Updated August 15th, 2020 at 20:14 IST
Independence Day 2020 LIVE Updates: India gets new Health Mission; COVID warriors speak up
As India steps into the 74th year of Independence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation from the majestic Red Fort in Delhi on August 15
8: 14 IST, August 15th 2020
Delhi: Parliament House, North Block, South Block and India Gate illuminated on 74th #IndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/nKMnppTPDd
— ANI (@ANI)
6: 48 IST, August 15th 2020
Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind hosts 'At Home' reception in the President House on the occasion of #IndependenceDay.
— ANI (@ANI)
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla present. pic.twitter.com/XjTvzKC2Br
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6: 48 IST, August 15th 2020
#WATCH Beating retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border on #IndependenceDay. pic.twitter.com/CLraI63bDo
— ANI (@ANI)
#WATCH Beating retreat ceremony underway at the Attari-Wagah border on #IndependenceDay. pic.twitter.com/lXedR0AR34
— ANI (@ANI)
5: 54 IST, August 15th 2020
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5: 26 IST, August 15th 2020
#LIVE | Palash Sen (@docpalash) pays a musical tribute to COVID heroes on Independence Day. Tune in to watch here - https://t.co/rGQJsiKgt2 pic.twitter.com/83F7nj7zee
— Republic (@republic)
5: 08 IST, August 15th 2020
Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani hoisted the national flag in Gandhinagar on the occasion of 74th #IndependenceDay. pic.twitter.com/nd0tc7YLFx
— ANI (@ANI)
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5: 00 IST, August 15th 2020
Dr. Harsh Vardhan: 'Won't comment on Sputnik-V'
"We started our efforts in January and were one of the first ones to respond to the new virus. We are into the seventh month now. I feel satisfied that India, inspite of having 1.35 billion, has done remarkably better than most countries in its fight against COVID - be it in terms of cases, tests, deaths per million. I do feel sorry for those who lost their lives including our doctor colleagues," said Dr. Vardhan.
He added, "I would not like to comment on the Russian vaccine till the agencies evaluate it. The WHO is coordinating the efforts of vaccines all over the world - almost 139 candidates in the preclinical phase and 26 in clinical trial phase. Out of these 3 are in India. As far as India is concerned, our doctors are putting their hearts and souls in preparing the vaccine and we hope, pray that they succeed soon. We have simultaneously made efforts to go into manufacturing once its efficacy is proven and to enable access to our people in the future."
5: 00 IST, August 15th 2020
#LIVE | Stories of bravery, grit and compassion. Watch Republic TV's special broadcast saluting India's COVID warriors.
— Republic (@republic)
Watch here - https://t.co/rGQJsiKgt2 pic.twitter.com/4fbDtpszlQ
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5: 00 IST, August 15th 2020
Today is the day when we remember freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the nation. Also, since independence, so many of our soldiers have lost their lives for the security of our country. Let's salute them all today: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. #IndependenceDay
4: 05 IST, August 15th 2020
Sonu Sood is #LIVE on Independence Day as Republic speaks to India's Covid warriors; tune in to know how he has already helped almost 10,000 students return to India from abroad, and his ongoing plans, here - https://t.co/rGQJsiKgt2 pic.twitter.com/rfskBZaHSt
— Republic (@republic)
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4: 05 IST, August 15th 2020
A resident of Nawabganj area of Delhi, Mukhtar Ahmed survived 2 pandemics - the Spanish flu in 1918 at the tender age of 4 years and Coronavirus at the age of 106 years. This elderly man survived against all odds and is an inspiration to those battling this virus. This oldest COVID-19 survivor in India narrated his recovery story to Republic on the special Independence Day broadcast to honour Covid warriors.
'Had no hope': How 106-year-old Mukhtar survived 1918 Spanish Flu & fought off Covid too https://t.co/a3lGG84b7s
— Republic (@republic)
4: 05 IST, August 15th 2020
#LIVE | Adnan Sami pays a musical tribute to COVID Warriors on India's 74th Independence Day. Tune in to watch here - https://t.co/rGQJsiKgt2 pic.twitter.com/RLVDqRlnEB
— Republic (@republic)
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4: 05 IST, August 15th 2020
#LIVE | COVID Warrior ASI Harjeet Singh who led from the front speaks to Republic.
— Republic (@republic)
Tune in to watch his story here - https://t.co/rGQJsiKgt2 pic.twitter.com/WMC3x2lcq0
3: 39 IST, August 15th 2020
Ken Juster, the US Ambassador to India took to Twitter on Saturday and extended greetings to India on the country’s 74th Independence Day. He also posted a heart-warming video in which people can be seen waving the Indian Flag.
On behalf of the U.S. Mission, we wish everyone in India a healthy and happy #IndependenceDay! #USIndiaDosti pic.twitter.com/0RRkRSmiKj
— Ken Juster (@USAmbIndia)
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3: 37 IST, August 15th 2020
Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli dialled his India counterpart Narendra Modi on Saturday and extended greetings to the PM and the Indian people on the occasion of the 74th Independence Day. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said that PM Oli also conveyed congratulations for India’s recent election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
2: 49 IST, August 15th 2020
Nagaland Saturday joined the nation in celebrating the 74th Independence Day by adhering to all COVID-19 protocols of social distancing, minimal attendance and devoid of the traditional march-past and cultural presentations at the state-level function. The main celebration at the State Secretariate Plaza had the minimum presence of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer, couple of cabinet ministers, lone Rajya Sabha MP from the state, K G Kenye, senior bureaucrats, top ranking officials of the police, paramilitary and armed forces, besides a handful of head of departments. The diginitaries wore face masks while hand sanitisers were placed at the entrance.
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11: 50 IST, August 15th 2020
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal hoisted the National Flag at Delhi Secretariat. He began his speech with chants 'Bharat Mata ki Jai', 'Inquilab Zindabad' and 'Vande Mataram'. "Today is also the day to remember those who sacrificed themselves at the border in last 73 years, to keep the nation independent & safe. Our 20 jawans lost their lives at India-China border. Innumerable soldiers have laid down their lives like this, in last 73 years," he said.
#WATCH Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal chants 'Bharat Mata ki Jai', 'Inquilab Zindabad' and 'Vande Mataram' as he begins his address at Delhi Secretariat. #IndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/f3R2nqKNLw
— ANI (@ANI)
11: 50 IST, August 15th 2020
Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla hoists the National Flag at his residence on IndependenceDay, today.
Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla hoists the National Flag at his residence on #IndependenceDay, today. pic.twitter.com/4J9KiCVIXJ
— ANI (@ANI)
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11: 50 IST, August 15th 2020
Delhi: Senior Congress leader AK Antony hoists the National Flag at Congress party's headquarters, today on #IndependenceDay today. Rahul Gandhi, Ahmed Patel and KC Venugopal also present. pic.twitter.com/QnMXXs0ruj
— ANI (@ANI)
11: 50 IST, August 15th 2020
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami hoists the National Flag at State Secretariat premises
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami hoists the National Flag at State Secretariat premises. #IndependenceDay. pic.twitter.com/mClUtqcoyG
— ANI (@ANI)
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11: 50 IST, August 15th 2020
Congratulations and greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government and people of India on the happy occasion of the 74th Independence Day. Best wishes for more progress and prosperity of the people of India: Prime Minister of Nepal, KP Sharma Oli
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11: 50 IST, August 15th 2020
I compliment PM Modi for his passionate #IndependenceDay speech from the Red Fort today. The comprehensive & visionary speech is inspiring. It creates confidence as the Nation collectively fights the COVID pandemic and endeavours to revive the economy: Vice President (file pic) pic.twitter.com/aoQo5y7cGf
— ANI (@ANI)
Close to 75 years of our freedom, PM has unveiled the contours of building Aatmanirbhar Bharat. I also compliment him for being the PM with the fourth-longest tenure so far: Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu. #IndependenceDay https://t.co/XFhPWzN59q
— ANI (@ANI)
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11: 50 IST, August 15th 2020
Warm wishes to PM Narendra Modi and the people of India on their #IndependenceDay. The deep friendship and partnership between Australia and India is founded on bharosa (trust), samman (respect) and shared values. Happy Independence Day!: Australian PM Scott Morrison (file pic) pic.twitter.com/4DeiTq51t7
— ANI (@ANI)
11: 50 IST, August 15th 2020
Punjab: Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh hoists the National Flag in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, today on #IndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/cEV9Tgw0Xc
— ANI (@ANI)
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11: 50 IST, August 15th 2020
#WATCH Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hoists the National Flag in Vidhan Sabha premises. #IndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/MccLpjltHz
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP)
11: 50 IST, August 15th 2020
#WATCH Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah hoists the National Flag at his residence, today on #IndependenceDay. pic.twitter.com/7C3yJdjlXt
— ANI (@ANI)
Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah hoists the National Flag at his residence, today on #IndependenceDay. pic.twitter.com/6Pw9CF1lRh
— ANI (@ANI)
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11: 50 IST, August 15th 2020
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray hoists the National Flag at Varsha Bungalow, his official residence, today on #IndependenceDay. pic.twitter.com/N9mQ4DnNeW
— ANI (@ANI)
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10: 40 IST, August 15th 2020
#WATCH Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah hoists the National Flag at his residence, today on #IndependenceDay. pic.twitter.com/7C3yJdjlXt
— ANI (@ANI)
10: 40 IST, August 15th 2020
People responsible for partition had also attempted to create divisions here on the basis of religion. People here always dismissed their ideology. Rejecting the religious frenzy at the time of partition, people of J&K connected themselves to the sense of national spirit: Lt Gov https://t.co/6nM4p6gqrC pic.twitter.com/dLSKEKhe4c
— ANI (@ANI)
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10: 40 IST, August 15th 2020
#WATCH: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal hoists the National Flag at his residence on #IndependenceDay. pic.twitter.com/Tf9lDQTNfy
— ANI (@ANI)
10: 40 IST, August 15th 2020
Delhi: Veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani hoists the National Flag at his residence today on #IndependenceDay. pic.twitter.com/zTBfyVMpfb
— ANI (@ANI)
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9: 02 IST, August 15th 2020
Independence Day 2020 LIVE Updates: In this decade of the 21st century, India will now have to move forward with new policy and new customs. Now simple will not work: PM
8: 46 IST, August 15th 2020
Independence Day 2020 Live Updates: PM Modi says: We were challenged along our borders at LAC and LOC. But our country has given a befitting response to those attacking us in their language. We are dedicated to protecting the sovereignty of the country. The entire world has seen how we protected our borders in Ladakh. I salute all the Bravehearts.
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8: 42 IST, August 15th 2020
Independence Day 2020 Live Updates: PM Modi announces Project Lion and Project Dolphin to conserve Asiatic Lion and Dolphin
8: 39 IST, August 15th 2020
Work towards delimitation in J&K is ongoing; and as soon as it is done, let there be MLAs, Ministers and Chief Minister for J&K: PM Modi
Work towards delimitation in J&K is ongoing; and as soon as it is done, let there be MLAs, Ministers and Chief Minister for J&K: PM Modi in his Independence Day speech; Tune in to watch #LIVE here - https://t.co/RZHKU3wOei pic.twitter.com/Bi6jt6XF1b
— Republic (@republic)
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8: 39 IST, August 15th 2020
Only 5 dozen village panchayats were connected with optical fibre before 2014. In the last 5 years, 1.5 Lakh village panchayats have been connected with optical fibre. In the coming 1000 days, every village of the nation will be connected with optical fibre: PM
8: 24 IST, August 15th 2020
Independence Day 2020 Live Updates: PM Modi speaks about the aspirations of India's giant middle-class; lists steps taken by his government to benefit them. "India’s middle-class does not want the government’s interference. They want opportunities."
#LIVE | PM Modi speaks about the aspirations of India's giant middle-class; lists steps taken by his government to benefit them. Tune in to watch his Independence Day speech here - https://t.co/RZHKU3wOei pic.twitter.com/uuXPf7qdXf
— Republic (@republic)
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8: 19 IST, August 15th 2020
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: PM Modi
#LIVE | Even in Covid times, the world's biggest companies are looking towards India. This hasn't happened by accident. Now, with Make in India, we need to move ahead with the mantra of 'Make for World': PM Modi in I-Day speech https://t.co/rGQJsiKgt2 pic.twitter.com/L60my86hri
— Republic (@republic)
8: 15 IST, August 15th 2020
Ladakh: Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) jawans celebrate Independence Day on the banks of Pangong Tso, at an altitude of 14,000 feet. (Source: ITBP)
#WATCH: Ladakh: Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) jawans celebrate #IndependenceDay on the banks of Pangong Tso, at an altitude of 14,000 feet. (Source: ITBP) pic.twitter.com/T5d00K6hnf
— ANI (@ANI)
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8: 12 IST, August 15th 2020
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) jawans celebrate #IndependenceDay at an altitude of 17,000 feet in Ladakh. (Source: ITBP)
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) jawans celebrate #IndependenceDay at an altitude of 17,000 feet in Ladakh. (Source: ITBP) pic.twitter.com/oKKc3nhtxf
— ANI (@ANI)
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) jawans celebrate #IndependenceDay at an altitude of 17,000 feet in Ladakh. (Source: ITBP) pic.twitter.com/imiTuYo1IG
— ANI (@ANI)
8: 12 IST, August 15th 2020
Independence Day 2020 Live Updates: 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. We have to move ahead from 'Make in India' to 'Make for World': PM Modi
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7: 55 IST, August 15th 2020
Independence Day 2020 Live Updates: History is witness that once India resolves, India does. When India becomes powerful in space, power, health sector. World benefits. It is mandatory that we strive to make best products in India. Our steel manufacturing was globally appreciated. We have to conserve the potential. We have to save creativity and move forward and become self reliant.: PM Modi on 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' in his Independence Day address from the Red Fort in New Delhi
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7: 51 IST, August 15th 2020
Independence Day 2020 Live Updates: 35 Delhi Police personnel awarded Police Medals
- Thirty-five Delhi Police personnel, including four women, have been conferred the Police Medal for their services, according to a list released by the police.
- Sixteen personnel were awarded the Police Medal for Gallantry, three the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service and 16 were awarded the Police Medal for Meritorious Service on the eve of Independence Day.
- Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Manishi Chandra, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Govind Sharma, and Inspectors Vinay Kumar, Sanjay Gupta, Rajesh Kumar, Kailash Singh Bisht, Dharmender Kumar, Ravinder Joshi and Vinod Kumar Badola were among those who were awarded the Police Medal for Gallantry.
- Sub-Inspectors Banay Singh, Devender Singh and Ajaibir Singh, and Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs) Shiv Mangal Yadav, Nissar Ahmed Shaik and Parvesh Rathi were also awarded the medal.
- The Police Medal for Gallantry was awarded to Inspector Mohan Chand Sharma posthumously, according to the list.
- Special Commissioner of Police (Intelligence) Rajesh Khurana, and ASIs Mahesh Singh Yadav and Bhupender Singh were awarded the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service.
- Those who were awarded the medal for meritorious service included DCsP Amit Roy, Anil Kumar Lall and Mohd Irshad Haider and ACsP Nirmala Devi, Kailash Chandra, Rajesh Gaur and Chander Kanta, according to the list.
- Inspectors Rakesh Kumar Malik, Narender Kumar, Pramod Kumar, Sub-Inspector Manju Chauhan, ASI Rakesh Kumar Sharma and Head Constable Mukesh Kumar were also among those awarded for meritorious service.
- DCP (Special Cell) Manishi Chandra was conferred the Police Medal for Gallantry for his role in a 2013 encounter in which one of Delhi's most wanted gangster Neetu Dabodia and his two associaties were killed.
- Chandra, who was then an ACP, along with his team -- Inspector Ravinder Joshi, Inspector Vinod Kumar Badola and Sub-Inspector Banay Singh -- had gunned down Dabodia and his associates in an encounter near a hotel in South Delhi's Vasant Kunj area.
- Inspector Vinay Kumar and ASI Shiv Mangal Yadav were awarded the Police Medal for Gallantry for arresting gangster Sonu Dariyapur in September 2017.
- Dariyapur was involved in many cases of murder, attempt to murder, extortion, assault on police personnel and cases under the Arms Act.
- Late Inspector Mohan Chand Sharma, who was awarded the medal for gallantry posthumously, had along with his team killed a Jaish-e-Mohammed militant, Saifullah, in 2007 in Jammu.
- Sharma was killed during the 2008 Batla House encounter.
- Special Commissioner of Police Rajesh Khurana, who joined the Indian Police Service in 1994, has been awarded the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service.
- While heading presidential security, Khurana's dedication and devotion was appreciated during the visit of former US President Barak Obama and for the security arrangements for the 3rd India Africa Foreign Summit-2015.
- His role in quelling the anti-CAA riots at Delhi Gate, even at the cost of personal injury, was commendable.
- ACsP Nirmala Devi and Chander Kanta, women Sub-Inspectors Manju Chauhan and Nirmala Devi were awarded the Police Medal for Meritorious Service.
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7: 47 IST, August 15th 2020
Independence Day 2020 Live Updates: Back then, people doubted how such a big country with so much diversity could come together to fight for independence. Yet, India's freedom struggle became a guiding light for the world: PM Modi takes on 'vistarvaad' in his Independence Day speech
7: 44 IST, August 15th 2020
Independence Day 2020 Live Updates: We are going through extraordinary times: PM Modi remarks on the change in protocol due to the pandemic after paying tribute to India's freedom fighters; adds his tribute to India's Corona Warriors
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7: 44 IST, August 15th 2020
Independence Day 2020 Live Updates: PM Modi pays tribute to India's Corona Warriors.
#LIVE | We are going through extraordinary times: PM Modi remarks on the change in protocol due to the pandemic after paying tribute to India's freedom fighters; adds his tribute to India's Corona Warriors; Tune in to watch - https://t.co/RZHKU3wOei pic.twitter.com/7QRewalJlb
— Republic (@republic)
7: 38 IST, August 15th 2020
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7: 32 IST, August 15th 2020
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurls the national flag at Red Fort; will address the nation shortly.
7: 28 IST, August 15th 2020
#LIVE | Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Red Fort; will address the nation shortly.
#LIVE | PM Modi arrives at the Red Fort; his address to the nation is to begin shortly; Tune in to watch here - https://t.co/rGQJsiKgt2 pic.twitter.com/vOA5PU9UxQ
— Republic (@republic)
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7: 17 IST, August 15th 2020
#LIVE | Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Raj Ghat; pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. Watch here: https://t.co/RZHKU3wOei pic.twitter.com/wIJnEkSgM5
— Republic (@republic)
7: 11 IST, August 15th 2020
सभी देशवासियों को #स्वतंत्रतादिवस की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं।
— Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad)
This Independence Day I salute all those who sacrificed themselves for India's freedom.
Let the spirit of freedom take us to the path of growth and prosperity of our nation.
Jai Hind !#AatmaNirbharBharat pic.twitter.com/8w6OcZ18aF
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7: 11 IST, August 15th 2020
- These roads will be closed to the general public from 4 am to 10 am: Netaji Subhash Marg, Lothian Road, SP Mukherjee Marg, Chandni Chowk Road, Nishadraj Marg, Espland Road and Link Road of Netaji Subhash Marg, Ring Road from Rajghat to ISBT, Outer Ring Road from ISBT to IP Flyover.
- Vehicles without parking labels for the rehearsal may avoid C-Hexagon India Gate, Copernicus Marg, Mandi House, Sikandra Road, W Point, A point Tilak Marg, Mathura Road, BSZ Marg, Subhash Marg, J.L. Nehru Marg and Ring Road between Nizamuddin Bridge and ISBT bridge and Outer Ring Road from IP Flyover through Salimgarh Bypass to ISBT and take the other routes as advised.
- The movement of goods vehicles between Nizamuddin Bridge and Wazirabad Bridge from midnight of August 12 to 11 AM on August 13 and from midnight of August 14 to 11 AM on August 15 will be prohibited.
- According to the traffic police, interstate buses between Maharana Pratap ISBT to Sarai Kale Khan ISBT will not be allowed to travel from midnight of August 12 to 11 am on August 13 and the same will be followed on August 15.
7: 06 IST, August 15th 2020
Invitees sensitized about COVID-19 safety measures
To sensitize the invitees about COVID related safety measures, a specific Advisory for following COVID guidelines have been issued along with each invitation card.
"A request card, for the invitees to exhibit restraint and patience during the dispersal after the event concludes would be placed on each seat in this regard. The announcement regarding the same would be made from the commentary booth time and again," said the Defence Ministry.
The traffic police advisory will also have a note in the same regard. An orderly dispersal plan has been put into place for the implementation through the controlling officials in various enclosures.
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7: 02 IST, August 15th 2020
Home Minister Amit Shah took to Twitter and asked on this Independence Day, India should take a pledge to fulfill the dream of a Aatmanirbhar Bharat so that country can acquire new heights by making maximum use of indigenous things manufactured in India.
आइये इस स्वतंत्रता दिवस पर हम प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी के आत्मनिर्भर भारत के स्वप्न को पूर्ण करने का संकल्प लें और भारत में निर्मित स्वदेशी चीजों का अधिक से अधिक उपयोग कर देश को नई ऊंचाइयों तक ले जाने में अपना सर्वोच्च योगदान दें।
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah)
स्वतंत्रता दिवस की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ।
7: 02 IST, August 15th 2020
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh unfurls the National flag at his residence. He said: True independence will be when India becomes Aatmanirbhar Bharat, that's why we need to take an oath to make India Aatmanirbhar
भारत के ७४वें स्वतंत्रता दिवस की सभी देशवासियों को हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ!
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh)
Warm greetings to every Indian on the occasion of 74th Independence Day.#IndiaIndependenceDay #स्वतंत्रतादिवस pic.twitter.com/AQjByCa9hS
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7: 02 IST, August 15th 2020
स्वतंत्रता दिवस के शुभ अवसर पर सभी देशवासियों को मेरी हार्दिक शुभकामनायें।
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal)
आज का दिन असंख्य स्वतंत्रता सेनानियों के बलिदान और साहस को नमन करने के साथ ही उनसे प्रेरणा लेते हुए देश को शक्तिशाली, स्वावलंबी, और आत्मनिर्भर बनाने का प्रण करने का दिन है।#AatmaNirbharBharat pic.twitter.com/ZphPqQmRhr
6: 47 IST, August 15th 2020
The Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel "fought the whole night" and gave a befitting reply to the Chinese troops during the recent skirmishes in eastern Ladakh, the border force said on Friday. It said a total of 294 ITBP personnel have been awarded the Director General (DG) commendation for displaying bravery during these skirmishes.
In its first official account of the standoff between the two militaries, the ITBP revealed how its troops "not only effectively used shield to protect themselves but also responded fiercely to the advancing PLA (People's Liberation Army) troops and brought the situation under control". The ITBP said its troops "fought the whole night" in the area and they received the minimum casualties, while gave a befitting reply to the stone-pelters of the PLA.
"At places, they (ITBP) gave a determined standoff for about 17-20 hours throughout. "Due to the high-altitude training and manoeuver experience of the force in the Himalayas, the ITBP troops kept the PLA troops at bay and due to the all-out and befitting response of ITBP jawans at almost all fronts, many areas were safeguarded in the hyper-sensitive areas," it said.
The ITBP added that recommendations for awarding gallantry medals to 21 troops posted in this area, led by a Commandant-rank officer, have been sent to the government. "Also, 294 personnel have been awarded with the DG's commendation rolls and insignias by ITBP chief S S Deswal on the eve of the Independence Day," the force said. It said the ITBP troops displayed the highest order of professional skills and fought shoulder-to-shoulder and also brought the injured Indian Army troops to the rear.
Also, among the Independence Day decorations are recommendations for the home minister's special operations medal to 358 ITBP and other paramilitary forces personnel for their dedicated services in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. "The names of 318 ITBP personnel and 40 other CAPF personnel have been sent for award of Union home minister special operations medals for their dedicated services in the fight against COVID-19," it said.
The about 90,000-personnel strong ITBP is the primarily tasked to guard the 3,488-km long Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China that runs from the Karakoram Pass in Ladakh to Jachep La in Arunachal Pradesh
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6: 35 IST, August 15th 2020
As India steps into the 74th year of Independence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation from the majestic Red Fort in Delhi on August 15. PM Modi is slated to arrive at Lahore Gate of Red Fort at 7:18 am and will unfurl the National Flag. He will be received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar. The Guard of Honour contingent for the Prime Minister will consist of one officer and 24 men each from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Delhi Police. The Guard of Honour will be positioned directly in front of the National Flag across the moat below the ramparts.
On unfurling the National Flag by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the National Guard will give ‘Rashtriya Salute’ to the National Flag. The Army Grenadiers Regimental Centre Military Band will play the National Anthem during unfurling of the National Flag and the ‘Rashtriya Salute’. All Service personnel in uniform will stand & salute, the rest will be requested to stand and give respect to the National Flag. The Band will be commanded by Subedar Major Abdul Gani.
Major Shweta Pandey will assist the Prime Minister in unfurling the National Flag. The unfurling of the tri-colour will synchronise with the 21 Gun Salute fired by the valiant gunners of the elite 2233 Field Battery (Ceremonial). The ceremonial battery will be commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Jitendra Singh Mehta and the Gun Position Officer will be Naib Subedar (AIG), Anil Chand.
6: 35 IST, August 15th 2020
Addressing the nation on the eve of India's 74th Independence Day, President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday extended his good wishes to all the citizens of the country. He opined that this was a day for the youth to understand the sacrifice of the freedom fighters. The President stressed that we are the citizens of a free nation only due to the sacrifice of the freedom fighters. Mentioning that modern India is being built on the foundation of the sacrifices of freedom fighters, he lauded the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi in the freedom struggle.
Acknowledging that this year's Independence Day celebrations won't have the usual fervour owing to the COVID-19 crisis, he went on to detail the impact of the pandemic. He hailed the Centre's timely steps to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. On this occasion, President Kovind pointed out that India had been successful in saving the lives of many people with the support of state governments. He expressed his gratitude towards doctors, nurses and others at the frontline in the fight against COVID-19. Moreover, he appreciated the efforts of COVID warriors who ensured that no one is deprived of essential services during the coronavirus-induced lockdown period.
Watch LIVE as President Kovind addresses the nation on the eve of the 74th Independence Day https://t.co/inw1j2ycM2
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn)
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6: 35 IST, August 15th 2020
Hailing President Ram Nath Kovind's Independence Day eve speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that his remarks encapsulate the spirit of 130 crore Indians and highlight the path ahead to build a strong, prosperous and united nation.
"Insightful speech by Rashtrapati Ji. His remarks encapsulate the spirit of 130 crore Indians and highlight the path ahead to build a strong, prosperous and united nation," Modi tweeted after the President's speech.
In his address to the nation on the eve of the 74th Independence Day, President Kovind said while India believes in peace it is also capable of giving a befitting response to any attempt of aggression as shown by its troops in Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh after "some in our neighbourhood" tried to carry out their "misadventure of expansion", in a veiled message to China.
He also spoke about the 'Aatmanirbhar' initiative launched by the prime minister, and allayed fears of foreign investors, saying India's self-reliance means being self-sufficient without alienating or creating distance from the world, with which it would continue to engage.
Published August 15th, 2020 at 06:35 IST