Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation’s 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, hoisting the Tricolour and addressing the country on the vision of a developed India by 2047.
In his Independence Day address, PM Modi placed strong emphasis on young Indians, highlighting initiatives in areas including AI training and skill development and urging the youth to contribute to India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat.
The national song was performed during the Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort for the first time. The occasion also marked 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’.
PM Modi said armed Maoist violence was nearing its end following years of security operations, while warning against what he described as ideological supporters of the movement.
Five Army personnel went missing after a flash flood swept through a camp in Dibang Valley. Four labourers are also feared dead following landslides and heavy rainfall in the state. Rescue operations are underway.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the state is preparing a comprehensive rehabilitation programme for flood-affected families, including faster damage assessment and rebuilding of flood-resilient infrastructure.
Internally displaced people living in relief camps across Manipur hoisted black flags in protest, highlighting their continued displacement and demand for a return to their homes.
Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah renewed his demand for restoration of statehood and said that, in his view, people in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir might have sought reunion with J&K had Article 370 not been revoked.
In her Independence Day-eve address, President Droupadi Murmu said the government was undertaking comprehensive reforms to make public examinations more transparent, secure and trustworthy and curb paper leaks and unfair practices.
Flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades and cultural programmes were held across the country. From Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh to Uttar Pradesh, Manipur, Punjab and Haryana, citizens joined nationwide Independence Day celebrations.
A powerful earthquake struck off Indonesia’s Flores Island, killing dozens and damaging buildings. Authorities initially issued a tsunami warning for several areas before lifting it.
Torrential rainfall triggered severe flooding in areas east of Tokyo, leaving at least five people dead and thousands stranded. Authorities warned residents to remain alert for further heavy rain.
Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed at least 11 people, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, in one of the deadliest escalations since the truce with Hezbollah began in June.
The UAE said a vessel belonging to state energy company ADNOC came under attack in the Strait of Hormuz. The incident adds to growing tensions around the strategically vital waterway.
The Taliban marked five years since returning to power in Afghanistan with celebrations in Kabul, even as the UN and aid organisations warned of worsening humanitarian conditions and continuing restrictions on women and girls.