As 140 crore Indians collectively work towards creating a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, the country is on its way to become the third-largest economy with big reforms across sectors, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday.
Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day, PM Modi said that if 40 crore Indians can bring freedom in 1947, more than 140 crore citizens can also help make the country ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, when we celebrate the 100th year of Independence.
“We received feedback from millions of Indians on how to make the country a developed nation by 2047, and becoming the third-largest economy is one of those suggestions. We are committed to continue to bring big reforms which are the blueprint of our future growth,” the Prime Minister emphasised.
PM Modi mentioned reforms in the banking sector under the BJP-led NDA government in the past decade, which revived the sector once reeling with losses and high NPAs due to the phone-banking policy of UPA.
“Today, Indian banks are one of the strongest globally. For the growth of our micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), banks have become a backbone,” said PM Modi.
The cumulative net profit of all banks for the first time crossed Rs 3 lakh crore in 2023-24.
PM Modi said that initiatives like ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘One District One Product’ initiatives have become a success and we are now aiming to increase exports from small cities and towns.
“In the field of renewable energy, we have done more than what G20 nations have achieved. We aim to become self-reliant in energy. Fintech initiatives like UPI are now being adopted globally,” the Prime Minister told the gathering.
The government has set a target to install 500 GW (gigawatt) of renewable energy capacity by 2030, becoming self-reliant in the energy sector by 2047.
The country also needs more "greenfield cities" like Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), PM Modi mentioned.
Shashi Tharoor to visit US, Owaisi heads to Saudi Arabia over Pahalgam attack
Senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor will head to the US, while the AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi will visit Saudi Arabia to expose Pakistan’s alleged involvement in the Pahalgam attack and to underline India's firm stance against terrorism.
MEA refutes Rahul Gandhi’s claim on Op-Sindoor: 'EAM was misquoted, no prior warning to Pak'
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement on Saturday refuting claims that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had asserted India informed Pakistan in advance about Operation Sindoor. The ministry denounced such assertions as a blatant distortion of facts.
Senior IPS officer Anurag appointed new Tripura Police Chief
The Tripura government, on Saturday, appointed Anurag Dhankar, an IPS officer of 1994 batch cadre, as the state's Director General of Police (DGP) replacing Amitabh Ranjan, officials said.
HM Amit Shah hails Operation Sindoor as a turning point in India's security doctrine
Home Minister Amit Shah, on a two-day visit to his home state Gujarat, said on Saturday that Operation Sindoor marked a historic shift in India’s national security response. He emphasised that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decisive leadership, Indian armed forces struck deep into Pakistani territory, dismantling terrorist infrastructure.
India restricts entry of ready-made garments, processed food from Bangladesh
In a significant trade policy shift, India on Saturday restricted the import of ready-made garments (RMG), processed food and other items from Bangladesh to India via land ports, effective immediately.
NE region’s largest dairy unit inaugurated in Tripura to boost milk production
Northeast region’s largest dairy unit was jointly inaugurated in Tripura on Saturday by Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha and Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh.
IT Ministry, Tripura DIT discuss AI’s role in citizen-focused governance framework
Senior government officials have underscored the pivotal role of artificial intelligence (AI) in revolutionising governance paradigms, reiterating AI’s growing relevance in enabling data-driven policymaking, augmenting service delivery mechanisms, and optimising administrative efficiency, IT Ministry said on Saturday.
Tripura Govt to establish three more general degree colleges
To ensure enhanced access to higher education, the BJP led coalition government in Tripura has decided to establish three new general degree colleges.