Midday News

THE HEADLINES :-

Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads the nation in 79th Independence Day celebrations; Announces slew of initiatives from ramparts of Red Fort to embrace Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Prime Minister says, Government to set up task force for next-generation reforms to realise vision of Viksit Bharat.
Prime Minister Modi issues stern warning to Pakistan that India will not tolerate nuclear threats; Hails Operation Sindoor and calls it a powerful testament to the valour of armed forces.
Reflecting the nation’s strength in critical technology, PM announces launch of Made in India semiconductor chips by end of this year.
Indian Missions abroad also celebrate Independence Day with patriotic fervour.
Death toll in Kishtwar cloudburst reaches 45; Relief and rescue operation continues on war footing; Over 120 people rescued so far; Prime Minister takes stock of situation.
US President Donald Trump to meet Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Alaska tonight for peace talks on Ukraine-Russia conflict.

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The Nation is celebrating its 79th Independence Day today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the Independence Day celebrations from the iconic Red Fort in Delhi and hoisted the National Flag.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the iconic monument, Mr Modi saluted the brave soldiers of Operation Sindoor, saying that the Operation is a powerful testament to the valour and precision of the country’s armed forces. He said the government gave the Armed Forces a free hand, allowing them to strategise, set the target, and decide the timing. The Prime Minister mentioned that the people of the country have now realised that the Indus Waters Treaty was unjust. He said that India will no longer tolerate nuclear blackmail.

Prime Minister Modi said that India will launch Mission Sudarshan Chakra to create a powerful weapon system to thwart any attempt by enemies. Mr Modi said, in the next ten years, by 2035, this national security shield will be expanded, strengthened and modernised.

The Prime Minister underscored Aatmanirbhar Bharat as one of the key foundational planks for Viksit Bharat, citing India’s advances in defence, technology, energy, space, and manufacturing. He hailed Operation Sindoor as a demonstration of India’s defence self-reliance.

Mr Modi said he will stand like a wall to protect the interests of farmers and fishermen, and India will never compromise on their interests. Mr Modi launched a major employment scheme worth one lakh crore rupees, under which newly employed youth will receive 15 thousand rupees per month.

The Prime Minister announced the introduction of Next-Generation GST reforms by this Diwali, aimed at reducing taxes on daily-use items.

The Prime Minister also announced the creation of a dedicated Reform Task Force to drive next-generation reforms. He said, its mandate is to accelerate economic growth, cut red tape, modernise governance, and prepare India for the demands of a 10 trillion dollar economy by 2047.

Mr Modi announced the launch of the National Deepwater Exploration Mission to tap ocean resources, alongside major expansions in solar, hydrogen, hydro and nuclear power.

The Prime Minister said, India will launch Made in India semiconductor chips by the end of this year, reflecting the nation’s growing strength in critical technology sectors. We have more from our correspondent:-

“As the nation is making giant strides towards realising the Government’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, the theme of this year’s Independence Day celebrations was Naya Bharat. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival, combined Inter-Services and Delhi Police Guard presented general salute and thereafter, he inspected the Guard of Honour. The hoisting of the National Flag was synchronised with the 21-Gun Salute. It was followed by showering of flower petals at the venue by two Mi-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force, one trooping the national flag and the other trooping a flag depicting Operation Sindoor. Around five thousand special guests, from different walks of life witnessed the celebrations at Red Fort this year. ANUPAM MISHRA, AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI.”

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The 79th Independence Day was also celebrated with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm across the country by hoisting the national flag and taking salute from the parade. In Jammu & Kashmir, Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervor and passion. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah unfurled the National Flag at the iconic Bakhshi Stadium in Srinagar. More from our correspondent:-

“It was for the first time in six years that an elected representative led the Independence Day celebrations in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Omar Abdullah extended warm congratulations to the people of Jammu and Kashmir while expressing deep sorrow for the victims of yesterday’s Kishtwar cloudburst tragedy in Jammu region. He assured affected families of full support and steps for their welfare. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha hoisted and saluted the National Flag at Raj Bhavan in Srinagar. He paid tributes to the freedom fighters and brave hearts of security forces. TARIQ RATHER, Akashvani News, Srinagar.”

Independence Day was celebrated in Tamil Nadu with national fervour and pride. Chief Minister M.K.Stalin hoisted the National Flag at Fort St. George in Chennai. Our correspondent reports that the State Government arranged the customary food feast at all big temples.

“In Chennai, flags and festoons of tri colour flew at the Government buildings and at the public places displaying national festivity. Flags were hoisted amidst the music rendition of Sare Jahan Se Acha and Vande Matharam. Events also included traditional art performances with national flag formations and RPF dog shows displaying their courage and bravery in saving victims from fire and other dangers by the Southern Railway. Cycle rallies were also part of the celebrations today where people displayed Tiranga upholding National integration. Chief Minister’s Award was given to those who contributed to the Nation’s development and for those who rendered excellent social service to the Society by the Tamilnadu Government. Joy, Akashvani News, Tamil Nadu.”

In Tripura, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha led the state-level celebrations at the Assam Rifles ground in Agartala A report:-

“Addressing the gathering, Dr. Saha said new opportunities are opening for Tripura under a transparent administration. He congratulated soldiers for their role in Operation Sindoor, and reiterated Prime Minister Modi’s call for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, urging people to support the Vocal for Local initiative and achieve self-reliance in sectors like AI, renewable energy, and biotechnology. Across the state, the day began with flag hoisting at government offices, schools, and private institutions. Students in uniforms and traditional attire, waving the tricolour, and patriotic songs playing over loudspeakers, filled the air with national pride. With Aditya Dutta, this is Kunal Shinde, Akashvani News, Agartala.

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As India commemorates its 79th Independence Day, the Indian missions abroad are celebrating the day with gaiety and patriotic fervour, highlighting the shared values of the occasion. In a social media post, the US Embassy in India wished ‘Happy Independence Day. It said US joins India in celebrating this important occasion, honoring our shared achievements in advancing global peace and prosperity. On behalf of the United States, Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended congratulations and warm wishes to the people of India. Glimpses of the Flag hoisting ceremony at Indian Embassy in Tokyo have come in. Ambassador Sibi George hoisted the tricolor in Tokyo and read address to the Nation by the President Droupadi Murmu. In the Maldives, Indian diaspora members are celebrating Independence Day with Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today spoke with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah regarding the situation in the wake of the cloudburst and flooding in Kishtwar in Jammu and Kashmir. In a social media post, Mr Modi said, authorities are working on the ground to assist those affected.

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A massive cloudburst struck a remote mountain village of Paddar Sub Division in Kishtwar district on Thursday, killing at least 45 people including two CISF personnel and many Machail Mata Pilgrims. More than 120 people have been rescued so far. Of these, the condition of 38 is said to be serious. Scores of people are said to be still missing. The death toll could go up as more people are believed to be trapped under the debris and mud. A large-scale rescue operation was already launched by SDRF, police, Army and local volunteers, the authorities have mobilised more rescuers, including two fresh teams of NDRF to safeguard lives.

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US President Donald Trump will meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin at the US Joint Military Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska today. This will be their first meeting since Trump’s return to the White House in January this year. Ahead of the summit, Trump said, he believes Putin is ready to end the war in Ukraine.

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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN :-

Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads the nation in 79th Independence Day celebrations; Announces slew of initiatives from ramparts of Red Fort to embrace Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Prime Minister says, Government to set up task force for next-generation reforms to realise vision of Viksit Bharat.
Prime Minister Modi issues stern warning to Pakistan that India will not tolerate nuclear threats; Hails Operation Sindoor and calls it a powerful testament to the valour of armed forces.
Reflecting the nation’s strength in critical technology, PM announces launch of Made in India semiconductor chips by end of this year.
Indian Missions abroad also celebrate Independence Day with patriotic fervour.
Death toll in Kishtwar cloudburst reaches 45; Relief and rescue operation continues on war footing; Over 120 people rescued so far; Prime Minister takes stock of situation.
US President Donald Trump to meet Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Alaska tonight for peace talks on Ukraine-Russia conflict.