PM Modi unveils his vision on Independence Day, reinforces measures for national security

09:04 August 15

'Huge' scope to improve India's tourism sector: PM

There is a "huge" scope to improve India's tourism sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday, and it was imperative that the country meets the aspirations of its people.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort here on the 73rd Independence Day, he said earlier people aspired to have a good mobile phone, but now they want more data and better speed.

"Let us make local products attractive. May more export hubs emerge. Our guiding principle is Zero Defect, Zero Effect," he said.

He said the the world is eager to explore trade with India and the government was working to keep prices under check and increase development.

"The fundamentals of our economy are strong," he said. 

08:53 August 15

Chief of Defence staff to head armed forces: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced creation of  chief of defence staff (CDS) as head of the tri- services.
          
The prime minister said the CDS will ensure synergy among the three services and provide effective leadership to them.
          
A high-level committee set up to examine the gaps in the country's security system in the wake of the Kargil War in 1999 had called for appointment of a Chief of Defence Staff as a single-point military adviser to the Defence Minister.
          
A group of ministers analysing required reforms in the national security system had also favoured appointing a chief of defence staff.
          
In 2012, the Naresh Chandra Task Force had recommended creating the post of a permanent chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee.
          
The CoSC comprises chiefs of the Army, Navy and the Air Force and the senior-most among them acts as its chairman as per existing norm. 

08:28 August 15

India has become a business friendly nation: PM

"When their is political stabilty. when the policy is predictable the world is eager to trade with India," PM said.

"The world respects and admires India's political stabiltiy," he added. 

Prime Minister also announced plans to invest Rs. 100 lakh crore in infrastructure in the next five years.

"To some the target of nearly doubling the size of Indian economy to USD 5 trillion in five years may seem difficult. But when we have in five years (of BJP rule) added USD 1 trillion as compared to USD 2 trillion size achieved in 70 years of independence, then this target is achievable," he said.

08:10 August 15

Population control a form of patriotism: PM

"Population explosion in the country will create various problems for the coming generations. Those who follow the policy of small family also contribute to the development of the nation, it is also a form of patriotism," he said. 

"We have to be concerned about population explosion. Centre as well as state govts should launch schemes to tackle it," he added.
 

08:06 August 15

PM announces Jal Jeevan mission

PM Modi promises mission to deliver water to every home.

He emphasised on schemes like desalination of sea water, education on water sources and water rejuvanation, state of the art irrigation methods etc. 

"Looking ways to provide clean water to every home," he said. 

08:05 August 15

One nation, One constitution: PM

PM Modi talked about the modification of Article 370 and the conversion of Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory. 

"We achieved the idea of one nation, one constitution," PM said.

"We neither nurse problems nor keep them pending," he added.

08:01 August 15

We banned Sati, Why can't we ban Triple Talaq: PM

"We banned Sati, we made laws to stop the practise of Dowry. Why can't we ban Triple Talaq."

"Scrapping of triple talaq will help Muslim women live a better life. The decision should not be seen through political prism."
 

07:57 August 15

Time to fulfill India's dreams: PM Modi

"If 2014-19 was an era to fulfil people's needs, the time since 2019 is about meeting aspirations and dreams," PM Modi. 

07:53 August 15

Modification of Art 370 fulfils Patel's dream: PM Modi

Speaking on the occasion of Independence Day, PM claimed that modification of Article 35A and Article 370 pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir fulfils the dream of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. 

07:50 August 15

PM hoists the national flag

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag on the 73rd Independence Day at the ramparts of the historic Red Fort in Delhi.
         
Modi, dressed in a white kurta-pyjama and a colourful turban, was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Red Fort. He then inspected Guard of Honour.

07:44 August 15

PM Modi paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi

On the occasion of 73rd Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat shortly before addressing the nation. 

07:41 August 15

Chief of Defence staff to head all three forces: PM Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his address to the nation after hoisting the national flag at New Delhi's iconic Red Fort on the occasion of 73rd Independence Day.

He paid tributes to brave freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the country's independence. 

This is his first August 15 address after coming back to power with a huge mandate.

Modi has used the annual event to announce his government's showpiece programmes like 'Swachh Bharat', 'Ayushman Bharat' and India's first manned space mission, and also to present a report card on its performance to highlight how the country has grown on his watch.