Synopsis:
GST Reforms took center stage in PM Modi’s 79th Independence Day speech, alongside major announcements on youth jobs, semiconductor production, security initiatives, and water treaty review.
Qalam Times News Network
New Delhi | August 15, 2025
GST Reforms and Economic Push
GST Reforms were the headline announcement as Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his 12th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort—a 103-minute speech, the longest ever by any Indian prime minister. The reforms, set to roll out by October 2025, aim to lower rates on essential goods, simplify tax slabs, and bring relief to households and small businesses.
Alongside the GST Reforms, the Prime Minister unveiled a ₹1-lakh-crore employment programme—the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana—offering a one-time incentive of ₹15,000 to first-time private-sector job seekers, targeting nearly 3.5 crore beneficiaries.
Technology, Security, and Energy Milestones
Mr. Modi announced that indigenous semiconductor chips will hit the market before the end of 2025, marking a milestone in reducing import dependence and strengthening India’s electronics sector.
In a significant security move, he launched Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a decade-long programme using indigenous technology to safeguard strategic, civilian, and religious sites across the country, with completion aimed for 2035.
The Prime Minister also declared that India has achieved its target of generating 50% of electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources—five years ahead of the 2030 deadline.
Water Treaty Review and Defence Recognition
Highlighting water security, Mr. Modi announced a review of the Indus Water Treaty to safeguard India’s agricultural interests.
He also commended the armed forces for the success of Operation Sindoor in Jammu and Kashmir, crediting them with enhancing national security and demonstrating India’s operational capabilities.
Breaking Records at the Red Fort
This year’s 103-minute speech surpassed Mr. Modi’s previous record of 98 minutes set in 2024. His earlier longest speech was 96 minutes in 2016, while the shortest was 56 minutes in 2017.
With this address, he has now delivered 12 consecutive Independence Day speeches from the Red Fort, overtaking Indira Gandhi’s record and second only to Jawaharlal Nehru’s 17 consecutive addresses.
