India marked its 78th Independence Day on Thursday, with celebrations taking place across the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the tricolour at the customary I-Day event at Delhi's Red Fort and delivered his 11th consecutive August 15 address as the PM. With this, the updates to this live blog have ended.

Here are the highlights from I-Day celebrations:

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Hello, readers! Welcome to Outlook India's coverage of all the events taking place across the nation for the 78th Independence Day celebrations. Follow our blog for real-time updates on the celebrations through the day.

Massive security arrangements are in place in Delhi ahead of the Independence Day celebrations across the city and mainly the customary event at the iconic Red Fort.

Over 3,000 traffic police officers, more than 10,000 personnel and 700 Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based facial recognition cameras have been deployed in Delhi for the Independence Day celebrations, for which traffic regulations have also been imposed. | READ MORE

Delhi Traffic Police issued advisory for the commuters for August 15, as celebrations will take place across the city and especially at the Red Fort.

These eight road stretches in Delhi will remain closed for general traffic today -- Netaji Subhash Marg, Lothian Road, SP Mukherjee Marg, Chandni Chowk Road, Nishad Raj Marg, Esplanade Road and its link road to Netaji Subhash Marg, Ring Road from Rajghat to ISBT and Outer Ring Road from ISBT to IP Flyover.

Vehicles without parking labels for Independence Day event may avoid C-Hexagon, India Gate, Copernicus Marg, Mandi House, Sikandra Road, W Point, A Point Tilak Marg, Mathura Road, BSZ Marg, Netaji Subhash Marg, JL Nehru Marg, Ring Road between Nizamuddin Khatta and ISBT Kashmere Gate, and Outer Ring Road from Nizamuddin Khatta to ISBT Kashmere Gate via Salimgarh bypass, the advisory said.

Preparations are underway in full swing at the Red Fort ahead of the 78th Independence Day celebrations, while PM Modi will also be delivering his 11th consecutive speech.

Several ministers, including Union Ministers Mansukh Mandaviya, Chirag Paswan, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Ashwini Vaishnaw and Kiren Riijiju, have begun arriving at the Red Fort ahead of the Independence Day event.

A parade is taking place at Red Fort to mark the occasion of the 78th Independence Day.

Here, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist the flag at 7:30 am and deliver his 11th consecutive August 15 speech as PM.

Heavy deployment of security forces has been done in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day.

Earlier on Tuesday, DGP RR Swain had reviewed all the security measures, including threat assessment, counter-measures, surveillance, supervision, intelligence gathering, deployment of personnel, and access control ahead of the Independence Day celebrations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to extend Independence Day greetings.

He said, "Independence Day greetings to my fellow Indians. Jai Hind!"

On the occasion of the 78th Independence Day, Prime Minister paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

Barricading and vehicle checking is taking place at Delhi's Outer Ring Road as part of the security arrangements made for the Independence Day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's convoy has arrived at the iconic Red Fort ahead of the 78th Independence Day celebrations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspected the Guard of Honour before walking through the Lahori Gate to reach the ramp for flag hoisting.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag at Red Fort on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day.

Narendra Modi began his 11th consecutive I-Day speech as the Prime Minister at Red Fort by chanting "Bharat Mata Ki Jai".

He wished the entire nation and the country men on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day.

"Today is the day to pay tributes to the uncountable 'Azaadi ke deewane' who made sacrifices for the nation. This country is indebted to them," PM Modi said at Red Fort.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his 11th I-Day speech at the Red Fort, address the issue of natural disasters.

This comes in the backdrop of the recent devastating landslides that hit Kerala's Wayanad, claiming over 200 lives.

"This year and for the past few years, due to natural calamity, our concerns have been mounting. Several people have lost their family members, property in natural calamity; nation too has suffered losses. Today, I express my sympathy to all of them and I assure them that this nation stands with them in this hour of crisis," the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reinforced the goal for India becoming 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.

He said, "We are proud that we carry the blood of the 40 crore people who had uprooted the colonial rule from India...Today, we are 140 crore people, if we resolve and move together in one direction, then we can become 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047 by overcoming all obstacles in the way."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his I-Day speech, hailed the dedication and commitment of the "great people" who are protecting the nation.

"Today, the great people who are protecting the nation with full dedication and commitment are also trying to take the country to new heights," PM Modi said, adding that "they are our farmers, our soldiers, the courage of our youth, the contribution of our mothers and sisters, the Dalits, the exploited, the deprived and the oppressed."

"Their devotion to freedom amidst hardships and their faith in democracy are inspiring events for the entire world," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that before the nation gained Independence, nearly 40 crore people embodied a remarkable spirit, showcasing extraordinary resilience and a dream of freedom.

"They marched forward with a single resolve - independence! With a collective dream of freedom, they persevered. Undeterred, their voices rose in unison - 'Vande Mataram'," he said, adding that, "We are honoured to be the heirs of their legacy!"

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "That was a time when people were committed to die for the country and independence was achieved. Today is the time to commit to living for the country."

"If the commitment to die for the country can bring independence, then the commitment to live for the country can also create a 'prosperous India'," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his I-Day speech said, "We gave the mantra for 'Vocal for Local'. Today, I am happy that Vocal for Local has become a new mantra for the economic system. Every district has started taking pride in its produce. There is an environment of 'One District One Product'."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted the growth of the nation and its people, not just in India, but across the world.

He said that Indian CEOs across the world are making the nation proud with their presence at such a position.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "We have brought big reforms on ground. For the poor, middle class, deprived... for the aspirations of our youth, we choose the path to bring reforms in their lives. I want to assure the citizens of India that our commitment towards bringing reform is neither just for editorials, praise nor under compulsion. It is to strengthen the country."

PM Modi noted that ten crore women joined self-help groups in the last 10 years.

"10 crore women are becoming financially independent. When women become financially independent they become part of the decision-making system in a household leading to social change...Till now, 9 lakh crores have been given to self-help groups in the country," PM Modi added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Whether it's tourism, MSMEs, education, health, transport, agriculture or any other sector, there is an advanced system. Bringing world's best practices forward, we want to lead."

"Every sector requires modernisation, advancement and connectivity with technologies. We are getting new support due to our policies in all sectors," the PM said.

PM Modi mentioned the reforms done in the space sector, which is an important aspect.

"Today, many startups are entering this sector. Space sector which is becoming vibrant is an essential element towards making India a powerful nation. We are focusing and giving strength to this sector with a long-term idea," he said.

"The youth of my country does not believe in incremental progress, and is in the mood to take giant leaps!" PM Modi said.

"Today, our youth wants to achieve new heights by taking bold strides. Remember, this is a golden era for India. Let's seize this opportunity," he added.

Emphasising on the need to develop the education system in India, PM Modi noted that language should not be an obstacle in education.

Noting how students move abroad for higher education, the PM said that the system in India should be such that students from foreign countries come to our nation for education. He said that the spirit of the age-old Nalanda university should be instilled in the education sector.

PM Modi spoke about medical aspirants moving abroad for their courses and said that they shouldn't have to do so.

In a move to make better space in India for the aspirants, PM Modi said that his government will introduce 75,000 new seats in medical education courses.

Amid the pouring outrage of the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the crimes against women and daughters in the nation.

He said that it is "essential" to bring fear in offenders, adding that they should be 'strictly' punished as soon as possible.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "We have brought the criminal laws that we have had for centuries in the form of a code of justice."

"At its core, we have strengthened the sentiment of 'no punishment, but justice to the citizen'," he added.

The Prime Minister urged the government and public representatives at every level that we should take steps for ease of living in mission mode.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Today, many big companies and investors of the world want to invest in India. This is a golden opportunity."

"I urge the State governments to make clear policies to attract investors and give assurance of good governance and law and order situation to them. There should be competition between States to attract maximum investors. Their policies should changed or molded as per global requirements," he added.

Noting the development and the works being done in several sectors of the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that "Indian standards will become international standards".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the athletes who have returned from the 2024 Paris Olympics and thanked them for their efforts in performing for the nation.

"Today, we also have with us the youth who made the Indian flag fly high in Olympics On behalf of 140 crore countrymen, I congratulate all our athletes and players...In the next few days, a huge contingent of India will leave for Paris to participate in the Paralympics. I extend best wishes to all our Paralympians...India organising the G20 Summit on a large scale has proven that India has the capability to organise large-scale events...It is the dream of India to host 2036 Olympics, we are making preparations for that," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his vision for the 2036 Olympics to be held in India, saying that our nation should be and will be in such a position that this wish would come true.

Taking an apparent jibe at the opposition and 'such energies', Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that "some people cannot digest India's progress".

Given the unrest and political turmoil that Bangladesh is embroiled in, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished for normalcy in India's neighbouring.

"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," PM Modi said.

"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," he added.

Promising the countrymen to work three-times faster and effectively in his third term at the Centre, Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his speech and signed off with the chants of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Vande Mataram'.

In his I-Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the nation's commitment to inclusivity and social progress, pressing on the key initiatives aimed at enhancing the dignity and rights of marginalised communities.

Modi spoke about the country's efforts to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities, noting that the government's focus on sign language and the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan reflects a deep respect for their dignity.

He praised the achievements of India's paralympians, saying their successes showcase the strength and potential of every Indian.

He also addressed the issue of advancements in women's rights, Modi discussed the extension of paid maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks.

ITBP personnel fo NW frontier held a march with the national flag at 14,000 feet high terrain of Leh, Ladakh.

Maldives president Mohamed Muizzu extended Independence Day greetings to India, congratulating PM Modi and Indian citizens.

In a post on X, Muizzu said, "On the occasion of India’s Independence Day, I extend heartfelt congratulations to President @rashtrapatibhvn, Prime Minister @narendramodi, and the people of ????. Our enduring friendship, rooted in history, has evolved to foster prosperity and development in the Maldives and the region. As we look to the future, I am confident that our partnership will continue to strengthen, driving mutual prosperity and shared goals."

Jammu and Kashmir Leiutenant Governor Manoj Sinha hoisted the tricolour on the occasion of Independence Day.

Delivering his address, "Adversary is not happy with peace, development in Jammu and Kashmir," adding that "they're using foreign terrorists to carry out attacks".

He said that security forces have been given full freedom to deal with terrorists. "Enemy designs will not be allowed to succeed," he added.

"We have launched assault on narco-terror network," Sinha said, adding that the administration is committed to making Jammu and Kashmir drug-free.

The tallest flag in North-East India was hoisted at the INA headquarters complex at Moirang in Manipur's Bishnupur district on the occasion of the country's 78th Independence Day on Thursday.

Indian National Army (INA) soldiers in 1944 had hoisted its flag for the first time in Moirang on Indian soil.

"Today, we proudly witness the unfurling of the tricolour at the historic INA headquarters in Moirang, Bishnupur district. The flag flies high atop the 165 ft tall flagpole, the tallest in North-East India, symbolizing our nation's pride and glory. The INA headquarters, established by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, holds great historical importance. On April 14, 1944, the Indian National Army (INA) first hoisted the tricolour here, marking a pivotal moment in our struggle for independence," Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said on X.

"Today the tricolour was not hoisted at the CM residence. It is very sad. This dictatorship can keep an elected Chief Minister in jail, but how can it stop the patriotism in the heart," Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's wife Sunita Kejriwal said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted children and spectators after addressing the nation on the 78th Independence Day event at Delhi's Red Fort.

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On the occasion of Independence Day, CJI DY Chandrachud said, "This is the day which reminds us of the duties we have to discharge towards each other and the nation in realising all the values of the constitution."

The Border Security Forces (BSF) celebrated Independence Day at Nabadet, the India-Pakistan border zero point in Gujarat's Banaskantha.