From AI Training to Free Online Coaching: PM Modi's Top Announcements on I-Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15 announced a set of initiatives covering artificial intelligence, education, sports, civil defence, semiconductors and nuclear energy in his Independence Day speech from the Red Fort. The government will train one crore young people in AI skills over the next year, Modi said. He also announced free online coaching for competitive examinations to reduce the cost of preparation for students and families. "We recently held an AI Summit. Today, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, I wish to announce the youth of the country: We have resolved that in the coming one year, we will work to provide AI skill training to 1 crore youth, so that the youth of our nation possess the capability to lead the world in the domain of AI as well," he said. Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "My dear fellow citizens, when I speak of a Viksit Bharat, when I speak of advancing the nation at high speed—who is the greatest beneficiary of this? Who is the greatest driving force behind all these efforts? If there is a driving... pic.twitter.com/AMdmOsOOLS — IANS (@ians_india) August 15, 2026 AI Push Comes with a Wider Education Plan The AI training program aims to equip young people with skills that help them compete in a technology-driven economy. Modi said the initiative would draw on India’s digital public infrastructure, talent and teaching resources. The government also plans to create a nationwide online coaching network for competitive examinations. Modi said the system would help families cut coaching expenses while giving students access to teachers and learning resources online. "Coaching classes burden the poor and the middle class. We will provide free online coaching for various exams," PM Modi said in his address. #WATCH | Delhi: From the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "The race for coaching classes has become a massive burden for our middle-class families. Every parent feels that if they don't send their child to a coaching class, they aren't considered a... pic.twitter.com/Qq74edZTl2 — ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2026 "Every parent feels that if they do not send their child to a coaching class, they are not a prestigious family." The announcements point to a wider push to make digital education more accessible. The focus is also on reducing the dependence on expensive private coaching for exam preparation. PM Modi further said, "And therefore, we have decided to provide free online coaching for various examinations for the youth. We have digital public infrastructure; we have excellent talent and teachers. By bringing these resources together, we are going to build a complete network to provide free coaching to the youth of the country." Sports, Civil Defence Plans Target Wider Participation The government will launch a nationwide talent hunt for children aged five to 15 years. The program will seek sporting prospects from across the country and provide selected children with specialized training. "We have decided that in 2036, we should have participation in at least three fourth events. We are launching a nationwide talent hunt for children aged 5 to 15 to identify prospects in every corner of the country. They will get special training to become world class athletes," he added. Modi said India wants to participate in at least three-fourths of Olympic events by 2036. He also described India as a strong contender to host the 2036 Olympics. "India is making space for itself in the world of sports. We hear our national anthem frequently and see our tri-colour going up very often. Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) has achieved great success. Whether it is Khelo India Games, University Games, Beach Games, Winter Games, or sports training, sports medicine, sports nutrition, India is moving ahead at great pace," he said. The government will also build a modern civil defence volunteer network. The proposed force will receive training in newer systems and emergency response methods. Chips and Nuclear Power Get Bigger Targets Modi said three semiconductor facilities have already been established, and production for exports has already started. He added that five to eight more plants are expected to start operations over the next seven to eight years. #WATCH | Delhi: From the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra 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... pic.twitter.com/DI9GV1xx1M — ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2026 He said, "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." Nuclear power also featured prominently in the address. Modi set a target of 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047 as part of India’s long-term energy security plans. "Nuclear energy is a major means of energy security. We have paved the way towards a new goal by passing the 'Peace Act' in Parliament. By 2047, we are moving forward with the target of 100 GW of nuclear power," PM Modi said. "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." The government aims to commission five new nuclear reactors within this decade. Modi also said India had achieved a milestone in fast breeder nuclear technology this year. "We aim to commission five new nuclear reactors within this decade alone. This year, India achieved a significant milestone by mastering fast breeder nuclear technology, marking a major stride toward self-reliance in nuclear fuel," he added. గ్రామాలు, పట్టణాలు, పాఠశాలల్లో 5 నుంచి 15 సంవత్సరాల వయస్సు గల చిన్నారుల్లో క్రీడా ప్రతిభను గుర్తించేందుకు దేశవ్యాప్తంగా ‘టాలెంట్ హంట్’ కార్యక్రమాన్ని ప్రారంభిస్తాం. - PM @narendramodi #IndiaIndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/HwxWMIUxtC — N Ramchander Rao (@N_RamchanderRao) August 15, 2026 Taken together, the announcements set out a broad policy focus on skills, technology, sports and energy. The scale of the targets will now depend on how quickly the proposed program and facilities move from announcements to implementation.