Key Updates

Independence Day special story: How democracy is unfolding across India

This Independence Day, perhaps the most important reminder for us as citizens is that democracy is rebuilt and sustained through dialogue and interaction. When people across socio-economic and political backgrounds connect, share grief and laughter, make friends, chat and get to know one another, they begin to build something more fundamental: trust.

Read the full story here:

Independence Day 2026: How protest, community and tea are bringing people together

Explore how protests, community kitchens, and shared experiences are fostering trust and connections among diverse groups in India.

Indians define what freedom means to them | Independence Day 2026

• August 15, 2026 23:25
  Leading countries extend greetings to India on 80th Independence Day

  India’s global partners, including France, Russia and Australia, on Saturday (August 15, 2026) extended greetings to the country on its 80 th Independence Day, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and regional cooperation.

  Leading countries extend greetings to India on 80th Independence Day

  World leaders, including Macron and Putin, extend heartfelt greetings to India on its 80th Independence Day, celebrating strong ties.

• August 15, 2026 20:39
  One shouldn't speak lies from Red Fort: Akhilesh on PM speech

  “Red Fort is not a place from where one should speak lies,” Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday (August 15, 2026) hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his pitch for women’s reservation bill in his Independence Day speech saying the legislation was already passed in 2023 and the government should implement it in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

  Mr. Yadav also claimed that Partition is a cause for celebration for the BJP.

  In his speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Modi urged political parties to rise above differences to help secure 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures.

  Speaking to reporters at the Samajwadi Party office here, Yadav said, “One should not speak lies from the Red Fort. It is not the place from where lies should be spoken.” 

  – PTI

• August 15, 2026 20:37
  41 policemen honoured in Gurugram on Independence Day

  On the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, 41 police officers and personnel were honoured for outstanding services, officials said.

  According to the police, 41 police officers and personnel of Gurugram Police were presented commendations and honours for their outstanding, commendable and dedicated services. The honoured police personnel have made notable contributions in maintaining law and order and controlling crime.

  Among the honoured police personnel, ASI Rajendra was specially honoured for making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

  – PTI

• August 15, 2026 20:35
  External forces trying to influence youths; only PM Modi can solve their problems: Odisha CM

  Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday (August 15, 2026) advised youths to focus on their career, instead of being influenced by “external forces” that do not want to see India as a strong nation, while asserting that only Prime Minister Narendra Modi can solve their problems.

  Addressing a State-level event here marking the 80th Independence Day, the Chief Minister made five major announcements, including removing the maximum limit of six chances for the State civil service exam. Aspirants can now appear in the exam till they reach the upper age limit.

  He also announced compassionate recruitment following the death of government employees, creating three lakh employment opportunities in the next two to three years, which will be extended to 20 lakh in the next five years.

  – PTI

• August 15, 2026 20:33
  Deep discomfort with full rendition of 'Vande Mataram': BJP MP Anurag Thakur accuses Congress of insulting national song, demands apology

  BJP MP Anurag Thakur on Saturday accused the Congress leadership of showing “deep discomfort” with the full rendition of Vande Mataram at the party headquarters on Independence Day and demanded that the Congress apologise to the nation, alleging that its leaders insulted the National Song.

  “Today, the Congress leadership has once again demonstrated its deep discomfort with the full rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’. This is not merely a matter of protocol; it is a question of the nation’s honour,” Mr. Thakur said.

  “Driven by petty politics and a policy of appeasement, the Congress has insulted the National Song today. The Congress must apologise to the entire nation,” he added.

  Mr. Thakur claimed that while the original version of ‘Vande Mataram’, which he alleged was earlier “discarded or removed” by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, was being sung, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi appeared uncomfortable.

  – ANI

• August 15, 2026 20:32
  L-G Saxena joins people in celebrating 80th Independence Day in Ladakh

  Ladakh Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena on Saturday joined the people of the Union territory in celebrating the 80th Independence Day by hoisting the national flag at the polo ground here and taking the salute of the marching contingents.

  Addressing the gathering, Saxena paid tribute to the freedom fighters whose courage and sacrifice secured the country’s Independence and laid the foundation for its democratic journey, an official statement said.

  He also saluted the armed forces, paramilitary personnel, Ladakh Scouts, police and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) staff performing their duties amid the challenging terrain and harsh climate of Ladakh.

  – PTI

• August 15, 2026 17:12
  Nepal PM Shah greets Modi, Indian people on 80th Independence Day

  Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Saturday (August 15, 2026) extended greetings and best wishes to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi and the people of India on the occasion of the country’s 80th Independence Day.

  Mr. Shah’s message comes amid Nepal’s efforts to strengthen ties with India, with the Himalayan nation seeking greater economic cooperation and connectivity with its immediate neighbour.

  “On the occasion of India’s 80th Independence Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to PM @narendramodi and the friendly people and Government of India,” Shah’s office said in a post on X.

  – PTI

• August 15, 2026 17:09
  'Suryapath Tiranga': Global relay of tricolour spirit to mark 80th Independence Day

  ‘Suryapath Tiranga’ — a first-of-its-kind initiative, involving several Indian missions, from east to west, under which the images of the tricolour is being “digitally relayed” across multiple time zones, began from India’s High Commission in Fiji on Saturday (August 15, 2026) to mark the country’s 80th Independence Day.

  The campaign symbolically traces the journey of the rising sun across time zones, carrying the spirit of India’s freedom, unity and national pride across continents, officials said.

  “With the first rays of the sun, the Indian flag was raised first in Suva, Fiji, marking the beginning of the global Tiranga relay, ‘Surya Path Tiranga’ – a symbolic journey carrying the spirit of India’s Independence Day across the world,” the High Commission of India in Fiji posted on X.

  – PTI

• August 15, 2026 17:08
  Governor inaugurates first organ transplant centre in Sikkim

  Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur on Saturday (August 15, 2026) inaugurated the first organ transplantation centre and post-transplant ICU at STNM Hospital here.

  Two Sikkimese patients underwent kidney transplants for the first time within the State.

  The Governor inaugurated the facilities in the presence of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and Health Minister GT Dhungel.

  Speaking to reporters after the inauguration, Mr. Tamang called the commencement of kidney transplantation in Sikkim a “historic milestone”, saying it had been achieved on the state’s 80th Independence Day.

  – PTI

• August 15, 2026 17:07
  Only two decades left to achieve 'Viksit Bharat' goal, says Gujarat Dy CM; calls for planning

  Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Saturday (August 15, 2026) called for planning to achieve the ambitious goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, saying only two decades were left to meet the target.

  He was addressing a gathering after hoisting the national flag at the Manjalpur Sports Complex in Vadodara as part of the district-level Independence Day celebration.

  “Only 20 years remain until India completes 100 years of independence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi set the goal of Viksit Bharat at 2047 five years ago. There are now only two decades to achieve this ambitious goal. Therefore, the 80th Independence Day is not merely a celebration; it is a great source of inspiration for planning the next 20 years,” he said.

  – PTI

• August 15, 2026 16:45
  Telangana CM inaugurates statues of Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi

  Chief Minister of Telangana, Revanth Reddy, inaugurated the statues of former Prime Ministers Jawahar Lal Nehru and Rajiv Gandhi at Sangareddy District, Telangana. Photo: Mohd Arif

  WhatsApp Image 2026-08-15 at 4.42.12 PM.jpeg

• August 15, 2026 16:01
  This generation brings with it qualities that give us every reason to be confident: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant

  The Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, in his Independence Day address at the Supreme Court on Saturday (August 15, 2026), said the younger generation’s “remarkable resilience”, awareness of social realities, and their use of technology to communicate and access knowledge give the nation every reason to be confident in them.

  The Bar and Bench walk with you: CJI to youth in I-Day message, a day after Bar Council overreach

  CJI Surya Kant praises youth's resilience and tech-savviness in Independence Day address, emphasizing their role in shaping justice.

• August 15, 2026 15:56
  Return what was taken away from J&K: Omar Abdullah in his I-Day speech

  Terming federalism as “strength of the country”, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, said on the 80th Independence Day on Saturday (August 15, 2026) in Srinagar, that J&K should be returned “whatever was taken away from it”, in an oblique reference to the special status under Article 370.

• August 15, 2026 15:07
  Visual story: Freedom's Progress Through the Years

  India’s independence was the culmination of nearly two centuries of political change, resistance, and negotiation. This timeline revisits the milestones that shaped India’s struggle for independence, as recorded by .

  Freedom's Progress Through the Years

  Explore an interactive timeline of Indian democracy, dissent, constitutional milestones, protests, and the Emergency through archival visuals and key historical events.

• August 15, 2026 15:05
  Working on comprehensive rehab plan for flood-hit families: Assam CM

  Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday (August 15, 2026) said the State government was preparing a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for the flood-affected families.

  He said the focus of such a plan would be on rebuilding infrastructure, restoring livelihoods, and creating a more flood-resilient Assam.

  In his Independence Day message, the Chief Minister emphasised stronger infrastructure, reliable early-warning forecasts, and resilient livelihoods, maintaining that a rapid digital assessment of the flood damage would enable faster rehabilitation and reconstruction.

• August 15, 2026 14:13
  Chaos at Kozhikode Corporation’s I-Day flag-hoisting as councillors simultaneously sing national anthem, Vande Mataram

  The Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony at Kozhikode Corporation in Kerala on Saturday (August 15) witnessed unusual scenes when two groups of councillors sang the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, and the national song, Vande Mataram, simultaneously.

  Chaos at Kozhikode Corporation’s I-Day flag-hoisting as councillors simultaneously sing national anthem, Vande Mataram

  Kozhikode's Independence Day ceremony saw chaos as councillors sang the national anthem and Vande Mataram simultaneously, causing confusion.

• August 15, 2026 14:01
  Nagaland CM calls for early solution to Naga Political Issue, operationalisation of FNTA

  Nagaland celebrated the 80th Independence Day on Saturday (August 15) with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio calling for unity, an early and honourable solution to the long-standing Naga Political Issue, early operationalisation of the FNTA, and continued peace and stability in the State.

  The state-level celebration was held at the Civil Secretariat Plaza, where Mr. Rio hoisted the National Flag, took the salute and addressed government employees and a limited gathering of the public.

  Mr. Rio inspected the parade and presented awards to police personnel and civil servants for meritorious and distinguished service.

  Students were not present at the official programme as the influential Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) enforced its boycott call against participation in it over the mandatory singing of the entire “Vande Mataram” song.- PTI

• August 15, 2026 13:02
  Nepal PM Shah greets PM Modi, Indian people on 80th Independence Day

  Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Saturday (August 15) extended greetings and best wishes to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi and the people of India on the occasion of the country’s 80th Independence Day.

  Mr. Shah’s message comes amid Nepal’s efforts to strengthen ties with India, with the Himalayan nation seeking greater economic cooperation and connectivity with its immediate neighbour.- PTI

• August 15, 2026 12:57
  Hard work of job aspirants won't be left at mercy of paper leak mafia: Jharkhand CM

  Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Saturday (August 15) said the hard work of job aspirants would not be left at the mercy of the paper leak mafia, corruption or irregularities, and huge employment opportunities would be made available to them through the State’s recruitment agencies.

  Mr. Soren’s assurance in his Independence Day speech came at a time when agitation by students demanding reforms in Jharkhand’s recruitment examination process entered its 22nd day.- PTI

• August 15, 2026 12:33
  New system of governance central to ZPM govt's vision for self-reliant Mizoram: CM

  Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Saturday (August 15) said that a new system of governance remains central to the present ZPM government’s vision to build a self-reliant economy.

  Addressing the Independence Day programme, Mr. Lalduhoma said achieving self-sufficiency in food and other essential sectors was a key objective of his government, alongside improving livelihoods and ensuring balanced development across Mizoram.

  “We are taking steps to build a stronger system of governance and a self-reliant, more developed state, while improving the living standards of the people. To achieve self-sufficiency in food and other essential areas, our central vision has been, and will continue to be, a ‘people’s government’ with a new vision and a new approach,” he said after hoisting the Tricolour.- PTI

• August 15, 2026 12:30
  Looking back at Film and Television Institute of India's role on making India’s filmmaking rebels

  In the start-up years, the Institute’s annual budget was just ₹3 lakh. There were shortages galore. In fact, the teacher shortage was so dire that Jagat Murari could hardly keep the institute running. The solution? He persuaded some of the finest filmmakers to come to Pune as guest faculty. Directors such as David Lean, Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak, Raj Kapoor, Ismail Merchant, James Ivory, and many others walked through the FTII gates. Cinematographers like R.D. Mathur (of Mughal-e-Azam fame) and Subrata Mitra (Ray’s cameraman) came. Kamini Kaushal and Balraj Sahni taught acting. In the academic year 1963-64, he pulled in 50 such guest lecturers.

  Read the story here:

  Independence Day 2026 | Jagat Murari and FTII: Where India’s filmmaking rebels were made

  On India’s 80th Independence Day, the enduring legacy of Jagat Murari, FTII’s former head, asks if public institutions can still nurture independent thinkers

• August 15, 2026 12:01
  Mehbooba asks Centre to reflect if India has lived up to Constitution's vision

  PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday (August 15, 2026) called on the BJP-led government at the Centre to reflect on whether India truly embodies the principles outlined in the Constitution.

  “The BJP government at the Centre should think if, after 80 years, we have realised the dream of India as envisioned in the Constitution,” Ms. Mufti told reporters after attending the Independence Day function at Bakshi Stadium.

  Her comments came in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s request for all political parties to support the implementation of women’s reservation in Parliament and State assemblies without turning it into a political battle.- PTI

• August 15, 2026 11:58
  Country needs informed citizens, not blind followers for strong democracy, says Deputy CM K. Pawan Kalyan

  Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan has asked the youth to think before believing something, question before following, and inquire before taking a decision. 

  Addressing the youth after hoisting the national flag during the 80 th Independence Day celebrations at District Police Grounds in Kakinada city on Saturday (August 15, 2026), Mr. Kalyan has reiterated, “In the era of technology, information is reaching the people at good speed, but speed is not truth. For a strong democracy, the country needs informed citizens and not blind followers”.

  Country needs informed citizens, not blind followers for strong democracy, says Deputy CM K. Pawan Kalyan

  Deputy CM K. Pawan Kalyan emphasizes the need for informed citizens over blind followers for a robust democracy.

• August 15, 2026 11:47
  Secularism, democratic consciousness and equality are our strengths and pillars: Kerala CM

  Addressing the State after hoisting the national flag at the Independence Day celebrations at Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday (August 15, 2026), Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan called upon people to become “guardians and fighters of a strong democracy founded on open-mindedness, tolerance, debate, self-correction and innovation.”

  In Independence Day speech, Kerala CM warns against communalism, calls for open-minded democracy

  Kerala Chief Minister advocates for a diverse democracy, emphasizing unity, tolerance, and constitutional values in Independence Day speech.

• August 15, 2026 11:43
  'From Red Fort, PM claims credit for everything': Mallikarjun Kharge slams BJP on Independence Day

  Marking India’s 80th Independence Day at the Congress headquarters, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge slammed the BJP-led Central government, accusing it of failing to deliver fundamental rights, evading parliamentary accountability, and fueling divisive politics while “crushing the poor.”- ANI

  WhatsApp Image 2026-08-15 at 11.17.44 AM.jpeg

  Flag hoisting by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on the occasion of 80th Independence Day at the AICC HQ, Indira Bhawan, New Delhi on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and former president of AICC, Sonia Gandhi are also seen.

  Photo credit: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar

• August 15, 2026 11:39
  Arunachal CM vows to rebuild State in better way after natural calamity ravages region

  Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday (August 15, 2026) vowed to rebuild the State in a better way after floods ravaged the region, and announced a ₹7,834 crore investment between 2026 and 2029 to strengthen roads, rural connectivity and other key infrastructure.

  Hoisting the Tricolour at Indira Gandhi Park here, on the occasion of India’s 80th Independence Day, he said the recent natural disasters had brought back to focus the need for safer and more resilient infrastructure in the frontier State.- PTI

• August 15, 2026 11:30
  India's struggle for independence was different from the freedom struggles that had proceeded in other colonies: CJI Surya Kant

  Speaking during Independence Day event at the Supreme Court, CJI Surya Kant, said, “If you look back, understand that India’s struggle for independence was different from the freedom struggles that had proceeded in other colonies. Ours was not primarily an armed insurrection. It was instead a sustained challenge to the legitimacy of colonial rule through political movements, petitions, public debates and most importantly, through the language of law.”- PTI

• August 15, 2026 11:14
  Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke hoists the national flag at his native village in Maharashtra

  Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke hoists the national flag at his native village in Maharashtra on August 15, 2026. Mr. Dipke on said that government-run schools in India remain neglected irrespective of parties in power as he prepared to launch ‘School Thik Karo’ campaign from Hingoli in Maharashtra, marking Independence Day.

• August 15, 2026 10:59
  Slogans that built solidarity during freedom struggle

  Slogans are dispatches, a voice of persuasion and resistance, and hence, carry as much historical and cultural value as our monuments. Though the trajectory of sloganeering has evolved with time, the essence of its purpose is still the same — bringing change.

  ​

  Going viral: Slogans that built solidarity during freedom struggle

  Explore how powerful slogans united India’s diverse voices in the struggle for independence, shaping national identity and resistance.

  ​

• August 15, 2026 10:45
  Looking back: Why Chennai journalists went on a fast on Independence Day 25 years ago?

  On the morning of August 15, 2001, as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa hoisted the national flag at Fort St. George, about 3.5 km away, scores of journalists sat on a fast outside the M.A. Chidambaram Cricket Stadium, near the State Guest House in Chennai.

  About 48 hours earlier, several journalists, particularly photographers and camerapersons, had been subjected to a savage attack by the police just outside the office of the Director General of Police on Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai.

  ​Read the full article here,​

• August 15, 2026 10:11
  Watch: Independence Day celebrations from across the country

  Independence Day celebrations are under way across the country. Here are glimpses from a few States:

• August 15, 2026 10:01
  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.

  In his address to the nation on the 80th Independence Day, Modi said drug addiction has emerged as a major challenge for the country’s youth, and stressed the need to tackle it.

  “Drug addiction is becoming a very big challenge for the country and its youth. Making India drug-free should be a collective responsibility of all of us,” he said from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

  “For our bright future, our youth generation should be strong, our youth should be capable and should work for the country,” he said.

  Mr. Modi urged volunteers, NGOs, social and cultural organisations and spiritual leaders to prepare for the 100-week campaign for a drug-free India.

  -PTI

• August 15, 2026 09:54
  PM Modi's I-Day speech shortest in four years

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a 75-minute Independence Day speech on Saturday (Augst 15, the shortest in four years and his fourth shortest ever.

  On India’s 79th Independence Day last year, Modi had delivered a 103-minute speech, breaking his own record of a 98-minute address delivered on the 78th Independence Day in 2024.

  His longest Independence Day speech before 2024 was for 96 minutes in 2016, while his shortest speech was in 2017, when he spoke for 56 minutes.

  – PTI

• August 15, 2026 09:37
  'Dimagi Naxals' looking to create unrest, must identify, isolate them: 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”.

  Addressing the nation on the 80th Independence Day, the Prime Minister said Naxalism and Maoism destroyed the future of several youths.

  “For four decades, huge areas and people were in their clutches under the fear of guns. Over 3,500 security personnel died protecting people; the number is higher than those who die in war,” he said.

  “When we came to power in 2014, we swore to rid the country of Naxals. I am happy Maoist violence is taking its last breath,” he said, adding that several areas have become free of Naxalites and are becoming developed.

  Mr. Modi added, “For years, those with Naxal mentality had their place in the power corridors. They were in government committees as advisors. Maoist thinking impacted policies.

  “We have succeeded in getting rid of armed Naxals in the jungles, but ‘dimagi Naxals’ are looking for opportunities to create violence, unrest … They want to drag the society on the wrong path,” he said.

  – PTI

• August 15, 2026 09:17
  Modi announces free online coaching for youth

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

  “Coaching classes burden the poor and the middle class. We will provide free online coaching for various exams,” Mr. Modi said in his address to the nation on India’s 80th Independence Day.

  “Every parent feels that if they do not send their child to a coaching class, they are not a prestigious family,” he said.

  The Prime Minister said he assures these families that they can save “thousands of crores of rupees” spent on coaching, be close to their children, and care for them.

  – PTI

• August 15, 2026 09:10
  Added 650 new universities, doubled medical seats, since 2014: Modi

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country added 650 new universities in the last decade and more than doubled the number of medical seats since 2014.

  In his address to the nation on the 80th Independence Day, Modi said the government brought in a new education policy after decades.

  “For 35 years, there was no education policy. We brought a new education policy,” he said from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

  “From 2004 to 2014, there were fewer than 350 universities. And today, within 10-12 years, nearly 650 new universities have been added,” the Prime Minister said.

  “Before 2014, there were only 400 medical seats, and today nearly 850 medical seats are available,” he added.

  – PTI

• August 15, 2026 09:01
  PM Modi appeals to all parties to support 33% reservation for women in Parliament

  In his speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to all parties to extend their support for Women’s reservation in Parliament and Assemblies. 

  “33% reservation for women is call of the hour, appeal to all parties to support and take credit for it,” he said. 

• August 15, 2026 08:46
  Centre, state, industry must work together for Viksit Bharat: Modi

  The Centre, the state, and the industry must work together for reforms, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday.

  In his address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Modi said that society, government, and industry must change their traditional ways, thinking, and targets to achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047.

  “Things that have not been done in the last five or six decades, we have to do them in the next five to seven years. I have faith in my country’s youth, farmers, labourers, daughters, and mothers to be able to do this,” he said.

  – PTI

• August 15, 2026 08:36
  PM Modi highlights railway electrification, green hydrogen train

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

  Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, Mr. Modi said railway electrification had begun in 1925 but only 30% of the network was electrified in the next 90 years.

  “We completed 100% electrification in just one decade. Thirty per cent in 90 years and 70% in 10 years — this is the pace of work,” he said.

  He said electrification has helped save imported diesel and benefited the environment as trains are increasingly powered by electricity.

  – PTI

• August 15, 2026 08:22
  Trade agreements we are signing provide big opportunity for MSMEs: PM Modi

  PM Modi asked MSMEs not to let go of opportunities being provided by the trade agreements being signed by the country. 

  “World has started recognising our abilities; we have concluded FTAs with 40 countries,” he said, adding that markets of world open for Indian farmers, we have to reach there. “Our agri-products must become global brands.”

  “There should be no compromise with quality, our mantra should be ‘quality, quality, quality’.”

• August 15, 2026 08:17
  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. 

  “Some people weaponised systems at their disposal during times of crisis, but our self-reliance helped us.” 

  “Due to our measures there is no shortage of gas, fuel, urea in country today,” he added. 

• August 15, 2026 08:11
  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. 

  Piped gas is reaching 1.75 crore households today, he said.

• August 15, 2026 08:07
  PM Modi assures flood, landslide-hit families of government support

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

  Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort after hoisting the national flag on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, Modi said, “My dear Indians, in the past few days, some parts of the country have witnessed floods and landslides, and many families have been affected. We fully understand their pain and suffering. I assure the affected families that the entire country stands with them.” He expressed solidarity with those affected by the natural calamities.

  – PTI

• August 15, 2026 08:05
  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. 

  Mr. 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’

• August 15, 2026 07:56
  We must dream big, because big dreams expand our thinking and broaden the horizons of our vision: PM Modi

  Addressing the nation from ramparts of Red Fort, PM Modi, says, “A nation becomes great and achieves its aspirations when it moves forward on the strength of its dreams, its resolve and its capabilities. My fellow citizens, our country can no longer be driven by small dreams. We must dream big, because big dreams expand our thinking and broaden the horizons of our vision. Our resolve must be firm. When our resolve is strong, the ability to find a way through difficulties and disasters emerges on its own.”

  – PTI

• August 15, 2026 07:51
  5,000 special guests from diverse backgrounds attend 80th I-Day celebrations

  Nearly 5,000 special guests from different walks of life, including women entrepreneurs, young innovators, farmers and beneficiaries of various government schemes, are in attendance at the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort.

  The invitees included International Yoga Day volunteers, women entrepreneurs under the PM Mudra Yojana, beneficiaries of schemes including NAMASTE, PM AJAY and SEED, and best performing My Bharat volunteers.

  Best performing beneficiaries of PMAY(U), street vendors under PM SVANidhi, urban sanitation workers under the Swachh Bharat Mission, best performing Delhi Metro workers, workers associated with Kartavya Path and Central Vista, staff of government hospitals in Delhi were also part of the gathering.

  The special guests also included young innovators under national innovation programmes, scientists in different fields, cab drivers of Bharat Taxi in Delhi, interns under the Prime Minister Internship Scheme, and best performing start-ups supported under various government schemes.

  – PTI

• August 15, 2026 07:47
  '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. 

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

• August 15, 2026 07:42
  Watch LIVE: PM Modi addresses the nation on Independence Day

• August 15, 2026 07:41
  PM Modi begins address

  PM Modi has begun his addresses to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi. 

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

• August 15, 2026 07:13
  PM Modi pays floral tributes at Rajghat

• August 15, 2026 07:03
  India's constitutional values, democratic institutions have faced serious challenges: Kharge

  Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said India’s constitutional values, democratic institutions and social harmony have faced “serious challenges” over the last 10 years, as he called for full measure of equality and justice for the economically-weaker sections.

  In his message to people on India’s 80th Independence Day, Mr. Kharge said the country has travelled a long way, but many aspirations still remain unfulfilled.

• August 15, 2026 07:01
  PM Modi greets people on Independence Day

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted people on the occasion of Independence Day and said powered by 140 crore Indians, the country is scaling new heights of progress across different sectors.

  Mr. Modi also paid tributes to the countless freedom fighters whose courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment ensured the end of colonial rule.

Published – August 15, 2026 06:57 am IST