India’s 79th Independence Day 2025 Highlights: PM Modi announces new GST reforms by Diwali; to reduce tax on daily-use items

India is moving ahead to become self-sufficient in critical minerals, and exploration campaigns are underway at more than 1,200 locations, Prime Narendra Modi said on Friday.

Addressing the nation on the 79th Independence Day, PM said today the whole world has become very cautious about critical minerals. People have started understanding its potential very well.

What did not receive much attention till yesterday is on the centre stage today. Self-reliance in critical minerals is very essential for India as well, Modi said.

Critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, rare earth and graphite have diverse applications ranging from electronic chips and home appliances to electric vehicles and solar panels.

PM Modi on Friday warned people of of a pre-meditated conspiracy to change the country's demography through illegal infiltration and said no nation can tolerate intruders, as he announced a high-powered demographic mission to tackle the problem.

In his address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on India's 79th Independence Day, he said the country's forefathers made the supreme sacrifice to win freedom for Indians and it is the duty of its citizens to not accept such activities.

"I wish to warn the country about a concern that is emerging as a crisis. As part of a premeditated conspiracy, the country's demography is being changed. Seeds of a new crisis are being sown," Modi said.

"These ghuspaithiyas (infiltrators) are snatching the bread and butter of our youth. These ghuspaithiyas are targeting our country's daughters and sisters. This will not be tolerated. These ghuspaithiyas are befooling innocent tribals and capturing their forest land. This country will not tolerate this," he said. (PTI)

PM Modi said, "India to launch Mission Sudarshan Chakra to create powerful weapon system to thwart any attempt by enemies to attack us." He added, "All public places will be covered by expanded nationwide security shield by 2035."

"Government to set up high-powered demographic mission to deal with challenge of demographic change due to infiltration," PM Modi said at Red Fort.

PM Modi said, "In the last 11 years, we have worked tirelessly for national security. We have been successful in bringing change."

PM Modi said, "Farmers contribute a lot to our economy, they have made India top producer of several commodities." He also said, "Two crore women have become 'lakhpati didis' in no time, several are seated in front of me at Red Fort."

PM Modi announced the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana, set to be implemented from today itself. Under this scheme, all first-time job seekers will get Rs 15,000 from the Centre after they land job in the private sector. The government will also give incentives to companies for creating more jobs for freshers.

PM Modi said, "The government will bring Next Generation GST reforms, which will bring down tax burden on the common man. It will be a Diwali gift for you. The new GST reforms will bring down the taxes for daily-use items for all Indians."

PM Modi said that he has full faith in the youth of the country to make India a developed nation by 2047. He further said, "Let us explore ways to develop our own fertilisers that our farmers need."

During his speech, PM Modi urged India's youths to develop the country's own social media platforms. He further called for development of indigenous jet engines for 'Made in India' fighter jets.

PM Modi said, "Countless people sacrificed their lives for Independence, spent their entire youth in prisons, and dedicated their lives to breaking the chains of slavery... 'Gulami ne humey nirdhan bana diya, gulami ne humey nirbhar bhi bana diya... Mere desh ke kisano ne khoon paseena ek kar ke desh ke ann ke bhandaar bhar diye'..."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that nature is putting everyone to the test, as he offered condolences and expressed solidarity with those affected by recent natural calamities, including landslides and cloudbursts, in the country.

“Nature is putting us all to the test... In recent days, we have witnessed a series of devastating events, landslides, cloudbursts and numerous other calamities. Our heartfelt condolences and solidarity are with those who have been affected," the prime minister said.

PM Modi said, "It was a challenge to ensure food for everyone post-independence, but our farmers made us self-sufficient."

He added, "Being dependent on other countries recipe for disaster, we must be self-reliant to safeguard of our interests."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Pakistan "lost its sleep" after India launched Operation Sindoor. PM Modi said from the Red Fort, "Our military will decide the time and give fitting response to all acts of terror."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while speaking about the Pahalgam attacks and Operation Sindoor, said that India won't tolerate nuclear blackmail from Pakistan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Rajghat and pays floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi ahead of his address to the nation from Red Fort.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, "Wishing everyone a very happy Independence Day. May this day inspire us to keep working even harder to realise the dreams of our freedom fighters and build a Viksit Bharat. Jai Hind!"