Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, on the occasion of India’s 80th Independence Day on Saturday, announced a slew of major initiatives spanning artificial intelligence, education, civil defence, sports, semiconductor manufacturing and nuclear energy while addressing the nation from the Red Fort on the 80th Independence Day.
The announcements, aimed at strengthening India's human capital, technological capabilities and energy security, included AI training for one crore youngsters, free online coaching for competitive examinations and a nationwide sports talent hunt for children.
PM Modi hoisting the tricolour at Red Fort
AI training to be imparted to 1 crore youth
Highlighting the growing importance of artificial intelligence, PM Modi announced a nationwide programme to train one crore young people in AI skills over the next year.
Referring to the AI Summit held in February, he said the initiative would equip India's youth with the capabilities needed to lead globally in the field. The Prime Minister stressed the need to harness India's talent and technological potential as AI continues to reshape economies and industries.
AI-generated image
Free online coaching for competitive exams
In another major announcement, PM Modi said the government would provide free online coaching for various competitive examinations.
He said coaching classes often place a significant financial burden on poor and middle-class families, forcing parents to spend large sums to prepare their children for competitive exams.
Under the proposed system, digital public infrastructure, teachers and existing educational resources will be brought together to create a nationwide network offering free coaching to young aspirants.
The Prime Minister said the initiative could help families save thousands of crores of rupees while allowing parents to remain closer to their children.
Modern civil defence network
PM Modi also announced plans to establish a vibrant and modern Civil Defence network to tackle emerging security and emergency challenges.
The proposed volunteer force will receive training in modern systems and methods to protect citizens during contemporary crises. The initiative is aimed at creating a large, better-equipped civil defence network capable of responding effectively to evolving emergencies.
India's defence system
Nationwide hunt for sporting talent
With India eyeing greater participation in global sporting events, the Prime Minister announced a nationwide talent hunt for children aged between five and 15.
The programme will identify promising youngsters from across the country and provide them with specialised training to develop them into world-class athletes.
PM Modi said India is a strong contender to host the 2036 Olympics and aims to participate in at least three-fourths of Olympic events by then.
Semiconductor push
The Prime Minister said India has taken significant steps towards self-reliance in semiconductor manufacturing, with three major plants already established and production reportedly beginning for exports.
He added that five to eight more semiconductor plants are expected to commence operations over the next seven to eight years, strengthening India's position in the critical technology sector.
Nuclear power target of 100 GW
On energy security, PM Modi announced an ambitious target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047.
PM Modi addressing the nation on the occasion
He said India plans to commission five new nuclear reactors during the current decade. He also highlighted the country's achievement in mastering fast breeder nuclear technology this year, calling it an important step towards greater self-reliance in nuclear fuel and energy.