BHARAT DARSHAN: THE CELEBRATION OF 73rd INDEPENDENCE DAY

President of Russia Vladimir Putin writes to PM Modi and President Kovind on 73rd Independence Day

Kindly accept cordial congratulations on the national day of the Republic of India, the Independence Day, the letter stated

Sonia Gandhi hoists the tricolor at Congress party office in Delhi

Sweets exchanged at India-Bangladesh border between Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) in West Bengal’s Phulbari

Home minister Amit Shah hoists tricolor at his residence

‘Huge’ scope to improve India’s tourism sector: PM Modi

There is a “huge” scope to improve India’s tourism sector. He said earlier people aspired to have a good mobile phone, but now they want more data and better speed. He said the time has come to boost exports and that each district of India has much to offer.

PM announces the creation of Chief of Defence Staff

In a major decision, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the creation of a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) as head of the tri-services. The prime minister said the CDS will ensure synergy among the three services and provide effective leadership to them.

PM Modi concludes the Independence Day speech, outlines govt’s roadmap for the next five years

India has so much to offer. I know people travel to different countries for holidays but can we think of visiting at least 15 tourist destinations in India before 2022, when we mark 75 years of freedom: PM Modi

There is a ‘huge’ scope to improve India’s tourism sector: PM Modi

Travel to 10 new places in India. It’s important to preserve culture: PM Modi’s message to encourage tourism

Let us further the use of digital payments all over the nation: PM Modi

Will urge shopkeepers to stop using plastic bags: PM Modi promotes ‘let’s make India plastic-free’

PM Modi emphasizes on the discarding of plastic bags, tells the nation to use cloth and jute bags

India will have a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). This is going to make the forces even more effective: PM Modi

Afghanistan to celebrate 100th independence in a few days. PM Modi congratulates the neighboring country

Today, the government in India is stable, policy regime is predictable … the world is eager to explore trade with India: PM Modi

India can become a global hub of tourism: PM Modi

Each district of India has so much to offer. Let us make local products attractive. May more export hubs emerge. Our guiding principle is ‘zero defect, zero effect: PM Modi

We have to keep in mind global best practices and build good systems: PM Modi

Our aim is to reach among the first 50 nations in ease of doing business: PM

Citizens have to take up the responsibility, need to dream together. Reaching $5-trillion-economy mark by 2024 is achievable: PM Modi

Rural India immensely developed in the last five years. Rs 100 trillion will be invested towards infrastructure in five years: PM Modi

A high jump is needed, our thought process has to be expanded. We have to keep in mind global best practices and build good systems: PM Modi

Today the world acknowledges India’s growth globally: PM Modi

I always ask- can we not remove the excess influence of Governments on people’s lives. Let our people have the freedom of pursuing their own aspirations, let the right ecosystem be made in this regard: PM Modi

PM Modi talks about minimum interference of govt, adds citizens shouldn’t feel lack of govt either

Every effort made to remove corruption and black money is welcome. These are menaces that have ruined India for 70 long years. Let us always reward honesty: PM Modi

Those who follow the policy of small family also contribute to the development of the nation. It is also a form of patriotism: PM Modi

There is a need to have greater discussion and awareness on population explosion: PM Modi

PM Modi advocates family planning, says social awareness must be spread on population control

Population growth is a huge challenge. We must safeguard the future of India: PM Modi

Tackling the water crisis is a huge priority for us: PM Modi

PM Modi calls for conservation of water

Govt would constantly work to take potable water to every household under Jal Jeevan Mission: PM Modi

PM Modi delivers the message of integration: GST brought to life the dream of ‘one nation, one tax’. India has also achieved ‘one nation, one grid’ in the energy sector. Arrangements have been made for ‘one nation, one mobility card’. Today, India is talking about ‘one nation, one election’

Politics comes and goes but steps in the interest of the nation are paramount: PM Modi

‘One nation, one constitution’: PM Modi says on scrapping of Article 370

The old arrangement in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh encouraged corruption, nepotism but there was injustice when it came to rights of women, children, Dalits, tribal communities. How can we accept such a situation: PM Modi

NDA govt abrogated Article 370 which was pending for last 70 years: PM Modi

Peoples trust in us have given us new strength. The 2019 mandate shows that hopelessness has given way to hope among masses: PM Modi

If we can take steps against ‘Sati’ custom, female foeticide, and dowry, then why not against instant triple talaq: PM Modi

Remember how scared the Muslim women were, who suffered due to Triple Talaq but we ended the practice: PM Modi on scrapping Triple Talaq

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi tweets on the occasion of 73rd Independence Day

Complete independence will be complete only to the extent of our approach in practice to truth and nonviolence- Mahatma Gandhi My best wishes to all of you on this our 73rd Independence Day.

In the last five years, we tried to improve the ease of living. We will work harder in the next five years: PM Modi

In this short span of time in every sector we have taken important steps. Article 370 and 35A being revoked are steps towards realizing the dream of Sardar Patel: PM Modi

07:40 (IST), AUG 15

PM Modi highlights the steps taken by the government within 10 weeks of assuming office in the second term

PM Modi remembers freedom fighters

Several parts in the country are reeling under the floods. Centre, states, and all other stakeholders are working relentlessly: PM Modi expresses condolence to victims

I congratulate everyone on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan: PM Modi

Salute all the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for India’s freedom: Union minister Piyush Goyal tweeted

As we celebrate our 73rd #Independence Day, let us salute all the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for India’s freedom. Also, let us pledge to work together for the growth and prosperity of our nation & build together a New India. Jai Hind!

PM Modi arrives at Red Fort, to address the nation shortly

Multi-layered security arrangement in Delhi for I-Day celebrations

SWAT commandos and NSG snipers have been deployed while for the first time cameras with facial recognition software are being used to secure the historic Red Fort where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist the national flag on the 73rd Independence Day.

PM Modi arrives at Raj Ghat, to address the nation shortly

PM Modi to deliver Independence Day speech from Red Fort at 7.30 am

Expect rainy I-Day, more showers over the week

The IMD has forecast rain for Independence Day, which could play spoilsport during the Prime Minister’s speech at Red Fort in the morning. The Met Office said strong surface winds and light showers are expected on Thursday.

As I said during my recent visit to India, the United States and India are great democracies, global powers, and good friends. I wish the people of India a joyful Independence Day, says Pompeo (ANI)

On behalf of US government, I extend my best wishes to the people of India on your Independence Day, says US secretary of state Mike Pompeo, reports ANI

The United States and India have enjoyed close ties of friendship since the US-supported India’s independence 72 years ago.