Modi highlights India's transformation on 80th Independence Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked India's 80th Independence Day with a 76-minute address from the historic Red Fort, his third-shortest speech at the venue. He hoisted the national flag for the 13th time, followed by the national anthem and a 21-gun salute. For the first time, the full rendition of "Vande Mataram" was sung, a moment Modi described as historic and resonant.

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As global warming continues, extreme weather events and disasters such as torrential rains, floods, typhoons, and droughts are increasing significantly, exacerbating their destructive impact.

Modi cautioned the nation against "Dimagi Naxalism" and ideological forces aiming to mislead youth and promote anarchy, stating that while armed Naxalism is weakened, vigilance against discord-spreaders is necessary. A key focus of his speech was the nation's youth, with announcements including AI skills training for 10 million young people and free online coaching for competitive exams for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Expressing strong confidence in India's future, Modi reiterated his vision of "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) by 2047, calling it a "big dream" that expands national thinking. He emphasized that small dreams are no longer sufficient, and a nation's greatness stems from its dreams, resolve, and inherent strength. He urged collective effort towards this goal, noting that when the world's most populous country makes such a resolution, the world takes notice.

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As global warming continues, extreme weather events and disasters such as torrential rains, floods, typhoons, and droughts are increasing significantly, exacerbating their destructive impact.

Reflecting on the past 12 years, Modi detailed India's transformation, moving from the "Fragile Five" to a leading fast-growing economy. He cited significant increases in defense production, electronics manufacturing, modern railway coach production, mobile phone manufacturing, and production by Khadi and village industries. In the digital realm, internet users have nearly quadrupled, patent grants have risen fourfold, and digital transactions have surged 100-fold. Socially, the delivery of basic amenities has accelerated, with tap-water connections provided at 15 times the previous annual rate and gas connections at six times the earlier pace.

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China will “continuously improve our ability and level of prevention and response to various natural disasters, and effectively safeguard the lives and property of the people and social stability,”