• ¨   Prime Minister announced a “massive, modern” Civil Defence volunteer force during the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort in Delhi.

    ¨     The proposed force is intended to protect civilians during modern security challenges and emergency situations.

    ¨    Civil Defence in India is a statutory system aimed at protecting civilians, property, and essential services during wars, air raids, disasters, and other emergencies.

    ¨     The legal framework for Civil Defence is provided by the Civil Defence Act and Rules, 1968.

    ¨     The framework provides for the organisation, training, and deployment of Civil Defence personnel and volunteers.

    ¨     The Civil Defence system works in coordination with state administrations, district authorities, and local volunteers.

    ¨   Its major functions include warning systems, evacuation assistance, rescue operations, first aid, firefighting support, and protection of critical infrastructure.

    ¨     The proposed volunteer force will receive training in modern systems and advanced emergency-response protocols.

    ¨     Civil Defence volunteers are generally drawn from local communities and provide support during emergencies and crises.

    ¨     Home Guards are a related auxiliary force that functions mainly under state government control.

    ¨     Home Guards assist the police, disaster-response teams, and civil administration during emergencies and law-and-order situations.

    ¨     The Red Fort address marked the Prime Minister’s 13th consecutive Independence Day speech.

    ¨     The speech also referred to “Sapta Dhara”, a seven-stream development vision.

    ¨  Former IPS officer Kiran Bedi has stated that stronger state-level Civil Defence and Home Guards systems can work with local communities for effective emergency response.

    ¨     The Independence Day address also mentioned free online coaching for competitive examinations and a nationwide sports talent hunt.