Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced the long awaited manned space mission by India. Speaking on the 72nd Independence Day celebrations, PM Modi said: "By 2022, a son or daughter of India will go to space with a tricolor in hand". The other big announcement of the day was the rollout of the world's largest government-funded healthcare programme -- the Ayushman Bharat-National Health Protection Scheme. Focussing on the achievements of his government in his fifth and final Independence Day speech before next year's general elections, PM Modi said, "We can take tough decisions because nation's interest is first for us, not party's".
India is celebrating its 72nd Independence Day today. Like every year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort, his fifth speech after the BJP-led NDA came to power in 2014.
For the past three years, PM Modi has invited ideas and suggestions directly from people. According to MyGov.in, PM Modi will pick up some of the ideas in his speech. For the 72nd Independence Day celebrations, the Navy is the coordinating service. The Guard of Honour will be commanded by Commander PR Jagan Mohan of the Indian Navy.
Here are the highlights on Independence Day 2018 :