Narendra Modi Speech HIGHLIGHTS: PM Urges Nation To Remain Vigilant And Follow Protocols As Virus Is Still There

PM Modi Speech Today HIGHLIGHTS: With the onset of the festival season, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said this is not the time to be careless as the novel coronavirus is still around and even a small negligence can dampen the festive spirit. In his seventh address to the nation following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Modi said many videos have surfaced in recent times that show many people having stopped taking precautions. "This is not the right thing to do," he said. The prime minister said the government is making all efforts to ensure that a vaccine, whenever it is launched, reaches every Indian.

Background

PM Modi Speech Today HIGHLIGHTS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the nation today at 6 pm. "Will be sharing a message with my fellow citizens at 6 PM this evening," PM Modi said in his latest tweet. The announcement which comes just few hours ahead of the address has left people guessing what message will the PM share, as they wait with eagerness for the speech. 

आज शाम 6 बजे राष्ट्र के नाम संदेश दूंगा। आप जरूर जुड़ें।

Will be sharing a message with my fellow citizens at 6 PM this evening.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 20, 2020

While there is no official confirmation on whether PM Modi will make any announcement or not, speculations have begun with some people linking it to Covid-19 vaccine news, while others expecting it to be centred around India-China tensions.

Since it is the festive season, it is also being speculated that PM Modi is likely to ask countrymen to remain careful during the festive season as large gatherings can lead to a huge spike in the infections which have finally begun to come under control.
Another belief is that he can make an announcement on a breakthrough in covid-19 vaccine entering final stage or close to it
It is also being speculated that he may also give an update over major progress in space sector.

20:30 PM (IST)  •  20 Oct 2020

Several versions of vaccines are being worked upon in India as well. Some of them are at advanced stage.

The government is also working to prepare the nation to ensure that the vaccine reaches every India as soon as possible.

- PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/DT9c3IzOq1

— BJP (@BJP4India) October 20, 2020

20:29 PM (IST)  •  20 Oct 2020

"I request everyone to make PM Narendra Modi's "jab tak dawayi nahi, tab tak dheelayi nahi" mantra their mantra in this fight against the Coronavirus to keep yourself and your family safe. We can overcome this crisis only by being united and conceived," Union Home Minister Amit Shah said after PM Modi's address to the nation.

20:05 PM (IST)  •  20 Oct 2020

The PM added that initially in the US and many countries in Europe coronavirus cases dropped very sharply, but they begin to rise again at an alarming speed. Citing Sant Kabir, Modi said that until the vaccine becomes available people should remain vigilant against the spread of the virus.

19:35 PM (IST)  •  20 Oct 2020

On the development of the vaccine, the PM said the scientists of the country are working on a war footing to develop a vaccine and a few candidates are in an advanced stage of trials.

19:30 PM (IST)  •  20 Oct 2020

PM Modi emphasised that India is doing better than many developed countries in the fight against the coronavirus. He said the fatality rate in India is 83 out of every 10 lakh population, whereas it is more than 600 in countries like the US, Brazil, Spain, Britain. He reiterated that till a vaccine is developed against the virus, people should not drop their guard and indulge in reckless behaviour.