Independence Day 2020 LIVE Updates: India gets new Health Mission; COVID warriors speak up

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."

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

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla hoists the National Flag at his residence on IndependenceDay, today.

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami hoists the National Flag at State Secretariat premises

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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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 

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. 

Independence Day 2020 Live Updates: PM Modi announces Project Lion and Project Dolphin to conserve Asiatic Lion and Dolphin

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

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

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."

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

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)

Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) jawans celebrate #IndependenceDay at an altitude of 17,000 feet in Ladakh. (Source: ITBP) 

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
 

Independence Day 2020 Live Updates:

India's share in world economy should increase for which we have to be self-reliant: PM Modi. 

Independence Day 2020 Live Updates:

The US and India share close bonds of friendship and democratic traditions, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said as he greeted Indians on the occasion of their 74th Independence Day.

"On behalf of the government of the United States of America and the American people, I extend greetings and best wishes to the people of India on your Independence Day," Pompeo said in his India Independence Day greetings message on Friday.

"The United States and India have shared close bonds of friendship and democratic traditions since India gained its independence seventy-three years ago," he said. 

Over the years, the relationship has grown into a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, involving ever closer cooperation on issues vital to global security and prosperity in the 21st century, Pompeo said. 

The US and India work together on defence, counterterrorism, trade, investment, energy, the environment, healthcare, agriculture, science and technology, education, space, the oceans, and much more, he said.

"As I remarked earlier this year, the United States and India see each other as great pluralist democracies, global powers, and good friends.  I wish the people of India a happy Independence Day," Pompeo said

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

Independence Day 2020 Live Updates: Multilayered security arrangements, social distancing norms in place for I-Day

• Multi-layered security arrangements and measures to ensure social distancing are in place for the 74th Independence Day celebrations at the Mughal-era Red Fort this year.
• A security ring, including NSG snipers, elite SWAT commandos and kite catchers, will be placed around the Red Fort from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation.
• Over 300 cameras have been installed for security and their footage is being monitored round-the-clock, police said.
• There will be around 4,000 security personnel at the Red Fort and they will stand in adherence with social distancing norms, they said.
• The Delhi Police has made multilayered arrangements in connection with the Independence Day celebrations. Necessary coordination has been made with other agencies like the NSG, SPG and ITBP.
• All the agencies will work in close coordination with each other to cater to all kinds of threat inputs. SWAT teams and Parakram' vans have been strategically stationed, Anil Mittal, Additional PRO Delhi Police, said.
• There will be heavy security deployment along the route taken by the prime minister to reach Red Fort.
• Medical booths have been set up at various locations--one booth near the rampart, one at Madhavdas Park and two booths at 15 August Park--to cater to any attendee with symptoms related to COVID-19 during the entry.
• Ambulances would also be stationed at these locations.
• Thermal screening at all entry points for the invitees has been planned. A thorough sanitisation of the premises inside and outside the Red Fort is being carried out on a regular basis, officials said.
• All invitees have been requested to wear protective masks. An adequate number of masks are also being kept handy for distribution at various points of venue. Similarly, availability of hand sanitisers at pre-defined locations has been done, they said.
• The security in and around railways stations has also been intensified.
• "Security personnel have been deployed at railways stations and along the tracks. There will be no movement of trains from 6.45 am to 8.45 am on Independence Day on particular tracks near the Red Fort due to VVIP movement," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Railways) Harendra Kumar Singh had said.
• The guest list also has been pruned and about 4,000 plus invites have been issued to officials, diplomats, members of public and media.
• The Delhi Police has also advised the invitees to refrain from attending the event if they experienced any COVID-19 symptom in the last two weeks and did not go for a test. Social distancing will be maintained between any two guests seated during the event.
• The security personnel involved in frisking the invitees would be donning personal protective equipement (PPE) kits, a Delhi Police official said.
• Over 350 Delhi Police personnel, who will be part of the guard of honour, have been quarantined as a precautionary measure. These personnel of the force of all ranks -- from constable to deputy commissioner of police -- have been quarantined at a newly built police colony in Delhi Cantonment, police said.
• Police personnel have also been asked to keep an eye on the sky to ensure that no stray kites are seen in the areas around the Red Fort. Police have also been carrying out anti-sabotage checks, visiting hotels in the vicinity in search of suspicious elements, they had said.
• Deployment of security personnel is being made both in plainclothes and uniform. Facial Recognition System has also been set up at vantage points for suspect identification. All the necessary guidelines in view of the COVID-19 pandemic will be enforced, Mittal said.
   

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. 

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

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

Independence Day 2020 Live Updates: PM Modi pays tribute to India's Corona Warriors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurls the national flag at Red Fort; will address the nation shortly. 

#LIVE | Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Red Fort; will address the nation shortly.

• 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.

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. 

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. 

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

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

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.

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.