls as part of the traffic police's technology-driven efforts to streamline vehicular movement during the event, traffic police said in a statement. The seven parking locations have been mapped on Google Maps, while QR codes have been generated for each location on Mappls, enabling users to scan and navigate directly to their designated parking areas, it said. The parking information is available on Delhi Traffic Police's official X handle. According to the statement, the initiative aims to reduce unnecessary vehicular movement, improve traffic management and provide commuters with real-time navigation support during the Independence Day celebrations.

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'

States across the US are issuing special proclamations to commemorate August 15, 2026, as 'India Day' to mark the country's independence, highlighting its heritage, diversity as growing contributions of its diaspora to the American fabric. 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'. The proclamation, signed by Delaware Governor Matthew Meyer, notes that the US state is "strengthened" by the many cultures and traditions represented throughout its communities, including the growing Indian American community whose presence has helped shape the character of the State. "Delawareans of Indian heritage have enriched our State through their work, leadership, and service in communities across Delaware, contributing to our shared prosperity and creating opportunities for future generations," it said. "India's history is rooted in a remarkable ...

Massachusetts declares August 15 as 'India Day' to honour Indian diaspora

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has declared August 15 as India Day, recognising the contributions made by the Indian diaspora to the state, and urged residents to participate fittingly in observance. In a proclamation issued on August 1, the governor also recognised the vital role played by community organisations and advocates in fostering civic engagement, cultural exchange and mutual understanding through its annual Independence-Day celebrations and community-service efforts. A similar proclamation was also issued by Michelle Wu, the Mayor of Boston, declaring August 15 as India Day. She also welcomed the opening of the new Indian Consulate in Boston and celebrated the visit of INS Sudarshini at the SAILBOSTON-250 event. The proclamation issued by the Massachusetts governor said August 15, 2026, will mark the 79th anniversary of India's independence from British colonial rule in 1947, a historic moment that laid the foundation for the world's largest democracy. It noted tha