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PM talks about ‘Viksit Bharat’ goal, says progress being made in various sectors

PM Modi addressed the nation from Red Fort on Independence Day

New Delhi, Aug 15 (NVI): On the occasion of 80th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today talked about the journey towards a developed nation by 2047, saying that progress was being made in various sectors including manufacturing, semiconductors, energy and digital infrastructure.

He said India has moved from the “Fragile Five” to one of the fastest-growing major economies over the past 12 years and now needed to raise its ambitions further.

Addressing the nation from Red Fort, Modi said the goal of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 would require India to build globally competitive companies, strengthen domestic capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign supplies.

He talked about plans to establish five to eight additional semiconductor plants over the next seven to eight years, building on three facilities that have already begun production and exports.

Calling chips critical to the modern digital economy, Modi said semiconductors were essential for electronics, medical devices and transportation systems.

The Prime Minister linked the semiconductor push with the broader expansion of India’s manufacturing base.

Electronics manufacturing has increased nearly sevenfold over the past 12 years, while mobile phone production has risen 33-fold and defence production has grown fourfold, he said.

Modi also pointed to the growth of India’s digital economy, saying internet users have quadrupled and digital transactions have expanded 100 times over the past decade. Patent grants, he added, have also increased fourfold.

Talking about energy security, he announced a target of 200 GW of nuclear power capacity and plans for five new nuclear reactors.

Modi also referred to the SHANTI Act passed by Parliament and reiterated the government’s earlier ambition of reaching 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047. The new 200 GW target represents a significant escalation in the scale of nuclear expansion envisaged for the country.

India currently has 25 nuclear reactors across seven locations, with an installed capacity of 8,880 MW. Eight additional reactors with a combined capacity of 6,600 MW are under construction, while 10 more projects totalling 7,000 MW are at the pre-project stage.

The Prime Minister warned that geopolitical tensions were exposing the vulnerabilities created by dependence on overseas supplies of critical resources.

Without naming any country, he said fuel, medicines and technology were increasingly being used as instruments of geopolitical pressure, while strategic geographical routes were also being “weaponised”.

Modi said India needed to strengthen domestic energy capabilities and reduce its exposure to external shocks.

India currently imports nearly 90 per cent of its crude oil requirements and around half of its natural gas needs.

The Prime Minister cited the expansion of domestic energy infrastructure as another indicator of the country’s changing economic landscape.

Piped cooking gas coverage, he said, has expanded from 70 cities to 700 cities, while the number of households receiving the fuel has risen to 1.75 crore from 22 lakh in 2014.

Solar power generation capacity has also increased sharply, from around 2 GW a decade ago to 160 GW, he highlighted during his speech.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the transformation in manufacturing and infrastructure over the past 12 years.

Modern railway coach production has increased 21-fold, while defence production has quadrupled and electronics manufacturing has expanded sevenfold, he said.

India’s internet user base has grown four times and digital transactions have increased 100 times. Patent grants have also risen fourfold, reflecting what Modi described as a broader shift towards innovation and technology-led growth.

He also pointed to a 15-fold increase in the annual pace of tap-water connections and the expansion of metro networks and public housing as evidence of improvements in basic infrastructure and urban services.

Modi said economic and manufacturing expansion had been accompanied by structural reforms in governance.

Thousands of compliance requirements have been eliminated and outdated laws repealed, he said, arguing that modern India cannot be governed through regulations designed for an earlier era. (NVI)

Four Killed, Five Army Personnel Missing After Flash Floods In Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh, Aug 15 (NVI): At least four persons were killed while five Army personnel went missing after flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall and a landslide in Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh, officials said.

According to officials, a flash flood swept away two shelters at the 5th Grenadiers’ Pasu Pani Army camp on Friday evening.

Seven Army personnel were swept away in the flash flood. While two of them were rescued, five others remain missing.

The missing personnel have been identified as Havaldar Upendar and Army personnel Kundan, Vinod, Aditya and Samunda.

Two search and rescue teams from the 5th Grenadiers have been deployed to trace the missing personnel.

Teams from the 58th Battalion of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), 62 RCC of the General Reserve Engineer Force, Arunachal Pradesh Police and local volunteers have also been rushed to the affected area to assist in the operation.

An SDRF team from Pasighat is also proceeding towards Anini to join the search and rescue efforts.

The search operation is underway.(NVI)

CM Omar Abdullah Pays Floral Tributes at Balidan Stambh on Independence Day

Srinagar, Aug 15 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday paid floral tributes at the Balidan Stambh here on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, honouring the martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.

Abdullah laid a wreath at the memorial and observed a moment of silence in remembrance of the fallen heroes.

J&K Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, ADGP Headquarters, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, senior civil and police officers, security personnel and others were present on the occasion.(NVI)

Five Killed After Scorpio Plunges Into Chenab River In J&K’s Kishtwar

Shivam Bakshi

Kishtwar, Aug 15 (NVI): At least five people were killed after a Mahindra Scorpio skidded off the road and plunged into the Chenab River in Yainwan area of Dangdaroo in Kishtwar district on Saturday, officials said.

The accident took place when the vehicle was travelling from Dangdaroo towards Sounder in the Dachhan area, they said.

Soon after the incident, a police team along with local residents reached the spot and launched rescue and recovery operations.

Five bodies have so far been recovered from the accident site. The exact number of people travelling in the vehicle at the time of the accident has not yet been ascertained, officials said.

Rescue operations are continuing, while authorities are working to establish the identities of the deceased and determine the circumstances that led to the accident.(NVI)

J&K LG Sinha Hoists National Flag at Lok Bhavan on Independence Day

Srinagar, Aug 15 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday hoisted the National Flag at Lok Bhavan here on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day and paid tributes to freedom fighters and security personnel who sacrificed their lives for the country.

Sinha joined the nation in remembering the freedom fighters and the brave men and women whose sacrifices paved the way for India’s independence, unity and integrity.

He said the nation would always remain indebted to those who laid down their lives for the country.

The Lieutenant Governor also paid homage to civilians who lost their lives in natural calamities during the year and expressed solidarity with their families.

He extended greetings to personnel of the Armed Forces, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces and other security agencies, acknowledging their contribution towards safeguarding the nation and maintaining peace and security.

Sinha expressed gratitude to soldiers and police personnel who made the supreme sacrifice while defending the country’s unity and fighting terrorism.

He said the sacrifices of the nation’s bravehearts should inspire people to work collectively towards building a stronger and more prosperous India.

The Lieutenant Governor called upon citizens to contribute towards peace, development and progress, and work towards realising the vision of a peaceful and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir.

The Independence Day celebrations at Lok Bhavan reflected the spirit of patriotism and remembrance, with tributes paid to those who contributed to India’s freedom and continue to safeguard its sovereignty and unity.(NVI)

CM Omar Calls for Restoration of Statehood, Stronger Federalism on I-Day

Srinagar, Aug 15 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday called for restoration of statehood to the Union Territory and said whatever had been taken away from the people should be returned, asserting that Jammu and Kashmir should become the starting point for strengthening federalism in the country.

Addressing the 80th Independence Day celebrations, Abdullah paid tribute to freedom fighters and martyrs and said the occasion was one of “joy, remembrance and reflection”.

He said the country must reflect on its journey since Independence and examine whether the vision of its founding leaders had been fully realised.

The chief minister paid tribute to National Conference founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, whom he described as one of the most courageous leaders of Jammu and Kashmir, and recalled the resistance mounted by local people against tribal raiders in 1947.

He said people in villages, towns and streets resisted the invasion even before the Indian Army arrived, with many sacrificing their lives.

Abdullah also remembered National Conference leader Master Abdul Aziz, who was killed in Muzaffarabad while resisting the tribal invasion.

Referring to people living across the Line of Control, the chief minister said they were “our own” and expressed hope that they would one day be able to occupy the seats reserved for representatives from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir in the J-K Legislative Assembly.

Calling democracy and federalism the country’s biggest strengths, Abdullah said both needed to be protected and strengthened.

“Whatever was taken away from us should be returned to us,” he said, stressing that federalism should not remain confined to words but should be reflected in practice.

He said Jammu and Kashmir should become the starting point for strengthening the federal structure and clarified that strengthening federalism was not only about restoring statehood to J-K but about empowering all states.

The chief minister also expressed concern over what he described as the erosion of states’ powers and interference by central agencies in areas falling within the states’ domain.

Referring to education and healthcare, he said these had traditionally been state subjects and questioned the growing role of national-level examinations in admissions to state institutions.

While supporting national examinations for institutions such as IITs, IIMs and NIFT, Abdullah said state institutions should have the right to conduct their own examinations and admissions.

He also stressed the need for transparency in recruitment and admissions, referring to controversies surrounding recruitment in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Losing trust takes minutes, while regaining it takes years,” he said, calling for transparent, merit-based systems so that deserving candidates felt assured of a fair opportunity.

Abdullah said the government, opposition and media had important roles to play in a democracy. While the government had the responsibility to govern, the opposition must hold it accountable and the media must scrutinise both.

Defending his government’s record over the past two-and-a-half years, Abdullah said the government belonged to the people and was working for their welfare, development and future.

He said efforts would continue to create opportunities for the youth, including those living in villages, and assured people that his government would work towards fulfilling their aspirations and restoring constitutional guarantees.

The chief minister concluded by extending Independence Day greetings and expressed hope that the next 80 years would be more prosperous, peaceful, developed and harmonious than the previous eight decades.(NVI)

PM Modi’s Independence Day Call: Dream Big, Build a Developed India

New Delhi, Aug 15 (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called upon the people to dream big and work collectively to realise the goal of making India a developed nation by 2047, asserting that the country’s resolve to become ‘Viksit Bharat’ will make the world look at it differently.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, Modi said India can no longer afford to have small dreams and must set ambitious goals matching its potential.

“Small dreams are not sufficient anymore. We should dream big. India has a big dream to become ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. When the world’s most populous nation resolves to become developed, the world will look at us differently,” he said.

Modi, who delivered his 13th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort, paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and other freedom fighters, recalling their sacrifices in the country’s struggle for independence.

He urged citizens to contribute towards building a stronger, developed and self-reliant India, saying the aspirations of the people must match the country’s vast potential.

The prime minister also noted that ‘Vande Mataram’ was echoing from the Red Fort for the first time since Independence, giving added significance to the national celebrations.

Traditional Turban Draws Attention

Modi appeared at the Red Fort wearing a traditional red tie-and-dye turban, continuing his tradition of showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage through his Independence Day attire.

He paired the turban with a white kurta and chocolate-brown vest, with saffron, white and green pocket squares adding a subtle tricolour touch.

The traditional tie-and-dye turban is associated with the cultural traditions of Rajasthan and Gujarat, while Modi’s colourful Independence Day headgear over the years has become a distinctive feature of the national celebrations.

In 2025, he wore a vibrant Rajasthani leheriya turban in orange, yellow and green hues. In 2024, he opted for a bandhani-style turban, while earlier appearances featured turbans in different colours and patterns representing India’s regional textiles and craftsmanship.

Modi’s first Independence Day appearance as prime minister in 2014 featured a red Jodhpuri bandhej turban. Since then, his choice of traditional turbans has reflected India’s regional diversity and textile heritage alongside the national significance of August 15.(NVI)

Military Modernisation, Self-Reliance Top Govt Priority: Rajnath

New Delhi, Aug 14 (NVI): Military modernisation through a self-reliant and future-ready defence sector remains the government’s top priority, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday, asserting that the nation is committed to the welfare of serving and retired armed forces personnel and their families.

Addressing the nation on the eve of Independence Day, Singh highlighted several measures taken for the welfare of defence personnel and their next of kin.

He said there has been a 300 per cent increase in the budget of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme over the past five years.

The Penury Grant under the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund has been doubled from Rs 4,000 to Rs 8,000, while the Education Grant has been increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 and the Marriage Grant from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh, he said.

“These decisions demonstrate our commitment to the welfare of our soldiers and their Next-of-Kin,” Singh said.

The defence minister also underlined the government’s focus on increasing opportunities for women in the armed forces and harnessing their potential in national security and nation-building.

He said the commissioning of the first batch of female cadets trained at the National Defence Academy as officers in the three Services marked a historic milestone.

“This is proof that courage and leadership are not confined to any gender,” Singh said.

He also cited ‘Samudra Pradakshina’, the first tri-service, all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition aboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel Triveni, as a symbol of women’s empowerment.

Recalling India’s freedom struggle, Singh paid tribute to freedom fighters including Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Sarojini Naidu and Rani Gaidinliu, besides countless known and unknown heroes who laid the foundation of independent India.

He said the responsibility of safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, unity and integrity now rests with the armed forces.

“Even in adverse circumstances, the steadfast resolve of our soldiers ensures that the citizens realise their dreams in a safe environment,” he said, adding that the courage, commitment and discipline of the armed forces remain a source of inspiration for every Indian.

The nation will remain indebted to the soldiers for their service, sacrifice and dedication, Singh said.

He also noted that this year’s Independence Day has special significance as 2026 marks the 150th anniversary of the National Song ‘Vande Mataram’.

Singh called upon citizens to celebrate the occasion with enthusiasm and contribute to nation-building.

He expressed confidence that the Independence Day celebrations would strengthen the spirit of patriotism and service to the nation and urged people to make meaningful contributions towards building a ‘Viksit Bharat’.(NVI)

Homestay policy to boost sustainable tourism in J&K: Chief Secretary

Srinagar, Aug 14 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Friday described the renewed Homestay Policy as a bedrock for promoting sustainable tourism in unexplored destinations and called for easier access to finance and greater training for homestay operators.

Chairing a meeting of the Tourism Department to review the policy, Dulloo said homestays offer an environmentally sustainable tourism model suited to the ecologically fragile region of Jammu and Kashmir.

He said promotion of homestays would help expand tourism beyond established destinations while making local residents active stakeholders in tourism development and creating employment and income opportunities.

Dulloo directed the Tourism Department to undertake intensive capacity-building and handholding initiatives for existing and prospective homestay owners to equip them with the skills required to provide quality services to tourists.

He also urged financial institutions to extend adequate financial support for the renovation, augmentation and improvement of homestay facilities, saying easier access to credit would encourage more households to join the initiative.

During the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Ashish Chandra Verma said a homestay under the policy is a residential property where the owner and family reside, with one to six guest rooms subject to prescribed standards for safety, hygiene, water supply and electricity.

Jammu and Kashmir currently has 2,802 homestay units with an accommodation capacity of 20,514 beds, he said.

The policy provides official recognition by the Tourism Department, promotion through J&K Tourism platforms, access to training programmes, facilitation of financial assistance through government schemes and banks, participation in tourism promotion campaigns and greater visibility among domestic and international tourists.

The renewed framework also introduces a Bed and Breakfast model under which secondary residential properties can be registered for tourist accommodation. Owners can offer one to six rooms, allowing them to generate income from vacant or underutilised properties while increasing tourist accommodation capacity.

The registration process has also been simplified through the J&K Tourism portal, where applicants can upload property details, photographs and required documents online. Digital integration and geotagging would facilitate easier discovery and promotion of registered properties.

Under the financial inclusion component being facilitated through J&K Bank, loans of up to Rs 5 lakh per room can be extended for converting residential houses into homestays, subject to a maximum of Rs 30 lakh per homestay.

The department also highlighted the digital integration undertaken under Mission YUVA through a partnership with OYO for the “Crown of Incredible India” Homestay Initiative.

The initiative seeks to promote village-based entrepreneurship and self-employment among youth by establishing and promoting homestays in rural and lesser-explored areas.

The policy also provides for a simplified and time-bound inspection mechanism. Registered applicants would be assessed by an Inspection Committee through a prescribed checklist and categorised as Silver or Gold based on compliance with stipulated standards.

Applicants submitting all required documents would receive provisional Silver-category registration for six months. If verification is not completed within 15 days, the registration would be deemed automatically approved, according to the policy.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, GAD; Director, Industries and Commerce, Jammu; Directors of Tourism, Kashmir and Jammu; representatives of J&K Bank and other officials.

The renewed policy is aimed at creating an inclusive, digitally enabled and financially supported tourism ecosystem with local households and youth at the centre of tourism-led economic development in Jammu and Kashmir.(NVI)

No work-from-home order for PM package employees: Div Com Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 14 (NVI): Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Friday said no order had been issued directing employees appointed under the Prime Minister’s Package to work from home, urging people to rely only on information shared through official government channels.

Garg was responding to reports that PM package employees had been verbally asked to work from home amid security concerns ahead of Independence Day celebrations.

“No such order has been issued,” he said, adding that adequate security arrangements had been put in place for employees, residents and the general public in Srinagar.

“We should rely on authentic information channels provided by the government and the administration,” Garg said.

The divisional commissioner also extended Independence Day greetings to the people and invited them to attend the main celebrations at Bakshi Stadium on Saturday.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will unfurl the national flag and address the gathering at 10 am.

Garg said a full-dress rehearsal for the celebrations was held at Bakshi Stadium on Thursday, with parade contingents and cultural groups participating after nearly 20 days of preparations.

He said security agencies had also conducted a detailed review of the arrangements to ensure the smooth and secure conduct of the Independence Day celebrations.(NVI)

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