Evening news wrap: PM Modi delivers 12th consecutive I-Day address from Red Fort; Kishtwar death toll rises to 60; & more

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, delivering his 12th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort, announced initiatives to make India self-reliant, technologically advanced, and economically stronger, with the aim of becoming a developed nation by 2047. He also said a new two-slab Goods and Services Tax structure will replace the current 5-28% rates. In other developments, Cristiano Ronaldo’s club Al Nassr has been drawn in the same AFC Champions League Two group as FC Goa, potentially setting up his first match against an Indian club.Here are the top 5 stories of the dayPM addresses nation on Independence DayPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday marked his 12th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort ramparts. On the 79th Independence Day, he unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at making India self-reliant, technologically advanced, and economically stronger -- with the clear goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. Read full storyKishtwar cloudburst: Death toll rises to 60Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah and lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha about the cloudburst tragedy in Kishtwar. He reviewed the situation and assured all possible help. Read full storyTwo-slab tax structure to replace 5-28% GST ratesPrime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech announced that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) burden on the common man is set to come down from this Diwali with next-generation reforms slated to be rolled out. Read full storyCristiano Ronaldo to play in India?Cristiano Ronaldo could face an Indian club for the first time in his career, with his team Al Nassr drawn in the same AFC Champions League Two group as FC Goa. The group stage draw, held on August 15, placed the Saudi side in Group D alongside Goa, Iraq’s Al Zawra’a, and Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol. Read full storyIDF says Hamas military control department head killedThe Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it has killed a senior Hamas figure in an airstrike in southern Gaza, releasing video footage of the operation. Read full story