Tricolour hoisting, 21-gun salute & PM's address: Delhi all set for 79th Independence Day celebrations
New Delhi is making final preparations to celebrate its 79th Independence Day at the Red Fort, marking the anniversary of freedom from British rule. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive at Lahore Gate, receive a ceremonial salute, and unfurl the tricolour as helicopters shower petals.
iStock New Delhi is in final preparations for the 79th Independence Day celebrations, with the historic Red Fort once again set to host the nation's most symbolic annual event on August 15. While many assume this is the 78th year of freedom, the count begins with 1947 as the first celebration, making this the 79th time the country will gather to honour its independence from nearly 200 years of British rule.
The capital's official programme will begin at 6:20 am with the assembly of NCC cadets and My Bharat volunteers, followed by the Guard of Honour taking position at 6:50 am.
At 7:18 am, a fanfare will herald Prime Minister Narendra Modi's arrival through the Lahore Gate, where he will be received by the Defence Minister, the Minister of State for Defence, and the Defence Secretary. Escorted by the General Officer Commanding (GoC) Delhi Area, the Prime Minister will proceed to the Saluting Base for the ceremonial salute.
The most anticipated moment arrives at 7:30 am, when the Prime Minister unfurls the tricolour. A 21-gun salute will accompany the National Anthem as Indian Air Force helicopters shower flower petals over the assembled crowd, adding to the patriotic spectacle.Following this, the Prime Minister will deliver his address to the nation, touching upon the country's achievements over the past year, its historical journey, and the road ahead. NCC cadets and My Bharat volunteers will then lead the singing of the National Anthem, followed by the release of balloons symbolising India's aspirations taking flight.By 7:45 am, the Prime Minister will depart the Red Fort after being formally seen off by senior defence and government officials. While the official ceremony will conclude, celebrations across the country will continue through the day.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
an hour ago
- First Post
India plans to open uranium sector to private players to boost nuclear expansion
The move aims to attract billions of dollars and support the country's ambitious goal to expand nuclear power capacity 12 fold by 2047 India is planning to open its uranium mining, import, and processing sector to private companies, ending a decades-long state monopoly, according to a Reuters report, citing government sources. This move aims to attract billions of dollars and support the country's ambitious goal to expand nuclear power capacity 12 fold by 2047. In April, Reuters had reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is also planning to relax requirements to allow foreign players to take a minority stake in power plants. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Currently, India's government tightly controls uranium mining and processing due to concerns over nuclear material misuse, radiation safety, and strategic security. It will, however, continue to manage spent uranium reprocessing and plutonium waste handling, in line with international norms. To meet rising demand for nuclear fuel amid this expansion, the government is drafting a regulatory framework that would allow private Indian firms to participate in mining, importing, and processing uranium. The policy is expected to be announced within the current fiscal year, reported Reuters. In addition, private companies may be permitted to supply critical control system equipment for nuclear power plants, sources said. Globally, countries such as Canada, South Africa, and the United States already allow private firms to mine and process uranium. Domestic supply not enough According to government data, India has an estimated 76,000 tonnes of uranium — enough to power 10,000 megawatts of nuclear energy for 30 years. However, sources cautioned that domestic reserves would cover only about 25% of the fuel needed to support the country's planned nuclear expansion. The remaining demand would require imports, along with a significant boost to uranium processing capacity. In its February 1 budget announcement, the government revealed its intention to open up the nuclear sector, though it did not provide specifics. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The move has since prompted several major Indian conglomerates to begin drafting investment plans. Still, experts warn that implementing the policy may face hurdles, as revising existing legislation could prove legally and politically complex. 'It's a major and bold initiative by the Indian Government which is critical for achieving the target,' Reuters quoted Charudatta Palekar, independent power sector consultant, as saying. 'The challenge will be to define quickly the rules of engagement with private sector,' Palekar added. New Delhi will have to change five laws, including the ones regulating mining and electricity sectors and India's foreign direct investment policy to enable private participation in many identified activities, the sources said. With inputs from agencies
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Mohali gears up for 79th Independence Day, Khuddian to lead celebrations
1 2 Mohali: Punjab's animal husbandry, fisheries, and dairy development minister, Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, will hoist the national flag at Mohali's 79th Independence Day celebrations on Aug 15. The district-level function will be held at Shaheed Major (Shaurya Chakra) Harminder Pal Singh Government College Ground, Phase 6. Ahead of the event, the venue resonated with patriotic fervour as hundreds of students staged colourful cultural performances during the full dress rehearsal. Deputy commissioner Komal Mittal and senior superintendent of police Harmandeep Singh Hans inspected the arrangements, reviewed the parade, and issued directions for final touches. Led by Parade Commander DSP Jatinder Singh Chauhan, contingents of Punjab Police (male and female), NCC cadets, and school bands marched past in perfect synchrony. March past participants included NCC cadets from Government College, Phase 6; Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Kurali; Laxmi Tara Rathore Public School, Sialba Majri; and Mata Sahib Kaur Public School, Swara. School bands from Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Sohana, and School of Eminence, Phase 3B1, added ceremonial grandeur. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 Most Beautiful Female Athletes in the World Click Here Undo The cultural showcase featured performances by GD Goenka Public School, Satluj World Public School, St Stephen's School, Paragon School, Shiwalik Public School, and The Millennium School. Tableaux depicted themes like Yudh Nasheya Virudh, stubble burning prevention, Verka products, Easy Registry, CM di Yogshala, Swachhata Abhiyan, free legal aid, and cyber safety. A special highlight was the National Anthem recital by children from the School of Eminence, Phase 3B1. DC Komal Mittal said preparations are complete and all departments have been given specific responsibilities to make the celebrations memorable. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
India Today
2 hours ago
- India Today
Fatehpur land dispute: Temple or tomb? An exclusive report based on official records
A ruckus broke out in Uttar Pradesh's Fatehpur after a group offered prayers at a tomb, considering it a temple. The Hindu side claims the land belongs to Hindus and houses a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva. The Muslim side, on the other hand, insists it is the tomb of Aurangzeb's Faujdar Abdul Samad and his son Abu what is this dispute really about? How was this tomb declared national property? This exclusive report is based on historical documents and official records related to the dispute traces back to the British era. In 1927–28, a case was filed for the division of 28 bighas of land in Fatehpur between two landlord families — Lal Girdhari Lal Rastogi and the Mansingh family. On 14 August 1928, the court under the then British government allotted Gata numbers 751, 752, and 754 to Lal Girdhari Lal Rastogi and Gata number 753 to the Mansingh family. Gata number 753 measured 1.7650 hectares (1,89,983 square feet). On 30 December 1970, Shakuntala Mansingh, wife of Nareshwar Mansingh — a descendant of the Mansingh family — sold this land to Ramnaresh Singh. Singh later divided the land into plots. According to an SDM Fatehpur investigation report dated 10 July 2014, Singh plotted 1.5890 hectares and sold it to various 2007, the Muslim side, claiming the site as the tomb of Aurangzeb's Faujdar Abdul Samad and his son Abu Bakar, filed a case before the SDM court (Case No. 26/2007). Mohammad Anees filed the case against Ramnaresh Singh. On 20 April 2012, the court ordered the removal of Singh's name from the records and registered the property under 'Mangi Maqbara (National Property), Mutawalli Mohammad Anees' of Abu Gata number 753 is recorded in Fatehpur's land revenue records as belonging to Mangi Maqbara (National Property), with Mutawalli Mohammad Anees as its 2019, the property was formally registered as Waqf land with the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board. It was listed as Waqf No 1635, Fatehpur district, in the names of Abdul Samad and Abu Mohammad. After Mohammad Anees, his son Abu Huraira became the turning point came in 2013, when Mohammad Anees petitioned the Allahabad High Court, claiming illegal encroachment on Gata number 753. The then Chief Justice, DY Chandrachud, directed the Fatehpur district administration to investigate and prevent illegal SDM's investigation revealed that before the legal dispute, Singh had already sold plots carved out of Gata number 753. The report detailed the current status of the land:advertisementTotal area: 1.7650 hectaresBuilt-up houses: 0.5890 hectaresFoundation dug: 1.000 hectaresMangi Maqbara structure: 0.0600 hectaresVacant land: 0.1160 hectares (approx. 12,486 sq ft), under the possession of Mutawalli Anees dispute remains unresolved, with both sides holding firm to their claimsa; one citing religious heritage, the other historical ownership backed by legal records.- EndsTune InMust Watch
