Independence Day 2020 Highlights: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi, to mark India’s 74th Independence Day. PM Modi's speech focussed on ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and challenges India is facing amid the pandemic. He announced the National Digital Health Mission, under which every Indian will be given a digital health ID. The prime minister also spoke about boosting India’s infrastructure and connectivity. The ceremony at the Red Fort and other celebrations across the country are taking place with strict physical distancing norms. In many places, ‘corona warriors’ such as doctors and healthcare professionals have been invited for many 'I-Day' events. Catch the latest updates here:
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Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates | By 2022, India must be ‘atmanirbhar’ in every sense of the word: Vice President
On this Independence Day, every Indian, especially the youth, must resolve to be at the forefront to fight attempts by forces that try to create dissensions among the people, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said today.
"As we approach the 75th anniversary of Independence, it is time for an objective introspection. At this juncture, we must ask ourselves what we aspire to achieve as a nation by 2022," Naidu observed.
"By 2022, India must be aatmanirbhar (self-reliant) in every sense of the word. We all must work with renewed vigour and determination to eradicate poverty, end social and gender discrimination and eliminate corruption," he said in a Facebook post.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates | J&K on a new journey of normalcy and development, says LG in his I-Day speech
A new era of normalcy and development has dawned in Jammu and Kashmir in the last one year, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said today and urged the youths to engage in activism that helps the nation to progress.
In his I-Day speech, Sinha asserted that the government is committed to providing a better alternative that stands for development, welfare and social transformation for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“After the constitutional change enacted in 2019, the central government took not one or two, but historic 50 decisions to transform the face of the region. A new era of normalcy and development has dawned due to the changes effected in the last year; a new journey has been undertaken,” the LG said. (Input from PTI)
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates | Mobile internet services snapped in Kashmir as precautionary measure
Internet services on mobile devices were snapped across Kashmir today as a precautionary measure but mobile phone services functioned as usual.
Mobile internet services were cut in the early hours of the morning as stringent security arrangements were put in place for Independence Day celebrations across the Valley, a police official was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
United States wishes 'good' friend India on Independence Day
Wishing India on its 74th Independence Day, the US has said the two countries share "close bonds of friendship and democratic traditions," which over the time has flourished into a comprehensive global strategic partnership.
"On behalf of the government of the United States of America and the American people, I extend greetings and best wishes to the people of India on your Independence Day," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on the eve of India's Independence Day.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates | What does financial freedom mean to two of India's famous money managers?
A fund manager’s full-time job is to manage other people’s money. But have you wondered who manages their funds? How much of their knowledge and acumen do fund managers put to use when it comes to their own financial planning process? Are their goals similar to ours?
This Independence Day, Moneycontrol asked two fund managers what financial freedom means to them.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates | Tuning in now? Missed the PM Modi’s address to the nation? Here’s what happened:
In his I-Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pushed for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and listed out the roadmap for India's growth. He also spoke about the National Digital Health Mission, elections in Jammu and Kashmir, national cyber security strategy, COVID-19 vaccination and lauded the country’s defence forces.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates |
“On February 18, 1946, the naval ensign on the signal training ship HMIS Talwar was shockingly lowered and replaced by flags of the Indian National Congress, Muslim League and Communist parties. Thousands of young naval members, called ratings, struck work to raise ‘Quit India’ slogans. The revolt spread rapidly to 22 naval ships docked at Bombay (now Mumbai)and offshore barracks,” Mumbai-based journalist and urban chronicler Smruti Koppikar writes for Moneycontrol.
Read: The often-forgotten naval mutiny on the docks of Bombay
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates |
"Citizenship consists in the service of the country" and other words of wisdom from heroes of India's freedom struggle that resonate even today.
Quick read | 15 quotes by India's freedom fighters that resonate even today
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates | Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu in a blog post:
On this Independence Day, let us also remember with gratitude the countless men and women whose sacrifices brought us freedom. We must always be grateful to them for their selfless efforts -- the fruits of which are being reaped by us now as citizens of a sovereign and vibrant parliamentary democracy.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates |
During his address,PM Modisaid that the Centre has set up a committee to reconsider the minimum age of marriage for girls in India
“We have set up committee to reconsider the minimum age for marriage of our daughters. We will take appropriate decision after the committee submits its report,” PM Modi said.
“Whenever women received opportunity, they made India proud and strengthened it. Today, nation is determined to provide equal opportunities of self-employment and employment to them. Today women are working in coal mines, our daughters are touching the sky while flying fighter planes,” he added.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates |
Looking for movie and show recommendations? This weekend, take time out to examine the price we pay for freedom we celebrate. From ‘Gunjan Saxena’ to ‘The Killing Fields’.
Read | Movies that celebrate independence: Gunjan Saxena, Barry and others
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates |
“Two days before India’s tryst with destiny,Baig(positioned as the Consul General of India in then Portuguese-controlled Goa) issued an open invitation to the public to join the Independence Day festivities at the Consulate office inAltinho,Panjim. Hundreds gathered hours before the formal unfurling of thetricolourat 9.30 am byBaigwho later also read a message from PanditJawaharlalNehru. The Portuguese government had permitted the hoisting of the Indian flag as long as the Portuguese flag was also full mast,” Goa-based freelance writer-photographerPreetiVermaLalwrites forMoneycontrol.
Read the full article here: August 15, 1947 | How Portuguese Goa marked India’s Independence Day
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates | Who is Sri Aurobindo? PM remembers great Bengali philosopher
In his I-Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to philosopher and sage Sri Aurobindo on his 148th Birth Anniversary today. The vice president also took to Twitter to pay his respect.
His participation in the Indian freedom struggle against the British gave him popularity as he gradually evolved to become a spiritual and yogic guru. He came up with a new path of spirituality known as 'integral yoga'.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates |
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his I-Day speech today, said that the Centre was prioritising on improving the overall infrastructure for faster development with the help of National Infrastructure Policy (NIP).
The investments and the focus will be like a revolution in the infrastructure sector, he said.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates |
During his address, PM Modi spoke about the beginning of the Ram Temple’s construction in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.
“Ramjanmabhoomi issue that prevailed for centuries, has been resolved peacefully. The conduct of people of the country (after the Supreme Court verdict) has been unprecedented and is an inspiration for the future,” he said.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates |
PM Narendra Modi, during his address, said that vaccination against COVID-19 will begin as soon as scientists approve vaccine under development.
He also announced the National Digital Health Mission, under which every Indian will be given a digital health ID. The prime minister also spoke about India’s upcoming National Cyber Security Strategy.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates |
PM Modi has concluded his Independence Day address. The National Cadet Corps cadets are singing the national anthem.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates | PM Modi:
Year 2022 – the 75th year of our Independence – is just around the corner. The coronavirus pandemic is a challenge. But it’s not big enough to stop us.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates | PM Modi:
We must strive to be the best in every field. That’s how we’ll realise ‘EK Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates | PM Modi:
We will induct 1 lakh new NCC cadets from border districts. One-third of these cadets would be girls.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates | PM Modi:
We have around 1,300 islands. We have chosen some islands for rapid development. Recently, we connected Andaman and Nicobar Islands with an undersea cable for better internet. Next, we’ll connect Lakshadweep.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates | PM Modi:
India has taken steps to strengthen bilateral relationships with our extended neighbourhood. Our brothers and sisters works in many of these countries in large numbers. India would like to thank these countries for taking care of our people there amid the pandemic.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates | PM Modi:
We are connecting with our neighbours though security anddevelopment partnerships and trust. South Asia is home to 1/4th of the world’s population. We can create great opportunities with such a population. Leaders of these countries have a big responsibility to maintain peace.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates |
Referring to the Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers, PM Modi has said that “our troops gave a befitting reply to the enemies”.
“India is united in protecting its sovereignty,” PM Modi added.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates | PM Modi:
We have set up a committee to reconsider the minimum age for marriage of our daughters. We will take appropriate decision after the committee submits its report.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates | PM Modi:
India is among the top-5 countries when it comes to renewable energy. Though ‘Swacch Bharat’ and other initiatives, we are leaving no stone unturned in reducing pollution.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates | PM Modi:
Delimitation process is underway in Jammu and Kashmir. Once it is completed, an election will be held in the Union Territory. J&K will have its own chief minister and ministers. We are committed to this.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates | PM Modi on coronavirus vaccine:
Three COVID-19 vaccines are in various stages of development. We will start the vaccination drive once scientists approve them.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates |
PM Modi is sharing details of the proposed National Digital Health Mission. All Indians will be given a digital health ID, PM Modi has said.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates | PM Modi:
Education has a key role in the making of ‘Aatmanirbhar’, modern, new and prosperous India. So, we have brought the New Education Policy (NEP) after three decades. It has been welcomed throughout the country, which instils new confidence.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates |
PM Modi has said that a national cyber security strategywill be unveiled soon.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates | PM Modi:
Participation of rural India and villages in ‘Digital India’ is necessary. We are rapidly expanding our optical fiber network. It will reach every gram panchayat within 1,000 days.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates | PM Modi:
India’s middle-class does not want the government’s interference. They want opportunities. Our initiatives such as ‘UDAN (Regional Connectivity Scheme)’ will help them.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates | PM Modi:
Today, we are supplying water to over 1 lakh houses though pipes under the ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ within one year of beginning the initiative.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates | PM Modi:
You were able to sell your products in any part of the country. But, our farmers were not able to do that. We have ended this. They will now have more options to sell their produce.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates |
PM Narendra Modi is talking about various schemes taken up by the Centre in the last six years.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates | PM Modi:
Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had taken India’s road infrastructure to the next level. Now we need to focus on multi-modal infrastructure. We need to stop working in silos.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates | PM Modi:
Along with ‘Make in India’, we must now ‘make for the world’.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates |
PM Modi is talking about economic reforms taken up by his government. He is also highlighting reforms in the space and energy sectors.
“The world is watching the reforms we are undertaking,” PM Modi says, adding that India has “broken all” foreign direct investment records.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates | PM Modi:
There is a sense of scepticism when I talk about ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. I accept that there are many challenges, but I am convinced that we have the perseverance to become self-reliant.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates | PM Modi:
The world is interconnected and interdependent today. Thus, it is a need of the hour for India to contribute to the world’s prosperity.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates | PM Modi:
The world has expectations from India. We must prepare ourselves to be able to meet these expectations.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates | PM Modi:
Becoming ‘atmanirbhar (self-reliant)’ is mandatory. I am confident that we will realise this dream.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates | PM Modi:
130 crore Indians have decided to become ‘atmanirbhar’ amid the coronavirus pandemic. This has become a mantra for 130 crore citizens.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates | PM Modi:
We are going through distinct times. I cannot see children in front of me today (at the Red Fort). Coronavirus pandemic has stopped everyone. In these times of COVID, ‘Corona warriors’ have lived the mantra of 'Seva Parmo Dharma' and served the people of India. I express my gratitude to them.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates | PM Modi:
Today, as we breathe in independent India, it is because of sacrifice of thousands.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates | PM Modi:
I would also like to extend my condolences to families of those who lost their lives in recent floods in many states. We (Centre) are working with state governments to improve the situation.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates | PM Modi:
In these times (of the novel coronavirus pandemic), many of our brothers and sisters have been affected. Many have lost their lives. I extend my condolences to these families. But I am confident that we will win this battle.
Independence Day 2020 LIVE updates |
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unfurled the tricolour and is set to address to the nation.
This is PM Modi’s second Independence Day address from the Red Fort in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government’s second tenure. This is also his seventh ‘Red Fort address’ overall.
