PM Narendra Modi address nation on 73rd Independence Day: SPEECH HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation on the 73rd Independence Day on Thursday: * One nation, one constitution spirit has become a reality after scrapping of provisions of Article 370 and India is proud of it

* 'Population explosion' causes new challenges for coming generations, central and state governments should launch measures to deal with it * There is a 'huge' scope for improvement in the tourism sector, everyone should visit at least 15 tourist destinations within India by 2022

* Chief of Defence Staff to ensure coordination and provide effective leadership to three services will be created * Discussions should now be held on one nation, one election, it is imperative to make the country great

* India can become a 5 trillion dollar economy in the next five years * We have decided to invest Rs 100 lakh crore in infrastructure building

* India does not want to wait too long for incremental progress. A high jump is needed, our thought process has to be expanded * Our aim is to reach among first 50 nations in ease of doing business

* 'Jal Jivan' mission to make drinking water available to all households announced, govt will spend Rs 3.5 lakh crore for it * GST brought to life the dream of one nation, one tax. India has also achieved one nation, one grid in the energy sector

* Scrapping of triple talaq will help Muslim women live a better life; the decision should not be seen through political prism * India is strongly fighting against those supporting terrorism

* India is not the only target of terrorism in the region; countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have also been affected * If 2014-19 was an era to fulfil people's needs, the time since 2019 is about meeting aspirations and dreams

* Peoples trust in us have given us new strength, the 2019 mandate shows that hopelessness has given way to hope among masses * Every effort made to remove corruption and black money is welcome; these are menaces that have ruined India for 70 years

* Govt should have a minimal role in people's lives * Let our people have the freedom of pursuing their own aspirations, let the right eco-system be made in this regard

* India will soon become open defecation free country