India, July 21 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India has achieved milestones on the national and international stage and in space, describing them as moments of great pride. He highlighted that the country remained the fastest-growing major economy in the world, with 7.7% growth, even as the crisis in West Asia created obstacles in every sector.

In his customary address before Parliament commences, Modi referred to the youth, their aspirations, and their contributions. The reference came against the backdrop of the Cockroach Janta Party protest over irregularities in the conduct of examinations and paper leaks.

".I am not speaking of a 56-year-old youth here," he said in an oblique reference to Congress lawmaker Rahul Gan...