Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced the creation of the post of chief of defence staff to spearhead the three services, called for measures to check 'population explosion' and gave a fresh push to the idea of 'one nation, one election' In his first Independence Day address after returning to power.

Modi pitched abrogation of special powers to Jammu and Kashmir as a step towards the 'one nation, one Constitution' idea, saying a new approach was needed as the special provisions had failed to yield desired results in 70 years.

His nearly 95-minute address was marked by a host of significant announcements from the ramparts of Red Fort.

The Prime Minister said his government in the second term would work towards fulfilling people's aspirations and dreams after meeting their needs in the last five years. He touched upon tackling terrorism, corruption, poverty, environment and the ease of living.

With his government facing criticism for increasing taxes for the affluent class, Modi sought to assuage them, saying those creating wealth must be respected as wealth distribution can happen only when wealth is created.

Modi also announced the roll out of the Jal Jeevan mission to provide piped drinking water to all households and said his government will spend Rs 3.5 lakh crore for it.

The Prime Minister referred to the BJP's big win in the general election and said his government's return to power showed how despair had given way to hope, with people believing that the country can change for the better after seeing his dispensation's first five years of work.

'The period between 2014-19 was about fulfilling people's needs. Now is the time to meet their aspirations and dreams,' he said.

Announcing the step of appointment of chief of defence staff, he said:'It will help all three services to walk together as the country can no longer afford to work in silos.'

A high-level committee set up to examine the gaps in the country's security system in the wake of the Kargil war in 1999 had called for appointment of a dhief of defence staff as a single-point military adviser to the defence minister.

A group of ministers that analysed required reforms in the national security system had also favoured appointing a chief of defence staff.

The prime minister said his government has taken several key steps since coming to power less than 10 weeks back and cited the law against instant triple talaq, making stringent provisions in law on sexual crimes against children and reforming medical education sector.

'If we can take steps against Sati, female foeticide, child marriage and dowry, then why not against instant triple talaq,' he asked justifying decision to being a law to criminally punish men seeking instant tripal talaq.

On revoking the provisions of Article 370 and Article 35(A) in Jammu and Kashmir, he said: 'We neither nurse problems nor let them fester. Why didn't those who are supporting Article 370 make it a permanent provision for Jammu and Kashmir. Why did they keep it as a temporary measure?'

He also raised the issue of simultaneous polls for Lok Sabha and Assemblies and said discussions should now be held on 'one nation, one election' as it is imperative to make the country 'great'.

On Goods and Services Tax, he said it brought to life the dream of 'one nation, one tax'. Voicing concern over 'population explosion', the Prime Minister said it leads to many difficulties and there was need for the Centre as well as state governments to launch schemes to tackle it.

Modi said people should be more aware about the issue and ensure that they are able to fulfil the needs of the children they are bringing to this world.

Talking about making people's lives easier, he said his priority was to ensure 'ease of living' with the government having 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,' he said.

Modi said his government will invest Rs 100 lakh crore on developing modern infrastructure that will aid in nearly doubling the size of the Indian economy to $5 trillion in the next five years.

He said reforms will continue to be ushered in to help India break into top 50 countries on the 'ease of doing business' ranking. 'To some the target of nearly doubling the size of Indian economy to $5 trillion in five years may seem difficult. But when we have in five years (of BJP rule) added $1 trillion as compared to $2 trillion size achieved in 70 years of independence, then this target is achievable,' he said.

Modi said political stability through a massive mandate for his government alongside predictable policy provides a unique opportunity for India to grow.

'The country shouldn't lose this opportunity,' he said, adding that his government has provided high growth while keeping inflation at low rate.