Vande Mataram To Be Sung At Red Fort On Independence Day For 1st Time India will mark its 80th Independence Day on August 15 with a historic first: the national song "Vande Mataram" will be sung at the Red Fort for the first time during the celebrations. The event, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will highlight the role of youth in India’s development journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047. Defence Secretary R K Singh confirmed the decision, stating that the plan to honor youth contributions predates recent student protests at Jantar Mantar. The celebrations will feature the singing of "Vande Mataram" as Prime Minister Modi arrives at the Red Fort, followed by the unfurling of the national flag and his customary address to the nation. The choice to sing the song coincides with its 150th anniversary, a tribute to its enduring legacy as a symbol of the freedom struggle. Singh emphasized that the focus on youth, or "Yuva Shakti," reflects their critical role in shaping India’s future. The event will also commemorate the achievements of young Indians in various fields. A defence ministry official highlighted the success of 19 medallist students from the International Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematical Olympiads 2026, who will be invited to the ceremony and seated on the Red Fort’s ramparts. Approximately 5,000 special guests, including achievers from diverse sectors, will attend, symbolizing their contributions to the "Viksit Bharat" vision. Invitation cards for the event feature the concept of "Seva Teerth," encouraging citizens to prioritize collective well-being. The design includes a Dharm Chakra, representing righteous duty and selfless action, as Modi dedicated the symbol to the nation.#narendra_modi #red_fort #viksit_bharat #yuva_shakti #vande_mataram
West Bengal Launches 'Yuva Shakti' Scheme to Provide Monthly Benefits to Unemployed Youth The West Bengal government has officially launched the long-awaited 'Yuva Shakti' initiative, which aims to provide financial assistance to unemployed youth across the state. Starting from June 1, 2026, the scheme will offer a monthly stipend of 3,000 rupees directly to eligible beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. This initiative, introduced as part of the state's election promises, is designed to support unemployed youth aged between 21 and 40 who are residents of West Bengal. Under the scheme, eligible applicants will receive the stipend directly into their bank accounts, ensuring minimal bureaucratic hurdles. The government has emphasized the importance of linking bank accounts with Aadhaar cards to facilitate seamless fund transfers. Beneficiaries are advised to check their DBT status on the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) portal before June 1, 2026, to ensure their accounts are properly registered. The 'Yuva Shakti' program requires applicants to meet specific criteria, including holding a secondary education qualification or its equivalent, being currently unemployed, and providing proof of residency. Required documents for the application process include an Aadhaar card, voter ID, a certificate of residence (such as a secondary school admit card), educational certificates, a passport-sized photograph, and a scanned copy of the bank account statement. Applications can be submitted online through the official portal at https://www.juboshokti.in/, as well as through the State Employment Department’s website and the Employment Bank’s portal. The entire process is designed to be fully digital, eliminating the need for physical forms.#west_bengal #yuva_shakti #national_payments_corporation_of_india #employment_bank #state_employment_department
