Indians all around the world celebrate the 74th Independence Day on 15th August 2020, to mark the independence of India from rule of British Raj on 15th August 1947.
This day is celebrated to remember the sacrifice of the freedom fighters and to pay tribute to the personnels of the Armed forces, paramilitary and police forces for ensuring national safety.
- Narendra Modi, The Prime Minister of India, addresses the nations following the flag hoisting ceremony at the ramparts of Red Fort in Delhi.
- Due to the current covid-19 situation the around 4000 guests of the 74th Independence day at Red Fort which includes diplomats, officials and media personnels followed the social distancing norms.
Guard of honour:
The Guard of honour inspected by the Prime Minister Modi, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Gaurav S Yewalkar consists of one officer and 24 men from Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police.
The Anti-drone system of DRDO:
i.On 15th August 2020,on the event of 74th Independence day, an anti-drone system developed by the Defence Research Development Organisation(DRDO) deployed near the Red Fort.
ii.The system is capable of detecting and jamming the micro drones within 3 kilometer, it uses lasers to destroy the targets within 1 to 2.5 kilometers based on the wattage of the laser weapon.
iii.The counter drone system has the ability to detect and destroy the drones in the air, this was first deployed during the 2020 Republic Day Parade.
Events of 2020 Independence Day:
Patriotic film festival:
i.The National Film Development Corporation organised the first of its kind online patriotic film festival which began on 7th August 2020 and runs till 21st August 2020.
ii.The film festival showcases the high quality independence day themed patriotic films on the website: www.cinemasofindia.com
iii.The movie Gandhi by Sir Richard Attenborough is made accessible for the people with vision and hearing impairment.
“Ek India Team India” Campaign of IOA:
i.On the occasion of 74th Independence Day the Indian Olympic Association(IOA) launched the digital campaign “Ek India Team India” as a part of the adaptation of the new identity and logo of IOA, marking its 100 years of participation in Olympic games.
ii.As a part of the campaign video, IOA promotes the new logo on its social media and websites.
Awards & Decorations to Armed force personnels at 74th Independence Day:
i.President Ram Nath Kovind, the supreme commander of the Armed Forces, approved 84 gallantry awards and decorations to the personnels of Armed Forces and members of Paramilitary Forces.
ii.The 84 awards include Kirti Chakra(1), Shaurya Chakras(9), Sena Medals(60), Bar to Sena Medals(5), Nao Sena Medals(4) and Vayu Sena Medals(5).
iii.He also approved 19 mention-in-despatches to the army personnels for their contribution to the nation through various military operations which includes 8 posthumous for operation Meghdoot and Operation Rakshak.
Police Medal of Gallantry:
On the eve of Independence day,14th August 2020,
i.35 Delhi Police personnel, including 4 women, received the Police Medal for their services, 16 personnel received the Police Medal for Gallantry.
ii.3 personnels received the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service and 16 were awarded the Police Medal for Meritorious Service.
About DRDO:
Chairman– Dr G. Satheesh Reddy
Headquarters– DRDO Bhavan, New Delhi.
