PM Modi's Independence Day speech: Lowering GST, tax burden to stern Indus Waters message to Pakistan | KEY HIGHLIGHTS

In a clear and stern warning to Pakistan from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said terrorists and those providing them safe haven will be treated alike and that Indian armed forces will decide on punishment in case of any future misadventure from the neighbouring nation.

Delivering his address to the nation on India's 79th Independence Day, the prime minister announced that India will launch a mission named 'Sudarshan Chakra' to "expand, strengthen, and modernise" this national security shield. Here are some of the key takeways from his speech that you don't want to miss:

• The Prime Minister has praised the success of "Operation Sindoor," which he said demonstrated India's self-reliance and established a "new normal" in tackling cross-border terrorism. “What our forces achieved in Operation Sindoor has not been witnessed in decades... We have set a new normal in tackling cross-border terrorism. I salute our brave soldiers who delivered a punishment for the Pahalgam attack far beyond the enemy’s imagination,” he said.

• India will no longer tolerate "nuclear threats" or "blackmail," the Prime Minister asserted. He also announced the launch of "Mission Sudarshan Chakra," a new weapon system intended to increase national security and enable swift retaliatory strikes.

• Furthermore, PM Modi stated that India would no longer tolerate the "unjust and one-sided" Indus Waters Treaty. Reiterating that "blood and water cannot flow together," he told the nation that the country's farmers have the sole right to its share of the river's waters.

• PM Modi also announced that "next-generation GST reforms" would be implemented by Diwali with the goal of lowering the tax burden on everyday items to benefit small and medium enterprises. "This Diwali, I am going to make it a double Diwali for you... Over the past eight years, we have undertaken a major reform in GST... We are bringing next-generation GST reforms. This will reduce the tax burden across the country,” he said.
  
  
• To enable the smooth execution of such next-generation reforms, the government have decided to set up a task force. "This task force will work to achieve targets within a set time frame and realise the vision of Viksit Bharat... This task force will complete the work within the stipulated time frame. The task force has been constituted with reference to making current rules, laws, policies, and practices suitable for the 21st century, aligned with the global environment, and aimed at making India a developed nation by 2047," the PM said.

• During his address, the Prime Minister announced the 'Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana,' a ₹1 lakh crore employment scheme. Under this initiative, young people securing their first job in the private sector will receive a one-time financial support of ₹15,000 from the government, a move the Prime Minister believes will encourage youth participation in the workforce and accelerate India’s economic growth.