From railway electrification, energy security, West Asia crisis to civil defence network: KEY takeaways from PM Modi’s Independence Day speech – News

Independence Day LIVE updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today delivered his 13th consecutive Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort, becoming only the second Prime Minister after Jawaharlal Nehru to reach this milestone.

PM Modi said that India, powered by 140 crore Indians, is scaling new heights of progress across different sectors.

For the first time, the National Song, ‘Vande Mataram’, was rendered during the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort.

‘We must realise the dream of Viksit Bharat by 2047’: PM Modi

During his address to the nation, PM Modi calls upon Indian citizens to realise the dream of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Modi says that despite gaining freedom in 1947, the country couldn’t gain speed towards becoming a developed country.

‘India to set up a vibrant network of civil defence network’

In his speech, PM Modi said India will set up a vibrant network of civil defence.

PM Modi highlights pace of railway electrification

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday highlighted the pace of railway electrification under his government, saying 70 per cent of the network was electrified in 10 years compared with 30 per cent in the previous 90 years.

Energy security is the demand of our times: PM Modi

Saying that Energy security is the demand of our times, PM Modi added that his Government has taken several steps for this.

Modi also urged self-reliance, saying “We cannot remain dependent on other nations.”

“Many countries are now depending on India for critical minerals,” he said adding that India has set up semi-conductor plants in its bid to become ‘aatmanirbhar’.

PM Modi assures flood, landslide-hit families of government support

PM Modi assured families affected by floods and landslides in several parts of the country that the government stands with them and shares their pain.

India moving forward on harnessing alternative sources of energy: PM Modi

PM Modi said India is moving forward on harnessing alternative sources of energy.

“We have set target of 200 GW nuclear energy, setting up 5 new nuclear reactors,” he said, adding that over 50 lakh households in country now covered by solar energy.

Proved naysayers wrong by ensuring sufficient energy supplies during West Asia crisis: PM Modi

When West Asia crisis happened, some people tried to scare us that we will not get petrol, diesel or LPG, PM Modi says during his address, adding that his government proved naysayers wrong by ensuring sufficient energy supplies.

Modi urges all to join 100-day anti-drug campaign

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a collective effort to make India drug-free, urging families to join the 100-day nationwide Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan.

‘Dimagi Naxals’ looking to create unrest, must identify, isolate them: PM Modi

Maoist extremism is breathing its last in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, as he called for “identifying and isolating” the “dimagi Naxals”.

PM Modi announces free online coaching for youth

PM Modi announced free online coaching for aspirants preparing for competitive exams to ease the financial burden on their families.