Livelihoods and Community Engagement

12 th January 2026: On National Youth Day, McDonald’s India – North & East marks a major milestone in empowering youth across the region. Through its flagship initiative, McDonald’s for Youth,’ the brand has helped over 2,500 young individuals take their first steps into the workforce, significantly exceeding the initiative’s original hiring goals. The program focuses on creating meaningful employment opportunities for young people, particularly those from lessprivileged backgrounds, by partnering with non-governmental organizations and community groups, while equipping participants with essential skills, confidence, and pathways for long- term growth. Launched with the aim of contributing to India’s growth story, the initiative has played a crucial role in helping many individuals secure their first job and develop workplace skills. It

12 January 2026: For millions of rural youths, the transition from education to employment is critical and challenging. Many aspire to white-collar jobs, often unaware that skilled blue-collar and technical roles can offer stable, dignified, long-term careers. Limited access to training and pathways into work pushes many into insecure livelihoods, leaving households dependent on climate-sensitive incomes. Strengthening skilling ecosystems is therefore essential—not only for employment, but for reliable off-farm income that builds household stability. On the occasion of National Youth Day, this challenge takes on renewed urgency. As India works to harness its demographic dividend and realise the vision of Viksit Bharat, equipping rural and semi- urban youth with relevant, market-linked skills is critical for inclusive growth, reducing distress migration,

In the vast tapestry of India’s development journey, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) have been more than economic engines—they have been pillars of social transformation. Among these, NTPC Limited, India’s largest integrated energy company, stands out for its unwavering commitment to lighting not just homes but also hopes. Through its multifaceted Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, NTPC has played a pivotal role in advancing rural electrification and fostering inclusive growth in the remotest corners of the country. A Legacy of Powering Progress Established in 1975, NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation) began with a mandate to generate reliable and affordable power for the nation. Today, with an installed capacity of over 73 GW, NTPC powers more than a quarter of India’s electricity