Page 3 - Latest Updates on Independence Day 2024

Independence Day: 'My work not for applause' -PM's top quotes from Red Fort

Independence Day 2024: Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 78th Independence Day, PM Modi shared a roadmap for India's progress to make it 'viksit' (developed) by 2047

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

On the occasion of 78th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi that his government's commitment to reforms extends beyond the financial sectors alone

India only G20 nation to achieve climate targets ahead of schedule: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday unfurled the national flag for the 11th time in a row from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day, and asserted that India's 140 crore citizens can achieve the goal of a prosperous and developed country if they walk shoulder to shoulder with united resolve. He said his government has worked to break the mindset of living with status quo by rolling out big reforms aimed at changing the lives of of the middle class and the poor. The commitment to reforms is the blueprint for growth and is not borne of any political compulsion but the dedication to nation first. In this context, Modi noted the growth strength of the banking sector, which he added has powered the progress in every sector. In his address on the country's 78th Independence Day, Modi said it is a day to pay tribute to the countless people who made sacrifices and struggled for the country's freedom. "The country is indebted to them," he said. The surge in cases of such ...

Independence Day 2024: Banks shut today; here's full August holiday list

In addition to banks, the Indian stock market will also remain closed today on account of India's 78th Independence Day

'There is outrage': PM speaks on women's safety amid Kolkata case protests

On Independence Day, PM Modi addressed the nation and spoke about the burning issue of women's safety and said that all stakeholders need to take it seriously

Large number of global companies want to invest in India: PM Modi

Suggestions ranging from making India skill capital of the world to judicial reforms have been given by citizens for making India a developed nation by 2047, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday. 'Viksit Bharat 2047' are not mere words, they are reflection of resolve and dreams of 140 crore people, Modi said addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 78th Independence Day. Suggestions have been collected from citizens, and crore of people gave suggestions for Developed India 2047. The dreams of every citizen and their confidence is reflected in those suggestions, the prime minister said . Some people gave the suggestion of making India the skill capital' of the world, some suggested making it a global hub of manufacturing, he added. Some people expressed concern over delay in justice, and they said there is a requirement for judicial reform." Other suggestions included making India universities global, having a 'global media', making skilled Indian you

Stock Markets closed on Independence Day 2024; trading to resume on Aug 16

Other stock market holidays for the year include Gandhi Jayanti on Oct 2, Diwali on Nov 1, Guru Nanak Jayanti on Nov 15, and Christmas on Dec 25

Blinken wishes Indians on Independence Day; says US, India share deep bond

Predicting a bright future for the US-India strategic relations, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that the two countries share a deep bond, which is founded on their shared commitment to democracy, freedom, and human dignity. Congratulating the people of India ahead of the country's Independence Day, Blinken said: "On this momentous day, we celebrate the rich and diverse history of the Indian people and the bright future of US-Indian relations." India is celebrating its 78th Independence Day on Thursday. "Our comprehensive global and strategic partnership is grounded in the deep bonds between our peoples, our economies, and built on the foundation of our shared commitment to democracy, freedom, and human dignity," Blinken said in a statement. The US-India cooperation is expanding at a rapid pace as the two countries continue to work together to advance our shared vision of a free, open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, he said on Wednesday. The US, India and several

78th I-Day: Modi becomes PM to hoist tricolour for third highest time

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday broke the record of his immediate predecessor Manmohan Singh by hoisting the national flag from the ramparts of the Red Fort for the 11th consecutive time. With this, Modi has become the prime minister to hoist the tricolour for the third highest time. The record lies with first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru who did the honours 17 times from 1947 to 1964. Nehru's daughter Indira Gandhi holds the record of hoisting the national flag for the second highest time. She did so 16 times, just one short of her father's record. However, this was done in two different stints from 1966-1977 and 1980-1984. Manmohan Singh, who was prime minister of the Congress-led UPA government for 10 years, hoisted the national flag 10 times between 2004 and 2014. Of India's 15 prime ministers, Gulzarilal Nanda and Chandra Shekhar were the only ones who did not get a chance to hoist the tricolour even once. Chandra Shekhar, who became the first prime minister of I

Celebration of ideals of liberty, equality, fraternity: V-P on I-Day

The Vice-President in his message called the countrymen to commit themselves to the lofty values upheld by the freedom movement

Some trying to destroy brotherhood; be ready to make sacrifices: Kharge

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday said "some forces" are trying to destroy "our brotherhood" by forcibly imposing their views, and urged people to be ready to make sacrifices to protect the Constitution. In his message on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day, Kharge also said it is a matter of concern that constitutional and autonomous institutions have been turned into "puppets" by the government. Democracy and the Constitution are the biggest shields for 140 crore Indians, Kharge said and asserted that "we will protect them till our last breath". "The opposition is like oxygen for democracy. Along with stopping the unconstitutional attitude of the government, it also raises the issues of the public," he said in a video message posted on X. "The dream of our freedom fighters was to maintain unity in diversity. But some forces are trying to destroy our brotherhood by forcibly imposing their views on the country," Kharge alleged. "Therefore, it is important tha

Delhi Police brings in 10,000 security personnel, AI-powered CCTVs on I-Day

Delhi Police has heightened security measures for Independence Day celebrations, deploying over 10,000 personnel across the city, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unfurl the national flag at the Red Fort for the 11th consecutive year on Thursday. Additionally, 700 AI-based facial recognition CCTV cameras have been installed in central and New Delhi. These cameras have high-resolution pan-tilt-zoom features, allowing identification of a person from a distance, officials said. The police also issued a traffic advisory informing the public about route closures and diversions around the Red Fort. Traffic movement will be restricted around the Red Fort area for the security and convenience of attendees, they said. Since August 1, flying of sub-conventional aerial platforms, including paragliders, UAVs, hot air balloons and small-powered aircraft, has been prohibited across the city. Security was further intensified with the sealing of all borders of the national capital for the .

78th Independence Day: 5th largest economy needs growth to trickle down

India's population reached close to 1.5 billion in 2024, according to data from the United Nations, but the average annual growth rate has slowed down to below replacement level

Independence Day 2024: Top 50 wishes, messages and quotes to share

India will mark its 78th Independence Day on August 15, 2024. Here are the top wishes, messages and quotes to share with your loved ones on this day

Stage set for next gen reforms: President Murmu in her I-Day eve address

President spoke of the programmes and schemes that the government has undertaken for the welfare of the poor, women, farmers, and the youth

I-Day: Govt invites over 1,000 farmers, their spouses for special prog

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare has invited more than 1,000 farmers and their spouses to the National Capital for a special two-day programme coinciding with the 78th Independence Day celebrations. The invitees, beneficiaries of central schemes like PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana and PM Fasal Bima Yojana, will interact with Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan at PUSA's Subramaniam Hall on August 15. Ministers of State Ramnath Thakur and Bhagirath Choudhary will also be present. On the occasion, Chouhan is set to launch the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS), a digital initiative leveraging AI and machine learning to provide timely pest management advisories. The system, comprising a mobile app and web portal, aims to reduce crop losses and boost productivity through real-time data and advanced analytics. "NPSS will empower farmers with actionable insights, helping them make informed decisions to protect their crops," the ministry said in a statement.

Indian sports has made great progress in last decade: President Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday commended the remarkable achievements of Indian athletes, particularly highlighting the nation's performance at the recent Olympic Games in Paris and Rohit Sharma-led cricket team's triumph in the T20 World Cup. In her address to the nation on the eve of Independence Day, President Murmu described these accomplishments as exemplary demonstrations of "dedication and hardwork." She noted that the past decade has seen significant advancements in sports in India, attributing this progress to the government's prioritisation of sports infrastructure development. "Our athletes have excelled on the global stage, and their recent achievements will inspire future generations," said President Murmu. India's impressive medal tally was six at the Paris Olympics, which included a silver and five bronze medals. Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra was the lone silver-winner, adding to his gold in the Tokyo Games making him a bonafide legend in Indian athletics. Pis

CRPF gets highest number of police gallantry medals on Independence Day

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has been awarded the highest number of police gallantry medals -- 52 -- on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day. The Union Home Ministry declared the names of the awardees on Wednesday. Out of the total medals, 25 decorations have been awarded for action during operations in Jammu and Kashmir while 27 are for operations in the anti-Maoist operations in various Left Wing Extremism affected states, a senior CRPF officer said. Among the awardees is Sub-Inspector Raushan Kumar who has been honoured with the bravery medal posthumously for his gallant action against Maoists in Bihar in February 2019. Assistant Commandant Teja Ram Choudhary has been awarded two gallantry medals this time for displaying courage in separate operations against terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, the official said. The CRPF is followed by Jammu and Kashmir Police which got 31 bravery medals while 17 each have gone to police officials from Uttar Pradesh and ...

'Reject divisive tendencies': Prez Murmu asks nation in her I-Day address

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday emphasised the need to strengthen affirmative action as a tool for inclusion while urging the rejection of divisive tendencies rooted in perceived social hierarchies. In her address to the nation on the eve of 78th Independence Day, Murmu highlighted the steady progress of political democracy in India, asserting that it reflects advancements towards social democracy. She noted that the nation thrives on its diversity and plurality, moving forward as a cohesive entity. "Social justice is a top priority for the Narendra Modi government, which has initiated unprecedented measures for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other marginalised communities," the president stated. She quoted B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, emphasising that "political democracy cannot last unless there lies at the base of it social democracy" and said steady progress of political democracy testifies to the progress made towards t

IndiGo inducts 77 female pilots to mark 77 yrs of country's independence

IndiGo on Wednesday inducted 77 female pilots for its Airbus and ATR planes to celebrate 77 years of the country's independence. With the latest induction, the carrier has more than 800 female pilots. The induction of 72 female pilots for the Airbus fleet and 5 for the ATR fleet to celebrate 77 years of the country's independence marks a milestone, the airline said in a release. The airline has around 14 per cent women pilots compared to a global average of 7-9 per cent women pilots in the workforce, it added. Captain Ashim Mitra, Senior Vice President of Flight Operations at IndiGo, said the airline has always promoted a workplace that thrives on diversity and inclusivity. Among other initiatives, IndiGo has introduced life cycle initiatives that provide flexibility to lady pilots with children under five years old to choose a reduced flying contract. As of March 31, 2024, the airline had 36,860 permanent employees, including 5,038 pilots and 9,363 cabin crew.