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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, August 15, broke the record of his immediate predecessor Manmohan Singh by hoisting the national flag from the ramparts of the Red Fort for the 11th consecutive time on Independence Day.

With this, Narendra Modi has become the prime minister to hoist the Tricolour for the third highest time. The record lies with first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru who did the honours 17 times from 1947 to 1964.

Speaking on the 78th Independence Day of India, Modi touched upon a number of domestic and international issues, including the current Bangladesh political crisis.

It was Modi's longest Independence Day speech at 98 minutes. Modi's Independence Day speeches average at 82 minutes — longer than any other prime minister in India's history.

His longest I-day speech before Thursday was 96 minutes in 2016 while his shortest speech was in 2017 when he spoke for around 56 minutes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi speech: Key takeaways

1. PM Narendra Modi hoped that the situation in Bangladesh will improve soon even as he expressed concern over the safety of Hindus and other minorities in that country. Modi said India will always be supportive of Bangladesh's growth and development. “As a neighbouring country, I can understand the concern regarding whatever has happened in Bangladesh. I hope that the situation there gets normal at the earliest. The concerns of 140 crore countrymen to ensure the safety of Hindus and minorities there - India always wants our neighbouring countries to walk the path of prosperity and peace. We are committed to peace...In the days to come, we will continue to wish well for Bangladesh in its 'Vikas Yatra' because we think about the welfare of humankind.”
2. PM Narendra Modi made an unequivocal pitch for a uniform civil code in the country, asserting that a "secular civil code" in place of the existing "communal" one is the need of the hour.
3. Modi said there is a need to widely publicise punishments given for atrocities against women, so that there is a fear of consequence. The PM added that said his government has worked on a "women-led development model," but he was still concerned over incidents of rape and violence against women. The Prime Minister said there is anger among people against such incidents. "We have worked on a women-led development model. Whether it is innovation, employment, entrepreneurship, in every sector women are marching ahead," Modi said.
4. Modi also pushed for major reforms in the farm sector on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day celebrations and emphasised efforts to make the lives of farmers in the country better. The PM commended farmers for choosing organic farming and added that the country's farmers can make India the organic food basket of the world as it moves towards its goal of Viksit Bharat.
5. Modi said 75,000 more medical seats will be created in the next five years. Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 78th Independence Day, Modi said even today, children, mostly belonging to the middle class, are going abroad for medical education. They spend “lakhs and crores” on medical education abroad, he said.
6. The PM said many global companies want to invest in India and asked the state governments to compete among themselves to attract them. Modi said most of the people he met in his third term wanted to invest in India.
7. Modi, in an indirect attack on the opposition, said while the nation is moving forward with a unified resolution, some people cannot "tolerate" the progress. "We are moving forward with the same resolution, but there are some people who cannot tolerate progress or think of India's progress unless it benefits them. They want anarchy. The country needs to protect itself from this handful of pessimistic people," the Prime Minister said.
8. Narendra Modi slammed the culture of patronage and “termite” of corruption, saying that some people glorify it but he will persevere against them. Modi expressed concern over corruption and its glorification, describing it as a major issue for the society. “I know I have to pay a price for this battle, my prestige may be at stake, but national interests are more important than personal prestige,” he said.
9. Asserting that India has the ability to stage large-scale global events, Modi said the country is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to host the Olympics in 2036. Along with India, several other nations such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey are positioning themselves as strong contenders to host the sporting spectacle. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is expected to decide the host only next year after holding its elections.
10. Modi emphasised bringing “one nation and one election” in the country adding that these days every welfare scheme is linked to elections. “Continuous elections in the country are causing headraces in development. Welfare schemes in the country are now linked to the elections,” the PM said. Hindustan Times

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday delivered his longest Independence Day speech at 98 minutes as he addressed the country from the ramparts of historic Red Fort.

Modi's Independence Day speeches average at 82 minutes longer than any other prime minister in India's history.

His longest I-day speech before Thursday was 96 minutes in 2016 while his shortest speech was in 2017 when he spoke for around 56 minutes.

On the 78th Independence Day, Modi also became the prime minister to hoist the tricolour on Independence Day and deliver a speech for the third highest time.

 Modi delivered his first Independence Day speech in 2014, which lasted for 65 minutes.

His speech in 2015 lasted for about 88 minutes. This was Modi's 11th address as PM and his first after taking charge for a third term.

 In 2018, Modi addressed from the ramparts of the Red Fort for 83 minutes. Subsequently, in 2019, he spoke for nearly 92 minutes, which was his second-longest to date.

In 2020 Modi's I-day address lasted for 90 minutes.

His Independence Day speech in 2021 lasted 88 minutes and in 2022 he spoke for about 74 minutes.

Last year, Modi's speech was 90 minutes long.

 Before Modi, Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947 and IK Gujral in 1997 had the longest speeches at 72 and 71 minutes, respectively.

Nehru and Indira also gave the shortest speeches on record at 14 minutes in 1954 and 1966, respectively.

Former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and Atal Bihari Vajpayee also gave some of the shortest Independence Day speeches from the Red Fort.

Singh's speeches in 2012 and 2013 lasted only 32 and 35 minutes, respectively. Vajpayee's speeches in 2002 and 2003 were even shorter at 25 and 30 minutes. Business Standard

The gold is being traded at Rs 150, 500 per tola in the domestic market on Thursday.

Similarly, the silver is being traded at Rs 1,740 per tola today, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association.

Two persons died and seven others were injured when a Bolero jeep met with an accident in Sindhuli on Thursday.

The four-wheeler (Ba 20 Cha 8283) was heading towards district headquarters from Tilkanya when the tragedy occurred at Chiyabari in Kamalamai Municipality-2.

Locals said that the two persons died on the spot and seven others sustained injuries.

The injured have been taken to the Sindhuli Hospital.

The BP Highway has been obstructed following the incident.

Doctors and representatives of concerned agencies said dengue control has appeared to be a challenge in Koshi Province.

As many as 582 people have been infected with dengue in the province in the last four months. 

This information was shared at a program on dengue control organized by the Province Health Ministry on Wednesday in the presence of chiefs and deputy chiefs of local governments of Morang and stakeholders.

A person has so far died due to dengue in the province.

A total of 334 people have been infected with the virus in the province from July 16 to August 13.

According to Director of Dhankuta-based Health Directorate, 199 people have been infected in Morang, 33 in Jhapa, 32 in Dhankuta, 30 in Sankhuwasabha, 25 in Bhojpur, 10 in Okhaldhunga, three in Khotang and two in Tehrathum.

Number of infected people in Letang Municipality of Morang has reached 310, informed Deputy Mayor Krishna Kumari Niraula.

Ambassador of Pakistan to Nepal Abrar H Hashmi said Pakistan is committed for continued support to strengthen cooperation and understanding with Nepal.

At a reception hosted on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day of Pakistan featuring Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav as the chief guest on Wednesday evening, Ambassador Hashmi said Pakistan would continue its support to Nepal.

"Our collaboration in education, defense, banking, health and other technical sectors is yielding good results. Over 7,000 strong alumni, including doctors, engineers, journalists, bankers, pilots, defense personnel and others were contributing to the progress and development of Nepal in their respective fields", he noted.

Both Pakistan and Nepal are vulnerable to climate change, he said, adding, "We share ecologically fragile Himalayas; glaciers are melting at a faster pace causing Glacial Lake Outburst Floods, and in the medium to long term, could lead to water and food shortages".

Ambassador Hashmi stressed that it was crucial to address these challenges for welfare of the communities and sustainable development of the region.

Pakistan is committed to establish peaceful and cordial relations with all the countries of the world, he said, adding, it contributes to global peace, through diplomatic efforts to UN peacekeeping.

"Nepal is a close friend of Pakistan. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1960: mutual respect, trust, cordiality and understanding remained the hallmark", he added.

Pakistan and Nepal share a unique tapestry from geography to religious and civilizational linkages – from the peaks of Everest to K2, to rich Gandhara heritage and cultural similarities, the ambassador mentioned.

"As partners, we work together at regional and multilateral forums especially at UN and SAARC", he further highlighted.

Pakistan's approach to its partnership with Nepal is also underpinned by the desire to maturity benefit, he noted, adding the two countries have inked a number of agreements such as trade, air services, cultural, tourism and cooperation in agriculture and a number of bilateral mechanisms exist.

Also present on the occasion were Deputy Speaker Indira Rana, former Prime Minister Madhav Kuamr Nepal, former ministers, parliamentarians, diplomatic missions chiefs in Kathmandu, high-ranking government officials, entrepreneurs, journalists and distinguished people.

A documentary reflecting Pakistan's progress in social-economic, technological and defense sectors was also screened on the occasion.

The BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Business Summit, first of its kind, took place in New Delhi from Aug 6-8. For Nepal, the summit was an opportunity to showcase commitment to regional collaboration and to engage with key stakeholders; a pivotal moment for exploring new avenues for economic and educational partnerships.

Founded in 1997, BIMSTEC was designed to promote collaboration among South Asian and Southeast Asian countries. The event attracted a diverse range of leaders, policymakers, and industry experts, all gathered to discuss and strategize on the future of economic cooperation in the region, underscoring the increasing importance of regional partnerships and collective action in driving sustainable development.

A highlight of the summit was the presence of the Nepali delegation, which included the Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, and leading Nepali businesspeople such as President of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Dhakal, Senior Vice-president Anjan Shrestha, former president Bhawani Rana and Shesh Raj Bhattarai, President of the Educational Consultancy Association of Nepal (ECAN) among others.

Bhattarai says, “The summit was a pivotal event, gathering some of the most influential figures and thought leaders from South and Southeast Asia.”

While Rana highlighted the urgent need to enhance women’s access to capital, skills development, and mentorship and advocated for leveraging the full potential of women to drive regional economic growth and foster inclusive development.

Similarly, senior Vice-president Shrestha detailed strategies to improve educational infrastructure by advocating for advanced institutions and regional collaboration to enhance learning outcomes and innovation. Shrestha also proposed significant advancements in healthcare, emphasizing the potential of telemedicine and digital health solutions. 

They offered insights into the blue and mountain economies, discussing how sustainable practices in managing marine and mountainous resources could drive economic growth for Nepal, Bhutan, and India. They proposed establishing an MSME Development Center within BIMSTEC to support micro, small, and medium enterprises with resources and training, thus enhancing their growth and contribution to the regional economy.

One of the summit’s major accomplishments was the establishment of the BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce, a development that promises to enhance economic collaboration and integration among member countries. 

In the summit, Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal emerged as a central figure, delivering a presentation that emphasized India’s growing role as a global economic leader. Goyal’s address outlined a vision for how Nepal could enhance its role within the BIMSTEC framework, particularly in the tourism sector. He emphasized the potential for Nepal to become a leading destination in the region, leveraging its unique assets to drive growth and collaboration among BIMSTEC countries. 

Bhattarai of ECAN addresses some areas that could benefit from improvement to enhance Nepal’s future participation, such as the noticeable absence of experts and financial commentators from Nepal. He suggests their presence could enrich discussions and provide valuable insights, showcasing Nepal’s engagement with global economic issues. Additionally, the Nepal Embassy in New Delhi could play a more proactive role in facilitating Nepal’s involvement.

Bhattarai also suggests holding better pre-event briefings that would ensure delegates are well-aligned with the summit’s objectives and post-event follow-ups that would help capitalize on the opportunities and connections created. “This approach would also facilitate better evaluation and planning for future engagements,” he says.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 34.29 points to close at 2,957.75 points on Wednesday.

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 8.34 points to close at 519. 49 points.

A total of 51,230,340-unit shares of 332 companies were traded for Rs 23. 43 billion.

Meanwhile, Central Finance Co. Ltd. (CFCL), Samriddhi Finance Company Limited (SFCL), Progressive Finance Limited (PROFL), Matribhumi Lagubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (MATRI) and Hydorelectricity Investment and Development Company Ltd (HIDCL) were the top gainers today, with their price surging by 10. 00 percent. Likewise, Mandakini Hydropower Limited (MHL) was the top loser as its price fell by 10.00 percent.

At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 69 trillion.