80th Independence Day: PM Modi Highlights 2.5 Lakh Startups, Rs 1 Lakh Crore Innovation Fund

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday showcased India’s expanding innovation and technology landscape, noting that the country now has more than 2.5 lakh registered startups.

Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on the 80th Independence Day, PM Modi said India must move beyond being a global marketplace and become an innovation hub. He identified artificial intelligence, quantum technology, space, robotics and data centres as key areas for future growth.

The Prime Minister credited Startup India with creating an ecosystem where young Indians build enterprises and generate employment. He announced an Innovation Fund of Rs 1 lakh crore to support young innovators, research and new ideas.

Prime Minister Modi said India had strengthened its digital infrastructure and expanded access to affordable data. He urged the country to take its digital public technologies worldwide and lead in next-generation communication, including 6G.

PM Modi announced plans to train one crore young people in AI skills over the next year.

The initiative aims to prepare India’s youth for a leading role in the global AI economy.

Highlighting manufacturing gains, PM Modi said mobile phone production had risen 35-fold, while modern railway coach production had increased 21-fold.

Electronics manufacturing grew seven-fold over the past decade as domestic capabilities expanded.

The number of internet users and consumers has nearly quadrupled. Patent grants have risen four-fold, while digital transactions have surged 100-fold.

PM Modi highlighted the faster expansion of household tap-water connections. He said initiatives such as Skill India, the National Drone Policy, the opening of the space sector and the National Education Policy had widened opportunities for young Indians.

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