1:37pm IST
Indian high commissioner to Pakistan hoists tricolour in Islamabad
High commissioner of India to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria hoists the national flag at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.
1:10pm IST
Kerala CM urges people to celebrate I-Day by helping flood-hit
Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan urges people to contribute generously in the wake of the state’s worst flood disaster as he took the Independence Day salute in Thiruvananthapuram in pouring rain.
12:36pm IST
School girl collapses during I-Day celebrations at Red Fort
A 13-year-old school girl, who had come to perform in the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, fell unconscious due to heat and dehydration, while an exhausted photojournalist collapsed when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was delivering his address at the Red Fort.
12:30pm IST
Congress terms PM Modi’s speech ‘shallow’
PM Modi’s last speech on Independence Day proved to be shallow. There was no substance, he didn’t speak on corruption of Rafale & Vyapam, Chhattisgarh PDS scam, Chinese encroachment in Doklam and other areas or atmosphere of hatred created in the nation: Randeep Surjewala, Congress, reports ANI.
{{/usCountry}}{{/htLoading}} {{^usCountry}}He should have spoken the truth in his last speech. Mann ki baat nahi kar paate, kam se kam desh ke kaam ki baat to kar paate kyunki ab acche din to aaye nahi ab is desh ko sacche din ka intezar hai aur wo tab aaenge jab Modi ji desh se jaaenge: Randeep Surjewala, Congress pic.twitter.com/nwda0SnCQ0— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2018
He should have spoken the truth in his last speech. Mann ki baat nahi kar paate, kam se kam desh ke kaam ki baat to kar paate kyunki ab acche din to aaye nahi ab is desh ko sacche din ka intezar hai aur wo tab aaenge jab Modi ji desh se jaaenge: Randeep Surjewala, Congress pic.twitter.com/nwda0SnCQ0— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2018
{{/usCountry}}12:17pm IST
India gifts 30 ambulances to Nepal
India gifted 30 ambulances and six buses to Nepalese hospitals, charitable organisations and educational institutions on the occasion of Independence Day.
12:04pm IST
ASC Tornadoes perform daring stunts in Bengaluru
11:40am IST
President Kovind pays tribute at Amar Jawan Jyoti
Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind pays tribute at Amar Jawan Jyoti. Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa are also present. #IndependenceDayIndia pic.twitter.com/UytfjmKxU6— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2018
11:30am IST
Border meeting between Indian and Chinese soldiers at Nathu La
Border meeting takes place between Indian Army and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) at Nathu La, Sikkim to jointly celebrate Independence Day.
11:11am IST
Indians abroad celebrate Independence day
Independence Day was celebrated by Indians in China, Australia, Singapore.
In Beijing, a large number of the Indian diaspora took part in the Independence Day celebrations held at the Indian Embassy.
In Melbourne, a large number of Indian expatriates attended the flag hoisting ceremonies held at the Indian High Commission in Canberra and consulate buildings in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull congratulated the Indian government and said that India and Australia were great friends with a lot in common as modern, vibrant and diverse democracies.
In Singapore, more than 500 Indians in Singapore joined High Commissioner Jawed Ashraf in celebrating the day.
11:01am IST
US wishes India, praises Indian-American diaspora
In a statement, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says, “On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I extend my best wishes to the people and government of India on their Independence Day. Since gaining its independence 71 years ago today, India has set an example for South Asia and the world by supporting democracy, diversity, and the rule of law-values shared by the United States.”
“On this Indian Independence Day, we congratulate India- a unique civilization, fellow democracy, and a friend- on taking its rightful place as a leading global power and continuing our shared efforts to sustain the rules-based order” reads the statement.
Pompeo also says, “Grateful for the vibrant Indian-American diaspora and the growing number of young people strengthening ties between our countries as exchange students.”
10:50am IST
1100m long tricolour unfurled in Gujarat’s Surat
#WATCH 1100 meter long tricolour unfurled in Gujarat's Surat #IndependenceDayIndia pic.twitter.com/6Kl1kFVDhp— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2018
10:40am IST
Indian flag hoisted in Fiji
Fiji is the 1st place where Indian tricolour was hoisted on the 72nd Independence Day, today. INS Sahyadri paraded the Guard & the flag was hoisted by Vishwas Sapkal, High Commissioner of India to Fiji, with Capt Shantanu Jha, CO INS Sahyadri & Capt Manish Rai DA. pic.twitter.com/nQG08oSxXq— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2018
10:33am IST
APJ Abdul Kalam’s elder brother unfurls tricolour at Kalam House
Rameswaram: Mohammed Muthu Meera Lebbai Maraikayar, the elder brother of APJ Abdul Kalam unfurls tricolour at Kalam House. #TamilNadu #IndependenceDayIndia pic.twitter.com/pPXKPbdz4L— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2018
10:29am IST
Pakistan Rangers and BSF exchange sweets at Attari- Wagah border
Pakistan Rangers and BSF exchange sweets at Attari-Wagah border on the occasion of Independence Day.
10:04am IST
Congress president Rahul Gandhi hoists national flag
Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s Independence Day message via Twitter:
“On this Independence Day my best wishes to all Indians. As we celebrate our independence as a nation, let us remember all those brave men and women, our freedom fighters, whose sacrifices and dedication helped us win our independence.
Jai Hind.”
Congress President Rahul Gandhi unfurls the tricolour at Party headquarters in Delhi. #IndependenceDayIndia pic.twitter.com/wH2sDj4q8Q— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2018
10:05am IST
Sweets exchanged between Indian and Pakistani army officers
Exchange of sweets between Indian and Pakistani army officers took place at Chakkan Da Bagh on LoC in Poonch on Tuesday.
9:40am IST
Sweets exchanged between Indian and Bangladeshi soldiers at the border
Exchange of sweets between India and Bangladesh took place at the Indo-Bangladesh border at BOP Fulbari.
9:35am IST
BJP president Amit Shah unfurls national flag
9:20am IST
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat unfurls the national flag in Bengaluru
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat unfurls the national flag at Rashtrotthana Vidya Kendra in Karnataka's Bengaluru. pic.twitter.com/tTBbgQtGJG— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2018
9:00am IST
PM Modi ignores security protocol to meet school children
After delivering the Independence Day speech at Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi steps out of his car to meet school children.
Modi shakes hands with some of the students and waves at others. He is also seen talking to a few of them
8:54am IST
We want to progress more: PM Modi
We want to progress more. There is no question of stopping or getting tired on the way: PM
मैं बेसब्र हूं, क्योंकि जो देश हमसे आगे निकल चुके हैं, हमें उनसे भी आगे जाना है
मैं बेचैन हूं, हमारे बच्चों के विकास में बाधा बने कुपोषण से देश को मुक्त कराने के लिए
मैं व्याकुल हूं, देश के हर गरीब तक समुचित Health cover पहुंचाने के लिए, ताकि वो बीमारी से लड़ सके: PM— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2018
8:53am IST
PM reiterates his government’s resolutions
•Housing for All •Power for All •Clean Cooking for All •Water for All • Connectivity for All •Sanitation for All •Skill for All •Health for All • Insurance for All
8:51am IST
J-K problems can be solved with hugs not bullets: PM Modi
Atalji called for ‘insaniyat’ (humanity), ‘Kashmiriat’ (eclectic Kashmiri culture) and ‘jamhooriyat’ (democracy). I also said that the issues in Kashmir can be resolved by embracing the people of Kashmir: PM Modi
जम्मू-कश्मीर के लिए अटल जी का आह्वान था- इंसानियत, कश्मीरियत, जम्हूरियत। मैंने भी कहा है, जम्मू- कश्मीर की हर समस्या का समाधान गले लगाकर ही किया जा सकता है। हमारी सरकार जम्मू-कश्मीर के सभी क्षेत्रों और सभी वर्गों के विकास के लिए प्रतिबद्ध है: PM @narendramodi— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2018
8:50am IST
Tripura, Meghalaya completely free from AFSPA: PM Narendra Modi
Due to efforts of armed forces, central and state governments, the states of Tripura, Meghalaya are completely free from AFSPA: PM Modi
Many parts of Arunachal Pradesh are also seeing historic peace. From 126 districts, left-wing extremism is restricted to 90 districts. We are working to ensure peace across the nation: PM Modi
8:48am IST
PM Narendra Modi addresses triple talaq practice
PM Modi says the practice of Triple Talaq has caused great injustice among Muslim women. “We are trying to end this practice but there are some people who are not wanting it to end...I ensure the Muslim women that I will work to ensure justice is done to them,” says PM Modi.
8:45am IST
Women officers in short service will get same opportunity as male counterparts: PM Narendra Modi
Women officers commissioned in short service will get opportunity for permanent commission like their male counterparts: PM Modi
8:43am IST
Need to free country from ‘demonic mentality’ of rape: PM Narendra Modi
We have to free our society and country from this disgusting mentality of rape. Recently in Madhya Pradesh a rapist was hanged by fast track court. We should spread this news and make people aware. Rule of law is supreme,no one can take law in their hands: PM Modi
8:41am IST
No place for nepotism: PM Narendra Modi
In today’s India there is no place for nepotism. We have ensured environmental clearances are done transparently: PM
8:40am IST
Won’t forgive people who have black money: PM Modi
We will not forgive the corrupt and those who have black money. They have ruined the nation: PM Modi
He says, “Delhi’s streets are free from power brokers...From the voice of power brokers, the voice of the poor is heard.”
8:35am IST
Country is celebrating honesty: PM Modi
PM Modi praises tax payers, says people are “celebrating the festival of honesty”.
The honest taxpayer of India has a major role in the progress of the nation. It is due to them that so many people are fed, the lives of the poor are transformed: PM
8:27am IST
PM Modi unveils Ayushman Bharat scheme
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyaan will be launched on 25th September this year. It is high time we ensure that the poor of India get access to good quality and affordable healthcare: PM
The healthcare initiatives of the Government of India will have a positive impact on 50 crore Indians. It is essential to ensure that we free the poor of India from the clutches of poverty due to which they cannot afford healthcare: PM
8:19am IST
WHO said 3 lakh kids in India were saved due to cleanliness drive: Modi
Last month, WHO said 3 lakh kids were saved due to the cleanliness drive in India: PM
8:10am IST
By 2022, India will send manned flight into space: Modi
India is proud of our scientists, who are excelling in their research and are at the forefront of innovation. In the year 2022 or if possible before, India will unfurl the tricolour in space: PM Narendra Modi
8:08am IST
We have brought northeast India closer to Delhi in 4 years: PM Modi
Earlier people thought, the distance between the capital and the northeast region was a lot. We have reduced the distance between Delhi and northeast in four years: PM Modi
8:05am IST
India’s voice is being heard effectively at world stage: Modi
India’s voice is being heard effectively at the world stage. We are integral parts of forums whose doors were earlier closed for us: PM
8:03am IST
India is now the land of reform, perform and transform: Modi
From being seen as among the fragile five, India is now the land of reform, perform and transform. We are poised for record economic growth: PM
8:02am IST
Modi thanks business community for the success of GST
Who did not want the passage of the GST yet it was pending for years? : PM Modi
He says last year GST became a reality.
I want to thank the business community for the success of the GST: PM
8:01am IST
India has become destination for trillion-dollar investment: Modi
PM Modi says India has become destination for trillion-dollar investment.
8:00am IST
Centre and state govts have to constantly strive to fulfil expectations: PM Modi
Centre and state govts have to constantly strive to fulfil the expectations and needs of the country: PM Modi
7:52am IST
Nation has made remarkable strides: Modi
We are proud of what we have achieved and at the same time, we also have to look at where we have come from. That is when we will realised the remarkable strides the nation has made, says PM
If we had continued at the same pace at which toilets were being built in 2013, the pace at which electrification was happening in 2013, then it would have taken us decades to complete them: PM
7:50am IST
New energy in the country: PM Modi
It’s the same people, same system, same files but in these four years there is a new energy in the country: PM
7:47am IST
Have to ensure social justice for all: Modi
The Constitution of India, given to us by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar has spoken about justice for all.
We have to ensure social justice for all and create an India that is progressing rapidly: PM @narendramodi— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2018
गरीबों को न्याय मिले, हर किसी को उसकी इच्छा और आकांक्षाओं के हिसाब से आगे बढ़ने का अवसर मिले: PM @narendramodi— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2018
7:45am IST
PM pays tributes to victims of Jallianwala Bagh massacre
अगले वर्ष बैसाखी पर जलियांवाला बाग़ नरसंहार के 100 वर्ष होने जा रहे हैं। मैं इस नरसंहार में शहीद हुए हर देशवासी को याद करते हुए उन्हें विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि देता हूं: PM @narendramodi— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2018
7:44am IST
PM Modi offers condolences to families ravaged by floods
Many parts of the nation witnessed a good monsoon but at the same time parts of India have been affected by flooding. My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives due to floods in various parts of India: PM
7:42am IST
PM recalls sacrifice during freedom struggle
On behalf of the people of India, I bow to all those great women and men who sacrificed themselves for the nation during the freedom movement: PM
7:40am IST
OBC Commission strengthened: PM
The recently concluded Parliament session was one devoted to social justice. The Parliament session witnessed the passage of the Bill to create an OBC Commission: PM
7:39am IST
PM Modi praises women officers of Indian Navy
We are proudly celebrating Independence Day today as six women officers of the Indian Navy, circumnavigated the globe recently on the INSV Tarini: PM Modi
7:38am IST
Young people have hoisted the tricolour on Mt Everest: PM
We are celebrating our independence when our young people have hoisted the tricolour on Mt Everest: PM Modi
7:37am IST
Nation is achieving new heights: PM
Nation is achieving new heights; it has a new energy, says PM Modi in his address.
7:34am IST
PM Modi begins speech
Narendra Modi begins address from the Red Fort.
7:29am IST
National flag unfurled
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurls the national flag at the Red Fort.
7:20am IST
PM Modi arrives at Red Fort
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the Red Fort. Inspects Guard of Honour.
7:05am IST
PM Modi pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.
7:00am IST
Major Aditya, rifleman Aurangzeb to get Shaurya Chakra
Major Aditya Kumar, who was embroiled in a controversy after his unit fired on a stone-pelting mob in South Kashmir’s Shopian in January leading to death of three persons, is among 20 armed forces personnel named for the Shaurya Chakra award.
Rifleman Aurangzeb, who hails from Jammu and Kashmir and was brutally killed by militants in Pulwama in June when he was on his way home for Eid, will also be conferred the third highest gallantry award.
6:45am IST
PM Modi receives suggestions for his August 15 speech
The Prime Minister has received thousands of suggestions for his August 15 speech after he asked people to send him ideas, a practice he has followed since the last few years, on several platforms including the Narendra Modi app.
6:40am IST
High security in Delhi
Nearly 70,000 officials of Delhi Police are guarding the national capital and close to 10,000 personnel have been deployed at the Red Fort, where senior ministers, top bureaucrats, foreign dignitaries and common people will be present during the Prime Minister’s address.
6:30am IST
Commandos take over Red Fort
The Mughal-era Red Fort has been put under a heavy security cover along with other critical areas in the national capital. Sharpshooters will also be stationed on rooftops in the cluttered streets around the fort while helicopters will fly overhead.
A special team of snipers and commandos of the National Security Guard (NSG) will form the inner layer of the security cordon at the Red Fort with anti-aircraft guns deployed to thwart drones and projectiles, senior police officials told PTI.