New Delhi, Aug 14: Underlining that students are the “architects of India’s future,” President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said the government is taking comprehensive steps to reform public examinations to completely curb paper leaks and unfair means, making the system transparent, secure, and trustworthy.

In her address to the nation on the eve of the country’s 80th Independence Day, the president stressed that just as government and society remain united to ensure national security, everyone must contribute through joint and concerted efforts to safeguard the present and future of students.

“Public examinations become gateways to opportunities for our students. The government is undertaking comprehensive steps to reform these examinations. The objectives of these reforms are to completely curb the use of unfair means in public examinations, make the examination system more transparent, more secure, and more trustworthy for the youth,” she said.

Her remarks assume significance in the backdrop of recent nationwide Gen Z and student-led protests demanding systemic overhauls, fast-track investigations, and stringent legal action following high-profile paper leak irregularities in competitive examinations.

Highlighting the spirit of enterprise among young citizens, she said youths are increasingly embracing a culture of job creation rather than job seeking.

“Many of our youth are embracing the culture of job creation as they pursue the path of self-employment. The participation of young entrepreneurs has led to the creation of a strong start-up ecosystem in our country. Major global enterprises are impressed by the talent and dedication of Indian youth and entrust them with leadership roles,” she added.

The president said such achievers have enhanced the reputation of India’s youth power globally and reaffirmed her faith in the country’s bright future.

Turning to holistic development, the president said that the physical and mental well-being of the youth forms the cornerstone of the nation’s future, adding that families and society share the collective responsibility to motivate them.

She highlighted sports as a key vehicle for youth development and nation-building under the flagship ‘Khelo India’ programme.

“Under the Khelo India programme, a sports ecosystem is being developed across the country, from the grassroots to the national level. The government is making unprecedented investments to promote sports, yielding remarkable leaps in the achievements of our sportspersons in international tournaments,” she said.

President Murmu also lauded the “unmatched valour” of the Indian Armed Forces, saying Operation Sindoor demonstrated the country’s capability to execute precision counter-terror operations and sent a firm message that terror elements and their backers will face consequences regardless of where they hide.

She recalled the anniversary of the military action alongside historic observances like Kargil Vijay Diwas, reaffirming India’s tradition of overcoming forces hostile to humanity.

“On the 26th of July, we observed Kargil Vijay Diwas. Earlier, on the 7th of May, we commemorated the completion of one year since the launch of Operation Sindoor. We remembered the unmatched valour of our Armed Forces. That historic operation against terrorism demonstrated the capability of the Indian Armed Forces to act with precision,” she said.

She said the operation delivered an unequivocal warning to enemies. “It sent a clear and firm message to terrorists and those who support them, that no matter where they hide, they will have to face the consequences of their actions.”

The President also highlighted the strategic measures accompanying the counter-terror posture, describing the decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with the nation harbouring terror networks as a “decisive step in the interest of our nation, especially the farmers.”

On internal security, she termed the eradication of Naxalism a monumental achievement for the country after decades of struggle.

“For decades, Naxalism posed a serious challenge to the nation. Making India Naxal free is a major achievement. Today, enthusiasm prevails in the areas once affected by Naxalism,” she said, pointing to all-inclusive development efforts and active local participation in initiatives like the Bastar Olympics and the Bastar Pandum festival.

Highlighting the nation’s civilisational heritage, the President said that Sarnath, the site of Lord Buddha’s first sermon, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List this year, following the listing of 12 Maratha military forts last year.

She stated that India proudly balances monuments of deep spirituality with historic symbols of military strength and resilience.

Addressing foreign policy, she reiterated that peace, dialogue, cooperation, and the ideal of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family) remain the bedrock of India’s international relations.

“We believe in a rules-based international order. Our endeavour is to ensure that the global community receives appropriate representation in the United Nations and other multilateral organisations,” she stated, noting India’s growing stature among Global South nations.

The President also touched upon senior care, pointing out that alongside the world’s largest young population, India is also seeing a rise in senior citizens and noted that about six crore senior citizens aged 70 and above can now avail of free healthcare services up to Rs 5 lakh per year under government initiatives, urging society to remain sensitive and uphold their dignity.

She said the country is moving steadily towards building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, driven by economic resilience, massive digital infrastructure, and empowered youth and women.

She stressed that guided by the spirit of ‘Antyodaya’, the core resolve of the nation remains ensuring the fruits of development reach every individual, even as global warfare and instability present severe economic headwinds worldwide.

“Even in such trying circumstances, our economy is moving ahead as the fastest growing major economy in the world. According to economic projections, the growth rate of the Indian economy is expected to be more than twice the average global growth rate.

“‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ has further strengthened the foundation of our economic progress and national security,” she said.

Highlighting internal welfare milestones over the past decade, the President said that more than 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty and added that nearly 59 crore account holders have joined the banking system under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, with over 32 crore of these account holders being women, while food security has been ensured for over 80 crore people through free rations.

Underlining India’s technological leap, she pointed out that the country has developed the world’s largest and best digital infrastructure, accounting for more than half of global real-time digital transactions.

Highlighting the demographic dividend, the President said that 65 per cent of the country’s population is below the age of 35, describing the youth as India’s “most valuable asset.”

She commended young entrepreneurs for driving a robust startup ecosystem and lauded young innovators, citing a recent space exploration milestone led by a team with an average age of just 28 years.

Women’s empowerment remained a central theme of her address. Celebrating achievements ranging from rural self-help groups to high-altitude defence, she said that the initial target of creating three crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’ has been achieved, with the government now pushing towards a goal of creating three crore more.

“Our girls are performing exceptionally well in education and diverse sectors, from the Drone Didi enhancing agricultural productivity to the Fighter Combat Leader in the Air Force. In the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, women won 8 out of India’s total tally of 13 gold medals,” she said.

The President also highlighted political inclusion, pointing out that the enactment of the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ in 2023, which reserves 33 per cent of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies, will make Indian democracy more inclusive.

Speaking on sustainable development, she asserted that India is playing a leading role globally in protecting the environment, having achieved several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 ahead of schedule.

Reciting a Santali language poem penned by Pandit Raghunath Murmu, she urged citizens to remain committed to preserving nature and human values, linking individual action to national initiatives such as ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ and ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ (LiFE).

The President also paid homage to freedom fighters, Mahatma Gandhi, B R Ambedkar and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for integrating over 550 princely states. She also solemnly remembered those who lost their lives or faced displacement during partition, observed on August 14 as ‘Vibhajan Vibheeshika Smriti Divas’.

She invoked Telugu writer Gurajada Apparao’s lines, “A nation is not just its land, a nation is all its people”, urging every citizen to contribute wholeheartedly to transforming independent India into a fully developed nation by 2047.

New Delhi, Aug 14: “The Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is according the highest priority to the modernisation of the defence forces driven by a self-reliant and future-ready defence sector,” said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in his address to the soldiers through Akashvani on the eve of 80th Independence Day on August 14, 2026. Highlighting the transformative shift witnessed by the defence sector in the last 12 years due to the initiatives such as ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make-in-India’, Raksha Mantri asserted that India has become a nation which is effectively catering to its own security needs, while emerging as a global defence manufacturing hub and a net defence exporter.

Singh emphasised that the domestic defence production, which stood at just Rs 46,000 crore in 2014, has skyrocketed to a record Rs 1.78 lakh crore in the Financial Year (FY) 2025-26, nearly a four-fold increase over the last decade. This achievement, he said, is a testament to the structural changes that have taken place in the defence sector. He pointed out that Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and other public sector entities accounted for approximately 76% of the total defence production, with the private sector contributing 24%, up from 22% in the previous fiscal year. This growing participation of the private sector signals a continuously improving business environment within the defence sector, he said.

Defence Minister added that defence exports, which stood at a mere Rs 686 crore in FY 2013-14, surged to an all-time high of Rs 38,424 crore in FY 2025-26, an increase of over 5,500%. He described the feat as the most compelling evidence of Aatmanirbharta in the defence sector. “Today, India has 145 defence exporters, and our products are being exported to over 80 countries. I am confident that we will achieve our defence exports target of Rs 50,000 crore by 2029,” he said.

He also pointed out that the defence budget has risen from Rs 2.53 lakh crore in FY 2013-14 to Rs 7.85 lakh crore in FY 2026-27, which is a reflection of India’s growing commitment to future defence technologies. “Capital expenditure has grown from Rs 94,588 crore to Rs 2.19 lakh crore. Our focus on Research & Development has also intensified. The R&D budget, which stood at Rs 15,283 crore in FY 2014-15, has increased by 90% to Rs 29,100 crore in FY 2026-27,” he said.

Defence Minister added that over the past year, the Defence Acquisition Council has granted Acceptance of Necessity for projects worth over Rs 8.75 lakh crore, which highlights the Government’s emphasis on defence modernisation. He listed the fundamental reforms undertaken in defence procurement to accelerate this modernisation process, including a two-fold increase in financial ceiling for Field Commanders to strengthen operational efficiency, and facilitation of procurement worth more than Rs 1.25 lakh crore through the revenue route to boost indigenisation.

Singh acknowledged the enthusiastic participation of the defence forces in the journey towards Aatmanirbharta. He stressed that India’s defence self-reliance drive is gaining momentum as indigenous warships, aircraft and advanced military systems are strengthening the capabilities of the Defence Forces.

He asserted that DRDO and the defence forces are positioning India at the forefront of technologies for future warfare amidst the evolving defence landscape. He made special mention of the successful test of the first Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation system, which has the capability to transform conventional weapons into precision-guided munitions. “The testing of the Advanced Agni Missile, equipped with MIRV technology, has added a new dimension to the strategic deterrence capabilities. Successful trials of the Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile, RudraM-II Air-to-Surface Missile, Naval Anti-Ship Missile-SR, and Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket have provided unprecedented strength to the nation’s strike capabilities,” he added.

On the successful test of Active Cooled Full-Scale Scramjet Combustor for over 1,200 seconds, Rajnath Singh stated that the feat has placed India among the select group of nations capable of developing hypersonic missile technology. He added that the nation’s air defence capabilities have been further bolstered by the first successful test of the indigenous Kusha’ Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile.

Defence Minister underlined that border area development is a focus area of the Government as the objective is to enhance defence preparedness and connectivity with border areas. He lauded the defence forces for being the ‘first responders’ to carry out relief and rescue operations whenever an unfortunate natural disaster occurs in the country or abroad.

Singh reiterated the Government’s commitment towards the welfare of serving and retired defence forces personnel as well as their families, describing them as a reflection of honor, dignity, and self-respect. “Over the past five years, there has been a 300% increase in the budget of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme. Furthermore, under the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, the Penury Grant has been doubled from Rs 4,000 to Rs 8,000, the Education Grant from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 and the Marriage Grant from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000. These decisions demonstrate our commitment to the welfare of our soldiers and their Next-of-Kin,” he said.

Raksha Mantri also underscored the Government’s continued focus on providing increased opportunities for women in the defence forces and effectively utilising Nari Shakti in national security & nation building. “We achieved a historic milestone when the first batch of female cadets trained at the National Defence Academy was commissioned as officers in the three Services. This is proof that courage and leadership are not confined to any gender. ‘Samudra Pradakshina’, the first tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition onboard Indian Army Sailing Vessel Triveni, stands as a symbol of ‘New India’ powered by ‘Nari Shakti’, he said.

Singh emphasised that 79 years ago, India’s freedom fighters such as Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Sarojini Naidu, Rani Gaidinliu, and countless known and unknown heroes laid the foundation of independent India, and the responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity today rests on the Defence Forces. “Even in adverse circumstances, the steadfast resolve of our soldiers ensures that the citizens realise their dreams in a safe environment. Their courage, commitment and discipline serve as a source of inspiration to every Indian. The nation will remain forever indebted to their unparalleled service, sacrifice, and dedication,” he said, expressing gratitude to every soldier.

Defence Minister stressed that the Independence Day this year holds special significance as 2026 marks the 150th anniversary of the National Song ‘Vande Mataram’. “It is our collective responsibility to celebrate the occasion with great enthusiasm. It is not merely an anniversary, but a celebration of our collective consciousness. I am confident that this Independence Day will continue to fuel the spirit of patriotism and service to the nation within every citizen. Let us pledge to become active participants in nation-building and, by discharging our duties with dedication, make meaningful contributions towards building Viksit Bharat,” he said while concluding his address.

New Delhi, Aug 14: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said August 14 stands witness to one of the most brutal chapters in history and the scar of the country’s partition, “which is a gift from the Congress”, will never be forgotten by history.

In a message posted on microblogging site X, Shah said August 14, 1947 stands witness to one of the most brutal chapters in history, in which millions of people had to lose their lives enduring inhuman suffering, and tens of millions were forced to abandon their homes, property, and loved ones and become displaced.

“This scar of the country’s partition, which is a gift from the Congress, will never be forgotten by history. I pay my respectful homage to all those who lost their lives in this catastrophe and to those who struggled against the atrocities,” he said.

Shah said through Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, the Modi government is reaching the memories of this tragedy to the youth, so that the forces seeking to divide the country again can never succeed and ‘One India, Excellent India’ becomes our supreme goal.