New Delhi, August 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced a series of initiatives covering education, youth development, sports, civil defence, artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing and nuclear energy in his Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
Among the key announcements was a nationwide programme to provide free online coaching for competitive examinations, aimed at reducing the financial burden on families that spend heavily on private coaching.
“Coaching classes burden the poor and the middle class. We will provide free online coaching for various exams,” Modi said.
He said the initiative would bring together India’s digital public infrastructure, teachers and other educational resources to create a nationwide network for free examination preparation. Modi also said the move could help families save large amounts of money while allowing parents to remain closer to their children.
The Prime Minister also announced plans for a modern and extensive Civil Defence network, including a large volunteer force trained to deal with contemporary emergencies and security challenges.
“I announce today from the Red Fort that we will establish a vibrant Civil Defence network in the coming days,” he said, adding that volunteers would be familiarised with modern systems and response procedures.
On sports, Modi said India was making rapid progress internationally and remained a strong contender to host the 2036 Olympic Games. He cited the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), Khelo India Games, University Games, Beach Games and Winter Games, besides advances in sports training, medicine and nutrition.
However, he noted that Indian athletes currently fail to qualify in many Olympic events. He said India should aim to participate in at least three-fourths of Olympic events by 2036.
To expand the talent base, Modi announced a nationwide talent hunt for children aged five to 15. Those identified as promising athletes will be provided specialised training with the aim of developing world-class sporting talent.
The Prime Minister also placed semiconductor manufacturing among India’s strategic priorities. He said three major semiconductor plants had already been established and that production had begun for export.
He added that five to eight more semiconductor plants were expected to commence operations in the coming years, strengthening India’s domestic chip manufacturing capabilities.
Modi also set broader economic and strategic targets for 2047, including having 50 Indian companies among the Fortune 500, an Indian bank among the world’s top five and 100 GW of nuclear power capacity.
On nuclear energy, he said India was working towards commissioning and operationalising five new nuclear reactors over the next six to seven years.
“This year, India has achieved mastery in Fast Breeder Nuclear Technology, marking a crucial milestone,” Modi said, describing the development as a major step towards self-reliance in nuclear fuel.
Another major announcement focused on artificial intelligence. Modi said the government would work over the next year to provide AI skills training to one crore youth, with the objective of preparing them to compete and lead globally in the technology.
He also noted the expansion of India’s startup ecosystem, saying more than 2.5 lakh startups were operating in the country and young entrepreneurs were contributing to employment generation.
“Today, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, I wish to make an announcement for the youth of the country: We have resolved that in the coming one year, we will work to provide AI skill training to 1 crore youth,” Modi said.
The announcements collectively outlined a broad roadmap focused on expanding access to education, developing young talent, strengthening strategic technology capabilities and building long-term energy and economic capacity.
FOLLOW NOW
