Independence Day 2019 LIVE: Big defence, infra push; PM's key announcements

Independence Day speech LIVE updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation concludes. Know important highlights of the prime minister's speech

Independence Day LIVE updates: In his address to the nation on the 73rd Independence Day from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that within 10 weeks of returning to power, his government took key decisions to fulfil the aspirations of the people, citing the new law on triple talaq and the scrapping of the special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir. 

The abrogation of the special status to Jammu and Kashmir and the law to ban the practice of instant triple talaq were some of the key decisions taken by the government soon after it assumed power for the second term, he said. PM Modi also said that his government has dedicated itself on all fronts in the service of countrymen.

Meanwhile, Jammu & Kashmir police have beefed up security in Poonch's border area. Additional Army force and local police have been deployed in the area.

Ahead of I-day celebrations in the country, multi-layered security arrangements have been put in place across the national capital. In wake of the abrogation of Article 370, which accorded a special status to Jammu & Kashmir, security has been beefed up across New Delhi and neighbouring border areas.

Stay tuned for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the nation and all live updates on Independence Day 2019 celebrations across India.

10:52 AM

My best wishes to all of you on this our 73rd Independence Day: Rahul Gandhi

10:51 AM

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Kapil Sibal, BS Hooda,Ahmed Patel,Dr.Manmohan Singh and others at party office

10:31 AM

Jammu & Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik unfurls the national flag at Sher-i-Kashmir stadium

10:30 AM

10:30 AM

J&K's identity has not been tampered with, says governor Satya Pal Malik

Jammu & Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik at Sher-i-Kashmir stadium in SRINAGAR: I assure the people of Jammu & Kashmir that their identity is not on the line, it hasn't been tampered with. The constitution of India allows different regional identities to flourish.

9:20 AM

Must reduce use of plastic bags: PM Modi

Can we free India from single use plastic? The time for implementing such an idea has come. Teams may be mobilised to work in this direction. Let a significant step be made on 2nd October. Our priority should be a 'Made in India' product. Can we think of consuming local products, improving rural economy and the MSME sector.

9:14 AM

Highlights of Independence Day speech 2019

India to get a Chief of Defence Staff

Rs 100-trn investment in building modern infra

We now have 'One nation, one Constitution'

Focus on local for Rs 5-trn economy goal

Export, tourism focus for better tomorrow

Rs 3.5-trn Jal Jeevan Mission

Population explosion a threat for tomorrow

9:11 AM

Modi greets children after his Independence Day speech

9:10 AM

Dynasty a deep rooted disease: Modi

9:09 AM

There should be no pressure from the government, but when need there should also be no lack of government either; we ended 1 unnecessary law every day in the previous govt and repealed 60 laws in 10 weeks of current government, says Modi in Independence Day speech.

9:05 AM

Modi concludes Independence Day speech

9:04 AM

Independence Day speech LIVE updates: India to have Chief of Defence Staff

9:03 AM

We must be proud of our wealth collectors, says Modi in Independence Day speech

8:58 AM

Modi in Independence Day speech: India will have a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). This is going to make the forces even more effective.

8:52 AM

Afghanistan to celebrate 100th independence in a few days. PM Modi congratulates the neighbouring country