Independence Day 2020 HIGHLIGHTS: India Gave Befitting Reply To Those Who Tried To Raise Eye Towards Our Sovereignty, Says PM Modi

Independence Day 2020 HIGHLIGHTS: India is celebrating its 74th Independence Day amid Covid-19 pandemic. Several changes have swept in this time keeping in mind the precautionary measures. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day address this year was 87 minutes long and revolved around self reliance and vocal for local. The focus was on ways to get the ecconomy back on track. PM Modi unfurled the national flag for the seventh time and said that India has given befitting reply to those who laid an eye at its sovereignty. Check all HIGHLIGHTS of Independence Day 2020 celebration and related coverage from Red Fort and across the country.

Background

Independence Day 2020 HIGHLIGHTS: India will celebrate 15, August 2020 as the 74th Independence Day with PM Modi hoisting the flag at the Red Fort. Independence Day 2020 will be different this year due to the Increasing number of Covid 19 cases in India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day this year revolves around self reliance and vocal for local. The focus is on ways to get the ecconomy back on track. 

Over 4,000 people including diplomats, officials and media personnel have been invited for the Independence Day ceremony at Red Fort, confirmed the Union Ministry of Defence.

Security has been tightened near Red Fort and in the National Capital in view of the celebrations.

Security & traffic advisory

The Delhi Police has issued a traffic advisory to ensure safe and smooth vehicular movement across the national capital on Independence Day.

As per notice to airmen (NOTAM) issued for Delhi International Airport (IGI) for chartered (non-scheduled) flights, no transit flight will be allowed to land between 6:00 am-10:00 am and 4:00 pm-7:00 pm on Independence Day, August 15, reported ANI.

Scheduled flights will operate as per the schedule and there won’t be any impact on Indian Air Force (IAF), Border Security Force (BSF), army helicopter and the state-owned aircraft/helicopter used to ferry  Governor or Chief Minister of the state

COVID-19 guidelines to be strictly enforced

Keeping the pandemic in mind, the cops said that all the necessary guidelines in view of the COVID-19 pandemic will be enforced.

All the invitees will have to go through thermal screening at all entry points. They have also been instructed to wear masks and an adequate number of masks will be distributed at various points of venue. Hand sanitizers will also be available at pre-defined locations.

There will be a 6 feet distance between invitees seated during the event.

President Ram Nath Kovind addressed the nation on the eve of Independence Day 2020

Addressing the nation on the eve of the 74th Independence Day Friday, President Ram Nath Kovind said celebrations this year will be restrained owing to the coronavirus pandemic which has “altered the world we live in.”

Lauding the efforts of healthcare professionals at the frontline in the country’s fight against the virus, the President said the nation is “indebted to doctors, nurses and other health workers.” While celebrations are muted for this year’s Independence Day, twenty-five Covid warriors have been invited to the ‘At Home’ ceremony to be hosted by President Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan on August 15.

The President also spoke on the Galwan Valley face-off in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed fighting the Chinese army in June this year. “Our brave soldiers laid down their lives defending our borders. Those worthy sons of Bharat Mata lived and died for national pride.Their bravery in combat has demonstrated that while we believe in peace, we are also capable of giving a befitting response to any attempt of aggression,” he said.

15:26 PM (IST)  •  15 Aug 2020

#PresidentKovind pays tribute to the brave hearts who laid down their lives in the line of duty, at the National Wa… https://t.co/08pDZqpcz6

15:26 PM (IST)  •  15 Aug 2020

With schools and colleges closed, the Independence Day celebrations in Agra remained low-key and lacked the fervour associated with the occasion. Groups of people on motorcycles with the Tricolour held aloft drove around the streets shouting patriotic slogans. In the residential colonies, men and women in masks gathered to unfurl the Tricolour and sing the National Anthem amid a cool morning breeze.

15:25 PM (IST)  •  15 Aug 2020

BREAKING | A member of the BJP-run Zilla Parishad was killed on Saturday in a clash between ruling Trinamool Congress activists and opposition BJP workers in West Bengal's Hooghly district over the hoisting of the Tricolour on Independence Day.

15:23 PM (IST)  •  15 Aug 2020

#WATCH Jammu and Kashmir: Indian Army troops in Gurez sector celebrate #IndependenceDay. (Source: Indian Army) https://t.co/ILh2MI7Vyr

15:22 PM (IST)  •  15 Aug 2020

PM Modi received a telephone call today from Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli. PM Oli greeted Government and people of India on 74th #IndependenceDay and also conveyed congratulations for India’s recent election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council: MEA

The leaders expressed mutual solidarity in the context of the efforts being made to minimise the impact of COVID-19 pandemic in both countries. PM Modi offered India’s continued support to Nepal in this regard: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)