During his address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 80th Independence Day on 15th of August 2026, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announced a series of initiatives and targets covering Artificial Intelligence, education, sports, Civil Defence, semiconductor manufacturing, nuclear energy and women-led development.
Key announcements from the Prime Minister’s address include:
AI Skilling for One Crore Youth:
One crore youth would be trained in AI skills over the next one year. Referring to the rapid expansion of Artificial Intelligence, he said the initiative would help equip India’s youth with the capability to lead in the world of AI.
Free Online Coaching for Various Examinations:
Announced free online coaching for youth preparing for various examinations. Referring to the financial burden of coaching classes on poor and middle-class families, he said Digital Public Infrastructure, available talent and teachers would be brought together to create a complete network for providing free coaching to the country’s youth.
Nationwide Sports Talent Hunt for Children Aged 5-15 Years:
Announced a talent hunt campaign across villages, cities and schools to identify sporting talent among children between five and 15 years of age. The identified children would be provided specialised training to develop them into players capable of representing the country. Referring to Olympic disciplines in which India currently does not participate or qualify, the Prime Minister said greater emphasis would be placed on building capabilities in such sports.
Target of Six Crore Lakhpati Didis:
Highlighting the contribution of women to nation-building, in addition to the earlier target of creating three crore Lakhpati Didis, creation of another three crore Lakhpati Didis would bring about a major transformation in the rural economy through the strength of women.
