News Analysis India

Tag: Independence Day

  • PM Modi announces Pradhan Mantri Gatishakti Master Plan for holistic infrastructure growth 

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced a Rs 100 lakh crore ‘Gatishakti’ initiative to bring employment opportunities for the youth and to help in holistic infrastructure growth.

    Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on India’s 75th Independence Day, he said India will launch the ‘Pradhan Mantri Gatishakti National Master Plan’.

    Gatishakti, he said, will help local manufacturers turn globally competitive and also develop possibilities of new future economic zones.

    India imported mobile phones worth USD 8 billion seven years ago and is now exporting USD 3 billion worth of mobile phones, the prime minister said.

    Along with modern infrastructure, India needs to adopt a holistic approach in infrastructure construction, the prime minister stressed in his Independence Day address after hoisting the tricolour.

    “We will have to work together for manufacturing world class products, using cutting-edge innovation and new age technology,” he told the nation.

    The government’s focus is to make small farmers, who own less than two hectares of land and comprise over 80 percent of all farmers, the country’s pride, Modi added.

    Rice provided under any scheme will be fortified by 2024, the prime minister announced.

    “We are witnessing the rapid transformation of our villages,” Modi said while stressing that digital entrepreneurs are being nurtured in villages too.

    In 75 weeks of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, 75 ‘Vande Bharat’ trains will connect different parts of country, the prime minister announced.

    The prime minister said the capitals of northeast states will soon be connected with the railways.

    The region, he said, is also getting connected with Bangladesh, Myanmar and southeast Asia.

    The development of Jammu and Kashmir is visible on the ground, Modi said, adding that the delimitation exercise is on and preparations are underway for assembly polls there.

    Reservation is being ensured for Dalits, STs, backwards and general category poor, he added in his speech and emphasised that the hand-holding of deprived communities is necessary.

    “We have to bridge the gap between lives in villages and cities,” the prime minister said.

    Over 4.5 crore new households have received piped water supply within two years of ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’, he said.

    The prime minister gave a call for ‘Sabka Prayas’ along with ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’ for building a new India.

    India has to march ahead with new pledges for the next 25 years, Modi said.

    “We have to ensure we meet our goal of building Aatmanirbhar Bharat when we celebrate 100 years of India’s Independence,” the prime minister said.

    Modi stressed that the day should not be merely a ceremony.

    People can take pride that the world’s largest Covid vaccination programme in going on in the country, he said.

    He lauded doctors, nurses as well those involved in vaccine manufacturing and others involved in fighting COVID-19.

    The pain of partition was one of the greatest tragedies of the last century, the prime minister said while asserting that August 14 will be remembered as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day.

    He also lauded India’s Olympic contingent, which was present at the Red Fort, and said their performance encouraged the youth of the country.

  • 75th Independence Day: PM Modi hoists National Flag from ramparts of Red Fort, addresses nation 

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hoisted the National Flag from the ramparts of Red Fort to celebrate the 75th Independence Day of the country.

    He is currently delivering the customary address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

    The Prime Minister was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt and Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar. The Defence Secretary will introduce the General Officer Commanding (GoC), Delhi Area, Lieutenant General Vijay Kumar Mishra, AVSM, to the Prime Minister.

    Later, a combined Inter-Services and Delhi Police Guard will present general salute to the Prime Minister. Thereafter, PM Modi will inspect the Guard of Honour.

    For the first time ever, this year as soon as the national flag was hoisted by the Prime Minister, flower petals were showered at the venue by two Mi 17 1V helicopters of the Indian Air Force in Amrut Formation. After the showering of flower petals, the Prime Minister began his address to the nation.

    Delhi | Flower petals showered at the Red Fort by two Mi 17 1V helicopters of the Indian Air Force in Amrut Formation pic.twitter.com/zR9nAcSRGy
    — ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2021
    The Prime Minister had launched ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ from Sabarmati Ashram at Ahmedabad in Gujarat in March 2021 to celebrate 75 years of India’s Independence. The celebrations will continue till August 15, 2023.

    Meanwhile, security arrangements have been tightened in the national capital for the 75th Independence Day celebrations on Sunday. Counter-drone technology has been deployed in sensitive areas in the national capital to thwart any untoward incident.

    Meanwhile, farmers have proposed tractor parade in the national capital on Independence Day against the three farm laws introduced by the Central government last year.

    Speaking to ANI, a farmer said, “Around 5,000 vehicles and 20,000 farmers will take part in the parade on Sunday. We are ready for the protest. Our protest is against the three farm laws. Women are leading this protest. We want to show the government that we are not broken. The protest is on.”

    Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana informed that they have been talking to farmer leaders and Delhi borders have been sealed.

    Delhi Traffic Police had also issued an advisory for the Independence Day function at the Red Fort to ensure safe and smooth flow of vehicles across the city.

    Local city buses including DTC will not move on Ring Road from 00:00 midnight to 11:00 AM on 15.08.2021 between ISBT and Ring Road – NH-24 (NH-9)/NH ‘T’ point (Nizamuddin Khatta) and take alternative route available.

    Buses ordinarily terminating at Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Delhi Main Railway Station will be curtailed/ diverted.

    A series of events are being organised across the country to mark the occasion. 

  • PM Modi extends greetings to countrymen on 75th Independence Day

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: Extending greetings on the occasion of the 75th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ will infuse new energy and new consciousness among the countrymen.

    “Greetings to you all on Independence Day. May this year of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ infuse new energy and new consciousness among the countrymen. Jai Hind!” tweeted PM Modi.

    Prime Minister will lead the Independence Day celebrations from Red Fort on Sunday. He will hoist the national flag and deliver the customary address to the nation.

    The country is celebrating ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, marking the 75th year of Independence, amid patriotic fervour. A series of events are being organised across the country to mark the occasion.

  • Heavy security cover in Delhi as India celebrates her 75th Independence Day

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: A hawk-eyed vigil will be maintained across the national capital on the 75nd Independence Day on Sunday with a multi-layered security cover in place at the historic Red Fort from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation.

    Security cover has been beefed up in the city and forces are on high alert to thwart any untoward incident as police have intensified patrolling and deployed extra pickets at vital installations.

    Borders have also been sealed to ensure no untoward incident takes place in the national capital and strict action will be taken against anyone who tries to disrupt the law and order situation, police officials said.

    The multi-layered security ring, including NSG snipers, elite SWAT commandos, kite catchers, canine units and sharpshooters on high-rise buildings, has been placed around the Mughal-era fort, and adherence to social distancing norms will be must like last year due to the Covid pandemic.

    According to the police, anti-drone systems have also been installed at the Red Fort in view of the recent terror attack at the IAF station in Jammu airport where Pakistan-based terrorists used drones to strike the vital installation for the first time.

    India’s Olympic contingent are the special guests at the Red Fort on August 15.

    Over 350 cameras have been installed and their footage is being monitored round-the- clock through two police control rooms situated in and around the fort area, police said.

    There are around 5,000 security personnel at the monument and they will adhere to social distancing norms, they said.

    The Delhi Police had erected a huge wall of shipping containers decorated with graffiti for the first time earlier this month at the main gate of Red Fort for security reasons.

    The containers have been placed in such a way that no one will be able to see inside the premises of the fort when the prime minister addresses the nation.

    Nobody will be able to peek inside the fort from Chandani Chowk and adjoining areas, the police said.

    The move comes after many farmer protesting against farm bills reached the Red Fort driving tractors and entered the monument on January 26 and hoisted a religious flag.

    Over 70 police vehicles — including PCR vans, ‘PRAKHAR’ vans and QRT (Quick Reaction Team) vans — have been stationed at the area as part of the security deployment along with intensified patrolling by police personnel on motorcycles, the police said.

    Patrolling on motorboats is being carried out in the Yamuna river by the Delhi Police to ensure no untoward incident takes place in the city.

    Security arrangements have also been tightened at the Delhi borders where thousands of farmers have been protesting for over seven months against the centre’s new agri laws.

    The police have already carried out anti-sabotage checks in the area and visited hotels in the vicinity in search of suspicious elements, officials said, adding security verification of the residents, including tenants and servants, has also been conducted.

    The Red Fort has already been closed for public, officials said.

    Police personnel have been asked to keep an eye in the sky to ensure that no stray kites are seen in the area during Independence Day celebrations.

    The Delhi Traffic Police had also issued an advisory for the function at the Red Fort to ensure safe and smooth flow of vehicles across the city.

    Eight roads — Netaji Subhash Marg, Lothian Road, SP Mukherjee Marg, Chandni Chowk Road, Nishad Raj Marg, Esplanade Road and its Link Road to Netaji Subhash Marg, Ring Road from Rajghat to ISBT and Outer Ring Road from ISBT to IP flyover — will be closed for general public from 4 am to 10 am, the advisory said.

    Flying of sub-conventional aerial platforms like para-gliders, para-motors, hang gliders, UAVs, micro light aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft, hot air balloons, small size powered aircraft, quadcopters or para-jumping from aircraft are prohibited over the jurisdiction of National Capital Territory of Delhi up to August 16.

    The Delhi Police had seized a drone flying near Vijay Ghat, the backside of the Red Fort.

    The Jaguar highway patrolling team of north district was keeping a vigil in the area on Monday when it saw the drone near Vijay Ghat.

    A web series was being shot there, police said, adding permission was granted to shoot the show but sanction had not been given to fly a drone.

    A case was registered under relevant sections at Kotwali police station and the device seized.

  • Sonia, Rahul Gandhi to participate in Independence Day celebrations at AICC headquarters

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi and party leader Rahul Gandhi will participate in the 75th Independence Day celebrations at All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters on Sunday.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the Independence Day celebrations from Red Fort in New Delhi on Sunday. He will hoist the national flag and deliver the customary address to the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort.

    Security has been tightened in the national capital for the 75th Independence Day celebrations on Sunday. Counter-drone technology has been deployed in sensitive areas in the national capital to thwart any untoward incident.

    Meanwhile, farmers have proposed a tractor parade in the national capital on Independence Day against the three farm laws introduced by the Central government last year.

    Speaking to ANI, a farmer said, “Around 5,000 vehicles and 20,000 farmers will take part in the parade on Sunday. We are ready for the protest. Our protest is against the three farm laws. Women are leading this protest. We want to show the government that we are not broken. The protest is on.”

    Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana informed that they have been talking to farmer leaders and Delhi borders have been sealed.

  • Watched flag hoisting ceremony on TV, now personally going there: Neeraj Chopra

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: Indian Olympic Winners left the Ashoka Hotel in New Delhi for the national flag hoisting ceremony at Red Fort on India’s 75th Independence Day today.

    Javelin thrower Subedar Neeraj Chopra, India’s first-ever Gold Medallist in track and field, who is among thirty-two Olympic winners who have been invited to participate in the 75th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, said: “Earlier, we used to watch flag hoisting ceremony on TV and now we are personally going there. It’s a new experience. We hadn’t won a gold medal in individual sports for so long. I felt good that the country felt proud because of me.”

    Around 240 Olympians, support staff, and SAI and sports federation officials have also been invited to grace the Gyan Path in front of the Ramparts. In Tokyo, India recorded its best-ever medal haul in the recently concluded Olympics by bagging a total of seven medals – one Gold, two silver, and four bronze.

    The Nation is celebrating ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, marking the 75th year of Independence from the foreign rule.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the Independence Day celebrations from Red Fort in New Delhi on Sunday. He will hoist the national flag and deliver the customary address to the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort.

    Security has been tightened in the national capital for the 75th Independence Day celebrations on Sunday. Counter-drone technology has been deployed in sensitive areas in the national capital to thwart any untoward incident.

  • 32 Olympic winners invited to 75th Independence Day Celebrations

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: 32 Olympic winners, including javelin thrower Subedar Neeraj Chopra, India’s first-ever Gold Medallist in track and field, along with two officials of Sports Authority of India (SAI) have been invited to participate in the 75th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort on Sunday.

    Around 240 Olympians, support staff, and SAI and sports federation officials have also been invited to grace the Gyan Path in front of the Ramparts. In Tokyo, India recorded its best-ever medal haul in the recently concluded Olympics by bagging a total of seven medals – one Gold, two silver, and four bronze.

    The Nation is celebrating ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, marking the 75th year of Independence from the foreign rule. The whole country has been gripped by patriotic fervour. A series of events are being organized across the country by different ministries of the Government of India, various state governments and Union Territories, the Armed Forces, and the general public alike to mark this momentous occasion.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the nation in celebrating this historic 75th Independence Day from the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi on August 15, 2021. He will hoist the National Flag and deliver the customary address to the nation.

    It may be recalled that the Prime Minister had launched ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ from Sabarmati Ashram at Ahmedabad in Gujarat in March 2021 to celebrate 75 years of India’s Independence. The celebrations will continue till August 15, 2023.

    Upon the arrival of the Prime Minister at the Red Fort, he will be received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt, and Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar. Defence Secretary will introduce the General Officer Commanding (GoC), Delhi Area, Lieutenant General Vijay Kumar Mishra, AVSM, to the Prime Minister. The GoC Delhi Area will then conduct PM Modi to the Saluting Base where a combined Inter-Services and Delhi Police Guard will present a general salute to the Prime Minister. Thereafter, the Prime Minister will inspect the Guard of Honour.

    The Guard of Honour contingent for the Prime Minister will consist of one officer and 20 men each from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Delhi Police. Indian Navy is the coordinating service this year. The Guard of Honour will be commanded by Commander Piyush Gaur. The Naval Contingent in the Prime Minister’s Guard will be commanded by Lt Commander SunePhogat, the Army Contingent by Major Vikas Sangwan, and the Air Force contingent by Squadron leader A Berwal. The Delhi Police contingent will be commanded by Additional DCP (West District) Subodh Kumar Goswami.

    After inspecting the Guard of Honour, PM Modi will proceed to the ramparts of the Red Fort. The GoC Delhi area will conduct the Prime Minister to the dais on the rampart to hoist the National Flag.

    After being hoisted, the Tricolour will receive a ‘Rashtriya Salute’. The Navy Band, consisting of 16 men will play the National Anthem during the hoisting of the National Flag and the ‘Rashritya Salute’.

    For the first time ever, this year as soon as the National Flag is hoisted by the Prime Minister, flower petals will be showered at the venue by two Mi 17 1V helicopters of the Indian Air Force in Amrut Formation.

    After the showering of flower petals, the Prime Minister will address the Nation. At the conclusion of the speech of the Prime Minister, the cadets of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) will sing the National Anthem. 500 NCC cadets (Army, Navy, and Air Force) from different schools will be taking part in this festival of National Fervour.

    Lt Commander P Priyambada Sahoo will assist the Prime Minister in hoisting the National Flag. It will be synchronized with the 21 Gun Salute fired by the valiant gunners of the elite 2233 Field Battery (Ceremonial). The ceremonial battery is commanded by Lt Col Jitendra Singh Mehta, SM, and the Gun Position Officer will be Naib Subedar (AIG) Anil Chand.

    The National Flag Guard comprising five officers and 130 men from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police will present Rashtriya Salute at the time of hoisting of the National Flag by the Prime Minister. Commander Kuldeep M Neralkar from the Indian Navy will be in command of this Inter-Services Guard and Police Guard.

    The Navy Contingent in the National Flag Guard will be commanded by Lt Commander Praveen Saraswat, the Army Contingent by Major Anshul Kumar, and the Air Force contingent by Sqn Leader Rohit Malik. The Delhi Police contingent will be commanded by Additional DCP (South West District) Shri Amit Goel.

    Ahead of Independence Day celebrations, Delhi Police have intensified security arrangements in the national capital by deploying police forces and commandos across Delhi, according to a security plan chalked out with the coordination of State governments and security agencies.

    Superintendents of Police of all districts in Delhi have been instructed to be vigilant ahead of Independence Day, informed Delhi Police on Saturday.

    Earlier on Friday, a high-level meeting of top officials of Delhi Police was held to discuss a new intelligence alert about miscreants who could try to infiltrate the security at the Red Fort on August 15.

    The security has been tightened near Red Fort, ahead of Independence Day celebrations in the national capital.

    The posters of the most wanted terrorists have been put around the area to alert people and to report any suspected person to the police.

    “There will be a 360-degree drone coverage to counter unfriendly objects on Independence day and to counter the anti-drone challenge staff is being trained on how to respond to unfriendly objects. Coordinated training with Air Force, National Security Guard (NSG), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is in progress,” said Anita Roy, the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, North. (ANI)

  • US greets India on Independence Day, says ties ‘more important than ever’

    By ANI

    WASHINGTON: Extending wishes on the occasion of India’s Independence Day, US President Joe Biden said that New Delhi and Washington must show the world that the “two great and diverse democracies” can deliver for people everywhere.

    In a statement, Biden said: “I wish all those celebrating today, in India, in the United States, and throughout the world, a safe and happy Indian Independence Day”.

    “On Aug 15, 1947, India achieved its long journey towards independence, guided by Mahatma Gandhi’s message of truth & non-violence. Over decades, ties b/w our people, including a vibrant community of over 4 million Indian-Americans, have strengthened our partnership,” he added. US Pres Joe Biden.

    In this moment of ‘great challenges and opportunities’, President Biden said that the partnership between India and the United States is more important than ever.

    “This past year, our nations have come together in new ways as we tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, including working in partnership with Japan and Australia–through the Quad–to expand global manufacturing of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines and to strengthen our ‘last-mile’ coordination to reach people throughout the Indo-Pacific,” he said.

    “In this moment of great challenges and opportunities, the partnership between India and the United States is more important than ever. And as we do, the friendship between our nations will continue to flourish and grow. I wish all those celebrating today, in India, in the United States, and throughout the world, a safe and happy Indian Independence Day,” he added.

    India is celebrating ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, marking the 75th year of Independence. A series of events are being organised across the country to mark the occasion.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the Independence Day celebrations from Red Fort in New Delhi on Sunday.

  • Security beefed up for Independence Day in Chhattisgarh; tricolour to be hoisted in Naxal strongholds

    By PTI

    RAIPUR: Security has been stepped up in Chhattisgarh, particularly in Maoist-affected areas, ahead of Independence Day with intensified patrolling and other measures to prevent any untoward incident, police said on Saturday.

    Inspector-General of Police (Bastar range) Sundarraj P said the tricolour would be hoisted in several interior villages in South Bastar and the Abhujmaad region, considered as strongholds of Maoists, on Sunday.

    Bastar division comprises seven districts namely Sukma, Dantewada, Bijapur, Narayanpur, Kondagaon, Kanker and Bastar.

    “Security forces deployed in the Naxal-hit Bastar region are regularly carrying out patrolling, laying mobile check posts in the interior area as well as along inter-district and inter-state borders to avoid any untoward incident by ultras,” Sundarraj told PTI.

    Compared to previous years, the incidents of black flags being hoisted by Maoists have come down to a great extent in interior pockets of the Bastar region, he said.

    At a state function to be held at Police Parade Ground in Raipur at 9 AM, COVID-19 warriors will be felicitated like last year, an official said.

    Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel will hoist the national flag and receive the guard of honour from the state police and paramilitary forces at the parade ground, the public relations department official said.

    He said the function will be a low-key affair sans any cultural event considering the pandemic protocols.

    A total of 22 persons, including government officials, healthcare personnel, pandemic volunteers, will be felicitated for their commendable service during the pandemic.

    Besides, four government hospitals will also be feted for their exemplary performance in providing treatment under the Ayushman card scheme, he said.

    No cultural programmes will be held in Raipur and other district headquarters.

    The COVID-19 norms including wearing of masks and physical distancing will be strictly followed, the official said.

    State ministers and parliamentary secretaries will hoist the tricolour in headquarters of other districts, he added.

    The state government has decided against holding public programmes at the tehsil and janpad levels where the national flag will be hoisted by presidents of the concerned janpad panchayat and other urban bodies at their respective offices, he said.

    In those schools which are open, flag hoisting can be held barring rallies, competitions and cultural functions, according to the official.

  • Manipur govt order on I-Day celebrations ruffles Naga organisation’s feathers

    Express News Service

    GUWAHATI: The Manipur chief secretary’s order asking all village authorities to collect the Tricolour from the respective sub-divisional officer (SDO) and hoist it on Independence Day on Sunday met with opposition.

    The United Naga Council (UNC), which is the state’s apex Naga civil society organisation, called for a bandh from Saturday midnight till Sunday midnight in protest against the order.

    “As per minutes of the meeting held on 07/08/2021 chaired by Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur, all headmen/chiefs of all villages under Ukhrul district are hereby notified to celebrate the 75th Independence Day by hoisting the national flag in their respective villages while adhering to Covid appropriate behaviour. 

    “Further, all the headmen/chiefs are requested to collect national flag from their concerned SDOs,” a notification issued by Ukhrul District Magistrate Joseph Pauline Kamson reads.

    ALSO READ | Nagaland MLAs, MPs to pressure Centre for early solution on Naga issue

    A similar notification was issued by all DMs. The UNC demanded that the Chief Secretary retract the order at the earliest and warned that in the event of failure to do so, it would take its own course of action.

    The organisation directed all apex organizations of the Nagas in the districts, women, students, and tribal bodies to strictly enforce the total shutdown in their jurisdiction.

    “India is a democratic country and the Naga people had never opposed the celebration of Indian Independence Day. It is unprecedented that the Government of Manipur and district administrations are resorting to such cheap tactics to further suppress the political aspiration of Naga people and decades-long struggle for achieving enduring peace in the region,” the UNC said in a statement.

    “The Naga people vehemently condemn the recent provocative action of state security forces in dishonoring the sanctity of Naga National Flag and the people of Chandel district in particular. The ransacking of Naga People Organization (NPO) office, Senapati and Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) office and snatching away of Naga Flag by the Assam Riffles are tantamount to insulting the Naga people,” the statement further reads.

    The UNC appealed to the general public and the Nagas, in particular, to extend their fullest cooperation to the bandh.