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 advisoryThe 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 stateCOVID-19 guidelines to be strictly enforcedKeeping 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 2020Addressing 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.

15/08/2020 15:26:13

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.

15/08/2020 15:25:31

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.

15/08/2020 15:23:31

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.

15/08/2020 15:22:53

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)

15/08/2020 15:21:17

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)

15/08/2020 13:51:56

Our sincere congratulations to the people of India, PM Narendra Modi, EAM S Jaishankar, colleagues at Ministry of External Affairs, Embassy of India in Russia and Consulate General of India, Vladivostok on Independence Day: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia

15/08/2020 10:35:15

Warning of continued threat from Pak, China: Punjab CM



Warning of continued threat from both Pakistan and China, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Saturday said Punjab would always be at the forefront of fighting the enemy at the borders.

With tensions at the borders continuing, India had to be prepared to deal with any eventuality, said the Chief Minister in his Independence Day address, after hoisting the tricolour here to mark the historic occasion.

"While Pakistan continues to resort to firing every day, China, on the other hand, talks about friendship but remains a danger to our nation," said Amarinder Singh, recalling the recent barbaric attack on Indian soldiers by the Chinese forces.

15/08/2020 09:15:42

PM Modi on Ram Temple : Construction of a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya started 10 days ago. Ramjanmbhoomi issue that prevailed for centuries, has been resolved peacefully. The conduct of people of the country has been unprecedented and is an inspiration for future.

15/08/2020 09:03:03

PM Modi On Border Security:
From LoC to LAC, whoever tried to raise their eyes towards the sovereignty of our country, our soldiers responded to it in the same manner.

15/08/2020 09:02:19

PM Modi On Extended Neighbourhood :

Today neighbour is not just the one with whom we share border but also those with whom our heart stays connected, where there is harmony in relations. I'm happy that in past some time India has further strengthened its relations with all countries in 'extended neighbourhood.

15/08/2020 08:51:02

PM Modi On Jammu & Kashmir : This one year is a year of the new journey of development for Jammu and Kashmir. This one year is the year of the rights received by the women and the Dalits in Jammu and Kashmir. This one year is also the year of a life of dignity for the refugees in Jammu and Kashmir

15/08/2020 08:48:39

PM Modi on Coronavirus Vaccine : Today three vaccines are in testing stages in India. As soon as the scientists give a green signal, the country will begin their large scale production.

15/08/2020 08:44:36

PM Narendra Modi : We have set up committee to reconsider the minimum age for marriage of our daughters. We will take appropriate decision after the committee submits its report.

15/08/2020 08:42:59

PM Modi : Whenever women received opportunity, they made India proud & strengthened it. Today, nation is determined to provide equal opprtunities of self-emloyment & employment to them. Today women are working in coal mines, our daughters are touching the sky while flying fighter plane.

15/08/2020 08:34:07

PM Modi: Education has a key role in the making of Aatmanirbhar, modern, new and prosperous India. So, we have brought the new education policy after three decades that has been welcomed throughout the country, which instills new confidence.

15/08/2020 08:29:11

PM Narendra Modi : An important priority of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' is Aatmanirbhar agriculture and Aatmanirbhar farmer. To provide modern infrastructure to the farmers of the country, 'Agriculture Infrastructure Fund' of Rs 1 Lakh Crores has been created.

15/08/2020 08:19:24

PM Modi : Last year, there was a record 18% increase in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to our country. The world has shown confidence in India as we have worked on our policies, democracy and strengthening of the foundation of our economy.

15/08/2020 08:16:07

We need to strengthen the rural industries and boost the agriculture sector: PM Modi

15/08/2020 08:08:38

The mindset of free India should be 'vocal for local'. We should appreciate our local products, if we don't do this then our products will not get the opportunity to do better and will not get encouraged: PM Modi

15/08/2020 08:08:19

A few months back we used to import N-95 masks, PPE kits and ventilators. Today India is not only meeting its own requirements but it has also stepped forward to help other countries: PM Modi

15/08/2020 07:54:44

I am confident that India will realise this dream. I am confident of the abilities, confidence and potential of my fellow Indians. Once we decide to do something, we do not rest until we achieve that goal: PM Narendra Modi from the ramparts of the Red Fort

15/08/2020 07:54:28

Amid Covid-19 pandemic, 130 crore Indians took the resolve to be self-reliant and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' is on the mind of India. This dream is turning into a pledge. Aatmanirbhar Bharat has become a 'mantra' for the 130 cr Indians today: PM Modi

15/08/2020 07:50:40

PM Modi's address: Opening lines



We're going through distinct times. I can't see young children in front of me today (at Red Fort). Corona has stopped everyone. In these times of COVID, Corona warriors have lived the mantra of 'Seva Parmo Dharma' and served the people of India. I express my gratitude to them.



This is a day to remember the sacrifices of our freedom fighters. This is also a day to show gratitude to Security personnel including that of Army, paramilitary and police ensuring our safety.

15/08/2020 07:49:35

Moment Of The Day: PM Modi unfurls national flag

15/08/2020 07:31:59

PM Modi inspects Guard Of Honour At Red Fort

15/08/2020 07:11:50

PM Modi greets nation on Twitter : PM Modi extended greetings for 74th Independence Day of the country from his official Twitter handle.

15/08/2020 07:01:27

PM Modi to unfurl Tricolour at 7:30 am


At 7.30 pm, the Prime Minister will hoist the tricolor from the ramparts, after which his speech will begin.

Every year on both sides of the red flag, where the Prime Minister addresses the nation after hoisting the flag, chairs are placed for seating of about 800 distinguished guests. These include ministers of the central government, chief justices and ambassadors and high commissioners of all countries, as well as selected officials of the central and Delhi government.

Due to restrictions related to Corona, this time there is a seating arrangement of only 100-125 people on both sides of the speech platform.

15/08/2020 06:51:39

Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unfurls the national flag at his residence. He says, "We will get freedom in its true meaning when India becomes self-reliant. So today we need to take a pledge to make India self-reliant."

15/08/2020 06:47:05

PM Modi's 7th Independence Day address :


This will be the 7th time when PM Modi will be addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort.



He will be addressing for the second time during the second term in office. The PM had announced notable initiatives in the last few speeches that included including Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Swachh India, Pradhanmantri Jan Arogya Abhiyan, the abolishment of Planning Commission and the announcement of the creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff.

15/08/2020 06:45:06

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