Independence Day 2024 highlights: PM Modi thanks world leaders for their wishes

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked his Italian counterpart Georgia Meloni for her wishes on Independence Day. “May the India-Italy friendship keep growing and contributing towards a better planet,” he posted on X.

Earlier in the day, he also thanked French President Emmanuel Macron for his wishes to the Indian people.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: With music, dance and chants, nearly 1,000 people gathered at India's High Commission in London.

India's High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami unfurled the national flag to mark the beginning of the event.

Excerpts from President Droupadi Murmu’s Independence Day address was read on the occassion.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: Speaking during the Independence Day celebration at India House, India's Ambassador to the US said, "India is growing very fast. The country has become the 5th largest economy in the world."

He also wished all Indians on the occassion.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attended “at home” reception hosted by Governor CV Ananda Bose in Kolkata.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: Director General of Delhi Prisons announced remission of sentences to more than 1,160 convicts.

A total of 1,160 eligible convicts were granted remission ranging from 15 to 25 days based on their conduct during their time in prison, a statement from the department said.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: After meeting a group of Manipuri people in Delhi, Rahul Gandhi said a constant state of fear among the people of Manipur is a harsh reality.

“As we celebrate Independence Day, let us reflect on the plight of Manipur, where true freedom remains elusive. I urge the Prime Minister once again to visit Manipur and impress upon both Central and State governments to work towards a peaceful resolution at the earliest,” the Leader of Opposition urged PM Modi to visit Manipur.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that traitors who had joined hands with the British during the freedom struggle are today lecturing others about patriotism.

“We need to protect the country from these wolves in sheep’s clothing. It is important that we need to educate the younger generation about Congress’s role in the freedom struggle. More than 6.5 lakh Congressmen sacrificed their lives during the freedom struggle,” said Shivakumar while speaking at the 78th Independence Day celebration at the party's office.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni expressed her heartfelt wishes to the Indian people on Independence Day.

“Italy and India share an ever-stronger bond, and I am confident that together we will achieve great things. Our strategic partnership is an important pillar for the future,” said Meloni in a post on X

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: Congress leader Jairam Ramesh attacked PM Modi over what he called “communal civil code” remark.

He said that the PM's comments were an insult to BR Ambedkar, who he termed as the "greatest champion of reforms in Hindu personal law.

"The non-biological PM's capacity for malice, mischief, and maligning of history knows no bounds. It was on full display today from the Red Fort. To say that we have had a "communal civil code" till now is a gross insult to Dr Ambedkar, who was the greatest champion of reforms in Hindu personal laws that became a reality by the mid-1950s. These reforms had been bitterly opposed by the RSS and the Jan Sangh," Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: Interacting with Indian contingent from the Paris Olympics, PM Modi said the government will continue to support sports and ensure that top-quality infrastructure is built.

He also listened to their experiences and lauded their feats at the games.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: Legendary Western classical musician Zubin Mehta led the symphony orchestra to perform a rendition of India's national anthem at National Centre for Performing Arts, Mumbai.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio reaffirmed his government's commitment to finding an early solution to the Naga issue.

Rio highlighted the state government's efforts, mentioning the formation of a political affairs committee, which includes the entire Cabinet and elected members from tribes not represented in the Cabinet.

An all-women unit of the Border Security Force made a maiden gesture and handed over sweets and exchanged greetings with lady BGB personnel of Bangladesh at the front in West Bengal as part of the traditional Independence Day celebrations held along the international border. Know more.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: "...We chose in 1950, the uncertainty of freedom. What is happening today in Bangladesh, is a clear reminder of how precious liberty is for us... It's very easy to take freedom and liberty for granted, but it is important that we dwell on the stories of the past to remind us how precious liberty is..." CJI DY Chandrachud says at the Independence Day celebrations at the Supreme Court, according to ANI.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: “Congratulations to the Indian people on your 78th Independence Day! I remember your warm welcome during my visit to India in January and look forward to working with my friend Narendra Modi on achieving the ambitious goals we have set for our strategic partnership,” France president Emmanuel Macronwrote on X.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: India is celebrating its 78th Independence Day to commemorate its freedom from British rule. People are also taking to social media to give a glimpse of their celebrations, among them is the US Embassy in India. The members shared a video that shows them wishing everyone on this special day in 22 languages. Read more.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates:Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that the country can host large-scale global events, adding that it is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to host the Olympics in 2036.

"It is India's dream to host the 2036 Olympics, and we are making preparations for that," Modi said in his address to the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort. More details.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud today hoisted the national flag on the Supreme Court premises in Delhi. See video.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: Delhi home minister Kailash Gahlot hoisted the national flag at today's state-level Independence Day event.

Gahlot was nominated by Lt. Governor VK Saxena, bypassing the AAP government's request to allow education minister Atishi to do so.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: Jailed Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's wife, Sunita Kejriwal, says that the national flag was not hoisted at their official residence.

"Today, the National Flag was not hoisted at the CM's residence. It is very sad. This dictatorship can keep an elected chief minister in jail, but how can it contain the patriotism of the heart…" she wrote on X.

Independence Day 2024 LIVE updates: Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge hoisted the national flag at the Congress party's headquarters in Delhi on the occasion of Independence Day.