On 15 August 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the Red Fort on India’s 80th Independence Day, presenting an ambitious roadmap to build a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047. He emphasized self-reliance, economic growth, technology, defence, education, youth empowerment and innovation.
Major Announcements & Key Points
- Viksit Bharat @2047: PM Modi called for collective efforts of 140 crore citizens to make India a developed nation by 2047.
- Sapt Dhara: India’s development strategy will focus on seven pillars—manufacturing; agriculture & food production; technology & innovation; infrastructure & connectivity; defence; green & blue economy; and soft power.
- Free Online Coaching: Free online coaching will be provided to students from poor and middle-class families preparing for competitive examinations, with teaching by top educators, to reduce the financial burden of coaching.
- AI Skill Training: 1 crore youth will be trained in AI skills over the next one year, with the aim of enabling India’s youth to take a leading role in the global AI sector.
- Technology & Innovation: Focus areas include AI, quantum technology, space, robotics, semiconductors and data centres, with the goal of making India a global innovation hub.
- Nuclear Power: India aims to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047 and commission five new nuclear reactors during the current decade.
- Defence Self-Reliance: India will strengthen capabilities in drones, counter-drone systems, hypersonic defence and cybersecurity and seek to become a global defence supplier.
- Manufacturing: India aims to develop the complete manufacturing value chain—from components and design to finished products—and become a trusted global manufacturing hub.
- Agriculture & Exports: Greater emphasis will be placed on food processing, chemical-free farming and agricultural exports, with farmers encouraged to meet global quality standards.
- Infrastructure: Gati Shakti, high-speed rail, modern highways, inland waterways, airports and multimodal logistics will drive faster connectivity.
- Youth & Startups: India has more than 2.5 lakh registered startups, while a ₹1 lakh crore innovation fund will support young innovators.
- Sports Talent Hunt: A nationwide talent hunt will identify sporting talent among children aged 5–15 years across villages, cities and schools. Selected children will receive specialised training to prepare them for international competition.
- Sports Events: India is preparing for its 2036 Olympics ambition and will host the Commonwealth Games in 2030.
- Women Empowerment: The target of creating 3 crore Lakhpati Didis has already been surpassed, with a new target of 6 crore Lakhpati Didis.
- Education: Nearly 650 universities have been added over the past decade, while more than 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs have been established.
- Healthcare: Social security coverage has expanded to 100 crore citizens, while people aged 70+ are covered for free treatment up to ₹5 lakh under Ayushman Bharat.
- Economic Growth: PM Modi highlighted that 25 crore people have moved out of poverty and pointed to major increases in defence, electronics, mobile-phone and railway production.
- Global Economic Ambition: India aims to have 50 Fortune 500 companies within the next decade and at least one Indian bank among the world’s top five banks.
Q.. On 15 August 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined which vision for India in his Independence Day address?
A) Digital India 2030
B) Atmanirbhar Bharat 2035
C) Viksit Bharat @2047
D) New India @2030
Answer: C) Viksit Bharat @2047
