Independence Day 2020: On the occasion of 74th Independence Day, security was beefed up around the Read Fort before PM Modi's public address. An anti-drone system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was deployed near the Red Fort on Saturday.

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The DRDO-developed system can detect and jam micro drones up to 3 kilometres and use the laser to bring down a target up to 1-2.5 kilometres depending on the wattage of laser weapon, according to ANI.

It can be an effective counter to increased drone-based activity in the western and northern sectors of the country.

Unprecedented security ring was thrown around the Red Forst from where PM Modi delivered his Independence Day speech, listing his government’s past achievements and presenting the roadmap for the future.

Security personnel were deployed both in plainclothes and uniform in the area. Facial recognition system was also been set up at vantage points to keep an eye on the attendees. The police said that all the necessary guidelines in view of the Covid-19 pandemic were also enforced.

The personnel of the National Security Guard (NSG), Special Protection Group (SPG) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) were also present in the area.

Over 300 cameras were installed for security and their footage was monitored round-the-clock, the police said.

There were around 4,000 security personnel at the Red Fort who stood in adherence with social distancing norms.

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Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had hoisted the national flag and addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort. He said that it was an occasion to remember freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the freedom of the country.

"Congratulations and best wishes to all the countrymen on this festival of Independence Day. The sacrifice and the resolve to free the country of lakhs of sons and daughters of Maa Bharati is the reason for us being able to breathe in independent India today. 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," PM Modi said.

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