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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)

J&K LG Sinha pays tribute to Partition victims, calls for peace and national unity

Srinagar, Aug 14 (NVI) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday paid homage to the victims of the 1947 Partition and urged people, particularly the youth, to learn from the tragedy and work towards peace, harmony and national integration.

Addressing a Partition Horrors Remembrance Day event at Tagore Hall here, Sinha said the suffering caused by Partition continues to remain a painful memory in the collective consciousness of the country.

“Decades after the Partition, their sacrifice reminds us that the wound remains unhealed, lingering as a generational pain in India’s collective soul,” he said.

Sinha said the observance was not merely about recalling history but also about giving voice to millions who suffered during the Partition.

He paid tribute to those who endured displacement, violence and immense hardship, saying their resilience and sacrifices continue to inspire generations.

The lieutenant governor called upon the people of Jammu and Kashmir to treat the day as an occasion for introspection and reaffirmation of their commitment to peace and national unity.

Addressing the youth, he said they must ensure that the mistakes of the past are not repeated.

“Where walls were once raised, you must build bridges of trust and construct a Viksit Bharat that is inclusive,” Sinha said.

He said the strength of India lies in its diversity of languages, cultures, traditions and beliefs, and called for strengthening the bonds of unity.

Sinha also recalled the suffering of families displaced from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Chhamb during Partition and paid tribute to those who, he said, faced discrimination in Jammu and Kashmir for decades due to Article 370.

He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with ending their suffering and granting them equal rights.

The lieutenant governor also remembered the victims of the tribal invasion of Jammu and Kashmir following Partition, saying Indian forces and local people had fought bravely against the attackers.

“Today, I humbly pay tribute to the patience, hard work, and unbroken patriotism of all those families,” he said.

Sinha urged people to acquaint future generations with the pain of Partition while ensuring that such a tragedy is never repeated.

“Building a self-reliant Jammu Kashmir is a shared duty and national unity remains the bedrock of our strength, security and collective progress,” he said.

The lieutenant governor also visited a photo exhibition organised on the occasion. A two-minute silence was observed in memory of those who lost their lives during Partition.

A theatrical performance highlighting the trauma, hardship and displacement experienced by millions during the Partition was also staged.

J&K Waqf Board Chairperson Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary Jal Shakti Shaleen Kabra, Principal Secretary Culture Brij Mohan Sharma, BJP J&K General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul, senior officials, prominent citizens and a large number of youth attended the event.(NVI)

LG Sinha Congratulates J&K Police Personnel Honoured with Independence Day Medals

File Photo : LG Manoj Sinha

Srinagar, Aug 14 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday congratulated the officers and personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir Police who have been awarded the Medal for Gallantry, President’s Medal for Distinguished Service and Medal for Meritorious Service on the occasion of Independence Day 2026.

In a post on X, Sinha lauded the awardees for their courage, dedication and commitment to duty, saying their service reflected the highest traditions of public service.

“Heartiest congratulations to all the officers and personnel of @JmuKmrPolice who have been awarded the prestigious Medal for Gallantry, President’s Medal for Distinguished Service and Medal for Meritorious Service on the occasion of Independence Day 2026,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor said the courage and devotion to duty displayed by the personnel were a matter of pride for the nation.

“Their courage and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest traditions of public service. The nation is proud of their exemplary commitment and sacrifice,” he said.

Sinha also congratulated personnel of the Home Guards and Civil Defence who have been honoured with the Medal for Meritorious Service.

The Independence Day honours recognise exceptional gallantry, distinguished service and meritorious contributions by police, security and civil defence personnel across the country.(NVI)

Security Tightened Along Jammu-Srinagar Highway Ahead Of Independence Day

J&K Encounter
Security forces in Kashmir (File Pic)

Srinagar, August 14 (NVI): Security has been stepped up along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and other sensitive areas of Jammu and Kashmir ahead of Independence Day, with security forces intensifying patrolling, checking and surveillance.

Officials said personnel from the BSF, CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police and other security agencies have been deployed at vulnerable locations along the highway. Vehicle checks have been intensified, while suspicious vehicles and individuals are being thoroughly verified.

Additional security personnel have been positioned at key entry and exit points and other strategic locations as part of the security arrangements for August 15.

Security agencies are maintaining close coordination and monitoring developments, particularly in areas of south Kashmir considered sensitive from a security perspective.

The enhanced security measures are aimed at ensuring that Independence Day celebrations are held peacefully and without any disruption across Jammu and Kashmir.(NVI)

J&K: NCB, Police, BSF Conduct High-Risk Narcotics Operation in Samba

Shivam Bakshi

Samba, Aug 14 (NVI): The Narcotics Control Bureau, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the BSF have seized 603 grams of suspected heroin and apprehended a person during a joint operation in Samba district, officials said on Friday.

The operation was conducted on Thursday in Bari Brahmana area based on specific intelligence inputs, the NCB said in a statement.

The agencies also seized a motorcycle allegedly used in the illegal activity and apprehended a resident of Vijaypur in Samba district, it said.

The operation was conducted under “high-risk and hostile circumstances” and the coordinated presence of the three agencies helped bring the situation under control despite resistance, according to the NCB.

The seizure came a day after the NCB recovered 438 grams of suspected heroin in Jammu, highlighting intensified anti-narcotics operations in the region, it said.

Further investigation is underway to establish the forward and backward linkages of the case, the agency added.(NVI)

Argument Turns Fatal as VDC Member Allegedly Opens Fire in J&K’s Udhampur

Representational Image

Shivam Bakshi

Udhampur, Aug 14 (NVI): One person was killed and another seriously injured after a Village Defence Committee (VDC) member allegedly opened fire at them in the Moungri area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district on Friday, police said.

According to officials, the incident took place in the morning when the two persons were travelling towards Damnot Police Post. An argument allegedly broke out during the journey, following which the accused opened fire at the duo.

One of the victims, Baldev Singh, son of Karta Singh, died on the spot, while Romesh Singh, son of Nak Ram, suffered serious injuries and was shifted to a hospital for treatment, officials said.

A senior police officer said all those involved in the incident are members of the VDC.

Police have taken cognisance of the incident and an investigation is underway, the officer said.(NVI)

Uttarakhand Tunnel Accident: Six Workers Killed, Two Missing

Uttarakhand, Aug 14 (NVI): Six workers were killed while 14 others were rescued after water, mud and debris suddenly flooded an under-construction tunnel at the THDC project in Pipalkoti area of Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, officials said.

The incident occurred on the evening of August 13, reportedly after heavy rainfall triggered a landslide above the tunnel alignment, resulting in the sudden ingress of water and debris into the tunnel.

According to officials, 22 workers were trapped or affected in the incident. While six workers have been confirmed dead, 14 others were rescued and shifted for medical treatment. Two workers are still reported missing.

A multi-agency rescue operation involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Army and local police is underway.

Heavy-duty pumps are being deployed to drain accumulated water and remove muck and debris from inside the tunnel as rescuers continue efforts to trace the missing workers.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed the authorities to carry out the rescue operation on a war footing and ensure all possible assistance to those affected.—(NVI)

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