On August 15th 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi on occasion of India’s 75th Independence Day Celebrations.
- PM Modi laid the vision for the country for the next 25 years, he stated “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas”.
- He launched several initiatives on the occasion.
Major Announcements
Pradhan Mantri ‘Gati Shakti’ National Master Plan for Infrastructure
Gati Shakti will act as the ‘National Infrastructure Master Plan’ and will help in setting a holistic and integrated approach in infrastructure construction.
- INR 100 Lakh Crore will be allotted for the Gati Shakti programme.
- It will generate lakhs of employment opportunities for the Youth and help local manufacturers to become Competitive globally.
75 Vande Bharat Trains
75 Vande Bharat trains to be rolled out in 75 weeks of Amrit Mahotsav of Independence to connect every corner of India.
- Vande Bharat is an indigenous semi-high speed train set. It is manufactured by Hyderabad-based engineering firm ‘Medha’.
- Background – On 12th March 2021, PM Modi inaugurated the curtain raiser activities of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (India@75), the government’s initiative to mark 75 years of India’s Independence. It will continue till August 15th, 2023.
- The work of connecting all the state capitals of North-East states with rail service is set to be completed soon.
Fortified Rice by 2024
i.To fight malnutrition, the government has set a target to provide fortified rice to the poor through the Public Distribution System, Mid-Day meals Scheme and Others by 2024.
- Food fortification is one of the strategies used by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to tackle nutrient deficiencies.
- It is a cost effective, culturally appropriate strategy to address micronutrient deficiency.
- Rice is the 5th item to get the government’s fortification push after salt, edible oil, milk and wheat.
Sainik Schools for Girls
PM Modi announced, For the 1st time Ever, Girls will be allowed to enroll in the Sainik Schools across the country.
- After a two and half year Pilot project in Mizoram, the Government has decided to open the Sainik Schools for the Girls.
- Sainik Schools were established in 1961 on the recommendation of K Krishna Menon, the then Defense Minister of India.
- There are 33 Sainik Schools in India, they are run by the Sainik Schools Society under the Union ministry of defence (MoD).
- Union Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman announced during Budget 2021 that 100 new Sainik schools will be set up across the country in partnerships with private schools and NGOs.
National Hydrogen Mission
i.PM Modi announced the launch of the National Hydrogen Mission to make India the global production hub for clean hydrogen fuel production and exports.
- It aims to make India self-reliant in clean energy and create new jobs.
- During the Union Budget 2021-22, Union FM Nirmala Sitharaman announced the launch of National Hydrogen Energy Mission (NHEM) for generating hydrogen from green power sources.
- An amount of INR 1500 Crore was set aside to achieve India’s target of 175 GW by 2022 & also for NHEM.
E-commerce platform for Self Help Groups
PM Modi announced that the Government will launch an E-commerce platform for Self Help Groups (SHGs) to promote their products.
- The Digital platform will ensure a huge market for marketing Women SHGs Products throughout India and in foreign countries.
Other Key Points
- PM Modi set a target to make India energy Independent before 2047.
- Indus Central University to be established in Ladakh, to make it a Center of higher education.
- PM Modi stated that India has achieved 100 GW out of its target of achieving 450 GW Renewable Energy by 2030.
- He also highlighted Indian Railways’ target of attaining net zero emissions by 2030.
