Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the Red Fort on the occasion of the 79th Independence Day. In what was his longest speech on Independence Day in the past 12 years, PM Modi emphasized the vision of creating a Viksit Bharat (developed nation) and made significant announcements, including forthcoming GST reforms and the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana aimed at the youth.
Reforms to the GST are set to be rolled out by October 2025: The government plans to update the Goods and Services Tax framework, lowering rates on essential items and simplifying tax slabs to aid households and small enterprises.
Domestic production of semiconductor chips anticipated by year-end: Chips produced within the country are projected to be available in the market by the end of 2025, enhancing India’s electronics manufacturing capabilities and decreasing reliance on imports.
Modi highlighted that for any nation, the yardstick of aatma samman (self-respect) continues to be aatmanirbharta (self-reliance), while also cautioning against a plot aimed at altering the demographic composition of the nation.
