Under Congress, India was grouped with Brazil, Indonesia, South Africa and Turkey :::: 12 years changed a lot - India surpassed Japan to become world's fourth-largest economy and now only behind the US, China and Germany

 "The world had dumped India's economy in the 'Fragile Five'. People's efforts have resulted in taking India to a major economy in the last 12 years," PM Narendra Modi said in his I-Day speech taking a swipe at the Congress-led UPA era. 

Last year, India surpassed Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy. 

It is now only behind the US, China and Germany.  

The 'Fragile Five' term was coined by global investment bank Morgan Stanley in 2013 to describe the five emerging economies considered particularly vulnerable to external financial shocks. 

India was grouped along with 

Brazil, Indonesia, South Africa and Turkey.

PM Modi and the BJP have frequently invoked this controversial label to contrast India's economic situation during the UPA era with its subsequent growth since 2014.  

India was included in the 'Fragile Five' grouping at a time when its economy was saddled with a combination of 

high inflation, a widening current account deficit, a falling rupee and heavy dependence on foreign capital.  

In 2014, India moved out of the 'Fragile Five' grouping as its external balances improved and foreign exchange reserves (think of it as India's emergency dollar savings account) strengthened.

The IMF even declared that among the emerging economies, India stood out for bringing about the sharpest macroeconomic turnaround.

Post Jantar Mantar flip-flop; PM Modi diagnoses the malady well and says .. “ideological Naxalism" or “dimagi Naxalism" was still looking for opportunities to promote violence and anarchy"

“For years, people with a Maoist mindset sat occupying spaces within the corridors of power in the country. Even as advisors in government committees, this Maoist mindset influenced policies," the prime minister said.  

PM Modi said India could no longer move forward with “small dreams" and stressed that big dreams, strong resolve and greater aspirations would raise the country’s capabilities and efforts. He said the goal of a developed India must be achieved through the collective efforts of 140 crore Indians.

Importance of Numbers :

12 Years: The timeframe within which India broke out of the “Fragile Five" to become the world’s fastest-growing major economy.

40 --  The number of countries with which India has successfully concluded Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to expand global markets for MSMEs and local farmers.

22: -- The number of regional languages into which the speech was translated in real-time using the ‘Digital India Bhashini’ AI tool

200 GW: The massive newly designated target for India’s nuclear energy capacity.

Five -- 

The number of new nuclear reactors actively being set up to handle alternative clean energy demands.

Viksit Bharat 2047: ‘Small Dreams Will No Longer Suffice’

At the centre of the Prime Minister’s address was the goal of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047, when the country completes 100 years of Independence.

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the country had succeeded in weakening armed Naxalism but warned that what he described 

as “ideological Naxalism" or “dimagi Naxalism" was still looking for opportunities to promote violence and anarchy.  

“Where once Naxalite bullets were fired, where once the earth used to be blood-stained, today in those very Naxal regions… the tricolour of development, trust, and effort is flying," he said.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day, PM Modi said the government had fulfilled its pledge to free India from Naxal violence, adding that Maoist insurgents no longer had the strength to survive in regions that were once affected by armed conflict.  

“Naxalism had drenched the earth in blood," PM Modi said, recalling the BJP-led government’s arrival in power in 2014. 

He said the government had then pledged to free the country from Naxalism. The prime minister said areas once known for Naxalite violence were now witnessing development and a greater sense of trust.  He drew a distinction between armed Maoist insurgents and those he alleged continue to subscribe to Maoist ideology. “We succeeded in eliminating the armed Naxals in the forests and freeing the country from that crisis. But the armed Naxals are gone. However, ideological Naxalism (dimagi Naxalism), this ideological Naxalism is looking for an opportunity," he said.

PM Modi alleged that this ideological current was attempting to “dig up paths of violence and anarchy" and called for those subscribing to it to be identified and isolated. “These ideological Naxals must be identified. These ideological Naxals must be isolated," he said. 

The prime minister also linked his warning to the country’s younger generation, calling for young Indians to be kept connected with what he described as the mainstream path of nation-building and the goal of making India a developed country.

His remarks mark a widening of the government’s Naxalism narrative; from the armed insurgency that operated in parts of central and eastern India to a broader warning about what PM Modi characterised as an ideological or intellectual ecosystem that could influence institutions and public policy.

"... there is a need to isolate “dimaagi Naxals” :::: PM Modi vows 7-point 'Saptdhara' reforms to achieve Viksit Bharat goal ::: "first 'shakti' of the Sapta Dhara is- manufacturing sector. For this, we need to need to focus on three things -Cost, quality and scale"

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led India’s 80th Independence Day celebrations from the Red Fort in New Delhi on Saturday, August 15, 2026. 

Reform is conviction, not compulsion or buzzword, says PM Modi

On soft power, PM Modi highlighted 

Yoga, Ayurveda, holistic health, creative resources and tourism.

PM Modi announces nationwide sports talent hunt

The seven areas are 

manufacturing, 

agriculture and food processing, 

technology and innovation,

 Gati-Shakti, 

Raksha Shakti, 

the green and blue economy, and India's soft power.

The Prime Minister in his Independence Day speech said there is a need to isolate “dimaagi Naxals”.

He also said India is prepared to face challenges both within its borders and across them.

Modi promises AI skilling for 1 crore youth, free online coaching for exams

PM Modi says, "Today I want to remind you of 'Sapta Sindhu'. Now, to build a Viksit Bharat, we need a new current. The first 'shakti' of the Sapta Dhara is- manufacturing sector. For this, we need to need to focus on three things -Cost, quality and scale. 

"There should be no compromise with quality. This will be our brand value. 

The second 'shakti' is food processing. With the new FTAs, we have access to greater global markets now. 

The third 'shakti' is technology and innovation and digital technologies."

***

This year’s ceremony will mark 150 years of the enduring legacy of the National Song Vande Mataram, while placing the spotlight on the energy and aspirations of India’s youth. 

The celebrations  also highlight the contribution of ‘Yuva Shakti’ to the country’s journey towards Viksit Bharat by 2047. 

In a first at the Red Fort, Vande Mataram will be rendered as part of the official celebrations. The ceremony will feature the ceremonial flag hoisting, a 21-gun salute, a Guard of Honour and a national address by the Prime Minister.

 

Addressing the nation from ramparts of Red Fort, PM Modi, says, 

"Many times, a country does not stop because of a lack of resources... it stops because of the limitations of its thinking. 

When our thinking becomes confined by limitations, we fail to recognise our own potential.

"Today, India has to depend on crude oil, and this is also a result of the limitations in our thinking. You will be surprised to know that, because of such an approach, we had declared nearly 99 per cent of our offshore areas as 'no-go areas.' 

We had effectively decided not to undertake exploration beneath the sea. This was a poverty of thinking. We decided that this could not continue. 

"We have now opened up the 99 per cent of areas that were once designated as no-go zones and converted them into 'go-ahead' areas. We are now actively pursuing exploration beneath the sea and making efforts to discover new reserves."  

Electrification of railways started in 1925 but in 90 years, only 30 pc work completed; in last decade, we completed 100 pc work: PM Modi.

"Due to railway electrification, import of diesel came down; we have launched hydrogen train" : PM 

"In last 12 years, we have been working constantly for achieving objective of Viksit Bharat by 2047" 

"Misinformation was spread by some during Covid-19, they derived pleasure out of it"

Modi says, "... Becoming an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' is crucial. 

That is why, over the past few years, our conviction has been that India should no longer live in dependence on other nations; we must become self-reliant... 

We must enhance our own capacities and safeguard our interests ourselves. With this resolve, we are moving forward firmly towards an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat.' Every Indian is connecting with initiatives like 'Make in India,' 'Swadeshi', and 'Local for Local.'

PM Modi adds, "In today’s digital world and technological landscape, we understand the immense importance of chips. 

Whether it is electronic goods, medical equipment, or transportation systems, chips are indispensable; without them, the world would come to a standstill. India has moved towards self-reliance in this sector; three major semiconductor plants have already been established, 

and I have been informed that production from these facilities has already begun for export. In the coming 7-8 years, five to eight additional semiconductor plants are set to commence operations very soon..."  

"Twelve years ago, India’s solar energy capacity stood at just 2 GW. Today, it has reached 160 GW, marking a remarkable expansion in the country’s renewable energy capacity. 

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is also progressing rapidly, with solar installations crossing 50 lakh households. 

Thousands of families are now seeing their electricity bills reduced to zero, while some are earning by selling surplus power. Under the scheme, families are receiving government support of up to ₹80,000 for solar installations.

PM Modi said India should aim to have 50 companies among the Fortune 500 in the coming decade. 

He also said at least one Indian bank should be among the world's top five banks and at least one Indian pharmaceutical company should feature among the world's five largest pharmaceutical companies.

ends 

Independence Day Spl ::: In a broad sense we may say, - If all problems are solved and There's Hindu-Muslim unity; then what will Netas do ??? ::: Talking of Gen Z, we must prepare Gen Z of 2047 who will care for the country and the old values

India's Partition, Old Indian values and the fast changing social dynamics are good ways to look at things. 

Reasons must fight unreasons. That's a basic way of looking and judging matters. Often things do not work in India. Mobs or political considerations take over. There is an ugly and unedifying spectacle of  governance without any determination to enforce the rule of law. 

Most communal clashes or catastrophic episodes like destruction of a Masjid as in 1992 may fall under this category. History has shown that the evil carries its own seeds of destruction. If Babri Masjid demolition was one such episode; we can easily say many years before Partition too was another instance. 

 

The Delhi anti Sikh carnage in 1984 or the Gujarat 2002 were also no exception.  There were also episodes like killing of Ananda Margis in West Bengal. We may often ask ourselves - are the factors responsible for Partition are 'over' today in circa 2026; or they are still around ?

The fact of the matter is there were no reasons for Partition. The 'reasons'  were found and then highlighted because a decision was already taken by the colonial masters to divide India. Mountbatten was deputed with a fixed task. 

Take an objective view and we know Jinnah had his reasons. Nehru was in hurry. By 1940 - a sort of new generation in freedom struggle politics was coming. 

As they say -- 'Naya Rajniti and Naya Neta (New political ideals and new leadership) would be emerging soon. For their part - the Britishers also came under pressure. 

The colonial masters would have found it dfficult to survive in India with as much power as they had two years back. The Indian leaders were also getting tired of wars. 

As rightly goes the Bengali poetic line - "Vidrohi rano Klanto".  So somehow -- some formulae had to be worked out. Partition was considered that acceptable formula. In 2026 as also in 1947, for common people - the main issues were job, electricity and water. 

They did not have much concern about fighting and killing their neighbours. Similarly, in 2026 - if Hindu-Muslim unity is ensured foolproof; what will politicians do ? What will the journalists, experts and social workers do -who still want to thrive out of the business of Sickularism ? 

Does 'secularism' genuinely matter to them ?  Now coming to the core issues. 

Look at the economic condition of Pakistan. 

In Bangladesh; the two nation theory failed. 

But in 2024 - they decided there should be a mass uprising - instigated and sponsored did not make any difference. They wanted to get rid of a woman PM in office.  One interim arrangement has been replaced by another 'elected government'. 

But in August 2026 - the nation faces prolonged power crisis and they need India's help. At the same time, PM in office Tarique Rahman is reluctant to visit India -- apparently. It is also debated that a large section of Bangladeshis want a good relationship with a nation in crisis called Pakistan. 

Blogger 

The 1971 uprising was against Pakistan and that too looks like a forgotten chapter. All these debates may keep happening. But is it realised that in effect Partition has harmed long term and the larger interests of Muslims. There is another Muslims - who went away and formed Pakistan are not being punished or suspected by Hindus  and Sikhs. 

Those who have to face the brunt of the anguish is the Muslims - who had decided to stay back in India.  

“Muslims should not be treated as different people … consider them your own,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi told BJP workers at a national executive meeting in the southern state of Kerala in 2016.

Five years down the line, in 2021, he announced on the eve of India’s Independence Day that Aug. 14 will be observed as the “Partition Horrors Remembrance Day”.

This is pay respect to the sacrifices of millions who were displaced or who lost their lives during the partition of the subcontinent after the British left in 1947.  

“Since 2014 when Modi came to power, I am yet to come across any initiative that unites the citizens. This announcement of the prime minister will only further create distance and the unwanted gap between Hindus and Muslims,” Delhi-based Christian leader A.C. Michael had told me in 2021 (reported for UCA News).   

Many Hindus still harbor a serious grouse against Muslims for the division of India. Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its sister organizations championing Hindu identity question the patriotism of Muslims.  But is that all ? India is now eyeing to achieve the status of a 'developed nation' - Viksit Bharat.  

The stakeholders overseas will not be too happy for such ambitions. 

Talking of Gen Z,  we must prepare the youngsters - Gen Z - of 2047 who will care for the country and the old values. 

What will be the Muslim Gen Z of 2047 ? Will they still think like the Muslim youths of 1947 or 2026 ? 

What if leaders like Modi or Yogi become heroes of Muslim youths of 2047 but despised by the Hindu youths? 

What kind of politics we may have in 2047 ?  

Will the Leader of the Opposition still avoid parliament debate time and focus on staging a skit to mock at a woman Prime Minister of Italy? What will champions of Hindutva do ? 

Will India still need caste leaders or cockroach or spider forces ?  

Or will Bharat/India go the Lebanon or Yugoslavia way - multiplied a thousand times ?? 

ends 

Under Modi; India's ties with Italy has strengthened “in every way” -- MEA's big snub to Congress and Rahul Gandhi after Meloni remark

Arrogance and 'two dynasts' - one son of a former PM and another son of a former Delhi chief minister - Rahul Gandhi and Sandeep Dikshit left red-faced !!

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday called for mutual respect in diplomatic discourse after Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sandeep Dikshit made a reference to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

The two opposition leaders made reference to Meloni while taking a dig Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India’s relationship with Italy had expanded and strengthened “in every way” in recent years, stressing that both sides must remain respectful of each other.  

“We have strong ties with Italy. Our ties with Italy in recent years have expanded and strengthened in every way, and it’s important that, as part of diplomatic practice, we strengthen our ties, keeping in mind and being respectful of each other and this mutual understanding between the two sides,” MEA spokesman Jaiswal said.

His comments came a day after Rahul Gandhi (whose mother hails from Italy) mocked Modi’s approach to foreign policy at a party meet in New Delhi.

Rahul said he did not understand where the idea had come to Modi that foreign policy was about “hugging leaders”.  

BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi accused Rahul Gandhi of crossing the limits of political discourse, while other BJP leaders also criticised the reference involving Meloni.  

To counter Rahul Gandhi's PM 'hug' jab, BJP's Nishikant Dubey shared photographs of Indira Gandhi with Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.  

In a post on X, Dubey shared photographs of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi with Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, as well as the viral image of Rahul Gandhi hugging PM Modi in Lok Sabha eight years ago, with the caption, 

"Rahul Gandhi ji calls this choking sensation gastric fire, or is it the fire of lust?”

ends 

Tomorrow looks like Yesterday :::: Boost is the secret of Rio's energy .. may be ?? :::: But Team Rio gets "shabash" pat on the back :::: Is someone exposed and the other person is desperate ??? ::: !!Muivah's I-Day speech targets "Shillong Accordists" ::: "Do we allow these traitors to decide the future of the Nagas ?"

Back to Future !!

The Rio Govt gets "shabash" pat on the back !! 

NSCN-IM vice chairman V S Atem has confirmed what was being whispered around. Asked by journalists in Dimapur whether NSCN-IM endorses the state Govt demand of the Centre for appointment of a ministerial level interlocutor, Atem was more than categorical. 

"Yes, that was our demand...," he said. He also made it clear that the "Nagaland state (Govt) is only facilitating. They are giving the boost ... that's all". 

The talks between the two entities were initially agreed to take place at the Prime Ministerial level. 

Citing the PM’s scheduling constraints; Atem said that the NSCN (IM) accepted to having an interlocutor representing the PM. Acknowledging the practical difficulty, he said, 

“We agreed to accept a representative appointed by the Prime Minister as the interlocutor, which has also been the practice in the past.”

Muivah's speech on I-Day 

"The pertinent issue is who upholds the Naga national principle and the mandate of the  people?," says Thuingaleng Muivah of NSCN-IM seeking legitimacy for his group that suffered a first of its kind split lately.

"The Shillong Accordists are the Nagas who lost hope and faith in  Nagalim and the Naga people. They had renounced their own rights ....".

"After the fall of NNC from the grace on account of the Shillong Accord, we the NSCN  are the only people who represent the Nagas and uphold the national principles," he said on the occasion of 'Naga independence Day'. 

"Why are the Nagas divided today? It is very clear to all of us that the Shillong Accord divided  the Nagas vertically," he said within weeks of a completely new body of Naga militants calling them - the 'Eastern Flank'. 

The key figures in the Eastern Flank -  Ikato Chishi Swu (chairman) and Lt. Gen. (Retd.) H S Ramsan (vice chairman) and A Raman (Longvibu - commander-in-chief) were all his lieutenants for years.

In July 2026, they announced the formal split and also alerted security forces in Nagaland and Manipur by stating that the ceasefire has stopped working.  

Muivah also 

"The  national principles here mean, defending and protecting the August 14, 1947 independence  declaration and the May 16, 1951 plebiscite to live as an independent sovereign people. 

"A time came when we were faced with an overwhelming challenge, and we are thankful to  the Almighty God, for He was there when hopes and confidence were all shattered in the  tragedy of the 1975 Shillong Accord. 

"We made up our mind, declaring that the Shillong  Accord is not the end of our history. No! 

It was never the will of God that we sell off our  birthright, and we were persuaded that He wants us to be free, saying, “I will make a great  nation of thee”. 

"Therefore, we took a firm decision and condemned the Shillong Accord for  betraying Nagalim's national principle, thereafter, 

we formed the National Socialist Council  of Nagalim (NSCN) in 1980 to save the Naga nation from perishing." 

Muivah also said: "The Nagas are one ....There are some Nagas who believe in the rights of the  Nagas and some who do not. 

We believe that the Nagas are the right people to  decide their own future."   

"Our political position is crystal clear" he said adding among other things -- 

"Any political agreement that does not uphold these national principles is a betrayal of the Nagalim national principle. ... 

 With a breach of the letter and spirit of the August  3, 2015 Framework Agreement, India is consciously reverting to a military solution. We will  not accept an imposed agreement or be silent spectators to a military approach."

ends 

"Public exams open doors of opportunities for students. Govt is taking steps ... to reform ... Aim of these reforms is to completely curb the use of unfair means" - says President Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu in her message to the nation on the eve of Independence Day says, 

"Public examinations open the doors of opportunity for students. Therefore, the government is taking comprehensive steps to reform these examinations. 

The aim of these reforms is to completely curb the use of unfair means in public examinations and make the examination system more transparent, secure and trustworthy for young people. 

The government's efforts and new economic activities are creating many new opportunities for the youth. By learning about these opportunities, our young people can choose new paths to success."   

President Murmu also said:

“We are moving ahead towards building Viksit Bharat by the centenary year of our Independence in 2047. 

Guided by the spirit of Antyodaya, it is our resolve to ensure that the fruits of development reach every individual… 

The Ved-Vakya, ‘Vayam Rashtre Jagriyam,’ inspires us to always remain ready to serve the nation. 

"During our freedom struggle, people with diverse ideologies were united by one common goal – India’s Independence. 

During the Swadeshi Movement, the song Vande Mataram became a song of the masses. Countless Indians plunged themselves into our freedom struggle under the leadership of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. 

Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar embodied the highest ideals of social reform and patriotism. I humbly bow to all those great sons and daughters of Bharat Mata whose ideals guided our country to its freedom and its progress thereafter.”