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Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today hoisted the National Flag at Lok Bhavan on the occasion of the nation’s 80th Independence Day. A ceremonial contingent of the Jammu and Kashmir Police presented the National Salute.&nbsp;Paying rich tributes to the freedom fighters who made the supreme sacrifice for the country’s independence, the Lieutenant Governor recalled the long and arduous struggle that culminated in India’s freedom. He also paid homage to civilians who lost their lives in natural calamities during the year.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/some-people-seemed-to-take-pleasure-in-frightening-the-country-pm-modi-slams-opposition-for-fake-news-during-covid-19-west-asia-crisis-1786764410905">‘Some people seemed to take pleasure in frightening the country’: PM Modi slams Opposition for ‘fake news’ during COVID-19, West Asia crisis</a>&nbsp;“On this historic day, I join all citizens in paying heartfelt tributes to our founding fathers and the valiant sons and daughters of Mother India who sacrificed their lives for the country’s freedom. Let us strive to realize their cherished dreams of building a peaceful, prosperous Jammu Kashmir and a great nation,” Sinha said.&nbsp;He said the truest tribute to the martyrs and freedom fighters would be a collective resolve to work with integrity, uphold democratic values and safeguard the hard-earned freedom of the country.&nbsp;The Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence in India’s potential to emerge as a global leader, while stressing the need for citizens to work together to build an inclusive society that places public interest at the forefront and extends compassion and support to the underprivileged.&nbsp;“Let us strive for balanced growth and the economic empowerment of women to build a more humane and compassionate society. We must prioritize empowering women and youth, generating jobs and ensuring environmental sustainability,” he said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-were-once-in-fragile-five-what-does-it-mean-and-how-has-india-s-economy-changed-in-12-years-1786761572707">'We were once in Fragile Five': What does it mean, and how has India's economy changed in 12 years</a>&nbsp;Highlighting the administration’s focus on sustainable development, Sinha said ongoing initiatives to revitalise heritage sites, restore ancient monuments and undertake large-scale afforestation drives reflected the Union Territory’s commitment to preserving its cultural and natural heritage.&nbsp;He also called for active participation by every citizen in realising the vision of a self-reliant Jammu Kashmir and Viksit Bharat by 2047, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Emphasising the importance of transparency and accountability in governance, he urged citizens to dedicate themselves to nation-building.&nbsp;The Lieutenant Governor also congratulated personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Armed Police Forces who were awarded gallantry medals on the eve of Independence Day. He commended sportspersons from the Union Territory for their outstanding achievements and contribution to Jammu and Kashmir’s pride.&nbsp;&nbsp;

LG Manoj Sinha hoisted the National Flag at Lok Bhavan on the 80th Independence Day, honouring freedom fighters, urging inclusive development, women's empowerment, and calling for a self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir by 2047.



Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today hoisted the National Flag at Lok Bhavan on the occasion of the nation’s 80th Independence Day. A ceremonial contingent of the Jammu and Kashmir Police presented the National Salute. Paying rich tributes to the freedom fighters who made the supreme sacrifice for the country’s independence, the Lieutenant Governor recalled the long and arduous struggle that culminated in India’s freedom. He also paid homage to civilians who lost their lives in natural calamities during the year. Also read: ‘Some people seemed to take pleasure in frightening the country’: PM Modi slams Opposition for ‘fake news’ during COVID-19, West Asia crisis “On this historic day, I join all citizens in paying heartfelt tributes to our founding fathers and the valiant sons and daughters of Mother India who sacrificed their lives for the country’s freedom. Let us strive to realize their cherished dreams of building a peaceful, prosperous Jammu Kashmir and a great nation,” Sinha said. He said the truest tribute to the martyrs and freedom fighters would be a collective resolve to work with integrity, uphold democratic values and safeguard the hard-earned freedom of the country. The Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence in India’s potential to emerge as a global leader, while stressing the need for citizens to work together to build an inclusive society that places public interest at the forefront and extends compassion and support to the underprivileged. “Let us strive for balanced growth and the economic empowerment of women to build a more humane and compassionate society. We must prioritize empowering women and youth, generating jobs and ensuring environmental sustainability,” he said. Also read: 'We were once in Fragile Five': What does it mean, and how has India's economy changed in 12 years Highlighting the administration’s focus on sustainable development, Sinha said ongoing initiatives to revitalise heritage sites, restore ancient monuments and undertake large-scale afforestation drives reflected the Union Territory’s commitment to preserving its cultural and natural heritage. He also called for active participation by every citizen in realising the vision of a self-reliant Jammu Kashmir and Viksit Bharat by 2047, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Emphasising the importance of transparency and accountability in governance, he urged citizens to dedicate themselves to nation-building. The Lieutenant Governor also congratulated personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Armed Police Forces who were awarded gallantry medals on the eve of Independence Day. He commended sportspersons from the Union Territory for their outstanding achievements and contribution to Jammu and Kashmir’s pride.

LG Manoj Sinha hoisted the National Flag at Lok Bhavan on the 80th Independence Day, honouring freedom fighters, urging inclusive development, women's empowerment, and calling for a self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir by 2047.&nbsp;

LG Sinha hoists national flag at Lok Bhavan on 80th Independence Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his speech on the occasion of the 80th Indian Independence Day, announced a series of measures focused on artificial intelligence, education, manufacturing, nuclear energy, civil defence, and sports during his 80th Independence Day address from the Red Fort on Saturday.<h2>Seven areas for a developed India</h2>Modi outlined seven broad areas that he said would drive India's journey towards a developed nation. These include manufacturing, agriculture and food processing, technology, innovation and digital technologies.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-announces-free-online-coaching-for-competitive-exams-1-crore-indian-youth-to-get-ai-training-80th-independence-day-1786768019691">PM Modi announces free online coaching for competitive exams, 1 crore Indian youth to get AI training | 80th Independence Day</a>He stressed that Indian manufacturing must focus on cost, quality, and scale, while agriculture should look beyond domestic markets. Modi said traditional foods, millets, spices, fruits, and flowers should be developed into global brands, with free trade agreements helping Indian farmers access international markets.Here are the top seven announcements made by the Indian Prime Minister at the Red Fort.<h2>1 crore youth to get AI training</h2>Modi announced a nationwide AI skilling mission under which 1 crore young Indians will be trained in artificial intelligence over the next year. The initiative is aimed at preparing young people for an economy increasingly shaped by AI and emerging technologies.<h2>Free online coaching for students</h2>The Prime Minister also announced free online coaching for young people preparing for various competitive examinations. The initiative is intended to expand access to exam preparation resources.Notably, this announcement follows the youth-led NEET paper leak protests that shook India last month.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-delivers-shortest-independence-day-speech-in-years-address-to-nation-lasts-78-minutes-1786766347786">PM Modi delivers shortest Independence Day speech in years: Address to nation lasts 78 minutes</a><h2>7-8 semiconductor plants in 1-2 years</h2>Modi set an ambitious target for India's semiconductor sector, saying seven to eight new semiconductor production plants are expected to become operational within the next one to two years.He also highlighted manufacturing as one of the key pillars of India's development strategy, stressing the importance of cost, quality, and scale as Indian companies compete in global markets.<h2>Nuclear power target of 100 GW</h2>India will target 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, Modi said. He added that five new nuclear reactors are expected to become operational within the next six to seven years.<h2>Modernised Civil Defence force</h2>The Prime Minister announced plans to build a large, modern Civil Defence volunteer force, with training and capabilities designed to respond to evolving security threats and emergency situations.<h2>Nationwide sports talent hunt</h2>A nationwide campaign will be launched to identify sporting talent among children aged 5 to 15, with the programme covering both villages and cities.&nbsp;

AI for 1 crore youth, free coaching for competitive exams, new semiconductor plants and a massive nuclear power push. PM Modi's Independence Day address unveiled a series of ambitious plans aimed at shaping India's path to Viksit Bharat 2047.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his speech on the occasion of the 80th Indian Independence Day, announced a series of measures focused on artificial intelligence, education, manufacturing, nuclear energy, civil defence, and sports during his 80th Independence Day address from the Red Fort on Saturday. Seven areas for a developed India Modi outlined seven broad areas that he said would drive India's journey towards a developed nation. These include manufacturing, agriculture and food processing, technology, innovation and digital technologies. Also read | PM Modi announces free online coaching for competitive exams, 1 crore Indian youth to get AI training | 80th Independence Day He stressed that Indian manufacturing must focus on cost, quality, and scale, while agriculture should look beyond domestic markets. Modi said traditional foods, millets, spices, fruits, and flowers should be developed into global brands, with free trade agreements helping Indian farmers access international markets. Here are the top seven announcements made by the Indian Prime Minister at the Red Fort. 1 crore youth to get AI training Modi announced a nationwide AI skilling mission under which 1 crore young Indians will be trained in artificial intelligence over the next year. The initiative is aimed at preparing young people for an economy increasingly shaped by AI and emerging technologies. Free online coaching for students The Prime Minister also announced free online coaching for young people preparing for various competitive examinations. The initiative is intended to expand access to exam preparation resources. Notably, this announcement follows the youth-led NEET paper leak protests that shook India last month. Also read | PM Modi delivers shortest Independence Day speech in years: Address to nation lasts 78 minutes 7-8 semiconductor plants in 1-2 years Modi set an ambitious target for India's semiconductor sector, saying seven to eight new semiconductor production plants are expected to become operational within the next one to two years. He also highlighted manufacturing as one of the key pillars of India's development strategy, stressing the importance of cost, quality, and scale as Indian companies compete in global markets. Nuclear power target of 100 GW India will target 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, Modi said. He added that five new nuclear reactors are expected to become operational within the next six to seven years. Modernised Civil Defence force The Prime Minister announced plans to build a large, modern Civil Defence volunteer force, with training and capabilities designed to respond to evolving security threats and emergency situations. Nationwide sports talent hunt A nationwide campaign will be launched to identify sporting talent among children aged 5 to 15, with the programme covering both villages and cities.

AI for 1 crore youth, free coaching for competitive exams, new semiconductor plants and a massive nuclear power push. PM Modi's Independence Day address unveiled a series of ambitious plans aimed at shaping India's path to Viksit Bharat 2047.

From AI to nuclear energy: PM Modi's 7 big announcements on 80th Independence Day

Addressing the nation on the eve of the 80th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that for many years, individuals with a Maoist mindset had entrenched themselves within the corridors of power in the country. This Maoist ideology, he said, influenced policies, even through their roles as advisors on government committees. "We have succeeded in eliminating armed Naxals in the forests and freeing the nation from that crisis. However, while the armed Naxals are gone, 'Dimagi Naxals' remain, and those who harbour this mindset are waiting for an opportunity. They are paving the way for violence and discord. They are employing various tactics to drag society down the wrong path, " the Prime Minister said. He further said that these elements are paving the way for violence and discord and are employing various tactics to drag society down the wrong path. "We must identify these 'Dimagi Naxals.' We need to isolate them and align the nation's youth with the mainstream effort to transform the country into a developed nation," PM Modi said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: From the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, &quot;For years, individuals with a Maoist mindset had entrenched themselves within the corridors of power in the country. This Maoist ideology influenced policies, even through their roles as… <a href="https://t.co/1vqeavpj0U">pic.twitter.com/1vqeavpj0U</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2088468836790194477?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/some-people-seemed-to-take-pleasure-in-frightening-the-country-pm-modi-slams-opposition-for-fake-news-during-covid-19-west-asia-crisis-1786764410905">‘Some people seemed to take pleasure in frightening the country’: PM Modi slams Opposition for ‘fake news’ during COVID-19, West Asia crisis</a><h3>PM Modi's new vision for viksit bharat on 80th Independence Day</h3>While addressing the nation, he also recalled the era when India was known for its prowess in the form of the "Sapta Sindhu," and said that to build a Viksit Bharat, "we need a new current." "Today, I would also like to recall that era when the nation knew, understood, and heard of India's prowess in the form of the 'Sapta Sindhu'. Now, to build a Viksit Bharat, we need a new current. Today, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, I invoke the 'Sapta Dhara' of strength before the nation." He added that in the coming five to seven years, what could not be achieved in the last five to seven decades will be achieved through the prowess and power of this Sapta Dhara, giving the nation "new heights, new momentum, and the capability to surpass new goals." In the coming 5 to 7 years, what could not be achieved in the last 5 to 7 decades, through the prowess and power of this Sapta Dhara, we will give the nation new heights, new momentum, and the capability to surpass new goals. Alongside this, the power and potential of our youth will be fully harnessed and integrated into nation-building..."," the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that these elements are paving the way for violence and discord and are employing various tactics to drag society down the wrong path. This Maoist ideology, he said, influenced policies, even through their roles as advisors on government committees.

Addressing the nation on the eve of the 80th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that for many years, individuals with a Maoist mindset had entrenched themselves within the corridors of power in the country. This Maoist ideology, he said, influenced policies, even through their roles as advisors on government committees. "We have succeeded in eliminating armed Naxals in the forests and freeing the nation from that crisis. However, while the armed Naxals are gone, 'Dimagi Naxals' remain, and those who harbour this mindset are waiting for an opportunity. They are paving the way for violence and discord. They are employing various tactics to drag society down the wrong path, " the Prime Minister said. He further said that these elements are paving the way for violence and discord and are employing various tactics to drag society down the wrong path. "We must identify these 'Dimagi Naxals.' We need to isolate them and align the nation's youth with the mainstream effort to transform the country into a developed nation," PM Modi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that these elements are paving the way for violence and discord and are employing various tactics to drag society down the wrong path. This Maoist ideology, he said, influenced policies, even through their roles as advisors on government committees.

'Armed Naxals are gone, Dimagi Naxals remains': PM Modi on 80th Independence Day

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday (Aug 15) skipped the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for the second consecutive year. The absence of the two senior Congress leaders from the 80th Independence Day celebrations triggered a political row, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticising the Congress over their decision.&nbsp;Kharge, who is the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and enjoys a rank equivalent to that of a Cabinet minister, was assigned a seat in the second or third row at the event. According to top party sources, the seating arrangement was inconvenient for Kharge as it would have required him to walk to the venue.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/some-people-seemed-to-take-pleasure-in-frightening-the-country-pm-modi-slams-opposition-for-fake-news-during-covid-19-west-asia-crisis-1786764410905">‘Some people seemed to take pleasure in frightening the country’: PM Modi slams Opposition for ‘fake news’ during COVID-19, West Asia crisis</a>&nbsp;Kharge is expected to unfurl the Tricolour at the Congress headquarters later in the day. The Congress leadership had also skipped the Red Fort celebrations in 2025. The issue of seating arrangements had previously sparked controversy during the 2024 Independence Day celebrations.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi, who is the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and has Cabinet minister status, was seated in the second-last row, prompting objections from the Congress.The Defence Ministry had then clarified that the seating arrangement was not targeted at Gandhi and that the front rows had been reserved for Olympians being felicitated at the event.<h2>‘We were once in Fragile Five’: PM Modi</h2>Meanwhile, addressing the nation from the Red Fort on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s economic transformation and said the country had moved from being counted among the ‘Fragile Five’ economies to becoming the world’s fastest-growing major economy over the past 12 years.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-were-once-in-fragile-five-what-does-it-mean-and-how-has-india-s-economy-changed-in-12-years-1786761572707">'We were once in Fragile Five': What does it mean, and how has India's economy changed in 12 years</a>&nbsp;“We were once counted among the ‘Fragile Five’. However, India has, within just 12 years, emerged as the world’s fastest-growing major economy,” Modi said in his 13th consecutive Independence Day address.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi skipped the 80th Independence Day event at the Red Fort for the second straight year over seating concerns, sparking BJP criticism while PM Modi delivered his address.  

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday (Aug 15) skipped the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for the second consecutive year. The absence of the two senior Congress leaders from the 80th Independence Day celebrations triggered a political row, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticising the Congress over their decision. Kharge, who is the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and enjoys a rank equivalent to that of a Cabinet minister, was assigned a seat in the second or third row at the event. According to top party sources, the seating arrangement was inconvenient for Kharge as it would have required him to walk to the venue. Also read: ‘Some people seemed to take pleasure in frightening the country’: PM Modi slams Opposition for ‘fake news’ during COVID-19, West Asia crisis Kharge is expected to unfurl the Tricolour at the Congress headquarters later in the day. The Congress leadership had also skipped the Red Fort celebrations in 2025. The issue of seating arrangements had previously sparked controversy during the 2024 Independence Day celebrations. Rahul Gandhi, who is the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and has Cabinet minister status, was seated in the second-last row, prompting objections from the Congress. The Defence Ministry had then clarified that the seating arrangement was not targeted at Gandhi and that the front rows had been reserved for Olympians being felicitated at the event. ‘We were once in Fragile Five’: PM Modi Meanwhile, addressing the nation from the Red Fort on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s economic transformation and said the country had moved from being counted among the ‘Fragile Five’ economies to becoming the world’s fastest-growing major economy over the past 12 years. Also read: 'We were once in Fragile Five': What does it mean, and how has India's economy changed in 12 years “We were once counted among the ‘Fragile Five’. However, India has, within just 12 years, emerged as the world’s fastest-growing major economy,” Modi said in his 13th consecutive Independence Day address.

Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi skipped the 80th Independence Day event at the Red Fort for the second straight year over seating concerns, sparking BJP criticism while PM Modi delivered his address. &nbsp;

India’s 80th Independence Day: Rahul Gandhi, Kharge skip PM Modi’s I-Day event again

On the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about a seven-pronged roadmap for India’s growth and development. On Saturday, while addressing the nation from the Red Fort, he introduced the concept of Shakti Ki Saptadhara (seven streams of strength), as part of the broader vision for building a Viksit Bharat by 2047.&nbsp;The seven areas mentioned by the Prime Minister are manufacturing, agriculture and food processing, technology and innovation, connectivity or Gatishakti, self-reliant defence, green and blue economy, and soft power.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pm-modi-s-safa-tradition-a-look-at-his-independence-day-turbans-from-2014-to-2026-1786765093118">PM Modi’s safa tradition: A look at his Independence Day turbans from 2014 to 2026</a><h2>PM Modi on soft power</h2>While speaking about the final point, PM Modi said, "The seventh strength of the Sapta Dhara is India's soft power. Today, Yoga has connected the world to India. Our Ayurveda, holistic healthcare, handicrafts, culture, films, animation, gaming, digital content. The world is recognizing and looking forward to India's WAVES summit. We have more than 100 national parks. We have an opportunity to attract foreign tourists through the power of soft power."<h2>Yoga and Ayurveda</h2>According to the Prime Minister, Yoga has contributed to establishing a deeper connection between India and the global community. "Today, yoga has connected the entire world with India. Yoga is increasingly becoming a source of energy for the world and an important source of trust in India."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/80-years-one-nation-countless-stories-how-bollywood-showed-us-freedom-1786730878191">80 years, one nation &amp; countless stories: How Bollywood showed us freedom</a>&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Listing out the seven streams, PM Modi says manufacturing, farming, technology, gatishakti, raksha shakti, green energy, and soft power are India&#39;s &#39;Saptadhara&#39; and will power India&#39;s next level of growth <a href="https://t.co/tpvEhbjjqd">pic.twitter.com/tpvEhbjjqd</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2088485143979905140?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/independence-day-travel-historic-destinations-that-bring-india-s-freedom-story-to-life-1786715434255">Independence Day travel: Historic places that tell India's freedom story</a>&nbsp;Speaking about Ayurveda, he added, "India has centres of faith, Ayurveda and a holistic healthcare system. Through the Healing India movement, we can take our capabilities to the world."<h2>PM Modi on films, VFX and gaming</h2>He also called attention to the country’s rapidly expanding creative economy. "Whether it is handicrafts, our culture, our films, our creative industries, VFX, animation, gaming or digital content, India can demonstrate its strength in the creative world," PM Modi said in his speech.&nbsp;Discussing about World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), he said, "Today, India has given a major boost to the WAVES Summit. The world is gradually beginning to look forward to India’s World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit.""It will introduce India’s soft power and creative world to the global audience."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/independence-day-2026-10-rare-photos-from-india-s-first-independence-day-celebrations-1786699648212">Independence Day 2026: Photos from India's first Independence Day celebrations</a><h2>PM Modi on tourism</h2>Tourism was another major element of the Prime Minister’s vision. "My dear countrymen, India has immense forest wealth. We have more than 100 national parks and enormous potential, but we have not done enough to attract foreign tourists."&nbsp;He added that India should use its cultural and natural assets to attract visitors from different parts of the world.&nbsp;"We have an opportunity, through our soft power, to attract tourists from around the world to India. We have to showcase our capabilities to the world." &nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed India on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day on Saturday. During his speech, he introduced the concept of Shakti Ki Saptadhara and highlighted India's soft power.

On the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about a seven-pronged roadmap for India’s growth and development. On Saturday, while addressing the nation from the Red Fort, he introduced the concept of Shakti Ki Saptadhara (seven streams of strength), as part of the broader vision for building a Viksit Bharat by 2047. The seven areas mentioned by the Prime Minister are manufacturing, agriculture and food processing, technology and innovation, connectivity or Gatishakti, self-reliant defence, green and blue economy, and soft power. Also Read: PM Modi’s safa tradition: A look at his Independence Day turbans from 2014 to 2026 PM Modi on soft power While speaking about the final point, PM Modi said, "The seventh strength of the Sapta Dhara is India's soft power. Today, Yoga has connected the world to India. Our Ayurveda, holistic healthcare, handicrafts, culture, films, animation, gaming, digital content. The world is recognizing and looking forward to India's WAVES summit. We have more than 100 national parks. We have an opportunity to attract foreign tourists through the power of soft power." Yoga and Ayurveda According to the Prime Minister, Yoga has contributed to establishing a deeper connection between India and the global community. "Today, yoga has connected the entire world with India. Yoga is increasingly becoming a source of energy for the world and an important source of trust in India." Also Read: 80 years, one nation & countless stories: How Bollywood showed us freedom

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed India on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day on Saturday. During his speech, he introduced the concept of Shakti Ki Saptadhara and highlighted India's soft power. &nbsp;

PM Modi unveils India’s soft power vision on Independence Day 2026: Ayurveda, films, animation, gaming

India's National Song, Vande Mataram, was played in full on the 80th Independence Day celebrations led by PM Modi at the Red Fort, followed by the customary 'Jana Gana Mana', the National Anthem. 'Vande Mataram' had played a vital role in the freedom movement of India, holding a special place in the country's national consciousness. At this year's 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, led by PM Modi, India's National Song 'Vande Mataram' was played in its entirety, followed by the National Anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana', as per tradition. 'Vande Mataram', which held immense significance during India's freedom struggle, continues to occupy a special place in the nation's collective memory. As PM Modi unfurled the National Flag atop the Red Fort, the moment coincided with a 21-gun salute fired by the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial), using indigenously made 105 mm Light Field Guns. The flag hoisting was followed by the Army band's rendition of 'Vande Mataram'. Adding to the celebrations, two Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters showered flower petals over the venue, with one carrying the National Flag and the other bearing a flag inscribed with 'Vande Mataram'. In his address, PM Modi noted the historic nature of the moment, stating that this was the first time since Independence that 'Vande Mataram' had been performed at the Red Fort. The National Anthem followed soon after, marking a memorable addition to this year's Independence Day proceedings.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-captain-sonia-singh-chauhan-army-officer-s-red-fort-appearance-goes-viral-india-80th-independence-day-1786765512308">Who is Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan? Army officer's Red Fort appearance goes viral | India 80th Independence Day</a><h3>Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026</h3>The development unfolded after President Murmu gave her approval to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which provides 'Vande Mataram' similar legal protection as it has been given to the National Anthem. The amended law warned that the deliberate attempt to disrupt or obstruct the singing of the National Song can invite penalties, including imprisonment, a fine, or both. In her address to the nation, President Murmu highlighted the significance of 'Vande Mataram' during India's struggle for freedom. A government note titled '150 Years of Vande Mataram: A Melody That Became a Movement', released on November 6 last year, states that the phrase was first used as a political slogan on August 7, 1905. The song was originally composed as a standalone piece before being incorporated into Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's novel 'Anandamath'. It was first publicly sung by Rabindranath Tagore at the Congress Session held in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1896.

 India's National Song 'Vande Mataram' was played in its entirety, followed by the National Anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana', as per tradition. This song continues to occupy a special place in the nation's collective memory.

India's National Song, Vande Mataram, was played in full on the 80th Independence Day celebrations led by PM Modi at the Red Fort, followed by the customary 'Jana Gana Mana', the National Anthem. 'Vande Mataram' had played a vital role in the freedom movement of India, holding a special place in the country's national consciousness. At this year's 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, led by PM Modi, India's National Song 'Vande Mataram' was played in its entirety, followed by the National Anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana', as per tradition. 'Vande Mataram', which held immense significance during India's freedom struggle, continues to occupy a special place in the nation's collective memory. As PM Modi unfurled the National Flag atop the Red Fort, the moment coincided with a 21-gun salute fired by the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial), using indigenously made 105 mm Light Field Guns. The flag hoisting was followed by the Army band's rendition of 'Vande Mataram'. Adding to the celebrations, two Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters showered flower petals over the venue, with one carrying the National Flag and the other bearing a flag inscribed with 'Vande Mataram'. In his address, PM Modi noted the historic nature of the moment, stating that this was the first time since Independence that 'Vande Mataram' had been performed at the Red Fort. The National Anthem followed soon after, marking a memorable addition to this year's Independence Day proceedings. Also read: Who is Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan? Army officer's Red Fort appearance goes viral | India 80th Independence Day Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 The development unfolded after President Murmu gave her approval to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which provides 'Vande Mataram' similar legal protection as it has been given to the National Anthem. The amended law warned that the deliberate attempt to disrupt or obstruct the singing of the National Song can invite penalties, including imprisonment, a fine, or both. In her address to the nation, President Murmu highlighted the significance of 'Vande Mataram' during India's struggle for freedom. A government note titled '150 Years of Vande Mataram: A Melody That Became a Movement', released on November 6 last year, states that the phrase was first used as a political slogan on August 7, 1905. The song was originally composed as a standalone piece before being incorporated into Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's novel 'Anandamath'. It was first publicly sung by Rabindranath Tagore at the Congress Session held in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1896.

&nbsp;India's National Song 'Vande Mataram' was played in its entirety, followed by the National Anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana', as per tradition. This song continues to occupy a special place in the nation's collective memory.

'Vande Mataram' played at Red Fort for first time since India's Independence

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s interest and willingness to host the 2036 Summer Olympic Games. Speaking on India’s 80th Independence Day at the Red Fort in New Delhi on Saturday (Aug 15), PM Modi also announced a need for a nationwide talent hunt for sports. Stressing the need to widen India’s Olympic footprint by identifying and nurturing raw talent from villages and cities across the country, Modi noted with regret that India doesn’t even participate in two-thirds of around 40 disciplines at the Olympic Games. &nbsp;“There are around 40 sports at the Olympics, with around 325 to 350 events. You will be saddened to know, my fellow countrymen, my young people, I challenge you, I appeal to you, I seek your help: India does not participate in even two-thirds of these sports. We are not present; we do not qualify,” PM Modi said during his address to the nation on India’s 80th Independence Day.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/very-big-honour-shubman-gill-on-leading-india-in-historic-600th-test-1786713341834">'Very big honour': Shubman Gill on leading India in historic 600th Test</a> &nbsp;Emphasising the need to excel in sports where India currently lacks a footprint, PM Modi urged a sharp shift in focus.&nbsp; &nbsp;"We have decided that the 2036 Olympics should be held in India. But in 2036, in the disciplines in which India does not play today, in the disciplines in which India does not qualify, in the events that India has left aside, three-fourths of them are waiting for us. India will focus on them, and for this, we are also running a talent identification campaign. &nbsp;“If we need athletes for 2036, then today, a talent hunt campaign will be conducted from village to village, city to city, school to school, to identify sporting talent. We have to focus on the children between the ages of five and fifteen, on our daughters. Their abilities will be assessed, and they will then receive specialised training to develop them into good athletes who can represent the country,” he continued.<h2>TOPS a Massive Success: PM Modi</h2>As India readies to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, 20 years since last hosting it, PM Modi shed light on the bigger picture: the Olympics. Revealing how the government’s flagship Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) has been a massive success in providing support to the athletes, Modi said, &nbsp;"India is making space for itself in the world of sports. We hear our national anthem frequently and see our tricolour going up very often. TOPS has achieved great success. Whether it is Khelo India Games, University Games, Beach Games, Winter Games, or sports training, sports medicine, sports nutrition, India is moving ahead at a great pace.&nbsp; &nbsp;"India's performance is improving, and we are strong contenders to become an Olympic host in 2036. We are hosting the CWG in 2030," PM Modi noted.&nbsp;

PM Narendra Modi announced a nationwide sports talent hunt during his 80th Independence Day address, setting sights on India hosting the 2036 Olympic Games.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s interest and willingness to host the 2036 Summer Olympic Games. Speaking on India’s 80th Independence Day at the Red Fort in New Delhi on Saturday (Aug 15), PM Modi also announced a need for a nationwide talent hunt for sports. Stressing the need to widen India’s Olympic footprint by identifying and nurturing raw talent from villages and cities across the country, Modi noted with regret that India doesn’t even participate in two-thirds of around 40 disciplines at the Olympic Games. “There are around 40 sports at the Olympics, with around 325 to 350 events. You will be saddened to know, my fellow countrymen, my young people, I challenge you, I appeal to you, I seek your help: India does not participate in even two-thirds of these sports. We are not present; we do not qualify,” PM Modi said during his address to the nation on India’s 80th Independence Day. Also read| 'Very big honour': Shubman Gill on leading India in historic 600th Test Emphasising the need to excel in sports where India currently lacks a footprint, PM Modi urged a sharp shift in focus. "We have decided that the 2036 Olympics should be held in India. But in 2036, in the disciplines in which India does not play today, in the disciplines in which India does not qualify, in the events that India has left aside, three-fourths of them are waiting for us. India will focus on them, and for this, we are also running a talent identification campaign. “If we need athletes for 2036, then today, a talent hunt campaign will be conducted from village to village, city to city, school to school, to identify sporting talent. We have to focus on the children between the ages of five and fifteen, on our daughters. Their abilities will be assessed, and they will then receive specialised training to develop them into good athletes who can represent the country,” he continued. TOPS a Massive Success: PM Modi As India readies to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, 20 years since last hosting it, PM Modi shed light on the bigger picture: the Olympics. Revealing how the government’s flagship Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) has been a massive success in providing support to the athletes, Modi said, "India is making space for itself in the world of sports. We hear our national anthem frequently and see our tricolour going up very often. TOPS has achieved great success. Whether it is Khelo India Games, University Games, Beach Games, Winter Games, or sports training, sports medicine, sports nutrition, India is moving ahead at a great pace. "India's performance is improving, and we are strong contenders to become an Olympic host in 2036. We are hosting the CWG in 2030," PM Modi noted.

PM Narendra Modi announced a nationwide sports talent hunt during his 80th Independence Day address, setting sights on India hosting the 2036 Olympic Games.

India target 2036 Olympics as PM Modi calls for mass talent hunt on 80th Independence Day

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Saturday (Aug 15) as India celebrated its 80th Independence Day, outlining India’s journey since Independence and setting out his vision for a developed nation by 2047.&nbsp;In his address, Modi stressed the need for bigger dreams, stronger resolve and greater capabilities, while calling on the country’s 140 crore citizens to contribute to India’s development. He also spoke about the challenges faced by people affected by floods and landslides.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/some-people-seemed-to-take-pleasure-in-frightening-the-country-pm-modi-slams-opposition-for-fake-news-during-covid-19-west-asia-crisis-1786764410905">‘Some people seemed to take pleasure in frightening the country’: PM Modi slams Opposition for ‘fake news’ during COVID-19, West Asia crisis</a>&nbsp;A key moment of the Independence Day celebrations was the playing of ‘Vande Mataram’ at the Red Fort. Modi described it as a historic occasion, saying that for the first time since Independence, the national song was echoing from the Red Fort on August 15. The occasion also marked 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’.&nbsp;The Prime Minister highlighted India’s progress in areas including defence production, Khadi and Gramodyog, electronics, mobile phone manufacturing and digital transactions. He cited these developments while making the case for India’s growing capabilities and its ambitions for the future.&nbsp;Here are 10 quotes from PM Modi’s Independence Day speech that stood out:&nbsp;1. ‘Today, we are all celebrating the 80th Independence Day.’“Today, we are all celebrating the 80th Independence Day. Today, the chant of ‘Vande Mataram’ resonates in every heart. Today, the Tricolour flies in every home and dwells in every mind; the nation is moving forward with enthusiasm and zeal, embracing new resolutions.”2. ‘For the first time since independence, Vande Mataram is echoing at the Red Fort’“For the first time since independence, ‘Vande Mataram’ is echoing at the Red Fort on August 15.”3. ‘A nation becomes great’“A nation becomes great and achieves its goals when it moves forward on the strength of its dreams, its resolve and its capabilities.”Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-were-once-in-fragile-five-what-does-it-mean-and-how-has-india-s-economy-changed-in-12-years-1786761572707">'We were once in Fragile Five': What does it mean, and how has India's economy changed in 12 years</a>4. ‘Our country can no longer move forward with small dreams’“Our country can no longer move forward with small dreams. Big dreams, because big dreams expand our thinking and broaden the horizons of our thoughts.”5. ‘Our resolve must be strong’“Our resolve must be strong. When our resolve is strong, the ability to find a way through difficulties and disasters emerges on its own. Our aspirations must also be high.”6. ‘India has also dreamed a very big dream’“Today, India has also dreamed a very big dream. It has been dreamed with a strong resolve, with the aim of reaching new heights.”7. ‘We will make India a developed nation’“By 2047, when we complete 100 years of independence, we will make India a developed nation.”8. ‘With the efforts of 140 crore Indians’“With the efforts of 140 crore Indians, we have to achieve this goal.”9. ‘The world is compelled to look at us with a different perspective’“When the world’s most populous country resolves to become developed, it becomes an introduction of our courage, and the world is compelled to look at us with a different perspective.”10. ‘Defence production has increased by four times’“In the last 12 years, defence production has increased by four times; production by Khadi and Gramudyog has increased five times; electronic manufacturing has grown by seven times. Mobile phone production has increased by 33 per cent, and digital transactions have grown by 100%.”&nbsp;

PM Modi addressed the nation on India’s 80th Independence Day, celebrating 150 years of Vande Mataram and urging 140 crore citizens to build a developed India by 2047 through strong resolve and self-reliance.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Saturday (Aug 15) as India celebrated its 80th Independence Day, outlining India’s journey since Independence and setting out his vision for a developed nation by 2047. In his address, Modi stressed the need for bigger dreams, stronger resolve and greater capabilities, while calling on the country’s 140 crore citizens to contribute to India’s development. He also spoke about the challenges faced by people affected by floods and landslides. Also read: ‘Some people seemed to take pleasure in frightening the country’: PM Modi slams Opposition for ‘fake news’ during COVID-19, West Asia crisis A key moment of the Independence Day celebrations was the playing of ‘Vande Mataram’ at the Red Fort. Modi described it as a historic occasion, saying that for the first time since Independence, the national song was echoing from the Red Fort on August 15. The occasion also marked 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’. The Prime Minister highlighted India’s progress in areas including defence production, Khadi and Gramodyog, electronics, mobile phone manufacturing and digital transactions. He cited these developments while making the case for India’s growing capabilities and its ambitions for the future. Here are 10 quotes from PM Modi’s Independence Day speech that stood out: 1. ‘Today, we are all celebrating the 80th Independence Day.’ “Today, we are all celebrating the 80th Independence Day. Today, the chant of ‘Vande Mataram’ resonates in every heart. Today, the Tricolour flies in every home and dwells in every mind; the nation is moving forward with enthusiasm and zeal, embracing new resolutions.” 2. ‘For the first time since independence, Vande Mataram is echoing at the Red Fort’ “For the first time since independence, ‘Vande Mataram’ is echoing at the Red Fort on August 15.” 3. ‘A nation becomes great’ “A nation becomes great and achieves its goals when it moves forward on the strength of its dreams, its resolve and its capabilities.” Also read: 'We were once in Fragile Five': What does it mean, and how has India's economy changed in 12 years 4. ‘Our country can no longer move forward with small dreams’ “Our country can no longer move forward with small dreams. Big dreams, because big dreams expand our thinking and broaden the horizons of our thoughts.” 5. ‘Our resolve must be strong’ “Our resolve must be strong. When our resolve is strong, the ability to find a way through difficulties and disasters emerges on its own. Our aspirations must also be high.” 6. ‘India has also dreamed a very big dream’ “Today, India has also dreamed a very big dream. It has been dreamed with a strong resolve, with the aim of reaching new heights.” 7. ‘We will make India a developed nation’ “By 2047, when we complete 100 years of independence, we will make India a developed nation.” 8. ‘With the efforts of 140 crore Indians’ “With the efforts of 140 crore Indians, we have to achieve this goal.” 9. ‘The world is compelled to look at us with a different perspective’ “When the world’s most populous country resolves to become developed, it becomes an introduction of our courage, and the world is compelled to look at us with a different perspective.” 10. ‘Defence production has increased by four times’ “In the last 12 years, defence production has increased by four times; production by Khadi and Gramudyog has increased five times; electronic manufacturing has grown by seven times. Mobile phone production has increased by 33 per cent, and digital transactions have grown by 100%.”

PM Modi addressed the nation on India’s 80th Independence Day, celebrating 150 years of Vande Mataram and urging 140 crore citizens to build a developed India by 2047 through strong resolve and self-reliance.

India’s 80th Independence Day: Top 10 quotes of PM Modi from Red Fort

India’s healthcare story is one of the most remarkable transformations in the 79 years of independence, as a system struggling with severe shortages of doctors, hospitals, and medicines in 1947 has reached a position where digital health, telemedicine, and advanced robotic surgery are the buzzwords.&nbsp;When India achieved independence in 1947, it inherited a fragile healthcare infrastructure and a heavy burden of infectious diseases amidst limited access to modern medicine.There was the challenge of building a health system almost from the ground up.&nbsp;The next few decades saw India focus heavily on public health, vaccination campaigns, disease-control programmes and expansion of primary healthcare, which gradually changed the health landscape.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-s-freedom-fighters-from-veerapandiya-kattabomman-to-the-vellore-mutiny-martyrs-india-independence-day-2026-special-india-80-1786696236627">Tamil Nadu's freedom fighters: From Veerapandiya Kattabomman to the Vellore Mutiny martyrs | India Independence Day 2026 special</a>&nbsp;India won major battles when it eradicated smallpox in 1977 and was certified polio-free by the WHO in 2014.&nbsp;The healthcare expansion accelerated in the 21st century as maternal health, immunisation, rural healthcare, and focus on non-communicable diseases became national programmes. Private hospitals expanded access to advanced diagnostics and specialised treatment. Medical education also grew rapidly and helped increase the number of doctors and specialists needed to cater to the huge population.Medical colleges have more than doubled, while 12 new AIIMS have become functional since 2014.&nbsp;<h2>The severe test during Covid pandemic</h2>&nbsp;The Covid-19 pandemic was a major test of India’s healthcare system. The never-imagined surge of demand for oxygen, disinfectants and personal protective equipment (PPE) kits exposed shortages that were overcome promptly as India sent vaccines, medicines, sanitiser and other essentials to other nations in need. The pandemic demonstrated India’s capacity for large-scale vaccination, pharmaceutical production, medical research and digital health services.&nbsp;<h2>Telemedicine and digitalisation of health records&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;In a huge change, telemedicine became a critical service during the pandemic. The government’s eSanjeevani platform connected patients and healthcare workers with doctors and specialists without a hospital visit and more than 45 crore patients have benefited through a network spanning health facilities across the country as per March 2026 figures.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-independence-day-2026-kerala-s-freedom-martyrs-from-pazhassi-raja-to-velu-thampi-dalawa-and-hundreds-of-commoners-1786691896015">India Independence Day 2026: Kerala's freedom martyrs — From Pazhassi Raja to Velu Thampi Dalawa and hundreds of commoners</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Digitalisation of health records has also been a turning point, as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission created a nationwide digital-health framework, with millions of Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts, which allow health records to be linked electronically. Now, all information about a patient is easily available rather than remaining confined to individual hospitals.&nbsp;The private healthcare sector has grown rapidly alongside public services and even caters to patients from abroad.&nbsp;India is increasingly embracing robotic-assisted surgery, which is now available across major hospitals and medical centres.&nbsp;<h2>Health insurance for financial protection</h2>&nbsp;The government also focused on expanding health insurance and financial protection, with the Ayushman Bharat programme launched in 2018 giving&nbsp;hospital care access to the economically vulnerable families.Over 12 crore hospitalisations were covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme by June 2026.&nbsp;Seventy-nine years after independence, India’s healthcare story is therefore one of substantial progress, and as it approaches 2047, the strength of its health system will be central to its development ambitions.&nbsp;

When India achieved independence in 1947, it inherited a fragile healthcare infrastructure and a heavy burden of infectious diseases amidst limited access to modern medicine. There was the challenge of building a health system almost from the ground up.

India’s healthcare story is one of the most remarkable transformations in the 79 years of independence, as a system struggling with severe shortages of doctors, hospitals, and medicines in 1947 has reached a position where digital health, telemedicine, and advanced robotic surgery are the buzzwords. When India achieved independence in 1947, it inherited a fragile healthcare infrastructure and a heavy burden of infectious diseases amidst limited access to modern medicine. There was the challenge of building a health system almost from the ground up. The next few decades saw India focus heavily on public health, vaccination campaigns, disease-control programmes and expansion of primary healthcare, which gradually changed the health landscape. Also Read: Tamil Nadu's freedom fighters: From Veerapandiya Kattabomman to the Vellore Mutiny martyrs | India Independence Day 2026 special India won major battles when it eradicated smallpox in 1977 and was certified polio-free by the WHO in 2014. The healthcare expansion accelerated in the 21st century as maternal health, immunisation, rural healthcare, and focus on non-communicable diseases became national programmes. Private hospitals expanded access to advanced diagnostics and specialised treatment. Medical education also grew rapidly and helped increase the number of doctors and specialists needed to cater to the huge population. Medical colleges have more than doubled, while 12 new AIIMS have become functional since 2014. The severe test during Covid pandemic The Covid-19 pandemic was a major test of India’s healthcare system. The never-imagined surge of demand for oxygen, disinfectants and personal protective equipment (PPE) kits exposed shortages that were overcome promptly as India sent vaccines, medicines, sanitiser and other essentials to other nations in need. The pandemic demonstrated India’s capacity for large-scale vaccination, pharmaceutical production, medical research and digital health services. Telemedicine and digitalisation of health records In a huge change, telemedicine became a critical service during the pandemic. The government’s eSanjeevani platform connected patients and healthcare workers with doctors and specialists without a hospital visit and more than 45 crore patients have benefited through a network spanning health facilities across the country as per March 2026 figures. Also Read: India Independence Day 2026: Kerala's freedom martyrs — From Pazhassi Raja to Velu Thampi Dalawa and hundreds of commoners Digitalisation of health records has also been a turning point, as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission created a nationwide digital-health framework, with millions of Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts, which allow health records to be linked electronically. Now, all information about a patient is easily available rather than remaining confined to individual hospitals. The private healthcare sector has grown rapidly alongside public services and even caters to patients from abroad. India is increasingly embracing robotic-assisted surgery, which is now available across major hospitals and medical centres. Health insurance for financial protection The government also focused on expanding health insurance and financial protection, with the Ayushman Bharat programme launched in 2018 giving hospital care access to the economically vulnerable families. Over 12 crore hospitalisations were covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme by June 2026. Seventy-nine years after independence, India’s healthcare story is therefore one of substantial progress, and as it approaches 2047, the strength of its health system will be central to its development ambitions.

When India achieved independence in 1947, it inherited a fragile healthcare infrastructure and a heavy burden of infectious diseases amidst limited access to modern medicine. There was the challenge of building a health system almost from the ground up.

Independence Day 2026: India’s health journey, from scarcity to smart care with telemedicine and robotic surgery

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Aug 15) announced a major youth-focused push in artificial intelligence, saying one crore young Indians will be trained through AI skilling courses as part of the government's broader technology and innovation agenda.Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on India's 80th Independence Day, Modi also announced that free online coaching would be made available to young people preparing for various competitive examinations. The announcements came as the Prime Minister placed India's youth at the centre of his vision for a developed India by 2047.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-captain-sonia-singh-chauhan-army-officer-s-red-fort-appearance-goes-viral-india-80th-independence-day-1786765512308">Who is Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan? Army officer's Red Fort appearance goes viral | India 80th Independence Day</a><h2>Focus on AI, technology and innovation</h2>Modi said India must prepare for an era shaped by artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum technology, space and data centres. He described technology and innovation as one of the key pillars of the government's seven-stream development vision, or 'Saptadhara'."We must become a global hub of innovation," Modi said, pointing to India's experience with UPI and Digital Public Infrastructure. He also called for India to take the next step in next-generation communication technology.Modi said India's youth would be both the biggest beneficiaries and the biggest drivers of the country's journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-appeals-to-opposition-to-back-33-women-s-reservation-in-parliament-india-80th-independence-day-1786764365901">PM Modi appeals to Opposition to back 33% women's reservation in Parliament | India 80th Independence Day</a><h2>NEET protest</h2>The big announcement comes just weeks after a massive youth-led protest at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar over the NEET 2026 paper leak. Thousands of students held a protest which lasted around 36 days. The protest ended with the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as India's Education Minister, a key demand of the protestors.&nbsp;

PM Modi has announced a major youth-focused technology push, with AI skilling courses planned for 1 crore young Indians and free online coaching for competitive exams. The announcements came as he placed youth at the centre of India's journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Aug 15) announced a major youth-focused push in artificial intelligence, saying one crore young Indians will be trained through AI skilling courses as part of the government's broader technology and innovation agenda. Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on India's 80th Independence Day, Modi also announced that free online coaching would be made available to young people preparing for various competitive examinations. The announcements came as the Prime Minister placed India's youth at the centre of his vision for a developed India by 2047. Also read | Who is Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan? Army officer's Red Fort appearance goes viral | India 80th Independence Day Focus on AI, technology and innovation Modi said India must prepare for an era shaped by artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum technology, space and data centres. He described technology and innovation as one of the key pillars of the government's seven-stream development vision, or 'Saptadhara'. "We must become a global hub of innovation," Modi said, pointing to India's experience with UPI and Digital Public Infrastructure. He also called for India to take the next step in next-generation communication technology. Modi said India's youth would be both the biggest beneficiaries and the biggest drivers of the country's journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. Also read | PM Modi appeals to Opposition to back 33% women's reservation in Parliament | India 80th Independence Day NEET protest The big announcement comes just weeks after a massive youth-led protest at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar over the NEET 2026 paper leak. Thousands of students held a protest which lasted around 36 days. The protest ended with the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as India's Education Minister, a key demand of the protestors.

PM Modi has announced a major youth-focused technology push, with AI skilling courses planned for 1 crore young Indians and free online coaching for competitive exams. The announcements came as he placed youth at the centre of India's journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.

PM Modi announces free online coaching for competitive exams, 1 crore Indian youth to get AI training | 80th Independence Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the Red Fort on Saturday, delivering his 13th consecutive Independence Day speech since taking office in 2014. This year's address lasted 78 minutes, making it his shortest Independence Day speech in the past four years.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-appeals-to-opposition-to-back-33-women-s-reservation-in-parliament-india-80th-independence-day-1786764365901">PM Modi appeals to Opposition to back 33% women's reservation in Parliament | India 80th Independence Day</a><h2>PM Modi's longest Independece Day speech was THIS year</h2>The duration marks a notable change from last year's marathon address. In 2025, Modi spoke for 103 minutes, his longest Independence Day speech since becoming Prime Minister and the longest delivered by him from the Red Fort.His previous record came in 2024, when his address lasted 98 minutes, surpassing the 96-minute speech he delivered in 2016.<h2>PM Modi's Independence Day speeches: Year-wise duration</h2>

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Year &nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>Duration</td></tr><tr><td>2014 &nbsp; &nbsp;</td><td>65 minutes</td></tr><tr><td>2015 &nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;88 minutes</td></tr><tr><td>2016 &nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;96 minutes</td></tr><tr><td>2017 &nbsp; &nbsp;</td><td>56 minutes</td></tr><tr><td>2018 &nbsp; &nbsp;</td><td>83 minutes</td></tr><tr><td>2019</td><td>92 minutes</td></tr><tr><td>2020 &nbsp; &nbsp;</td><td>90 minutes</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>88 minutes</td></tr><tr><td>2022 &nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;74 minutes</td></tr><tr><td>2023 &nbsp; &nbsp;</td><td>90 minutes</td></tr><tr><td>2024 &nbsp; &nbsp;</td><td>98 minutes</td></tr><tr><td>2025 &nbsp; &nbsp;</td><td>103 minutes</td></tr><tr><td>2026 &nbsp; &nbsp;</td><td>78 minutes</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

Modi's shortest Independence Day address so far was in 2017, when he spoke for 56 minutes. His longest was last year, when the Prime Minister's speech crossed the 100-minute mark for the first time.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-captain-sonia-singh-chauhan-army-officer-s-red-fort-appearance-goes-viral-india-80th-independence-day-1786765512308">Who is Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan? Army officer's Red Fort appearance goes viral | India 80th Independence Day</a>

PM Modi's Independence Day address lasted 78 minutes this year, marking a sharp drop from his record 103-minute speech in 2025. Here's how the length of his Red Fort speeches has changed every year since 2014.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the Red Fort on Saturday, delivering his 13th consecutive Independence Day speech since taking office in 2014. This year's address lasted 78 minutes, making it his shortest Independence Day speech in the past four years. Also read | PM Modi appeals to Opposition to back 33% women's reservation in Parliament | India 80th Independence Day PM Modi's longest Independece Day speech was THIS year The duration marks a notable change from last year's marathon address. In 2025, Modi spoke for 103 minutes, his longest Independence Day speech since becoming Prime Minister and the longest delivered by him from the Red Fort. His previous record came in 2024, when his address lasted 98 minutes, surpassing the 96-minute speech he delivered in 2016. PM Modi's Independence Day speeches: Year-wise duration

PM Modi's Independence Day address lasted 78 minutes this year, marking a sharp drop from his record 103-minute speech in 2025. Here's how the length of his Red Fort speeches has changed every year since 2014.

PM Modi delivers shortest Independence Day speech in years: Address to nation lasts 78 minutes

All eyes were on the Red Fort this Saturday, Aug 15, as India celebrated its 80th Independence Day. PM Narendra Modi once again addressed the nation, and once again, his turban stole the show. This year, he wore a striking red colour bandhani safa

PM Modi’s safa tradition: A look at his Independence Day turbans from 2014 to 2026

Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan, an Indian Army officer drew attention during the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort on August 15, 2026, after assisting Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the flag-hoisting ceremony.Her appearance in the official ceremony placed a spotlight on the military personnel who play a crucial role in the tightly choreographed Independence Day proceedings. Here's what we know about Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan?<h2>Who is Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan?</h2>Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan is a commissioned officer in the Indian Army. On !5th August, 2026, she was involved in the formal flag-hoisting proceedings at the Red Fort.<h2>What was her role at the Red Fort?</h2>The Independence Day ceremony involves strict military protocol, with personnel assigned specific duties around the Prime Minister, the national flag and the ceremonial proceedings.Captain Sonia's presence in the frame with Modi therefore reflects her role in the official military protocol surrounding the event. Her appearance has also been viewed in the broader context of the increasing visibility of women officers in the Indian armed forces and an ode to India's 'Nari Shakti' push.<h2>Why has she attracted attention?</h2>The image of a woman Army officer standing prominently behind the Prime Minister during one of India's most watched national ceremonies quickly became a talking point, particularly amid the government's emphasis on Nari Shakti and the growing participation of women in the armed forces.

A woman Army officer seen assisting PM Modi during the Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort has drawn widespread attention. Here is what is known about Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan and her role in the historic August 15 proceedings.

Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan, an Indian Army officer drew attention during the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort on August 15, 2026, after assisting Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the flag-hoisting ceremony. Her appearance in the official ceremony placed a spotlight on the military personnel who play a crucial role in the tightly choreographed Independence Day proceedings. Here's what we know about Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan? Who is Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan? Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan is a commissioned officer in the Indian Army. On !5th August, 2026, she was involved in the formal flag-hoisting proceedings at the Red Fort. What was her role at the Red Fort? The Independence Day ceremony involves strict military protocol, with personnel assigned specific duties around the Prime Minister, the national flag and the ceremonial proceedings. Captain Sonia's presence in the frame with Modi therefore reflects her role in the official military protocol surrounding the event. Her appearance has also been viewed in the broader context of the increasing visibility of women officers in the Indian armed forces and an ode to India's 'Nari Shakti' push. Why has she attracted attention? The image of a woman Army officer standing prominently behind the Prime Minister during one of India's most watched national ceremonies quickly became a talking point, particularly amid the government's emphasis on Nari Shakti and the growing participation of women in the armed forces.

A woman Army officer seen assisting PM Modi during the Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort has drawn widespread attention. Here is what is known about Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan and her role in the historic August 15 proceedings.

Who is Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan? Army officer's Red Fort appearance goes viral | India 80th Independence Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday made a fresh appeal to the Opposition to support women's reservation in Parliament, saying women are advancing rapidly across sectors and deserve greater representation in India's legislative institutions.Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on India's 80th Independence Day, Modi said women were moving ahead in several fields and called for 33 per cent reservation for women in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. "The women are going ahead in so many sectors," Modi said, before urging political parties to support the measure.<h2>Modi recalls women's reservation push</h2>The prime minister said his government had introduced a Women's Reservation Bill in Parliament but alleged that political considerations had prevented it from moving forward."We have introduced the Women's Reservation Bill in Parliament but because of politics it could not pass," Modi said.&nbsp;He appealed directly to Opposition parties to support the proposal and ensure that women receive 33 per cent representation in both Houses of Parliament. The appeal comes after a major political battle over the issue earlier this year.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-appeals-to-opposition-to-back-33-women-s-reservation-in-parliament-india-80th-independence-day-1786764365901">PM Modi appeals to Opposition to back 33% women's reservation in Parliament | India 80th Independence Day</a><h2>Bill failed to secure required majority</h2>In April 2026, the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, aimed at providing one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, failed to secure the required two-thirds majority in the Lower House.According to the information provided, 298 MPs voted in favour of the legislation while 230 opposed it. With 528 members present, the Bill required 352 votes to clear the constitutional threshold.Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla subsequently announced that the legislation could not proceed because it had failed to obtain the required majority.<h2>BJP and Opposition traded blame</h2>The failure triggered a political confrontation inside Parliament. Women MPs from the NDA staged a protest in the Parliament complex, while Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accused Opposition parties of missing an opportunity to provide reservation to women.Home Minister Amit Shah also criticised the Opposition, saying its celebration over the Bill's defeat was an "insult" to women who had been waiting for greater political representation.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-captain-sonia-singh-chauhan-army-officer-s-red-fort-appearance-goes-viral-india-80th-independence-day-1786765512308">Who is Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan? Army officer's Red Fort appearance goes viral | India 80th Independence Day</a>The Opposition, however, rejected the government's framing of the legislation. Rahul Gandhi, speaking during the debate, said the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam was not a genuine women's reservation bill and argued that it did not amount to women's empowerment.&nbsp;Modi's Independence Day appeal now puts the issue back at the centre of the political debate, with the prime minister calling for Opposition support for 33 per cent reservation for women in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

PM Modi has revived the debate over women's political representation, using his Independence Day address to call for 33% reservation for women in both Houses of Parliament. The prime minister urged Opposition parties to support the proposal and give women a greater voice in lawmaking.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday made a fresh appeal to the Opposition to support women's reservation in Parliament, saying women are advancing rapidly across sectors and deserve greater representation in India's legislative institutions. Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on India's 80th Independence Day, Modi said women were moving ahead in several fields and called for 33 per cent reservation for women in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. "The women are going ahead in so many sectors," Modi said, before urging political parties to support the measure. Modi recalls women's reservation push The prime minister said his government had introduced a Women's Reservation Bill in Parliament but alleged that political considerations had prevented it from moving forward. "We have introduced the Women's Reservation Bill in Parliament but because of politics it could not pass," Modi said. He appealed directly to Opposition parties to support the proposal and ensure that women receive 33 per cent representation in both Houses of Parliament. The appeal comes after a major political battle over the issue earlier this year. Also read | PM Modi appeals to Opposition to back 33% women's reservation in Parliament | India 80th Independence Day Bill failed to secure required majority In April 2026, the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, aimed at providing one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, failed to secure the required two-thirds majority in the Lower House. According to the information provided, 298 MPs voted in favour of the legislation while 230 opposed it. With 528 members present, the Bill required 352 votes to clear the constitutional threshold. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla subsequently announced that the legislation could not proceed because it had failed to obtain the required majority. BJP and Opposition traded blame The failure triggered a political confrontation inside Parliament. Women MPs from the NDA staged a protest in the Parliament complex, while Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accused Opposition parties of missing an opportunity to provide reservation to women. Home Minister Amit Shah also criticised the Opposition, saying its celebration over the Bill's defeat was an "insult" to women who had been waiting for greater political representation. Also read | Who is Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan? Army officer's Red Fort appearance goes viral | India 80th Independence Day The Opposition, however, rejected the government's framing of the legislation. Rahul Gandhi, speaking during the debate, said the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam was not a genuine women's reservation bill and argued that it did not amount to women's empowerment. Modi's Independence Day appeal now puts the issue back at the centre of the political debate, with the prime minister calling for Opposition support for 33 per cent reservation for women in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

PM Modi has revived the debate over women's political representation, using his Independence Day address to call for 33% reservation for women in both Houses of Parliament. The prime minister urged Opposition parties to support the proposal and give women a greater voice in lawmaking.

PM Modi appeals to Opposition to back 33% women's reservation in Parliament | India 80th Independence Day

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Aug 15) took a veiled dig at the Opposition over the COVID-19 pandemic and the West Asia crisis, accusing some people of spreading fake news and creating fear and anxiety among the public during times of crisis.&nbsp;Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, Modi said the world had faced widespread disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic before being confronted with wars in Ukraine and West Asia.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-were-once-in-fragile-five-what-does-it-mean-and-how-has-india-s-economy-changed-in-12-years-1786761572707">'We were once in Fragile Five': What does it mean, and how has India's economy changed in 12 years</a>&nbsp;“The global pandemic had put the entire world in a state of concern. All systems had been disrupted. We came out of COVID, and then news of the devastation caused by wars began to emerge - somewhere in Ukraine, somewhere in West Asia. There was an atmosphere of tension everywhere", PM Modi said.&nbsp;The Prime Minister said “some people" had resorted to spreading fake news and creating panic during the crises, claiming that such predictions had added to public anxiety. “And who knows what the so-called forecasters made all predictions. Some people seemed to take pleasure in frightening the country, keeping the country fearful and anxious. ‘There will be no vaccines, people will not survive COVID, nothing will happen.’ When the West Asia crisis came, they said, ‘There will be no petrol at petrol pumps, no gas, no diesel, no fertiliser, he said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/this-is-about-basic-decency-bjp-s-amit-malviya-sharpens-attack-on-rahul-gandhi-sandeep-dikshit-over-meloni-hug-remark-1786677981527">‘This is about basic decency’: BJP sharpens attack on Rahul Gandhi, Sandeep Dikshit over ‘Meloni’ hug remark</a>&nbsp;Modi further accused those spreading such claims of deliberately keeping people in a state of fear. “By spreading all kinds of rumours, some people seemed to take pleasure in frightening the people of India and keeping them immersed in fear and anxiety", PM Modi said.&nbsp;Earlier, the Prime Minister hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort in New Delhi. The flag hoisting was synchronised with a 21-Gun Salute by the gunners of the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial).&nbsp;

Indian PM Narendra Modi criticised the Opposition for spreading fake news and panic during the COVID-19 pandemic and West Asia crisis, accusing them of creating public anxiety over supplies and vaccines.



India Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Aug 15) took a veiled dig at the Opposition over the COVID-19 pandemic and the West Asia crisis, accusing some people of spreading fake news and creating fear and anxiety among the public during times of crisis. Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, Modi said the world had faced widespread disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic before being confronted with wars in Ukraine and West Asia. Also read: 'We were once in Fragile Five': What does it mean, and how has India's economy changed in 12 years “The global pandemic had put the entire world in a state of concern. All systems had been disrupted. We came out of COVID, and then news of the devastation caused by wars began to emerge - somewhere in Ukraine, somewhere in West Asia. There was an atmosphere of tension everywhere", PM Modi said. The Prime Minister said “some people" had resorted to spreading fake news and creating panic during the crises, claiming that such predictions had added to public anxiety. “And who knows what the so-called forecasters made all predictions. Some people seemed to take pleasure in frightening the country, keeping the country fearful and anxious. ‘There will be no vaccines, people will not survive COVID, nothing will happen.’ When the West Asia crisis came, they said, ‘There will be no petrol at petrol pumps, no gas, no diesel, no fertiliser, he said. Also read: ‘This is about basic decency’: BJP sharpens attack on Rahul Gandhi, Sandeep Dikshit over ‘Meloni’ hug remark Modi further accused those spreading such claims of deliberately keeping people in a state of fear. “By spreading all kinds of rumours, some people seemed to take pleasure in frightening the people of India and keeping them immersed in fear and anxiety", PM Modi said. Earlier, the Prime Minister hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort in New Delhi. The flag hoisting was synchronised with a 21-Gun Salute by the gunners of the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial).

Indian PM Narendra Modi criticised the Opposition for spreading fake news and panic during the COVID-19 pandemic and West Asia crisis, accusing them of creating public anxiety over supplies and vaccines.&nbsp;

‘Some people seemed to take pleasure in frightening the country’: PM Modi slams Opposition for ‘fake news’ during COVID-19, West Asia crisis

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation from the Red Fort on the 80th Independence Day, recalled the era when India was known for its prowess in the form of the "Sapta Sindhu," and said that to build a Viksit Bharat, "we need a new current." "Today, I would also like to recall that era when the nation knew, understood, and heard of India's prowess in the form of the 'Sapta Sindhu'. Now, to build a Viksit Bharat, we need a new current. Today, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, I invoke the 'Sapta Dhara' of strength before the nation." He added that in the coming five to seven years, what could not be achieved in the last five to seven decades will be achieved through the prowess and power of this Sapta Dhara, giving the nation "new heights, new momentum, and the capability to surpass new goals."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bharat-has-seen-a-dream-pm-modi-vows-india-will-achieve-viksit-bharat-by-2047-1786760897677">'Bharat has seen a dream': PM Modi vows India will achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047</a><h3>Prowess and power of Sapta Dhara</h3>"In the coming 5 to 7 years, what could not be achieved in the last 5 to 7 decades, through the prowess and power of this Sapta Dhara, we will give the nation new heights, new momentum, and the capability to surpass new goals. Alongside this, the power and potential of our youth will be fully harnessed and integrated into nation-building.", the Prime Minister said.&nbsp;He also said," The seventh strength of the Sapta Dhara is India's soft power. Today, Yoga has connected the world to India. Our Ayurveda, holistic healthcare, handicrafts, culture, films, animation, gaming, digital content. The world is recognising and looking forward to India's WAVES summit. We have more than 100 national parks. We have an opportunity to attract foreign tourists through the power of soft power."

PM Modi said that in the coming five to seven years, what could not be achieved in the last five to seven decades will be achieved through the prowess and power of this Sapta Dhara, giving the nation "new heights, new momentum, and the capability to surpass new goals."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation from the Red Fort on the 80th Independence Day, recalled the era when India was known for its prowess in the form of the "Sapta Sindhu," and said that to build a Viksit Bharat, "we need a new current." "Today, I would also like to recall that era when the nation knew, understood, and heard of India's prowess in the form of the 'Sapta Sindhu'. Now, to build a Viksit Bharat, we need a new current. Today, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, I invoke the 'Sapta Dhara' of strength before the nation." He added that in the coming five to seven years, what could not be achieved in the last five to seven decades will be achieved through the prowess and power of this Sapta Dhara, giving the nation "new heights, new momentum, and the capability to surpass new goals." Also read: 'Bharat has seen a dream': PM Modi vows India will achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047 Prowess and power of Sapta Dhara "In the coming 5 to 7 years, what could not be achieved in the last 5 to 7 decades, through the prowess and power of this Sapta Dhara, we will give the nation new heights, new momentum, and the capability to surpass new goals. Alongside this, the power and potential of our youth will be fully harnessed and integrated into nation-building.", the Prime Minister said. He also said," The seventh strength of the Sapta Dhara is India's soft power. Today, Yoga has connected the world to India. Our Ayurveda, holistic healthcare, handicrafts, culture, films, animation, gaming, digital content. The world is recognising and looking forward to India's WAVES summit. We have more than 100 national parks. We have an opportunity to attract foreign tourists through the power of soft power."

PM Modi said that in the coming five to seven years, what could not be achieved in the last five to seven decades will be achieved through the prowess and power of this Sapta Dhara, giving the nation "new heights, new momentum, and the capability to surpass new goals."

'From Sapta Sindhu to Sapta Dhara': PM Modi's new vision for viksit bharat on 80th Independence Day

Independence Day 2026 India Live Updates: India is celebrating its 80th Independence Day on August 15, with the nation coming together to honour the freedom struggle and reflect on its journey since 1947. The main celebrations will be led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Red Fort, where he will hoist the Tricolour and deliver his 13th consecutive Independence Day address.This year's celebrations carry special significance as India marks 150 years of 'Vande Mataram'. For the first time, the national song will be rendered during the Red Fort ceremony, with 2,500 young cadets and 'My Bharat' volunteers taking part. The event also places a strong focus on India's youth and the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.The celebrations extend beyond India's borders, with Indian missions raising the Tricolour across the world. The United States, through Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has also extended greetings, describing ties with India as "stronger than ever". As flags rise across cities and continents, Independence Day is being marked not only as a remembrance of freedom but as a celebration of India's present and its ambitions for the future.

The Tricolour was hoisted at the Indian High Commission in Canberra as part of the 'Suryapath Tiranga' initiative, which carries the national flag from one sunrise to the next across the globe. The flag was also hoisted at the Indian mission in New Zealand, with Tokyo next in the relay. The initiative is part of Har Ghar Tiranga 2026.

LIVE Updates | Independence Day 2026: Tricolour travels across globe with 'Suryapath Tiranga'

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said Independence Day celebrates India's collective courage, sacrifice, and the victory of truth and non-violence. She said the day also marks the aspirations of millions and the democratic promise of equality, justice, and unity, urging citizens to pledge to protect freedom and the Constitution.&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="hi" dir="ltr"&gt;आज का दिन हमारे प्यारे भारत के सामूहिक साहस, शौर्य और सत्य-अहिंसा जैसे पवित्र मूल्यों की जीत का पर्व है। यह करोड़ों भारतवासियों की आकांक्षाओं के साकार होने का पर्व है। यह लोकतंत्र के उस संकल्प का पर्व है जिसने हर एक भारतीय को समानता, न्याय व एकता की गारंटी, और हर एक भारतीय की… &lt;a href="https://t.co/wXzv9HoL3h"&gt;pic.twitter.com/wXzv9HoL3h&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) &lt;a href="https://x.com/priyankagandhi/status/2088459884790685805?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;August 15, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

LIVE Updates | Independence Day 2026: Priyanka Gandhi calls for pledge to protect freedom, Constitution

AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal said this Independence Day feels "even more special" as children from Gen Alpha are taking up the fight for better basic facilities in schools. He said children across the country are demanding desks, clean drinking water, toilets and teachers, calling their fight for rights "true freedom."&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="hi" dir="ltr"&gt;ये 15 अगस्त और भी ज़्यादा ख़ास है,&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Gen Z के बाद अब Gen Alpha ने मोर्चा संभाल लिया है। देश के कोने-कोने में बच्चे अपने स्कूल को ठीक करवाने के लिए लड़ रहे हैं। वे अपने स्कूल के लिए desks, साफ पानी, toilets और शिक्षकों जैसी बुनियादी सुविधाओं की मांग कर रहे हैं। &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;हमारे बच्चों ने… &lt;a href="https://t.co/iU9OD2ArtN"&gt;pic.twitter.com/iU9OD2ArtN&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) &lt;a href="https://x.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/2088452998481793437?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;August 15, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

LIVE Updates | Independence Day 2026: Kejriwal says Gen Alpha is fighting for better schools

Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi extended Independence Day greetings, saying freedom is not merely a gift from India's freedom fighters but also a responsibility. He called on citizens to follow truth and non violence, uphold the Constitution and Tricolour, and safeguard democracy, expressing pride in the country's youth for protecting these values.&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="hi" dir="ltr"&gt;सभी देशवासियों को स्वतंत्रता दिवस की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ।&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;आज़ादी हमारे स्वतंत्रता सेनानियों द्वारा दिया गया सिर्फ़ एक तोहफ़ा नहीं, बल्कि एक ज़िम्मेदारी भी है।&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;यह ज़िम्मेदारी है सत्य और अहिंसा के रास्ते पर चलने की, संविधान और तिरंगे के मूल्यों को अपने दिल में रखने की और हर हाल… &lt;a href="https://t.co/LXTnFuL3wY"&gt;pic.twitter.com/LXTnFuL3wY&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) &lt;a href="https://x.com/RahulGandhi/status/2088474115409944903?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;August 15, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

LIVE Updates | Independence Day 2026: Rahul Gandhi says freedom is a responsibility

&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;PM Modi concludes his Independence Day speech at Red Fort in Delhi&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Photos: Doordarshan &lt;a href="https://t.co/tieBXuUZrQ"&gt;pic.twitter.com/tieBXuUZrQ&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— ANI (@ANI) &lt;a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2088469991008116942?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;August 15, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

LIVE Updates | Independence Day 2026: PM Modi concludes his Independence Day speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined a seven point growth agenda, 'Shakti ki Sapt Dhara', focusing on production, food processing, communication, speed, defence, green economy and soft power. He called for zero defect production, world class packaging and no compromise on quality.Modi stressed chemical free agriculture and food processing, faster transport through waterways, airports and improved ports, and a goal of making India a global defence supplier, including in drones. He also highlighted green hydrogen and India's soft power through Yoga, Ayurveda, films, handicrafts and digital content.

LIVE Updates | Independence Day 2026: PM Modi unveils 'Shakti ki Sapt Dhara' growth agenda

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India will achieve major progress in the next 5-7 years, including areas where the country has lagged for decades. He called for complete focus from product design to manufacturing, attractive packaging and uncompromising quality, saying Indian products can become global brands and India a leading manufacturing hub.

LIVE Updates | Independence Day 2026: PM Modi calls for focus on manufacturing, quality

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India must maintain its pace of growth as the country works towards the Viksit Bharat 2047 goal. He noted that one-fourth of the time available to achieve the target has already passed and expressed confidence in the country's youth, farmers and women. Modi also said India's textile sector has the potential to reach global markets.

LIVE Updates | Independence Day 2026: PM Modi says India must accelerate growth to achieve Viksit Bharat 2047

The seating enclosures at the Red Fort have been named after major Indian lakes, including Chilika, Dal, Loktak, Pangong Tso, Pushkar, Vembanad and Wular. &nbsp;

LIVE Updates | Independence Day 2026: Red Fort seating areas named after India's major lakes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Aug 15) said India has set its sights on becoming a developed nation by 2047, when the country completes 100 years of independence, and called for bigger ambitions to achieve that goal.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bharat-has-seen-a-dream-pm-modi-vows-india-will-achieve-viksit-bharat-by-2047-1786760897677">Read more here</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260815/image-1786761345999.png?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="'Bharat has seen a dream': PM Modi vows India will achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047"></figure>

LIVE Updates | Independence Day 2026: Bharat has seen a dream': PM Modi vows India will achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047

A post-event Swachhata campaign involving NCC cadets and 'My Bharat' volunteers will be held at the Red Fort. Authorities have also cleaned drainage and sewage systems around the venue ahead of possible rainfall.

LIVE Updates | Independence Day 2026: Independence Day celebrations to continue with cleanliness drive

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged India to think bigger on its 80th Independence Day, saying the country can no longer work with "small dreams". From the Red Fort, he called for greater ambition and determination as India enters its next phase of development.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-s-80th-independence-day-india-will-no-longer-work-with-small-dreams-says-pm-modi-at-red-fort-1786755316353">Read more here</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260815/image-1786760323499.png?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;imwidth=900&amp;imheight=675" alt="'No more small dreams': PM Modi sets out India's big ambitions on 80th Independence Day"></figure>

'No more small dreams': PM Modi sets out India's big ambitions on 80th Independence Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received the Guard of Honour at the Red Fort in Delhi as he leads the 80th Independence Day celebrations. He is set to hoist the Tricolour and address the nation from the historic ramparts.&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#WATCH&lt;/a&gt; | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives Guard of Honour at the Red Fort; PM Modi to lead the 80th Independence Day celebrations.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;(Source: PMO/YouTube) &lt;a href="https://t.co/9mPHYg8yKN"&gt;pic.twitter.com/9mPHYg8yKN&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; ANI (@ANI) &lt;a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2088445413049405528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;August 15, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

LIVE Updates | Independence Day 2026: PM Modi receives Guard of Honour at Red Fort

Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended Independence Day greetings and paid tribute to the freedom fighters who made the "supreme sacrifice" for India's freedom. He called for renewed efforts to build a developed, prosperous and self reliant India.&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="hi" dir="ltr"&gt;समस्त देशवासियों को स्वतंत्रता दिवस की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ।&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;स्वतंत्रता दिवस के अवसर पर माँ भारती की आजादी के लिए अपना सर्वस्व अर्पित करने वाले सभी वीर सेनानियों को कोटि-कोटि नमन करता हूँ।&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;आइए, इस स्वतंत्रता दिवस पर विकसित, समृद्ध और आत्मनिर्भर भारत के निर्माण को और गति देने का… &lt;a href="https://t.co/9QWOj9kTGV"&gt;pic.twitter.com/9QWOj9kTGV&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Amit Shah (@AmitShah) &lt;a href="https://x.com/AmitShah/status/2088434532752277637?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;August 15, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

LIVE Updates | Independence Day 2026: Amit Shah calls for renewed efforts to build a developed, prosperous and self reliant nation

Two Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters will shower flower petals over the Red Fort during the celebrations. One helicopter will carry the National Flag, while the other will carry a flag depicting 'Vande Mataram'.

LIVE Updates | Independence Day 2026: Mi-17 helicopters to shower flower petals at Red Fort

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Independence Day greetings, remembering the "countless freedom fighters" whose courage and sacrifice ended colonial rule. He said their dreams continue to inspire India's journey towards a Viksit Bharat and highlighted the progress being made by 140 crore Indians across sectors.&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;Warm greetings on the occasion of Independence Day.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;We remember with gratitude the countless freedom fighters whose courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment ensured the end of colonial rule. Their dreams continue to inspire us as we work together to build a Viksit Bharat.…&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) &lt;a href="https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2088422925464371535?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;August 15, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

LIVE Updates | Independence Day 2026: PM Modi pays tribute to freedom fighters in Independence Day message

The national flag hoisting at the Red Fort will be synchronised with a 21-gun salute by the 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial). The salute will use indigenous 105 mm Light Field Guns.

LIVE Updates | Independence Day 2026: 21-gun salute to accompany Tricolour hoisting

From putting the Tricolour on your car to wearing it below the waist, here are five Indian flag rules many citizens may unknowingly violate.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-80th-independence-day-five-surprising-rules-about-the-indian-tricolour-flag-most-citizens-break-without-knowing-1786521729744">Click here to read</a> | In PICS<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260812/image-1786522298121.png" alt="Surprising rules about Indian flag you might be breaking"></figure>

India 80th Independence Day: Five surprising rules about the Indian Tricolour most citizens break without knowing

PM Modi will be received at the Red Fort by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other senior officials before receiving the Guard of Honour from personnel of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Delhi Police.

LIVE Updates | Independence Day 2026: PM Modi to hoist Tricolour, receive Guard of Honour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead India's 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort in Delhi on Saturday. The ceremony will focus on India's journey towards Viksit Bharat@2047 and the role of the country's youth.

LIVE Updates | Independence Day 2026: Modi to lead celebrations at Red Fort

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has extended Independence Day greetings to the people of India, saying the US-India relationship is "stronger than ever". Rubio credited the personal relationship between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for strengthening bilateral ties.He highlighted cooperation in defence, energy security, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, space and commerce, saying the partnership was making both countries and the wider Indian Ocean region "safer, stronger, and more prosperous".

LIVE Updates | Independence Day 2026: Rubio hails 'stronger than ever' US-India ties, greets India on Independence Day

Independence Day 2026 India Live Updates: India celebrates its 80th Independence Day as PM Modi leads celebrations at the Red Fort, with the Tricolour, Vande Mataram and the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 taking centre stage. All LIVE updates HERE.

Independence Day 2026 India Live Updates: India is celebrating its 80th Independence Day on August 15, with the nation coming together to honour the freedom struggle and reflect on its journey since 1947. The main celebrations will be led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Red Fort, where he will hoist the Tricolour and deliver his 13th consecutive Independence Day address. This year's celebrations carry special significance as India marks 150 years of 'Vande Mataram'. For the first time, the national song will be rendered during the Red Fort ceremony, with 2,500 young cadets and 'My Bharat' volunteers taking part. The event also places a strong focus on India's youth and the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. The celebrations extend beyond India's borders, with Indian missions raising the Tricolour across the world. The United States, through Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has also extended greetings, describing ties with India as "stronger than ever". As flags rise across cities and continents, Independence Day is being marked not only as a remembrance of freedom but as a celebration of India's present and its ambitions for the future.

Independence Day 2026 India Live Updates: India celebrates its 80th Independence Day as PM Modi leads celebrations at the Red Fort, with the Tricolour, Vande Mataram and the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 taking centre stage. All LIVE updates HERE.

LIVE Updates | Independence Day India 2026: PM Modi concludes his Independence Day speech

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the 80th Independence Day on Saturday (Aug 15) said India had moved from being part of the ‘Fragile Five’ economies to becoming the world’s fastest-growing major economy over the past 12 years. In his speech from the Red Fort, the PM highlighted what he described as the country’s rapid economic transformation. PM Modi said India’s economic progress had been driven by the collective efforts and resolve of its 140 crore people.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bharat-has-seen-a-dream-pm-modi-vows-india-will-achieve-viksit-bharat-by-2047-1786760897677">'Bharat has seen a dream': PM Modi vows India will achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047</a>&nbsp;“We were once counted among the ‘Fragile Five’. However, India has, within just 12 years, emerged as the world’s fastest-growing major economy,” Modi said in his 13th consecutive Independence Day address. The PM said India’s transformation showed that the country’s ambition of becoming a developed nation, or ‘Viksit Bharat’, by 2047 was achievable.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: From the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, &quot;... Becoming an &#39;Atmanirbhar Bharat&#39; is crucial. That is why, over the past few years, our conviction has been that India should no longer live in dependence on other nations; we must become… <a href="https://t.co/DI9GV1xx1M">pic.twitter.com/DI9GV1xx1M</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2088457112640999459?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-s-80th-independence-day-india-will-no-longer-work-with-small-dreams-says-pm-modi-at-red-fort-1786755316353">Independence Day: India will no longer work with small dreams, says PM Modi</a><h2>What was the ‘Fragile Five’?</h2>The term ‘Fragile Five’ was coined in 2013 by Morgan Stanley to describe five emerging-market economies considered particularly vulnerable because of their dependence on foreign capital and exposure to external economic shocks.&nbsp;India was grouped with Brazil, Indonesia, South Africa and Turkey. At the time, concerns over high inflation, a large current account deficit, slowing growth and pressure on the rupee had raised questions about the stability of the Indian economy.&nbsp;The grouping gained prominence during the so-called ‘taper tantrum’ of 2013, when expectations that the US Federal Reserve would reduce its monetary stimulus triggered capital outflows from several emerging markets.&nbsp;While highlighting the country’s economic gains, PM Modi also called for further reforms, arguing that India’s legal and institutional framework needed to keep pace with a changing economy and society. “India cannot march forward in the 21st century by relying on laws of the previous century,” he said.&nbsp;

PM Narendra Modi highlighted India’s 12-year economic transformation from a "Fragile Five" nation to the world’s fastest-growing major economy, driven by 140 crore citizens toward becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the 80th Independence Day on Saturday (Aug 15) said India had moved from being part of the ‘Fragile Five’ economies to becoming the world’s fastest-growing major economy over the past 12 years. In his speech from the Red Fort, the PM highlighted what he described as the country’s rapid economic transformation. PM Modi said India’s economic progress had been driven by the collective efforts and resolve of its 140 crore people. Also read: 'Bharat has seen a dream': PM Modi vows India will achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047 “We were once counted among the ‘Fragile Five’. However, India has, within just 12 years, emerged as the world’s fastest-growing major economy,” Modi said in his 13th consecutive Independence Day address. The PM said India’s transformation showed that the country’s ambition of becoming a developed nation, or ‘Viksit Bharat’, by 2047 was achievable.

PM Narendra Modi highlighted India’s 12-year economic transformation from a "Fragile Five" nation to the world’s fastest-growing major economy, driven by 140 crore citizens toward becoming a developed nation by 2047.

'We were once in Fragile Five': What does it mean, and how has India's economy changed in 12 years

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Aug 15) said India has set its sights on becoming a developed nation by 2047, when the country completes 100 years of independence, and called for bigger ambitions to achieve that goal.Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on India's 80th Independence Day, Modi said the country has "seen a dream" and now needs to work towards turning it into reality. "Bharat has seen a dream, one dream, and we need to achieve it," Modi said. "When we complete 100 years in 2047, we will create Viksit Bharat. We need to achieve this goal."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-appeals-to-opposition-to-back-33-women-s-reservation-in-parliament-india-80th-independence-day-1786764365901">PM Modi appeals to Opposition to back 33% women's reservation in Parliament | India 80th Independence Day</a><h2>25 crore people moved out of poverty</h2>Modi credited the efforts of Indians over the past 12 years for helping push the country forward. He thanked citizens for their contribution and said around 25 crore people had come out of poverty. "In the last 12 years everyone has tried their best to take the country forward. I thank everyone for their efforts," he said.The prime minister also described India as a fast-paced economy, saying the country had struggled to build momentum after gaining independence but had accelerated its growth in recent years. "Our country became independent but we were not able to take up speed. In the last 12 years India is growing at a fast pace," Modi said.<h2>Defence, railways and digital economy</h2>Modi pointed to developments across several sectors as evidence of India's progress. He cited an increase in defence production, growth in railway development and advances in digital technology and innovation. He also highlighted the expansion of digital transactions, saying they had increased by 100 per cent.The prime minister said changes in governance, along with the development of metro networks and public transport, had contributed to the country's transformation. He said these developments provided confidence that India would achieve the Viksit Bharat target by 2047.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-captain-sonia-singh-chauhan-army-officer-s-red-fort-appearance-goes-viral-india-80th-independence-day-1786765512308">Who is Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan? Army officer's Red Fort appearance goes viral | India 80th Independence Day</a><h2>Push for Atma Nirbhar Bharat</h2>Modi also stressed the need for India to reduce its dependence on other countries and strengthen domestic manufacturing. "We don't have to be dependent on other nations, we have to become Atma Nirbhar," he said, pointing to initiatives such as Make in India, Swadeshi and Vocal for Local.He said India should build greater capacity in critical technologies and manufacturing, including medical equipment and semiconductors."We have our own semiconductor plants," Modi said, adding that India would develop "5-8 semiconductor plants" in the future.

India has set itself a giant deadline: becoming a developed nation by 2047. From the Red Fort, PM Modi said the dream now needs bigger ambitions, faster growth and greater self-reliance to become reality.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Aug 15) said India has set its sights on becoming a developed nation by 2047, when the country completes 100 years of independence, and called for bigger ambitions to achieve that goal. Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on India's 80th Independence Day, Modi said the country has "seen a dream" and now needs to work towards turning it into reality. "Bharat has seen a dream, one dream, and we need to achieve it," Modi said. "When we complete 100 years in 2047, we will create Viksit Bharat. We need to achieve this goal." Also read | PM Modi appeals to Opposition to back 33% women's reservation in Parliament | India 80th Independence Day 25 crore people moved out of poverty Modi credited the efforts of Indians over the past 12 years for helping push the country forward. He thanked citizens for their contribution and said around 25 crore people had come out of poverty. "In the last 12 years everyone has tried their best to take the country forward. I thank everyone for their efforts," he said. The prime minister also described India as a fast-paced economy, saying the country had struggled to build momentum after gaining independence but had accelerated its growth in recent years. "Our country became independent but we were not able to take up speed. In the last 12 years India is growing at a fast pace," Modi said. Defence, railways and digital economy Modi pointed to developments across several sectors as evidence of India's progress. He cited an increase in defence production, growth in railway development and advances in digital technology and innovation. He also highlighted the expansion of digital transactions, saying they had increased by 100 per cent. The prime minister said changes in governance, along with the development of metro networks and public transport, had contributed to the country's transformation. He said these developments provided confidence that India would achieve the Viksit Bharat target by 2047. Who is Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan? Army officer's Red Fort appearance goes viral | India 80th Independence Day Push for Atma Nirbhar Bharat Modi also stressed the need for India to reduce its dependence on other countries and strengthen domestic manufacturing. "We don't have to be dependent on other nations, we have to become Atma Nirbhar," he said, pointing to initiatives such as Make in India, Swadeshi and Vocal for Local. He said India should build greater capacity in critical technologies and manufacturing, including medical equipment and semiconductors. "We have our own semiconductor plants," Modi said, adding that India would develop "5-8 semiconductor plants" in the future.

India has set itself a giant deadline: becoming a developed nation by 2047. From the Red Fort, PM Modi said the dream now needs bigger ambitions, faster growth and greater self-reliance to become reality.

'Bharat has seen a dream': PM Modi vows India will achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Aug 15) called for bigger national ambitions, saying India can no longer afford to work with "small dreams" as the country moves towards its next phase of development. Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on India's 80th Independence Day, Modi said the country needs to set ambitious goals and develop the determination required to overcome difficult situations."Our country is not going to work with small dreams now," Modi said. "We need big dreams and that's how we get the dedication to get out of difficult situations."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bharat-has-seen-a-dream-pm-modi-vows-india-will-achieve-viksit-bharat-by-2047-1786760897677">'Bharat has seen a dream': PM Modi vows India will achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047</a><h2>Modi pays tribute to freedom fighters</h2>Beginning his Independence Day address, Modi congratulated the people of India and paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the country's freedom. "Today we remember everyone who sacrificed their lives for our country," he said, adding that he bowed his head in respect to the freedom fighters.Modi also highlighted the significance of Vande Mataram during this year's Independence Day celebrations. He said the country was marking 150 years of Vande Mataram and noted its historical importance in India's freedom struggle.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-blog-80th-independence-day-2026-live-updates-15-august-flag-hoisting-red-fort-pm-modi-speech-delhi-traffic-police-advisory-1786755382186">LIVE Updates | Independence Day India 2026: PM Modi speaks to Indians from Red Fort</a><h2>Flood-hit families assured of support</h2>The prime minister also addressed the recent floods that have affected several parts of the country. He expressed solidarity with families who have suffered losses and assured them that the entire country stands with them during the difficult period."In the last few days, a few regions were affected by flood," Modi said, assuring affected families that the country would stand by them.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged India to think bigger on its 80th Independence Day, saying the country can no longer work with "small dreams". From the Red Fort, he called for greater ambition and determination as India enters its next phase of development.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Aug 15) called for bigger national ambitions, saying India can no longer afford to work with "small dreams" as the country moves towards its next phase of development. Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on India's 80th Independence Day, Modi said the country needs to set ambitious goals and develop the determination required to overcome difficult situations. "Our country is not going to work with small dreams now," Modi said. "We need big dreams and that's how we get the dedication to get out of difficult situations." Also read | 'Bharat has seen a dream': PM Modi vows India will achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047 Modi pays tribute to freedom fighters Beginning his Independence Day address, Modi congratulated the people of India and paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the country's freedom. "Today we remember everyone who sacrificed their lives for our country," he said, adding that he bowed his head in respect to the freedom fighters. Modi also highlighted the significance of Vande Mataram during this year's Independence Day celebrations. He said the country was marking 150 years of Vande Mataram and noted its historical importance in India's freedom struggle. Also read | LIVE Updates | Independence Day India 2026: PM Modi speaks to Indians from Red Fort Flood-hit families assured of support The prime minister also addressed the recent floods that have affected several parts of the country. He expressed solidarity with families who have suffered losses and assured them that the entire country stands with them during the difficult period. "In the last few days, a few regions were affected by flood," Modi said, assuring affected families that the country would stand by them.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged India to think bigger on its 80th Independence Day, saying the country can no longer work with "small dreams". From the Red Fort, he called for greater ambition and determination as India enters its next phase of development.

In New Delhi, women segregate plastic packaging with iPhones strapped to their foreheads, angled to capture every motion of their hands. The footage is not for supervision. It is training data, and what it is training is a machine to do their job.&nbsp;What The Investigation Found&nbsp;A Bloomberg investigation published this week documented thousands of workers across India being paid to film their own labour from a first-person perspective for robotics companies.&nbsp;The work is precisely what it sounds like. Workers wear cameras — often ordinary iPhones strapped to the head — angled downward to catch the exact movements of their hands: flicking a blade to strip labels from plastic bags, stacking sacks for reprocessing, stitching shoes, welding steel. Robotics firms are competing to collect this footage.&nbsp;The rate of pay is around $2.62 an hour.&nbsp;Why This Data Is Valuable&nbsp;The technical term is egocentric data — video captured from the perspective of the person performing a task rather than from an observing camera.&nbsp;It matters because the hardest problem in robotics is not building a machine that can move. It is teaching that machine what a task actually involves: how much pressure to apply, at what angle, in what sequence, and how to adjust when the material behaves unexpectedly. That knowledge lives in the hands of people who do the work, and it is largely tacit — the workers themselves could not fully write it down.&nbsp;First-person video captures it anyway. Feed enough of it into a model and the machine can begin to copy the motion. Which is why robotics companies are willing to pay for footage of tasks that, from the outside, look unremarkable.&nbsp;The Consent Question&nbsp;This is where the story turns from an economic observation into an ethical one.&nbsp;According to the reporting, many workers were not clearly informed that the footage would be used to train automation systems targeting their own job categories. India's IT Ministry has reportedly raised questions about whether consent obtained in these arrangements is adequate.&nbsp;The distinction matters. Data labelling — the established Indian outsourcing business of tagging images and text for AI training — involves workers processing someone else's data. This is different in kind. Here the workers are the data. Their movements, their bodies and their working environments are the raw material, and the specific purpose of collecting it is to reproduce their labour without them.&nbsp;The Wider Context&nbsp;India's position in the global AI economy has been built substantially on supplying labour to it — the data annotation, content moderation and IT services work that the technology requires.&nbsp;That position is already under strain. The combined market capitalisation of TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCL Technologies and Tech Mahindra has fallen more than 46 per cent since August 2024, as generative AI automates the coding and support work the industry was built to supply. Nearly 50,000 job cuts announced globally in 2026 have been explicitly attributed to AI.&nbsp;What the Bloomberg reporting documents is the same dynamic arriving in physical labour, and arriving through a mechanism in which the workers themselves are the mechanism. The camera on the forehead is the transfer.&nbsp;None of this makes the robotics work illegitimate — training data has to come from somewhere, and paid work is paid work. But at $2.62 an hour, with the purpose reportedly undisclosed, the terms of that exchange are worth stating plainly. Someone is being paid a few dollars an hour to hand over the one thing that made their labour valuable.

A Bloomberg investigation found thousands of Indian workers filming their own labour with head-mounted iPhones at around $2.62 an hour, generating training data for robotics firms. Many were not told the footage automates their own job categories.

In New Delhi, women segregate plastic packaging with iPhones strapped to their foreheads, angled to capture every motion of their hands. The footage is not for supervision. It is training data, and what it is training is a machine to do their job. What The Investigation Found A Bloomberg investigation published this week documented thousands of workers across India being paid to film their own labour from a first-person perspective for robotics companies. The work is precisely what it sounds like. Workers wear cameras — often ordinary iPhones strapped to the head — angled downward to catch the exact movements of their hands: flicking a blade to strip labels from plastic bags, stacking sacks for reprocessing, stitching shoes, welding steel. Robotics firms are competing to collect this footage. The rate of pay is around $2.62 an hour. Why This Data Is Valuable The technical term is egocentric data — video captured from the perspective of the person performing a task rather than from an observing camera. It matters because the hardest problem in robotics is not building a machine that can move. It is teaching that machine what a task actually involves: how much pressure to apply, at what angle, in what sequence, and how to adjust when the material behaves unexpectedly. That knowledge lives in the hands of people who do the work, and it is largely tacit — the workers themselves could not fully write it down. First-person video captures it anyway. Feed enough of it into a model and the machine can begin to copy the motion. Which is why robotics companies are willing to pay for footage of tasks that, from the outside, look unremarkable. The Consent Question This is where the story turns from an economic observation into an ethical one. According to the reporting, many workers were not clearly informed that the footage would be used to train automation systems targeting their own job categories. India's IT Ministry has reportedly raised questions about whether consent obtained in these arrangements is adequate. The distinction matters. Data labelling — the established Indian outsourcing business of tagging images and text for AI training — involves workers processing someone else's data. This is different in kind. Here the workers are the data. Their movements, their bodies and their working environments are the raw material, and the specific purpose of collecting it is to reproduce their labour without them. The Wider Context India's position in the global AI economy has been built substantially on supplying labour to it — the data annotation, content moderation and IT services work that the technology requires. That position is already under strain. The combined market capitalisation of TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCL Technologies and Tech Mahindra has fallen more than 46 per cent since August 2024, as generative AI automates the coding and support work the industry was built to supply. Nearly 50,000 job cuts announced globally in 2026 have been explicitly attributed to AI. What the Bloomberg reporting documents is the same dynamic arriving in physical labour, and arriving through a mechanism in which the workers themselves are the mechanism. The camera on the forehead is the transfer. None of this makes the robotics work illegitimate — training data has to come from somewhere, and paid work is paid work. But at $2.62 an hour, with the purpose reportedly undisclosed, the terms of that exchange are worth stating plainly. Someone is being paid a few dollars an hour to hand over the one thing that made their labour valuable.

A Bloomberg investigation has documented thousands of Indian workers filming their own labour with head-mounted iPhones, generating training data for robotics companies teaching machines to replicate the work. The pay is around $2.62 an hour. Many were not told the footage is being used to automate their specific job categories, and India's IT Ministry has reportedly raised questions about consent.

Indian workers are filming their own jobs at $2.62 an hour to train the robots that will replace them

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&amp;B) on Friday (August 15) announced the removal of the 12-minute cap on advertising time for television channels, saying the move will promote fair competition and improve ease of doing business.&nbsp;The decision will come into effect once the amendment to the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994, is notified in the Gazette. The government introduced the 12-minute advertising limit in 2006 under the same rules.&nbsp;The ministry said the television broadcasting sector has changed significantly over the past two decades, making it necessary to review the existing advertising regulations.&nbsp;"The Ministry of I&amp;B is of the view that there exists adequate competition in the market within the TV industry and between the TV industry and digital media. The Government has decided to remove the advertisement duration cap to enable fair competition and ensure ease of doing business," said the Ministry.&nbsp;When the advertising cap came into force in 2006, India had only 62 television channels. The number has now crossed 900. At the time, cable television was the main platform for distributing channels and operated through analogue technology with limited carriage capacity, giving viewers fewer choices.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/luigi-mangione-pleads-guilty-in-federal-case-over-killing-of-unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-1786726506112">Luigi Mangione pleads guilty in federal case over killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson</a>&nbsp;The ministry said the complete digitisation of the cable television sector has since transformed the distribution landscape. DTH, cable TV, HITS and IPTV platforms are now digital and carry 300 to 500 channels or more, offering viewers greater choice and catering to diverse consumer needs.&nbsp;The government said these changes have created adequate competition in the market and prompted it to reconsider the rules governing television advertising duration.&nbsp;The ministry also highlighted the industry's dependence on advertising revenue. It said both pay and free-to-air television channels rely heavily on advertisements for their business.&nbsp;At the same time, traditional television channels faced a disadvantage compared with digital media because digital platforms do not face a similar advertising time cap. The government said removing the restriction will address this uneven playing field and allow television broadcasters to compete more fairly.

The government has removed the 12 minute advertising cap for TV channels to promote fair competition, ease of doing business and create a level playing field with digital media.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) on Friday (August 15) announced the removal of the 12-minute cap on advertising time for television channels, saying the move will promote fair competition and improve ease of doing business. The decision will come into effect once the amendment to the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994, is notified in the Gazette. The government introduced the 12-minute advertising limit in 2006 under the same rules. The ministry said the television broadcasting sector has changed significantly over the past two decades, making it necessary to review the existing advertising regulations. "The Ministry of I&B is of the view that there exists adequate competition in the market within the TV industry and between the TV industry and digital media. The Government has decided to remove the advertisement duration cap to enable fair competition and ensure ease of doing business," said the Ministry. When the advertising cap came into force in 2006, India had only 62 television channels. The number has now crossed 900. At the time, cable television was the main platform for distributing channels and operated through analogue technology with limited carriage capacity, giving viewers fewer choices. Also Read: Luigi Mangione pleads guilty in federal case over killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson The ministry said the complete digitisation of the cable television sector has since transformed the distribution landscape. DTH, cable TV, HITS and IPTV platforms are now digital and carry 300 to 500 channels or more, offering viewers greater choice and catering to diverse consumer needs. The government said these changes have created adequate competition in the market and prompted it to reconsider the rules governing television advertising duration. The ministry also highlighted the industry's dependence on advertising revenue. It said both pay and free-to-air television channels rely heavily on advertisements for their business. At the same time, traditional television channels faced a disadvantage compared with digital media because digital platforms do not face a similar advertising time cap. The government said removing the restriction will address this uneven playing field and allow television broadcasters to compete more fairly.

The government has removed the 12-minute advertising cap for TV channels to promote fair competition, ease of doing business and create a level playing field with digital media.

TV channels can now run beyond 12 minutes of ads as government lifts cap

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (August 14) strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and vowed stringent action against terrorists and their backers, saying India would pursue them wherever they hide.&nbsp;Addressing a public meeting in Bihar's Madhubani on the eve of Independence Day, Modi said terrorism would not weaken India's resolve and warned that those responsible would face justice.&nbsp;"Today, on the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world, India will identify, trace and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth," he said.&nbsp;"India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism. Terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to make sure that justice is done. The entire nation is one in this resolve," he added.&nbsp;The Prime Minister also thanked countries and their leaders for standing with India following the attack. He said people across the world who believe in humanity had supported India's position.&nbsp;"Everyone who believes in humanity is with us. I thank the people of various countries and their leaders who have stood with us," he said.&nbsp;Modi further warned that those behind the attack would face severe punishment, saying it would be beyond what the terrorists could have imagined.&nbsp;"The punishment will be significant and stringent, which these terrorists would have never even thought about," PM Modi said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-signs-boeing-rtx-deals-to-boost-missile-interceptor-production-amid-iran-war-stockpile-concerns-1786720701225">Pentagon signs Boeing, RTX deals to boost missile interceptor production amid Iran war stockpile concerns</a>&nbsp;President Droupadi Murmu also issued a strong message to terrorists and their backers on the eve of India's 80th Independence Day. She said those responsible would have to face the consequences of their actions, regardless of where they hide.&nbsp;Murmu said Operation Sindoor had sent a firm message to terrorists and their backers. She also described the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty as a decisive step in the national interest, particularly for farmers.&nbsp;Operation Sindoor was launched by India in response to the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people. Pakistan-backed terrorists carried out the attack after targeting civilians and asking about their religion. The attack was seen as an attempt to trigger communal tensions in India.&nbsp;India launched strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan, and Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir under Operation Sindoor. The operation targeted terror camps and training facilities and sought to punish those responsible for planning and carrying out terrorism.&nbsp;After Pakistan escalated the situation, India struck its airbases, following which Pakistan sought a ceasefire.

PM Modi condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and warned terrorists and their backers that India would identify, trace and punish them with stringent action.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (August 14) strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and vowed stringent action against terrorists and their backers, saying India would pursue them wherever they hide. Addressing a public meeting in Bihar's Madhubani on the eve of Independence Day, Modi said terrorism would not weaken India's resolve and warned that those responsible would face justice. "Today, on the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world, India will identify, trace and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth," he said. "India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism. Terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to make sure that justice is done. The entire nation is one in this resolve," he added. The Prime Minister also thanked countries and their leaders for standing with India following the attack. He said people across the world who believe in humanity had supported India's position. "Everyone who believes in humanity is with us. I thank the people of various countries and their leaders who have stood with us," he said. Modi further warned that those behind the attack would face severe punishment, saying it would be beyond what the terrorists could have imagined. "The punishment will be significant and stringent, which these terrorists would have never even thought about," PM Modi said. Also Read: Pentagon signs Boeing, RTX deals to boost missile interceptor production amid Iran war stockpile concerns President Droupadi Murmu also issued a strong message to terrorists and their backers on the eve of India's 80th Independence Day. She said those responsible would have to face the consequences of their actions, regardless of where they hide. Murmu said Operation Sindoor had sent a firm message to terrorists and their backers. She also described the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty as a decisive step in the national interest, particularly for farmers. Operation Sindoor was launched by India in response to the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people. Pakistan-backed terrorists carried out the attack after targeting civilians and asking about their religion. The attack was seen as an attempt to trigger communal tensions in India. India launched strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan, and Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir under Operation Sindoor. The operation targeted terror camps and training facilities and sought to punish those responsible for planning and carrying out terrorism. After Pakistan escalated the situation, India struck its airbases, following which Pakistan sought a ceasefire.

PM Modi condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and warned terrorists and their backers that India would identify, trace and punish them with stringent action.

'India will identify, trace and punish every terrorist': PM Modi condemns Pahalgam attack, warns terror backers

The Department of Posts on Friday delivered the National Flag (Tiranga) by drone from the Mandi Head Post Office to the Rehardhar Branch Post Office in Himachal Pradesh. The initiative, a unique fusion of patriotism, public service, and technological innovation. marked the first-ever drone delivery of the national flag by the postal department.&nbsp;Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia virtually inaugurated the drone delivery on the eve of Independence Day and watched the live take-off from Mandi Head Post Office and interacted with postal officials and the drone operator during the operation.&nbsp;After the drone take-off from Mandi Head Post Office, the minister interacted with postal officials and the drone operator.&nbsp;The drone subsequently landed at Rehardhar Branch Post Office, where the postal team received the parcel carrying the Tiranga and formally handed it over to an army veteran, adding a special significance to the occasion.&nbsp;Speaking during the inauguration Scindia said, "the journey of the ‘Tiranga’ through the skies of Himachal Pradesh represented the spirit of a new India, determined to overcome geographical barriers and reach every citizen."&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/caste-to-digital-literacy-what-are-the-40-questions-census-officials-will-ask-households-during-census-2027-1786722025272">Caste to digital literacy: What are the questions officials will ask households during Census 2027?</a>&nbsp;"This Independence Day carries added significance as the nation commemorates 150 years of Vande Mataram, bringing together national pride, the spirit of service and India’s aspirations for a Viksit Bharat,' he further said.&nbsp;India Post is contributing to the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign by making the National Flag available for delivery to citizens across the country, enabling people to participate in the celebration of national pride from their homes.&nbsp;Drone-based mail transmission is soon expected to be made available by the Department of Posts across 150 identified routes in Himachal Pradesh and Assam.&nbsp;"The initiative is aimed at strengthening connectivity and facilitating efficient mail delivery across difficult terrains and reflects the enduring ethos of “Dak Sewa, Jan Sewa” and its continuing endeavor to use innovation and technology to connect citizens and serve the nation," read the statement released by the Ministry of Communications. &nbsp;

The drone subsequently landed at Rehardhar Branch Post Office, where the postal team received the parcel carrying the Tiranga.

The Department of Posts on Friday delivered the National Flag (Tiranga) by drone from the Mandi Head Post Office to the Rehardhar Branch Post Office in Himachal Pradesh. The initiative, a unique fusion of patriotism, public service, and technological innovation. marked the first-ever drone delivery of the national flag by the postal department. Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia virtually inaugurated the drone delivery on the eve of Independence Day and watched the live take-off from Mandi Head Post Office and interacted with postal officials and the drone operator during the operation. After the drone take-off from Mandi Head Post Office, the minister interacted with postal officials and the drone operator. The drone subsequently landed at Rehardhar Branch Post Office, where the postal team received the parcel carrying the Tiranga and formally handed it over to an army veteran, adding a special significance to the occasion. Speaking during the inauguration Scindia said, "the journey of the ‘Tiranga’ through the skies of Himachal Pradesh represented the spirit of a new India, determined to overcome geographical barriers and reach every citizen." ALSO READ: Caste to digital literacy: What are the questions officials will ask households during Census 2027? "This Independence Day carries added significance as the nation commemorates 150 years of Vande Mataram, bringing together national pride, the spirit of service and India’s aspirations for a Viksit Bharat,' he further said. India Post is contributing to the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign by making the National Flag available for delivery to citizens across the country, enabling people to participate in the celebration of national pride from their homes. Drone-based mail transmission is soon expected to be made available by the Department of Posts across 150 identified routes in Himachal Pradesh and Assam. "The initiative is aimed at strengthening connectivity and facilitating efficient mail delivery across difficult terrains and reflects the enduring ethos of “Dak Sewa, Jan Sewa” and its continuing endeavor to use innovation and technology to connect citizens and serve the nation," read the statement released by the Ministry of Communications.

The drone subsequently landed at Rehardhar Branch Post Office, where the postal team received the parcel carrying the Tiranga.

Indian post makes first ever drone delivery of national flag in Himachal Pradesh

India is celebrating its 80th Independence Day today, commemorating 79 years of freedom from British rule in 1947. On the eve, President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation, and said that the government was taking comprehensive measures to reform the examination system


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