In his speech on the 78th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his commitment towards addressing the issue of violence against women and announced plans to introduce 75,000 new medical seats in the next five years. He also spoke about building a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047 and expressed his sympathies towards the victims of recent natural disasters. Meanwhile, chief ministers across states, including Assam's Himanta Biswa Sarma and Haryana's Nayab Singh Saini, highlighted the need for job creation in their Independence Day speeches.
India Celebrates 78th Independence Day Amidst Renewed Commitments
On August 15, 2023, India celebrated its 78th Independence Day with a mix of patriotism and the reiteration of important goals.
Prime Minister's Address
In his televised address to the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined several key commitments:
Chief Ministers' Speeches
Chief ministers across various states also highlighted key issues in their speeches:
Background
India gained independence from British colonial rule on August 15, 1947. Since then, the country has made significant progress in various areas, including economic growth, infrastructure development, and education.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What is the significance of Independence Day in India? Answer: Independence Day is a national holiday that marks the anniversary of India's independence from British colonial rule.
2. What are the main themes of this year's Independence Day celebrations? Answer: The main themes include addressing violence against women, expanding medical education, building a 'Viksit Bharat,' and expressing solidarity with disaster victims.
3. What are the key challenges facing India today? Answer: Some of the key challenges include unemployment, poverty, gender inequality, and environmental degradation.
4. What are India's aspirations for the future? Answer: India aims to become a developed nation by 2047, achieving economic prosperity, social progress, and a just and equitable society.
5. How can citizens contribute to India's progress? Answer: Citizens can contribute by being active and responsible members of society, fulfilling their duties, and working towards common goals.
Hindu Sena Chief Vishnu Gupta made claims that the Ajmer Sharif Dargah is actually a Shiva temple and not a Sufi shrine. The local court in Ajmer issued notices to the concerned parties after Gupta filed a petition seeking a survey of the shrine. He cited the writings of author Har Bilas Sarda, who claimed that a Hindu temple existed below the dargah, and called for a truth to be revealed through a survey. The Hindu outfit wants the dargah to be declared a Hindu temple and for permission to pray there, stirring up controversy ahead of the upcoming 813th Urs celebrations.
On November 19th, Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored the legacy of India's first woman Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, on her 107th birth anniversary. Gandhi's role in uniting India is celebrated on this day, known as National Integration Day. Her contributions to national unity and development continue to inspire leaders and citizens alike. Despite her tragic assassination, Indira Gandhi's courage, leadership, and lifelong struggle for the country's well-being endure. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and President Mallikarjun Kharge also paid tribute to their grandmother and former leader, highlighting her dedication to preserving India's unity and integrity.
Amid preparations for the crucial Delhi assembly elections in 2025, the Congress has appointed Qazi Nizamuddin as the AICC in-charge of the state, replacing Deepak Babaria. This comes after all Shiv Sena MLAs unanimously chose Eknath Shinde as the leader of the legislative party. Meanwhile, Haryana Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan has formed committees of the assembly which will work till March 31, 2025, with members from various political parties. Additionally, Nepal's trade deficit has crossed Rs 460 billion in the first four months of the current fiscal year, highlighting the economic challenges faced by the country.
The Supreme Court has rejected three petitions seeking to delete the words 'secular' and 'socialist' from the Preamble of the Constitution of India. The Court stated that the power to amend the Constitution extends to the Preamble and that the words were inserted in 1976 during a national emergency. The Court also clarified that the terms 'secular' and 'socialist' do not restrict economic policies and reflect the State's commitment to equality and welfare. The petitions were filed by former BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, advocate Ashwini Upadhyay, and Balram Singh.
As India celebrates Constitution Day on November 26, President Droupadi Murmu delivered a joint address to both Houses of Parliament, marking 75 years of the adoption of India's Constitution. In her speech, she highlighted the government's efforts towards the welfare of all sections of society, especially the weaker sections. This day is observed every year as a tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution, on his 125th birth anniversary.
Bangladesh's chief advisor, Muhammad Yunus, has condemned the violent clashes that erupted over the arrest of a Hindu religious leader and ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu. A public prosecutor was killed in the clash, prompting the government to order an investigation and increase security in Chittagong. The arrest of the monk, who is associated with a group advocating for the protection of Hindu minorities, has sparked outrage among his supporters.
On Constitution Day, both the Prime Minister and President emphasized the significance of the Constitution in shaping India's progress and development. At the PMO and Supreme Court celebrations, officials and leaders reflected on the document's role in achieving social justice and inclusivity. The release of a special coin and stamp serves as a commemoration of the Constitution's 75 years of impact.
A protest was held in Himachal Pradesh's Hamirpur district against the planned shutdown of a charitable hospital managed by Radha Soami Satsang Beas in Bhota. The hospital, which has been operating since 2000 and serves over 100,000 people, is facing closure due to unresolved land transfer issues. Despite claims by the hospital administrator that the closure notice was issued by the sect's management, the state government has yet to guarantee the hospital will continue to operate. This move has caused concern among residents who rely on the free healthcare services provided by the hospital.
"Madhya Pradesh CM Invites Investors to State's Global Investors Summit, Highlights Development Progress Made Under PM Modi's Leadership" Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav attended an event in London, where he invited investors to the state's upcoming Global Investors Summit. In his address, CM Yadav highlighted the development work undertaken in the state, crediting the leadership of PM Modi. He also spoke about the various sectors in Madhya Pradesh, such as infrastructure and healthcare, that have seen significant progress under the government. With subsidies and incentives in place, CM Yadav emphasized that the state is ready to welcome investors and create a positive impact for both Madhya Pradesh and the country.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has rejected food consignments from various countries, citing concerns over food safety and quality. This decision highlights India's growing vigilance in regulating food imports and safeguarding public health. Stakeholders are urged to ensure compliance with safety norms to avoid similar rejections in the future. With increasing scrutiny on imported goods, the rejection of these consignments reflects the FSSAI's commitment to enforcing strict regulations and protecting consumer interests in the face of global supply chain challenges.