New Delhi, Aug 15 (PTI) Against the spectre of looming drought, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today promised to make all efforts to control rising prices and take steps to improve the economic situation by year-end to restore nine per cent growth.
Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 63rd Independence Day, he also said that Centre and state governments will continue to make all necessary efforts to control the spread of swine flu and that there was no need to panic over it.
Singh, in his first speech after returning to power for a second consecutive term, extended an olive branch to political parties, saying it would be "our endeavour to carry everyone with us to lead the country ahead on the path of development by creating an environment of consensus and cooperation".
Against the Mumbai attacks, he described terrorism and naxalism as major challenges and said efforts would be re-doubled to sternly deal with the scourge.
During his nearly 45-minute speech, the Prime Minister made no direct reference to Pakistan even as he spoke about India's intention to live in peace and harmony with all its neighbours.
Singh talked about the drought situation created by deficient monsoon and said all possible assistance would be provided to farmers to deal with it.