President Murmu: Youth Key to Viksit Bharat by 2047; Moitra Alleges Eviction
On the eve of the 80th Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation, underscoring the central role of the youth in shaping India's future. With 65 per cent of the population below 35, she called young Indians the country's "most valuable asset". She reaffirmed the government's resolve to achieve the 'Viksit Bharat' vision by 2047 and highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at making public examinations transparent, secure, and free from malpractices such as paper leaks. The President also lauded the empowerment of women as a key driver of national progress, urging citizens to work collectively towards building a prosperous and inclusive India.
In a separate development, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra alleged that she was directed by the Nadia district administration to vacate the circuit house late at night. In a series of social media posts, she said that she had entered the circuit house at 6:30 pm and was given the same room she always stays in. After dinner was served at 9:20 pm, she received a call at 9:47 pm asking her to vacate. She posted a photo of an order she received at 10:52 pm. Moitra also noted that a large crowd outside the gates was shouting "Jai Shree Ram".
A group of concerned citizens, including writers, academics, filmmakers, activists, and public figures, has penned an open letter to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, urging his intervention in the continued incarceration of activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. The two have been in custody for nearly six years in a larger conspiracy case linked to the 2020 North-East Delhi riots. The letter emphasises the importance of upholding the liberty of individuals and calls for a review of their continued detention.
President Murmu has approved 78 gallantry awards, including 13 posthumous honours, for personnel of the armed forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). According to the Ministry of Defence, the list comprises nine Kirti Chakras, seven of them posthumous; one Bar to Shaurya Chakra; 19 Shaurya Chakras, including one posthumous; five Bars to Sena Medals (Gallantry); 36 Sena Medals (Gallantry), five posthumous; three Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry); and five Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry). These awards recognise exceptional bravery and sacrifice.
At least seven workers were killed and 14 injured after water and debris entered a tunnel under construction at a hydroelectric project in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, on Thursday. Officials said 22 workers were trapped inside, with 21 brought out so far. Seven were declared dead upon rescue, while 14 injured are undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital. Information about the remaining worker was not immediately available. Rescue operations were underway.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Friday criticised the Bar Council of India's (BCI) move to stop the professional enrolment of the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) batch of 2026. He termed it an unwarranted interference in the ongoing "dialogue" between him and students who do not want him as the chief guest for their convocation ceremony. The BCI's decision had cited the students' objection to his presence.
India has reaffirmed its "longstanding ties" with Afghanistan and the Afghan people, days before the fifth anniversary of the Taliban's takeover of Kabul. Ministry of External Affairs Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters that over the past year, multiple engagements and ministerial visits from Afghanistan to India have strengthened partnerships in several areas. He did not elaborate further.
These were among the major developments reported on Friday as India prepares to mark its 80th Independence Day. The President's address and the other stories reflect a wide range of issues facing the nation.
