India fighting twin challenges of terrorism, expansionism, says PM Modi

India is celebrating ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, marking the 75th year of Independence, amid patriotic fervour. A series of events are being organised across the country to mark the occasion.

The main celebration is being held at Red Fort, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued with his tradition of wearing a colourful safa (headgear) during his Independence Day address to the nation at the Red Fort in the national capital.

The eye-catching choice of the PM’s headgear, ranging from bright Jamnagar Pagdi, a bandhani turban from Kutch to a Rajasthani safa, is something that has become a topic of discussion in the past. This year he opted to sport what looks like a Kolhapuri Pheta style turban with a long trail that extended till his ankle as he addressed the nation on the country’s 75th Independence Day. He paired the safa with a pastel powder blue half-sleeve kurta, which is widely now known as the ‘Modi kurta’ and a stole.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also set a target of becoming ‘energy independent’ by 2047 through a mix of electric mobility, gas-based economy, doping ethanol in petrol and making the country a hub for hydrogen production.

Delivering his Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort, he said India spends over Rs 12 lakh crore on energy imports every year. “For India to progress, for Atmanirbhar Bharat, energy independence is the call of the hour,” he said. “India has to take a pledge that it will be energy independent by the year we celebrate 100th year of Independence.”